Writing for the Brand

Since 2008, Texas A&M University has held a December sale of the horses used in the school’s horse breaking classes and from the broodmare herd. This year, the first May sale was held at N.W. “Dick” Freeman Arena in College Station, Texas. I traveled to A&M to see the sale and to visit with Dave Golden, the facility manager at the TAMU horse center.

A graduate of Texas A&M, I still have friends in the equine science department, and I have known Dave Golden since I showed in 4-H horse shows. However, until this year, I was unaware of the school’s sale.

Dave Golden, facility manager at the TAMU Horse Center.

“The first sale was in 2008, and we had consigned horses from Tarleton [State University] and Texas Tech, too,” says Golden. “It did well, but December is a tough month to sell horses. It’s Christmas, and the horse just look better in May. It took a few years, but we moved it.”

At this year’s sale, 23 head of horses were sold, including two consigned horses from A&M staff. The high-selling horse was a 4-year-old mare by Bobby Sox Playboy and out of Hi Cotton Candy 104, who is by Circus Circus, a son of Commadore Dee. The sorrel mare was started well and rode around the sale pen softly. The Top 10 sold averaged $1,750 a head, and the total sale average was around $1,200.

“We were pleased with the sale,” Golden says. “A lot of people have called looking for Jag [Chicoutmyblingbling] babies, but we aren’t selling them until this fall, and then they will sell private treaty.”

The school built a herd of broodmares stemming from the stallions Nu Bar and Rey Jay, and over the years have added Eds Cody, Freckles Playboy and many lines stemming from Doc Bar. Clinician Clinton Anderson donated the use of his Smart Chic Olena stallion, Chicoutmyblingbling, for several breeding seasons. Matt Lantz owns the stallion now, and he no longer stands at A&M. However, the A&M horse center has several 2-year-old, yearling and weanling offspring in their program.

Two “Jag” horses were ridden after the sale for buyers to see the quality of the babies.

“The Jag babies are curious and we can build on that,” Golden told the crowd. “They are gentle and don’t have the anger we see from some others.”

The assistant facility manager for the horse center, Krissy Schroeder, utilized Facebook to help promote this year’s sale, and many in the crowd said they saw the sale promoted there. Social media is used in many ways to advertise events throughout the horse industry, and Schroeder and Golden hope the added interest reflects in more buyers.

Four broodmares sold, including two daughters of Nu Bar.

While an undergraduate, I took the “C” lab, 2-year-old colt breaking course and thought it was the best course I could ever take! It took me out of the classroom and back where I belonged, in an arena horseback. The course is still popular and now, the students strive to start a horse that will draw a high bid in the sale. Horses bred by the University are used in research projects and many courses.

Texas A&M stands TAMU Peppy Rey Jay by Pop A Top Pep, Dundee Colonel by Colonel Legion, Shadownics by Bueno Chexinic, and Sonitanovemberlena by Sonita Lena. For more information on the program, visit horsecenter.tamu.edu.

Students have the opportunity to work with the horses in classes all semester, and at the horse sale.

This past weekend champions were crowned in one of reining’s richest events, the National Reining Breeders Classic, in Katy, Texas. The horses were phenomenal, and the best of the best in top reining trainers and non-pro riders vied for the big checks. On Saturday, veteran competitor Mandy McCutcheon rode to the champion and reserve champion titles in the non-pro category.

Mandy rode Always Gotyer Gunsup, a 2007 mare by Gunner (aka Colonels Smoking Gun) and out of Always A Dunit, to a 231 score to win the non-pro and take home $40,948.19. The mare put on an impressive show.

“We actually bought [Always Gotyer Gunsup] at this show from Jeff Petska when she was 3,” Mandy says. “I won the Tulsa Futurity on her and the Southwest [Futurity], and my dad showed her to 7^th at the Futurity in Oklahoma City. I got her back and was third on her here last year. She has been a great mare for us.”

Mandy and her daughter, Carlee, accept the champion medallion aboard Always Gotyer Gunsup at the NRBC.

The mare adds to her current lifetime earnings of $69,626 with this big win. Next up for the pair is the National Reining Horse Association Derby in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“Both mares were in the zone,” Mandy says. “But, the Gunner mare has such a dynamic turnaround and is just so physical. The harder I ask her, the more she gives.”

