In the closest scoring competition in the history of the event, less than approximately 8 points per judge separated each competitor. There was no mistaking, Vicki Wilson was different but there wasn’t any doubting her horsemanship. 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.

“This isn’t about being a cowgirl anymore, it’s all about horsemanship” stated the first lady of Road to the Horse, Stacy Westfall, as the competition moved into the final round on Day 3.

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. 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. This cowgirl may have had a broken wing, but she certainly showed ‘Kentucky’ how to fly.

“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. I believe our job as riders and trainers around the world is to inspire the next generation, to get kids to believe that anything is possible in this life and if we want something bad enough, you have to work hard and be prepared to sacrifice and chase those dreams” Wilson stated as she admired her Gist Silversmith Championship buckle. “Never stop chasing dreams.”

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.

It’s almost a tradition that the winner of Road to the Horse chooses to purchase their colt to continue their training, Wilson didn’t break tradition.

“Yes, ‘Kentucky’ is coming back to New Zealand. It’s a bit of a trip for him, but he deserves it. He will become a new demo and clinic pony, he loves his jumping, so that is something we will develop. He is going to be a pretty cool kid.”

Media photos are available from Road to the Horse 2017, please email tammy@roadtothehorse.com for details.

Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.

The post Vicki Wilson takes the title at Road to the Horse 2017 appeared first on Road To The Horse.

The judging of Road to the Horse is based on specific colt starting criteria, while protecting the well-being of the horse. Judging considers that every horse is an individual and that there are many methods of horsemanship that are “natural” or respectful of the horse, its nature and how they learn. Judges watch and score every moment of interaction at Road to the Horse, it is not just the performance in the obstacle course that decides the next World Champion but every step and breath taken from beginning to end.

The Road to the Horse judges include Yvonne Barteau, Jack Brainard, Suzy Jeane, Dr. Jim Heird, Cody Lambert and Jeff Williams. Assisting the judges at Road to the Horse 2017 will be Judges Steward, Stormy Mullins.

Yvonne Barteau

Yvonne Barteau is one of this nation’s most celebrated riders and a lifelong horse trainer. She has earned her USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medals as well as her Gold, Silver and Bronze freestyle bars. Her Business KYB Dressage has trained over a dozen horses to the Grand Prix Level and over 50 to Prix St George. In 2015, her Holsteiner stallion GP Raymeister, was named Most Winning Horse in USDF history. Yvonne Barteau has published two award winning books. Her recent release The Dressage Horse Manifesto is the second of two books she has authored on horses. Ride the Right Horse, examines the impact of human and horse personalities and how they work together. Yvonne and her husband Kim are based out of Maple Park, Illinois.

Jack Brainard

Trainer, Breeder, Judge, Leader, Teacher, Author, Mentor and Friend are all accurate labels of Jack Brainard of Tioga, Texas, long known for his contributions to the equine industry and his lifelong commitment to horses and the people who enjoy them. Jack Brainard has bred and trained horses for over 54 years and judged for a variety of national horse associations for over 40 years. A true veteran judge of colt staring, Jack Brainard has never missed a year at Road to the Horse. He has judged every competitor, at every event.

Dr. Jim Heird

Dr. Jim Heird is Executive Professor and Coordinator of the Equine Initiative and holder of the Glenn Blodgett Equine Chair at Texas A&M University. Dr. Heird has an international reputation in the field of equine sciences. He has lectured on numerous topics both nationally and internationally. He has been a successful judging team coach, teacher, researcher and extension specialist. In 2017, Dr. Jim Heird was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Suzy Jeane:

AQHA judge and Professional Horsewoman, Suzy Jeane, has broken many barriers for women striving to be successful in the horse industry. Suzy was the 2005 Professional Horsewoman of the Year, and in 2000, she was the first female president of the National Snaffle Bit Association. Suzy has also shown two Reserve Congress champions in Western Pleasure. Suzy and her husband operate Down the Rail Farm, where they stand several of the top stallions in the nation including Zips Chocolate Chip, Radical Rodder, Chips Hot Chocolate, Radical Revolution, A Sudden Vantage, and Dress Western.

