Joseph Harrison and Magnums Shinin Spark racked up a four-head score of 921.31 to take the win and $8,140 in earnings at the the TX Best 4-&-Under Heeling in Decatur, Texas over Labor Day Weekend 2025, sending the duo into the fall finals season with winning momentum.
The 2021 stallion by Magnum Chic Dream out of a Shining Spark mare named Shinin brought a blend of reining blood and Harrison’s finesse to the pen. And while his pedigree catches eyes, it’s his attitude and ability that have earned him the nickname Little Thief.
WATCH: Joseph Harrison’s Bit Master Class ONLY on Roping.com
“He’ll steal more than he can win,” Harrison said. “Because he just keeps doing it.”
Originally trained by Bobby Lewis, the colt caught Harrison’s eye as a 3-year-old. Denise Bledsoe owned Little Thief at the time, and Gucci Equine—who also owns Harrison’s superstar Nu One Time Blues—bought Little Thief.
Reiners have become a bit more common in Harrison’s barn lately, but not necessarily by design. He won the ARHFA World Championship on the Gunners Special Nite gelding One Nite Special in 2024.
“I’m not moving away from the cow horses—I’m open to anything that works,” Harrison explained. “The reiners, they’re not smart about the cow, which honestly works out perfect. They don’t think too much, they just do what they’re told.”
That kind of obedience made Magnums Shinin Spark an easy transition project.
“He wasn’t all that upset about the cow,” Harrison said. “I taught him where to get and he got there pretty easy every time.”
Though he’s now sold to a customer in Brazil, Harrison still has a few more rides left on the young horse.
“I’m going to ride him at the Solo Select Futurity and at the AQHA World Show—he’s already qualified,” he said. “After that, I’m going to say he probably gets a plane ride southbound and down.”
Helping on the head side was Cinch Timed Event Champion Ketch Kelton, who Harrison praised for his raw ability and level-headedness under pressure.
“Ketch ropes so good,” Harrison said. “You can throw him on anything and he’ll get it figured out quick. We got a little out of sync during the 5-6, but I told him what I thought was going on, and he didn’t get his feelings hurt. We made some adjustments and came back strong.”
When it comes to helpers, Harrison has a preference:
“Smooth. No jerking through the turn. The less I’ve got to pick up on the bridle reins, the better. I want my hand down and the horse finding his own way through it. If they stay framed up and drag their butt, that’s what I want to see.”
With this win, Magnums Shinin Spark clears the earnings threshold needed to qualify for export—another box checked. But before he heads overseas, he’ll get a couple more chances to shine under Harrison.
