Kolton Schmidt rode NFR rookie gelding SJR Diamond Bond, known as “James Bond” to $22,080 in Round 2 of the 2025 NFR with Jonathan Torres on the heels, stopping the clock in 4.1 seconds and making the seamless transition from the futurity pen to the bright lights of Las Vegas.
It’s exactly what trainer Rhen Richard believed he would do. The 7-year-old gelding bred by the San Jan Ranch has always had the parts of a head horse that could make things happen fast, and now he’s shining on the biggest stage in ProRodeo.
From Aged-Event Ace to ProRodeo Regular
Before taking on the NFR with Schmidt, James Bond spent three years gaining the experience needed at the rope horse futurities under Richard, eventually amassing more than $70,000 in earnings and capping off his aged event career with a dominant win at the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Event in Abilene. There, he won the 6-&-Under Heading by 10 points and swept major incentive payouts, showcasing the same speed, rate, and intensity that would later shine in Las Vegas.
“He’s always been a high achiever,” Richard said. “You ask for a little, and he wants to give a lot. I’d rather have a lot of horse and learn to manage it than not have enough and try to pull it out of them.”
Richard has trained a number of San Juan Ranch–bred horses, especially by CD Diamond, and says they share a unique blend of try and athletic sense.
“They’re a lot of horse, but they want to be good,” Richard said. “That willingness and their horsepower make them great candidates for the rope horse world.”
To Richard, futurities weren’t just a proving ground—they were an ideal place to season a horse without the risk of “smoking one” at early jackpots. Bond thrived under that environment.
“You plug one into the biggest stage in our industry and they perform—that’s what the futurities prepare them for,” Richard said.
A Perfect Fit for the Fastest Setup in Rodeo
According to Richard, James Bond is the kind of horse that excels in fast setups.
“He was made for fast setups,” Richard said. “His style has always fit that building—sharp, not a lot of rope out, a fast finish. Even last night, when Kolton didn’t get the best go from the box, the horse made up the difference.”
Schmidt agreed. Though the pair had limited time together—Schmidt rode Bond at the Canadian Finals and then spent a week at the Richards’ in Roosevelt, Utah—he immediately recognized the gelding’s intelligence and responsiveness.
“He’s so broke and so willing,” Schmidt said. “If he makes a mistake, it’s pretty guaranteed I asked him to do what he’s doing wrong. So I just have to remember less is more.”
Bond is the kind of horse Schmidt can “override the system” on, too, meaning he needs to be thoughtful and accurate with his cues.
“Last night I got a little funky go,” Schmidt admitted. “But it went on the horns, he shaped up, and then he let me be aggressive in the turn without getting bracey. He’s a really cool horse.”
Between rounds, the team keeps Bond’s mind right the same way they do at home in Utah—by staying busy.
“We keep him tired mentally and physically,” Schmidt laughed. “Me and the horse are a little the same—we want to get hot and go fast.”
The San Juan Stamp
Though new to her role, San Juan Ranch equine manager Kira Schneider wasn’t surprised to see another CD Diamond making waves on the big stage.
“They’re versatile, kind, smart, tuned in,” Schneider said. “They just love cattle. They act like James Bond does—athletic, willing, very connected to the sporting life.”
James Bond is just one of the several horses San Juan Ranch has seen shine in the rope horse world. In 2024, SJR Diamond Metallica was the highest-earning Riata Stallion Incentive horse with Tauna Alcorn in the saddle, earning more than $140,000 and gracing the cover of the December 2024 issue of TRJ.
Other San Juan standouts include SJR Diamond Billie, SJR Diamond Ombre and Apolo Oak.
According to Schneider, the handle San Juan Ranches’ horses have begins long before a rope ever swings over their backs.
“There’s so much TLC that goes into them before they ever leave the ranch,” Schneider said. “Foals are handled from day one, the mares are managed closely, and everything is built on foundation. When people get these horses, they already have every opportunity to excel.”
With futurities growing and incentives expanding, San Juan’s breeding program is seeing even more visibility in the rope horse world.
“It’s opening up so much opportunity,” Schneider said. “And the CD babies are just awesome.”
James Bond may have closed out his futurity years with a bang, but he’s just beginning his rodeo chapter. For Richard, watching a horse he molded step onto the NFR stage is validation of patience, preparation and horsepower. For Schmidt, Bond is a partner capable of carrying him through ten rounds under the brightest lights in rodeo.
