Cutting Horse Chatter (ISSN 1081-0951) is published 4 times a year by the National Cutting Horse Association, 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Telephone (817) 244-6188. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Worth, Texas, and additional mailing offices. The subscription rate of $6.00 is included in the National Cutting Horse Association’s annual membership dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Cutting Horse Chatter, 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-1862. Publications Agreement No. 40791503.
Sustaining Affiliate Member: American Humane Association
Member: American Horse Council, American Horse Publications, Livestock Publications Council
High
In This Issue
Model and LAE Rookie of the Year Bella Hadid rides Metallic Hardball.
Actress Aminah Nieves walking into the herd. She was part of a celebrity cutting initiative at this year's NCHA Metal Cat World Championship Futurity.
photo by seth petit
photo by jess gryder
In This Issue
Kenny Platt aboard Too Hot To Tagg (owned by JH Nail Ranch Inc.), Open Champions of the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.
STORY P. 60
photo by jess gryder
Christian Miller and RJ Sanny Squared (owned by Johnny & Janet Cooper) were named Open Champions at the 2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals.
STORY P. 92
photo by seth petit
photo by seth petit
owned by james & lisa strickland » shown by rodrigo taboga » standing at valley equine
2020 BLUE ROAN STALLION
BROW CAT X MOMS STYLISH SCOOT
FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR:
EQUINE SUPER STALLION INCENTIVE, NCHA SUPER STAKES, NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE, PCCHA
LOOKING FORWARD
Iwould like to congratulate the NCHA community on the success of the 2024 Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity and the 2024 Broke Spur Ranch World Finals. The Watt Arena and Coliseum witnessed some thrilling runs, culminating in Christian Miller being crowned as the Open World Champion and Kenny Platt as the Open Futurity Champion.
As we approach the second event in the Triple Crown series, the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, excitement is building around the offspring of elite subscribed stallions. Since its inception in 1981, the Super Stakes initially featured 17 original stallion subscriptions. By 1986, the number of subscribed stallions had increased fivefold. In the 2024 show year, a total of 2,240 foals born in 2020 have been nominated from 118 stallions.
Here’s to a fantastic year of showing! This year is filled with potential, with weekend shows and opportunities to compete across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. We look forward to the memories our members will create and are committed to making this the best year yet.
Jay Winborn NCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
photo by justin clemons
Youth Connection
National Youth Cutting Horse Association officers speak up
RILEY FARRIS
NYCHA PRESIDENT
Hey NCHA! It’s officially springtime! I am not sure about you, but I am quite ready to get out of the cold! In December, we closed out the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity. This show really brings out the exquisite talent we have here in our industry. We had our annual NYCHA Stallion Auction, which produced another year of record-breaking results.
The NYCHA sends a sincere thank you to all those who contributed. Due to your generosity, our youth can continue to expand and thrive. We also had our annual Futurity Youth Meeting, where we discussed revisiting the current NYCHA governance structure and spoke to Dr. Rebecca Speelman, who has offered to assist our youth in the sense of scholastic tutoring. Be on the lookout for exciting updates in the near future! Next on the agenda is the Eastern Nationals. This show hosts
Riley Farris, President ↓
our yearly scholarship cutting, costume cutting, and family fun night. If you cannot attend, be sure to watch on Cutting Horse Central. You won’t want to miss it!
In the next few months, the youth governance team will work diligently with the board and its youth members to continue to improve. Once again, keep your eye out for these exciting developments! I hope the holidays treated everyone well. It’s always hauling season, so load your trailer and start driving! If you need anything or hope to get involved in the NYCHA, do not hesitate to contact me! God bless!
