Photos and Story by Ross Hecox – Western Horseman

Wade Black returned to Road to the Horse competition and claimed the prestigious colt-starting championship in grand fashion. Held March 25–28 in Fort Worth, Texas, the Idaho horseman earned the $75,000 winner’s check riding Sixes Ridinghood, a Four Sixes Ranch gelding by Sixes Pick and out of Red Ridinghood.

Black won the wild card division of Road to the Horse in 2019, which earned him a spot in the RTTH main competition. He was slated to compete against renowned horsemen Craig Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas, and Ken McNabb of Lovell, Wyoming. However, RTTH 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With continued restrictions in place in Lexington, Kentucky, where the event has been held since 2013, show organizers moved the 2021 location to Cowtown Coliseum in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Fans filled the stands to cheer for Black, Cameron and McNabb.

Black says that his 2021 horse was more challenging than his 2019 wild card horse.

“I didn’t know if we would make it around any obstacles [in the final round],” says Black of Homedale, Idaho. “Because in the previous rounds, I’d ask him to do something, and he’d get frustrated and kind of shut down on me. So I was fortunate today, and there were so many people praying for me. It was awesome today. He was a different horse. He had a lot of life and was bucking and on the verge of running off. But I can take that. I’d rather have that than him sulled up and not moving.”

Despite three broncy moments, Black stayed aboard, and judges credited the horseman for remaining calm and patient. By the end of the round, Sixes Ridinghood completed the obstacle course with a relaxed and willing demeanor. Black earned 1,417 points during the competition. In Round 1, Black built a 41-point lead over his fellow competitors, and he held his lead over the remaining two rounds. McNabb scored 1,373 total points, and Cameron earned 1,300.

RTTH 2021 once again included a wild card division, and it included Cole Cameron of Bluff Dale, Texas, Wylene Davis of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and Craig Moore of May, Texas. Cameron, the son of main competitor Craig Cameron, won the division on Sixes Wrapper, by Sixes Pick and out of Pink Wrapper.

“Once they announced me for Road to the Horse [wild card competitor], I didn’t know how much of a chance I had to win this,” Cameron says. “But for the past two years I have borne down and worked with my dad day-in and day-out, working with colts and starting tough ranch horses. I was pretty confident coming into this. After being here and winning this, I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and I see where I need to slow some things down when I compete next year.”

After winning the wild card, Cameron will compete as a main competitor at RTTH in 2022. The annual event strives to entertain and educate fans in the art of natural horsemanship. Contestants have three days to start an untrained 3-year-old gelding bred and raised by the Four Sixes Ranch of Guthrie, Texas. The first two days each include an hour and 45 minutes of roundpen work. The final day includes 20 minutes of roundpen work, and then 35 minutes to complete rail work and an obstacle course.

The post Wade Blacks Wins Road to the Horse 2021 Title appeared first on Road To The Horse.

RTTH 2021 will feature beautiful, wild colts from 6666 Ranch. The Championship competitors will be Craig Cameron, Ken McNabb, and Wade Black. The Wild Card competition will feature three of the nation’s best up-and-coming colt starters with Wylene Davis, Cole Cameron and Craig Moore.

Watch it all live and on-demand! And relive 2019 Road to the Horse on replay.

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On Thursday March 25, immediately following the Wild Card clinics, Dan & Elizabeth James will be conducting a Introduction to Liberty Clinic. The liberty clinic will provide fans with insight into how to start your horse at liberty, as well as performances by these five talented liberty trainers:

Melissa Barnett – Flower Mound, Texas

Melissa started her journey in the Liberty Discipline in December 2019. She immediately was hooked after attending her first clinic, and couldn’t wait to continue learning with her horses. Since then, she has become a member of the ILHA and the Southwest Liberty Horse Club and loves to compete and try new things with her liberty horses. Melissa first learned with her mustang gelding, Jamaican Me Marley, and couldn’t wait to add her other gelding, Holy Smokes to the team! Learning to communicate with horses at liberty is her favorite experience in the horse industry so far and has greatly improved her overall horsemanship and relationship with her horses. Liberty training has given Melissa something new and challenging to do with her horses and introduced her to some really wonderful, supportive people. It’s a community that Melissa is proud to be a part of. 

Candace Snow – Aubrey, Texas

Candace Snow is working with her Quarter Horse, Cayenne. She started riding at 6 and continued through her teens. She took a break for about 30 years then saw Dan James perform and knew she wanted to learn more about Liberty. She loves the Liberty discipline because it lets her horses express their personality but still stay tuned into cues. Liberty has transformed her relationship with Cayenne as it taught them to trust and listen to each other. The International Liberty Horse Association lets her compete in disciplined patterns and have fun with the freestyle class.

