38 • The WRANGLER • June, 2024
Journey of a Junior Sire Journey of a Junior Sire
W
ith futurity season in full swing, the
excitement and buzz is endless. Watching young
horses run down the alley for massive payouts captures
the attention of barrel racing fans around the world. Barrel
horse breeders are also watching closely — anxiously
waiting to see which of the unproven, younger ("junior")
sires will make a splash with their first crops to reach
competition age.
I was able to chat with the owners of two exceptional
stallions, RR Mistakelly and Heavenly Firewater. Both
stallions have been very successful in their own competitive
careers, and despite limited foals on the ground, already
have multiple winners at the highest levels. In a complex
time of marketing and breeding, we discussed the journey
as a junior stallion.
Robin Weaver, of Mahaffey, Pennsylvania owns RR
Mistakelly, affectionately known as "Mister." Mister and
Brandon Cullins set the futurity world on fire, working their
way to nearly $300,000 in lifetime earnings. The 2014
stallion is by Darkelly and out of the great Mistys Dash of
Fame.
Following several big wins and a new arena record at
Ruby Buckle Central for Michelle Alley and Lipstick N
Stilletos, it comes as no surprise that Mister's books filled
in 2024.
"This is the first time he has booked full and it is so
exciting after promoting one so hard," Weaver stated.
2024 marked the first year Mister had foals of competition
age and while Stiletto and Alley have had an exceptional
showing, several other colts have been steadily picking up
checks at large futurities across the country. Weaver has
held her own colts by Mister to run as five year olds and
she is eager to see them run down the alley in 2025.
Mission Ranch LLC owns Heavenly Firewater, better
known as "Bud the Stud." A 2012 model by JL Dash Ta
Heaven and out of Fire Water Fanny, 2024 will be the first
year Bud stands a full breeding season to the public.
For nearly a decade, Bud has been a main mount for the
Matthews family, racking high school, college, amateur,
and professional rodeo wins across the country. In 2023,
Bud played a large role in Taycie Matthews' first NFR
qualification.
By Teal Stoll
RR Mistakelly, owned by Robin Weaver. Photo Credit: RRM SJ Equine Photography
RR Mistakelly & Heavenly Firewater are making waves. RR Mistakelly & Heavenly Firewater are making waves.
