Heritage, Tradition, Continuity…..
The American West, is a term that commonly evokes images made popular in John Ford movies. In fact the west was a term which defined the American frontier for some two hundred years. Constantly shifting, advancing and retreating, the mythical line defined the next horizon as well as opportunity for those with enough grit to triumph in the face of hardship. As the line of pioneers pressed towards the next horizon, they brought with them skill sets from the previous frontier. With time, geographical necessity, and cultural influences; some practices were discarded, and others took the shape of not just skills but time honored traditions.
Originally, Heritage Days was produced by SHS Cattle Co. In 2016, the Heritage Days Classic changed hands and we were given the opportunity to take the reins and continue down the path. We are proud of to continue building on the established principles and foresee the event continuing to shift, change, and grow. At the Heritage Days Classic, we celebrate premiere horsemanship and western heritage in Texas and the surrounding states. As we plan, we remain ever mindful of the founding principle, to preserve the traditions and skills of horsemanship as well as stockmanship.
The Heritage Days Classic is our commitment to providing affordable educational opportunities for equine enthusiasts; requiring no memberships or competition licenses. These opportunities take the form of clinics, competitions, seminars, and exhibitions of western culture. As the Heritage Days Classic continues to grow, our motto of “preserving the skill, to preserve the tradition” becomes more apparent with each passing year.
Recognizing the diversity required in a good working horse, the Heritage Days Classic is dedicated to the development of a truly versatile horse. This “versatile horse” is best defined as a willing equine partner that is comfortable in multiple areas of competition and work. Riding disciplines such as reining, working cow horse, ranch riding, and trail; encourage a logical training program for the development of horse and rider skills. Competitions based on these disciplines provide a format to measure the progress of both horse and rider, in a friendly atmosphere. Recognizing the importance of cutting in day to day stock work, opportunities for herd work are encouraged and offered.
Acknowledging the work and dedication of other like-minded organizations at the local, state, and national levels, Heritage Days welcomes the opportunity to work with other like-minded equine-based organizations to promote and preserve premier horsemanship traditions. These groups may include but are not limited to: 4-H groups, stock horse associations, breed associations, ranch associations, and educational institutions.
Each year as we prepare for the Heritage Days Classic, we endeavor in creating a premiere event, that evolves into a family tradition. As the years pass heritage, tradition, and legacy; the ideals of the generations before us, will continue with the generations yet to come.
“Preserving the skills, to preserve the tradition.”
The American West, is a term that commonly evokes images made popular in John Ford movies. In fact the west was a term which defined the American frontier for some two hundred years. Constantly shifting, advancing and retreating, the mythical line defined the next horizon as well as opportunity for those with enough grit to triumph in the face of hardship. As the line of pioneers pressed towards the next horizon, they brought with them skill sets from the previous frontier. With time, geographical necessity, and cultural influences; some practices were discarded, and others took the shape of not just skills but time honored traditions.
Originally, Heritage Days was produced by SHS Cattle Co. In 2016, the Heritage Days Classic changed hands and we were given the opportunity to take the reins and continue down the path. We are proud of to continue building on the established principles and foresee the event continuing to shift, change, and grow. At the Heritage Days Classic, we celebrate premiere horsemanship and western heritage in Texas and the surrounding states. As we plan, we remain ever mindful of the founding principle, to preserve the traditions and skills of horsemanship as well as stockmanship.
The Heritage Days Classic is our commitment to providing affordable educational opportunities for equine enthusiasts; requiring no memberships or competition licenses. These opportunities take the form of clinics, competitions, seminars, and exhibitions of western culture. As the Heritage Days Classic continues to grow, our motto of “preserving the skill, to preserve the tradition” becomes more apparent with each passing year.
Recognizing the diversity required in a good working horse, the Heritage Days Classic is dedicated to the development of a truly versatile horse. This “versatile horse” is best defined as a willing equine partner that is comfortable in multiple areas of competition and work. Riding disciplines such as reining, working cow horse, ranch riding, and trail; encourage a logical training program for the development of horse and rider skills. Competitions based on these disciplines provide a format to measure the progress of both horse and rider, in a friendly atmosphere. Recognizing the importance of cutting in day to day stock work, opportunities for herd work are encouraged and offered.
Acknowledging the work and dedication of other like-minded organizations at the local, state, and national levels, Heritage Days welcomes the opportunity to work with other like-minded equine-based organizations to promote and preserve premier horsemanship traditions. These groups may include but are not limited to: 4-H groups, stock horse associations, breed associations, ranch associations, and educational institutions.
Each year as we prepare for the Heritage Days Classic, we endeavor in creating a premiere event, that evolves into a family tradition. As the years pass heritage, tradition, and legacy; the ideals of the generations before us, will continue with the generations yet to come.
“Preserving the skills, to preserve the tradition.”
Two years ago, we mourned the loss of Brian Sumrall of SHS Cattle Co., a humble cowboy, serving God and His people every way he could. Brian went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 17, 2017. We are honored to have been a part of his life, learned from his wisdom and to have served along side him. He embodies the heritage we wish to preserve. Our deepest condolences to those he left behind and the hurt that comes along with such loss.
Brian Sumrall started the Heritage Days Classic in 2011 with the goal to carry on the western heritage traditions. He was most recently continuing that mission through his efforts after hurricane Harvey by creating a livestock supply drop point in his county to help ranchers get through the next few months.
Brian was a beloved son, husband, father, fireman and stock horse mentor to so many. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy, brother. We'll take it from here.
Brian Sumrall started the Heritage Days Classic in 2011 with the goal to carry on the western heritage traditions. He was most recently continuing that mission through his efforts after hurricane Harvey by creating a livestock supply drop point in his county to help ranchers get through the next few months.
Brian was a beloved son, husband, father, fireman and stock horse mentor to so many. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Rest easy, brother. We'll take it from here.