Patrick Sullivan – Collinsville, Texas

At 26 years old, Patrick took his first horsemanship lesson in March 2015. He did not grow up around horses, nor was he passionate about them until much later in life.  Patrick grew up in Dallas, TX but was not involved with horses, instead had a passion for soccer. He played high school, collegiate, and professional soccer. Patrick coached collegiate soccer for 4 years starting in 2011, and was the head soccer coach for a high school. In 2015, Patrick graduated with his MBA in International Management from the University of Houston- Victoria.  Once Patrick found horses in 2015, he was hooked. He was constantly learning and wanting to develop his skills. Over the past 6 years, he has accomplished as much as he could have ever imagined in such a short period of time.  During the 6 years, Patrick has done the following: 

• Completed Parelli Level 4 within a year and a half with the horse he started, Gami. 
• Studied and interned with Ryan Rose, professional Brooklyn, WI. 
• Worked with Dan James, of DDH since 2019. Since then has competed in the Mustang Makeover (TX), finishing Top 20 and 2nd in the newcomers. 
• Finished Second in the Freestyle Pro Division in the ILHA Championships last October. 
• Current Judging Coordinator for the International Liberty Horse Association

Patrick and Gamilah, will be traveling from California to Kentucky, riding completely at Liberty, bareback and bridleless.  Doing so all in the name of charity and liberty, while giving back to people and horses!  Journey Begins: April 16, 2021

Elliot and Caitie Holtzman – Gainesville, Texas

Elliot and Caitie Holtzman own and operate Versatile Horsemanship, LLC. Together as a team they host clinics and teach lessons, along with offering colt starting and training for versatile performance horses. Elliot grew up trail riding and learning some basic jumping. Caitie grew up at AQHA shows and saddle club playdays. Both have been past competitors in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, and have more recently competed in Ranch Horse Versatility. Elliot and Caitie have become accomplished competitors within the International Liberty Horse Association since its inaugural event in 2019. Caitie was the 2020 Freestyle Champion in the Pro Division as well as overall with her team of horses. They are excited to be stepping into the Reined Cow Horse and Reining disciplines in 2021. Elliot and Caitie both continue to study under more accomplished horsemen and aim to incorporate their formal and informal educations and experience into their horsemanship. Caitie is a graduate of North Central Texas College’s Equine Program and Texas A&M University—Commerce’s Agriculture Science Bachelor’s and Master’s program. Elliot is a 2014 recipient of the Legacy of Legends Scholarship. Along with their horse training business, Elliot and Caitie also manage the Southwest Liberty Horse Club; which is an active chapter of the International Liberty Horse Association. Caitie is also the Club Coordinator for the International Liberty Horse Association, and both are carded judges within the association.

The post The International Liberty Horse Association with Dan & Elizabeth James appeared first on Road To The Horse.

1. A dedicated sanitation team is routinely deep cleaning high-traffic areas before, during and after operating hours.
2. The Cowtown Coliseum monitors the CDC, as well as national, state and local health officials for best practices.

View the current Tarrant County Executive Order here.

Please note Cowtown Coliseum concession stands, as well as the Road to the Horse booth, will be cashless and require a credit or debit card.

The post Feel Confident About Attending Events at Cowtown Coliseum appeared first on Road To The Horse.

Returning to its Texas roots, Road to the Horse 2021 will host the same talented line up from the postponed 2020 event. Championship competitors competing are Wade Black, Craig Cameron, and Ken McNabb. The Wild Card competition will feature three of the nation’s best up and coming colt starters and include Wylene Davis, Cole Cameron and Craig Moore.

Road to the Horse is dedicated to educating fans in the art of natural horsemanship. Year after year Road to the Horse has been an innovative force as it looks back to respect tradition while moving forward in pursuit of its vision. The coronavirus pandemic created new challenges for the event, and Kentucky state regulations will prevent the event from returning to Lexington in 2021. Undeterred, Road to the Horse continues to move forward with the same tenacity and pioneering spirit from which it was established.  

“The health and safety of our attendees is our paramount concern, and a comprehensive plan will be in place to create a safe and enjoyable event,” stated Morris Media Network President Tina Battock. “The history Road to the Horse has in Texas is undeniable. There’s not a better place to celebrate the event and what it means to all those associated with it, than deep in the heart of Texas.”

The refund process for the Kentucky event ticket holders will begin next week. Additional ticket and event information will be available soon at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Ticket sales will be limited to comply with state regulations.

The post Road to the Horse Announces Move from Kentucky to Texas for 2021 Event appeared first on Road To The Horse.

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Roots run deep in Texas for Road to the Horse. This year, the prestigious colt starting competition will make the unprecedented move from the Kentucky Horse Park to Fort Worth, Texas, for the 2021 event. Road to the Horse 2021 will retain the same dates, during the last weekend of March, and will work diligently to comply with all health and safety protocols for attendees. Additional event details, including venue specifics, will be released next week.

