In one of the most anticipated episodes of The Score, host Chelsea Shaffer brings back the annual deep dive into the top heel horses of the year. This year’s conversations are full of insight, loyalty and a bit of friendly debate among elite ropers.

We’re hearing directly from the best in the business:

Coleby Payne – breaking down why his bay gelding may be the new frontrunner over the three-time Horse of the Year, Kadabra King.

Travis Graves, Jake Long, Levi Lord, and Wesley Thorp, offering their personal picks, stories, and what really makes a heel horse worthy of the title.

Whether it's Turbo, Coon, Sug, Boon, or Mabel — the opinions are strong, and the respect for great horses runs deep. From arena-tested consistency to raw speed and grit, these pro team ropers explain what separates the greats from the good ones.

f you’re a fan of team roping, horsepower, or just want a peek behind the curtain of what goes into choosing the PRCA/AQHA Heel Horse of the Year, this episode is for you.

Sponsored by Fast Back Ropes — Featuring the Ombre head and heel ropes. Shop now at FastBackRopes.com

🔊 Listen now to get the inside edge on this year’s hottest heel horses before the ballots go in.

In this episode of The Score, host Chelsea Shaffer sits down with Shane and John Philipp of Philipp Ranch to preview their 2025 Production Horse Sale, happening September 6 in Bryan, Texas. The brothers break down the pedigrees behind their standout rope horses, their unique approach to training and development, and what makes this year’s set of 39 head one of their deepest yet.

From proven head and heel horses to standout breakaway prospects and elite-bred prospects, this sale offers something for every roper — including the emotional Lot 39 filly, with proceeds going to the Ace Ashford Foundation.

Whether you're planning to bid online at CCI.live or attend in person at the Brazos County Expo Center, this episode gives you the full inside scoop on what to expect — and which horses to watch.

The field for the 2025 Cinch Playoff Series in Puyallup, Washington, is set after the Aug. 18 cutoff, and the lineup is packed with storylines that could reshape this year’s NFR race.

The top 23 in the Playoff Series standings—plus NFR Open winners—will head to Puyallup Sept. 4-7, with a shot at a $75,000 purse on each end, with as much as $20,420 per man up for grabs. That kind of payday, paired with a berth to the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, makes Puyallup one of the most critical rodeos of the year.

On this episode of The Short Score, we break down who's in, who's out and what that means for their seasons.

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• Top 5 “The Score” Podcast Interviews of 2025 (So Far)
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• Ride Registered: Stressman and Canida of AQHA Talk Team Roping and Registered Horses on The Score