Showcasing real-world ranch horses while putting a premium on fun, friendly competition, APHA’s all-breed Ranch Work Championships paid out $25,000 to competitors on September 19 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The event featured three events: ranch penning, ranch course and ranch roping, all of which are limited to walk/trot only. Open to all breeds, the timed-event placings generated three sets of divisional awards, allows riders of all skill levels to shine amongst their peers.
“What a night we had. The atmosphere and the competition was like none other,” APHA Senior Director of Marketing, Membership & Special Events Steven Hayes said. “The competitors are so passionate and to watch the horses they use every day come to the arena and compete for a championship is truly special.”
Leanne Jetton of Stephenville, Texas, ended up as the high-money winner of the night riding three different horses to win six checks for a total of $5,221.34. Aboard Pocos Sonnydee Sedona, a 2013 bay overo mare owned by Lynn Faust of Weatherford, Texas, Leanne snagged an additional $500 for having the highest-placing Paint Horse in the Ranch Penning.
“This was my first Ranch Work Championships to enter, and I’m glad I did!” Leanne said. “We didn’t know where I would end up exact until the very end, and with the D system it really moves things around. Even if you didn’t have the fast time, you can still win a ton by just being consistent.”
Fellow competitor Brent Bennett of Grandview, Texas, agreed. He was ranch roping champion in the 1D aboard TSU HBS Perfect Gin.
“These events are the highlight of my year. The production is great, the cattle are good and we have a ton of fun,” Brent said. “I do this type of work every day, so being able to come in and compete like I work is so much fun, plus I have won money at every Ranch Work Championships I’ve attended.”
Primarily a team-roping announcer, Ferron Lucero announced this year’s Ranch Work Championships, rocking the house with his witty sayings and excellent music choices.
“I was fortunate enough to have announced the last Ranch Work Championships at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Watching these cowboys and cowgirls competing in real cowboy events is a blast.” Ferron said. “Its truly special to watch the passion and competitiveness shine in all the competitors to the bitter end. If you ride a horse, you should enter this event!”
Congratulations to our overall all-around winners:
1D Champion: Leanne Jetton, Stephenville, Texas
1D Reserve: Tom Neel, Weatherford, Texas
2D Champion: Randy Burns, Emory, Texas
2D Reserve: Leanne Jetton, Stephenville, Texas
3D Champion: Reece Nichols, Henderson, Texas
3D Reserve: Mallory Nichols, Henderson, Texas
Congratulations to the $500 cash bonus winners as the highest-placing Paint Horses:
- Ranch Penning: Pocos Sonnydee Sedona, riding by Leanne Jetton
2013 bay overo mare owned by Lynn Faust of Weatherford, Texas
- Ranch Course: GVG Pepto Chic Olena, riding by Justin Stanton
2014 sorrel tobiano mare owned by Randy Head of Sylvester, Texas
- Ranch Roping: Color Me Marked, riding by Tom Neel
2016 bay tobiano gelding owned by Claire Armstrong of Weatherford, Texas
For full results, please visit ranchworkchampionships.com.
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About APHA
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 promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.
About Ranch Work Championships
The Ranch Work Championships are all-breed, timed events based on authentic work done on a ranch, with the emphasis of efficient and proper cattle handling. The championships consist of three events – ranch course, ranch penning, and ranch roping.