The One That Got the Call Everywhere: Ernie Named Horse of the Year

Dashing Company, “Ernie”, spent most of 2026 getting the call from Brenten Hall, no matter what kind of setup they were headed to.

After a hectic Horse of the Year voting process ended with Ernie earning the 2026 Nutrena Head Horse of the Year title, Hall joined The Short Score to tell the story behind the 11-year-old gelding—from being bought off the track by Hall’s father-in-law, Guy Howell, to becoming Hall’s main mount throughout the 2026 ProRodeo season.

Hall estimates he rode Ernie on roughly 85% of his runs this year, relying on the gelding everywhere from tight indoor setups to long-score rodeos. For Hall, that versatility is exactly what separates Ernie.

“It’s taken me until Ernie that I felt like I had one that was good inside and outside,” Hall said.

Hall also talks about how well Ernie handles the ProRodeo pressures like the long hauls and big crowds, the family connection that makes the award especially meaningful and some of his favorite runs from their season together.

From the Badlands to the Best: Brenten Hall’s Ernie Wins 2026 Nutrena Head Horse of the Year

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