ProRodeo Sports News - Nov. 1, 2024

PRCA HONORS

BY ALEX DODD Success in the sport of rodeo doesn’t fall on just the cowboys and cowgirls. Their horses play just as big of factor when they step foot in the arena. The Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA awards provide recognition to ProRodeo’s top horses. Year’s Top Horses TEAM ROPING HEADER Espuela Bro “Spur” OWNER: Tyler and Jessi Wade RIDER: Tyler Wade

Why the horse is special: In team roping, heading horses set the tone for a duo and can make or break a run. Consistency sets Spur apart from other team roping horses on the PRORODEO scene. Tyler Wade said the horse doesn’t mess up much, making him a better roper and setting up a clean catch for his heeler. Spur is 17 years old. He weighs 1,100 pounds and is 15.1 hands. The Wades have owned the horse for the last five years. This marks Spur’s first Nutrena Horse of the Year Award. Hear it from Tyler: “He can shave off time. He never costs you time, and he’s super consistent. I don’t think he’s been any different. He’s been the same horse for the last couple of years. But I personally feel that more people started to notice the consistency.” TEAM ROPING HEELER Kadabra King “Turbo” OWNER: Patrick and Christi Smith RIDER: Patrick Smith Why the horse is special: Turbo’s ability to adjust for any setup sets him apart from other team roping heeler horses. A lot of horses can perform well in certain arenas, but Turbo gets the job done at short arenas like the Thomas & Mack Center and long ones like at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Turbo is 14 years old. He weighs 1,015 pounds and is 14.3 hands. The Smiths have owned the horse for the last 10 years, and this marks Turbo’s third-straight Nutrena Horse of the Year Award. Hear it from Patrick: “He’s got speed. He’s got the quickness, strength and mental toughness that it takes to be on the road the way that he has. I definitely want to say what a blessing he’s been to me and my family. And to thank all the guys voting for him.”

Hailey Rae photo

Lexi Christopher photo

ProRodeo Sports News 11/1/2024

ProRodeo.com

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