Kyle Trahern Pulls two Checks at NWSS Performance Horse Showdown

Reining, roping and reined cow horse competitors joined forces on opening day of the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) to participate in the second NWSS Western Performance Horse Showdown. These top athletes from three prominent disciplines in the western performance horse world competed in their respective event to vie for the team championship in the CINCH Arena. Exceptional riders are invited to select their best horse to make teams of three that are randomly drawn. There is over $17,000 awarded in this double-judged event. Each team earned a payout and the high score individuals pocketed a winner-take-all jackpot for the high score in each event.

From the first team to the last, this year’s performance kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The Black Team, featuring the talented trio of Brogan Hill, JD Yates, and Naomi Bancroft, made an impressive start, setting the tone with a strong score of 571.5. In the end they were crowned reserve champions.

Sharee Schwartzenberger and Witchcraft were the Blue Team’s reining competitors. * Photo by Performance Horse Photography

When the blue team entered the show pen, reining teammate, Sharee Schwartzenberger of Longmont, Colorado, flew into the arena for the fifth and final team to mark a 142. She rode Witchcraft (Shiners Voodoo Dr x RC Sonitas De Luxe x Wimpys Little Step), a five-year-old. Aaron Ralston riding Blue Tucka Jo (Blue Taris Flo x Tucka Jo x Ruby Sailor Joe) laid down a picture-perfect steer-stopping run to score a matching 142. Their final teammate Kyle Trahern, of Walsh, Colo., on Khrome (Smooth As A Cat x Flo Dancing With Rey x Dual Rey) combined his rein work score of 143 with a 146, to score a 573 to take the lead held since the beginning. Each rider on the team took home $1,700 for their efforts and Trahern garnered an extra $750 for the event high-score in reined cow horse.

The NWSS Performance Horse Showdown captivated an enthusiastic crowd, showcasing the remarkable diversity and athleticism of these skilled competitors. The fellowship among participants was clear, with cheers echoing for every run and high-fives exchanged at the in-gate, regardless of team affiliation. The event’s instant popularity solidifies its status as a must-see highlight for future years.

Aaron Ralston and Blue Tucka Jo competed in the steer stopping for the Blue Team. * Photo by Performance Horse Photograpy