SAN ANGELO, Texas — In a thrilling, down-to-the-wire fence work finish Feb. 2 at Spur Arena Ron Emmons claimed his second consecutive World’s Greatest Horseman Championship aboard Olena Oak (Smart Chic Olena x Fritzs Oak E Doakie), a 2002 stallion owned in partnership between Nichole Scott and Emmons’ wife, LaDona Emmons.

SAN ANGELO — For a second year in a row, Madera professional Lyn Anderson guided Tuckers Smart Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Smoke Time Tuck) to the NRCHA Open Hackamore World Championship Feb. 1 at Spur Arena.

RIVERSIDE — Reiners from the California Reining Horse Association celebrated their remarkable year Jan. 8 at the Riverside Rancheros.

THERMAL — It was a rewarding day for hunter riders in Thermal, as Desert Circuit III wound to a close with two big-money competitions on Sunday, which marked the conclusion of the first half of the 2013 HITS Desert Circuit.

HEY RAY: Whenever my horse would get heavy in my hands, what worked well was backing him up until he was “light.” This would keep him in self carriage and off my hands when moving forward again. Lately though, not only is he heavy going forward, but when I attempt to back him up, he’s remains heavy. Now I’m stuck with a horse that doesn’t mind hanging all the time. Riding him has become no fun — just a real workout. Help!
— Patricia Wiggens, Las Vegas, Nev.

New year, new goals…whatever type of riding or level you enjoy, if you’ve been thinking about finding a trainer to reach the next level, there’s no better location to commence your search than the Horsetrader’s Trainer’s Directory. Four pages of top trainers begin on page 58, and you also may find them online on Horsetrader.com. From dressage to mounted shooting, jumping to reined cow horse, these best-in-class professionals offer you education that will last a lifetime. Be sure to check them out!

DEAR DANA: Do you have any tips to keep in mind for getting the most out of the new show season?
—Carmen, Escondido

37th in a series
After looking at hip control last issue, Les reviews with us some pointers on backing up.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The United States has a qualified vaulter to compete in the FEI World Cup Vaulting Final for the first time in 2013. Gabe Aniello is among six of the top male vaulters in the world to qualify to compete at the 2013 Final in Braunschweig, Germany March 14-17.

Applications are due Monday, May 6, for the USA Equestrian Trust grant program, which announced last week that will have two opportunities to apply for funding in 2013.