The reserve champion mare, Shiney Enterprise, was raised by Mandy’s dad, Tim McQuay, and has lifetime earnings of $6,025. She adds $23,707.60 with her 227.5 score for reserve at the NRBC.

Shiney Enterprise and Mandy McCutcheon scored a 227.5 to win reserve in the non-pro.

“I showed her last fall and she had bad luck at the futurities,” Mandy says. “This spring she really started to come on strong. I won the Cowboy Classic on her and she just continued to get more solid.”

Tim McQuay also raised the mare’s dam, My Royal Enterprise, and owns both Shiney Enterprise and Always Gotyer Gunsup. The family has had success at the NRBC, and lists it as one of their favorite shows.

“I think initially the payout is what gets everyone talking about the NRBC,” Mandy says. “Then, when you come, it is fun and the staff tries to be so exhibitor friendly and that keeps people coming back.”

Mandy is no stranger to winning reining’s top events, but she says big scores and riding family-raised horses is still a thrill.

“I get attached to some of them, and Always Gotyer Gunsup is one of those,” she says. “She has been a great mare for us and to mark scores like I did last night makes it more special.”

For more information on the National Reining Breeders Classic visit nrbc.com.

Look for Always Gotyer Gunsup at the Derby in Oklahoma City.

I’m a bit late to post this, but it just can’t be left unpublished on the blog. Canadian Blake Schlosser traveled to the Horsemen’s Re-Union with fellow Albertans Sid Cook and Mike Sears. The Canadian trio completed the international assembly of horsemen, and they even showed them a thing or two.

In the video below, Blake touches on one topic repeated by all the horsemen frequently during the week: we are all working toward the same goal. Each rider is an individual, much like each horse they worked with is an individual, but the finished product of working with the horses remained the same. Each horse needed to carry a saddle, a rider and move when asked without resistance. To say these great horsemen accomplished that feat is an understatement.

Watch as Blake reflects on his part in the Horsemen’s Re-Union and what he will take away from this unique event.

Blake Schlosser on the Horsemen’s Re-Union

For more information on next years Horsemen’s Re-Union, visit horsemensreunion.com.

The weeklong colt starting event, The Horsemen’s Re-Union, wrapped up with an exciting auction on Saturday, April 7. Spectators had the opportunity to watch the horse’s work all week—from the first days in the round pen until the sale preview held in the large outdoor arena on Saturday morning—and make their selections.

The sale featured 39 2- and 3-year-old horses started by the top horsemen in the nation. In addition, several older horses were consigned Craig Cameron, Chris Cox, Rob Leach, Pat Parelli, Thomas Saunders V and Joe Wolter.

The first young horse to sell was ridden by Ed Robertson and sold for $2,700, thus setting the bar high for the remaining colts to sell. The top sellers were a bay gelding ridden by Joe Wolter and a buckskin mare started by Pat Parelli. Both sold for $6,500.

Texas horseman, Wolter, had two bays to ride during the week. The 2-year-old was flashy with a big blaze and white feet, but displayed quiet confidence as Wolter roped off him, drug tarps and loaded him into a trailer daily. The gelding is by the Twisselman’s stallion, Athenolena, and out of Quanas Dip N Dots. Athenolena is by Doc O’Lena who is by Doc Bar.

Though Parelli rode the horse in the sale, Parelli’s assistant, Berin MacFarlane, worked with the 3-year-old buckskin mare most of the week. The quiet mare is by RF Doolin Leo, a son of Prices Smokey Leo who is out of Rondo Leo, and by OJS Tempatation, who is a daughter of Mr Bar Truckle. She displayed a want to go after cattle and a gentle disposition.

According to our notes, the average for the 2- and 3-year-old sale horses was more than $2,500. The sale went off well, with packed stands and entertaining demonstrations. Some riders roped off the young horses, some cracked bullwhips and others even stood in the saddle on these just-started horses.

It was an entertaining week filled with impressive displays of horsemanship. During the sale, Cathie Twisselman announced there would be a Horsemen’s Re-Union in 2013, tentatively set for the end of April. I know I can’t wait!

Friday night at the Horsemen’s Re-Union was jam-packed with entertainment. After riding their colts all day the horsemen were joined by a few local celebrities, like Bobby Ingersoll, and demonstrated campdrafting.

