As we wind down our event coverage of the 2024 Mars Hackamore Classic, brought to you by Bimeda, makers of Equimax and Polyglycan, let’s look back at some memorable moments.
From Debbie Crafton cleaning up in the Non Pro, to Chris Dawson taking home the Open Hackamore win, it was a memorable week. Gracen Walker took a hard hit during the cow work that took her off her horse, proceeded to get back up, dust off, draw a new cow, and mark a 222. Gianna Hansen rode for her dad, Clay Volmer and four others punched their tickets to the bright lights of Vegas for The Run For a Million Cow Horse Challenge, and Bo Tilton got her first major win under her belt.
Shows like this prove the versatility and range of the cow horse. A horse that can run, slide, stop, rope, and turn a cow. And the talent of the riders that pilot these great horses to the winner’s circle.
As the lights go down at the Tulsa Expo Square, and the arena falls quiet, contestants are already back home and falling into their routines. Whether that’s prepping for the next big show, training horses, or getting back to a 9-5, the 2024 Mars Hackamore Classic was a great event for all; win, lose, or draw. Because at the end of the day, every rider was there for one reason. The love of the horse and the sport.
We talked with one contestant in the World’s Greatest Non Pro to get her perspective on the show, great horses, and to pass along some advice for newcomers.
Cowgirls Take Tulsa for the World’s Greatest Non Pro
The set of riders in Tulsa competing at the World’s Greatest Non Pro showcased a dazzling display of horsemanship, versatility, and talent. Among the field was a flashy gray horse, and his rider, Paris Starn. We talked with Starn about her experience at the show, and her great horse, Santanas Rey Gun.
By the stallion Hired Gun, and out of Chickita Rey Santana, bred by Diane O’Neal, this 6-year-old gelding has been on a hot streak of wins. Winning the Non Pro Two Rein and Intermediate Non Pro Bridle at the Western Derby, Starn and ‘Matt’ have been on fire.
Paris Starn and Santanas Rey Gun at the Mars Hackamore Classic. Photo courtesy of Paris Starn.
Getting Started
When Starn picked up Santanas Rey Gun, affectionately known as ‘Matt’ or ‘Matt the Rat’ he was a $6,500 long two-year-old. The horse was only halter broke, but Starn knew he was pretty and bred well, and figured she’d put 90 days on him and sell him.
When Starn started him, Matt proved his athleticism. “He was a buckin’ sucker for sure”, she laughs. But she stuck with him and Matt came around his 3-year-old year. Starn says, “I had an extremely broke gelding, after a year of solid riding. Then 30 days before the Snaffle Bit Futurity I decided I was going to show him… and I made the non pro finals in all three divisions. Ever since then he’s just been crazy cool on a cow.”
Matt is also quite the character. “He’s a little naughty sometimes”, Starn says with a laugh, “But him and I are just really good buddies.”
Coming from an English background and from there, moving into cutting, Starn has found that the cow horse world has her heart. “The group of people in the cow horse industry is next to none. And it can humble you. You have to be able to ride going down the fence, and to think for yourself and make quick decisions. The horse isn’t just going to take you down the fence. You have to go with the horse and the cow.”
Consistency is Key
When it comes to a four-eventer like the World’s Greatest Non Pro, Starn’s best advice is to stay consistent. “I think consistency is key in a four eventer. As much as you’d like to say ‘I’m going to knock it out of the park in one event’, the most important part is to get marked in every single event.”
And when it comes to the cow work, a crowd favorite, Starn says to work with what you’ve got. “I see people push themselves and their horse too hard and put too much pressure. You have to work your cow for what it is. And go the course of how it goes.”
On the World’s Greatest Non Pro
On the World’s Greatest Non Pro, Starn shares how impactful the event is. “I think the event is fantastic. The versatility of a cow horse is so incredible. Horses are so specialized now, and a true cow horse can do it all.” And the steer stopping really helps make this four-event competition different, says Starn. “It sets these horses apart. By the time we’re said and done, and the champs are crowned, these horses will see 6 head of cattle and a reining pattern.” And adding the roping component also opens the door for competitors that might not have been part of the NRCHA before. “When you involve the rope you resonate with part of the industry that we didn’t resonate with before. It opens the door for those people to come here, get involved, and watch a little more”, says Starn.
“The versatility of a cow horse is so incredible. Horses are so specialized now, and a true cow horse can do it all.”
Paris Starn
And Matt is a talented rope horse on top of everything else he can do. “He’s also a Riata Buckle gelding. We took him to the Open and headed on him in the Riata Buckle and qualified for the AQHA World Show in roping this year.” Starn says that Matt can rope both ends, saying “We use the roping to give him a break. He loves it. He’s not only a head horse he’s a heel horse. He’s a one stop shop.” Starn’s husband, Clayton Williams, won the Steer Stopping Jackpot this year aboard Matt.
“I am so grateful that they were able to give this event to the non pros. We have so many talented non pros and their horses, and I really want to see this event grow, it was great of the NRCHA to hear from the non pro crowd on what we wanted.”
Don’t Quit Your Horse
If there’s anything to be learned from this article, it’s that if your horse isn’t quitting on you, don’t quit on him. You never know where that horse might take you. Starn almost sold Matt at one point, but decided to give it one more go, and now they’re coming off hot with two premier event wins just this year.
Santanas Rey Gun and Starn are a talented team when it comes to the roping. ‘Matt’ can rope both ends, and has qualified for the AQHA World Show in roping this year. Photo courtesy of Kaylee Lynn Photography.
“There’s a lot to be said about a horse that wants to work for his rider. And that’s just how he operates. He should have been a dud and he turned out to be a diamond”, says Starn of Santanas Rey Gun. “We put so much pressure on them and they still show up. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to quit that horse, but he never quit me.”
And for those who feel they can’t make it in the horse industry without the big bucks, Starn gives a timely reminder. “You have to put in your time, and keep riding your horse. It’s not always easy. I moved from Hawaii to Wyoming for college, and didn’t know anybody at the horse shows. Stick with it.” And remember that when it comes to horses, it’s not the price tag that determines a winner. Starn sums it up nicely. “You don’t need a $65,000 horse. You need a horse with a $65,000 heart.”
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