Stran T Smith built his career on grit, resilience, and perseverance.
Raised on a ranch in the rugged terrain of the Texas Panhandle, he became a World Champion Tie-Down Roper, a ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee, and an 11-time NFR qualifier.
But it wasn’t just the victories that shaped him, it was the setbacks and the comebacks. After winning a world championship following a stroke, heart surgery, and career-threatening injuries, Stran stopped chasing gold buckles. He turned his focus to building a family and STS Ranch, a brand focused on faith, integrity, quality and purpose. It was a change of mission that redefined what success really meant.
That philosophy drives STS Ranch Signature Tack, built in partnership with Weaver Equine and handcrafted in the USA.
Designed for riders who value integrity, hard work, and gear that’s made to last, every piece reflects the lessons Stran learned both inside and outside the arena— it’s not just about the wins, it’s about how you ride through the challenges, and what you can count on along the way.
A buckle can say a lot. Like World Champion. But the buckles on these headstalls say Stran wanted a personal tie to this tack collection, something to honor the horses that shaped his career.
The Horses That Shaped Stran Smith's Career
Topper
Registered as Topofthemarket, Topper was indisputably one of the best calf roping horses ever. He was the horse Stran needed when he knew he needed the best
Stran owned Topper only toward the end of Topper’s life, but they were old partners. Topper helped Stran fill his PRCA permit, qualify for multiple NFRs, and fight his way back after knee surgery, a stroke, and experimental heart surgery.
Named AQHA and PRCA Horse of the Year twice, Topper was the horse that made Stran feel like Superman in the arena.
Destiny
Destiny wasn’t just a good horse; she was an answer to a prayer when Stran needed one most.
After losing Topper, the horse of a lifetime, and surviving career-threatening surgery, Destiny carried Stran to one of the most important comebacks of his life.
Registered as Hickoryote Sue, this little bay mare helped him finish second in the NFR Average in 2007 and win the 2008 World Tie-Down Roping Championship, and NFR average.
Ranger
Steady, honest, and powerful, Ranger was the horse Stran could always count on to give 100%, no matter the conditions.
Known for his big heart and no-nonsense reliability, Jennifer, Stran’s future wife at the time, was riding Ranger when Stran proposed to her.
Ranger’s registered name, Texas Ranger, reflected his nature — strong, dependable, and stoic.
Jessie
Jessie was the smart, feminine mare Stran rode during his first year qualifying for the NFR.
Jessie had a kindness and honesty Stran loved so much, he looked for the same qualities in a wife. "You remind me of my horse," was about the highest compliment he could pay a woman, and Stran’s wife, Jennifer, didn’t mind at all.
Stran retired Jessie early, valuing her heart and spirit more than her continued competition career.
Rifleman
Rifleman, registered Kiddo Doc, had as much personality as any horse Stran ever owned.
Bold, moody, but steady and reliable when it mattered most, Rifleman helped Stran win his first professional rodeo in Vernon, Texas.
Voted 1997 AQHA Horse of the Year, Rifleman was a strong-minded character who fit Stran perfectly, both on the ground and in the arena.