BREA COLLIER
NYCHA SENIOR REPORTER
When it comes to writing these reporter articles for the Chatter magazine, I spend time brainstorming in a mindset that reaches a national and even global audience in the cutting horse industry. I ask myself, “What can we all benefit from?” “What is going to be an effective use of page space?” and finally, “What legacy is my voice leaving?” After processing those three questions this time around, I found myself drawn towards the topic of gratitude. Not too long ago, I was in conversation with Mr. Scott Hulme, father of youth competitor Porter Hulme, and the subject of gratitude arose. We got to talking about how we have entered the back half of the youth hauling year, and that the stress of “winning that title” and “securing a spot in the finals” is creeping up on some of the competitors. As someone who has been in the position of running up and down the roads from show to show, I know what it is like. I know how easy it is to let your mental game get weak and lose sight of the bigger picture. For that reason, I, along with Mr. Hulme, am so passionate about not draining all of the joy out of this journey. Each and every one of us are fortunate enough that God has blessed us with the opportunity to swing a leg over the back of a horse and cross that timeline. There are so many kids, and adults for that matter, that would absolutely love to be in our position. With that in mind, I brought up a quote by Christian minister and American author Max Lucado that has stuck near and dear to my heart that said, “What if you woke up today, and the only things you had left were what you thanked God for yesterday?” And if you’re anything like me, I can assure you no matter how many times I hear that quote, I still find myself to be humbled. Between
the depth in those words and the adversity I have faced over the past few years with my health, my perspective on life has completely transformed. Every day I wake up is a day to be thankful for, and to be able to crawl on the backs of the amazing four-legged athletes is the cherry on top. With that being said, I urge you, whether you are a youth or an adult, to take a step back and appreciate each and every detail of your life, small and large.
Speaking of gratitude, on behalf of National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA), I am pleased to announce that yet again, we have had another record breaking year for the Stallion Auction. The 2025 NYCHA Stallion Auction had 73 breeding donations which raised a total of $181,825.00. With that being said, I want to inform you that five stallions still remain available for purchase at 40% of their advertised breeding fee on nychastallionauction.com. They will be offered until July 1, 2025, or until sold. With 100% of the proceeds benefiting the NYCHA and this being our primary fundraiser, we cannot say thank you enough to the owners, breeding staff, bidders, youth kids, and anyone else involved. You are part of the legacy this program is leaving. These funds will be dedicated towards scholarships, education and leadership programs, awards, and various youth activities. We are beyond grateful for the work this association is able to do, and again, that is thanks to you!
As always, if you wish to talk with me or get more involved in the NYCHA, don’t hesitate to reach out!
REESE ROBERSON NYCHA JUNIOR REPORTER
Ihope 2025 got off to a good start for you and your family. I pray your holiday season was blessed. We had an exciting Broke Spur Ranch World Finals and Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity. The youth had some talented representatives in both!
I would just like to give a big thank you to all the stallion donors and buyers who helped make the NYCHA Stallion Auction a huge success. The stallion auction is the biggest youth fundraiser of the year and the youth wouldn’t have so many opportunities if it weren’t for our generous supporters.
The first part of the show year many of us traveled to winter circuits and stock shows. Next up was the 6666 Ranch Eastern Nationals in West Monroe, Louisiana and then the NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s always great to see each other and make new friends at these shows.
We find ourselves in the home stretch of the school year; let’s finish strong!
Before we know it, it will be time to meet in Fort Worth for Youth Week. Make plans to attend, its going to be a great time! We have a lot of exciting activities, speakers, and entertainment lined up. And as always there will be some great youth cutting to go along with it!
Remember to get your LEAP forms turned in and I’ll see again soon. Safe travels and many blessings.
Reese Roberson, Junior Reporter
Brea Collier, Senior Reporter
$ 500,000 added
Back in the Saddle
Following Lyme disease diagnosis, Taylor DeRegt returns to cutting
BY CHRIS ALEXIS
For Taylor DeRegt, the bond between rider and horse has always been more than a pastime; it’s been a lifeline.
Since childhood, horseback riding was her sanctuary—a place where she felt free from her problems, including persistent suffering from a painful illness.
From a young age, she competed in cutting and high school rodeos — earning the title of rodeo queen. Yet, even as she excelled, her battles with chronic Lyme disease and other illnesses tormented her.
“Being on the back of a horse was the only time I felt normal,” DeRegt said.
