Battle in the Saddle  

High-Stakes Western Horse Action and Some Phenomenal Shopping

It's Christmas in July (July 5-9, to be exact) at Battle in the Saddle in Oklahoma City. In addition to this world-class equestrian event, world-class shopping is also on the menu. When you hoof it to State Fair Park for all of the high-stakes action, make sure a trip to the trade show is also on your itinerary and be sure to bring your truck (and maybe even your trailer) to haul everything home.

Rascal Cats, a 2006 chestnut stallion by High Brow Cat & out of Keena Pep by Dual Pep, crouches in front of a cow with trainer Wesley Galyean in the Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting open preliminaries.

Here are the major highlights of the show:

• Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting: July 5 (8 a.m.) and July 6 (6 p.m.)
• Ranch remuda challenge preliminaries: July 8 (8 a.m.)
• Match-roping competition: July 8 (7 p.m.)
• Cowboy mounted shooting: July 9 (all day)
• Barrel racing: July 8-9 (all day)
• Battle in the Saddle Family Fun Day: July 9 (4-6 p.m.) 

Cowboy mounted shooting requires a high degree of speed and agility from the horse and skilled shooting from the rider. Journal photo.

Much more lies in store at Battle in the Saddle. Don't miss out on the action-packed World's Greatest Horseman Shootout:

• World's Greatest Horseman Shootout cutting: July 7 (6 p.m.)
• World's Greatest Horseman Shootout steer stopping: July 8 (7 p.m.)
• World's Greatest Horseman Shootout reined work: July 9 (morning)
• World's Greatest Horseman Shootout fence work: July 9 (morning)

 -Tara Christiansen 

 AQHA Internet Editor

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Troy Flaharty of Tryon, Oklahoma, makes bits and spurs for cutters, reiners, ropers and barrel racers, so it's only natural that he found his way to the inaugural Battle in the Saddle to sell his wares. And it's no surprise that he came back this year, where he's among 30 vendors at Battle in the Saddle, presented by RFD-TV.

Troy started making bits and spurs about 20 years ago. "I'm getting closer every day (to good)," he says with a smile. "I'm not where I want to be, but I'm getting closer."

Appreciation of the handmade and the original led Troy to his custom business. His buyers want unique pieces, and they can pick their inspiration from the pieces he has displayed near the warm-up arena for the Jim Norick Arena at the Superbarn on the State Fair Park grounds in Oklahoma City.  

Spectators at Battle in the Saddle will be able to see offerings from cowboy hats to western magazines to leather and rhinestones. Admission is free, and the shopping is open daily during the competition.

 -Larri Jo Starkey

 AQHA Journal on the Road

Deitra Robertson Real Estate

Living the Western Life throughout Their Business 

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Texas Music Chart

Your Guide to Texas and Red Dirt Music

After only 7 weeks on the Texas Music Chart, Cody Canada & the Departed are in the #1 spot with "Ballad of Rosalie." Cody Canada first made his claim to fame as the front man for Cross Canadian Ragweed which broke up just last year. Cody is joined in The Departed by former CCR member Jeremy Plato, and musicians Seth James, Steve Littleton, and Dave Bowen. 

Rounding out the top 5 this week is Kevin Fowler with "Hell Yeah, I Like Beer" at #2, Eli Young Band with "Crazy Girl" at #3, Cory Morrow with "Lead Me On" at #4, and Eleven Hundred Springs with "This Ain't The First Time" at #5.

The biggest move this week belongs to Deryl Dodd with "Baby, Where's My Bottle" jumping 13 spots from #50 to #37.

Brian Burke Band returns to the Chart with "Dancin' Tune" at #50. Brandon Rhyder debuts at #43 with "In The Country." Dean Seltzer comes in at #48 with "Beatle Song."

News, Sales, & Events

Things to Do Comin' up Soon

Here is a short list of things comin' up soon. Be sure to check out the entire event calendar on TheWesternVault.com for a complete list of great western events all over the United States! 

• July 5-9: Battle in the Saddle- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma  
• July 6: Western Winesday- Leddy's Ranch at Sundance, Fort Worth, Texas 
• July 8- 10: "A Ride with Bob"- The Bob Wills Musical featuring Dave Alexander- Galveston, Texas 
• July 8- 17: Calgary Stampede- Calgary, Alberta
• July 19- 23: Big Texas Swing School Hosted by Dave Alexander- Gainesville, Texas
• July 22- 31: Cheyenne Frontier Days- Cheyenne, Wyoming  
• August 3-6: Trigger & Bullet Happy Trails Tour- Portsmouth, Ohio