Erin Taormino led 2016 Stallion Hazardouz Material to another career-defining title at the 2026 Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge in Las Vegas on Friday, Aug. 14, earning $55,000 and pushing the Metallic Cat sons’ lifetime earnings to $545,519.
With scores of 222 in the reining and 226 down the fence, there was no doubt the Linda Mars’ stallion had earned another line for his storied resume, which includes a World’s Greatest Horseman title.
“Getting this win at The Run for a Million on him, it just proves to everybody once again that he is such a special individual,” Taormino said. “He’s one of the greatest ones. There’s been so many great horses and I’m very honored to have what I class as, ‘One of the greats.’ It’s a pretty it’s a pretty amazing feeling.”
The competition “Skeeter” and Taormino were up against was steep, including 2025 World’s Greatest Horseman champion team Jordan Williams and Jaymes Bond—another stallion sired by Metallic Cat. Esteemed open bridle horses like Juliette Jonez, Sprinkld ConfettiCat and My Boots Are Royal were also in the race for the title.
A Well-Executed Plan
The journey to the title began on Thursday, Aug. 13, with the rein work. Riding NRCHA pattern No. 12, the team spun, circled and stopped their way to a score of 222, tying them for No. 3 and just 1.5 points behind leader Justin Wright and Snapdragons.
Ahead of their cow work on Friday night, Taormino planned the proportions of her fence run inside the South Point Arena, the same place they claimed the qualification for the event at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes in April.
“I knew from watching some of the runs I didn’t want to get too tight, and I wanted to make sure I really got by [the cow to turn],” Taormino said. “I wanted to make sure that I ran it all the way [down the arena] as long as I could to that first turn, so when I got my second turn, I was by the middle marker where you have the best shot to circle in the middle of the arena.”
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As Taormino stepped into the pen, she expressed her anxiety about drawing “the perfect cow” to show Skeeter to the best of his ability. The cattle team kicked a big, black heifer into the arena, and it was game on.
“Skeeter felt dialed in and ready,” Taormino said. “He’s so soft and light everywhere. I can always call on him to fire in the show pen. Our cow didn’t have a lot of fuel on the back fence. It was a heavier one, and a little bit numb-feeling so I didn’t stay [boxing] too long. I stopped at three times and went.”
The plan Taormino had envisioned came to fruition, with a big first fence turn far down the pen. She credited Skeeter for his effort on their second turn as he had to turn nearly 270 degrees over his hip to gather the cow up for the circles.
On the live broadcast, commentators including Russell Dilday excitedly remarked, “Circling right in the center of the arena!”
Taormino and Skeeter handled the “pushy” bovine in the circles as it gravitated toward the gate it originally came in. The air horn blew to signal the end of the run, and after a moment of tabulation, the 226 was sealed.
“I couldn’t be happier with the plan I had and how it actually came together,” Taormino said. “Skeeter was amazing. It worked out great and I was incredibly lucky.”
Always Learning
Some champions may rest on their laurels, but Taormino isn’t among them. Taormino’s marketing manager, Chelsea Shaffer, caught her taking cellphone videos of the $100K Shootout reining competitors, “to study later.”
It was an action that pointed back to a visit to Casey Deary’s before the Run For A Million.
“Riding with Casey was incredible,” Taormino said. “We worked on the turnaround the most. Did I have enough time with [what I learned before Vegas?] Maybe not, because there’s always a little bit of adjustment with you learn something new. But I got to pick his brain and it was phenomenal riding with him. I can’t wait to go back.”
That same appetite for improvement is what led Taormino to build a team she trusts completely; one she was quick to credit for Saturday’s win.
Erin Taormino’s Village
Taormino had an entire village to thank for the win, but began with Skeeter’s owner Linda Mars.
“She’s had Skeeter with me since he was 2 years old, and I couldn’t do it without her support,” Taormino said. “She is absolutely amazing inside and out.”
Others on the list were Dave and Paula Mize, her husband Anthony, son Westley, friend Jackie Crawford, and barn crew Maya, Arden, and Sam.
“You’re only as good as your team and they’re irreplaceable,” Taormino said. “I have literally the best support crew, from owners to family, friends, and my kids that work for me. They’re the best ever, and I mean that.”
What’s next for Skeeter? Potentially another trip to the NRCHA’s World’s Greatest Horseman competition? According to Taormino, his team is waiting for his input.
“We’re going to let him tell us,” Taormino said.
“We will remain patient and observe.”