The WRANGLER Horse and Rodeo News is an equine and rodeo publication with circulation in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Utah and Idaho.
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June, 2024 • The WRANGLER • 51 the industry that has blessed her family in more ways than she can count. Her family has raised horses for about 40 years and has shown reined cow horses for the last 10 of them. In the last decade, Box O has accumulated numerous accolades including the prestigious AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) Ranching Heritage Breeder award. One contributing factor to their great success has been the marvel stallion, Opus Cat Olena, that they purchased from Wagonhound Land & Livestock. Ostrander banked more earnings for the Opus lineage aboard his full brother, BOXO Opus Magnum this weekend during the Drought Buster show. She says, "It is such a great family atmosphere here, especially at the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association. We show at facilities that the kids are able to play at, and they just get to know each other so well, and have a ball. They get to show together and build lifelong relationships." As far as the competitors, you will see friends helping friends, and strangers even taking the time to coach or encourage one another. "Everybody wants to help everybody," says Ostrander. "That was one of the drawing factors for me coming into the Colorado Association 13 years ago. How people welcomed you and wanted to see you do your best." It is clear that rarely would a person enter their first event and not walk away with a couple of traded phone numbers, and some newly formed friendships. The drive home soon becomes full of discussions for future plans and travel arrangements for the next show. Back to the question of, what is it about the Reined Cow Horses that has drawn such a commanding audience in recent years. When visiting with Emily Perry, the Executive Director of the CRCA, we asked for her opinion about why it has captivated the attention of western equine enthusiasts. She shared her thoughts about how recent TV shows are helping to spark an interest within the industry, as well as those who don't have anything to do with it. Perry elaborated that, "Cow Horse has been around for a long time. It comes from the most traditional Vaquero roots, and I love that they've kept that tradition alive, and I think that part of that plays into America's need for nostalgia right now. We're hankering for that time of simplicity, and strong moral values, and tradition, and I think this speaks to people on that level." Getting hooked is only half the battle. The next step is getting out there and finding yourself a reined cow horse to show. Perry's advice is to find yourself a trainer who can help you learn the ins and outs of Horse Showing and build a relationship with them. The CRCA website has a list of trainers available within their membership at coloradoreiendcowhorse.com. If you are looking for a seat to take in the events of the Cow Horse Show and witness how they unfold, look no further than the next CRCA Horse Show. The Association is scheduled to be in Douglas, Wyoming, June 25-30, 2024, for the Firecracker Show at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds and Events Complex. The Firecracker will be featuring the Non-Pro Boxing Shootout Challenge, presented by Discount Tire, in the Saturday evening Showdown. The top 3 entries from the Non-Pro, Intermediate Non-Pro, Limited Non-Pro, and Youth Boxing classes will be invited to a cow work-only finals for the chance to win a trophy saddle sponsored by Discount Tire. It is sure to be a "must-see" event. For complete Official Horse Show results from the Drought Buster in McCook, Nebraska, May 16-19, 2024, go to coloradoreinedcowhorse.com. Above: Debbie Crafton on SJR Diamond Luna Below: Jecca Ostrander on BOXO Opus Magnum