Rick Hoffman Performance Horses

Top hand is a term thrown around a lot. There sure aren’t many of them out there. So, how do you spot one? First, they don’t bestow the title on themselves. Qu...ite frankly, they may even argue against it. In other words, they are humble. I’ve seen humility be the only thing keeping some mighty talented cowboys and cowboygirls from becoming top hands. Second, they are slow. Or at least it looks that way. Smooth looks slow to others, but these top hands get it done quicker and easier than everyone else. They are gentle on the stock and don’t waste a lot of energy on bad shots or bad attitudes. Third, they are quiet. Chances are, they aren’t going to waste words and time teaching someone that won’t listen. Real top hands are always looking for others to teach, but they’re looking for those that have the right stuff...not in the saddle, but in the heart. You won’t see it, but they’re watching you. They are rooting for you. Top hands will always give a leg up, but not hand out. The fourth thing is probably what separates top hands from great hands. The things that make a top hand is seen in all the aspects of his life, not just from the back of a horse. Courage, honor, respect, integrity, strength, and truth are what make them different. You can learn from the greatest top hand there ever was starting today. He never missed a loop and never came off. Saddle up and ride for me. Let me teach you for I am humble and gentle at heart. Then you will have rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 Simplified Cowboy Version www.savethecowboy.com Background photo submitted by Lindsey Monk

Correction to the 2018 Arizona Fall Championship class schedule: In error it was printed on the class schedule that several of the NRCHA concurrent classes hav...e added money. It was determined by the AzRCHA that added money this year would be provided to the Spectaculars and NRCHA class fees would be lowered to serve the exhibitor. Management mistakenly did not update this on the class schedule and apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused. See more

Mark your calendars for our big year end show November 3-5 at the International Agri-Center 4500 S Laspina St in Tulare, CA. Open and non pro bridle spectacular...s and non pro limited spectacular (horses of all ages in "age appropriate" headgear), open and non pro derbies and two one-day horse shows. Trophy saddles to champions in open, non pro and non pro limited spectaculars. Franco bits to reserve champions in open, non pro and non pro limited spectaculars. Bosals including hangers and horse hair mecates to champions in open and non pro derbies. Professionals Choice saddle pads to reserve champions in open and non pro derbies. Custom headstalls to combined high scores in CCHA horse show classes. $16,500 total added: $7,000 added in spectaculars, $5,500 added in derbies, $2,000 added in each one-day horse show. More news to be announced soon. See more