But ticks weren’t done with her after the initial bite that led to her Lyme disease diagnosis: A second bite introduced Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, a condition where the body's mast cells release too many chemicals, leading to allergic reactions like hives or difficulty breathing.
It also cursed her with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, another condition that causes an abnormally high heart rate, dizziness, and fainting when standing up.
“I desperately wanted back in the saddle, and it broke my heart watching others live my dreams while I was stuck in bed,” she said.
Through grueling treatments, DeRegt experienced harrowing side effects: vision blackouts, heart issues, and collapses.
But nothing could stop her drive. Several years later, DeRegt entered a small local barrel race.
“It was the worst I’d ever ridden,” she admitted. “But at least I did it!”
Despite ongoing health setbacks, DeRegt began riding at home, working with trainers, step by step, hoofprint by hoofprint.
In October, she achieved a milestone she had once thought impossible: competing at the Brazos Bash in Texas.
“As soon as I was out there, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she said.
And despite her long absence from competitions, she made the finals. Afterward, she set her sights on the presti-
gious NCHA Metallic Cat World Champion Futurity, a dream since childhood.
Riding Nyke, a mare owned by her father, DeRegt entered the coliseum at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
“I would kiss Nyke on the nose, whisper in her ear, ‘We got this, girl. Let’s go have some fun and show ‘em what you got!’” DeRegt said. “And, of course, lots of love, kisses, and cookies after we showed them what we could do.”
And show off they did.
“We had some tough cows, and she hung in there for me and was forgiving if I made a mistake,” DeRegt said. “We truly felt like a team, and I’ll never forget her being a part of my comeback.”
The illness would not win. DeRegt, with Nyke’s help, proved that.
DeRegt credits her mother with tirelessly researching treatments and her father, an accomplished cutter himself, with nurturing her love for riding.
“My parents wouldn’t stop until they found answers,” DeRegt said. “My mom has fought this battle right beside me, coming to every doctor’s appointment, every treatment, and standing by me for every surgery.”
And when DeRegt returned to the showpen, her parents showered her with support. Her brother Brian, who lives in Texas, was also there to support her, and she had even more family cheering her on through the livestream.
She has always felt like part of the cutting community, growing up attending shows with her dad and later starting with Richard Anderson in Salinas, CA.
"I wouldn’t be the cutter I am today without him," she said, now working alongside his son, Jason.
She continues to receive immense support from the cutting community, including help from Grant Setnicka.
"I couldn’t have done this without him and his team," she said. "They all have been so encouraging and made my return so much more special."
2024 NCHA Futurity Sales
Adonis Creed $310,000
2022 Stallion
Kit Kat Sugar x Bittersweet by Metallic Cat
Seller Crown Ranch LP
Buyer XIT Cutting Horses LLC
Creeepin $240,000
2020 Gelding
Dont Stopp Believin x Sweet Memoreyz by Kit Kat Sugar
Seller Philip E & Mary Ann Rapp
Buyer Reata Cutting Horses LLC
Dual With The Rey $300,000
2022 Stallion
Stevie Rey Von x Dual Catolena by High Brow Cat
Seller Joel Colgrove, Sr.
Buyer Fults Ranch Ltd
Glitterish $250,000
2023 Mare
Hottish x SS Blacks Lil Kitty by Blue Bayou Boon
Seller Clear Creek
Performance Horses LLC
(Solo Select Horses, Agent)
Buyer Greg Williamson
Hopeinforabackwardsk
$550,000 • 2022 Mare
Metallic Cat x Cattys Hope by Catty Hawk
Seller Gregg Garvie, Agent for
S Diamond Ranch
Buyer Iron Rose Ranch
Hot Mom $250,000
2023 Mare
Hottish x Cat Mom Do by High Brow Cat
Seller Double Dove Ranch
Buyer J Five Horse Ranch Management
Thank You Buyers & Sellers!
