A Photo Essay- 2019 NWSS Freestyle Reining

On Sunday, January 14th, 49,235 people were in attendance at the 2019 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, Colorado. We’re certain that a majority of those were there to watch one of the highlighted events- the RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining.

Spectators were treated to some familiar faces like Dan James, who rode Don Magnum in a thoroughly Western-themed performance complete with long, flowing mane, six-shooters, a bridleless portion, and reins in between the teeth! This pair came in third with a score of 225.

Randy Dooley and Nite N Gail was not only the Reserve Champion with a score of 225.5, he was also the People’s Choice winner with a patriotic performance to Toby Keith’s American Soldier.

Finally, it was Kristin Booth with Babys Got Blue Eyes who rode to This Is Me from The Greatest Showman for a score of 227 that took the win.

Thanks to Laura Cowen of Performance Horse Photography for sharing some beautiful images from the Freestyle Reining event.