December 7, 2024, would go down as the last National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open Futurity finals in the Jim Norick Coliseum. On this very historic event, another long streak was broken. Kaci O’Rourke became the first woman to win the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open.
From the run-in and huge first stop, the crowd went wild knowing they were witnessing history in the making. They held their collective breath during each set of spins, cheered during the circles and roared as each rundown and stop grew stronger. By the time the 229 score was announced, the Jim Norick was erupting and fans were on their feet.
The Firemen (Inferno Sixty Six x Redhot Walla x Walla Walla Whiz) is the stallion that carried O’Rourke to the 229 that earned the Championship and a check worth $350,000. He is owned by Peter and Courtney Morgan and was nominated by Tamarack Ranch, who also bred the sorrel.
“I’m so thankful that God placed him [The Firemen] in my life because he’s incredible,” O’Rourke said.
