Amateur Erika Sterling Gets Ranchy with Xtra Wimpys Catalyst, aka “Zorro”
Xtra Wimpys Catalyst is the only black stallion by 13 Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step, and he has captured the attention and imagination of fans everywhere. Photo: Kirstie Marie Photography.
By Delores Kuhlwein
“His ears pricked forward, his thin-skinned nostrils quivering, his black mane flowing like windswept flame. Alec could not turn his eyes away; he could not believe such a perfect creature existed.” – Walter Farley, The Black Stallion.
Kent Ray Taylor and “Zorro.” Photo: Waltenberry Photography.
For as long as we can remember as horse lovers, a black stallion has danced through our dreams, especially for those of us who grew up reading Walter Farley’s beloved Black Stallion books.
Enter a shimmering black stallion charging into the reining arena, with mane flowing, taking everyone’s breath away. He’s not a dream, however – this perfect creature is real-life Xtra Wimpys Catalyst, the only black stallion by 13 Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step. The 2015 AQHA/NRHA black stallion, an NRHA Champion with over $65,000 in LTE, made another big splash in his earlier career when the industry’s one and only Kent Ray Taylor purchased him as his first reiner under the guidance of Craig Schmersal.
Zorro loves to have kids play with his gorgeous, signature mane.
A New Chapter
Now, the fan-favorite stallion is beginning a new chapter by kicking off his career in the Ranch pen with Amateur Erika Sterling under the guidance of Matt and Beth Gouthro. Erika had set her sights on “Zorro” last year even when he wasn’t actually for sale, she explains. “I timidly walked up to Kent Ray and asked if he would entertain selling him. He instantly replied with ‘yes, I would possibly consider it, but it would have to be to the exact right person,’ which gave me hope. I told him it would be for myself, and my goal was to give him a new chapter in the ranch riding events. Kent Ray’s face lit up and he said he absolutely loved that idea for this special unicorn.”
So at that momentous World Show in 2024, Kent Ray had just finished his Select Reining pattern, and when he came out of the pen, he told Erika, “Let’s go ride him.” That first ride, Erika says, was magical. “This horse has just went in and laid out a great pattern and without a beat went into the practice pen and jogged around like a pleasure horse. He was right under my hand with every cue. He was a perfect gentleman and super sweet. Not an ounce of anticipation in him. This would be just a snippet into how this horse works. Words barely describe what a finely tuned a machine he is.”
JML Design – Photo by Kirstie Marie Photography.
A New Career
After Erika purchased him and finished pinching herself to see if it was all real, they took him home to BMG Show Horses, and two weeks later, they headed to Ocala for the Gold and Gulf Coast circuits. Zorro approached his new discipline with the same gusto and grace as his reining performances. “In two weeks this stallion learned a whole new job,” explains Erika. “He immediately took to it and took to it well. This horse can be shown something just one time and immediately retain it. Zorro is possibly the most intelligent horse I’ve ever been around. He learned how to side pass a log 10 minutes before one of his classes.”
“It’s amazing how fast he’s picking up the ranch riding and ranch trail. He is so honest and definitely one the smartest horses I’ve ever ridden,” agrees Matt Gouthro.
Matt Gouthro and Zorro won five circuit championships and three reserve circuit championships, over 180 points, and the Reserve Open High Point Ranch Horse title at his first ranch outing. Cody Parmenter Photography.
At his first show, he brought home five circuit championships and three reserve circuit championships, over 180 points, and the Reserve Open High Point Ranch Horse title. At his second show circuit the first week of April, he earned the Open High Point Senior Ranch Horse title as well as three circuit championships.
Zorro continued to prove his unicorn status, demonstrating to Erika that he would wait for her, not anticipate, and march into the ranch events like he’s done it his whole life. “The quiet intelligence of this stallion is absolutely impressive. Next would be his impeccable manners. He is the truest gentleman. He minds his own business and falls asleep to children playing with his amazing hair,” she says.
For Erika, this entire experience has been significant not only because of Zorro’s incomparable talent and disposition, but also because her journey into ranch riding comes on the heels of a 10-year break from competing as an all-around amateur due to family health issues and loss. She reveals, “One of my dearest friends, Rebecca Bunting, had started dabbling in the ranch events. She encouraged me to join in the fun. In 2023, I had purchased a three- year-old stallion to do the open futurity and ranch stakes classes. But I soon realized I missed competing and wasn’t content to just be on the sidelines. So the hunt for the perfect amateur horse began. They had a lot of boxes to check so I knew it would require some patience.”
Matt Gouthro says Zorro is one of the smartest horses he has ever ridden. Photo: Cody Parmenter Photography.
As the two continue to strive forward, they plan to learn all the ranch classes together. “With his impressive reining background, I hope to add some ranch notoriety to his name. We hope to be a fierce pair in the Amateur and Open ranch events at all the majors this year,” explains Erika. “He seems to really enjoy the ranch classes and love his new job. And as long as he’s enjoying show life, I will give him all the opportunities to learn that he wants. So many senior level horses seem to get burnt out with their job. He still has a zest for learning and showing.”
That plan includes Matt and Beth Gouthro of BMG Show Horses, who Erika explains have been incredibly influential and supportive of her ventures. “I have several horses with them and their dedication to helping their amateurs find the perfect horse for them is monumental. They really do help you find the perfect fit. Because of them and the amazing barn crew, my horses are healthy, happy and incredibly loved. I look forward to horse shows and spending time with my barn family. So much hard work goes into preparing them and it shows that nothing is skipped over.”
The unicorn approaches ranch events with the same gusto and grace as the reining pen. Photo: Cody Parmenter.
Beth Gouthro shares, “We are so excited to have Zorro in our show string. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do in the open ranch events and in the amateur ranch events with Erika.”
As Erika continues to learn together with Zorro, she confesses she also will continue to give him all the treats he desires. “Zorro has a broad spectrum of taste and literally eats anything I’m eating!! Sour gummy bears. Yes, please. Oh, that orange or banana you’re snacking on. Yup. If I’m eating it, he fully expects the snack tax to be paid. I’m fairly certain he would pull up a chair to the dinner table and help himself. He’s quite the character.”
The question on countless minds: will Zorro stand again in the future? “It seems lots of people want little Zorro babies,” Erika says. “I’m working through the logistics of doing that for the 2026 breeding season. So keep an eye out for the opportunity next year!”
Congratulations to this spectacular duo on their success so far! We can’t wait to continue watching them grow and success together.
Photo: Kirstie Marie Photography.
