Two-Time PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year Spring Planting Passes Away
Flying 5 Rodeo’s Spring Planting, the 2009 and 2013 PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, passed away Feb. 23. She was 22.
“She had a big heart, and she knew when it was time to play,” said Chad Hutsell, of Flying 5 Rodeo Company and Big Bend Rodeo Company. “Those kinds of horses know their special and she knew she was special, and the other ones knew she was special.”
Spring Planting, who was buried at Hutsell’s ranch outside of Ritzville, Wash., competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from 2007-2019.
Cody Wright (2009, 86.5 points, split second, Round 5), Shaun Stroh (2009, 84.5 points, split third, Round 10), Jesse Wright (2010, 82.5 points, sixth, Round 10), Cody Wright (2011, 87.5 points, second, Round 5); Taos Muncy (2011, 86.5 points, sixth, Round 10); Bradley Harter (2014, 80 points, sixth, Round 5); Wade Sundell (2015, 87.5 points, third, Round 5); and Jake Wright (2017, 86.5 points, split second, Round 10) all placed on the horse at the NFR.
Spring Planting suffered a life-threatening injury on June 29, 2022, on a layover before the Fourth of July run that year. Thanks to a great team of veterinarians, she recovered and was living the spoiled retired life on the family’s ranch.
In 2022, Spring Planting was inducted into the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo Hall of Fame.
“She was very special to us,” Hutsell said. “She was part of the family.”
Back in 2013, when she won her last PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year Award, veteran NFR veteran Isaac Diaz praised the horse.
“Anywhere she’s in the draw, she’s the one you want,” Diaz told the ProRodeo Sports News. “The further she goes, the harder she bucks and the more she will stand guys out of the left stirrup when she comes around to the right. The horse is as honest as they come.”
The last time Spring Planting competed was at the Reno Rodeo in 2022, highlighted by PRCA World Champion Zeke Thurston winning the second round on her with an 89.5-point ride.
“You’re very lucky to be in this industry and have a horse like her in your lifetime,” Hutsell said.
Courtesy of PRCA