In essence, camp drafting combines sorting, cutting and working cow horse, but the pattern resembles a large barrel pattern. After sorting one steer out of the small herd in the pen, the horse and rider must them demonstrate their skill at holding the steer, then call for the gate to be opened, releasing the rider and steer into the arena. The horse and rider then must navigate a pattern including one turn to the right, one to the left and then drive the steer between two markers—all within 40 seconds. Australian campdrafting events are held in large fields with a 2 and one-half minute time limit for the pattern; however, the rules were altered to fit the arena in Paso Robles.

Most favored the Australian riders—Rob Leach, Ken May, Ron Walls and Chris Cox—but none were able to complete the pattern. Instead, event producer Martin Black and hometown trainer Ed Robertson had a ride-off to decide the championship. Robertson rode away with the win!

It was a fast-paced, thrilling event that riled the crowd up for the Horsemen’s Benefit Dinner and Auction that was held later in the evening. Cowboy humorist Baxter Black and Western singer Red Steagall entertained at the dinner.

Personally, I’ve decided that campdrafting should be adopted in Texas and I need to participate! Here are a few photos from the show the horsemen put on last night.

Australian Rob Leach came out blazing.

Event Producer Cathie Twisselman gave it a go, but did not complete the pattern.

Martin Black's first run scored well enough to take him to the ride-off. Sadly, Black lost out to Californian Ed Robertson.

Black's wife, Jennifer, came out guns blazing and almost made the pattern.

Australian native Chris Cox didn't complete the pattern, but he did work the cow on the fence to the audience's delight.

Cox tried to coax his steer into leaving the arena.

Kelly Barker served as one of the three masters of ceremonies for the event. Barker rode Rowly Twisselman's gelding for the campdrafting. Only one steer is supposed to exit the pen, though!

Texas's Thomas Saunders V didn't compete, but he helped clear the steers from the arena.

Craig Cameron rode Cox's roan horse for the contest.

Ed Robertson topped the impressive field for the campdrafting win.

The horses and horsemen truly are on display here in Paso Robles, California, at the Horsemen’s Re-Union. Two sessions, morning and afternoon, split the twenty-plus horsemen into a more manageable number to watch; however, the horsemen who are not working with their event horses are still close by the arena. At times, they are helping the others. For instance, Chris Cox, Martin Black and Clayton Anderson rode older horses and used them as a lead horse for a pack of colts to follow. This allowed the horses to move out and cover ground, but their riders did not have to kick them into that gait.

It is obvious from watching that the horsemen are enjoying the horses, and enjoying each other’s company. From Canada to Australia and the US to Switzerland, these riders are comparing methods, discussing the how’s and why’s of different technique, and generally enjoying the camaraderie of the event.

Here are a few of my favorite images from Thursday’s riding sessions.

Australian Ron Wall, at left, and Nevada cowboy Ty Van Norman share a laugh.

Australian Rob Leach prepares his filly to ride.

Many horses load and unload the horses daily, including Texan Joe Wolters.

Event producers Chris Cox, left, and Martin Black, far right, were interviewed mid-arena by California's Russell Dilday, who serves as a master of ceremonies.

Tracking cattle helped the horsemen teach steering. The spectators filled the bleachers at the Mid-State Fairgrounds.

Australian Ken May cranked up the excitement when he brought out the bull whip.

Check back for exclusive video with the Australians and Canada’s Blake Schloesser as they discuss the gathering of horsemen.

Pat Parelli competes in the branding at the Horsemen's Re-Union.

If you read the April issue or have followed Western Horseman on Facebook, then you will have read about the new event in Paso Robles, California, the Horsemen’s Re-Union. Horsemen from the United States, Canada, Australia and Switzerland gather to start two horses each in a public demonstration of skill. This is not a competition, but a learning opportunity.

Today, Wednesday, was the third day of the event, but the first day I attended. The horsemen work with their horses in shifts, and there are extra activities. Tonight’s calcutta branding was extremely entertaining. All the horsemen were auctioned to attendees and then able to work in teams. It was an exciting, hilarious and downright Western few hours!

Amid the mayhem, I was able to speak with Pat Parelli and obtain an exclusive interview for WH. Click the link below to hear Pat speak about why he wanted to partake in this unique event and then discuss the horses he is working with.

