When he walked into the herd at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stallion Stakes this spring, longtime pro John Ward had no intention of cutting bridleless. But that’s exactly what he did when his headstall broke while working his first cow in the open preliminary round. The California trainer realized what happened as he headed back to the herd for his second cow, so at least he was prepared when he dropped his hand to work the cow with the bridle hanging below his horse’s neck.

Ward and Smashingly Smart worked all three cows and marked a 213.5 to boot. After his run, Ward deadpanned, “I don’t like it when something new happens in the show pen.” But he sure made the best of this situation. See the video at HorseandRider.com this month.

See more in the December 2015 Best Of feature.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/123926060