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A familiar name topped the charts of the Open Hackamore Class this year during the Mars Hackamore Classic. For the second year in a row, Chris Dawson clinched the Open Hackamore victory, this year aboard Nu Passport, a 2019 stallion owned by Kalpower Quarter Horses.

A Winning Combo

The 2019 stallion is sired by WR This Cats Smart, and out of Shiney Nu Annie, a daughter of Shining Spark. Bred by Wagonhound Land and Livestock, this big-hearted horse and legendary rider, Chris Dawson scored an impressive 664.5, to take home $26,500.

[Read All About the Non Pro’s at the 2024 Hackamore Classic]

Swales and Spanish Nights

Veronica Swales and Spanish Nights are your Open Hackamore Reserve Champions, coming in hot with a final score of 662.5. Spanish Nights is by Metallic Rebel and out of Lil Bit Reckless, and owned by Bar One Land & Cattle. Swales knew coming into the show that her mount was on a hot streak. The pair are coming off a big win at the Stallion Stakes, where they swept the Open Derby championship.

“She felt great coming into this horse show. At home she was working so well and felt so solid, so I felt pretty confident coming to Tulsa. For the herd work, she was unbelievable for me, marking a 223 and was just so on par. It just set the bar for me. I just felt like she was on her game.”

The 2019 mare owned by Seth and Chantel Murphy is affectionately called “Naomi” after Seth’s late mother. As with all great horses, Naomi has her funny, little quirks. Swales laughs, “She’s pretty funny, you walk up to the stall and she pins her ears and is a big tough girl, and as soon as you go to pet on her she’s super sweet. She always wants to be in your lap and can be super lazy to ride. She doesn’t want to go do anything and she’s so lazy to warm up. Then, when you go show her she knows it’s game time, and she’s all business.”