Particulars: 2003 palomino Quarter Horse stallion sired by Smart Shiner and out of Tronas Pearl, by Dox Tronalena.
Owners: Lyle Lovett, Houston, Texas, and Tim McQuay, Tioga, Texas. Tim is also the horse’s trainer.
Accomplishments: Under Tim’s guidance, the stallion has accumulated more than $100,000 in NRHA earnings. He was the 2009 NRBC open prelim co-champion, a 2008 NRHA Derby top-10 finisher, and is an AQHA World Show qualifier in reining and performance halter.
‘Shine’-ing bloodlines: “I got into the horse business through Carol Rose. It was appealing to me that Smart And Shiney is by Carol’s great sire Smart Shiner, by Shining Spark,” Lyle says. “Shining Spark horses are extremely athletic and really good-minded. Smart And Shiney is a perfect example of that combination.”
Feelin’ right:
“Riding Smart And Shiney has helped me learn what it feels like to execute maneuvers properly so that when I’m on another horse, I can do my best to try and get that same feeling,” Lyle says. “Riding such an exceptional, consistent horse improves my riding, reinforces the right ‘feel,’ and makes my judgment that much better.”
Favorite memory: “Any time I get to ride him,” Lyle says. “It just sticks with me. It’s one of those experiences I’m able to replay over and over in my mind…what it felt like to stop him, and circle, and spin.”
Consistent confidence: “I’m certainly the biggest variable in the show pen,” Lyle says. “I can hear my heart beat when I walk to the center of the arena to start a pattern. Smart And Shiney is calm and level-headed. He waits for you, he listens, he does just what you ask. That’s a nice feeling of confidence.”