Cody Lambert:

Cody Lambert is a Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee and ten time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding and saddle bronc riding. Cody started his professional rodeo career in 1980 and has earned numerous titles throughout his career.  Cody was a PBR Co-Founder and qualified for the first three PBR World Finals. After the 1996 PBR World Finals he retired from competition and was awarded the PBR Ring of Honor, making him one of the first recipients along with Ted Nuce, Jim Shoulders and Harry Tompkins. Cody currently serves as Vice President of The PBR Board of Directors, as well as the organization’s Livestock Director.

Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams has been starting colts for numerous long-time clients that include the Haythorn Ranch, King Ranch, Beggs Ranch, Matador Ranch, Espuela Ranch, and the Muleshoe Ranch for over 20 years. Not only does Jeff Williams have an in-depth and lifelong understanding of the elements that create a perfect foundation for a developing colt, this is a cowboy who lives every day in the saddle.

For a complete profile on each individual judge. Click here.

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“Go big or go home has been the battle cry of Road to the Horse for 14 years and this year we have blown the doors off with more equestrian celebrities than there are stars in the heavens! If you’re passionate about horses, you won’t want to be anywhere else on Thursday March 23” states Road to the Horse Owner/Producer, Tootie Bland. “When we said we’re celebrating the cowgirl in 2017, we weren’t kidding!”

Who better than the First Lady of Road to the Horse, Ms. Stacy Westfall, to start the Celebration of the Cowgirl with a once-in-a-lifetime personal Cupcake Breakfast on Thursday, March 23, 2017. All fans are invited to an up-close and personal experience with Road to the Horse 2006 World Champion, Stacy Westfall. Hear in her own words how she became the “The First Lady of Road to the Horse.”

Road to the Horse 2017 is excited to welcome back past Road to the Horse World Champions Craig Cameron, Dan James and Nick Dowers as they each host individual personal clinics, stuffed with knowledge, presenting fans with amazing learning opportunities from champions who wear the coveted Road to the Horse Gist Silversmith buckle. Barbara Cox will be joining our celebrities on Thursday. After having to withdraw from the main competition with emergency back surgery, this courageous and gutsy cowgirl is on hand to teach and inspire other cowgirls.

After a Road to the Horse Meet-and-Greet with celebrities and competitors Sarah Dawson, Kate Neubert, Rachelle Valentine and Vicki Wilson, fans will have an opportunity to watch the Double Dan Insider horse Woodford perform. We’ll then meet the stars of the show in our Splash of Panache, when we gallop the AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch onto Road to the Horse dirt, for the very first time!

Road to the Horse 2017 tickets on sale now….

Sarah Dawson, Kate Neubert, Rachelle Valentine and Vicki Wilson have been announced as competitors at Road to the Horse 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, on March 23-26, 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.  Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information

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About Road to the Horse 2017 (March 23-26, 2017 – Lexington, Kentucky):

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. Fans at Road to the Horse, follow the journey and witness an accumulation of a lifetime of passion and knowledge be put to the test as elite clinicians from around the world face off for the coveted World Championship of Colt Starting title. Fans witness partnerships develop before their very eyes, they witness the setbacks and witness the triumphs, as competitors build a relationship with an untouched 3-year-old American Quarter Horse which will then be put to the ultimate test, where only one can walk away with the World Championship of Colt Starting title.

Sponsorship and Media opportunities available by contacting Tammy Sronce at tammy@roadtothehorse.com or by calling 940.859.6512.

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Call her a dreamer, but for the last decade Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland has working to bring about two completely different worlds together. From the outside their differences are diverse, yet one thing remains true, whether you’re starting a quarter horse for the reining futurity, or a warmblood for the jumping pen, starting a young horse is all about creating a solid and trusting foundation. It’s not about being English or Western, it’s about starting a young horse with love and kindness. It’s about setting each horse up for success, regardless of their projected path. In a long enduring search, Bland’s ‘never give up or give in’ attitude landed her a rock star, an international showjumper, clinician, TV celebrity, author, cowgirl and New Zealand native by the name of Ms. Vicki Wilson.

