Cowboy Office Show

With over 300 horses in the running for over $100,00 guaranteed to the winner at the NRHA Open Derby proved that another year of great reining is upon us.  This show analyzes the go round at the NRHA Derby, including the breakdown at all 4 levels, the effect of the draw, and the judges scores and performance.

The Show Rundown

Heads Up

This episode is best consumed by video due to the graphic and visual nature of it. Watch directly via the website, or on Youtube or Spotify for the best Cowboy Office experience.

Keep Your Questions Coming

The Cowboy Office will be shooting a special episode to address all of the amazing questions we’ve received since the show started … don’t worry, we keep a list. In honor of you and your viewership, stay tuned for a full rundown through your submitted questions. And don’t forget, keep ‘em coming. We’ll be doing several of these throughout our series.

ONE MORE THING

Take the American Horse Council Economic Impact Survey. Your voice matters so use it!

RESOURCES:

The NRHA Derby website

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COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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Hello horse world from the AI sphere, well not yet. Jody and Brian are still in human form and bringing a jam-packed analysis to The Buckeye Reining in Ohio.

Join the guys as they key in on some of the hidden aspects of the battle that judges face during a competition and the evolution of the sport and competition depth as a whole. How hard is it to separate horses? What’s it like dealing with so many different classes at once?

As our co-host Jody says, “"You know, Brian, it's not like the old days anymore. Back then, separating horses based on their skills and performance was a breeze. But now ... now it's an entirely different ballgame."

Heads Up

This episode is best consumed by video due to the graphic and visual nature of it. Watch directly via the website or on Youtube for the best experience.

The Show Rundown

Keep Your Questions Coming

Soon the guys will be shooting a special episode to address all of the amazing questions we’ve received since the show started … don’t worry, we keep a list. In honor of you and your viewership, stay tuned for a full rundown through your submitted questions. And don’t forget, keep ‘em coming. We’ll be doing several of these throughout our series.

RESOURCES:

The Buckeye: http://buckeyereiningseries.com/

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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You don’t often get to interview someone who has touched so many facets of the horse industry in her career and knows the evolving ins and outs of the horse show business. Marnye Langer is the general manager of Hansen Dam Horse Park, CEO of the Langer Group, USEF “R” judge, author and award winning writer. She’s also an accomplished hunter/jumper rider who is taking a walk on the wild side as she explores reining and ranch classes. 

Will this fifth generation Californian who’s known for her hunter/jumper skills clash with a couple of cowboys? Find out in this episode of Cowboy Office.

In This Episode

Marnye oversees operations of Hansen Dam Horse Park, a facility that not only provides a venue for horse shows but is able to house over 200 horses and currently provides for 18 trainers who work out of the facility. The concept of one venue providing training facilities for multiple trainers is not common across the country, but it enables trainers to focus on their core competencies while the facility handles maintenance and other support services. 

One of those services is keeping trainers updated and aware of industry changes that could impact their future. Social license to operate is a good example. With increased urbanization much of the country has lost touch with their agricultural roots and trainers must be aware of how their daily interactions with horses can impact how the public views the horse industry as a whole. This often overlooked subject has the potential to affect the future, not only of their individual business, but of the facility and even the industry in general.

The cowboys and Marnye tackle tough questions like how does the industry find balance between regulations and oversight while maintaining flexibility and innovation? What works in the boardroom does not always translate in the trenches of training, showing, and caring for our horses on a daily basis. 

Add to that the concerns over the environment and it’s easy to see how facilities and trainers get caught in the middle as they attempt to be successful in the business of the horse business. The current trajectory of the industry has the potential to create an elitist only environment where only the affluent are willing and able to pay the price of showing. 

What happens to the middle guy and newcomers when the cost of competing pushes them out of the game? They find another game to play. And what happens to the top when the bottom crumbles? Well, it’s a pretty obvious answer. 

What isn’t obvious is how to fix the problems we see. Business is business and without a profit shows can’t continue. Exhibitors without show production experience may walk away thinking show management is raking in all that dough, but often, especially at the middle and smaller shows, management is barely in the black after paying expenses. The profit margin is slim after paying staff and facility fees, not to mention prizes or added money to entice exhibitors to attend. The industry desperately needs to discover how to create wealth within its ranks rather than causing all levels to expend wealth until they leave.

While we can’t fix all our problems, there is one thing we can each do to improve our industry. Stop labeling yourself and others and get unified behind the love of the horse. No matter your discipline, age, or level of experience, get out of your “tribe” and remove the divisiveness that keeps us struggling to find a unified voice that speaks for all areas of the horse industry. 

ONE MORE THING

Take the American Horse Council Economic Impact Survey. Your voice matters so use it!

RESOURCES:

Langer Group: https://langer.group/

Hansen Dam Horse Park: https://hansendamhorsepark.com/ 

American Horse Council Economic Impact Survey: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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A much awaited return of the NRBC, as it settled into its new roots in the great city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Join the hosts Brian and Jody as they analyze the L4 Open Reining and dive deep into the analytics. {Best viewed with a video experience as CowboyOffice.com, Youtube or Spotify}.

