Road to the Horse 2024
The World Championship of Colt Starting saw an international array of horsemanship talent at Road to the Horse 2024, as fans witnessed various training methods from competitors around the world. From March 21-24, fans were on the edge of their seats at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena, as the world’s best colt starters competed for the world championship title and $135,000 in prize money. Throughout the four days of competition, one common theme was witnessed — the horses always came first.
With an Olympic theme, the United States, Canada, and Australia were well represented in the Championship Competition by Ken McNabb, Tik Maynard and Donal Hancock. These international competitors were joined by C.D. Wilcox, who qualified for the Championship Competition by winning the Wild Card Challenge held on Thursday and Friday. New for this year, the Pitchfork Ranch from Guthrie, Texas, provided both the colts and fillies for the championship and Wild Card remudas. In the end, Tik Maynard rode away with the championship aboard CAPERA CATT (#11, Goodluck Catt x Becaco Capera by Mr Haida Flo).
“The biggest emotion I feel is just an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything that has led me to this place,” stated Maynard.
Maynard won all three rounds of the Championship competition with his colt. The pair’s quiet and steady progress throughout kept all in awe as he easily moved through the different components of the event. He finished with a cumulative score of 1,023.5.
The duo sealed the deal in the obstacle course of Sunday’s competition and earned a standing ovation as they left the arena. Maynard demonstrated impressive horsemanship throughout the entire competition and mentioned several times how much of an emotional roller coaster the event is as a competitor. In total, Tik Maynard finished with $90,000 in earnings and received a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle, an award saddle from Circle Y Saddles, and a custom Western hat from JW Brooks Custom Hat Co., along with several of prizes from Road to the Horse partners.
“We are so pleased with how emotional and captivating the Road to the Horse journey was from start to finish,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “Our hats are off to all the competitors, fans, sponsors and crew who make it all possible.”
The Wild Card Challenge, presented by Platinum Performance, proved to be an exciting addition to the event as Lindsey Patterson, John Baar and C.D. Wilcox partnered with Pitchfork Ranch fillies for their chance to advance into the championship round. Each Wild Card was teamed up with a past Road to the Horse competitor. Brandi Lyons, Mike Major, and Pat Parelli all took the role of Pen Wrangler as they offered their advice and assistance to their Wild Card competitor. C.D. Wilcox chose filly #5, TIGHTFITTENBLUJEANS (Once In A Blu Boon x Shiney Tea Pot Doc x Tejons Peppy Doc), a partnership that took him to the top of the scoreboard and directly into the Championship competition.
“Road to the Horse means the world to me,” Wilcox said. “It’s a great opportunity for anybody. Win, lose or draw, this thing is so much fun, so well produced, I would do it for the rest of my life if they would let me.”
At the end of the Wild Card Challenge, Wilcox received $5,000 for winning along with an award saddle from Circle Y Saddlery, and a custom Western hat from JW Brooks Custom Hat Co. The second-place Wild Card competitor, Patterson, received $3,000 and Baar received $2,000 in third place. Each Wild Card and Championship competitor also received a YETI cooler, custom leather jacket from Rocket Donkey and an array of products from our valued partners.
Road to the Horse 2023
Road to the Horse 2023 was a battle to the end as four superior colt starters demonstrated their horsemanship talent on March 23-26 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Fans witnessed an educational journey as master colt-starters Cole Cameron, Mike Major, Guy McLean, and J.R. Robles formed partnerships with horses from the 6666 Ranch. Ultimately, Road to the Horse 2022 World Champion Mike Major rode his way to the winner’s circle once again aboard TALKIN COWS (#3, Natural Bottom x My Sweet Talkin Baby, by Triage). Major earned his second-consecutive World Championship of Colt Starting title and banked a win in the final round of competition with the help of his pen wrangler C.D. Wilcox.
“It’s amazing, especially back-to-back wins,” stated Bowie, Texas, horseman Mike Major. “I just appreciate C.D. and everything he’s helped me with on this journey we’ve been on. It’s a lot of fun and very special to me.”
