The ability to stop and "turn on a dime" became the hallmark of the great American Quarter Horse and his role in working cattle. Today competition is fierce in Reining Classes. "Smartest Chic Olena" and trainer Tom McCutcheon were Reining Champions of the U.S. Equestrian Team in 2003. The competition was held in New Jersey, but in this painting depicting their winning slide, I placed them in a western background as both reside in Texas.