This episode is one for our data enthusiasts as we break down the spreads, whether the judges got it right or not, and answer the question of whether it seems better to show in the first or second go to make the finals. In this episode, Brian Dygert and Jody Brainard, bring their many years of expertise to explore:

What separates the good from the great at the horse show? Find out in Episode 17 of the Cowboy Office.

RESOURCES:

NRBC Website: https://nrbc.com/

NRBC Official Results: https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1316

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

Website:  CowboyOffice.com

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Reining fans won’t want to miss this episode as we are joined by NRHA President, Mark Blake, and President-Elect, Mike Hancock. We’ll peek behind the gate to see what's happening in the sport of reining today and hear how they are planning for the future.

Cowboy is cool again thanks to the popularity of Yellowstone and innovative producers of The American Performance Horseman and The Run for a Million. Reining is poised to tap into the potential for continued growth and advancement if the leadership can maintain its balance through ever-changing terrain. The Cowboys and NRHA leadership ride through trails including NRHA Futurity & Derby, medications rules, officiating and much more. 

The American Performance Horseman

Medications

Association Leadership

What we learned from COVID

Reining & International Competition

NRHA Futurity & Derby

Growth

RESOURCES:

National Reining Horse Association: www.nrha.com

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

Website:  CowboyOffice.com

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(BEST VIEWED ON WEBSITE, YOUTUBE OR SPOTIFY) Scores, spreads and the judges perspective explained. A new 10 riders will slide in for their opportunity at one of the biggest paychecks in Reining history as the Cactus Reining Classic hosted the run for a million qualifier.

In this episode, Brian Dygert and Jody Brainard, bring their many years of reining judging and monitoring expertise to the arena. With an overview of statistics, score spreads, and the best runs from the competition, you will learn how to see these runs from the judges chair, better understand how Reining scoring works, and truly gain wisdom around what it means when you see scores spread across a single maneuver in this 5-judge system.

Brian and Jody analyze runs from prominent competitors, including the 2023 TRFAM qualifier winner. Gina Maria Schumacher on Gunnastepya, and other top 10 runs including Dany Tremblay on Tinker With Dreams, Trevor Dare on Spat Toy Boy Gun, Dan Huss on Whoz Joe Daddy, Jason Vanlandingham on Best Shine, & Mandy McCutcheon on Starlights Voodoo.

Don't worry, Brain and Jody add a few extra maneuvers to this episode's pattern as they share their take on things like a new leveling system based on horsepower and not rider earnings, and how to advance the NRHA's judges system.

RESOURCES:

Cactus Reining Classic: http://www.cactusreiningclassic.com

The Run for a Million: https://www.trfam.com

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

Website:  CowboyOffice.com

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Parents and high school students will want to check out this episode of Cowboy Office as Brian & Jody talk to Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team coaches Larry Sanchez & Laura Brainard. You might be surprised to learn that your riding skills aren’t the main focus of collegiate recruitment. Riding skill may catch their attention, but another characteristic may cost you a place on their team.

At the Cowboy Office Today:

Larry Sanchez

Laura Brainard

With OSU’s extensive win record, you might be tempted to think it’s all about winning. But the coaches know that winning at all costs today will take a toll on their team’s future. They focus on the “person over the player approach, because we believe, and we’re finding more and more that character drives the process, which ultimately drives the result.”

This is why they look at more than a rider’s skill on horseback when recruiting. They focus on character by watching how the prospective student interacts with coaches, parents, and fellow competitors. They also take a look at how they handle winning and losing; a bad attitude or disrespectful behavior raises a red flag for this experienced team of coaches.

Tips for parents of potential collegiate equestrians:

Interested in becoming a coach?

RESOURCES:

Oklahoma State University: okstate.edu

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COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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If you have an interest in breeding, bloodlines, or business, you won’t want to miss this episode. The Cowboys meet up with Aldo Ramon of Rancho El Fortin to talk about the history and future of the horse breeding business. Rancho El Fortin and Caballos La Paloma are multinational breeding ranches operated by an industrious and determined family. 

What we talk about:

At the Cowboy Office Today:

Aldo Ramon

Rancho El Fortin is 70,000 acres deep in the mountain valley provides a wondrous backdrop for raising horses, Charolais cattle, wine, and olives. Aldo Ramon manages the horse breeding program and in 2016 began his own ranch, Caballos La Paloma. Balancing the responsibilities of both ranches is a big undertaking. Looking at the results of their breeding programs, it seems he’s the right man for the job.

Aldo credits our own Jody Brainard for introducing him to the reining world. In 1998 Jody did a clinic at Rancho El Fortin. Jody started a colt they called Gusto, and convinced them to put him into training. Jody believed he was good enough to make the top 10 at the AQHA World Show, and it turns out he was right. In fact, he made it look so simple that the family decided to stick with this easy game of reining. From there, it only took 25 years to win the NRHA Futurity with a horse named Ten Thirty.

