Melissa Miller’s 9-year-old quarter horse, Roo Star, was also named most valuable roping horse and won super horse for accumulating most points at the Oklahoma City show.
Ms. Miller, 44, said she has been showing horses since age 10. She bought Roo Star in March 2007. She said the senior division is for horses more than 6 years old.
“This is one of the top honors that you can achieve. I’m very proud of him,” Ms. Miller said. “This year we thought we might have a shot at the super horse. It’s a deserving title for him.”
According to the AMQA, for two weeks in November the world’s best horses meet in Oklahoma City to compete for world champion and share more than $2.7 million in cash and awards.
Roo Star won about $55,000 total for all events. The money is divided between the owner, trainer and rider. Ms. Miller said her horse also won bronze and gold trophies, a trailer, belt buckle and leather jacket.
Brad Lund rode Roo Star to the heading championship in a rope-off, or tie-breaker.
“He’s just a great individual. I’ve rode horses that probably have more talent, but you can take him to the show pen and he’s a show horse,” Lund told the AQHA. “He likes what he does. He works hard and never cheats. He’s a true show horse and gives his heart every time … every time.”
Lund said part of Roo Star’s training included using an aqua treadmill.
