Pat Hubbert grew up in northern California, and loved horses from a young age. He showed in the very first Snaffle Bit Futurity, and it was at that show that Pat met one of his mentors, Greg Ward, who would eventually ride Pats horse Smokinic to the Futurity Championship.

Smokes Belle was one of Pats best-known cow horses, and the cantankerous mare was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame in 2007. The pair won many prestigious events, including Salinas, the Cow Palace, India, and Imperial. They won the Bridle Class at the Snaffle Bit Futurity twice in 1980 and 1981, and were Reserve Champions in 1983 and 1985. That many Snaffle Bit Bridle wins are something no other mare ever achieved yet Pat expertly guided her to the titles.