Hezaluckysonofagun Named 2026 Heel Horse of the Year
The 7-year-old horse, nicknamed Copper, helped an Oklahoma rider secure a world championship win.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Large Animals
Live Poll
Do you trust insurance-based horse health programs to provide meaningful financial protection for your animals?
Hezaluckysonofagun, a 7-year-old horse nicknamed Copper, earned the 2026 Nutrena Heel Horse of the Year title. This award follows a successful season where the horse carried Oklahoma resident Jake Long to his first world championship.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the exceptional performance traits of Copper, whose consistency in the arena has been likened to the legendary three-time Horse of the Year, Colonel. Such achievements often set industry standards for training approaches and desirable qualities in working ranch and performance horses.
The 7-year-old horse, Copper, secured the top industry honor for 2026. While the award celebrates his recent performance, owners of similar equine athletes may note that specialized coverage like ColiCare offers up to $15,000 for colic surgery reimbursement.
The players
Hezaluckysonofagun
A 7-year-old performance horse, affectionately known as Copper, recognized for his recent elite-level contributions to professional heel events.
Jake Long
An Oklahoma-based world champion athlete who credits his recent career success to his partnership with the award-winning horse Copper.
Colonel
A legendary three-time Horse of the Year recipient whose competitive traits serve as a benchmark for performance horse development.
The details
Copper achieved this status by providing the essential athletic stability that allowed Jake Long to capture his first world championship title. Long credits the horse with possessing specific temperament and performance traits reminiscent of the renowned three-time winner Colonel. The duo's success is defined by their ability to execute high-level maneuvers consistently during competitive heel events.
Timeline
2026: Hezaluckysonofagun was named Nutrena Heel Horse of the Year.
The Home Front
Professional equine athletics often rely on the historical benchmarks set by past champions like Colonel to evaluate the quality of working animals. This recognition reinforces the ongoing trend of valuing specific genetic and temperamental traits in livestock that support long-term partnership success.
For those managing performance horses, it is wise to keep health insurance details like ColiCare documentation organized for quick access during emergencies. Building a lifelong relationship with your equine partner requires consistent veterinary care and monitoring to maintain the physical health necessary for high-level work.
The takeaway
Success in professional horse sports is often the result of matching a rider with an animal that demonstrates both physical ability and a specific, stable temperament. Consider scheduling regular evaluations with your veterinarian to ensure your horse maintains the peak condition required for high-intensity work.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Large Animals.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Team Roping Journal.
Live Poll
Do you trust insurance-based horse health programs to provide meaningful financial protection for your animals?
