The Team Roping Journal issues a significant correction regarding its October 2026 cover, clarifying that SLR Swinging Hickory, a remarkable mare by Hickory Holly Time, is indeed the all-time leading futurity mare in the history of the sport, having amassed an astonishing $218,212 in lifetime earnings. This rectifies an earlier misidentification that attributed this prestigious title to Relentless PYC, who, while an exceptional athlete, holds the distinction of being the leading money-earning mare specifically within the 2020 foal crop—this year’s class of 6-year-olds. The accuracy of such historical records is paramount in the competitive equine industry, reflecting not only the achievements of individual animals and their connections but also shaping the narratives of breeding programs and the trajectory of the sport itself. The journal expresses its sincere regret for the error, underscoring the importance of precise reporting in an industry where statistics and progeny records carry immense weight.
The Rise of a Champion: SLR Swinging Hickory’s Pedigree and Early Days
Born in 2019, SLR Swinging Hickory, a striking mare out of Swingin Tule, was bred and remains owned by the esteemed Stump Lake Ranch & Cattle, a name synonymous with quality and strategic equine development. Her lineage traces back to the legendary Hickory Holly Time, a sire increasingly recognized for producing offspring with exceptional athleticism, intelligence, and a competitive spirit, particularly suited for the demanding world of rope horse futurities. The decision by Stump Lake Ranch to pair Swingin Tule with Hickory Holly Time proved to be a masterstroke, laying the genetic foundation for a horse destined for greatness.
From the very inception of her competitive journey, SLR Swinging Hickory was under the expert guidance of Jeremy Buhler, the 2016 PRCA World Champion header from Maricopa, Arizona. Buhler, renowned for his profound understanding of equine mechanics and psychology, undertook her training and showing from the outset, forging an unbreakable partnership that would define her career. This early, consistent bond between horse and rider is often cited as a critical factor in the development of elite equine athletes, allowing for a deep understanding of each other’s nuances and capabilities. Their symbiotic relationship and burgeoning success did not go unnoticed, earning them a coveted spot on the cover of The Team Roping Journal’s October 2025 issue, a testament to their rising prominence even before her record-breaking achievements were fully realized.
SLR Swinging Hickory’s formidable record was meticulously built on the heel side of the rope horse futurity industry’s most challenging and prestigious stages. These events are designed to showcase young horses that possess the raw talent, training, and mental fortitude required to excel in professional rodeo. The futurity circuit is a crucible where future champions are forged, and only the most exceptional horses, guided by the most skilled trainers, can consistently rise to the top. The mare’s consistent performance across various high-stakes competitions underscored her inherent ability and Buhler’s masterful horsemanship, setting the stage for the pivotal moment that would redefine her place in history.
A Chronology of Dominance: Milestones on the Futurity Circuit
SLR Swinging Hickory’s ascent to the pinnacle of futurity earnings was a carefully orchestrated journey marked by strategic competition and stellar performances. Her career trajectory is a testament to consistent excellence and the ability to perform under immense pressure.
Her impressive streak began to solidify notably with a victory at the 2024 Fall Gold Buckle Futurities, where she clinched the 6-&-Under title. This event, a significant fixture on the rope horse calendar, attracts top-tier talent and offers substantial prize money, making any win here a clear indicator of a horse’s potential. Her performance at the Gold Buckle showcased her burgeoning talent, her ability to read cattle, and her powerful stopping ability—all critical attributes for a champion heeling horse. This victory, while significant, was merely a precursor to the monumental achievement that would dramatically reshape her financial standing and historical legacy.
The $100,000 Old West Futurity: A Game-Changing Victory
The turning point in SLR Swinging Hickory’s career came on June 20, 2025, at the ARHFA Old West Futurity Heeling in Heber City, Utah. This event, renowned for its challenging format and lucrative payouts, is a magnet for the industry’s elite. Paired with Jeremy Buhler, SLR Swinging Hickory delivered a performance that captivated onlookers and rewrote the record books. The duo secured an astounding $100,000 for their victory in the 2025 ARHFA Old West Futurity Heeling.
Buhler’s strategic approach was evident as he navigated the competitive field, entering the short round with four different horses. It was with SLR Swinging Hickory, positioned as the third callback, that he delivered the decisive blow. Their short-round run, a near-flawless display of timing, athleticism, and precision, earned them a score of 232.06. This outstanding individual performance, combined with their consistent scores in earlier rounds, culminated in a composite score of 923.95, unequivocally placing them atop the leader board. This single win nearly doubled her previous lifetime QData earnings of $72,760, catapulting her into an entirely new echelon of equine wealth and prominence. The financial implications for Stump Lake Ranch & Cattle, as both breeder and owner, were substantial, validating their investment in superior genetics and training.
Following this historic win, Buhler articulated the profound connection he shared with the mare. "She’s a gritty, tough thing," he remarked, his voice tinged with admiration. "She’s a lot of horse. She tries every single time—you will not catch this mare not trying. And she’s been that way since Day 1. So to me, this is the dream." He recounted a pivotal conversation with a friend, Todd, who first recognized the mare’s raw potential. "My buddy Todd, he said, ‘This mare’s really in the rough right here, but I feel something; there’s something special there. See if you feel it too.’ And I rode her around a little bit and I said, ‘Yeah, I think I feel it too.’ That was a couple of years ago, so it’s been a long journey. But I’m pretty happy with her." This anecdote highlights the discerning eye required to identify a future champion and the dedication needed to nurture that talent over years of rigorous training and competition.