Reining isn’t the only game in Mexico. In fact, the bigger draw for many is something called cala. It can best be described as the sliding stop in reining, but not exactly. The goal of cala is to slide as far as possible, so you’ll see horses “skating” over the dirt rather than stopping deeply in the dirt like we see in reining. It’s all about distance in cala. Aldo balances the breeding program to include stallions and mares that favor the Mexican cala discipline or the US reining discipline. Some can cross over well between the two. But there is enough difference that it takes a certain eye to distinguish where the foals will best be suited.

The science of breeding has changed quickly. From live cover to frozen semen, embryo transfers to cloning, the future of breeding continues evolving. Horses and genetics will change regardless of where you stand on controversial practices. The real key to a successful breeding program will still be choosing the right sires and the right dams resulting in offspring that meet the needs of the sport.

RESOURCES:

Rancho El Fortin: ranchoelfortin.com | Facebook | Instagram

Caballos La Paloma: Facebook | Instagram

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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Doug Huls, CEO of AzQHA shines a light on producing a Top 10 AQHA show while fostering growth and camaraderie at all levels of competition. Doug joins the Cowboys to discuss industry changes and how to capitalize on the opportunities and meet the challenges they represent.

What we talk about:

At the Cowboy Office Today:

Doug Huls

Sun Circuit focuses on being an event where people have fun, enjoy competing at all levels, and meet up with fellow horsemen from other disciplines they may not see at other shows. It’s not often that one venue can host such a vast array of classes running in multiple arenas on the same days. Reining, Western Riding, Cow Horse, Showmanship, Roping, Horsemanship, and more will fill the arenas while everyone enjoys the sunshine.

AzRHA has found a unique identity with Sun Circuit. It’s not about huge purses or championship titles. It’s about being an event where people have fun, test themselves in deep competition, and maybe try out a new horse while they are at it. They also have plenty to offer spectators or supportive family and friends who arrive without a horse.

Cowboy Office and AzRHA share in the mission of getting more people involved by breaking down barriers and making newcomers feel welcome. AzQHA offers no bling shows with both Quarter Horse and all breed classes. They host multiple levels of shows throughout the year and encourage members to start where they are comfortable then test themselves as they progress. They support the youth through IEA scholarships and pay for Youth World show fees through an active fundraising program.

Though the industry is strong, there are hurdles to be aware of. The increasing pressure to offer huge added money to purses challenges a show’s ability to meet those demands while being financially stable. Meanwhile, the decline in entries at the AQHA World Show may indicate that exhibitors are changing their priorities, and then there is venue space. Even at the expansive Westworld of Scottsdale, Sun Circuit has nearly maxed out stalling and arenas. Venue space and availability is a real challenge for any show that desires to move, expand, or enter the market.

RESOURCES:

AzQHA: www.azqha.com

Production and marketing by ConsultMent.Agency

COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is steeped in vaquero traditions yet moves confidently into the future with the energy of a cow horse going down the fence. There’s a lot to learn from this dynamic association that is leading the way in membership engagement, growth across multiple sectors of competition, and spectator enthusiasm.

What we talk about:

At the Cowboy Office Today:

Paul Bailey

The NRCHA has proven to be resistant to the inflationary pressures experienced by most of the economy. Shows experienced a 20% growth rate in 2022 and they are expecting moderate growth to continue this year. This exciting multidiscipline event attracts both competitors and spectators, which is a draw for sponsors to help further boost NRCHA’s five premier events. The first premier event of the year is held February 10-20 at Ft. Worth, TX.

Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions

Details: Cutting, reining, and fence work form the trifecta of NRCHA premier events with steer stopping added to the World’s Greatest Horseman competition. This year’s World’s Greatest Horseman competition will be the largest ever with 75 competitors vying for the coveted title.Youth are getting in on the action with the Youth World’s Greatest Horseman competition while non pro and open riders can compete in an array of classes throughout the ten day celebration.

About the Cow Horse:

Training of cow horses follows the vaquero tradition from snaffle to hackamore into the two-rein and finally the bridle. Like many western disciplines, the historical pressure has been put on young horses, but NRCHA sees the value of encouraging longevity and incentivizing progressing training to finish horses in the bridle. They have added purse money to these events for older horses to encourage owners and trainers to keep the future of their horse’s in mind.

Creating Stability:

NRCHA has a vision: To produce the best cow horse events possible. Keeping this simple vision in mind lets them focus on the steps that will help them reach their goal. They have assembled one team that manages all five of their premier events in-house. These five events paid out $5.6 million dollars in 2022. That’s a big challenge for a single team but consistency lends itself to the success of these events and the association overall.

RESOURCES:

NRCHA

Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions:

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COWBOY OFFICE SHOW

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