A Judge's Perspective: 2017 AQHA World Junior Working Cow Horse World Champion

Shiney Outlaw and Sarah Dawson get the gold in junior working cow horse, with an explosive run and record-breaking score of 455.
AQHA Judge Sandy Collier dissects what made this run so spectacular and how Sarah and Shiney Outlaw claimed their spot at the top.

[@adanalcalaleon7426]

This is the prettiest runs I've even seen with a hackamore. I want to ssay it was a perfect storm, but in a good way. Mrs. Sara Dawson, your my heroine.

[@maddiefaith1417]

Not a hackamore... also “heroine”?

[@kuroshi2798]

Pretty much anything without a bit is considered a hackamore in western events. A bosal is different from a sidepull or mechanical, but still, no bit, so close enough to be lumped into the same category.

[@tw_neo708]

@@maddiefaith1417this hackamore is the first ever hackamore. The bosal is the rawhide nosepiece, but when put together with the reins and hanger it’s called a traditional hackamore.

[@Padde_flat]

the HORSEMANSHIP omg it unbelivable! such amazing runs you can clrealy see the horse is relaxed and ejoying working with its human, so adorable!!

[@davajo3868]

She's so quiet in the saddle, and I feel like she really chose the *very* best sporting event for this particular horse's personality. He loves to run and charges forward with true zeal, but clearly respects her, and you don't see any yanking but or depressed lifeless head or jabbing spur action. THIS should be the ideal competition ride!!!

[@lay996]

Yes, many western sports don't use spurs or anything else that hurts the animal and that made me lose all fascination with classic riding. I never liked jumping competitions precisely because of these mistreatment, I started to like dressage until I discovered mistreatment too but when I got to know sports like Working Cow Horse, Western Pleasure, Reining I said "these are the perfect modalities"

[@TomboyEquestrian]

it's so refreshing to see such a beautiful run, done without a bit!! love the judge's repeated comment on their relaxed demeanor and focused responses, never arguing with each other... rider has such a nice quiet seat, too. pairs like this ought to be more common!!

[@markmahnken6409]

Because of this run I am breeding my mare to Shiney Outlaw the first week of May 2022. Love everything about this horse. Love how he squats in the turn arounds to lower his center of gravity. Love how he stays so calm after a run down just waiting on her. Sarah is the best reined cow horse rider in the world male or female as far as I'm concerned. I took several lessons from her father Richard Winters a few years ago. Learned so much in just 8 lessons at Thacher in Ojai. I used to say if I could ride like anyone in the world it would be Richard but now it's his daughter Sarah. She learned from the best.

[@hbunnie1120]

With all of the "Peanut plow" Reigning horse "Champions" It's finally nice to see a horse reining with a balanced head and you can see he's listening and waiting for ques.. not head down depressed, waiting to be pushed, Good Job... Beautiful Horse

[@amberblyledge7859]

JMPAZ1 Agreed. I'm a dressage rider, but I have a huge appreciation for amazing horsemanship. This is a partnership for the ages. I will show this to all of my students.

[@juliooliveira-ml4si]

Qual o nome desse cavalo?

[@sammisoccer7]

Totally agree!!! Head is up and alert in almost all the movements!!

[@charlottebarber6546]

It’s not reining

[@ojulienne69]

@@amberblyledge7859 Also see : kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJa1mnmnpKx_fZo

[@LisaElevateDJ]

Wow, this is the first time I’ve ever watched anything like this and I got so emotional when they were running that cow because of the beautiful union and flow! Amazing! No stress in that horse whatsoever, nor even the cow.

[@aristapaz2672]

This was just AMAZING! This horse was so fast and powerful, centered, low and in the flow, like white on rice on that cow! Responsive and intuitive - what a GREAT RIDE AND RIDER!

[@rossmunn9770]

What an unbelievable horse. Gold Standard all the way. He leaves us all breathless. Horse of the Century.

[@bdub78dub90]

Ross Munn I think that may be a tad bit exaggerated. Either way spectacular 🏇.

[@renemuro931]

Ross Munn I AGREED WHIT YOU!

[@evamarialimmer5262]

What a beautiful and outstanding pair-horse and rider.I repeat the pleasure of watching them from time to time.Thank you very much,that something like this is made public.