Closing Out the Season: Gold Buckle Futurities World Finals
SLR Swinging Hickory continued to cement her legacy by finishing her 6-&-Under season with another commanding performance at the 2025 Gold Buckle Futurities World Finals. There, she secured the 6-&-Under Heeling title with an impressive composite score of 908.00 on four head. This victory added another significant sum to her burgeoning earnings, including $10,000 for the main average, an additional $17,700 from the Elite Stallion Incentive, and $7,500 from the Elite Breeders Incentive. These incentive programs, common in the futurity world, are designed to reward breeders and owners for investing in proven bloodlines, further boosting the mare’s total earnings and showcasing the profitability of strategic breeding.
The financial windfall from this single class alone was substantial, with Buhler, Stump Lake Ranch, and DT Horses (the owner of Hickory Holly Time) collectively pocketing $65,449. This event also underscored the pervasive influence of her sire, Hickory Holly Time, as Buhler placed on three different offspring of the stallion in the same competition, solidifying the sire’s reputation as a consistent producer of top-tier rope horses.
Reflecting on their journey, Buhler shared insights into his training philosophy and the lessons learned from SLR Swinging Hickory. "She’s taught me a lot," he confessed. "She’s so honest and wants to be good, but I had to learn how to stay out of her way and let her strength show. The more I focused on balance and feel, the better she got." This statement speaks volumes about the dynamic between an elite rider and an exceptional horse, emphasizing that true mastery often lies in understanding when to guide and when to allow the horse’s natural abilities to shine.
The Context of Relentless PYC’s Standing
To fully appreciate SLR Swinging Hickory’s achievement, it is essential to understand the context surrounding Relentless PYC, the mare initially, albeit incorrectly, identified as the all-time leading futurity mare. Relentless PYC, affectionately known as "Nala," was a 2020 mare by First Prize Diver out of Chars Gun, a Playgun daughter. Her career, though tragically cut short, was nothing short of spectacular. Under the expert guidance of Miles Baker for owners the Relentless Remuda, Solo Select Horses, and Bob Tonkin, she earned an impressive $206,574 in her career, according to QData. She was celebrated as the richest 4-year-old of 2024 and remains the undisputed top-earning mare in her specific class (the 2020 foal crop). Her untimely death on November 4, 2025, in a freak accident at home, cast a pall over the industry and left a void that few horses could fill.
The confusion between these two mares, both titans in their respective spheres, highlights the incredible growth and increasing financial stakes within the rope horse futurity industry. While Relentless PYC’s career was a meteoric, albeit brief, blaze of glory within her age cohort, SLR Swinging Hickory’s sustained dominance across multiple years and events, culminating in her overall earnings, positions her as the undisputed queen of the futurity circuit’s history. The distinction, while subtle to the casual observer, is critical for historical accuracy and the proper recognition of each mare’s unique achievements.
Broader Impact and Implications for the Rope Horse Industry
SLR Swinging Hickory’s record-setting career has far-reaching implications for the entire rope horse industry. Her success not only elevates her own status but also significantly enhances the reputation and value of her sire, Hickory Holly Time, further solidifying his position as a premier futurity sire. This, in turn, influences breeding decisions, potentially increasing demand for his offspring and boosting stud fees, creating a positive feedback loop for DT Horses and other owners of his progeny.
For Stump Lake Ranch & Cattle, SLR Swinging Hickory represents the ultimate validation of their breeding program. It demonstrates the profound success of their vision in selecting specific bloodlines and investing in top-tier training. Such an achievement brings immense prestige and could attract more discerning buyers and breeders to their program, seeking horses with similar genetic predispositions for greatness.
Jeremy Buhler’s role in this success story further cements his reputation as one of the most astute and effective trainers and competitors in the rope horse world. His ability to develop a mare of SLR Swinging Hickory’s caliber, guiding her through the intense pressures of the futurity circuit to multiple championships and a historic earnings record, underscores his exceptional horsemanship and strategic competitive prowess. This will undoubtedly enhance his standing and potentially increase demand for his training services and for horses he endorses or rides.
Beyond individual accolades, SLR Swinging Hickory’s record-breaking earnings underscore the increasing financial viability and growing popularity of the rope horse futurity industry. The substantial prize money offered at events like the Old West Futurity and the Gold Buckle Futurities attracts significant investment from owners, breeders, and sponsors, fueling a vibrant and competitive ecosystem. This level of financial incentive encourages the continuous pursuit of excellence in breeding, training, and competition, ultimately leading to higher quality horses and more thrilling events for enthusiasts.
The meticulous tracking of earnings by organizations like QData is vital for maintaining the integrity of these records and providing a clear historical perspective. It allows for precise comparisons and ensures that achievements like SLR Swinging Hickory’s are accurately documented and celebrated. As the sport continues to evolve, these financial benchmarks serve as aspirational targets for future generations of horses, trainers, and owners.
SLR Swinging Hickory Pedigree: A Legacy Defined
SLR SWINGING HICKORY: $218,212
- Sire: HICKORY HOLLY TIME
- Dam: SWINGIN TULE
- Sex: Mare
- Foaled: 2019
- Breeder: Stump Lake Ranch & Cattle
- Owner: Stump Lake Ranch & Cattle
- Trainer/Rider: Jeremy Buhler
SLR Swinging Hickory’s journey from a promising young prospect to the all-time leading futurity mare is a compelling narrative of talent, dedication, and strategic development. Her impressive earnings, coupled with her consistent victories, firmly establish her as a legendary figure in the annals of rope horse history, a testament to the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of the Western performance horse world. Her story will undoubtedly inspire future generations and serve as a benchmark for excellence in the sport for years to come.
