What a day! July 9, 2026 at the Calgary Stampede is a day for the memory books. Massimo had told me back in June that he thought Luna was special and could be a champion. I was a bit skeptical – after all, she can be rather goofy at times.
But Massimo and Luna did not disappoint! What a show it was for them. Luna came to the show ready to go and she got a cow that really tested her abilities. She is not easily discouraged and was determined to make that cow behave, no matter how big and pushy he was. Luna put down an absolutely fabulous run and won the Championship – Open Hackamore – Calgary Stampede 2026.
Massimo GARLANDA started this filly, chased her around the pasture and put up with her silly antics. I’m not sure he knew she was a champion when they first started working together, but he built and molded her talents into the champion she has become. Congratulations to Massimo and Luna!
AQHA: Truckin Luna Picasso 6194450
SIRE: Cats Picasso
DAM: Truckin Lisa Marie (NMSU Truckin Chex)
Rider: Massimo GARLANDA
Next, it was Boss’ turn. Purdy Bossy has been a very solid horse for us from his first show in the snaffle bit, through the hackamore years and now in the two-rein period. But since there is no two-rein class at Stampede, if he were to compete, he had to ride in the bridle.
In the Vaquero tradition of developing amazing working cow horse talent, the horses are started in the “Snaffle Bit” – which is soft on the mouth while providing basic guidance to their movements. At four and five years old, they ride in the “Hackamore” – a leather and rawhide halter style head piece which provides direction but minimal direction from the rider. I’ve heard this described as “Riding a Dragon” (enthusiastic and powerful young horse) “with a piece of dental floss” (no mouth piece, just horses hair reins that connect below the jawline). Unless they are well trained and accustomed to the gear, they can easily push through and become quite wild.
From six to eight years of age, they are ridden in a combination called the “Two-Rein” – which combines the new feel of the bridle bit with the old familiar hackamore structure, reduced to a fine “Bosalito”. The horse is learning to read the subtle signals from the bit, a piece like a dental retainer on the soft palate in the top of the mouth. Then after eight years, the horse is expected to ride “Straight Up In The Bridle” – removing the bosalito and relying solely on the signal bit. This is a refined and disciplined cow horse. It’s graduation day.
Massimo and Boss have been working on the Two Rein and Bridle for several months, since leaving the Hackamore behind. Some horses fight this transition but Boss was very happy with the advancement. It seems that he was born to be a Bridle Horse!
He was ready to show off at the Stampede grounds. He entered the ring with confidence and focus. And his performance was great!
Reserve Champion – Open Bridle – Calgary Stampede 2026.
We may not have come home with the Championship in our class, but coming in Reserve to John Swales and Hendrixx is an amazing performance for this young stallion and his steady and sensitive rider. Congratulations Boss & Massimo!
AQHA: Purdy Bossy 6058585
SIRE: CD Lights
DAM: Purdy Metallica (Metallic Cat)
Rider: Massimo GARLANDA