[@unrulyjulie4382]

People just don't understand that putting a bit in a horse's mouth does not automatically mean pain for the horse. A hackamore in the wrong hands could be just as bad or worse than a bit in the wrong hands. It's all in the hands of the trainer/rider.

[@myronschabe]

Though it also just demonstrates how bits are not necessary in order for outstanding performance. Many, many horses will perform better because they are not worried and nervous about a bit in their mouth so they can relax and have the true rapport with the rider. It's not only in the hands but more in the seat and the feel between the pair.

[@echotrash466]

It's mechanical hackamoors you should be really worrying about other than bits.Traditional hackamoors, like what the girl was using is actually the best thing, when you pull, it's only about 1 pound of pressure to the face. And even better a neck rope. :3

[@filipabrasil1951]

Poor horse 😢😢

[@denworley16]

Like my mustang would not stop without bit

[@bernhardpflug7924]

But in the hand of this woman the Hackamore is a wonderful Instrument and we see a very harmonical Ride...

[@peachykeen3744]

I can't get over how beautiful this horse is

[@myronschabe]

I think one of the best compliments is when you would love to get a chance to ride a horse like that...he looks so athletic, responsive and willing - like a super fun ride - and such a beauty. This run is art.

[@Pepsithegoat]

I have yet to find or see another horse and rider who amazes me as much as these 2 on this run. Absolutely beautiful

[@kaylaspangle9148]

I don't think I've ever seen such a fast turn.

[@Morganpies]

WOW! I have never seen this before and I think it is incredible what she can do with her horse! Just WOW! Brought tears to my eyes its so amazing

[@BlackKettleRanch]

That really was outstanding. Excellent rider, incredible horse. The training is top notch.

[@daphnebenjamins]

Amazing run!! Sarah Dawson made history with great horsemanship and congratulation on the perfect run!! Wow, Shiney Outlaw!! Congrats to the team with Shiney Outlaw, he was perfect, in condition, training, and willing to play the game. History will never forget this run!!

[@arianahelvie9897]

What a gorgeous run, and what a wonderful, capable horse. He is so obviously well trained.

[@oldschool9447]

Good looking horse that is very smooth & comfortable looking. Handled well by the rider who looked great in the saddle

[@viceb7]

What a gorgeous driven horse and beautiful pair, one of the best runs I've ever seen

[@amberblyledge7859]

I love a good QH. My mare is being trained in dressage. I love the diplomacy between these two. Beautifully muscled, ears up, shiny coat, beautiful gaits.

[@laurademarrais3248]

I love this horse... I have watched it over and over. Wow

[@snowwilliams1]

The horse and rider flowed into one incredible being.

[@breannalewis6619]

Goose bumps! Just beautiful!! Well done!

[@bdub78dub90]

What beauty of a run and a gorgeous horse to boot.

[@Roheryn100]

Not my breed, definitely not my style of riding. But this is the first AQHA video I have given a thumbs up to. If only there were a thousand more like it. A really lovely horse. Kudos to his rider. And NO BLING !

[@rowef]

There is a lot of horse there, I agree with the narrator, but there are some really great moments where the rider displays why this whole thing exists. Love love love this video.

[@amberblyledge7859]

I absolutely love these videos.

[@bogenreiter4961]

Amazing horse ❤️ Wonderful muscles 👍

[@pedrosuarez9032]

Felicitaciones gran demostracion de doma

[@starlike_enterprise1538]

What a gorgeous horse and a great rider too🤩👌

[@lucyb8802]

I can't say I completely agree with horse competitions but this is a very good example of good, clear and kind riding and the fact that it's bitless makes me so happy, and I love the way she relaxes the reins throughout and when she does use them she isn't aggressive with it. I also like the way she doesn't slap her horses neck cus that's a huge pet peeve for me. I love the way she doesn't kick her horse and I love that she allows her horses neck to extend. One of the best horse vids I've seen in a while. 🐴💕

[@kenjiro2676]

Watching a cow and horse sprint is so mesmerizing

[@alessandroarcadi2559]

Awesome!!! Congratulations

[@Leziria]

Just wow ...everything looked so smooth and relaxed 👌🏼👍🏼

[@bernhardpflug7924]

Great stuff this is riding in perfection.

