Russell Dilday recently ended a decade-long dry spell by winning the NRCHA Open Hackamore World Championship in Fort Worth. Riding stallion Razor Scooter, he scored a 440 composite with a 221 rein and 219 fence, earning $12,820. This victory not only brought home a paycheck but also restored Dilday’s confidence as a cowboy from Wynnewood, Oklahoma.
Reflecting on his journey back to success, Dilday admitted that it wasn’t a quick process. Balancing his responsibilities managing a beef cattle operation with his wife Tanna and the mental challenges of training, Dilday estimated that his slump lasted 10 to 15 years. However, with the support of the cow horse community, including trainers like Chris Dawson, Don Murphy, and Kyle Noyce, among others, he was able to piece his program back together. Riding with Dustin Mills and Faron Hightower also played a crucial role in helping Dilday regain his confidence.
At home, Dilday found support from customer Claire Edwards and his wife Tanna, who kept him engaged in the show pen even when it would have been easier to step away. With their encouragement, Dilday persevered through the tough times and ultimately found his way back to the winner’s circle.
Razor Scooter, the horse that played a significant role in Dilday’s comeback, was purchased as a coming 2-year-old based on a recommendation from his veterinarian. The stallion, sired by High Brow Cat, showed exceptional kindness and trainability from the start. Despite facing setbacks like battling strangles as a 3-year-old, Razor Scooter’s unwavering attitude and reliability helped Dilday succeed in Fort Worth.
With Razor Scooter’s earnings approaching $50,000 and a new chapter as a sire beginning, Dilday and Tanna are excited about the future. Standing the stallion for breeding at $1,500, they hope to build momentum behind the young sire. For Dilday, the championship win represents more than just success in the show ring—it signifies a newfound confidence and belief in his abilities.
After a long hiatus from the spotlight, Russell Dilday is back in the cow horse conversation, and Razor Scooter’s partnership suggests that this comeback is just the beginning.
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