Pro Rodeo’s Mary Walker Is About To Suffer Heartbreak!

This morning World Champion barrel racer Mary Walker announced some heartbreaking news on her facebook fan page here. All of us know that her horse Latte has been injured but we did not know the entire story of everything that was going on with her best friend and traveling partner behind the scenes.

Below is Mary’s post from earlier this morning stating everything that is happening and why there is a very good chance you will never see this team inside an arena running the pattern again. Mary Walker and her horse Latte at the NFR Mary Walker and Latte at the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo winning the World Title

Photo credit: Tammy Scheffler / T. Scheffler Photography

Mary Walker made the following statement on her facebook fan page earlier today.  “To all my FB friends and family, my heart is saddened for two reasons. I would like to first say that Latte will not be at Rodeo Houston for the Semi-finals. Latte sustained an injury at Ft. Worth on my second run when he had a horrible slip. Dr. Honnas and I have worked very hard getting him well so I could get through the winter buildings. We sustained a fall Thursday night at Mercedes, Tx which brought back flashes of my fall 2 yrs.ago. Latte injured himself again. The prognosis will be at least 12 wks of rest, with therapy everyday. Luckily, with having great friends ,I will be riding Spider,who belongs to Teresa Turberville. I am also saddened by being forced by Cheri Cogburn, who retained 10% and we bought 90%,to sell him under court order. Her reason for retaining 10% ownership was so he would never be sold and remain with me forever. Byron bought him for me as a Mothers day present after the loss of Reagon in April of 2011. We formed an LLC to protect both parties interest. She has chose to sue for partition of sale and since he is the only asset of the LLC I am forced to auction him off. I have tried to keep quiet because I felt I shouldn’t worry everyone with what’s going on in my personal life, we thought that we would be able to work this out with Cheri, however her last settlement offer for us to pay her 250,000 for her 10%, left us no choice. This is my statement, with all this being said, no one will ever take away what Latte and I have. They will never take my love for him. They can never take my Gold Buckle. I put my heart and soul into making him a Champion and he returned the favor to me. My heart is very heavy at this time. The next week will be a very upsetting time in my life, not knowing what will happen. Please keep us in your thought and prayers.”

In order to be as unbiased as I can in my reporting I have put a request into Cheri Cogburn for a statement or interview to get her side of this issue.  As everyone knows there are two sides to every story and I do my best to report on what I know and give each of you the official statements that I receive so you can draw your own conclusions.

As soon as I get a response from Cheri, if I do, I will post that on The Rodeo Round Up as well so you can hear everything that is going on with this issue.  This whole announcement is horrific for the sport of Professional Rodeo but all we can do is wish the best for both parties and pray that this will resolve in a peaceful manner that will not result in splitting up a tremendous team that has done so much for the sport we love. We all need to come together to see what each of us can do as individuals and as one big team to make sure this does not happen to one of the most memorable teams in pro rodeo barrel racing.

I know that this is a horrible and sad time for both Mary and Byron and I just want to say that the entire Rodeo Round Up team has them in our thoughts and prayers and will work day and night to find anything that we can do to make sure some way some how that this tragedy does not happen!

I ask each and everyone of you that follow The Rodeo Round Up to please do the same and get on board with us to find a way.  The first thing you can do is post this story as well as any other article you come across on your social media pages and ask your friends and family to do the same.  Together we may be able to help Mary, Byron and Latte remain a family and a TEAM!!


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42 responses to “Pro Rodeo’s Mary Walker Is About To Suffer Heartbreak!”

  1. Jeff Hunt Avatar

    I posted the following on my Facebook & web-site!! Buckshot is our 3/4 brother to Latte! Buckshot is an outstanding barrel horse like Latte. CHERI RUMBO COGBURN you can have 100% ownership of Buckshot in return for signing over full ownership of Latte to Byron & Mary Walker! I’m going to message her and tell her my offer! Buckshot runs just like Latte, needs some tuning on his turns! Every one bombard CHERI RUMBO COGBURN on Facebook with messages & e-mails!————–
    I sent the above offer to Cheri Cogburn & she immediately unfriended me on Facebook. Don’t know Cheri’s side of the story, but I do know who LOVES & made Latte what he is. Mary Walker won the World Championship, looks like jealousy on Cheri’s part to me. Also Cheri didn’t accept our offer!!!

