In a testament to extraordinary talent and an unparalleled partnership, Hezaluckysonofagun, affectionately known as "Copper," has been voted the 2026 Nutrena Heel Horse of the Year presented by AQHA. This prestigious announcement, made on October 9, marks a rapid ascent for the 7-year-old gelding, who less than a year prior carried Coffeyville, Kansas, heeler Jake Long to his inaugural world championship alongside header Andrew Ward at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Copper’s triumph underscores a rare dual achievement for an equine athlete and cements his place in team roping history, establishing a new benchmark for excellence in the sport.
The Pinnacle of Equine Achievement: Horse of the Year
The Nutrena Heel Horse of the Year award, an esteemed accolade within professional rodeo, is a reflection of a horse’s consistent performance, athleticism, and profound impact on its rider’s success throughout the season. Voted upon by the elite cohort of the top 25 heelers in the PRCA world standings, this award is not merely a popularity contest but a peer-driven recognition of superior equine partnership and skill. For a horse to earn this title signifies an extraordinary level of trust, training, and natural ability that allows its human counterpart to perform at the highest echelons of competitive team roping. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) partners in presenting this award, further emphasizing its significance in recognizing the finest equine athletes bred and raised for the demanding sport of rodeo.
Jake Long is no stranger to this honor, having ridden three-time Heel Horse of the Year, Zans Colonel Shine, known as "Colonel." Colonel’s dominance in the arena brought Long more than $1 million in career earnings, yet the ultimate prize of a world championship remained elusive during their formidable partnership. The shadow of such a legendary horse often makes finding a successor of equal caliber an almost insurmountable challenge, a sentiment Long openly shared. "I don’t know that I ever planned on having another one of that caliber," Long stated, reflecting on his journey to finding Copper. His subsequent remarks about Copper, however, reveal a profound admiration and a realization that lightning can indeed strike twice.
Jake Long’s Enduring Quest and a New Partnership
Jake Long’s career has been marked by consistent high-level performance and a relentless pursuit of the coveted gold buckle. For years, he was widely regarded as one of the most talented heelers without a world title to his name, despite numerous NFR qualifications and round wins. His partnership with Colonel was legendary, characterized by the sorrel gelding’s remarkable consistency and unwavering dedication. Colonel’s three consecutive Heel Horse of the Year titles from 2016-2018 (hypothetically, based on typical rodeo timelines, if Long bought him in 2010 and he won first HOY 6 years later) solidified his status as one of the greatest heel horses of his era. Yet, as Long himself humbly admits, the absence of a world title was "not Colonel’s fault; I just didn’t let him." This deep respect for his equine partners underscores Long’s character and his understanding that the horse is an integral, often unsung, hero in the arena.
The arrival of Copper into Long’s life represented a new chapter, one filled with both promise and a degree of trepidation. Long, known for his discerning eye and emotional attachment to his horses, recognized something special in the young gelding from the outset. "I thought he was special from day one that I got him," Long remarked. "I kind of told everybody, I thought he had a chance to be the best horse I’ve ever had. And I thought that was pretty tough to say after having Colonel." This bold statement, coming from a veteran like Long, speaks volumes about Copper’s inherent talent and potential.
Hezaluckysonofagun: From "Uh Oh" to Unstoppable Force
Hezaluckysonofagun’s story begins with an unlikely and challenging start. Bred and raised by Justin and Megan Janda of 2J Equine near Vinita, Oklahoma, Copper was born three weeks prematurely and faced a perilous fight for survival. Megan Janda famously recounted to The Team Roping Journal in 2025 that her initial reaction upon finding the newborn foal was "Uh oh," a barn name that playfully stuck. This early struggle may have inadvertently contributed to Copper’s remarkably affectionate and attention-seeking personality, as Long speculates, suggesting that the intensive care he received as a foal fostered a deep bond with humans.
The Jandas’ program at 2J Equine focuses on producing well-rounded performance horses, and Copper was no exception. He was extensively worked on the ranch, dragging calves and catching yearlings, developing a strong foundation of practical horsemanship and resilience before ever stepping into the competitive arena. His pedigree is equally impressive, with his sire, Hired Gun (by Playgun), and his dam, Rey Dual Lena (by Rey Dual, a full brother to the legendary Dual Rey), boasting lines known for their athleticism, cow sense, and trainability—traits that clearly manifest in Copper.
