Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger Michael Looney, who covers District 7 in Northwest Texas, is investigating the theft. The stolen items include a chocolate-colored Jeff Smith team roping saddle and a light brown roughout Teskey team roping saddle, along with a Dutton correction bit, a stainless steel solid-core bit and a Tristan Mahoney bit marked "JM." Whoever took the gear also grabbed a pair of Nettles wood stirrups, a blue and black Classic Equine saddle pad and a blue and gold Cactus rope bag.
For anyone in the roping and ranching world around Hockley County, this hits close to home. Gear like this isn't cheap. Specialty saddles and bits often get built or fitted for a specific rider or horse, so replacing them isn't as simple as grabbing something off a shelf. Rodeo grounds tend to run on trust between competitors, and a theft out of a trailer parked there chips away at that.
Looney is asking anyone with information to call him directly at 806-929-8314, or to reach out to the Operation Cow Thief tip line at 817-916-1775.
Two custom saddles, a handful of bits and a rope bag, gone in the time it takes to walk from a truck to a barn.