The Wild Cards also showed up in a big way with the 2021 Wild Card Challenge Champion Cole Cameron securing the reserve world championship title after placing second behind Major in the final round of competition.
“It was an absolute dogfight to the very end,” said Cameron. “My colt did a great job. He showed up and showed out. He gave me all he had. My hat’s off to Mike Major and all the competitors.”
2022 Wild Card Challenge Champion J.R. Robles had a tremendous start to the competition securing wins in the first two rounds receiving a $5,000 bonus and a bottle of Pendleton Whisky for each round. Placing his colt’s needs above the competition, Robles didn’t complete the obstacle course on his colt NATURAL TURN (#5, Natural Bottom X Playin Stylish, by Your Turn To Play). This selfless display of horsemanship earned him a standing ovation from the audience and a hat tip from every Road to the Horse judge. This act also earned him the coveted Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award presented by Dr. Nathan Canaday of the 6666 Ranch. In total, Mike Major finished the event with $80,000 in earnings. Cameron finished in second place for $20,000. J.R. Robles was awarded a total of $20,000, $10,000 for his third-place finish and $10,000 in combined earnings for his round wins. Guy McLean, $5,000 for his fourth-place finish.
2022 Road to the Horse Wild Card Challenge at the Cowtown Arena
The Road to the Horse Wild Card Challenge was held September 22-25 at the Cowtown Coliseum in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. The event featured six competitors, colts from the legendary 6666 Ranch and a cash purse of over $25,000. It was Wild Card JR Robles, who finished on top, sweeping wins across all three rounds, and earning his invitation to compete at Road to the Horse 2023.
“The horse (BAMA CROWN) was absolutely amazing, he was with me every step of the way” stated Wild Card Challenge Champion, JR Robles. It was a fairytale ending for the self-proclaimed underdog, who only began training horses twelve years ago. “The ending (of the event) was a culmination of all the hard work from my assistants to people back home, to family, friends, and the horse. The way God just put the whole finish together was unforgettable.”
“Watching such a diverse group of Wild Cards compete at the Wild Card Challenge was such a valuable educational experience for everyone. All six Wild Cards displayed amazing courage and horsemanship” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “We’re excited to extend an invitation to JR Robles, as our Wild Card Champion, to compete at the World Championships of Colt Starting in Lexington, Kentucky.”
JR Robles earned $1,000 bonus money for receiving the top score in each round, in addition to the $10,000 Wild Card Champion prizemoney (total earnings of $13,000). Nate Eicher’s strong finish in Round Three allowed him to capture the Reserve Championship (earning $7,500), with Kelsey Love Thomas rounding out the Top Three (receiving $5,000).
Final scores and 6666 Ranch colt picks for the Wild Card Challenge:
Champion (1090 Points) JR Robles: #6 BAMA CROWN (Bamacat x Playboys Crown, by Playboys Buck Fever)
Reserve Champion (888 Points) Nate Eicher: #1 BAMAS RED CAT (Bamacat x Red Ridinghood, by Triage)
Third place (881.5 Points) Kelsey Love Thomas: #3 BAMAS TURN TO PLAY (Bamacat x Your Turn To Play, by Playin Stylish)
Fourth Place (877 Points) Lee Hart: #5 HOLD UP COWBOY (Bet Hesa Cat x Cowgirl From Heaven, by Seven From Heaven)
Fifth Place (765 Points) Amanda Wilson: #4 BAMA ATTRACTION (Bamacat x Paddys Attraction, by Playin Attraction)
Sixth place (347.5) Daniel Oliveira: #2 CANYON BOTTOM (Natural Bottom x Genuine Canyon, by Genuine Masterpiece)
Road to the Horse 2022
Road to the Horse 2022 made its triumphant return to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena for the first time since 2019. Master colt-starters Brandi Lyons, Mike Major, Pat Parelli and Glenn Stewart treated fans to an educational journey and an amazing display of horsemanship as they formed partnerships with horses from the 6666 Ranch. Ultimately, Mike Major of Bowie, Texas, took home top honors claiming the World Championship of Colt Starting title and his share of the $125,000 purse aboard YELLOWHOUSE CANYON (#8, Jesses Topaz x Last Call For Gin, by Bet Hesa Cat)
“Every moment was magical,” stated Texas horseman Mike Major. Major let his horsemanship take priority throughout the competition. “I let the horse lead me to where we’re going. It gets easy, when you listen to the horse and let that horse tell you exactly what you need to do next. Road to the Horse is such a great production and this win means a lot to me.”