HSR Stratocaster $320,000
2022 Stallion
Stevie Rey Von x Dual A Shiner by Dual Rey
Seller Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch LLC
(Cain Eaton, Agent)
Buyer Amy Strunk
Jackson Rising
$600,000 • 2022 Mare
Badboonarising x Little Jackson Cat by High Brow Cat
Seller Wes Ashlock , Agent for Dawn C. Chapman
Buyer Christopher Campbell / Diamond Land & Cattle LLC
Jordies Mink $1,000,000
2022 Mare
Metallic Rey Mink x Jordie Get Your Gun by Nitas Wood
Seller Troy Applegate (Dillon Crumpler , Agent)
Buyer Belle Terre Ranch
Maiden The USA
$415,000 • 2022 Mare
Reyzin The Cash x PG Katness by Playgun
Seller Todd Nelson
Buyer Gary & Karen Fields
Metallic Minx $450,000
2022 Stallion
Metallic Rey Mink x X Marks The Spot by Woody Be Tuff
Seller Simoneaux Livestock
Buyer Dacole Investment Company
Metallic Red Porsche
$250,000 • 2023 Mare
Metallic Cat x Cinca De Maya by Dual Rey
Seller Rocking P Ranch LLC
Buyer Painted Valley Ranch
2024 NCHA Futurity Sales
Highlights Include
Metallic Sun Reyz $250,000
2022 Stallion
Metallic Cat x CR Sun Reys by Dual Rey
Seller Ware Racing & Ranching LLC
Buyer Lee Holsey / Crockett
Sand & Gravel Inc
Naughty By Natuure
$355,000 • 2023 Mare
Stevie Rey Von x A Little Reylena by Dual Rey
Seller Billy Wolf
Buyer Nate Ahlin
NSYNC $800,000
2022 Stallion
Metallic Cat x Cinca De Maya by Dual Rey
Seller Wes & Lindy Ashlock
Buyer Billy Wolf
Paradox Springsteen
$425,000 • 2022 Stallion
Stevie Rey Von x Thimblerey by Dual Rey
Seller Tate & Laura Bennett
Buyer Stanford Ranch Perf Horses
Reysed Uptown $250,000
2022 Stallion
Dual Reyish x Pretty Uptown by Pretty Boy Cat
Seller Sharyl Kidd (Billy Kidd, Agent)
Buyer Scott Armstrong
Secret Little Lies
$365,000 • 2022 Mare
Stevie Rey Von x Secret Lil Stash by Reyzin The Cash
Seller Todd Nelson
Buyer James Karhan
Sendero $300,000
2022 Stallion
Metallic Rey Mink x GS Counting On Kitty by Im Countin Checks
Seller Clay & Kelsey Johnson
Buyer Miller Wade Smith
Spice Tag $335,000 2023 Mare
Hashtags x All Spice by Once In A Blu Boon
Seller Teton Ridge
Buyer Longbranch Farm LLC
Talkin Smak $265,000
2022 Mare
Smooth Talkin Style x Mizpah Cat by Auspicious Cat
Seller Rogillio Farms
Buyer Kristin Shoppa
Stylin Like Stevie
$250,000 • 2023 Mare
(Stevie Rey Von x Stylin Playgirl by Docs Stylish Oak)
Seller Clint & Debby Matthews
Cutting Horses
Buyer Kristin Shoppa
Wood She B Arising
$575,000 • 2022 Mare (Badboonarising x Wood She B A Nockout by Nitas Wood)
Seller Cory & Casey Deel
Buyer Ten / 27 Ranch
Whistle At Er
$500,000 • 2022 Mare
(Metallic Rebel x Reys Desire by Dual Rey)
Seller Ty Benson, Agent for Ty Smith
Buyer Nora Stent
AND CONNIE GENTRY FOR MAKING
“THE WORLD SERIES OF TEAM ROPING” THE LARGEST MONETARY EVENT IN QUARTER HORSE HISTORY
$19,700,000 From All Your Friends At The
NCHA Achievement Buckles
These rising NCHA members earned their first $1,000
BY MELINDA GREEN
Amanda McClenaghan
F or Amanda McClenaghan, of Ontario, the people in the cutting world make all the difference.
