CMSA SUNDOWNER 2009 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - AMARILLO MAKES HISTORY!
By Phil Spangenberger
Winning Overall Cowboy honors was Pretty Prairie, Kansas’ own Don Day. Don joined the CMSA in April of 2000 and since then has traveled extensively placing near the top many times at a national level, but never grabbing that gold buckle. That all
changed and 2009 was his year. A "real" working cowboy who has been riding Mother Masterpiece since day one. This sorrel mare shows that just when you think that horse is getting a little too old, that might be when experience really starts to pay off.
Finishing Reserve Cowboy and a very close third overall was former World and National Champion Matt Sronce of Westhoff, Texas. No stranger to the winner’s circle Matt was riding a line back dun, but not the line back dun, that you’re used to seeing him ride. Clementine, the dun mare that Matt won back to back National and his World title on has been recovering from injuries. Matt grabbed the Reserve World Cowboy honors for the second year in a row riding an 11 year old AQHA gelding named Bayo (Spanish for Dun) who is actually Clementine’s full brother.
The 2009 Reserve Cowgirl Overall title went to Desert Hills, Arizona cowgirl Natalie Johnson. A college student, 2008 Arizona High School Rodeo Miss Rodeo placed 4th overall showing she’s much more than just a pretty face. Natalie had spectacular runs showing poise under pressure and consistency that has put her among the elite in the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting.
This much-anticipated championship match—our second World here--was once again held in Amarillo’s TriState Expo, occupying the spacious Amarillo National Center arena, along with the Cody Horse Barn and arena. For those of you who may have missed these two major events, the Amarillo National Center boasts a 150 x 300-foot dirt arena, plenty big enough for CMSA’s courses, and has seating for 5,000 spectators, as well as spacious vendor spaces that surround the arena. Altogether, the Amarillo National Center occupies 158,562 square feet of space, while the Cody Horse Barn and its arena takes up 74,750 square feet, including its 94-foot x 225-foot arena floor (where several of our shorter courses were held, along with a great shooting horse auction).
The World was moved up to October from November this year, to take advantage of Amarillo’s warmer late summer weather, however, we still experienced an unexpected cold and rainy couple of days, but by the latter part of the World, the weather cooperated beautifully and it was as pleasant as could be. Regardless of what the outdoors may have dropped on us, both of the indoor arenas were very comfortable for both horse and rider. Of course, we also faced the legendary West Texas wind. It’s been said that the air in Amarillo is nice…but it goes by you way too fast! Nonetheless, with the sheltered indoor stalls and the warm, friendly welcome we received from the locals, it made for a great week of mounted shooting.
Posted by The Rundown at 12/23/2009 12:42 PM 
Categories: CMSA Info,World Championship,Amarillo,Club Shoots
Tags: CMSA Club Shoots World Championship Amarillo CMSA Info
Categories: CMSA Info,World Championship,Amarillo,Club Shoots
Tags: CMSA Club Shoots World Championship Amarillo CMSA Info
I saw my first CMS rodeo about 12 years ago and have wanted to get involved and follow the circut ever since...I have only now found the time and money to get involved...OMG...I didn't even know what it was called 12 years ago...Glad I found this info...Kenny...Riding "Sneaking Some Freckles"...Dumas Texas...
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