Mike Major claimed both Round 1 and Round 2 victories receiving a $5,000 bonus for each round win. Canadian horseman Glenn Stewart displayed a strong finish on Championship Sunday, adding a $5,000 Round 3 bonus check to his earnings. In total, Mike Major finished the event with $85,000 in earnings. Glenn Stewart finished in second place, adding $20,000 to his $5,000 Round 3 winning, for a $25,000 total payout. Pat Parelli was awarded $10,000 for his third-place finish and Brandi Lyons, $5,000 for her fourth-place finish.
The Road to the Horse 2022 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch featured eleven three-year-old colts, representing the world’s best AQHA bloodlines. Brandi Lyons selected the red roan gelding GUTHRIE MAYOR (#3), Pat Parelli picked NATURAL STYLISH (#11), and Glenn Stewart selected METALLIC WRAPPER (#2).
Additionally, Dr. Glenn Blodgett was tasked with the honor of selecting the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award Winner, in memory of the late legend Jack Brainard. Dr. Glenn Blodgett selected Mike Major of the recipient of this inaugural award for his outstanding ability to observe, analyze and apply horsemanship methods that best suited his colt.
“Road to the Horse 2022 was packed with talent. From our Championship Competitors, to our entertainers and guest clinicians, fans were treated to world-class horsemanship from start to finish,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “It was a privilege to watch each horseman and woman perform. The event was an amazing reflection of everyone’s unyielding love of the horse.”
Road to the Horse 2021
While witnessing a thrilling display of colt starting action, Road to the Horse 2021 fans were on the edge of their seats with anticipation during the 2021 World Championship of Colt Starting held at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas on March 25-28, 2021. Road to the Horse 2021 Championship Competitor, Idaho horseman Wade Black rode to victory on Sixes Ridinghood, a Four Sixes Ranch gelding by Sixes Pick and out of Red Ridinghood, and earned the $75,000 winner’s check. It was a hard-earned win as Black experienced challenges with his gelding.
Black’s unyielding patience and steady composure in working with Sixes Ridinghood greatly impressed the judges, and he earned the prestigious Road to the Horse 2021 Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award as well. Black earned a spot as a Championship Competitor in Road to the Horse 2021 by winning the Wild Card division of Road to the Horse 2019.
Notably, Championship Competitor Ken McNabb of Lovell, Wyoming, placed second on Hears A Wolf, a colt by Bet Hesa Cat and out of Ginnin Playgun to earn a total of $10,000, and Championship Competitor Craig Cameron of Bluffdale, Texas placed third on Lots of Bottom, a colt by Natural Bottom and out of Wimpys Six, to earn $5,000. The Go-Round Bonus winners were Wade Black (Round 1) and Ken McNabb (Round 2), who both earned an additional $5,000 each.
Road to the Horse 2021 included a Wild Card division won by Cole Cameron of Bluffdale, Texas, on Sixes Wrapper, by Sixes Pick and out of Pink Wrapper. As the winner of Road to the Horse 2021, Cameron will compete as a Championship Competitor at Road to the Horse 2022 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on March 24-27, 2022.
To wrap up an exhilarating event, Wildcard Competitor Wylene Davis of Pawhuska, Oklahoma placed second, and Wildcard Competitor Craig Moore of May, Texas placed third.
