2025 Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards, Presented by AQHA

Success in the sport of rodeo doesn’t rest solely on the cowboys and cowgirls who enter the arena. Their equine partners play an equally vital role every time the gate opens. The Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards, presented by the American Quarter Horse Association, honor the outstanding equine athletes who are the driving force behind success in professional rodeo’s timed events. 

The 2025 Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards, presented by AQHA, were unveiled October 11, recognizing the top three horses in each timed-event category. Voted on by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association members, these awards reflect the highest level of peer recognition within the rodeo community. Each winner represents exceptional athleticism, consistency and heart, qualities that define the American Quarter Horse. 

2025 Nutrena Horse of the Year Winners 

Steer Wrestling 

1. Telle Em PYC, aka “Banker” – ridden by Justin Shaffer, Tucker Allen, Jesse Brown, Holden Myers and Jace Melvin; owned by Justin Shaffer 
2. Off The Fence, aka “Swamper” – ridden by Will Lummus, Dakota Eldridge and Winsten McGraw; owned by Broom Tree Ranch LLC 
3. Finding Meno, aka “Crush” – ridden by Ty Erickson, Stetson Jorgenson and Rowdy Parrott; owned by TC Equine LLC 

Team Roping – Heading 

1. Mr Joes Shadow Bar, aka “Joe” – ridden by Clint Summers; owned by Clint and Darren Summers 
2. RK Tuff Trinket, aka “Bob” – ridden and owned by Riley Minor 
3. Espuela Bro, aka “Spur” – ridden by Tyler Wade; owned by Tyler and Jessi Wade 

Team Roping – Heeling 

1. Cut Off My Spots, aka “Coon” – ridden and owned by Coleby Payne 
2. Oz Ona Hot Streak, aka “Oz” – ridden by Lane Mitchell; owned by Nate Ozentowski 
3. Bodak Yello, aka “Bodak” – ridden and owned by Jade Corkill 

Tie-Down Roping 

1. Marked Up Cat, aka “Rudy” – ridden and owned by Riley Webb 
2. Haidas Texas Jewel, aka “Bird” – ridden by Tanner Green, Quade Hiatt and others; owned by Tanner Green 
3. Daddys Shiner Cat, aka “Peso” – ridden by Ty Harris, Logan Bird, Joel Harris, Kyle Lucas and Shad Mayfield; owned by Logan Bird 

Pick-Up Horse 

1. Baby Hes Hot, aka “Baby” – ridden by Tyler Kraft; owned by Vanessa Kraft 
2. Sundayredwood Breeze, aka “Badger” – ridden by Matt Twitchell; owned by Clegg Livestock Co. Inc. 
3. Jack On Moon, aka “Spyder” – ridden by Matt Twitchell; owned by Clegg Livestock Co. Inc. 

Steer Roping 

1. Son Ofa Glo, aka “Junior” – ridden and owned by Slade Wood 
2. Unbreykable, aka “Big Country” – ridden and owned by Kelton McMillen 
3. JS Frosty Badger, aka “Goose” – ridden by Scott Snedecor; owned by Scott and Kelli Snedecor 

Barrel Racing 

1. DM Sissy Hayday, aka “Sister” – ridden and owned by Hailey Kinsel 
2. Seis Corona, aka “Jagger” – ridden and owned by Megan McLeod-Sprague 
3. Force The Goodbye, aka “Jarvis” – ridden and owned by Kassie Mowry 

Breakaway Roping 

1. Stylish Drifter, aka “Dutch” – ridden and owned by Josie Conner 
2. Aladdins Approach, aka “Lexus” – ridden and owned by Cheyanne McCartney 
3. Jigsaw Wildcard, aka “Jigsaw” – ridden by Aspen Miller; owned by Craig Miller 

Celebrating the Heart of Rodeo 

From the power and precision of team roping to the speed and agility of barrel racing, these horses embody the qualities that make the American Quarter Horse the world’s most versatile breed. Each competitor’s success is built on the strength, intelligence and determination of these exceptional equine athletes. 

The Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards not only honor the achievements of these horses and their connections but also highlight the enduring partnership between horse and rider that defines rodeo excellence. 

For more information about the Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards, visit www.aqha.com. 

About the American Quarter Horse Association 

The American Quarter Horse Association, located in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization. AQHA’s mission is to record and preserve the pedigree of the American Quarter Horse while maintaining the integrity of the breed and promoting its versatility, athleticism and gentle disposition. 

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text "AQHA In the Know" for the latest Association updates.