For more information on the event, visit horsemensreunion.com.

The catalog for Saturday’s horse sale featuring the young horses started by talented horsemen like Pat, Chris Cox, Martin Black, Bryan Neubert and many more, is also available.

Stay tuned for more updates on the event, entertainment and sale.

PAT PARELLI ON THE HORSEMEN’S REUNION

Bullfighters and barrelmen may be cowboy lifesavers in the bull riding event, but saddle bronc and bareback bronc riders rely on the quick-thinking pick-up men to get them out of a tight spot–and off a bucking bronc.

Chase Cervi, one of the three men behind Cervi Championship Rodeo and the Cervi Brothers Rodeo, began picking up at rodeos when he was 15 years old at rodeos his father, Mike Cervi, produced. In less than 10 years, Chase’s experience paid off and he was voted the youngest man to ever pick-up at the National Finals Rodeo. For the last couple of months the Cervi’s have been working the San Antonio Stock Show and the Houston LIvestock Show and Rodeo, providing livestock for the rodeo and working behind-the-scenes.

During the third and final week of daily rodeo performances at RodeoHouston, Chase took a few minutes to answer a couple of Western Horseman’s questions. Take a minute and catch up with a pick-up man.

Chase Cervi picking up at RodeoHouston. (Courtesy of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo)

Western Horseman: At what age did you begin riding as a pick-up man at rodeos?

Chase Cervi: I started at the age of 15. It was a convention rodeo in Denver. You can imagine how nervous I was.

WH: What are the qualities you look for in a horse that will work pick-up in the rodeo arena?

CC: Speed is probably the biggest key. When you pick up in big arenas like Sidney, Iowa, and Houston, Texas, you have to have the speed to put you in the right spot. Size is also important. My horses average at least 15 hands. I’m blessed to have an athletic string of horse to work on. I give all the credit to them.

WH: You were the youngest man to be voted to work pick-up at the NFR. How did that feel?

CC: It was such a huge honor. To be chosen by the top 40 bucking horse riders in the world meant a lot. I was also the most nervous person in Las Vegas! I was very fortunate to have a great family and friends to support me.

WH: What are the challenges of working pick-up in an arena as large as RodeoHouston?

CC: If you are not mounted well, you are in for a long 20 days.

WH: Have you ever had a big wreck working rodeo? If so, what happened and where?

CC: Well, last year my horse fell at the NFR. It caused me to have an abscess in my knee. Then, at Denver, I had to have surgery on it and I got blood poisoning. There have been other mishaps but that was the most serious one.

Check out the Cervi Championship Rodeo website and find out where you can see Chase, his brother, Binion, and cousin, Scotty, working at a local rodeo on cervirodeo.com.

The American Quarter Horse Association held the Versatility Ranch Horse and the Cowboy Mounted Shooting  world championship shows together during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last weekend. It was a blend of ranch-raised horses competing in events that helped to shape the foundation Quarter Horses, and horses and riders competing in an event new to AQHA but one that was steeped in Western heritage. And let’s not forget about the richest regular-season professional rodeo being held in the building next door. It was a big weekend, and I more than walked the soles off my boots!

While the AQHA World Championship Show is held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the AQHA Select Amateur World Championship Show is held in Amarillo, Texas, the association felt Houston was the perfect place to showcase these two great events.

“One of the [Houston Livestock] Show’s objectives is to showcase Western hertiage,” says Don Treadway, AQHA’s executive vice president. “I think Cowboy Mounted Shooting has a big-time tie to Western heritage and the Versatility Ranch Horse shows where the Quarter Horse really came to fruition–on the ranch.”

Cowboy Mike Major is not stranger to the Versatility Ranch Horse winner’s circle. He and his stallion, Smart Whiskey Doc, were the 2008 and 2009 world champions and were reserve in 2011. This year, Mike captured the title in dramatic fashion–tieing to with Tripp Townsend (who rode Sixes Sixgun) to win, and clenching the title with a tie-breaking working ranch run. Mike rode Black Hope Stik, a daughter of his champion stallion Smart Whiskey Doc. It gave new meaning to “keeping it in the family.” Both horses were raised and trained on Mike and Holly Major’s cattle company in Fowler, Colorado. Mike’s wife, Holly, was the 2011 amateur world champion and again showed their stallion Chica Shine in the event. She finished sixth this year.

