By Sarah Welk Baynum
No stranger to the excitement of the Quarter Horse Congress show ring, Jimmy Daurio rose to the occasion with an impressive ride in the Junior Ranch Riding. Out of more than 50 talented entries, his flawless connection with SS Pity Tha Fool, owned by Clara Tracy, carried them straight to the top, earning a well-deserved first-place finish. Known as Wayne around the barn, SS Pity Tha Fool horse has proven to be a stand-out among Daurio’s other show partners this year.
“I’ve been showing horses since I was a little kid, but this horse feels special,” says Daurio. “From the moment the partnership started in late May of this year, we just clicked. He’s easy to prepare, a lot of fun to ride, and every show he keeps getting better. We really thrive together, and that makes showing him so rewarding.”
Wayne has quickly proven himself as a rare combination—highly competitive yet steady and level-headed in the show pen.
“What I love about this horse is that you can really push the limits with him, and he never gets ahead of you,” says Daurio. “He doesn’t anticipate, and he just stays right with me every stride. It’s such a good feeling to know I can ask for more, and he’s right there, willing and with me the whole way.”
Daurio shares that the winning partnership has no plans of slowing down. “Wayne will head home for a little break after Congress,” he says. “Then we’ll turn our focus straight to the World Show.”