Road to the Horse 2019
Fans at Road to the Horse 2019 were treated to an unbelievable display of both sportsmanship and horsemanship when past Road to the Horse World Champions Nick Dowers and Vicki Wilson went head to head for the 2019 World Championship of Colt Starting title at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 22–24, 2019. Nevada horseman and cow horse trainer Nick Dowers narrowly defeated New Zealand show jumper Vicki Wilson to claim the title and the $100,000 winner’s purse in a close finish that came down to the final round.
In addition to the overall title, Dowers was awarded the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award for his outstanding ability to observe, analyze, and apply horsemanship methods that are best suited to each individual colt’s personality.
Road to the Horse 2019 also hosted the Wild Card competition in which Wild Card competitors selected and started a Four Sixes Ranch 3-year old gelding, along with the main competitors, in the traditional Road to the Horse format. Road to the Horse 2019 Wild Card competitor Wade Black reserved his spot as a main competitor at Road to the Horse 2020 by claiming the Road to the Horse 2019 Wild Card Championship, against fellow Wild Cards Ben Baldus and Booger Brown.
During Road to the Horse 2019, Craig Cameron was proud to announce the inclusion of his son, Cole Cameron, in the Road to the Horse 2020 Wild Card competition. Cole will be joined by another Wild Card who will be selected by the Mustang Heritage Foundation from mustang trainers who are competing in a 2019 or 2020 Extreme Mustang Makeover competition. The third Road to the Horse 2020 Wild card competitor is yet to be announced.
Road to the Horse 2018
With Wilson mounted in her English saddle, Dowers in his Western saddle, and James in his Australian saddle, all three Road to the Horse 2018 competitors displayed remarkable horsemanship, staying true to their roots and true to the horse. All different, but all undeniably successful.
Show jumping sensation and defending Road to the Horse 2017 World Champion Vicki Wilson proudly brought the Gist Silversmith’s Road to the Horse 2018 World Championship buckle back to her homeland of New Zealand. Wilson secured her place in Road to the Horse history as the only horsewoman to have captured two World Championship of Colt Starting titles.
Australian horseman, Dan James was honored with the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award for his exceptional horsemanship skills which he portrayed throughout the entire event. A recognition that is hand-selected and awarded by legendary horseman Jack Brainard.
Road to the Horse 2017
Wilson was not only the first competitor from New Zealand, she was the first competitor from an English discipline to not only compete but to walk away with the coveted World Championship of Colt Starting title. Wilson’s Road to the Horse journey was far from scripted. After dislocating her left shoulder during Round 1, many fans were unsure if she could even continue but she didn’t just continue, she shined. Wilson may have had to alter her strategy with her 6666 Ranch bred colt Boon River Lad, who she fondly named ‘Kentucky’, but she continued with the grace and grit of a champion.
“My shoulder is sore but when you walk out there, the atmosphere, the people, everything about it, you don’t even think about it. He didn’t quit and I didn’t quit, that’s what being a cowgirl is all about” Vicki Wilson
Rachelle Valentine selected the 6666 Ranch horse gelding Playin A Seven, this playful grey gelding soon became a fan favorite. Sarah Dawson selected Smart Hunt and California cutting horse trainer Kate Neubert claimed the prestigious Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award riding Sixes Captain.
Road to the Horse 2016
“It’s an honor. I am so proud of my horsemanship, to win an event like the NRCHA Futurity, then to win Road to the Horse and tie the two together, that’s just huge” stated the emotional Dowers right after his win. When asked what helped him take the title, the answer was easy for Dowers, “Being myself and staying true to what I do.” Equaled in class and charisma, the 6666 Ranch colt Seven Attraction carried Dowers to his first World Championship of Colt Starting title.
Winters won Round One displaying outstanding horsemanship and incurred no penalties. Although it was not a popular choice, Anderson did incur a score and time penalty after a Violation of a Rest Period for his colt. This resulted in both a penalty to Anderson’s score in Round Two and a reduced working time in Round Three. Road to the Horse has always placed, and always will place the horse as the first priority.