“It took a little longer and was a bit tougher than planned but the dream of English joins Western on one common ground, in one arena for the betterment of all horses is finally here” states Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland. “Dynamite does come in small packages and Vicki Wilson is one firecracker of a horsewoman that who light up Road to the Horse this year with her own style of colt starting and a world class trust between her and her horses, who leap bareback over 7 foot walls of terror! Even Road to the Horse has outdone itself in the Celebration of the Cowgirl this year!”

In the greatest gathering of crème de la crème of cowgirls to ever share the dirt at Road to the Horse, we welcome not only our very first New Zealand competitor but our first English equestrian, who will gather her jodhpurs and helmet, and embark on an international trek to Lexington, KY, to chase a World Championship of Colt Starting title. Vicki Wilson will join fellow competitors Kate Neubert, Sarah Winters Dawson and Rachelle Valentine in the race for the 2017 World Championship of Colt Starting.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be invited to compete at Road to the Horse in 2017! It’s such a unique and prestigious event, I’m humbled to be involved” states New Zealand native Vicki Wilson. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to share my methods of starting horses under saddle, on the other side of the world!”

Vicki Wilson has always had a passion for riding and started her career in an unorthodox fashion at 3 years old, riding and training the family sheep. A few decades on, Vicki is one of New Zealand’s most successful and well-respected show jump riders, being known for her competitive edge and her ability to produce happy horses. She has won countless classes at the highest levels, right through to World Cup, and has consistently been in the winner’s circle since she won her first national title in 2004. At Horse of the Year, Vicki has won the Lowry Medallion five times and the Nationwide Cup nine times – more than any other rider in history. She has represented New Zealand in the winning Trans-Tasman Young Rider team three times and has ridden under the New Zealand flag in Europe, with many wins and placings.

Well regarded for her versatility, Vicki has won many national titles across the Show Jumping, Show Hunter and Showing disciplines, while creating a name for herself in the Southern Hemisphere through bareback and bridle-less demonstrations and jumping displays. Vicki amazed crowds in 2011 jumping a 6ft puissance wall bareback, in 2012 she jumped a car and in 2013 another horse.

Outside of the competition arena, Vicki is one of the country’s top horse trainers. Her specialties lie with fixing problem horses, the domestication of wild horses and colt starting, having started hundreds of horses over the last twenty years. She has a strong philosophy based on producing happy horses who love their work, and takes a holistic approach to horse welfare. Over the years, she has developed a reputation for successfully rehabilitating sore and difficult horses, having learnt that horses generally only show negative behavior as a reaction to pain or fear, and aims to foster confidence; working to find solutions rather than punishing symptoms.

Since 2012, alongside her sisters Kelly and Amanda, Vicki has become widely known for her work with wild horses, having tamed and advocated for the plight of New Zealand’s wild Kaimanawas, the American Mustangs and more recently the legendary Australian Brumbies. The Wilson Sisters made their reality television debut with their top-rated series Keeping up with the Kaimanawas, which has been followed by two documentaries and four best-selling books sharing their experiences working with horses around the globe. Learn more about Vicki Wilson at www.WilsonSisters.nz.

Road to the Horse 2017 tickets on sale now….

Sarah Winters Dawson, Kate Neubert and Rachelle Valentine have been announced as competitors at Road to the Horse 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, on March 23-26, 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.  Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information

The post Road to the Horse 2017 Competitor Vicki Wilson appeared first on Road To The Horse.

