At this stage of his career, he appeared particularly strong on his second run, giving plenty of indication of the talent developing within him. His progress continued at the 2024 ABHA Finals in Tamworth, where, as a four-year-old, Falcon won Round Two of the Futurity before finishing Reserve Champion overall. It was an outstanding result and another significant milestone in his developing career.
During 2025, although the pair attended fewer futurities than the previous season, Falcon continued to deliver consistent performances, regularly winning and placing at competitions.
However, 2026 presented another challenge when his owner fractured an ankle, significantly limiting the amount of riding and preparation Falcon could receive throughout the year.
At Easter, Falcon was lent to his owner ' s niece, Toni- Jean Woodall, who competed him at two professional rodeos in requested slack. The partnership proved an immediate success, with Falcon winning both events. His owner was subsequently able to get back in the saddle for two divisional barrel races in July before turning their attention to the 2026 ABHA National Finals in Tamworth in September.
Getting Falcon ready for the Finals was far from straightforward. Huge amounts of rain throughout the Victorian winter made it extremely difficult to keep him properly legged up, and there were genuine doubts about whether making the trip was the right decision.
However, 2026 marked Falcon ' s final Futurity year, as well as the final Futurity year for another horse being campaigned, Spin A Brandy( Enigma). With both horses reaching an important stage in their careers, the decision was made that the trip had to happen.
Despite considerably less preparation than he had received in previous seasons, Falcon arrived at the Finals running faster times than he had in 2024. Competing against an exceptionally strong field, he finished fourth in the Futurity Average, adding another impressive result to his record.
The highlight, however, came in the Open Divisional competition, where Falcon rose to the occasion to claim the Open 2D Championship. His outstanding performance was rewarded with an impressive prize haul, including a saddle, saddle pad, trophy rug, Circle L Hat and a wonderful collection of additional prizes.
To cap off an exceptional Finals campaign, Falcon also finished eighth overall in the average out of 541 competitors, an achievement that made the result even more special.
For his owner, the performance carried extra significance given the circumstances leading into the event. With the challenges of an injury and an exceptionally wet winter restricting Falcon ' s preparation, there had been no certainty about what he might be capable of delivering. Yet when it mattered most, he stepped up and produced the results.
From an unexpected breeding in 2018, to arriving three weeks early as a feisty buckskin colt, and ultimately becoming an ABHA National Finals Open Divisional 2D Champion and $ 750 AQHA Incentive Winner, Falcon has exceeded every expectation.
His journey is a testament to the rewards of patience, perseverance and believing in a horse ' s ability, even when circumstances don ' t always go to plan.
Falcon ' s story is still being written, and his owner couldn ' t be prouder of this remarkable horse and everything he has achieved.
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AQHA 2026 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER ISSUE