Life By The Drop carries Chris Dawson to NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship
Chris Dawson was short on words but doled out hugs by the dozens under the stands of the Will Rogers Coliseum after scores were finalized. Dawson and Life By The Drop (Stevie Rey Von x Sheza Dancingdiamond x Diamond J Star) clinched the coveted title of Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion and a check for $200,000.
“That was a lot of hugs but I’m a hugger,” Dawson could be heard saying as numerous competitors, friends and family found him to say congratulations.
Dawson is renowned as a great ambassador for the sport and bystanders witnessed the respect competitors had for him and the camaraderie between horse trainers last night.
Dawson hugs a friend as fellow trainer Lee Deacon looks on. * Photo by Amy Olson
Finals & Faith
Going into the finals, he had two horses with great chances of winning a big title. Life By The Drop would be first into the cow work, then the final draw of the night, Shut The Blinds (Blind Sided x Shiney Tari x Shining Spark). He would ultimately end up placing fifth on Shut The Blinds.
“All year, I tried to be outspoken about it but I didn’t know why the nerves were gone,” Dawson said. “Everything’s just come into place this year.”
He went on to credit his relationship with God for his calmness. Then said, “I just kind of turned loose of it and let the chips fall.”
The chips all fell how they needed. Dawson and Life By The Drop marked a 218.5 in the herd work finals, a 221 in the rein work and a 220.5 down the fence for a composite of 660.
Life By The Drop’s Background“Honestly as a 2-year-old I wondered if she was enough,” Dawson said.
He showed her to potential buyers, including fellow finalist Abby Mixon, but ultimately decided to keep her. Dawson thought she was the best of Holy Cow Performance Horses’ 2-year-olds with him and wanted to show one of theirs at the Snaffle Bit Futurity.
The Dawsons have been riding horses of theirs for a handful of years and Holy Cow Performance Horses have been long time supporters of the NRCHA. Dawson was proud to get such memorable recognition for them.
Joined by the horse’s owners as well as a slew of family and friends, Chris Dawson received his awards.* Photo by Amy Olson
“We know we’re going to be able to count on those good colts she raises every year so it’s kind of nice to know those colts are coming,” Dawson said. “I’m real proud to be able to represent her program like this.”
Life By The Drop was also the highest placing mare in the finals which earned her a check for $5,000 from the East West Equine Mare Incentive.
Runners UpChris’ wife Sarah rode Lil Mini Scooter (Scooter Kat x Lil Play Rey x Reys Dual Badger) owned by Russ Mohershead to a 655 composite (herd 216.5/ rein 220.5/ cow 218) to tie with Veronica Swales for the reserve championship. Swales rode Tuffer Than Metal (Metallic Cat x CR Tuff Tizzy x Woody Be Tuff) to a 655 composite with a 217.5 in the herd and rein work and a 220 on her cow work. Tuffer Than Metal is owned by Sandhill Steuter Ranch LLC.
Both Reserve Champions took home $92,500 in cash plus prizes.
Dawson shares a tender moment with Life By The Drop amidst the chaos of the awards ceremony. * Photo by Amy Olson