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Meet Dan James

A competitor, trainer, teacher, and performer, Dan James is setting the horse world on fire. Born on a cattle farm in Queensland, Australia, he began his lifelong passion for horses at an early age, starting his first colt in his teens. James began traveling the world as a student of the horse, developing the methods he uses today as Double Dan Horsemanship with his partner, Dan Steers. Recognized as a world class performer, James displays a connection with horses that inspires and excites audiences wherever he performs. From the thrill of Roman riding and cracking stock whips set on fire, to provoking emotion with beautiful liberty performances, James and his horses remind us all that through understanding and trust, anything is possible. A past Road to the Horse World Champion, it’s a pleasure to welcome Dan James back to Road to the Horse 2017. Learn more about the RTTH 2017/DDH Insider Horse Giveaway here. Learn more bout Dan James atwww.DoubleDanHorsemanship.com.

Road to the Horse 2017 tickets on sale now….

Road to the Horse 2017 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, on March 23-26, 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.

See the full list of Road to the Horse 2017 entertainers here.

The post Dan James joins entertainer lineup at Road to the Horse 2017 appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Today, the task of being the first woman World Champion in Road to the Horse does not seem that unusual or ground breaking but in 2006 Stacy Westfall faced the ultimate test of courage, horsemanship and the realization that she was now the one woman that carried the banner for all women under the microscope of Road to the Horse. Success comes to the brave and the pioneers of all generations and Stacy Westfall will forever be the 2006 RTTH World Champion, the First Lady of Road to the Horse. Stacy became the icon for all women that come to the cross roads of life, that face the decision to either run or stand and face the dragon with dignity, determination and the grace of God to believe in herself.

This year at Road to the Horse 2017 we celebrate the First Lady of Road to the Horse, Ms Stacy Westfall, and all she has accomplished. Road to the Horse is honored to welcome her to center stage as the Horsewoman’s Host, another first in Road to the Horse history. Stacy Westfall will pick up the microphone and join Road to the Horse Host, Matt West. With her expertise in the art of colt starting, she will share with us her personal experiences in 2006 and 2007 as a past Road to the Horse competitor and champion.

“It is without question in this year, as we celebrate the cowgirl at Road to the Horse, that our beloved Stacy Westfall would be the first RTTH Horsewoman’s Host” declares Tootie Bland. “We have walked through a lot of firsts and fires in our lives together, and there is no finer woman than Stacy Westfall to carry us forward once again.”

One decade later Stacy Westfall, Author, Cowgirl Hall of Famer, and Trail Blazer, will welcome the next generation of women and horsemanship at Road to the Horse, as the Road to the Horse 2017 cowgirl competitors, carry the torch of courage and belief in their skills as horsewomen, into the next decade.

The story of the First Lady of Road to the Horse…Westfall received her first pony at age six and has claimed to be “obsessed with horses from the beginning,” and continued working with horses throughout her childhood. While in high school, Westfall began competing in jumping and barrel racing. In 1997, the horsewoman earned an Equestrian Studies degree at The University of Findlay in Ohio. Unique to the freestyle reining competition at that time, Westfall was often bridleless and bareback. In 2003, she won the NRHA Freestyle Reining Competition, riding without a bridle. Her ride at the 2006 All American Quarter Horse Congress Freestyle created a sensation, earning national recognition after a video of her winning ride landed on YouTube and has since been viewed well over a million times. Stacy has produced several training DVD’s and continues to educate fellow horse lovers. Stacy and husband Jessie Westfall, founded Westfall Horsemanship, a training facility in Ohio where they live with their three boys. Learn more about Stacy Westfall here.

Road to the Horse 2017 tickets on sale now….

Road to the Horse 2017 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, on March 23-26, 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.  Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information

The post First Lady of Road to the Horse to Host in 2017 appeared first on Road To The Horse.

“In the inner circles of colt starting the name Neubert rings loud and clear for innovation, tradition and excellence” states Road to the Horse Owner/Producer, Tootie Bland. “Ms Kate is the second generation of a family legacy that has quietly and diligently built a better foundation from the inside out in the horse industry. Still water runs deep in this cowgirl and if you didn’t know this extraordinary horsewoman before, you will not soon forget Kate Neubert when the discussion turns to the best horsewomen of our decade.”

