This article is sponsored by Equinety, written by Jessica Lash, photos by Tilt Media
It’s nearly impossible to talk about the Western performance horse industry without giving a nod to the iconic program at Myers Performance Horses. From barrel horses to rope horses, and from elite professional athletes to trusty youth mounts, the influence of Myers Performance Horses has been — and continues to be — profound. Bill and Deb Myers, along with sons Chad, Billy, Brandon and Brady, have carved out a name for themselves by breeding an annual crop of standout performance horse hopefuls and boasting a 2-year-old sale program that showcases some of the top prospects in the industry.
Bill and Deb Myers have a long-standing tradition of producing superior prospects with an emphasis on versatility, usability, and soundness. They live out their ranch’s motto, always striving to raise a better product by breeding the best to the best for a superior individual. At Myers Performance Horses, the quest for improvement never rests.
Future Focused
For 36-year-old Billy Myers, working his family’s ranch has been a way of life dating back as far as his memory stretches.
“I’ve been involved daily since I was 5 or 6 years old,” Billy shared. “Those are my first memories, and the ranch has been life for as long as I can remember.”
Billy took an early interest in stallion management and reproduction, assisting in the breeding program during his teenage years before officially assuming a management role in 2009.
“I’m a data-driven person,” Billy said. “That’s what keeps me hooked into the breeding program. I love looking at the science behind the bloodlines and understanding what crosses work, and why. It’s important to me to drive the breed and the industry forward.”
In 2023, Myers Performance Horses is set to offer four stallions to the public — Mr Sassy Frenchman, Ima Special Kindaguy, Cowboys Cartel and Lucky Wonder Horse. Lucky Wonder Horse will stand at Royal Vista Ranch in Wayne, Oklahoma, while the remaining three stallions will be under Billy’s management at Myers Performance Horses in St. Onge, South Dakota. The Myers’ lost their cornerstone stallion, Frenchmans Guy, in August 2021.
The Equinety Edge
In 2020, the Myers family was introduced to Equinety by five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Tyler Wade.
“Mr Sassy Frenchman had injured his hock, so Tyler reached out to my dad about putting some of our horses on Equinety,” Billy explained. “I didn’t even know the horses were getting it, and when they brought ‘Sassy’ back from Arizona, I saw a substantial improvement in his motility. I asked my folks if they’d put him on something, and they told me about Equinety.”
Billy says he has been a believer in Equinety since seeing firsthand the difference it made for Sassy.
“We’ve consistently seen a minimum of 20% improvement in the stallions’ motility across the board,” Billy shared. “They also don’t lose weight or body condition like they used to.
Toward the end of the breeding season, our stallions tended to get drawn up and sore — now they look great and are happy about their job all the way through. Breeding season is a demanding time for our stallions so we want to do everything we can to put their care first. Equinety is a product that helps us do that.”
Platinum Medal Rope Horse Futurity and Sale Presented by Equinety
Billy’s affinity for data and his enthusiasm for Equinety will merge during his maiden futurity production, the Platinum Medal Rope Horse Futurity and Sale. The inaugural event is slated to run from August 24—26, 2023, at Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and will feature a unique combination of competitive opportunities, educational resources, and a horse sale.
“The idea is really to get everyone more involved in the rope horse industry — especially amateurs,” Billy shared. “We have a unique, inclusive format that enables 45 amateur and professional competitors a side-by-side shot at cashing in. The Platinum Medal Horse Sale will offer top-tier performance horse prospects, and we will have representatives from various companies offering seminars that highlight ways we can protect our equine investments. This is designed to be a one-stop shop for buyers, sellers, and competitors at every level.”
Billy says driving the industry forward is also an important component of the event.
“I want everyone to understand and experience the joy of raising a baby from birth and seeing that baby succeed, or buying their dream prospect and following that dream through the horse’s career,” Billy explained.
The event will feature a new format where competitors will run three head and may then qualify back to the short go in one of three divisions. Amateurs and professionals will be permitted to compete on the same horse and will go head-to-head for cash and prizes, including 80% payback and $10,000 in added money.
For more information about the Platinum Medal Rope Horse Futurity and Sale presented by Equinety, please visit Platinum Medal Rope Horse Futurity and Sale on Facebook.
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