November 17, 2008, The American Quarter Horse Journal – American singer, songwriter, actor and AQHA Life Member Lyle Lovett will soon take a break from the bright lights of the concert stage to swing up onto the back of a world-class reining horse. Lovett recently agreed to be among the celebrities participating in the 4R Performance Horses Celebrity Slide benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma on Saturday, November 29 at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. The event starts at 7 p.m. and runs during the National Reining Horse Association Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show.
Lovett has recorded his own brand of music, a unique mix of blues, R&B, jazz, gospel and country, since 1980 with more than a dozen albums to date. He has earned four Grammy Awards including Best Country Album with The Road to Ensenada and Best Male Country Vocal Performance with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. Some of his most recognizable songs are "Don't Touch My Hat," "That's Right (You're Not from Texas)" and "Cowboy Man." His newest release, It's Not Big, It's Large, once again provides witness to his talents as an American musical artist.
Outside of the vocal arena, the Texas native has acted in several films and television series such as Short Cuts, Cookie's Fortune, Mad About You and Brothers and Sisters. In addition, Lovett's family has long been involved with equine industry owning and breeding many race and performance horses at their ranch in Spring, Texas.
The Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) is thrilled to have Lovett join in the 4R Performance Horses Celebrity Slide. Competing will be some of the world's greatest bull riders, plus saddle-bronc great Billy Etbauer, Oklahoma City's own national award-winning journalist Robin Marsh and Lyle Lovett. The bull riding, rodeo and music celebrities will trade their bull ropes, bronc reins and guitars for reiner finery as they test their skills on champion reining horses. Assisting will be several NRHA Professionals including NRHA Two Million and One Million Dollar Riders. Their young friends from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Oklahoma will serve as honorary coaches. In addition, Express Ranches will make a special appearance in the Oklahoma State Fair Arena with the high stepping hooves of their Clydesdale hitch.
Tickets for the Celebrity Slide are $8 and can be purchased in advance at www.NRHA.com.
You can also spot Lyle singing the National Anthem on Saturday, November 22 at the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City. Lyle has two horses competing at the World Show: Smart Shinetta in senior working cow horse, ridden by Todd Crawford; and Hollywood And Shine in junior reining, ridden by Marco Ricotta.