Not only did Dowers walk away with the World Championship, he was also awarded the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award. Awarded and presented by Jack Brainard, this award goes to the horseman or horsewoman that excels in their power of observation to correctly analyze the best approach and then apply that method as smoothly as possible for the horse’s best interest.
Road to the Horse 2015
Road to the Horse was guaranteed to make history and it did not disappoint. Fans travelled from around the world to witness master horseman Chris Cox accumulate his unprecedented fourth Road to the Horse World Championship. A sold-out crowd in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park was on the edge of their seats while each competitor piloted two 6666 Ranch bred geldings through the final obstacle course, chasing a record setting $100,000 purse.
Barbara Cox served as Cox’s Pen Wrangler throughout the competition and his children, Charley and Case, joined him during his riding demonstration at the event. His young daughter Charley Cox had the privilege of presenting her father with the 2015 World Championship Gist buckle.
Fans watched Trevor Carter take the 2015 Ram Trucks Wildcard Championship title prior to the main competition. Carter and his 6666 Ranch bred gelding Royal Wall (aka Sailor) were also rewarded Fan Favorite honors after thousands of fans cast their votes over 24 hours. Both Trevor Carter and Road to the Horse 2014 World Champion Jim Anderson had colts that challenged their colt starting skills, which treated the fans to an amazing display of horsemanship throughout the weekend.
Road to the Horse 2014
It was a photo finish at the Kentucky Horse Park after a historic showdown, which brought the crowd to their feet as a Cinderella story unfolded. Canadian Wild Card Jim Anderson captured the Ram Trucks Wild Card Championship and ultimately the 2014 World Championship of Colt Starting title. Fellow competitors Dan Steers (Australia), Antoine Cloux (Switzerland) and Jonathan Field (Canada) were close behind Anderson in a finish that came down to the very last round. Jonathan Field was honored with the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award for displaying exceptional horsemanship and always acting in the best interests of the horse.
Fans at Road to the Horse witnessed the largest ever American Quarter Horse Association Remuda to run at Road to the Horse, with twenty-one iconic horses from the 6666 Ranch. After the 2014 competitors made their selections, the Wild Cards for the 2015 competition were announced and made their picks from the AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch. Returning Wild Cards for 2015 include Sean Patrick, Mary Kitzmiller, Trevor Carter and James Cooler. They will be joined by newcomers Shamus Haws, Dan Keen and Bobby Knight.
Road to the Horse 2013
Australian horseman and clinician Guy McLean struggled to hold back the tears as he thanked Road to the Horse Producer Tootie Bland and all those who had helped him accomplish his dreams of a second World Championship of Colt Starting. Guy McLean was not the only one struggling to hold back the tears. A sold-out crowd in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park was on their feet in applause, doing the exact same thing.
Fellow competitors Dan James, Obbie Schlom and Sarah Winters made it a photo finish as the event made the move from Murfreesboro, TN to Lexington, KY for the very first time. Cowgirls Obbie Schlom and Sarah Winters were placing first and second after the first three rounds of the World Championship of Colt Starting. Dan James had a gelding that tested his horsemanship skills through the Obstacle Challenge and like a true horseman James always put the best interests of the horse first.
Road to the Horse 2012 – International Teams
It was the shout heard around the world as Guy McLean, covering his face with his hands, threw his arms in the air and grabbed teammate Dan James after hearing Team Australia announced as winners of Road to the Horse International March 11 in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
James of North Arm Cove, New South Wales and McLean of Hervey Bay, Queensland, went into the final round of competition, the challenging obstacle course, in a close race with Team USA, made up of veteran clinicians Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas, and Pat Parelli of Pagosa Springs, Colo. Team Canada, consisting of British Columbia horsemen Glenn Stewart of Baldonnel and Jonathan Field of Abbotsford, were no slackers, either, having taken on two challenging horses to make it to the obstacle course.
James, who also purchased his horse following the event, said he was shocked. “It was so close,” he said. “I really didn’t know how it would go, but this was an amazing competition.” Both trainers were awarded with the AQHA Traveler award for their win and both purchased their horses.
