Our Mars Hackamore Classic event coverage is proudly brought to you by Bimeda, makers of Equimax and Polyglycan.

The 2024 Mars Hackamore Classic continues to pick up steam as we head into the weekend. Friday, July 26th, following the World’s Greatest Non Pro Steer Stopping, contestants entered up for a Steer Stopping Jackpot. The steer stopping is also part of the World’s Greatest Non Pro, being held at the Mars Hackamore Classic, and sponsored by Bimeda.

Winner’s Circle

The winner of the World’s Greatest Non Pro Steer Stopping was none other than Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet. The handy cowboy rode ‘Casino’ to the high score of 225.

In the jackpot steer stopping, contestants entered up, shook out a loop, and made their run for the prize money. The winner was Clayton Williams, riding Santanas Rey Gun. But Williams wasn’t aboard just any grey horse. Santanas Rey Gun, otherwise known as ‘Matt’ is owned by Paris Starn, a World’s Greatest Non Pro Contestant. Who also happens to be married to Williams. When we talked with Starn about her experience at the show, she mentioned her husband was entered up in the jackpot, riding her mount. She laughs as she talks about her husband roping off her horse. “My husband gets on him all the time at the house, and he goes and lays down like an incredible run. They’re a great team.”

But, Starn and Matt are also an incredible team. The pair came to Tulsa hot off big wins at the Western Derby and the Stallion Stakes. As we head into the cow work of the World’s Greatest Non Pro, get ready to watch this flashy gray horse go to work in a big way.

What is Steer Stopping?

Steer stopping has always been an exciting part of the World’s Greatest Horseman competition. But now we’re seeing it show up at other reined cow horse events. This includes the new World’s Greatest Non Pro event, as well.

[Read: Learn About the World’s Greatest Non Pro]

Steer stopping is an event that’s very complementary to the traditionally trained reined cow horse. As it applies all the basic fundamentals you’re teaching your horse from the beginning. It showcases a horse that’s willfully guided, collected, and has natural cow instincts.

Steer Stopping Gear

Here are some tips from a steer stopping pro, Brad Barkemeyer, on what type of gear to use.

[Read the Entire Article on Steer Stopping Basics HERE]

Reins. While it’s completely legal to participate in steer stopping using romal reins, I find that roping reins are much easier to work with. This equipment change is completely up to you; go with whatever your comfort level is.

Saddle. If you’re looking to compete in a steer stopping event, it’s great to look for a versatile saddle that you can use for all events. However, some riders prefer to switch over to a roping saddle, which is also acceptable.

Some of the benefits to using a roping saddle is that it’s designed to help you get to the front of your saddle easier. A roping horn is a little sturdier. It can take the jerk when you dally your rope and stop the steer.

Back cinch. A wider back cinch that has more surface area gives more support on the underside of your horse’s belly when you go to stop a steer. It’s also important to make sure your horse is OK with a back cinch being tight. As you don’t want any play in it when the weight of the steer pulls against the horn.

If you’ve never had your back cinch that tight before, it’s worth tightening and then letting your horse move around while you’re on the ground. This will ensure he’s comfortable with it before you get in the saddle.

Bonus Tip

Mane care. If your horse has a long mane, another thing to consider doing is adding a braid into the bottom half of his mane. When you’re dallying and roping at a high rate of speed, the mane can fly up and get tangled in your dally. Not only can it be dangerous to have the mane flying around. It can also rip out your horse’s mane.