Contributed Courtesy APHA, Photography Courtesy APHA Journal

Showcasing real-world ranch horses while putting a premium on fun, friendly competition, APHA’s all-breed Ranch Work Championships paid out $25,000 to competitors on September 19 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The event featured three events: ranch penning, ranch course and ranch roping, all of which are limited to walk/trot only. Open to all breeds, the timed-event placings generated three sets of divisional awards, allows riders of all skill levels to shine amongst their peers.

“What a night we had. The atmosphere and the competition was like none other,” APHA Senior Director of Marketing, Membership & Special Events Steven Hayes said. “The competitors are so passionate and to watch the horses they use every day come to the arena and compete for a championship is truly special.”

Leanne Jetton of Stephenville, TX, ended up as the high-money winner of the night riding three different horses to win six checks for a total of $5,221.34. Aboard Pocos Sonnydee Sedona, a 2013 bay overo mare owned by Lynn Faust of Weatherford, Leanne snagged an additional $500 for having the highest-placing Paint Horse in the Ranch Penning.

“This was my first Ranch Work Championships to enter, and I’m glad I did!” Leanne said. “We didn’t know where I would end up exact until the very end, and with the D system it really moves things around. Even if you didn’t have the fast time, you can still win a ton by just being consistent.”

Fellow competitor Brent Bennett of Grandview, agreed. He was ranch roping champion in the 1D aboard TSU HBS Perfect Gin.

“These events are the highlight of my year. The production is great, the cattle are good and we have a ton of fun,” Brent said. “I do this type of work every day, so being able to come in and compete like I work is so much fun, plus I have won money at every Ranch Work Championships I’ve attended.”
Primarily a team-roping announcer, Ferron Lucero announced this year’s Ranch Work Championships, rocking the house with his witty sayings and excellent music choices.

“I was fortunate enough to have announced the last Ranch Work Championships at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Watching these cowboys and cowgirls competing in real cowboy events is a blast.” Ferron said. “Its truly special to watch the passion and competitiveness shine in all the competitors to the bitter end. If you ride a horse, you should enter this event!”

For full results, please visit ranchworkchampionships.com. 🎠