AMATEUR HEADING

SHINER BOCK WINS.

BY CHRISTINE HAMILTON, FIELD EDITOR

With an impressive 225, Shannon Reid of Pilot Point, Texas, and her 1995 sorrel gelding Shiner Bock won the 2006 world championship in amateur heading.

Shannon had two horses qualified for the finals. First in the go with Popsicle Pep, she figure-eighted her catch and scored a zero.

“I just didn’t rope aggressively,” Shannon said. She had left it behind her by the time she loaded in the box with Shiner Bock, ninth in the go. “All my friends and family said, ‘Rope aggressive!’ And I did,” she said with a smile.

“J.D. Yates (heeled for me), and I owe him a great deal of gratitude; he was awesome,” she added.

Shannon has qualified for the AQHA World Championship Show several times with multiple top-10 placings. In 1992, she placed fourth in open senior heading with Silk N Reign.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve roped here,” she said. “Last time I was here was 1999.” She placed third that year in amateur heading on Popsicle Pep.

Shannon Reid of Pilot Point, Texas, wins a gold trophy in amateur heading aboard Shiner Bock.

It’s not Shiner Bock’s first world title. He has $11,292 in World Show earnings: He was the 2004 senior heading world champion and the 2000 junior heading reserve world champion. He was also 2003 open high-point horse in heading and senior heading.

“He is something else,” Shannon said of the horse. “He is like a pet. He’s smart; he’s awesome. He’s just, I mean -- It’s all rolled into one.

“(AQHA Pro Horseman) Sam (Rose) found him for me from Carol, I think when he was a 4-year-old,” she said. “God blessed me with him, and I’m very blessed to have him.”

Her husband, Hershel, and two daughters, Caitlin and Taylor, were on hand for the win, along with longtime friends and trainers, Sam and Pam Rose.

Where is she headed now?

“Home!” Shannon said. “I’ll be back Sunday to watch the cow horse, and I’ve got some open horses next week.” Sam Rose will be riding them.

“This is my first world title, and someone needs to pinch me,” she added.