Weatherford, Texas—National Reined Cow Horse (NRCHA) professional Ron Emmons made his way onto the NRCHA Million Dollar Riders list after the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity in September. Emmons has spent a lifetime horseback, working on ranches in his home state of California in Santa Barbara County. The area is known for its rich history with bridle horses and vaquero traditions, and Emmons soaked it all in as he grew as a horseman.
“I had to figure out a way to make a better living, so I started training a few horses,” Emmons recalled. His competition focused on breed shows, and, much like other trainers of his time, he competed in just about every class offered.
“I showed a few jumpers and trail horses—just about everything,” he recalled. “Then I showed in my first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® in 1989 when it was at the Thomas and Mack arena in Las Vegas.”
That first cow horse event wasn’t successful for Emmons, but with the help of Ted Robinson, Emmons persevered. His focus shifted completely to cow horse in 2004. He had talented horses sent to him, and he capitalized on their abilities, one being Olena Oak.
Emmons’ most notable accomplishments in NRCHA are:
- Two-time World’s Greatest Horseman® (2012 and 2013) with Olena Oak.
- 2011 NRCHA Derby Open Champion with Reygans Smart Lena.
- 2007 NRCHA Derby Open Reserve Champion with Olena Oak.
- NRCHA Hall of Fame Rider.
- Multiple NRCHA Open Bridle championships.
“Ron’s dedication to our sport of reined cow horse is evident in his consistent efforts to train and show champions,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “We welcome him to the ranks of NRCHA Million Dollar Riders.”
For a complete list of NRCHA Million Dollar Riders, visit www.nrcha.com/nrcha-million-dollar-riders/.
