Each year, the top 25 tie-down ropers in the PRCA world standings vote for the AQHA/PRCA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year, awarding the bronze to one great calf horse, and The Tie-Down Breakdown asked some of the best tie-down ropers in the world to weigh in on who they think deserves the title.
Horses are voted on during the first week of October by the top 25 tie-down ropers in the PRCA world standings. In early September, the top 25 calf ropers nominate three horses each. They then vote on the top three horses they think deserve the coveted award. The top three horses of the year are then announced in mid-October based on the voting points system.
After talking with Shane Hanchey, Kincade Henry and Haven Meged, two horses stand out: Figure To Fly, “Lollipop”, and Seven S Tomahawk, “Smoke”.
Hanchey’s Horse of the Year Picks
“I think it’s between two horses,” Hanchey said. “I think it’s between Shad (Mayfield)’s Lollipop and Haven (Meged’s) Smoke. If you look toward the top of the world standings, they are both first and third, respectively, and they have been riding those horses most of the year.”
Shad Mayfield is currently ranked No. 1 in the world standings heading to the NFR. He rode Lollipop to most of the $287,721 he earned in 2024. Haven Meged is ranked No. 2 in the world standings, and like Shad, he rode Smoke to most of the $221,308 he earned this season.
The dirty-fast Lollipop is registered as Figure To Fly, and he is by the same sire as Trevor Brazile’s great calf horse, Deputy. Their Lazy E-raised sire, Popular Resortfigure, by Dual Pep out of Bar J Jackie, has forged a reputation for siring standout calf horses. But on the bottom side, Lollipop is straight racehorse. Her dam is a granddaughter of both Easy Jet and Hempen.
Meged’s bay mare, Smoke, is registered as Seven S Tomahawk. The 8-year-old mare is sired by AQHA World Champion and Riata stallion Mr Playinstylish, who stands at the iconic 6666 Ranch and is owned by Moncrief Quarter Horses
“I think anybody that watches them sees that they score great,” Hanchey said. “They run great and close the gap well. If they miss a barrier a little bit, they catch up just as fast as anything going. To me, they aren’t little horses; they’re bigger horses and stout; they can take the road.”
It takes a horse that can handle the rodeo road, setups and season changes, Hanchey, who’s won two Horse of the Year Awards, said. “Knowing I would have never made it to where I am today without special horsepower, it means a hell of a lot,” Hanchey said. “This (Horse of the Year award) is very special to me, and winning it is even more special. The award goes to show that other people see how much pride you take in your horses.”
Henry’s Horse of the Year Picks
“I haven’t talked to a whole lot of people about it, but I am going to nominate Mario,” Henry said. “I rode him all winter and then from July on. He’s just been outstanding everywhere and hasn’t made any mistakes. But you can’t leave out Haven Meged’s bay mare. That horse is outstanding everywhere. Shad’s bay mare, that’s an amazing horse as well. There’s a couple of them that everybody knows will be in the running.”
Henry’s 18-year-old gelding, Mario, is sired by Duals Blue Boon, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 32, and out of Billy Joes Baby who is by Doc Olena.
Meged’s Horse of the Year Picks
“I nominated Smoke, and I hope he wins, but we will see,” Meged said. “My little sorrel horse, he’s one of the best out there, too. I’m blessed to have two of the best horses going down the road right now. Shad’s Lollipop is one of the best, too. I think those are the best three horses going down the road right now.”
With the voting closing soon, stay tuned for the top horses of the year, thanks to Rattler Ropes.
