Cally Thomas-Kindred on Ranching, Riding, and Legendary Wins

Cally Thomas
Cally Thomas-Kindred, an experienced horsewoman from Western South Dakota, has deep roots in the world of horse breeding and competition. Growing up on her grandfather’s ranch in Harold, South Dakota, Cally, her sister, and her cousins were immersed in the equestrian lifestyle from a young age. Her grandfather Harry Thomas, a dedicated breeder, ensured that the family’s passion for horses would carry on for generations by raising barrel-racing horses specifically for his granddaughters.

“We like to keep our horses versatile—they’re bred for performance, but they also do real work on the ranch.”

Today, Cally continues the family tradition, managing around 40 horses on her ranch. Her dedication to the profession was recently highlighted when her horse, T.R. The Big Oh, affectionately known as “Oh,” won the $10,000 Legendary Stakes bonus in the Pole Bending discipline. The event was close to home and during the typical “off” season from competition. Not having done poles on Oh for several years, but with such a large purse, Cally wanted to get him there with the chance to compete. Interestingly, Cally’s close friend was in the saddle that day because she was home branding on her ranch that day.

“The events with Legendary Stakes incentive money have definitely influenced where and how often we compete.”

Cally’s approach to training is unique, shaped by the rugged conditions of South Dakota. Her horses aren’t just trained for competition; they are working horses first. They spend their early years moving cattle and performing other ranch tasks, which instills in them a strong work ethic and readiness for the competitive arena. This blend of practical experience and competitive training has proven successful.

“It’s great to have high-stakes events close to home, so we don’t have to travel far to compete for significant prize money.”

When asked if Legendary Stakes has changed her perspective on which events to enter, Cally said, “The Legendary Stakes incentives have definitely influenced where and how often we compete. It’s great to have high-stakes events close to home, so we don’t have to travel far to compete for significant prize money. This flexibility allows us to participate more frequently and in different disciplines, which we might not have considered otherwise.”

As Cally looks ahead, she plans to reinvest her winnings into her breeding program, with an eye on future Legendary Stakes events. Her passion for the sport, combined with her practical approach to horse training, makes her a force to be reckoned with in the world of Western Performance disciplines.

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