Pro Rodeo Recognizes Pickup Horses with Inaugural Horse of the Year Award

The 2023 Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards presented by the AQHA added a new category to their 2023 line up: the Pickup Man's Horse. Take a look at who made the top three.

Every year, the ​AQHA bestows the prestigious ​Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards upon the top horses in ​Pro Rodeo. While these awards have traditionally favored timed event horses, a new category has been introduced this year to shine the spotlight on the unsung heroes of rodeo: the ​Pickup Man's Horse. These horses play a vital role in supporting pickup men during rodeo events, ensuring the safety of both riders and livestock.

The winners of this inaugural category have recently been announced. ​Baby Hes Hot, affectionately known as "Baby," ridden and owned by ​Calgary Stampede Ranch Manager ​Tyler Kraft, claimed the first-place award. 

"Baby" is by ​Hes Hot N Chexy Baby out of ​Vaniz Baby Boots, both owned by ​Doug Wilkinson. Prior to being purchased by the Krafts, "Baby" was born, raised, and trained on the ​Wilkinson Ranch in ​Mossleigh, AB.

​Buckle Set, referred to as "​Wiggles," ridden and owned by ​Josh Edwards from ​Terrell, TX, secured the second-place title. Meanwhile, ​DriftersDocsClay, known as "​Bay," ridden and owned by ​Tommy Pettit of ​Buchanan, TN, claimed the third-place spot.

Their well-deserved recognition acknowledges their invaluable contributions to the rodeo industry. Take a look at the top three horses in each category of the 2023 Nutrena Horse of the Year Awards below:

Team Roping Header

1. Mr Joes Shadow Bar, "Joe," ridden by Clint Summers – owned by Clint Summers
2. (Tie) Espuela Bro, "Spur," ridden by Tyler Wade – owned by Tyler and Jessi Wade
   LR Gatlin, "Colt," ridden by Nelson Wyatt – owned by Nelson Wyatt

Team Roping Heeler

1. Kadabra King, "Turbo," ridden by Patrick Smith – owned by Patrick and Christi Smith
2. Two Socks Chic Cody, "Garfield," ridden by Hunter Koch – owned by Hunter Koch
3. (Tie) Apolo Oak, "Apollo," ridden by Paul Eaves – owned by Paul Eaves
   TRR Freckles Holidoc, "Cantina," ridden by Logan Medlin – owned by Logan Medlin

Steer Roping

1. Son of a Glow, "Junior," ridden by Slade Wood – owned by Slade Wood
2. JS Frosty Badge Badger, "Goose," ridden by Scott Snedecor – owned by Scott Snedecor
3. Mesquitewood, "San Antone," ridden by Cody Lee – owned by Cody Lee

Steer Wrestling

1. EDS Famous Bar, "Eddie," ridden by Dalton Massey, Tanner Milan, Stephen Culling, Ryan Shuckburgh, Curtis Cassidy, Mike McGinn, J.D. Struxness – owned by Tanner Milan
2. Dashin Haze, "Tyson," ridden by Jesse Brown, Dakota Eldridge, Kyle Irwin, Curtis Cassidy – owned by Curtis Cassidy
3. Be Dun By Three, "Benz," ridden by Clayton Hass, Ty Erickson, Will Lummus – owned by Clayton Hass

Tie-Down Roping

1. Stylish Bugsy, "Bugsy," ridden by Shane Hanchey, Caleb Smidt, and Hunter Herrin – owned by Shane Hanchey
2. Chuchara Sal, "Sally," ridden by Ty Harris, Joel Braden Harris – owned by Ty Harris
3. Seven S Tomahawk, "Smoke," ridden by Haven Meged – owned by Haven Meged

Barrel Racing

1. Fame Fire Rocks, "Poprocks," ridden by Taycie Matthews – owned by Mission Ranch LLC
2. Jets Top Gun, "Benny," ridden by Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi – owned by Busby Quarter Horses
3. Fiery Miss West, "Missy," ridden by Jessica Routier – owned by Gary A. Westergren

Breakaway Roping

1. No Wimpy Turns, "Onna," ridden by Shelby Boisjoli – owned by Shelby Boisjoli
2. Kits Tiana Play, "Little Man," ridden by Kelsie Domer – owned by Kelsie Domer
3. Baybe Bullet, "Baybe," ridden by Joey Williams – owned by Taylor and Joey Williams