IN THE SUMMER OF 2009, SISTER DEB SENT HER MORAB GELDING, RIENZI, BACK TO PRO ROPER BILLY TO BE STARTED AS A HEADING HORSE FOR TEAM ROPING
The pictures below are of the second generation Morab gelding, Rienzi (sired by Mary Mels Mystery and out of Morab mare, DM Eden, who was sired by Skys-Ethete-Pride) in August and September 2009. His trainer, Billy, who is a professional roper, felt that Rienzi had some abilities to become a good heading horse for team roping. Rienzi wasn't sure at first what to do with these cows but he started catching on pretty quick. Billy was taking him to Jackpot ropings in pretty short order. He told Debbie, "I have fun riding this horse." He's also using him for any cattle work they get hired to do by local ranchers. Rienzi is over 16 hands at 7 years old and still maturing. Notice in the later pictures that he has his ears and eyes *on* the cow while the other horse (Quarter Horse) does not. Billy also had him doing heeling as Rienzi was quickly starting to anticipate the moves on the heading side. Morgans and Morabs were some of the original "stock" horses!

Rienzi & Billy working in the practice arena

August 2009: Rienzi begins his heeling training

Now you let that cow go.... (Clicking on the pictures makes them bigger, by the way)

Yes, we want you to LOOK at the cow...

Rienzi & Billy working in the arena in August -

Rienzi & Billy working in the arena in August - note how Rienzi is still sunburned & looks brown instead of black

Rienzi's gaits are like sitting in a rocking chair!

That's it! SEE that cow? Go get 'er!

About a month later, & now you can see he's handling himself better & getting blacker, too.

Rienzi & Billy in September, getting ready to catch some cows!

Note that Rienzi's ears & eyes are on that steer in the chute. Billy is getting ready to let the steer loose.

He's still keeping his focus on the steer - good job!

Don't have to urge him on anymore - Rienzi is more than willing to go after that steer now!

Both rear legs in the rope & Rienzi lays on the brakes - he has a really good *stop* on him.

Now they're doing some heading which is what Billy feels Rienzi is made to do.

Another steer with Rienzi doing the heading. I know this picture is a bit blurry but it's still a good one.

Billy's thrown his loop & Rienzi is turning to the left to pull the steer so the heeler can get to the steer's rear legs.

The loop is just about to settle over the horns with another nice catch for Billy & Rienzi.

We'll add more pictures as we get them from Rienzi's owner, Debbie Manning

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image