    1. LAVINIA TRULL Avatar
      LAVINIA TRULL

      I THINK IT IS RIGHT DOWN HORRIBLE. THE POOR HORSE IS IN THE MIDDLE & BLESS HIS HEART HE DOEN’T KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING. MARY HAS DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB WITH HIM & I THINK HE DESERVES TO BE WITH SOMEONE WHO DEARLY LOVES HIM. DON’T KNOW THIS CHERI PERSON BUT IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE COULD BE SO CRUEL AS TO TAKE THIS TEAM APART. DEAR LORD DOES SHE OR HAS SHE RIDDEN LATTE OR DOES SHE EVEN RIDE. JUST DON’T KNOW THE WHOLE STORY BUT WHATEVER I’M WITH MARY & HER HORSE. DEAR LORD HELP THIS TO HAVE A GOOD TURN OUT & LET THIS POOR HORSE BE WITH SOMEONE THAT CAN RIDE & RIGHT.

    2. Sharon Avery Avatar
      Sharon Avery

      I agree with Jeff..jealousy can and does make people do things with no regard to the animal or the person that MADE Latte who he is, a world champion. I have no respect for Cheri. Of course she unfriended you, she would not want to have people knowing there are great people out there like you. I commend you!!

  2. Michelle Fosheim Avatar
    Michelle Fosheim

    Mary, if you read these…know that our hearts are breaking too. Although it may not seem like a lot, we would like to offer you a 2013 filly we own named Chick An Seeker. Her bloodlines can be seen on All Breed Pedigree dot com. Yes, she is tobiano Paint, but with old AQHA running blood. If you are interested, she is yours, no strings attached, free and clear, simply make arrangements to pick her up. We’re in NE Wyoming. I used to run barrels myself, and this filly has the potential to be great. Email me at PaintPoniez@gmail.com if you’d like pictures of Chickadee.

    1. Sharon Avery Avatar
      Sharon Avery

      Awesome………..Mary will find in the end that there are a whole army of people who have her back.

  3. T.j.evans Avatar
    T.j.evans

    I think this is truly aweful and cheri needs to have her ass wooped and wilson you do sound stupid just like our president my prayers are with mary if I could id buy latte at auction andvgive him to mary

  4. Rachel H. Avatar
    Rachel H.

    Ok people need to get the whole story before they pass any judgement. There was. Court order involved, I don’t know 100% of the details but from what I understand it’s basically a breach of contract issue. The court ordered the sale not Cheri.

    1. Steph Avatar
      Steph

      Cheri innitiated this and had to know it would come to this!!!

      1. Rach H. Avatar
        Rach H.

        Doesn’t mTter if she knew or not. What matters is that there was apparently a contract in place and one or both parties are in breach of that contract. Unfortunately if you are going to go into business with someone you cannot think with your heart, and that’s what is happening now.

      2. LAVINIA TRULL Avatar
        LAVINIA TRULL

        I HOPE THAT NO ONE BUYS HIM & MAYBE THAT WILL PUT THIS CHERI PERSON ON THE RIGHT TRACK. EVEN WITH THE MONEY THING, WHATEVER IT MAY BE, IF SHE CARES FOR THE HORSE & WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR HIM HOPEFULLY HE’LL STAY WHERE HE SHOULD BE

  5. Kimberly Blackmon Avatar
    Kimberly Blackmon

    Yes there are two sides to a story! Like if you want 10 percent of winnings you need to be paying 10 percent of all the expenses!!!!!!! Or you forfeit by breach of contract you share of winnings!!!! Also the Judge didn’t side with either party!!! Because over several attempts to bring both sides to an agreement with no success the judge had no other option but to order the property of the lilac to be sold so both parties could be made whole and the LLC desolved.

    1. Rach H. Avatar
      Rach H.

      I’m not siding with either party because I don’t know all the details. But if what Kimberly says is correct then it sounds like there is fault on both sides. Either way it is an unfortunate situation and I’m sure heart break for Mary. Unfortunately since an agreement could not be reached hard consequences follow. I hope it all works out for both parties. Sounds like they’re both gonna lose a good friend…both 2 and 4 legged.

