The Story Behind Riley Webb’s Horse, Rudy

Riley Webb’s impressive string of horses has been instrumental in his journey to the top, earning him a world title in 2023 and a third NFR qualification in 2024.

Among his sting of horses, one stands out: Marked Up Cat, better known as Rudy.

Rudy has been a game-changer for Webb. In 2023, the duo competed together in nine of the ten NFR rounds, securing Webb his first world title and $172,446 in NFR earnings. After winning Round 2 of the 2024 NFR, Rudy has already helped Webb rake in $223,382 in two years at the Thomas & Mack Center alone.

A Pedigree of Champions

The 11-year-old gelding, Rudy is sired by Metallic Cat, a legendary stallion with $637,711 in lifetime earnings and $74,457,875 in offspring earnings, is the second-highest money earner in NCHA history. Rudy’s dam, HA Gay Freckles—aka Lola—was a money earner herself, earning $54,948 in the NRCHA.

Lola’s pedigree is equally remarkable. Her dam, Gay Freckles Rio (Colonel Freckles x Bissie Gay Bar x Johnie Gay Bar), produced two World’s Greatest Horseman money earners, one of whom was Lola herself. Bred by Mark and Wendy Froman, Lola has been a prolific producer of cutting, cow and rope horses, including other calf roping competitors like BFB Yippy I O, who placed fifth at the 2021 ARHFA Redbud Spectacular Futurity.

Rudy’s Journey to the Thomas & Mack

Rudy isn’t new to the bright lights of the Thomas & Mack Center.

“Everybody’s ridden him at the NFR,” Webb said. “I know for sure Jake Pratt rode him at the finals. I think Marty Yates, Caleb Smidt—you name it, everyone’s been on him.”

Webb acquired Rudy in August 2022 from Lane Livingston, which has been a pivotal purchase for Webb’s career. After building momentum in the Northwest together, Rudy carried Webb through the NFR and into the winter rodeo season.

“I was trying to buy him at the end of the year last year, but I really didn’t think Lane was ever going to sell him,” Webb said. “He ended up calling me one day and wanted to sell him. I’m thankful that I got to buy him—it worked out. I owe the last two years to him.”

Injury briefly sidelined Rudy after Greeley this summer, leaving Webb to rely on other horses.

“He got hurt on the first calf I ran this summer at Greeley and was out until mid-August,” Webb said. “I had to ride Boots and my paint horse, and I bummed my knee up a little bit. None of us were healthy. Me not having Rudy was like Caleb not having Pockets or Shad and Lollipop or Haven and Lil Punch. The horses that fit us—we have to give all the credit to them. I’m not the same roper without him.”

Rudy’s Unique Personality

Rudy might be a champion in the arena, but he’s not known for being warm and fuzzy.

“He’s a jerk,” Webb said, laughing. “He pins his ears back, doesn’t like anyone to mess with him. I mean, he’s got an awesome personality. He’s so broke—you can walk him around, put a kid on him, and then ask him for his life here in the Thomas & Mack. He’s a really special horse, and I’m so thankful for him.”

One of Rudy’s standout traits is his explosive first step, making him a go-to horse for any setup, long or short.

“That’s what’s so special about him—I can ride him everywhere,” Webb said. “Some people switch horses for different setups, but I get to ride him everywhere and get that feel. Long or short setup, it doesn’t matter. He’s good everywhere.”