Poster image of Nightjacket’s nomination into the Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame was provided by Gary Yonkers, Gary Yonkers Photography, Agusta, Michigan.

He was a legend, and next week local rodeo bucking bronc’ named Nightjacket will be inducted in the 2023 ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO.

Owned by Freestone County’s Pickett Professional Rodeo Company, Night jacket was an imposing 16-hand, 1,600-pound paint stallion whose natural athleticism promised and delivered the cowboy’s ‘whirlwind ride’ straight into the air and out of the ‘money.”

“Congratulations to the Pickett Pro Rodeo family for this well-deserved honor,” said Patricia Pratt, curator of the Freestone County Historical Museum.

The museum has started a Freestone County Fair and Rodeo exhibit this year, and the story and poster of Nightjacket is being added to the collection, joining framed posters from last year’s 100-anniverary of the County Fair and Rodeo.

Born in 1994 on a 600-acre ranch in Clare, MI, #408, Nightjacket would become a premiere bucking horse in the PRCA. The dam, #108, Nightline and the sire #14, Big Timber. Nightline was ranch raised also and Big Timber was a purchase with no proof of lineage.

According to previous owner, Maggie Zinser, Nightjacket’s grandmother was purchased for $159 from a riding stable and went on to win 3 World Championships in the IPRA. His mother Nightline was the only filly born out of 5 colts.

For 8 consecutive years, Nightjacket performed at the WNFR from 2000 to 2007. His unique way of bucking and beautiful appearance caught the eyes of many. Nightjacket remained on the ranch more than off. He was bucked his 8 time at PRCA rodeos so he could compete at the WNFR. Standing at stud was him important role to J Bar J Ranch, Inc. However, his prestigious bucking career included a WNFR go round win and Great Lakes Circuit Bareback Horse of the Year.

After 40 years in the rodeo business, Jim Zinser decided to sell his rodeo company. It was a two-part sale. Cullen Pickett, Pickett Pro Rodeo purchased what Jime called the factory. All the bred mares along with the suckling colts and yearlings went to Fairfield, Texas along with the studs. Nightjacket was sold to Pickett Pro Rodeo one year later for $200,000. This was a price unheard of at that time in the rodeo business.

Cullen’s tenacity and foresight into the breeding has brought the recognition of Nightjacket and his progeny to a different level. With approximately 60 descendants from Nightjacket and over 240 WNFR qualifications; the lineage has proven to be one of the top bloodlines.
Descendants from this great stud are four (4) World Champion horses in the PRCA, two (2) Horses of the WNFR and multiple go round wins. Sons and daughters; grandsons and granddaughters performing at present time shows the strength and stamina in his bloodlines.

Born June 7, 1994 in Clare, MI
Deceased July 31, 2013 in Fairfield, TX

Story submitted by Mrs. Mandy Pickett.