The United States Equestrian Federation recently announced the five finalists for the Horse of the Year. One of them is the American Paint Horse reining champion Colonels Nite Special.
The 6-year-old sorrel solid Paint-bred stallion also registered with the American Quarter Horse Association as Gunners Special Nite. Ridden by top reining competitor Tom McCutcheon of Aubrey, Tex., the pair was an instrumental part of the success of the 2010 US Reining Team at the World Equestrian Games last fall in Lexington, Ky. The team won a third consecutive Gold medal by the largest margin in history. In the individual finals at the games, Colonels Nite Special and McCutcheon brought the crowd to its feet with a phenomenal performance. McCutcheon is also nominated for the USEF Equestrian of the Year award.
Horse of the Year voting will take place through today. USEF members and other eligible individuals may vote at usef.org. The winner will be announced during the USEF Pegasus Awards on Saturday, January 22, 2011, in Lexington
