NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Shane Steffen of Powell Butte, Oregon, guided Sprinkld Confetticat (WR This Cats Smart x PPH Especial Nitro) to victory in the Open Bridle championship at the NRCHA Celebration of Champions. They scored a 441.0 (219.5 rein / 221.5 cow) to clinch the title, narrowly beating out Zane Davis and Snapdragons (Gunnatrashya x Catnaps) who finished second with a 440.
Owned by South Cove Ranch LLC, Sprinkld Confetticat added $14,274 to her lifetime earnings, bringing her total career winnings to over $176,000.
From Non-Pro Partner to Open Contender
Sprinkld Confetticat’s journey to the open winner’s circle took a unique path. “I got her as a 3-year-old for the previous owner and she competed in the non-pro division through her derby years,” explained Steffen. “We then sold her to Julia [Jaspen of South Cove Ranch LLC] and gave her a year off to transition into the bridle. I started showing her in the bridle about three years ago.”
Making the transition from a non-pro career to open competition is a significant challenge, but Confetticat excelled under Steffen’s guidance. “I think it takes a special horse to step up to the open level when they haven’t been asked to do so,” Steffen remarked.
Steffen recognized the mare’s potential and focused on building the partnership needed for open-level success. “I felt a strong connection with the mare when riding her myself,” he said. “Julia asked if I would be interested in showing her in the open, and I saw her talent. I just needed to work on her mindset and consistency. She has improved greatly ever since.”
Harnessing Grit Under Pressure
“She possesses immense drive and determination, always giving her best effort,” Steffen praised Confetticat’s qualities.
While her natural abilities were evident, refining them was crucial. “She has become more consistent in the reined work,” Steffen noted, highlighting their 219.5 score in the Open Bridle class. “Our challenge was to ensure her consistency in the reined work, maintaining her focus and calmness during runs.”
“She has shown continuous improvement… every time I compete with her, our connection grows stronger,” Steffen added.
As their partnership flourished, Confetticat’s physical prowess shone. “She excels in stopping during the reined work, making it seem effortless,” Steffen elaborated. “She consistently gives her all, demonstrating exceptional talent in handling any cow during fence work.”
Celebration of Champions Results
Building on a World’s Greatest Résumé
Confetticat is no stranger to high-stakes competitions. She placed third in last year’s World’s Greatest Horseman and secured third place in this year’s preliminaries with a 225 in the reined work.
Following a challenging week that saw Steffen finish ninth in the Open Hackamore event, a change in plans led to Confetticat’s entry in the Open Bridle competition, where she excelled.
Their performance showcased the mare’s remarkable progress. “It’s truly a remarkable achievement to not only reach the finals, given the strong competition, but also emerge as the champion,” Steffen reflected.
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