Road to the Horse 2011
It was, without a shadow of a doubt the most electrifying event in the eight-year history of Road to the Horse – The World Championship of Colt Starting. The nation’s three largest equine clinicians shared the dirt for the first time February 25-27 in front of sold-out crowds at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN. Pat Parelli brought his horsemanship Savvy. Clinton Anderson displayed his Downunder thunder. But in the end, it was the earnest determination of Texas cowboy Chris Cox that won the judges’ favor and earned him his third Road to the Horse championship title and the first Legends title granted by the event.
Cox received a $10,000 winner’s check, a custom-made Martin Saddle, a giclee by artist Susan Edison, spurs by bit maker Daryl Davis and Road to the Horse Legends World Champion gold and sterling silver Gist Silversmiths belt buckle from Road to the Horse founder/producer Tootie Bland. AQHA, the official remuda sponsor, presented the Traveler Award to the esteemed 6666 Ranch to honor them for breeding Cox’s colt, Perfect Performance. The award is named for the AQHA foundation sire who was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 1994.
Road to the Horse 2010
Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, TX was crowned the 2010 World Champion of Colt-Starting in Murfreesboro, TN March 7, 2010. Richard Winters, Cameron and Ken McNabb competed for the coveted title in a display of supreme horsemanship and at the end of the day, Cameron, known as the original cowboy clinician, came out the winner of the seven-year-old event which gives three top clinicians a little over three hours over two days to gentle three unbroken colts using their own styles of natural horsemanship.
“Every time I’ve competed at Road to the Horse, I’ve left a piece of my heart in the arena. Now I’m getting a little bit of that back. I truly believe winning Road to the Horse is going to change my life. I am 61 years old and now I am a world champion and no-one can ever take that away from me. This may be the best day of my life,” said Cameron.
Besides the coveted title of Road to the Horse 2010 Champion, Cameron received a check for $10,000 from Road to the Horse producer Tootie Bland, a memorial Steven “Dookie” Bland trophy saddle provided by Martin Saddlery featuring conchos by Gist Silversmiths, a handcrafted Road to the Horse buckle by Gist Silversmiths, a CSI saddle pad, and an original “Blue Horse” painting by artist Henry Patton which was featured as the cover image of the event’s souvenir program.
Road to the Horse 2009
Richard Winters of Ojai, California was crowned Road to the Horse Champion in Franklin, TN March 15, 2009. Winters, John Lyons and Tommy Garland competed for the coveted title in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,000 spectators including guests from as far away as Finland, France and Paraguay .
Winter’s explained to the live crowd at the event that his training approach was to train his chosen 2006 AQHA bay colt, Plenty Brown Hancock, just like he would in any other setting on any other day. For Winters this included riding his colt in the obstacle course and freestyle performance in a halter rather than a bridle and bit, making him the first champion to ride his colt to victory bitless. In another Road to the Horse first, Winters asked for a calf to be let into the arena during his freestyle. He explained it is important to him to cultivate curiosity and confidence in his young horses by introducing them to new experiences such as tracking cattle. Winters also received a check for $10,000 from Road to the Horse producer Tootie Bland, a memorial Steven “Dookie” Bland trophy saddle provided by Martin Saddlery featuring conchos by Gist Silversmiths, a handcrafted Road to the Horse buckle by Gist Silversmith, a CSI saddle pad and an original painting by artist Peter Grant entitled “On the Road” which was featured as the cover image of the event’s souvenir program.
Road to the Horse 2008
Defending champion Chris Cox emerged victorious at his second Road to the Horse competition with his win Sunday, March 2, 2008, at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, making him the only competitor other than Clinton Anderson to win back-to-back championships. Along with taking the title, Cox also received a $15,000 donation toward his charity, The Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids with Cancer from Quest and Fort Dodge Animal Health. The winning horse was WR Shinosmoke by Shining King Cody out of Alamosa.
