Kammi Kern Norton of Bloomfield, Ind., and THF Hollywood Chrome have earned the 2009 American Ranch Horse Association Ranch Horse Versatility Champion title, and Wendy Bink of Argyle, N.Y., and Dustys Jackinthebox took home the Ranch Horse Versatility Reserve Champion title. Lia Savas, of Huntington, N.Y., and Yo Quiero Cat came in third place overall. A program formed in 2009, the ARHA Ranch Horse Versatility competition comprises five events-ranch riding, ranch trail, ranch cutting, working ranch horse and ranch conformation-that are hosted at shows throughout the year.

Kammi Kern Norton and THF Hollywood Chrome: Ranch Horse Versatility Champion

Norton purchased “Woody,” now a 7-year-old Palomino gelding, as a 3-year-old. She showed him in the trail, ranch riding and confirmation portions of the Versatility competitions, and her trainer, Ben Bowman of Sanborn, Ind., rode him in the ranch cutting and working ranch horse classes. Of the classes, Norton says ranch riding is Woody’s strongest because he’s very correct and consistent.

“Even though we were both learning at the same time, he was the best horse for me to start reining and cow work. He is not one of those horses that requires a lot of training or riding to get ready for a show or event. Anyone can ride him-Ben’s little girl, Ellie, who is 4, rides him,” Norton said.

She set out with the goal of winning the Versatility Champion title but wasn’t sure they’d make it because the competition was very close throughout the year. “I was very surprised when I found out that Woody had won,” said Norton.

Wendy Bink and Dustys Jackinthebox: Ranch Horse Versatility Reserve Champion

Bink has owned “Jack,” an APHA gelding, since his birth in 2000. She owns his dam and bred her to a local stallion. She has been his sole trainer and uses him for everything from ponying colts to giving rides to her young sons.

Bink says Jack’s strongest class and one of her own favorites in Versatility is ranch riding: “My favorite class is a toss up between ranch riding and working cow horse. I love to create a horse that is such a pleasure to ride that appears as if there is no rider involvement. Working cow horse is such a complex class but has so many variables to it, it’s always a challenge. Going down the fence and then circling up is a blast!”

Formed in 2004, the American Ranch Horse Association promotes the abilities of the all-around versatile working horse in a positive atmosphere where western tradition is genuinely honored. Rapidly growing with more than 7,000 members, ARHA hosts competitions, clinics and educational events throughout the year.

Awards were presented during the banquet at the National Convention in Lexington, Ky., in February. For information about ARHA award programs, visit www.americanranchhorse.net or call 606-271-2963.