[@nancychace8619]

Beautiful Quarterhorse. Liked seeing how they worked with the hackamore. I'm not really knowledgable here but it looks like they did a great job.

[@arielbooplesnoop2167]

Beautiful run and bit less? What more can I ask

[@roserogers3336]

Probably a younger horse. I think its under six where the horse can be ridden in a snaffle or bosal. He will move up when he is older.

[@theskirtrider]

Completely agreed :D

[@myronschabe]

Where/why does he need to 'move up to' in this case - is as good as it gets! This horse clearly does not need a bit to be outstanding.

[@elizabethschroeder2202]

@@myronschabe In traditional cow horse training the hackamore is just one step of the training. Most start out in a snaffle, then snaffle/hackamore combo, hackamore, pencil bosalito/curb, then finishes with the curb bit. This horse was 6 years old here so this would be his last year to show in a hackamore thorugh AQHA. While I do wish horses of all ages could be able to show in a hackamore or snaffle at all ages, its just the breed association or show organization's rules that limit the age.

[@myronschabe]

@@elizabethschroeder2202 Yes, I am aware of everything that you mention, and what I would like to emphasize is that some horses are just too sensitive for the curb and do better even as a mature, advanced horse in a bosal, my top mare was one like that, and it is a shame that various associations put these restrictions in place. Not to open up a can of worms here but if more women were making decisions I think it would change - men do things, IN GENERAL, a certain way I think most can agree women do them, IN GENERAL, a certain way which is generally more sensitive and gentle. The world needs the feminine force to become more prominent in virtually all aspects of life.

[@katereitzel]

Wow, loved this. Kudos.

[@smittywerbenjaegermanjense2350]

WOW, JUST WOW!

[@kwijon]

This horse is INCREDIBLE 😍

[@tblue1184]

Love that connection between rider and horse. Without a bit I might add.

[@sblocksom]

Fantastic!

[@CARidingAcademy]

Beautiful.

[@helioalves542]

Não me canso de ver esse video

[@correacarlos4660]

What a beautiful horse

[@bernhardpflug7924]

I love this run, I'm watching again and again.... that's real Teamwork!!

[@luisortega6489]

Beautiful beautiful

[@lovelylisawarriorqueen7923]

That's the way it's done!

[@cuttinghorsecentral8284]

That was awesome

[@pierogillio]

Spectacular horse, very good fisical confirmation and nice color 💪🏻

[@emily.thatsit7281]

You can tell the horse is enjoying it! Loved this

[@whitebuffalodesigns1963]

Excellent run, judge marked the run well

[@ruebencervantes2270]

Hermoso caballo felicidades señorita

[@hospitalready5038]

That’s so amazing🤩

[@ivichnovaes8841]

Amazing

[@juanarielariassanchez9916]

buenisimo el caballo!!

[@juliou.s.5617]

Excelente y felicitaciones

[@ivangallardo8845]

Julio U. S. Si saben

[@leandrosilva6015]

Show parabéns animal muito bem treinado 👏👏👏

[@bdub78dub90]

Wow is Right! Nice, nice horse.

[@ndzinjihorsetraining5108]

Super cavalo 🐴 super Amazona

[@OliveDeuce]

This is perfection

[@ericknunez157]

Me encanta ese animal ests muy fino

[@MATCH169]

Wow great horse

[@loisroulson9238]

Flawless

[@rachelandrade6790]

Supreme horsemanship

[@windsofcolor]

Love it

[@CarlosMunoz-yq2pz]

Que hermoso animal y q riendononon trae

[@savannahalderson2714]

this horse is a great mover he sits back on his hocks prefectly for the sliding stop. i would place this horse in the top if his class, and as for the rider her horsemanship os astonishing i love how she has quiet hands. this horse would be the champion if i was the judge

[@andreapituch233]

Bitless .... Awesome. No wonder horse works it so well. :)

[@ladyren1575]

The horse was trained to listen to what the owner is saying to her

[@unrulyjulie4382]

People just don't understand that putting a bit in a horse's mouth does not automatically mean pain for the horse. A hackamore in the wrong hands could be just as bad or worse than a bit in the wrong hands. It's all in the hands of the trainer/rider. In fact I bought a horse to resell who I found out was terrified to have a hackamore on. He was so scared of it that he would at first freeze and not move and then run backwards until you dismounted. He did great in any kind of bit and did okay in a sidepull, but I found out later that he had been abused in a hackamore.

