GeringCitizen.com - World champ loses friend and partner [published 2012-01-12]

World champ loses friend and partner
January 12, 2012 Brian Hale

Bailey Tokum, aka Pomp Jack is seen here with the rest of the Gorsuch family, from Left; Pump Jack, Dean, Taydon, Trell, Bekah and Buck. Gorsuch won the PRCA Steer Wrestling World Championship with Pump Jack in his first full year of competition.

Gering's Dean Gorsuch lost a friend and partner Thursday night due to a freak accident. Pump Jack, a 14-year-old gelding that Gorsuch and Del Kraupie own together, had to be put down after he shattered his pastern during a practice session.

The pastern is an area of the horse's leg that is vital in shock absorption. The pastern, along with the fetlock, are responsible for the absorption of concussive forces of a footfall. Together, they effectively distribute it among both the bones of the leg and the tendons and ligaments.

“I don't owe that horse anything,” said Gorsuch. “He was the best horse I ever had. I never rode a horse that fit me better,” he said. “He's really family, there's no other way to put it,” the two-time world champion steer wrestler continued. “He had such a great disposition, a trust and confidence that's hard to explain. He's
family.”

Pump Jack will be remembered as one of the best steer wrestling horses in history. It was certainly an amazing couple of years together for the two professional athletes. Pump Jack was runner up in 2010 as AQHA's USA Horse of the Year and was used by several of the world's greatest steer wrestlers, including Gabe Ledoux.

The 2010 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas was especially sweet since Gorsuch was able to take his best friend and longtime hazer Del Kraupie with him to the NFR. “To have your best friend and do it with your own horse is amazing.” Gorsuch said.

It's not uncommon for steer wrestlers to use a horse other than their own. In fact, according to Gorsuch, that's what he's going to do now. He'll fly to the rodeos and use what's available.

The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo is a big one for Gorsuch in his pursuit for a third world championship in 2012. Gorsuch will be in action on January 15 during the 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performances in Denver, Colorado.