Sylais York and Dainty Rey Cat, better known as “Slim Jim,” claimed the Pro-Am Non-Pro Heeling championship at the 2026 Old West World Championships in Amarillo, Texas, Oct. 17, with a 676.43 on three head, earning $12,760 for RJR Ranch.

York, 24, originally from Weiser, Idaho, and now spending much of his time in Arizona, entered the short round second high call with a 448.50 on two head. A 227.93 in the finals secured the title by 4.58 points over Slick Robison and Chiquita Rebel.

For York, the win came aboard a horse who has already proven himself before he pulled into the Tri-State Fairgrounds in Amarillo.

Dainty Rey Cat, by Stevie Rey Von out of Miss Dainty Cat, was bred by Shane A. Law and is owned by RJR Ranch.

Despite being just 4 years old, Slim Jim has become one of York’s regulars at the jackpots, making him more than ready to step into a judged setup such as the one at Old West.

“For a 4-year-old horse, I’ve taken him to every jackpot I’ve been to,” York said. “I ride him at every good jackpot I go to, and he’s just an amazing little horse. He’s not the best to ride around. He’s not the prettiest. He’s kind of small and whatever. But, I mean, when you chase a steer, he’s an amazing horse.”

York and Slim Jim opened the roping with a 225.17 in the first round, putting them third. Their second-round steer was rough enough that York received a rerun before posting a 223.33. The two runs were enough to put them in the second-high-call position heading into the finals.

“The first two rounds were good,” York said. “I felt like I made a really, really good run on my first one. Super easy. Then the second one, the steer wasn’t very good, and I guess they thought so too. So they gave me a rerun on my second one.”

While neither run in the long rounds earned York a paycheck, the consistency kept the pair in the conversation.

Heading into the short round, York wasn’t concerned with the amount of money on the line. Instead, he leaned on advice from Zane Williams and a mindset that has helped him approach high-pressure situations differently.

“Honestly, I’ve been in a new mindset of, ‘It’s just one more steer,’” York said. “Even if it’s for a lot of money or $5 or whatever, it’s just one more steer you got to catch.”

That approach paid off when York and Slim Jim delivered their highest-scoring run of the roping in the finals.

For York, much of Slim Jim’s success comes down to his demeanor, especially in the box. Regardless of what is happening around him, he is the same horse every time.

“He’s very flashy and is super good in the box. I’ve never had a fight with him in the box,” York said.

Williams, who has trained several high-level rope horses, has emphasized the importance of a horse that stays relaxed in the box, something York sees in Slim Jim.

“Even the good NFR horses he trained, if they fight the box, they don’t really like it,” York said. “But all the really good horses never fight the box, he says. And that’s just like him.”

York believes that trait is what gives Slim Jim an advantage in judged setups, where every part of the run matters.

“No matter what. Loud music, whatever. Pressure, nothing. Same horse,” York said.

Slim Jim has also been part of a successful stretch for York outside of Old West, including at the Riata Buckle. Although a lost rope there cost them a chance at adding more to their pockets, York is appreciative of the opportunities the horse has provided.

Those opportunities come through Troy and Stacy at RJR Ranch, whom York rides and shows horses for. Their allowing him to ride and show horses for them is York’s chance to live out a lifelong dream.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always just wanted to train horses,” York said. “I think it’s tough because growing up, I always heard horse trainers don’t make enough money.”

After spending much of his life riding horses for others, York hopes to eventually break out on his own. Events like the Old West have made that goal seem possible.

“I’m kind of at the point where it’s almost time to step out on my own,” York said. “I guess when I do decide to do that, I will hopefully be able to have enough horses and do this stuff and win some extra money to where I could live out the dream of being a horse trainer.”

For now, York is grateful to be riding horses like Slim Jim and roping for the kind of money that can help make that dream a reality.

“Without Troy and Stacy there at the house, I wouldn’t have these opportunities,” York said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to rope and enjoy life and very blessed.”