In True Form: LBR Hangem and Kenny Platt Named Reserve Champions at Breeder’s Invitational

Monday, May 12th — Tulsa, Oklahoma - The energy was electric inside Tulsa Expo Square as the 5/6 Open Classic Finals reached the final few horses in the draw. Twenty-three of the nation’s top aged horses had gathered to vie for top honors at the Breeder’s Invitational—an event that has long stood as a cornerstone of the cutting horse industry. Simply making the finals is a mark of an elite athlete. But earning the title of Champion—or Reserve Champion? That’s the mark of greatness.

Photo by Performance Horse Central

“We all knew he’s capable of leaving it all in the arena,” said Kenny Platt. “It was just a matter of cutting the right cattle—and letting him work.”

And work he did.

As the final horse to enter the pen in a tough set of cattle—draw 23— delivered a jaw-dropping 224.5. The duo left nothing behind. On his second cow, Hangem slipped, then recovered so seamlessly it was as if it never happened. He NEVER took his eyes off the cow. Each stop was deeper, each turn sharper—he moved with a level of grit and grace that drew the crowd to the edge of their seats. As he exited the arena, all eyes turned to the scoreboard. When the announcer called out the score, there was no doubt: horse had earned it.