Horsemen for Christ leader Joe Howard Williamson, 53, Archer City, TX, won his third NCHA world championship title on February 16 at the NCHA World Finals in Amarillo, TX, where he earned $13,321 to end the year (2006) with $90,056.

“The reason none of us got over that $100,000 mark this year was because it was so competitive,” noted Williamson, who had earned $108,597 in 2004 (he also won the title in 1999 with $79,275). “It was the most competitive, tough year that I’ve ever been involved in.

“I came (to the World Finals) with a lead of $18,000,” he added. “But I believe I was more nervous (in the first go-round) than I was any time in my life. “I don’t know if I’m a worrier or a competitor,” he added. “I knew mathematically that I’d won it. I guess I’m kind of a cross, like a black baldie. I slept fairly well, but I was still on the hook.”

Riding Neat Choice, Williamson tied Paula Wood with 220 points for a win in the first go-round of World Finals competition. But Wood eclipsed him by winning the next three go-rounds. She earned $21,971 for her clean sweep and finished the year ranked sixth with $55,289.

Williamson’s daughter, Denver Jo, 21, won the $50,000 Amateur world championship on February 9, but had to accept her trophy on crutches, as the result of a fall in the second go-round. “This will be one finals I won’t ever forget,” said Williamson, who blew a stirrup and lost her seat during a stop.

Mary Jo Milner, Southlake, TX, seven-times Non-Pro world champion, finished as reserve to Williamson with earnings of $68,827, including $10,311 won on Jewel Bar Ruby during the World Finals. For Milner, however, the highlight of the event was watching her grandson, Jake Milner, as he won the NCHA Junior Youth World Championship with a final go-round score of 224.