Sweep! William Clutter made his presence known at the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity on Friday, October 28, winning all four levels of the Custom Made Dunit Non Pro Futurity with Smokinintheboyzroom.
The pair marked a 221, earning $12,459. For Clutter, it was the mark of a triumphant return to the show scene after more than a decade off.
“I love the young horses – it’s a challenge. They don’t have a chance to get stale yet, and you must prepare for the unknown,” Clutter said. “The mare walked in today and saw those judges and kind of picked her ears up, and I’m like ‘Settle down and relax mare.’ And she dropped her head and went to work.”
Known as “Sister” at home, the mare is sired by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Green Smokin Jacket.
“I love the Magnums. They’re really quiet and laid back. This mare has the Magnum stop; she loves to go to the ground. Lot of try, big heart, and is the same every day,” Clutter said.
Reining has been part of Clutter’s life since the beginning, with his father Jay Clutter boasting the NRHA Membership number 22. After building a business, raising his children, and coaching their sports, Clutter finally returned to the sport.
“It’s been in the blood for a long time, and it’s just been a big family thing for us. We moved to Oklahoma about two years ago and I’m back riding every day, serious again. It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden and shown so I am all levels again,” Clutter said. “Sam Smith does a lot for me; I get to ride with him every day and it makes a big difference when I get to be there and be a part of it.”