In True Form: LBR Hangem and Kenny Platt Named Reserve Champions at Breeder’s Invitational
- Melanie Smith
- May 12
- 2 min read
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.
“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—LBR Hangem 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: that horse had earned it.
The Reserve Champion finish added $21,304 to LBR Hangem’s lifetime earnings—$17,188.28 from the Breeder’s Invitational Finals and an additional $4,116 in APHA payout—bringing his total earnings to $189,517.
“We are incredibly thankful for Kenny, his wife Becca, and their entire team for taking such amazing care of Shotty and being just as dedicated to his success as we are,” said Melanie Smith. “He’s such a sweet stallion—truly one of a kind—and it’s so special to see others feel the same way we do. When we purchased him last November from Charles Burger, this was the dream. Watching it come to life—his continued success in the arena, and his book filling completely in his very first year standing to the public—has been incredible to witness and be a part of.”
LBR Hangem’s frozen books are full.
ICSI contracts remain open—click here to book now or join the 2026 waitlist to secure your spot.
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