Flashy, athletic horses are turning heads at major Canadian events, proving once again that Paints are truly marked for greatness.
At the inaugural Canadian Snaffle Bit Futurity November 6–8 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Noreen Fenske and Spooks Delta Dude, her 2007 bay tovero stallion by Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Deltas Spicy Diamonds, captured the championship in the Non-Pro Bridle class, earning $820.
“Spook” was bred by Jim and Cheryl Lucas of Trout Creek, Montana, and trained by his non-pro owner, Noreen since his 2-year-old year; read more about Noreen’s program, Down the Fenske, and Spook in the January 2018 Paint Horse Journal’s Member Profile.
“I just entered the competition to have a nice, smooth run before the end of the season; we hadn’t had the kinds of runs I know we’re capable of all year,” Noreen said. “Our first cow got whistled out for being too aggressive, but the second cow was just what we needed! I knew it was one of our best runs in a long time, but I didn’t expect to stand at the top of the board!”
The victory is especially sweet for Noreen and Spook, as the stalwart stallion only recently recovered from a hoof puncture incurred at the first show of the season.
Spook’s offspring helped double down on the success, too. DFN Spooky Cat, a 2015 sorrel tovero gelding by Spook and out of Omega Kitty (QH), captured championships in both the Limited Open and Open futurities with trainer Tyler Darroch of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada, in the saddle. “Little Larry” brought home more than $6,000 for his efforts.
“I didn’t take ‘Little Larry’ to get started until August 2017, but it wasn’t long after that Tyler told me this one was going to be a good one,” Noreen said. “It was more than amazing to come to such a big event and have both boys come home as champions; I hope we’ve opened more eyes to the fact that Paints can be cow horses, too!”
Earlier in the year, one Paint rose to the top at the Canadian Supreme Cutting, which took place September 11–16 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Frecknsweet, a 2015 red roan solid mare by Sweet Lil Pepto (QH) and out of Dandy Lil Freck, captured wins in the Open to the World Futurity and the Canadian Supreme Open Futurity with Dustin Gronnet in the saddle, earning more than $16,000 in the process. Frecknsweet is owned by Doug and Angie Wiens of Lindell Beach, British Columbia, Canada.
Own or show Paints succeeding in international events? The Paint Horse Journal wants to know! Email [email protected] with information about your horse’s success for consideration.
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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.