[@ladyren1575]

@@unrulyjulie4382 agreed

[@patrickrawls1723]

What an ignorant comment. I just watched this very horse, Shiney Outlaw, riden by Jay McLaughlin in the bit this past week at Scottsdale and he's STILL just as awesome as ever. It's the hands, not the bit.

[@donnaarmstrong9029]

Wow that is beautifu looks like she is just living it.l

[@kristineterpening1333]

What a Show, Stopper!.. Trust...

[@jerez6969able]

Beautiful horse love color and complexion were can I get this line

[@rigolopez8338]

Muy bonitos sus caballos q precio tienen y en dónde está ubicado su Rancho por favor gracias por informarme

[@ashleymeggan]

Man… that was impressive. 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@oldschool9447]

I agree with many of you in that a hackamore or a bit used in the wrong hands is detrimental. Someone who knows how to use either & have the animal comfortable is doing it right

[@Amanda-ly9rc]

More proof these horse's love their job's...

[@denworley16]

Good looking cowgirl and Buckskin

[@carlosayala6754]

Amazing quarter horse, just the right breed to work with cattle.

[@digby3618]

Clearly, you've never seen an Australian Stock Horse in action. Far superior animal.

[@carlosayala6754]

Daniel Kennedy maybe you right, from now on I’m going to do some research about Australian horses

[@laurademarrais3248]

Daniel Kennedy clearly, you are a bit of an ass. Quarter Horses are American horses. They are ours. The Australian is yours? Btw; AQHA registry is the largest in the world.

[@digby3618]

What exactly does the size of the registry have to do with anything? The Quarterhorse may well be YOUR breed, guess what, a large number of Australian Stockhorses are being exported to the US. But again, that is irrelevant; The Australian Stockhorse is a superior animal on a beast. But there's no point in arguing with an Ass such as yourself. You yanks are raised thinking your the best at everything. An endless source of entertainment to the rest of the world is just how inept you really are along with the fact that your arrogance is not backed up by reality.

[@laurademarrais3248]

Daniel Kennedy the size of the registry has to do with the breeds popularity and their success at what they do. Quarter Horses have over 80% quick fire muscles which enable them to change direction like they do. I love all horses, I went and watched some ASH competition after your comment. I like them. They are a beautiful beast. I would think their short backs enable them to change direction quickly as well. To me, after watching them, their hind quarters are not as powerful as the AQH... gday mate

[@renemuro931]

What's the name of this horse?

[@theskirtrider]

Shiny Outlaw (I know I'm super late, just wanted to let you know if you hadn't found it yet)

[@juliooliveira-ml4si]

Qual o nome desse cavalo?

[@gilbertostone1657]

I love

[@mrperez7036]

Wow

[@psychobunny32]

that was beautiful

[@skipper..5761]

Where can I find that horse I want to buy him

[@DrCam-to8ip]

if he isnt the most beautiful horse youve ever seen, youre wrong

[@keithmitthun5207]

what is the color of this horse

[@user-ye1et2rf1z]

مااجمل الحصان

[@donnaarmstrong9029]

wow. awesome. \

[@donnaarmstrong9029]

What color do you call that horse

[@kwijon]

Buckskin

[@donnaarmstrong9029]

thanks. I should have known that.'

[@cassiasena53]

ele e capado ou nao

[@SimpleCrazyBOCs]

👍🏼

[@karal8617]

i don’t agree with everything this judge is saying, but i’m used to senior horses, so with junior horses i realize it’s a bit different. on the second small slow i think that the horse was a bit rushy at the beginning but eventually came down. and the second stop i think the horse may have slipped out a little bit, but overall nice run.

[@pamelaforrest1622]

He could model for Breyer. LOL

[@tg6509]

👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ava1223]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="253">4:13</a> and <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="265">4:25</a> I was like wow

[@lenalovesnature2791]

Does anyone see the cow? What the horse human team shows is absolute amazing, but is it worth to stress out another feeling animal so much at the same time?

[@Loris8768]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carlosayala6754]

I believe this is the bulldog type quarter horse?