Kate grew up in Northern California riding, roping and starting a variety of horses with her father. The experience and knowledge she gained throughout her childhood ultimately led her to a career in the performance horse industry. Kate has worked in the cutting, reining and cowhorse industries, training horses and competing in all three disciplines.

Kate’s passion for developing young performance horses has been crucial to her success. She strives to build a strong foundation in young horses, ultimately seeing the results of her work as the horses’ progress to competition. Kate also enjoys showing and helping clients progress in and out of the show pen. Some of her achievements include winning the 2012 PCCHA Intermediate Open Futurity and advancing two horses to the semi-finals at the 2014 NCHA Futurity, her first year to show at the prestigious event. Kate is approaching $200,000 in NCHA earnings.

Kate’s enthusiasm for learning and helping reaches beyond her job. She is an active member of Atascadero Bible Church where she participates in local community service events. Kate has also traveled to Turkey and Croatia to do service work with her church. Kate is excited for future opportunities to show great horses and she continues to be an integral part of MC Cutting Horses in Los Olivos, CA. Learn more at www.MCCuttingHorses.com.

Road to the Horse 2017 tickets on sale now….

Barbara Cox, Sarah Winters Dawson and Rachelle Valentine have been announced as competitors at Road to the Horse 2017, they will join newcomer Kate Neubert. Road to the Horse 2017 will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, on March 23-26, 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.  Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information

The post Kate Neubert to enter the final Round Pen at Road to the Horse 2017 appeared first on Road To The Horse.

We’ve been rolling out a colt a day and they’re finally complete. Meet the 12 colts in the AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch that is destined for Road to the Horse 2017.

Years of history, champions and legends are brought together to represent not only the most versatile breed in the world, but one of the most respected ranches in history. Hand selected by the 6666 Ranch Horse Division Manager and past AQHA President, Dr. Glenn Blodgett, these untouched geldings will celebrate their third birthday in 2017.

These colts will make their way to Lexington, KY.  The AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch will be presented for sale to the general public during Road to the Horse 2017. For information contact the 6666 Ranch or visit their booth on the main concourse at Road to the Horse 2017.

Meet the AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch here. 

The post View the Complete 2017 RTTH Remuda Now! appeared first on Road To The Horse.

“You may not have paid much attention to the Pen Wranglers of the past, but maybe you should have” says Road to the Horse Owner/Producer, Tootie Bland. “They are the eyes, ears, co-strategizers and keepers of the emotions and encouragements that each clinician depends on. This year if I were looking through the panels and saw any one of these Pen Wranglers in my corner I would feel like the US Calvary had just arrived!”

Chris Cox, Richard Winters and Sean Patrick (L-R).

Standing behind the WW Livestock gate of Barbara Cox’s round pen will be the support of her husband and 4x undefeated Road to the Horse World Champion, Chris Cox. Our most decorated Road to the Horse Champion, Chris Cox could author the playbook of this prestigious colt starting competition.

Veteran Road to the Horse competitor Sarah Winters Dawson designated her father and past Road to the Horse 2009 World Champion Richard Winters to act as her Pen Wrangler in 2017. A fan favorite Richard Winters is not only a past Road to the Horse World Champion, both Richard and Sarah have been crowned multiple World Championships in NRCHA competition.

Road to the Horse newcomer and 2017 competitor, Rachelle Valentine also brings with her a wealth of experience with Pen Wrangler and business partner, Sean Patrick. No stranger to Road to the Horse fans, Floridian horseman Sean Patrick has enjoyed much success in the Road to the Horse Wildcard competition.

Road to the Horse 2017 is a celebration of the cowgirl guaranteed to educate, entertain and inspire. With a packed entertainment lineup and an enormous shopping experience, history will certainly be made in 2017. Road to the Horse 2017 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425.  Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information

The post Pen Wrangler Lineup of Champions at Road to the Horse 2017 appeared first on Road To The Horse.