The Horsepower in the WRCA Ranch Rodeo Finals
On Nov. 17 the Working Ranch Cowboys Association (WRCA) crowned a new World Champion team at the 2024 WRCA Ranch Rodeo Finals in Amarillo, Texas, and the horsepower seen and recognized in the arena at the Amarillo Civic Center all weekend was unparalleled. Cowboys and cowgirls from across the western states rode everything from performance horse and running bloodlines to grade horses and horses bred by historic ranches.
2024 WRCA Ranch Rodeo Finals Top HorsesTic Tick Boom Boon (Smooth As A Cat x Chita Blue Star x Duals Blue Boon) – Ridden by Rodey Wilson
Owned by Wilson Cattle LLC, this three-year-old blue roan called ‘Big Valley’ became a fan-favorite and an integral part of the Wilson Cattle LLC team throughout the weekend, ultimately being recognized as the 2024 WRCA Ranch Rodeo Finals Top Horse.
Nu Metallic (Metallic Cat x Special Nu Baby x Dual Rey) – Ridden by Tristan Grantham
A 10-year-old bay roan owned by The Daube Company, Nu Metallic showed off to be named the 2024 WRCA Ranch Rodeo Finals Reserve Top Horse for the Daube Ranch/3C Cattle Co. team.
Top ranch rodeo team from Muleshoe & Hatchet Ranches. * Photo by Hannah Crandall
Top Team’s Horses
Taking the team win home to Arizona, the Muleshoe Ranch/Hatchet Ranch team rode five all-around good horses. My Cokee 601, or Jackson, also helped Logan Westcott earn the 2024 Top Hand award.
Quirty – Ridden by Ace Peterson
Although not registered, Peterson family patriarch Ace Peterson took this grade six-year-old to compete on at the 2024 Ranch Rodeo Finals, as they know each other well.
“This horse, we raised him as a colt. He was my oldest son’s, and he moved,” Ace said. “He’s got a huge personality, and he’s just a cool horse. He’s perfect for me. My son, Whip, started him, and he’s become part of the family.”
Royals Got Fever (Flames With Royalty x Shes Got Rose Fever x Playboys
Buck Fever) – Ridden by Whip Peterson
Although riding a young one, Whip Peterson rode into the arena confident in their ability to get the job done each night. This four-year-old sorrel mare, called Lori Darlin’ and owned by the Hatchet Ranch, did not let him down.
“I got her when she was three, and she’s really good,” Whip said. “She has a lot of personality, and she’s kind of my buddy. I don’t tell anybody this, but I do give her treats, and I really like her.”
San Patti Leo (Tamuleo x Brays San Patti x Poco San Stampede) – Ridden by Dally Peterson
Another horse owned by the Hatchet Ranch and the Peterson family, this seven-year-old bay mare took her and Dally’s strengths into the arena in Amarillo all weekend long.
“Her name is Jazz, and she’s my head horse. I team rope on her a lot,” Dally said. “She’s a little testy, but she’s good. I knew she’d do a great job, and even if she does have an interesting personality, I know I can trust her to help me get it done.”
TRR Royal Blue Oak (Medicinal Mecom Blue x TRR Stylish Oak x TRR Big Iron) – Ridden by Logan Anderson
This six-year-old blue roan stallion, bred by the Tongue River Ranch and owned by the O RO Ranch, shined under the hands of Logan Anderson, despite it being his first time under the bright lights.
“This was his main debut. We’ve been jackpotting on him, but this is his first big event,” Anderson said. “He stays very calm, but then he has it when you need it. He’s got the go and the drive, but he’s so calm and kind of lazy up until that point. He seems to be pretty good, and I really want to thank Jed and the O RO Ranch for trusting me to use TeeRo.”
My Cokee 601 (Cokee Smoke x Black Concho x War Train) – Ridden by Logan Westcott
Called Jackson, this 8-year-old bay gelding carried Logan Westcott to much success at the 2024 Ranch Rodeo Finals, not only on the team level but also as an individual.
“I’ve had him for four years, and he’s come a long way. I’m blessed to have him,” Westcott said. “He really doesn’t like you around him, and he’ll keep you just out of arm’s length; but he’s not a bronc. My four-year-old little boy’s been gathering cows on him, and he takes good care of him. That’s probably the best thing lately is seeing him riding this horse.”
AQHA Fan Favorite RemudaPettigrew Ranch/White Ranch from Fort Sumner & Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Throughout the weekend, ranch rodeo fans across the country and in Amarillo had the chance to vote for their favorite herd of horses competing in the arena. The Pettigrew/White ranches secured the honor of having the AQHA Fan Favorite Remuda at the 2024 WRCA Ranch Rodeo Finals.