May the trash talking begin. 

In Waco, 2019 PRCA World Champion Tie-Down Roper Haven Meged and Seven S Tomahawk led the boys to aggregate domination in the Royal Crown 6-&-Under Breakaway Roping, with the gelding adding a totaled $9,956 to his lifetime earnings after scoring 322.26 points on three runs. 

“I probably shouldn’t advertise that I was winning in the breakaway, but my horses did good,” Meged said, smiling. “It was really good for my horses to get seasoned today. We tie-down on those young horses and everything, so it was kind of a breath of fresh air for them to know they don’t have to take a hit every time and just get more confident.”

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Meged, a three-time NFR qualifier, had an impressive string of horses—seven in all— in the tie-down and breakaway classes, but it was Seven S Tomahawk, a 2016 gelding by Mr Playin Stylish and out of Seven S Sassy Zan by Seven S Zanaday, that earned Meged $5,100, breeder RT Stuart Ranch LLC $1,428, and Mr Playin Stylish’s owners $1,428.

“He’s an unbelievably talented horse and I’ve got big plans for him as a 6-year-old. Hopefully in the next two years, you’ll see him at the bright lights,” Meged said. “I’ve never ridden a Mr Playin Stylish, but if they are all as good as him, I’d have a whole trailer full of them.” 

The breakaway at the Royal Crown was scored, but time still factors into the final score. Riders had the challenge of putting together a solid breakaway run, while making sure their horses checked off the criteria to boast high scores.

“The judges were looking at how the horses stood in the box, if they’re flat across the line, whether or not they broke to the pin, and how they were running to the cows—if they were actually low-headed and paying attention, or if they were hitting their tie-down and not stopping. And of course, big stopping. Then they look at your time,” Meged explained. “You had to dang sure make a good run, and your horse also had to be good. The points deal is a little tricky.” 

Practice On Breakaway Horses Vs Tie-Down Runs, with Lari Dee Guy and Kelsie Domer

For Meged, it’s all about putting the welfare of his horses first. He took extra time preparing Seven S Tomahawk for competition, due to the talent he recognized early on. 

“We’ve babied him for a year and a half, and it’s taken a lot of work—just slow stuff. I wanted to show him in the heading here, but it was just too close to be able to show him in both events. That’s a lot of runs on a young horse in two days. He doesn’t need to prove anything to me,” Meged said.

Although the showing scene is new territory for Meged, and he stayed busy in the Waco humidity and heat, he noted that he made a lot of money in one day and was happy with the performance of all seven of his horses. In conclusion, Meged was also quick to voice his appreciation for the Royal Crown incentive and format. 

“I don’t horseshow because it’s too political. I don’t have the name to be a world champion at the horse shows. It’s nice at these deals, you just go rope.” Meged said. “The Royal Crown is trying to make it where if you go make a good run, and have a good horse, you’re gonna win. I appreciate that stuff.” 

Royal Crown 6 & Under Breakaway Results

Aggregate

1. Haven Meged on Seven S Tomahawk, 322.26 points on three, worth $5,100 owner, $1,428 stallion, and $1,428 breeder
2. Shane Hanchey on Rey Ahead Of Time, 321.49 points on three, worth $3,450 owner, $966 stallion, and $966 breeder
3. Logan Harkey on Senoritas Holly Time, 321.06 points on three, worth $2,400 owner, $672 stallion, $672 breeder
4. Shane Hanchey on Sly Spender, 314.36 points on three, worth $1,800 owner, $504 stallion, and $504 breeder
5. Shane Hanchey on Word on Fire, 307.79 points on three, worth $1,350 owner, $378 stallion, and $379 breeder
6. Emma Charleston on SBD A French Chicka, 306.66 points on three, worth $900 owner, $252 stallion, and $252 breeder

Round 1

1. Haven Meged on Seven S Tomahawk, 109.34 points, worth $2,000 
2. Shelby Boisjoli on For Goodness Shakes, 108.51 points, worth $1,200
3. Logan Harkey on Senoritas Holly Time, 107.3 points, worth $800

Round 2

1. Shane Hanchey on Sly Spender, 107.26 points, worth $2,000
2. Shane Hanchey on Rey Ahead Of Time, 107.02 points, worth $1,200
3. Logan Harkey on Senoritas Holly Time, 106.97 points, worth $800

Short Go

1. Shane Hanchey on Rey Ahead Of Time, 108.06 points
2. Logan Harkey on Senoritas Holly Time, 106.79 points
3. Haven Meged on Seven S Tomahawk, 106.35 points