Brownshadel Tops Intermediate Open/Barko Wins Limited Open and Rookie Professional

When Carlie Thompson of Whitesboro, Texas, couldn’t show her horse, Paid By Corona, due to college classes, her trainer, Casey Hinton, decided to late enter the stallion in the Southwest Reining Horse Association $2,500 Added Open.

The decision proved to be worth $1,342. Hinton, on Paid By Corona, a 6-year-old by Paid By Chic, came in as the first entry in the 9-horse class, and his score of 150.5 held strong.

“He’s normally very consistent and has been that way his whole career,” noted Hinton, who trained and rode the stallion to finalists finishes at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic. “He’s probably won about $50,000. He’s been there for me. He’s a lot of horse in a little package. You wouldn’t know he was a stallion – he’s like a pet.”

Although Thompson wasn’t able to show Paid By Corona in the Non Pro divisions earlier in the day, she was able to make it in time to see her horse go, and hold the Morrison bronze in the win photo. Thanks to sponsorship from Jordan Larson, she also received a Bob’s Custom Saddle.

Just a scant half-point behind Hinton was Jordan Larson and Strike Em Out, earning a pay check for $1,007. Strike Em Out, by Rowdy Yankee, is owned by Tom Lange and Leslie Vagneur, both of Greeley, Colorado.

Twenty-two entries competed in the Intermediate Open division, and it was Patty Brownshadel of Hempstead, Texas, who took the title and accompanying check for $627. Her partner for the class was her home-bred stallion, Im The Chic Magnet. “I asked him to go hard, and he said ‘Let’s go!'” she said. “He’s a happy horse, extremely good natured, and he wants to please. He’s definitely a big baby.”

Patty might have had a good idea of her horse’s training program before it even began, because she trained and showed his sire, Magnum Chic Dream. “He’s a lot like his dad. They both have the same great attitude and both are very athletic,” she explained.

Intermediate Open Reserve honors went to Todd Arvidson, who marked a 147.5 on Cracker Jac Whiz. Owned by Bowling Arvidson Ventures of Purcell, Oklahoma, Cracker Jac Whiz earned a check for $431.

Bobby Barko not only nabbed his first win at the SWRHA – he also claimed his second, winning both the Limited Open and the Rookie Professional on Mr Tivio Whiz. Their score of 147.5 resulted in a $462 payday. “He felt amazing today,” Barko noted of Mr Tivio Whiz, nicknamed Rudy. “He warmed up good, felt good, and I was just praying he’d show as well as he warmed up.”

Barko, who works for Griffin Quarter Horses in Oklahoma, has been riding Rudy for two months. “He’s a really nice little horse. I really appreciate Geri Greenall for letting me show him,” he said. “Geri is in Canada and couldn’t be here, but she watched the run on the webcast and was thrilled. She loves her horse!”

Barko also thanked Lance, Samantha, and Terry Griffin, along with his boss, accomplished trainer Cody Sapergia.

The SWRHA Futurity and Horse Show, held in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, has become a must-attend for those competitors preparing for the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Horse Show.

Built in 1937, the historic Hardy Murphy Coliseum has been a mainstay as an Ardmore tourist attraction. Primarily designed to host horse and livestock shows, recent renovations to the facility have given it the flexibility to host even more events. Along with the space upgrades that allow the facility to stall 500 horses, the addition of air conditioning provides Hardy Murphy with the competitive ability to attract national and regional events. The renovations have resulted in a premier competitive equine facility.

For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.