Ranch Horses Excel in Arizona

By: Kristen Spinning

The 2016 Farnam Arizona Fall Championship saw an expansion of Ranch Horse classes along with impressive numbers of entries across the slate. Ranch on the Rail, Versatility Ranch Horse Conformation, and Versatility Ranch Horse Trail were new additions to the schedule and saw enthusiastic participation.

The large numbers have not diminished the camaraderie and fun though. When it was announced that a $1,000 hat from Diamond H would be given away to the winner of a youth/amateur long-trot race, 20 hopefuls lined up at the start. Those ranch horses sure do know how to cover some ground. A few early leaders surged to the head, but were disqualified after breaking into a lope. After a full lap, it was Darleen Woods who had the the speed plus control to win the day.

Ranch Riding award rings, custom crafted by Sami Fine Jewelry, were given to the all around champions in Junior, Senior, Novice and Amateur Ranch Horse classes. The Novice Amateur ring went to Lauren Crivelli riding Bringing Booty Back. The High Point Junior Ranch horse was Light N Lucky with Laurel Walker-Denton at the reins, and Abby Cosenza rode Electric Spark to the Champion slot in Senior Ranch Horse. Tabitha Smith rode Sayos Smoke N Chic and placed at or near the top of each class to take the Amateur Ranch Horse champion title. She only started showing in AZQHA ranch classes a year ago. She says, “I liked that it was so much fun and everyone is awesome to work with.” She also appreciates how it gives the horses something to do other than just schooling.

Ranch Riding fundamentals are part of Smith’s daily life. She and her family live on 28,000 acres in Arivaca where they run 400 plus mama cows and have about 70 head of horses. Her horses grow up on the ranch and hone their skills in the real world. They learn how to go over and through anything with trusting communication. They’re also used to covering a lot of ground.

“When we gather cows, we’re going all morning and its usually at a long trot,” she adds. “You don’t want to lallygag around!” So far, Smith hasn’t focused on campaigning a particular horse, joking, “I sell most of my horses as two-year-olds after 60 rides or so. I show what ever I have left over.” She had a pretty good show for someone new to the game and riding a “left over,” but that’s what the Ranch Horse classes are all about: working horses who can be dusted off and shown with the best of them. Smith’s day wasn’t all perfect though. She was an the early leader in the long-trot race for the hat when her horse broke into a lope. “I pushed him just a little too hard,” she laments. “It can go that quick.”

Ranch horses had another opportunity for big rewards with the inaugural Best Of Show Ranch and Cattle Division Awards for Open, Amateur, and Youth. The Open Champion was Ashley Wilson-Hammer aboard The Gun Collector. Smith and Sayos Smoke N Chic racked up enough points to clinch the Amateur title. For the Youth, it was Caroline Buchanan riding Spark Me Again taking the top honors. These champions won a pair of Caiman boots from Rod Patrick Boots, a 20X Atwood Hat from Barbara’s Custom Hats, and gift certificates from Cinch Jean & Shirt Company.