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
- Mr Joes Shadow Bar, "Joe," ridden by Clint Summers – owned by Clint Summers
- (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
- Kadabra King, "Turbo," ridden by Patrick Smith – owned by Patrick and Christi Smith
- Two Socks Chic Cody, "Garfield," ridden by Hunter Koch – owned by Hunter Koch
- (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
- Son of a Glow, "Junior," ridden by Slade Wood – owned by Slade Wood
- JS Frosty Badge Badger, "Goose," ridden by Scott Snedecor – owned by Scott Snedecor
- Mesquitewood, "San Antone," ridden by Cody Lee – owned by Cody Lee
Steer Wrestling
- 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
- Dashin Haze, "Tyson," ridden by Jesse Brown, Dakota Eldridge, Kyle Irwin, Curtis Cassidy – owned by Curtis Cassidy
- Be Dun By Three, "Benz," ridden by Clayton Hass, Ty Erickson, Will Lummus – owned by Clayton Hass
Tie-Down Roping
- Stylish Bugsy, "Bugsy," ridden by Shane Hanchey, Caleb Smidt, and Hunter Herrin – owned by Shane Hanchey
- Chuchara Sal, "Sally," ridden by Ty Harris, Joel Braden Harris – owned by Ty Harris
- Seven S Tomahawk, "Smoke," ridden by Haven Meged – owned by Haven Meged
Barrel Racing
- Fame Fire Rocks, "Poprocks," ridden by Taycie Matthews – owned by Mission Ranch LLC
- Jets Top Gun, "Benny," ridden by Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi – owned by Busby Quarter Horses
- Fiery Miss West, "Missy," ridden by Jessica Routier – owned by Gary A. Westergren
Breakaway Roping
- No Wimpy Turns, "Onna," ridden by Shelby Boisjoli – owned by Shelby Boisjoli
- Kits Tiana Play, "Little Man," ridden by Kelsie Domer – owned by Kelsie Domer
- Baybe Bullet, "Baybe," ridden by Joey Williams – owned by Taylor and Joey Williams