She got her first pony at nine years old, and later rode hunter under saddle with a purebred Arabian. Over the years, she became a busy realtor and did a lot of trail riding.
Then, a few years ago, she decided she wanted to return to the show pen. “I was looking for something at this stage of my life—I just wanted to do something competitive, but I wanted it to be enjoyable and I wanted that family atmosphere," McClenaghan said. So she started team and ranch sorting. “The cattle started to come into play and, oh my gosh, I was just hooked on cattle,” she recalled.
“I'm just really enjoying the people and the horses, having a blast and working my way up. My goal is just to be consistently getting better and gaining more knowledge. ”
AMANDA M c CLENAGHAN
“My friend has a couple of cutting horses and I asked her, ‘Can I try one of them on the flag?’” she continued. “Well, I just started giggling and I thought, ‘This is so much fun.’”
2023 was her first full year cutting, and she bought a 12-year-old gelding, Dual R Blazin, that September. “He is teaching me so much,” McClenaghan said. “He's pretty accomplished, very calm and patient with me, and I'm learning leaps and bounds about the sport from him. He's just phenomenal.”
But, at the end of the day, it’s the camaraderie within the Ontario Cutting Horse Association that keeps her in the sport.
“Some clubs and some disciplines can be a little bit more. I don't know, ‘catty,’ you know what I mean? The cutting world is not like that at all. Not what I've discovered anyway,” she said.
“I'm just really enjoying the people and the horses, having a blast and working my way up," she emphasized. My goal is just to be consistently getting better and gaining more knowledge. That's where the people come into play that are in our club. There's just so many of them that are willing to share their knowledge. It just amazes me.”
Because of that support, the first time she went into the show pen last year, she was not nervous. She recalled, “I came out and I thought, ‘This is fun!’ And that clinched it for me, 'cause I just felt like this is where I belong. So yeah, I'm hooked, line and sinker.”
Cindy Dishon
Cindy Dishon credits the partnerships with her trainer and her horse for the success she’s had in her first year of cutting.
“The NCHA community here in Ohio, and at [Great Lakes Region] shows I've been to, has been absolutely welcoming. Even the other trainers and the other competitors, they have put me at ease,” she said.
Dishon grew up around horses on her parents’ farm, showing at open shows and working with horses and beef cattle in 4H. Later, a work colleague introduced her to reining, and eventually she rode reined cow horses.
Life took some turns, as it always does. For a decade, Dishon didn’t ride.
About two years ago, she realized she missed riding too much. The thought of getting back in the saddle made ner nervous, but her skills came back quickly. She began riding with Zoe Hickman of Zoe Woodland Performance Horses in central Ohio, wanting to focus on “ranch horse stuff.” But then Dishon decided to take a cutting lesson.
“OK, it took about two trips on a cutting horse, obviously doing it in slow motion. And I was hooked,” she recalled, laughing.
She wasn’t in the market to buy a horse, but a few months later, the right horse, Docs Bay Laker, became available at the barn.
“I bought him on January 2nd of ‘24,” Dishon said. “I had to contact my boss and say ‘I need the morning of our first day back from the holidays off because I need to go for a vet check for a new horse.’”
“[Doc] was a competitor in his younger days, and he still is,” Dishon continued. “He may be 20 years old, but he's still got it. Now sometimes, he gets a little lazy. But as long as I make sure I wake him up and I say, ‘Listen, it's time to go to work,’ then he gets the job done.”
It took Dishon a few months to get up the nerve to go back into the show pen this past summer. She recalled, “It was surprising, the nerves that I had that first show, but we got through it and we actually did well.
“I walked out of my first class, though, and I'm like, ‘I need to watch the video, because I really have no recollection of what happened in those two and a half minutes. I think one of the cows was black. I think one of them was white.’”
“It took about two trips on a cutting horse, obviously doing it in slow motion. And I was hooked ”
CINDY DISHON
But she went back in for the $1,000 and $2,000 classes, and she and Doc did “really well.”
