INCENTIVES: Riata Championship, Royal Crown

Bet Hesa Freckledcat was the answer to a prayer for his owners John and Kay Coltharp. After tragically losing their son Caden at just 16 years old, the Coltharps hoped for a red colt out of their all-around mare “Angel”, MS Freckled Star. Angel delivered “Answer”, by Bet Hesa Cat, on the same day they had adopted their son years before.

Like his maternal brother, JKC Seven Freckles, who recently won the 2024 Reserve Steer Roping Horse of the Year in the PRCA with Trenton Johnson, Answer has also displayed his mother’s versatility, winning money in the NRCHA and the roping arena to the tune of more than $308,000, picking up a Register of Merit as well.

“He has all the tools, the athleticism, he’s built right, but the best thing about him is his personality,” Kay said. “The mind means so much to us in these horses . . .  they better be trainable.”

With foals just beginning to hit the arena, Answer is passing on both his physical attributes and his kind demeanor to his offspring as he continues to win himself, taking both of his owners and pro roper Denton Parish to short rounds during the 2024 Riata.

“We’re older and we love our horses but we want to ride them,” Kay explained. “Answer takes very good care of us but he’s so versatile a pro can get on him and win too.”