Despite the heat, July is an active month for rodeos and Western performance horse shows. Take a look back at the results of some of the biggest equine events in the country.
NRCHA Hackamore Classic
Each year, the Mars National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic showcases 4- and 5-year-old horses riding in the hackamore as part of the traditional cow horse evolution. At this year’s event, held July 22-28 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nu Passport (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu Annie) carried Chris Dawson to the Open Championship with a 664.5 (herd: 219/rein: 220.5/cow: 225), winning $26,500 for owner Kalpowar Quarter Horses.
“He’s the kind of horse where you just show him the job and then let him find his way to do it, and I think that’s why the hackamore fits him and me both,” Dawson says. “Neither one of us really likes to be told what to do too much. Show us the job that needs to be done, and let us figure out how we can get it done.”
Dawson was happy to see the Hackamore Classic continue as its own show and hopes it will stay that way in the future.
“I love the Hackamore Classic as a standalone event,” Dawson says. “I was a little sad when it got joined up with Snaffle Bit; however, it was great for the growth of it. I think it got a lot more people more involved and more excited about the Hackamore Classic. We get to showcase the traditional vaquero methods of horse training the most, and I really enjoy the challenges and perks of riding in the hackamore.”
In the Non-Pro, Debbie Crafton rode Voodoo Sweetheart (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Very Smart Sweethart) to a 645.5 (herd: 213.5/rein: 219/cow: 213) to win the title and $8,000. Crafton also tied for second on Ohh You Betcha (Bet Hesa Cat x Isabellena) and placed fourth on SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina).
Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
A Colorado Springs, Colorado, tradition since 1937, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, held July 9-13, features some of the most talented rodeo contestants in the industry. Since 1946, Rodeo proceeds have gone to support local military and their families.
Taking home this year’s National Finals Rodeo Open buckles were:
Bareback Riding Champion: Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colorado, 89 points
Steer Wrestling Champion: Scott Guenthner, Consort, Alberta, Canada, 3.5 seconds
Team Roping Champions: Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Georgia, & Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil, 4.4 seconds
Breakaway Roping Champion: Jenna Dallyn, Nanton, Alberta, Canada, 2.4 seconds
Saddle Bronc Riding Champion: Sage Newman, Melstone, Montana, 88 points
Tie-Down Roping Champion: Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, South Dakota, 7.6 seconds
Barrel Racing Champion: Jessica Routier, Buffalo, South Dakota, 16.59 seconds
Bull Riding Champion: Hector Cardona, Saltillo, Mexico
Rainbow Futurity
After a scare from wildfires in the area, the $1 million Rainbow Futurity, the second jewel in Ruidoso Downs’ Triple Crown of Quarter Horse racing, took place July 14. The 400-yard race saw 10 2-year-olds go head-to-head, and it was Ruidoso Futurity winner Hezgothelook Z, ridden by Bryan Candanosa, who again claimed first, running 19.3 seconds. The gelding (Favorite Cartel x Shezgothelook x Fdd Dynasty) is owned by Triple One Ranch LLC and was trained by Toby Keeton.
La Feliz Montaña Ranch LLC’s Fdd Dreams (Fdd Dynasty x Treasured Dreams x Apollitical Jess) and Luis Martinez took second place with 19.462 seconds. Aguila Rapida (Tempting Dash x Eyema Eagle x One Famous Eagle), second in the Ruidoso Futurity, ran 19.506 seconds to place third with Ricky Ramirez for owner Simmons Racing.
