The Return Of A Legend

Photo by John Brasseaux

Appearance planned for Smart Little Lena in Fort Worth at 20-Year Anniversary Celebration

Those who were there literally watched history being made. Whether standing shoulder to shoulder, hanging on to the rail or sitting on the edge of their seats in the Will Rogers Coliseum, all eyes were riveted to the non-stop action.

It was finals night of the 1982 NCHA Futurity. During the first group of cattle, Stag A Lena ridden by Keith Barnett marked a 219. Boons Barrister brought down the house when he pawed the dirt in anticipation of his first cow and scored a 221. Brinks Leo Hickory was leading the prestigious field of 3-year-olds with a 222.

Bill Freeman, riding a little Doc O'Lena colt out of a Peppy San mare and dubbed by someone when a yearling as the ugly "Dockling," was last in the bunch. With low, smooth moves while working nose to nose with that black baldy cow, Freeman knew his cow-savvy stallion had just completed his best run of the show. The judges confirmed what the overflow crowd already knew... Smart Little Lena was the 1982 NCHA Futurity Champion scoring a 225.

Smart Little Lena went on to win the 1983 NCHA Super Stakes, was co-champion of the NCHA Derby and thus became the first Triple Crown Winner in cutting horse history. In an interview after the final win, Bill Freeman made what, with hindsight has become quite an understatement. He modestly responded, "Hopefully, Smart Little Lena will do something special for cutting and the NCHA."

Freeman's little pal has dominated the industry ever since, sired three NCHA Futurity Champions, and has become the all-time leading NCHA sire with offspring earning $24.7 million. In addition, his daughters have already produced another $8.1 million in winners.

Those not in attendance that December night in 1982 will get another opportunity to see the first NCHA Triple Crown winner return to center stage when Smart Little Lena makes an appearance during the 2002 Futurity. To honor this legendary stallion and those individuals who helped foster his career, Western Bloodstock will present "The Tribute to Smart Little Lena" Wednesday, December 11, immediately preceding the exciting NCHA Futurity Select 2-Year-Old Sale. The event, sponsored by the Smart Little Lena Syndicate and Esperanza Ranch will take place in the Watt Arena at the Will Rogers Memorial Complex.

The festivities will include a complimentary barbeque, a brief award ceremony and the premiere of a dynamic video created especially for the event. The high point of the gala will be the guest appearance of Smart Little Lena accompanied by his old friend, Bill Freeman.

Every guest and participant at the NCHA Futurity is invited to attend this special tribute to one of cutting's legends, Smart Little Lena.