A ranch horse show is an equestrian event that celebrates the skills and abilities of working ranch horses and their riders. Unlike traditional horse shows that focus on specific disciplines or specialized training, a ranch horse show is designed to test the versatility and functionality of horses that are used in day-to-day ranch work.In a ranch horse show, the emphasis is on practical ranch tasks and the ability of the horse to perform them effectively. The competition typically includes a series of events that simulate real-world ranch scenarios. These events may vary depending on the specific show, but most commonly would be ranch riding, working cow horse, ranch trail, ranch reining and ranch roping.

But this particular ranch horse show is nothing like you've ever seen or experienced. The weekend of May 5-7 2023 the Romals and Rowels threw their hat in the ring and became the Ultimate Ranch Horse Show! The Iron Horse Competition was AQHA(American Quarter Horse Association), APHA (American Paint Horse Association), ApHC (Appaloosa Horse Club) and TQHA (Texas Quarter Horse Association) approved - UNHEARD OF! A one-of-a-kind horse show, full of firsts, taking the ranch horse show industry to the next level!

Interview with Romals & Rowels Host Heather D Young

Q : What inspired yall to take on the Romals and Rowels Ranch Horse Show ?

"We wanted to add a show that is unique in the Ranch Horse industry.  A show that is fun, great awards/prizes, entertainment, and hospitality that embraces the largest 3 stockhorse breeds. We wanted to break the barriers that exists amongst the various breeds and create fellowship between them all.  Afterall; we all share a common interest in the ranch classes. We offered AQHA and APHA speed events on Friday because there is a need for more AQHA qualifying events."

 Q : What sets the Romals and Rowels apart from the rest?

"The facility!!!  NRS Event Center is the perfect setting for our event.  The facility sits in the middle of a 400+ acre ranch with no parking fees, its not on concrete - its dirt, its grass, beautiful trees and rustic bunkhouses and cabins onsite to permit fellowship amongst the exhibitors.  We did not want to be a cookie cutter horse show; we wanted to have a party that offered great prizes, awards, food, drink, and most importantly fellowship amongst people with the same interest.  We had originally planned on holding some classes in the pasture but due to the storms we were not able to do that."

Q : What was the contestant turnout like?

"Phenomenal; we had a total of 118 horses and 469 entries that showed.  We had people who drove over 350 miles to come and experience the show without a horse participating!"

Q : What brands helped sponsor the R&R Show? And what awards were given out?

"We gave away Justin Boots, Wrangler Jeans, Romal Reins, Custom Spurs, GutX, B-Free of flies fly spray, classic equine swag, director chairs, vintage trophies, and a custom warbridle.  Sponsors included: Resistol, Wrangler/NRS, Justin, Touchstone Ranch, 100X Equine, Billy and Pam Minick, Debbie Garrison, EM Custom Show Pads, Well Control Solutions, Kelley Cattle Company, Texas Total Comfort Systems, B-Free Of Flies Spray, Flying BS Quarter Horses, JK Versatility Horses, Courtney Performance Horses, Randy Allgood Relator, Healthy Gait Chiropractic, Classic Equine, Bluebonnet Feeds, Ingram Insurance, Dusty Saddles Photography, and Cowboy Collection Quarter Horses."

Q : Any cool stories or mentions from this weekend?

"The youth that won the AQHA All-Around Award Kerri Wright has been battling Leukemia for 3 years.  Kerri had the overall fastest time in the bonus class and ended up reserve champion Iron Horse and this is against all-breeds and divisions!!!! On Saturday we had two former Miss Rodeo America Queens Pam Minick and Debbie Garrison present.  We had a live drawing for a 1978 Miley 2-horse in-line trailer and a 1977 El Camino.  We had a Cinco De Mayo party offering free margaritas and tacos with chips and salsa. We had a Kentucky Derby Hat contest!  We named Cindy Hale as the Iron Horse Champion who was the highest point earning horse overall amongst all breeds and divisions."

Q : Tell us the story of the "Vintage Rodeo Rig" and why yall wanted to donate a portion of the proceeds to the WCY4H.

"Kinzee Shull (NRS Ranch Manager) and her involvement with the Wise County 4-H Horse Program is the main reason for donating.  Jim was once a County Agent and knows the importance of supporting the local 4-H programs as they are the leaders of tomorrow."

Jim Kelley donated his vintage 1978 Miley 2-Horse inline bumper pull trailer with a complete restoration from top to bottom. With full quill faux ostrich pads, LED lighting, new flooring, metal work, paint job, Miley hub caps, and electric breaks. Along with a 1977 black El Camino that is a daily driver. Housing a 350-V-8 engine with dual exhaust, automatic transmission, A/C, electric windows / locks, swivel bucket seats with faux ostrich and aftermarket radio and speakers. 

Q : Should we expect to see a Romals & Rowels show in 2024?

"Absolutely!"

Message from Contestant Roslyn Proffer 

"To say the Romels And Rowels Showdown was a hit is an understatement! Thank you Heather D Young and Jim Kelley for putting so much work into a spectacular horse show! You both worked tirelessly getting sponsors so we could have free breakfasts, a taco dinner, fantastic awards, and random drawings. Which I won a free pair of Wranglers and 25% off of a second pair at NRS.

SHR Dun Freezing won 2 high point awards, APHA Novice Amateur with Michelle Hagen and APHA Open with me. Coded Spotless won the ApHC Non Pro High Point with Sheri Shaw. Cindy Warlick and Well Dale Yeah had a great first big show, as did Sarah Franks and Starlight Tattooed Annie. Dun Time In Houston and I received more AQHA Ranch Trail points for owner Colleen Pomeroy. The NRS Training Facility is beautiful, judging was good, prizes great, the bunk house was very comfortable. The show was huge and our team did stellar!"

Message from Romals & Rowels Host Jim Kelley

"Now that the smoke has cleared all I can say is WOW about the Romals and Rowels Ranch Show!! When we started talking about this show 2 years ago I never dreamed that it would be like this!

First and foremost thanks to all of our sponsors because without them none of this would have been possible! NRS Ranch and Kinzee Shull, you guys knocked it out of the park - our show help and volunteers were the best!! Our judges Terry Thompson and Cindy Chilton-Moore for the long hours. But most importantly our exhibitors who came to a three breed show that has never been done before !! A special thanks to Alexandra Johnson for running the office all by herself! 

When we decided to do this I said we will have good food, drink, music, awards, raffles and it will be like no other Ranch Horse Show you have attended! Thank you all, it was exactly what we promised!!"