The competition was neck-and-neck until the moment the winning envelope was opened. Top judges Robert M. Miller D.V.M., Jack Brainard, James Gholson, Terry Crofoot and Toni Warvell took in the action both days, and even into the last minutes of competition felt it was any man’s game. The Arkansas-bred Wood Ranch horses proved to be the challenge Boss Wrangler Thomas B. Saunders V was looking for. Competitors Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb, Mike Kevil and Cox tested their knowledge and horsemanship skills on four three-year-old American Quarter Horse geldings. The exhibitors and competitors enjoyed this year’s selection of horses.
Road to the Horse 2007
Chris Cox was named champion of the 2007 Road to the Horse Sunday March 4 at Murfreesboro’s Tennessee Miller Coliseum. With Cox’s win, $15,000 will be donated to the national chapter of the Future Farmers of America (The Wahl Charity Challenge money) and Cox will head home with a memorial saddle, buckle, and model of his winning horse, Commander Otoe King, a 2004 AQHA sorrel by Paseo Pronto and out of Otoe Windy Commander.
Chris Cox started the 2007 Road to the Horse with a goal to win, but also to educate the crowds. “It’s a great event and I’m privileged to be here,” Cox says. “The crowd was into it. It feels good. When I picked the horse and went in there, I was the last person to catch my horse. It’s constant work. I had to stick with it. I came here with the same plan I always use to work with a horse and I stuck with it.”
Fans and judges seemed to agree on the winner—but the competition was fierce. At the end of day one, any of the clinicians had progressed with their horses and had the opportunity to win.
Road to the Horse 2006
The sell-out crowd erupted when they heard the results—Stacy Westfall is the 2006 winner of Road to the Horse, the colt-starting challenge held February 25-26, 2006 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Westfall was the first female competitor, challenging well-known cowboy clinicians Martin Black, Craig Cameron and Van Hargis. Westfall bonded with her horse, Doctor T Tari-whom she calls “Popcorn.” She offered to buy him after her first competition round on Saturday. After the competition, she purchased the three-year-old colt sired by Docs T Peppy and out of Ms Tari Babe. The horse was raised on the Cornelius Ranch, in Blountsville, Alabama.
Road to the Horse 2005
The competition was fierce, the horses were challenging and the 5,000 spectators who filled the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN on March 5 and 6, 2005 loved every minute of it. Heralded as “The Greatest Horsemanship Event of the Year” those lucky enough to get a ticket to the sold-out event had a ticket to horsemanship history. With a tough draw of horses, Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron and Van Hargis worked for every training success and showed the appreciative crowd the depth of their skills. Ultimately, Australian clinician Clinton Anderson was crowned the winner of the event, but the true winners were the horses and the audience who were treated to the skills of all three clinicians.
Road to the Horse 2003
Anderson and his colt were proclaimed the winners of El Camino del Caballo, a two-day challenge that featured Anderson, Curt Pate and Josh Lyons showcasing their skills in gentle horsemanship while entertaining the audience. Anderson won a silver belt buckle, and all three received El Camino del Caballo jackets and a gift package from Rio Vista Products. Held in Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 12-13, at Cowtown Coliseum in the Historic Stockyards, El Camino del Caballo was produced by Ride the Remuda Production, and hosted by Rick Lamb, of “The Horse Show” national radio program. Judges were horse experts Robert Moorhouse, Michael B. Richardson, Jack Brainard, Buster McLaurey and Dr. Bob Miller.
The Humble Beginnings of Road to the Horse
In 2003, a small crowd gathered at the Cowtown Coliseum in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards to watch Clinton Anderson, Curt Pate and Josh Lyons compete in the El Camino del Caballo Challenge. From these modest and humble beginnings, Road to the Horse has developed into a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring fans from around the world to develop a deeper understanding of the horse.
A vision of Steven and Tootie Bland, Road to the Horse was created with passion and perseverance. Steven and Tootie were believers in a message they wanted to share with the world. The message: create a relationship which is based on a foundation of trust with the horse, and everything else can be accomplished.
