9. Sterling Reputation: AQHA named Silver Spur Ranches as the recipient of the 2017 Zoetis AQHA Best Remuda Award. The award honors the impact ranch horses have on the association. Silver Spur Ranches operates in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming, and includes four ranches in Wyoming, four ranches in Colorado, the historic TO and Bell Ranches in New Mexico, and feedlot and farming operations in Nebraska.
Current Events
10. Troubling Waters: Floods in January and February in California and parts of Nevada and Oregon sent horse owners scrambling to find dry land. Come August, Hurricane Harvey hit southern Texas and Louisiana, and brought up to 40 inches of rain in four days. In late August Hurricane Irma, a category-5 storm, drenched the southern United States, notably Florida. Equine and human lives were lost, but communities across the country banded together to donate hay, supplies and transportation.
11. Thicker Than Smoke: Several fires swept across the country in 2017. In March, wildfires hit North Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. In September, fire spread throughout the Pacific Northwest forcing evacuations. Then in December, sprawling wildfires in California caused many to leave their homes, ranches and racing stables, and taking the lives of at least 54 horses. Both times, countless stories have surfaced of barn managers, firefighters and volunteers braving the smoke to transport and save horses and other animals.
12. Silver Screen: The long-awaited release of Down the Fence hit theatres to rave reviews. The documentary details the dedicated lives of reined cow horse trainers, and what it takes to win the Snaffle Bit Futurity. The film won the Audience Award at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and the Award of Excellence at IndieFEST Film Awards.
Western Horseman Moments
13. And the Award Goes To…: Western Horseman named trainer, judge and notable showman Al Dunning the recipient of the 2017 Western Horseman Award. Talented young artist Kara Kraemer of Midlothian, Texas, won the champion and overall grand champion honors in the 2017 Western Horseman Youth Art Contest.
14. Western Horseman Weekend: Subscribers laughed and learned from clinician Craig Cameron at his ranch in Bluff Dale, Texas, at the first annual Western Horseman Weekend in September. Guests improved their horsemanship with coaching from the top-notch trainer, and were treated to chuckwagon meals and entertainment.
15. Western Horseman Sunshine Classic: Dynamite Arena in Cave Creek, Arizona welcomed team ropers in February. Riders snagged steers in hopes of winning a 2017 two-horse Hart Trailer.
Empty Saddles
With heavy hearts, we said farewell to many great men and women who made an impact on our Western culture. Some of them include:
– Hadley Barrett, rodeo announcer
– Don Trout, photographer
– Peter Campbell, clinician
– Brian Sumrall, horseman and firefighter
– Harry Vold, stock contractor
– Benny Guitron, horseman
– Modine Smith, leader and major supporter within the cutting horse industry
To Greener Pastures
– Smart Whiskey Doc, multiple ranch horse versatility world champion
– Lil Ruf Peppy, NRHA three million dollar sire
– Meradas Little Sue, 3-time NCHA open world champion and top producer
– A Smooth Guy, leading barrel racing sire
– Judge Cash, sire of world-class racing and barrel horses
– Fame Fling N Bling, top barrel racer and winner of The American in 2016
– Like A Diamond, NRHA million dollar sire
– Mr Jess Perry, No. 3 all-time leading sire of Quarter Horse racing money-earners