  6. Cyndi Avatar
    Cyndi

    Latte and his well being should come first !!! He should receive all and any funds for his care !

  7. Steph Avatar
    Steph

    You are quite arrogant!! There is a sentimental value there and people like you are the reason that this world is what it is. Mary Walker and her husband are very genuine, anyone can see that. It wasnt that they didnt pay their bills?? Where did you come up with that? They bought 90% rights to him the original owner wanted to own 10% to assure he wouldnt be sold to anyone else??? How can you be so insensative?? And bashing Obama about something completely unrelated?? WELL THAT RIGHT THERE MADE YOU SOUND STUPID!!!!

    1. Rach H. Avatar
      Rach H.

      There was a contract stating Cheri was to be paid 10% of any winnings; not IF she paid 10% of entries, hauling, feed etc, just simply 10% of any winnings. Byron Walker wrote that contract himself, so YES it is that they didn’t pay their bill.

    2. debra roberts Avatar
      debra roberts

      Actually, Obama or the Government does play a part, disolving the LLC by auctioning off Latte plays a huge part for anyone who has ever owned a business. You have to do that because Uncle Sam is going to want his taxes. Latte is an asset and in any business they have to sell off all Assets and figure out what is considered losses and profits and who is owed what and divide what is left. So this necessary in order for them to disolve the business that they BOTH, LET ME REPEAT, BOTH, put this horse in.

  8. LAVINIA TRULL Avatar
    LAVINIA TRULL

    I THINK THIS IS A HORRIBLE SITUATION. I CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE HOW MARY FEELS. DON’T KNOW THE DETAILS BUT DEAR LORD HELP SOMETHING TO BE WORKED OUT FOR THE TWO CHAMPIONS.

  9. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    Ok, from what I’ve read, when Byron purchased Latte, he bought 90%, and Cheri retained 10% ownership. That doesn’t mean that she gets 10% of Mary’s winnings, it just means she owns 10 % of the horse. She apparently wants them to buy out her 10% , when they said no, she decided to sue. I also know that even though Mary won a lot of money, her expenses on the road took a big chunk of her winnings. I find it funny that she was the one who wanted to retain part ownership of the horse so it wouldn’t be sold and then wanted to be paid for the part she owns. Now she has filed for a partition by sale which forces the sale of said property when property cannot be divided. The profits are then divided among the owners. This is all about how much money she can get out of this. Wanting to retain 10% ownership so the horse wouldn’t ever be sold, should have been a red flag. The only mistake Byron and Mary made were trusting this woman. Now the horse is lame, and who knows if he’ll ever be able to run 100% again. Mary knows this and loves Latte regardless. Cheri doesn’t care. Money is the root of all evil.

  10. Anita Avatar
    Anita

    The only contract mentioned was the one they drew up as an llc so that the horse would never be sold, stating the percentages of ownership. No where have I seen mention of a contract stating they owed anything on the horse or would pay her 10% of the winnings. If there are such documents please post a link to them.

  11. Logic Avatar
    Logic

    Oh my gosh, I just wanna shake your hand!! Finally, someone that has rational thinking skills and isn’t just a bleeding heart.

  12. PEGGY Avatar
    PEGGY

    All Mary and Bryon had to do over the years is to pay the other owner 10% of the winnings and as of to date the other owner has never seen a dime of the winnings. This is not the only time they have cheated people out of money and probably will not be the last time until people get wise to quit dealing with them. Yes, I know what I am talking about being from the same town as the Walkers.

  13. Sidney Avatar

    Point is, she sold latte!! The end!!!! If she wanted any money, she should’ve tried a little harder n did what Mary and latte did!! Yes, by contract Mary should’ve paid 10% but also Cheri should have paid 10% of entries, feed, vet bills, and so on but my main thing is don’t sell something then want money off what it’s made, 10% or not!! She sold him, too bad, her lose, shouldn’t be Mary and Latte’s!!!!