Mike Major completes his bridleless victory lap aboard Black Hope Stik.

The Amateur Versatility Ranch Horse World Champion for 2012 went to Laurie Shelton, a veterinarian from Dripping Springs, Texas. Laurie rode her gelding, Areal Chic Magnet, who she trained herself. On her way to the championship, Laurie took top placing in the trail and working ranch classes. Watch the video below to hear Laurie talk about her horse, Magnet, and about her win in Houston.

Not to be outshined, RodeoHouston put on quit a show last weekend as well. Reliant Stadium was rocking with past WPRA and PRCA world champion Sherry Cervi setting a new arena record on Sunday, March 4, during the performance. RodeoHouston offers fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite rodeo athletes at the Fan Zone. Watch the video below to hear this world champion talk about the importance of rodeo fans.

The weekend finished up with a thrilling finals in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting. World champions were crowned in youth, amateur, select amateur and open divisions, and an open rifle class was held though it is not yet recognized as an official AQHA event. The mounted shooting drew a large crowd of spectators, and Chad Little did not disappoint as he made fast runs to win both the Open Pistol and Rifle classes. Be sure to pick up a May issue of Western Horseman to get the full story on the first-ever Cowboy Mounted Shooting AQHA World Championship Show.

Past world champion Annie Bianco Ellett competes in the Open Pistol class on The Wood Badger.

I have had my Roanie pony since I was in second grade and except for three years in the 90s, he and I have been constant partners in the show pen. He managed to tear open his back leg—straight to the bone—in a crazy attempt to jump a barbed wire fence in 1992. Lucky for me, the barn I was riding at had several older, seasoned all-around Appaloosa horses that my dad arranged to lease so I could continue to ride and show during Roanie’s recovery.

I loved the Appaloosa shows! The people and events were fun, but none more so than the Bareback Equitation class. Personally speaking, practicing for and showing in the bareback eq was not work, it was pure fun. Hop –on-and-go riding at it’s best! When I moved back to the American Quarter Horse Association to show Roanie again I missed my favorite class, and though I soon focused on other events, I still worked on horsemanship bareback in the pasture.

Today, I feel like a kid again with the new opportunities to show in what has now become my favorite class—working cow horse.

Over the past couple of years, competitive associations have placed an emphasis on inclusion. By inclusion I mean to say they have made the attempt to have a class for every level of rider, one in which they can feel safe and compete at a level where they are comfortable. For me, that is the boxing only classes available in AQHA and the Limited Non-Pro division in the Stock Horse of Texas.

Part of the glamour of the working cow horse class is the fence work. No matter how phenomenal the reined work is in working cow horse, the crowd will always respond to amazing cow work. Most impressive are the fence turns, and those are also the most intimidating for me. AQHA’s newly revised working cow horse class allows all levels of riders, except for open riders, to compete in a boxing only class. There are stipulations, but the class feels specifically designed for me—the chicken who doesn’t want to go down the fence. Yet.

Jessica Rumbaugh boxes a cow at the Stock Horse of Texas show in Abilene, Texas.

At the SHOT show in Abilene last weekend I sat watching the cow portion of the clinic with Baru Spiller, a SHOT executive committee member. She and I talked about the divisions in SHOT and I relayed my insecurities with going down the fence. After all, I have had a few head injuries and I have yet to see a cow horse class complete without at least one wreck. Baru put it into a new light for me.

She told me the limited non-pro division would allow me to master all aspects of the pattern and feel comfortable with trusting my horse on a cow. Once I was able to trust, that fence turn would not be so daunting.

Just like when I showed in bareback equitation, I had to trust my horse would respond to my cues, and in turn, I could sit up and ride sans saddle. If I could trust a horse without the key piece of equipment most riders rely on, why couldn’t I learn to trust a horse to turn a cow? It is definitely something to think about, and something to aspire to attain. But most of all, it is fun. And that is what most horse owners seek when they ride, to have fun and share camaraderie with like-minded friends.

Until that time though, I know that I now have the option of competing in leveled association shows where I can enjoy being horseback with horse people. What more could a horse-crazy girl like me ask for?

For more information on AQHA’s leveling programs, visit aqha.com/showing. If you would like more information on the Stock Horse of Texas, visit stockhorsetexas.org.