The titles are still up for grabs at the AQHA Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show.

The 2010 AQHA Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show continues. (Journal photo)

By the end of day Wednesday, January 13, at the 2010 AQHA Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show, Laurie Shelton and Areal Chic Magnet had taken a strong lead in the amateur with wins in amateur ranch trail and amateur ranch riding.

Mike Major and Smart Whiskey Doc had the lead in the open, with a win in ranch riding and a second in ranch trail. But, as any follower of this sport knows, with each class the top spot is up for grabs.

The individual class winners were:

• Amateur ranch trail: Laurie Shelton and Areal Chic Magnet
• Amateur ranch riding: Laurie Shelton and Areal Chic Magnet
• Open ranch trail: Jimbo Humphreys and Josephs Catchum All
• Open ranch riding: Mike Major and Smart Whiskey Doc
• Amateur ranch cutting: Colton Daniel and Circle Bar Pistol

Check out more photos from the 2010 Fort Dodge Versatility Ranch Horse World Championship Show (click on each photo to see the caption).

The highlight of the day? Colton Daniel and Circle Bar Pistol’s performance to win the amateur cutting was definitely the biggest crowd pleaser. With open competitors Chance O’Neal and Kris Wilson helping, Colton and the big gray cut their cow, and then drove it down the pen. But two more leaked out to join the lonely critter.

With his helpers keeping back the herd, Colton sifted off the two strays and sent them on their way, then drove his cow back down the line, past the cone and into the pen. For those few minutes the crowd disappeared, and it was a show of three natural-born cattlemen at work. But when the judges whistled all done, the crowd showed its appreciation. The audience was right; it would be the winning go.

Be sure to follow the show coverage online, brought to you by The American Quarter Horse Journal. For the first time, you can watch the show live via the Fort Dodge Web cam.

Do you love ranch history and horses? Then Jim Jennings’ “Best Remudas” book belongs on your shelf! AQHA’s former executive director of publications and Journal editor, Jim is in Denver taking photos for the show.

Christine Hamilton
Editor
American Quarter Horse Journal

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