  14. Wilson Avatar
    Wilson

    http://www.corporationwiki.com/Texas/Ennis/walker-cogburn-llc/107542440.aspx

    Overview of Walker & Cogburn, LLC in Ennis, TX

    Walker & Cogburn, LLC filed as a Domestic Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the State of Texas on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 and is approximately two years old, according to public records filed with Texas Secretary of State. The filing is currently active as of the last data refresh which occured on Tuesday, December 03, 2013.

    Key People

    Cheri Cogburn serves as the Manager

    The registered agent for the company is Byron Walker. Also known as a statutory or resident agent, the registered agent is responsible for receiving legal notifications regarding court summons, lawsuits, and other legal actions involving the corporate entity.

    Walker & Cogburn, LLC also lists another corporation as a key member of the company. Byron Walker serves as Manager.

  15. Keeepinitreal Avatar
    Keeepinitreal

    Sounds like just a typical business deal with byron walker – most of y’all don’t really know them like you think they do – ask the guy is this news article –

    http://www.ennisdailynews.com/editorials/archive-2359/

  16. John Avatar
    John

    If it was my horse, I wouldn’t sell him, period. Let her sue. Try to collect. I’d make her life a living hell and wish she never met me…but that’s just me…..I’m an A hole when It comes to dealing with beeatches…….

  17. LAVINIA TRULL Avatar
    LAVINIA TRULL

    OK DIFFERENT PEOPLE ARE BRINGING UP UNRELATED THINGS TO WHAT IS BEING POSTED ABOUT. LETS KEEP OUR FOCUS ON LATTE. HOPEFULLY HE’LL GET TO STAY WITH MARY. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS CHERI PERSON CAN EVEN RIDE, IF SO, WHY DID SHE LET MARY HAVE HIM???????? HUMMMMMMMMMMM

  18. mckmartin Avatar
    mckmartin

    Why are some post being deleted??

    1. Jason Hetland Avatar
      Jason Hetland

      The comments that do not pertain to the topic are being moderated by the website host … thanks for the heads up … I will see if I can get that changed

    2. cowboy Avatar
      cowboy

      Comments that don’t have merit for the post and filled with name calling or are baiting for an argument will be deleted when found. Trying to keep the comments on topic, civil and family friendly. The Webmaster

  19. kellie skenandore Avatar
    kellie skenandore

    Wow ,I don’t know anything about the walkers past . Because that is what it is the PAST. Lets move forward putting contracts aside . Mary and Byron were at a place in their lives that was devastating . So trying to move forward Byron bought Latte for Mary . Mary and Latte bonded , And I think that bond is what made them a team . They did it together as a team . Now the team is being threatened . Even if Latte never runs again I cant imagine Mary just giving him up . So for Latte ‘s sake I hope this all works out . And Latte gets to live out his life with his best friend . God bless you Mary and Latte .

  20. Keeepinitreal Avatar
    Keeepinitreal

    When horses are your business, it’s just that – business
    1) there was an agreed upon contract
    2) one of the parties breached the contract
    3) apparently the case went before a judge
    4) seems as though the judge said, honor the contract or dissolve the LLC

    Pretty simple actually – don’t adhere to the contract – my guess is Byron is betting he can buy the horse back cheaper at auction than paying the amount owed per the contract, especially since “rumors” surfaced again that’s he’s injured, which I highly doubt, at least it would have been great timing for the walkers if he is truly injured –

  21. Nancy M Avatar
    Nancy M

    The Walkers are in breach of contract. They did not pay Cheri as agreed per the contract. They could not settle out of court and the judged ruled that the Walkers owe Cheri per the contract. She has been trying to get them to honor the contract for a loooong time. The Walkers are in t he wrong and are using their celebrity status to play everyone in they’re favor. I agree that byron has a strategy and thinks he can buy the horse cheaper at auction then what he owes Cheri. After behaving like this and seeing the false statements on Mary’s FB page, I think she should lose all her sponsors. They are no longer an inspirational story.

  22. Nancy M Avatar
    Nancy M

    This whole situation could have been avoided if the Walkers had paid Cheri per the contract that Byron drew up. They ignored the contract and refused to pay Cheri. The judge did rule in favor of Cheri.

  23. Bren Avatar
    Bren

    Horse businesss. When you lease a horse you are 100% percent responsible for medical, insurance, completion expenses, etc… I don’t see where a 10% owner would be responsible for those expenses

  24. Bren Avatar
    Bren

    Horse business. When you lease a horse you are 100% responsible for all expenses. Why would a 10% owner be responsible for expenses?

