Stanley Broughton might be one of the oldest exhibitors.

Stanley Broughton smiles after his heading prelim run at the 2009 Bayer Select World. (Christine Hamilton)

But as far as he’s concerned, it’s never too late to show for your first time at the Bayer Select World Championship Show. The 80-year-old native of Roswell, New Mexico, may not be a stranger to roping, but he is a new face here at the Bayer Select World.

Stanley and his gray gelding, Button Top Dollar, competed in the heading September 1, and were granted a re-ride when the barrier malfunctioned. The pair has been together since 2002, and Stanley admits that “Dollar” has been “an awfully good horse.”

Stanley said that he just loves being around and on horses, and he’s been riding since he was a young boy. He was born and raised in Illinois, and his family had a pony since he was 7 years old.

He rode up until he joined the U.S. Navy, and he resumed riding after he retired from the service in 1974. Stanley served as a pilot for 26 years.

“I flew 85 combat missions in Korea, and then I flew a little bit of everything after that,” Stanley said.

He has flown all over the world for the military transport service, and he has also worked for the Pentagon.

Even though Stanley just enjoys being around horses, he really loves roping. He said heading is definitely his favorite, but he’s able to do a little bit of heeling as well.

Stanley said that he is very much enjoying his time at the 2009 Bayer Select World, and he’s just really glad he was able to come.

Julie Preble
Journal Intern

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Check out photos from the third day of the 2009 Bayer Select World Championship Show. Click on the photos to see the captions. Some of the photos are available for purchase at the AQHA Photo Store.