Rodeo Daily

Where Does the Snaffle Bit Currently Stand Heading into Final Weekend?

The 2023 Snaffle Bit Futurity is heading into its final weekend in Fort Worth. Where do the contestants stand?
Madi Roelofsen|
Where Does the Snaffle Bit Currently Stand Heading into Final Weekend?
Where Does the Snaffle Bit Currently Stand Heading into Final Weekend?

We are heading into the final weekend of the 2023 Snaffle Bit Futurity which has been going on in Fort Worth, Texas Oct. 6-21.

For cow horse trainers, riders and fans alike, this is the event of the year. Hundreds of talented three-year old horses will enter in three rigorous events: herd work, rein work and fence work, to show case their skills. Thousands of fans across the world will watch the thrilling events on the edge of their seats.

Only three days of finals are left before the crowning of the 2023 Open Futurity National Reined Cow Horse Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion.

Herd work, rein work, and cow work open finals will be Thursday, Oct. 19 through Saturday October 21. 

With the addition of new incentives the Snaffle Bit is paying out more money than ever. The five incentives are adding almost $130,000 to the entire payout which totals $2.2 million.

Western Bloodstock incentive pays around $80,000 in the Non-Pro and Open Prelims to the top-four horses that are sale graduates from years prior. The mare incentive will pay $5,000 to the highest placing mare in the finals of the Open Snaffle Bit Futurity. 

Also returning for 2023 is the American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash and Gelding Incentive, awarded to the highest placing gelding in prelims of the Non-Pro and Open.

Open Hackamore champion was Ben Baldus on Fancy Wasnt My Name, scoring 442 points and winning $14,380. 

In the Open Bridle, A Starlights Magnum ridden by Kyle Trahern scoring 443 points took home the champion title and $12,420. 

Open Hackamore Finals Top 5

  1. Ben Baldus, Fancy Wasnt My Name, 442 points, $14,380
  2. Cayley Wilson, Shine Like A Dime, 442 points, $10,785
  3. Sarah L. Dawson, Juliette Jonez, 440 points, $8,987
  4. (tie) Clay Volmer, Metallic Casanova, 439 points, $6,291
  5. (tie) Todd Bergen, Metallics Got Shine, 439 points, $6,291

Open Bridle Finals Top 5

  1. Kyle Trahern, A Starlights Magnum, 443 points, $12,420
  2. (tie) Ben Baldus, Mary Janez, 441.5 points, $8,849
  3. (tie) Todd Crawford, One Time Legend, 441.5 points, $8,849
  4. Corey Cushing, SJR Talkin Diamonds, 438.5 points, $6,210
  5. Erin Taormino, Play Rey Sugar Baby, 438 points, $4,968

For full results, draws, schedule and standings checkout NRCHA website

Published
Madi Roelofsen
MADI ROELOFSEN

Madi Roelofsen is a writer for Sports Illustrated's feature, Rodeo Daily. Madi not only writes about the western lifestyle and rodeo world but lives it daily. She attended Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, and competed in the barrel racing as part of their rodeo team. Roelofsen graduated in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in animal science. Madi enjoyed not only competing in rodeo events but also spectating the greatest sport on dirt. In 2017, while on vacation attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, she met her husband Tim Roelofsen. They got married a few years later in 2020. Tim had already established TVR Working Horses but together they grew their program and enjoy raising foals, training colts, barrel racing, team roping and standing their stallions (TVR Eye Needa Corona and CR Baron Bee Joy "Big Sexy") in both Texas and Iowa. They stay busy with the horses, farming alfalfa and raising their baby girl, Texi. Madi has always been passionate about horses, from learning about different bloodlines, breeding the foals themselves to training and competing. She expresses that passion within the articles she writes to open up the world of horses and rodeo to everyone.  Twitter-@Madi_Roelofsen  Facebook- @TVR Working Horses