Seven American Quarter Horses Crowned Top Competitors in Professional Rodeo

A team is only as good as its weakest player, and in the sport of rodeo having a strong mount is vital. Success in the sport of rodeo isn’t only about the cowboys and cowgirls, the horses play a crucial role in the team’s success in the arena. The Nutrena Horse of the Year awards, presented by AQHA, provide recognition to ProRodeo’s top horses. Seven American Quarter Horses were presented with this esteemed title on October 10.

Every year, by a vote of the top 25 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association contestants in each of rodeo’s timed events, the Nutrena Horse of the Year awards, presented by AQHA, recognize the finest four-legged athletes in the professional rodeo game. To their proud and grateful owners, these special horses are truly priceless. Ask any cowboy or cowgirl about what it took to get them where they are, and it will be difficult to find even one who doesn’t mention the role their horse plays in the journey.

These top American Quarter Horses will be recognized during the annual PRCA Awards Banquet November 28 in Las Vegas, prior to the start of the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Teton Ridge.

In addition to bragging rights, the owner of the PRCA-AQHA-Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Horse of the Year in each category will be awarded $5,000 and an AQHA bronze trophy. Second place will receive $3,000, and third place will receive $2,000.

Congrats to the top three horses in each speed-event category, listed below:

Team Roping – Heading

Jess A Moose, “Grey,” ridden by Lightning Aguilera; owned by Jim Donnan

Cole E Man, “Biscuit,” ridden and owned by Andrew Ward

RK Tuff Trinket, “Bob,” ridden and owned by Riley Minor

Team Roping – Heeling

Kadabra King, “Turbo,” ridden by Patrick Smith; owned by Patrick and Christi Smith

Nita Win Playboy, “Drago,” ridden and owned by Logan Medlin

The Star Pepto, “CJ,” ridden by Jake Long; owned by Jake and Tasha Long

Steer Roping

JS Frosty Badger, “Goose,” ridden by Scott Snedecor; owned by Scott and Kelli Snedecor

PC Thisdudesgottagun, “Shooter,” ridden and owned by Mike Chase

Krogs Hickory, “Pete,” ridden and owned by Bryce Davis

Steer Wrestling

Dashin Haze, “Tyson,” ridden by J. D. Struxness, J. Brown, C. Cassidy, S. Culling, K. Irwin, R. Parrott, W. Lummus; owned by Curtis Cassidy

Be Dun By Three, “Benz,” ridden by T. Erickson, D. Eldridge, W. Lummus, C. Hass; owned by Clayton Hass

Patrionic Dash, “Mable,” ridden by Stetson Jorgenson; owned by Garrett Henry

Tie-Down Roping

Pocketful Of Light, “Pockets,” ridden by Caleb Smidt and Marty Yates; owned by Caleb Smidt

Marked Up Cat, “Rudy,” ridden and owned by Lane Livingston

Big Cats Monkey, “Rampage,” ridden and owned by Shad Mayfield

Barrel Racing

Famous Lil Jet, “Rollo,” ridden by Jordon Briggs; owned by Jordon and Justin Briggs

High Valor, “Valor,” ridden and owned by Dona Kay Rule

Cuatro Fame, “Truck,” ridden by Stevi Hillman; owned by Ty and Stevi Hillman

Breakaway Roping

Baybe Bullet, “Baybe,” ridden by Joey Williams; owned by Taylor and Joey Williams

Spots Lil Legend, “Legend,” ridden by Martha Angelone; owned by Tanner Green

Stylish Drifter, “Dutch,” ridden and owned by Josie Conner

About the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Presented by Teton Ridge

The Wrangler NFR, which returns to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas December 1-10, will feature the top 119 contestants in the world for a 10-day competition to determine the winners of the coveted PRCA gold buckle and a share of the $10.257 million purse. Fans can follow official PRCA updates throughout the event at www.prorodeo.com.

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.