Every once in a while, we get to witness something truly incredible. At the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Kimes Ranch Derby in Scottsdale, Ariz., things took a dramatic turn in the Non Pro Boxing.
Ashley Jackson was riding Tooo Suen (Boon Too Suen x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep) when she realized something was amiss. Early in their run, she noticed that her headstall and bit were no longer attached to one another. “Boonie” was wearing nothing but the browband of his headstall, with the snaffle bit and her reins hanging around his neck.
As Jackson and Boonie took their first fast circle of the pattern, the four-year-old spit out the bit. Showcasing full trust in her equine partner and cowgirl grit, Jackson kept going. Although the duo had only been together for about three weeks, she trusted his ability to come through in the unique situation.
Boonie did just that, marking a 206 on the run. The duo went on to earn a 203.5 in herd work, 211.5 on fence (cow) work, for a total of 621 in the Non Pro Boxing Derby. Chuy Chavez also rode the gelding in the Open Derby, where he earned a total score of 639.5.
The event, which was open to four and five-year-old horses, consisted of three events: herd work, rein work, and fence (cow) work. A preliminary round set the stage for a clean-slate finals. Boasting nine divisions, the event had something for every competitor, from million-dollar professional riders to beginners.
Amidst many incredible performances, there was nothing else quite like the display put on by Jackson and Boonie.