PG . 40
AQHA FEATURE ~ REINED COW HORSE
ARCHA NATIONAL FINALS OPEN FUTURITY
‘ My biggest inspiration to enter Style for the ARCHA Futurity was Madam . I ’ d had faith in Madam , and I had faith in Style ! I compete in Reined Cow Horse events , so I said , ‘ Let ’ s have a crack at this 3 phase event-a big ask-not just perfecting one phase , but being good at all three .’
At the time of the event , Shiralee became sick , so was disappointed to not be there . She watched via livestream , riding every stop and turn , especially when the cows come out , her favourite part .
‘ When Style came out , I was riding her from my couch , yelling ‘ Come on , get up there , get around , a bit more push !’ The cattle were very touchy and wanted to run . Style headed the cow , stopped and turned on the fence , then headed for the second turn . She was staying in position on a tough cow — she had to dig deep in her circles to get around the cow — sand was flying . It was a good run for the highest scores for both , the fence work and the reined work ! I didn ’ t see her cutting run , as I ’ d headed to town to pick up BJ from work , so wasn ’ t sure where she sat in the placings . Lisa Wrobel video-called me with the announcements and I listened via Bluetooth . When they called out Whiskey A Go Go on 422.5 , I pulled the car over , so BJ and I could watch the rest and when they called Style ’ s score out , she ’ d won by just ½ a point for a 423 !! I was very emotional !’
Madam Tassard Q-80669 - 2017 Cutting Futurity Final - Dam of One Stylish Madam Q-95820
Style had won prize-money , a lovely buckle for the rider , a sash , a beautiful garland , shin-boots and bell-boots , yeti mugs , and a service fee to the reining stallion , Gunnabeagoodnight . Shiralee was overjoyed , saying that the AQHA Incentive was so awesome to win — and a first at the ARCHA Futurity !
‘ To be recognised as the breeder and owner was outstanding , as it ’ s a long , costly process , from breeding to under saddle competition ! The award money was presented in two leather wallets , each with a brass plaque showing the award . I don ’ t think anyone at home understood how much this meant to me , but I shared our success to everyone , and sent Madeline Cannon the video . I called Mark Buttsworth to ask if Style was the first progeny of One Stylish Pepto to win in Reined Cow Horse , and she was !’
Shiralee thanks Adam and Lisa Wrobel , who did an amazing job with Style , also Phil and Dot Rodey for all their support and knowledge passed on to me !
‘ Adam was brilliant and Phil Rodey is the best at what he does ! What they can do with horses amazes me ! David Searle of Central West Equine for my breeding endeavors and embryo transfer foals ! I can ’ t forget Phil Webb , Ronnie Mann and Lee Smith , who started me in horsemanship — to always think of the horse first — and I try to put that in my Cutting and Cowhorse events . I can ’ t wait until I ’ m riding , showing and enjoying Style this year , because we ’ re going back with our sights set on the Derby !!’
‘ Champions , One Stylish Madam Q-95820 and Adam Wrobel ’
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION - WWW . AQHA . COM . AU