6 - The Ranch Sorter***************************************************************************************July - August 2012 2 0 1 2 N AT I O N A L F I N A L S RSNC Finals Proof of Our Sport’s Success & Growth T
he horse show capital of the world was anything but out of sorts at the Ranch Sorting National Championships Finals. In fact, more than 6,000 teams and nearly 650 contestants competed for almost $300,000
cash plus prizes in the country’s fastest growing equine family sport. The week began with contestants of all ages arriving at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City from approximately 30 states and Canada to vie for cash, buckles, saddles, boots and hats. The energy and enthusiasm at this year’s RSNC Finals was electric. The evidence surrounded us as we meandered through the scores of horses and riders. We had the opportunity to connect with and interview many of the RSNC’s most colorful members. These cowboys and cowgirls ranged in age from 4 to 78. The most common comment made by the contestants we interviewed was that the RSNC is a great equine sport for family participation and offers equal playing grounds for everyone from beginner to professional. “FAMILY” is the buzz word that truly has made this organization what it is.
We weren’t the only ones amazed at how many RSNC members came
out to play at the Finals. The proud sponsors, AQHA, OKC Fairgrounds and RFDTV were in awe the entire week at how many people were on their horses in the arena waiting for their chance to enter the sorting pen!
The best part about all these people competing against each other was the friendships that were made and the great mood of the contestants in the middle of a major competition! We have never witnessed a competition that had such a great attitude over all, from the wonderful staff of RSNC to the contestants and their families that traveled with them. In our interviews with the RSNC sponsors, we learned that they were impressed by the commitment to both family and fairness. Sponsors were equally excited by the growth of the organization which has nearly doubled each year since its start in 2007.
As professional horsemen we were impressed by the quality of horses,
the commitment from producers and trainers to the sucess and safety of their students, and new found ranch sorting families. Through these producers and trainers it seems as though there is a large amount of availability to purchase quality ranch sorting horses of all levels. There were over 700 stalls reserved before the 638 contestants arrived which demonstrates that several people rode multiple
horses.The producers of RSNC events across the United States have done an excelent job producing and promoting this fast growing equine sport.
The success of a major event such as the RSNC Finals is dependent on
how much work is done by committed individuals behind the scenes. The RSNC staff and volunteers worked together like a finely tuned machine to ensure a smoothness and flow to this magnificent event. Our hats are off to Dave Wolfe and the RSNC team and we feel blessed to have met the people we did and be a part of such a great event! We are looking forward to working with this grand family of Ranch Sorting National Championships.
We had several opportunities to interview contestants throughout the
week and we are looking forward to sharing their stories about their success and how they got to the winners circle in upcoming issues. There is no question that this spectacular event will become the catalyst for the continued explosion of the great sport of Ranch Sorting. The photos throughout this issue of the Ranch Sorter are only a taste of the excitement that was shared by all who attended.
VaLi Productions Lisa Martin and Van Hargis
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