The sunny state of Arizona never disappoints. Here is a recap of our first Rope Horse Futurity of 2022!
Open Heading
Rhen Richard and Hankies Version kicked off the show with a bang, taking the Open Heading Futurity Champion title. Hankies Version is a 2017 gelding by Winners Version.
This win has come full circle for the Richard family as they previously owned Winners Version, and raised Hankies Version. Rhen also competed on Miss Hanie Goldseeker, the dam, in high school. Hankies Version showed for a composite score of 917.8 and a check for $9,710, along with a $2,500 Royal Crown Incentive Bonus.
Coming in at a close second with a 913.77 was Andy Holcomb and Big Time Blue Chip, a 2016 gelding by One Big Time and out of Zan Master Miss. They left Arizona with $6,208. Mike Kunzler & Mamas Starstruck led the Intermediate with a 678.14 on 3 for $2,970. JD Wing earned a check as the Limited Open Heading Champion for $1,240.
Open Heeling
The Open Heeling finals may have been one of the toughest sets of horses and riders we have seen yet! Almost every single run made a clean catch, but it was tough to keep up with Steve Orth and Dual Oak E, a five year old gelding owned by Sara Hudson. Orth finished the show with a composite of 920.42 and $11,420 as the Open Heeling Champion. They also took home the $2,500 Royal Crown Incentive Bonus. Dual Oak E is by Olena Oak out of Jason Rey Of Light.
In second place with a 918.2 and a check for $8,256 was Shay Caroll and Hyfive Cat, owned by Jim Matlack, by Hydrive Cat. Dustin Rogers and Play Some Metallic, owned by Monica Duflock finished out the show with the Limited and Intermediate Heeling Championship for $4,575.
Non Pro Heading
In our Non Pro Heading class, Bubba Hudson and Vegas Smoke Screen took quite the lead, winning the second round with a 226 and a composite of 678.33. Hudson picked up a check for $3,030 and another $500 in Round 2.
Coming in second with a 669.35 was Madison Garcia and Tactically Smooth for $2,525.
Non Pro Heeling
Quealy Probst and BSF Short On Coke captured the championship in the Non Pro Heeling. BSF Short On Coke is by Cheyenne Shorty and out of Sassy Anna Doll. Probst piloted her heel horse to a 670.79 composite, good enough for $2,940.
Coming into the finals in the second high call position, Chance Stewart and Oakies Wild William were able to secure the Reserve Championship and a check for $2,540.