Boyd Rice, an NRCHA Hall-of-Fame inductee and a $2 million rider, secured a win at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Invitational Fence Challenge on February 2. He rode Blu Genes, a 6-year-old stallion by Once In A Blu Boon and out of Lil Miss Shiney Nic, to victory in a runoff against Emily Kent, earning $3,695.
Blu Genes, owned by a partnership between Taylor Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch and Kit Moncrief, has been under Rice’s training program since he was a 3-year-old. The victory at the Fort Worth Stock Show provided valuable experience for Blu Genes ahead of the upcoming National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Celebration of Champions, starting on February 14.
Boyd Rice mentioned that Blu Genes has been a standout horse since his early years, despite facing physical setbacks that are now behind him. With Blu Genes healthy and performing well, Rice is optimistic about their future together.
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First Show in the Bridle
Blu Genes made his debut in the bridle and romal setup at the Fort Worth Invitational Fence Challenge, a transition that Rice had prepared for extensively at home. Despite the challenge of adapting to romal reins, Blu Genes’ natural cow sense shone through during the fence work.
Building Confidence Ahead of “The Celebration”
Rice sees Blu Genes’ strongest attribute in his ability to drive up the fence and circle cattle with minimal guidance. The pair will be competing in the Open Hackamore at the Celebration of Champions, aiming to showcase Blu Genes’ skills once again in the arena.