Alyson Rodges and Repeat Plan had a stellar showing at the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Snaffle Bit Futurity, which took place September 21–October 3 in Reno, Nevada. The duo took home a big win in the Non-Pro Limited horse show class, earning a check for more than $1,200 along with a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a Gist Silversmiths custom buckle and other great prizes.
Alyson’s longtime partnership with “Repeat” played to their advantage, as each horse and rider combination only had one run to show their stuff. The limited cow horse class starts with dry work, or an abbreviated reining pattern; then, the exhibitor “boxes” a cow—demonstrating the horse’s ability to contain the cow at the end of the arena—for a designated time period.
“He was just right there. When I nailed my circles, it made me feel so confident going into my first rundown,” Alyson said. “My goal going into this show was to plus my spins since I’m not known for doing it. Repeat can, but I haven’t been able to get it done with consistency. I had a pretty good cow, and Repeat was right there really braking hard and moving through his turns.”
Jim and Jo Anne Carollo of Atascadero, California, bred the 2003 bay tobiano gelding by A Master Plan and out of Lenas Solana (QH). Repeat was already a solid performer when Alyson bought him in 2008, and it was love at first sight when she saw the gelding at the Carollos’ ranch.
“As we drove up, there was the sorrel horse I was supposed to be trying, and tied to the post next to him was this beautiful Paint Horse,” Alyson said. “He was stunning. I was in love.”
Showing at the Snaffle Bit Futurity—one of the NRCHA’s biggest events of the year—can be intimidating, but Alyson made a conscious decision a few weeks before the show to just enjoy Repeat.
“He’s 13 years old, and I don’t know how many more of these I get. Each run starts to become more precious as they get older,” Alyson said. “I think all of that culminated at this show for me. I wanted to enjoy it, and it really came together.”
Alyson appreciates the camaraderie she enjoys with her fellow exhibitors, as well as the special bond she shares with Repeat.
“Everyone’s so sweet and joyful. They know how special he is,” Alyson said. “It’s rare to have a performance horse who’s had the longevity that Repeat’s had. It was awesome, and it was thrilling. I loved it!”
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The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.