INCENTIVES: Riata Championship, Royal Crown

Playen Spades came to 3C Performance Horses as a 6-year-old, and for 10 years has been a star for John and Kay Coltharp. An own son of the legendary Playgun, sire of earners of over $10 million, “Gunner” has carried both Coltharps to the pay window throughout his long career.

“When we first got him, John heeled on him for a while and then he talked me into getting on him,” Kay said.

In one memorable stretch, Gunner went to the ARHFA World Championships as a helper horse for pro ropers, then just days later took Kay to a World Series roping, qualifying for two short rounds.

“He’s the coolest dude,” Kay said. “When the pros had him, he could be tied up with the mares and was still a perfect gentleman.”

Gunner came through the AQHA sale and has earned 89.5 points in both heading and heeling. His lifetime earnings top $120,000.

Shay Carroll is a fan of Gunner’s offspring, with three full sisters in his program, including JKC Playen Lectric, a multiple arena record setter and futurity winner, and JKC Smart Playen Sis, who recently placed sixth in the ARHFA World Champion Heeling Futurity.

“He is a really nice horse and his foals are intelligent,” Kay said. “He definitely puts bone and height on them. You’re gonna get a great big baby.”