The celebrated two-time horse of the year, Little Smart Leo, aka “Big Time,” passed away on Oct. 30th, aged 17. He was owned by tie-down roper Tyler Milligan.
Milligan said the horse had been fine the previous evening and even ate alright but was found dead after breakfast. The horse, which he described as a “pet than a horse,” has propelled Milligan to success over the years and even won the PRCA Horse of the year award twice: one in 2018 and 2019.
The horse was buried in Stephenville, Texas, on Oct. 31st at tie-down roper Timber Moore’s place.
Milligan made his Wrangler debut in 2019 with Big Time and finished eighth in the PRCA|RAM World Standings earning $196,884. He won Round 7 and split 8 with two 7.5 second runs, earning $99,410 at the NFR.
Milligan, who is 23, had qualified for the 2020 Wrangler NFR at Globe Life Field, and while he had planned to use Big Time in the competitions, he has a couple of horses to choose from. He is considering KG, which he has ridden the longest, Hot Shot, who he has had for four months and 13.
The roper had previously been considering retiring KG but said he might see some NFR action if he decides to go on with him.