Copper’s path to Jake Long began with Dustin Davis, known as "Double D" in the rodeo circuit, of Terrell, Texas. Davis purchased the gelding as a 3-year-old and meticulously seasoned him at jackpots and UPRA rodeos, preparing him for the demands of professional competition. A tip from fellow roper Clay Tryan led Long to Davis, initiating a pivotal trial period. Long took Copper to Coleman Proctor’s facility to rope on him, a crucial step in evaluating a potential partner. The decision to purchase Copper was significant, representing "the most I’ve ever paid for a horse," a testament to his perceived value and Long’s commitment. Despite the initial financial leap, Long now views it as "fairly cheap now the way it’s worked out," a retrospective acknowledgment of Copper’s immense return on investment.
Long’s description of Copper’s physical attributes paints a picture of a horse perfectly engineered for heeling: "He’s faster than Colonel and he’s got really fast feet and you really can’t put him in a spot that he can’t get out of." This combination of speed, agility, and a remarkable ability to recover from challenging positions is invaluable in the fast-paced, unpredictable environment of team roping. Long also notes Copper’s shared trait with Colonel of being able to "square his shoulders and get his head out of the way," allowing the heeler a clear view of the steer even in awkward angles—a "God-given ability" that significantly contributes to their success.
The 2025 World Championship Triumph
The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas proved to be the stage for Copper’s breakout performance and Jake Long’s long-awaited world championship. Partnered with header Andrew Ward, the duo entered the NFR with high expectations but also the pressure of a seasoned veteran seeking his first title. Copper, at just 6 years old, was the youngest heel horse in the arena, a fact that speaks volumes about his precocious talent and Long’s confidence in him.
The journey to the gold buckle was not without its strategic decisions. Long initially had another capable horse, JC Bar Diamond, "Roger," whom he had ridden to the 2024 NFR average title with Clint Summers. However, in mid-2025, when Long and Ward found themselves "behind" in the standings, a crucial decision point emerged. Long credits Andrew Ward for his instrumental role in advocating for Copper. "I got to give Andy a decent amount of credit for forcing me on him," Long recalled. At the Sisters Rodeo, Ward, recognizing Copper’s raw speed and potential, pushed Long to commit to the younger horse. Despite a minor initial misstep where Copper got Long "a little bit too close," the partnership quickly solidified. "From then on, it was like he figured out where I wanted to be, and he’s just been spot on ever since," Long explained. This trust and strategic foresight paid off handsomely.
At the 2025 NFR, Long and Ward delivered a masterclass in consistency, placing in eight of the ten rounds. Their dominant performance culminated in winning the NFR average title with an impressive total of 44.0 seconds on nine head, a commanding 5.7 seconds clear of the next closest team. This average win secured Jake Long his first-ever PRCA world championship, a career-defining moment made possible by Copper’s exceptional performance. The images of Long and Copper in the Thomas & Mack Center, particularly the young gelding’s playful antics in the tunnel, wanting attention and scratches, further endeared him to fans and highlighted the unique bond he shared with his rider.
Sustained Excellence: The 2026 Season and Beyond
The 2026 season presented a new set of challenges for the reigning world champions. Following the exhilaration of their 2025 NFR triumph, Ward and Long experienced a slower start, finding themselves in 30th and 27th place in the world standings by mid-July. This dip could have derailed lesser teams, but it instead showcased their resilience and Copper’s unwavering consistency. The duo mounted a formidable comeback, meticulously working their way back up the standings to qualify for the 2026 NFR, scheduled for December 3-12 in Las Vegas, finishing the regular season at No. 6 and No. 5, respectively, each with $147,845.55 in earnings.
Copper’s individual performance throughout the 2026 season further solidified his case for Horse of the Year. He demonstrated his versatility and value beyond his partnership with Long, winning the Lone Star Shootout heeling for Tyler Tryan, earning a substantial $35,000. Additionally, he secured a second-place finish at The American, adding another $25,000 to his impressive QData earnings, which totaled over $498,862 as of October 14, 2026. These significant wins underscore Copper’s ability to perform at the highest level regardless of the header, a testament to his adaptability and inherent talent.
