Ace Ashford and Jade Philipp Win Riata Buckle Jr #10.5
Dec 4, 2023
By Chelsea Shaffer
Growing up around high-powered rope horses and cowboys is one thing, but getting a taste of the action is a whole separate level— something Ace Ashford and Jade Philipp realized at the 2023 Riata Buckle when they took home the Jr #10.5 victory inside the Lazy E Arena.
Ashford and Philipp came in high callback to the short round with $1,800 already in their pockets after winning the fast time in the first round of competition with a 6.51-second run. They defended that position with a smooth run that brought their time on four to 29.31 seconds and earned the $13,120 victory. Both boys rode horses in the Riata Buckle, as well, so they earned the $6,000 incentive victory, bringing their earnings in the #10.5 Jr to $20,920.
On the head side, Ace Ashford rode Smokin Big Valley by Riata Buckle Stallion, Seven S Big Valley. Ashford is from a family of ropers. His father, Troy, is well known within the USTRC ranks, and his elder brother, Ross qualified for the 2021 National Finals Rodeo. His parents were there in support, something the teenager was grateful for.
"My dad's taught me everything I know," Ashford said. "From roping to knowing how to use my head."
Philipp also comes from widely-known roping roots. His family owns and operates the Philipp Ranch, a program that went public with its hardy stallions and colts when the Riata Buckle came into play in 2021. For the newest of the multi-generational dynasty, the Riata program is paying off in spades. His dad, John, has been as essential to his success as anybody.
"My dad is like Ace's," Philipp said. "If he sees something wrong, he'll pick me up and tell me what I need to do and what to look at. He's been a big mentor for me."
Philipp's horse of choice was Chulatallic, a 2015 gelding by Metallic Cat and out of Dualed To The Mac by Chula Dual.
