Traveling Rawhide Gold is owned by Suzanne Nebeker, of Flying N Stables. Her sire was Traveling Jake, by Missouri Traveler E. and Sensational Misty Lady (1984 WGC), the Rosa Family mare. Her dam, Golden Mae, is an own daughter of Red Rawhide. She is a half sister to Sun Dust's Ozark Gold, the 2006 World Grand Champion Ranch Horse, and multi- World Champion.
Suzanne's multiple successes on her stallion, prompted her to purchase the well bred mare, born in 2004, from Mike and Traci Brown of Missouri while at Ava. It was the Red Rawhide breeding that caused the greatest interest, as these offspring are known for their superior intelligence, athletic ability, strong confirmation, and "cow ability". The purchase was obviously a good choice, "Missouri", as she is affectionately called, went on to win the 2007 Boss Man Three Year Old Versatility Futurity title.
The road to the title, led Suzanne and the mare to Washington, Utah, Montana, and Colorado. The mare competed well in the model, gaited, and cattle classes. She won several championships in the model and 2 gait classes. She also impressed judges and the crowd with her natural "cow sense". In Utah, the filly completed her first working cow horse competition with one rein, when a mishap caused the other to break. Although, the broken equipment caused a no score, the filly won the heart of her owner and trainer, and the crowd.
The young mare is spirited, and Suzanne chose not to push her too quickly. When the trail ended at Ava this fall, it was hoped that she had reached her trained potential. Her first test was to compete in the pouring rain and a pond of an arena in the trail class at this world show. The mare was unflappable and took the course in stride. She won the World Championship in Open Trail against many older well-seasoned horses.
The Boss Man Three Year Old Versatility Futurity was developed by the MFTHBA Versatility Committee as an avenue to develop the fox trotting horses in the versatility ring. It consists of three classes, Western Pleasure, Trail, and Ranch Cutting. The class structure is designed to showcase the ability of the young horses to go beyond performing their classic gaits, and demonstrate maneuverability, intelligence, and athleticism. Unlike futurities in other breeds, where the young horses are expected to compete in just one class, one specialty, the fox trotter horses are expected to compete well in three very different events. It takes a level-headedness and aptitude for these horses to participate in the trail, pleasure, and cow work that is not seen in other breeds.
"Missouri" was able to sweep the contest with either the reserve or championship titles in all three classes. She demonstrated her ability in stiff competition with twelve other horses. By accumulating the highest overall point average, Traveling Rawhide Gold won the 2007 title.
With the title, the winner took away significant monies paid in each class and for the overall title. The sponsors for these awards are much appreciated and are recognized in the Official Journal of the MFTHBA. Harry Patterson, has generously donated saddles for the winners of the event each year. Suzanne and her mare went home with a beautiful new show saddle, as well as a nice paycheck for a years work well done. In 2006, Suzanne won the reserve futurity title, on Checkmates HMS Ark Royal N., who went on this year to win the 2007 Open World Grand Championship in Versatility. The ability of a young horse to take the reserve title in the futurity, and then come back the next year to take the all around title, verifies the goals of the Futurity to develop new, young horses for competition. "Missouri" will most likely be back on the trail in 2008, along with one of four potential three year old prospects in the Flying N paddock. |
