Learn why "We'd Love to Own" Lyle Lovett's reining horse, Smart And Shiney.
Particulars: 2003 palomino Quarter Horse stallion sired by Smart Shiner and out of Tronas Pearl, by Dox Tronalena.
Owners: Lyle Lovett, Houston, Texas, and Tim McQuay, Tioga, Texas. Tim is also the horse&apos;s trainer.
Accomplishments: Under Tim&apos;s guidance, the stallion has accumulated more than $100,000 in NRHA earnings. He was the 2009 NRBC open prelim co-champion, a 2008 NRHA Derby top-10 finisher, and is an AQHA World Show qualifier in reining and performance halter.
&apos;Shine&apos;-ing bloodlines: "I got into the horse business through Carol Rose. It was appealing to me that Smart And Shiney is by Carol&apos;s great sire Smart Shiner, by Shining Spark," Lyle says. "Shining Spark horses are extremely athletic and really good-minded. Smart And Shiney is a perfect example of that combination."
"Riding Smart And Shiney has helped me learn what it feels like to execute maneuvers properly so that when I&apos;m on another horse, I can do my best to try and get that same feeling," Lyle says. "Riding such an exceptional, consistent horse improves my riding, reinforces the right &apos;feel,&apos; and makes my judgment that much better."
Favorite memory: "Any time I get to ride him," Lyle says. "It just sticks with me. It&apos;s one of those experiences I&apos;m able to replay over and over in my mind...what it felt like to stop him, and circle, and spin."
Consistent confidence: "I&apos;m certainly the biggest variable in the show pen," Lyle says. "I can hear my heart beat when I walk to the center of the arena to start a pattern. Smart And Shiney is calm and level-headed. He waits for you, he listens, he does just what you ask. That&apos;s a nice feeling of confidence."