The impact was immediate. The JB Futurity created a level playing field where horses competed when they were ready—and payouts reflected real performance. Young horses entered the arena with purpose, and breeders once again had a reason to invest in proven genetics. They went from a 4-year-old only12 industry to a futurity where 5-year-olds were welcomed too. It was not only important for Dee to see more colts not thrown to the side because they weren’t ready yet—she made it a point to make sure the real cowgirls who were caring for a family and working multiple jobs had the time to get their prospect ready. Trainers benefited from colts remaining in programs and the ability to give individuals the time they needed to win the money that a trainer needed to pay the bills and save, while owners saw renewed confidence that their investments could pay off if they just followed the colt and gave it the time it needed. The industry not only saw a rise in more youth and open 5D horses made but a huge strength in long-term rodeo horses came out of those years Braman brought this to life. “Too many great horses were being quit and thrown away,” Dee said. “I know how hard people work to breed great ones and to have such a short window to make all the pieces come together and force it—isn’t being a horseman and it wasn’t strengthening an industry.” She was passionate about following a colt’s needs and giving them the time they needed to go be great. Was the proof in the pudding? I’d say so… Braman is one of very few owners, if ever, to watch her trainer Kassie Mowry take multiple BFA futurity winners or slot race champions with Mowry straight to the PRCA pen a month later and win at the highest level against the aged horses. “They were ready, they were confident,” and Kassie knew exactly what they needed and “no one could listen to them like she could,” Dee said.

Beyond the arena, the futurity revitalized confidence across the Quarter Horse world. It restored momentum to breeding programs that had been struggling and helped stabilize an industry that was at risk of losing its next generation. Waco became more than a host city—it became a hub of opportunity, innovation, and hope for performance horsemen nationwide. “One stop shop” as Dee would refer to her event in Waco. She wanted a place you could come and run multiple times, go to seminars to better educate yourself, hang with friends that became family, and while you’re at it, attend one of the largest futurity sales in the country and take home a new project.The JB Quarter Horse Futurity didn’t just shape winners; it reshaped the system. By giving back when the industry needed it most, it proved that integrity and performance- driven programs can do more than survive tough times—they can lead the way forward. And Braman did just that.