  25. Sharon Avery Avatar
    Sharon Avery

    In a nut shell……This argument could go on and on and on. What seems wrong to one will sound right to someone that “puts business before the right thing to do”~~~ but on the other hand~~~ the one who looks only thru eyes that loves a horse like Mary loves Latte~~~ and bringing that horse to full potential, it is impossible to find right in what Is happening. Seems to me there is a line in the sand and each of us is on one side or another. But no matter which side your on, LATTE is the one that has no say and could be the “real loser” depending how this shakes out. NOT WHAT A WORLD CHAMPION SHOULD HAVE TO GO THRU~~~~~ LIKE HE WAS A PAWN.

    1. debra roberts Avatar
      debra roberts

      That’s exactly right Sharon, they both used the horse as a pawn in a business no matter what the percentage is, it could be 50 /50, doesn’t matter, they both ar guilty of using the horse in a business matter. No one forced Mary to go into a LLC with Latte, that was the offer, she took it and they had a contract. Done deal. If she wanted her own loving horse and pet, she should have bought one of the many thousand good horses out there and done it that way., But it was her choice and she didn’t, can we say hindsight. She could have brought any good horse to their full potiential, but she chose to put Latte in this postition, she’s just as guilty as Cheri and knew she’d have to pay him off is she wanted him, per contract.

  26. Mare Avatar
    Mare

    I do not know either party a contract is a contract .But Cheri should have been paid out of the winning’s as they where earned .If the bill had been paid this would not be an issue .The Walker’s wrote the contract they should have paid the money !!!

  27. Horse lover Avatar
    Horse lover

    This is a contracts case. Plain and simple. Latte is property. That’s the law. Walkers breached the contract, as per the judge. It’s not that hard to understand. Mary’s attempt to gain sympathy is pathetic and embarrassing. She’s lost a fan or two with her behavior.

  28. Sugar Cane Avatar
    Sugar Cane

    Why go buy a horse where the owner still wants to own “10%” in the first place? Especially when they add that blurb about ensuring that the horse wouldn’t be sold to anyone else?? I wouldn’t go into a deal like that especially with an animal I’m going to be partnered up with. Hell no!
    A contract is a contract is a contract regardless of how much you love an animal unfortunately. It really blows especially since this woman has come so far with Latte.

  29. Wondering Avatar
    Wondering

    I’m sure there’s a lot of info I don’t know and some wrong info that I do know. But I wonder how many people would be saying Cheri is in the wrong if they had sold a horse on a contract that also included several tens of thousands of dollars in winnings that were never paid? Would you still think “poor Mary”? Would you say never mind the $80,000 (just for a number) you owe me…..cause your story is touching and I think you’re swell? Sorry but Mary bought the horse with a promise of a percentage of winnings and then stiffed the gal. You don’t blink and make that go away. You follow through on your contract and honor your word. I would think Cheri would much rather have been paid than go to court and be dragged through the mud.

  30. JACK ZAPOLA (LAS VEGAS) Avatar
    JACK ZAPOLA (LAS VEGAS)

    HELLO MARY,
    THIS IS YOUR FRIEND FROM LAS VEGAS, JACK ZAPOLA. I REALLY FEEL SORRY ABOUT LATTE. I KNOW YOU AND LATTE WERE VERY CLOSE.. I HAD DOGS THAT I WAS CLOSE TO WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE RODEO IN LAS VEGAS THESE UP COMING DAYS.. I WILL DO MY DARNEST TO FIND YOU. I AM HAVING A SLIGHT PROBLEM WITH MY WIFE AS SHE HAD A KNEE REPLACED AND DOESN’T WANT TO COME TO THE SIGNINGS, ETC. WE ONLY HAVE ONE CAR, AND SHE HAS IT MOST OF THE TIME. WELL, GOTTA GO. I AM QUITE SURE YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU AND LATTE. HOPE TO SEE YOU WITHIN THE WEEK, SOME PLACE. GOD BLESS YOU AND THE FAMILY (THAT INCLUDES LATTE) JACK PHONE 702 655 4237

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