ProRodeo sporst News - October 15, 2021

HORSES OF THE YEAR

Year’s Best

Success in the sport of rodeo doesn’t fall on just 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, recognizes ProRodeo’s top horses.

BY ALLY GALLAGHER

STEER WRESTLING DASHIN HAZE “TYSON” Owner: Curtis Cassidy

Riders: Curtis Cassidy, Jesse Brown and Scott Guenthner Key 2021 Accomplishments: Curtis Cassidy won the Lake Havasu (Ariz.) Stampede, the Coleman (Texas) PRCA Rodeo, the Guy Weadick Rodeo (High River, Alberta). Split the win in Nampa, Idaho at the Snake River Stampede. Jesse Brown claimed two round wins and the average title at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo (Kissimmee, Fla.). Why the horse is great: Cassidy said Tyson’s versatility is his strength. At any given rodeo, Tyson could have six or more riders. He helped earn about $100,000 split between the cowboys lucky enough to compete on him at the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede alone. No matter where he is on the PRCA trail, Tyson always performs under pressure. This is Tyson’s second consecutive year being named Horse of the Year. Hear it from Curtis: “(Consistency) is one of the things that makes him one of the neatest horses out there. Like at Calgary in the first set of guys, we had five guys on him every day. And then he had four guys on the second set for 10 days in a row, and he was as good for the first rider on the first day as he was the last rider on the last day. I honestly think that’s one thing that makes him so special, it sets him apart from all the other horses out there. He turns around, hits the corner, and he’s all business and does his job every time.” Key 2021 Accomplishments: Won California Rodeo Salinas, the Tri-State Rodeo (Fort Madison, Iowa), the Missoula (Mont.) Stampede, and the Crossett (Ark.) Riding Club 73rd Annual PRCA Rodeo. Why the horse is great: When Costa got Paraguaia in late 2015, he didn’t know she would be the success she is now, but he took a chance. Paraguaia quickly settled into her role as Costa’s main horse, qualifying for and competing at three Wrangler NFRs and becoming the 2017 World Champion. Whether a long or short set up, Paraguaia adjusts and performs well. She is 14 years old and 15.2 hands tall. Hear it from Marcos: “I’ve been so blessed to have her. You know, before I had her I’d just make enough to pay the way. And Paraguaia, she’s everything we got. Everything I won is on this horse. Three NFRs, one world championship, every championship… And well, she’s pretty special because you can go to Cheyenne or Salinas, or you can go to a fast set up like Calgary or Thomas and Mack, and she’s the same. She’s the same, and she’s pretty special.” TIE-DOWN ROPING SORT OF POPULAR “PARAGUAIA” Owner: Marcos Costa Rider: Marcos Costa

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

Click Thompson photo

ProRodeo Sports News 10/15/2021

ProRodeo.com

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