While Ron Emmons may have started his cow horse career a little later than most, the Ione, California, horseman more than made up for less time in the reined cow horse show pen with some stellar rides. With more than $846,000 in reined cow horse earnings, Emmons is nearing the milestone, the Million Dollar Rider Club. But first, he’ll become a member of the prestigious Hall of Fame, something that is an immense source of pride for the horseman.

Emmons grew up on the central coast of California in Santa Barbara Country – a place rich in Vaquero tradition. As a young adult, he was focused on making a living by working on ranches, and eventually began showing Paint horses. It was not until Emmons was in his early 30s that he started training for the public. When life offered Emmons a chance to change gears, he jumped at the opportunity to focus on reined cow horse competition in 2004. It was what he always wanted to do, and brought Emmons, who was raised with a spade bit in tow, back to his childhood horse memories.

Over the years, Emmons rode several champions in the reined cow horse arena, including his first bridle horse winner, Tangys Classy Boy (Tangys Classy Peppy x Crimson Sassy Chick x Crimson three). But, it is Olena Oak (Smart Chic Olena x Fritzs Oak E Doakie x Docs Oak), the horse Emmons rode to an AQHA world title, countless NRCHA premier event wins and to the two World’s Greatest Horseman titles that really propelled his career.

“To be classed with some of the greats that are in the show pen means a lot, it brings a tear to my eye,” he said. “It makes me very proud.”