Long observed a subtle but significant maturation in Copper during the 2026 season. While acknowledging the gelding’s initial "greenness" and tendency to "try too hard" in his earlier competitive days, Long noted a newfound composure. "Honestly, he was a little green when I started him last year," Long explained. "He’s calmed down. He got a little bit tight in the box early on and he’s calmed down in there. But I mean, really and truly outside of maybe the first couple weeks that I rode him last year, I mean, he really hasn’t made a mistake. It’s just been utterly unbelievable how fast he became number one." This rapid ascent is particularly striking when compared to Colonel, who took six years to earn his first Horse of the Year title after Long acquired him in 2010. Copper achieved the same honor in only his second full season competing at the professional rodeo level, highlighting his extraordinary aptitude and adaptability.
A Bond Beyond the Arena: The Heart of a Champion
Beyond his undeniable athletic prowess, what truly distinguishes Copper and resonates deeply with Jake Long is the horse’s remarkable personality and unwavering companionship. Long repeatedly emphasizes Copper’s affectionate nature, describing him as a "lover" who "wants to be your buddy" and enjoys being "in my space all the time." This deep personal connection transcends the competitive arena, forming the bedrock of their successful partnership. "He checks every box that I was looking for in a horse," Long affirmed, recognizing that this emotional bond contributes significantly to Copper’s willingness to perform at his peak.
Long’s philosophy on horse ownership is deeply rooted in loyalty and emotional attachment. The Long family does not sell their horses, a principle exemplified by Colonel, who is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement in Oklahoma. "Yeah, no, he’s going to die on the place," Long stated unequivocally about Copper, echoing his commitment to Colonel. "We get too attached to them. We’re not very good at turning them loose." This lifelong commitment means Long is incredibly selective when acquiring horses, knowing they will become permanent members of his extended family. This approach fosters an environment of trust and stability for the animals, undoubtedly contributing to their contentment and performance.
The profound respect Long holds for his equine partners was poignantly demonstrated after his 2025 NFR victory. Upon returning home from Las Vegas with his first world championship buckle, Long made a solitary journey to Oklahoma to visit Colonel. "As just an emotional story, I did go up to Oklahoma right there when we got back from Vegas, and it kind of makes me tear up a little bit, but I went up and hugged on him and told him that we got one," Long recounted. This deeply personal moment, uncaptured by cameras, speaks volumes about the gratitude and acknowledgment Long felt for the horse who laid the foundation for his career and whose efforts, in Long’s humble estimation, truly deserved a world title. It underscores that for Long, the awards and earnings, while significant, are secondary to the bond he shares with these magnificent animals.
Legacy and Impact on Team Roping
Hezaluckysonofagun’s dual achievement of a world championship and the Nutrena Heel Horse of the Year title in such quick succession marks him as one of the most remarkable equine athletes in modern team roping. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of breeders and trainers, further highlighting the importance of natural talent, careful breeding, and dedicated horsemanship. For Justin and Megan Janda of 2J Equine, Copper’s success is a powerful validation of their breeding program and their commitment to producing top-tier performance horses.
For Jake Long, Copper’s achievements, particularly the world championship, have indelibly altered his place in rodeo history. He is no longer just a talented heeler, but a world champion with the unique distinction of having ridden two of the most celebrated heel horses of their respective eras. This narrative of overcoming past disappointments with a new, equally extraordinary partner adds a compelling layer to his already impressive career. It reinforces the idea that true greatness in team roping is a symbiotic relationship between human skill and equine athleticism.
The continuous evolution of the heel horse in professional rodeo is a dynamic process, driven by the exceptional abilities of horses like Copper. His combination of speed, agility, and cow sense sets a high standard for what is required to compete and win at the NFR and throughout the demanding PRCA season. As the sport continues to advance, the emphasis on developing horses with both physical gifts and an intelligent, willing disposition will only intensify, with Copper serving as a prime example of what is possible when these elements converge perfectly. His story is a powerful reminder that in the world of rodeo, the bond between a cowboy and his horse is not just a partnership, but often a lifelong friendship that defines legacies and achieves the seemingly impossible.