Returning to its Texas roots, Road to the Horse 2021 will host the same talented line up from the postponed 2020 event. Championship competitors competing are Wade Black, Craig Cameron, and Ken McNabb. The Wild Card competition will feature three of the nation’s best up and coming colt starters and include Wylene Davis, Cole Cameron and Craig Moore.

Road to the Horse is dedicated to educating fans in the art of natural horsemanship. Year after year Road to the Horse has been an innovative force as it looks back to respect tradition while moving forward in pursuit of its vision. The coronavirus pandemic created new challenges for the event, and Kentucky state regulations will prevent the event from returning to Lexington in 2021. Undeterred, Road to the Horse continues to move forward with the same tenacity and pioneering spirit from which it was established.  

“The health and safety of our attendees is our paramount concern, and a comprehensive plan will be in place to create a safe and enjoyable event,” stated Morris Media Network President Tina Battock. “The history Road to the Horse has in Texas is undeniable. There’s not a better place to celebrate the event and what it means to all those associated with it, than deep in the heart of Texas.”

The refund process for the Kentucky event ticket holders will begin next week. Additional ticket and event information will be available soon at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Ticket sales will be limited to comply with state regulations.

Ticket Information

Will my Road to the Horse 2021 ticket be refunded?

Yes. All Road to the Horse 2021 KENTUCKY ticket holders will receive a full refund. Refunds will be automatically processed, there are no additional steps you need to take. Ticket holders may call the Customer Support Team at 1-800-514-3849 with additional questions.

When will my refund be processed?

Please allow between 8-12 weeks for your refund to be processed. The ticket company is handling multiple event refunds so there may be a short delay, but all tickets will be fully refunded.

How will my refund be processed?

The credit card you used to purchase your Road to the Horse 2021 tickets will be credited. If you purchased tickets with cash or no longer have the credit card that was used to make the purchase, a refund will be made via a mailed check.

How do I get a refund for my 2021 VIP Experience Ticket?

Your Road to the Horse VIP Experience ticket will be refunded and you will have first option to purchase RTTH 2021 Texas VIP Tickets

Who do I contact with additional questions?

Ticket holders may call the Customer Support Team at 1-800-514-3849 with additional questions. If you have questions regarding your RTTH VIP Experience Ticket please call the Road to the Horse office at (325) 736-5000.

When can I buy tickets for Road to the Horse 2021?

Road to the Horse 2021 Texas tickets will be available soon. Roadies who are current Legacy Seat Holders will have first option to purchase. Watch for upcoming announcements on RoadtotheHorse.com and on RTTH social media platforms.

Can’t find what your looking for? Contact the Road to the Horse Office at (325) 736-5000

The post RTTH 2021 COVID Update appeared first on Road To The Horse.

RTTH 2020 Event Notices:

Press Release for May 11, 2020
Press Release for March 12, 2020
Press Release for March 10, 2020

Road to the Horse Ticket Information:
Find Road to the Horse ticket information and answers to frequently asked questions here. Tickets holder may also call the ticket office Customer Support team at 1-800-514-3849.

Personal Resources:

What to Do If You Are Sick
If you’re not feeling well, follow this step by step guide to get the help you need.

Steps Taken by States to Address Coronavirus
Looking for your state’s COVID-19 social restrictions? Find your state’s restriction’s here.

Coping with the Stress of COVID-19
Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Coping with stress will make you, and everyone around you, stronger. Follow these tips to help you manage your COVID-19 concerns.

Business Resources:

CARES Act Information
Learn more about the resources available to small business as released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce here.

U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 Relief Options
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) established several new temporary programs to help small businesses address the outbreak. Learn more about Small Business Administration resources and relief options here.

Unemployment Benefits Finder
Check with your state’s unemployment insurance program for the most up to date information.

• Unemployment Benefits Finder by State
• U.S. Department of Labor Unemployment Benefits FAQ

Equestrian Resources:

Equine Disease Communication Center
Find COVID-19 information that impacts you as a horse owner from the EDCC here.

United Horse Coalition
A comprehensive list of resources for horse owners, non-profits, businesses and industry employees during the pandemic, including helpful infographics.

Barrel Horse News
Finds event updates, cancellations and postponements from resources complied by Barrel Horse News.

Quarter Horse News
Get the latest updates from the quarter horse industry with Quarter Horse News. You’ll find COVID-19 information, event notices and training tips here.

Western Horseman
Find great stories, articles and training tips here. You may like to try these great recipes from Western Horsman or check out their collection of books available online.

Road to the Horse Social Channels
We’re very social! This is a great time to visit RTTH on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates, member profiles, training tips and event information.

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