Livestock • Inducted 2023
Born in 1994 on the 600-acre Zinser ranch in Clare, Michigan, #408 Nightjacket would become a premiere bucking horse in the PRCA. His dam, #108 Nightline, was raised on the same ranch. His sire, #14 Big Timber, was a purchase and came to the ranch without lineage.
For eight consecutive years, Nightjacket performed at the National Finals Rodeo from 2000 to 2007. His unique way of bucking and beautiful appearance caught the eyes of many. The bareback horse was known for kicking high in the air and giving cowboys “float time,” making him a rider-friendly horse. Nobody disliked getting on the bay and white Overo stud. One of his best performances was the 89-point ride by Lan LaJeunsse at the 2001 National Finals Rodeo. During those years, Nightjacket picked up a Great Lakes Circuit Bareback Horse of the Year title.
After 40 years in the rodeo business, Jim and Margaret Zinser decided to sell their J Bar J Rodeo company. Cullen Pickett of Pickett Pro Rodeo purchased all the bred mares, sucking colts, yearlings, and studs for his Fairfield, Texas, operation in 2008. Nightjacket was purchased the following year for $200,000. The largest sum the rodeo business had ever seen.
Cullen’s foresight into breeding bucking stock has brought the recognition to Nightjacket and his offspring. Nightjacket’s approximately 60 direct descendants have over 240 NFR qualifications among them. Included in this list are four PRCA Horses of the Year and two Horses of the NFR. In 2010, sixteen of his descendants appeared at the same NFR. Nightjacket’s lineage has proven to be one of the top bloodlines in the rodeo industry.
Nightjacket passed away from colic in 2013 at the age of 19.
Biography
Born June 7, 1994, in Clare, Michigan
Died July 31, 2013, in Fairfield, Texas