“Zoe has been so good with talking me through it and giving me confidence, and then my horse has been awesome,” she said.
“It's very surprising that I've already won a little bit more than $1,000. I did not expect that in my first year. I'm 61 years old, and I'm trying this for the first time. But Zoe and Doc have taken amazing care of me.”
When it comes to cutting, Gus Hoffman admits that he enjoys not only riding, but also “knowing what I’m doing.”
Hoffman grew up on a guest ranch, where his uncle trained reined cow horses and cutters.
Hoffman would ride with his uncle “quite often,” but never consistently or seriously.
After high school, Hoffman moved to Dillon, Montana to attend the University of Montana Western Natural Horsemanship program. He graduated last spring and went straight to work as an assistant trainer for Roy Oliver of Oliver Performance Horses, including starting two-year-olds. He works with up to 20 horses daily.
He started riding cutters every day. “I was like, ‘Well, if I'm riding horses every day, I’d better show.’” he recalled. Oliver encouraged him. “And it kind of went on from there. I just fell in love with the sport pretty quick.”
This past summer, Hoffman started showing in the Big Sky Region, riding Wade Hyer’s gelding Wendles Alley Cat.
“Wade showed up probably a week before our first show,” Hoffman recalled. “And I was like, ‘Well, I'm kind of looking to start showing.’ He's like, ‘Well, just show this horse.’ [Hyer] had
“I think it's just the adrenaline you get, I mean, I like to go fast. I like to be out of control sometimes. So it's just the thrill of it all. ”
GUS HOFFMAN
actually been team roping on him all winter. So we're like, ‘OK, he'd win some money in the cutting,’ and we got him tuned up.
“The first show was kind of just thrown together, like ‘Here you go, good luck.’ And we got through it. And then from there on, I figured out what I had to do with him and he figured out what he had to do with me—and we clicked.”
Now, Hoffman’s looking forward to the next show season. “I want to keep showing, keep trying to better myself, better the horses … win more money and keep trying to maybe make it to the big shows. Who knows—could be a ways down the line,” he said.
No matter what size the show is, though, Hoffman loves the thrill of riding cutting horses. “I think it's just the adrenaline you get,” he said. “I mean, I like to go fast. I like to be out of control sometimes. So it's just the thrill of it all. I've tried to explain the feeling of going into the pen, but you kind of can't. It's just a thrill that drives you to keep doing it. And especially when you start succeeding, it's really fun.”
“And I like really nice horses, so that helps too, he said.”
Other NCHA Achievement Buckles winner for 2024: Barbora Ctrnacta, Byron Lacey, Jakup Kvacka
Gus Hoffman
Achievement Buckle Earners
FROM OCTOBER 29, 2024-NOVEMBER 14, 2024
Allison Brakatselos
Amanda Mcclenaghan
Amy Garber
Ashtyn Haselip
Austyn Schapansky
Avery L Milikn
Barbora Ctrnacta
Barrow Brown
Benson Holmes
Broc William Schwartzkopf
Byron I Lacey
Carrie Ann Barrier
Casper Morgan Raffield
Cierra Bennetech
Clifford E Ratta
Cole Griffith
Creelie Coberly
Cristiano A Tueros
Cutter Paero
Cyler Reiny Raffield
Cynthia Dishon
Daniel Beal
Daryl P Santos
David Clay Bretches
Dean E Mead
Debra L Burns
Donald Woodward
Eli Mcdonald
Emma Mccarthy
Femka Pelleboer
Finley Philips
Fiona Niner
Grace Carpenter
Greg Cochran
Gus Hoffman
Haley Alexis Templeton
Hannah Donley
Hannah Taylor
Helen Heathcock
Hilaria Gutieirez
Ivan Flores
Jake Timmons
Jake Wiskerchen
Jakub Kvackaj
Jared Pierson
Jason T Bannon
Javier Federico
Jeff Taylor Hucker
Jennifer Bradshaw
John E Nelson
John Federick Doucette
Jorge Panduro Medina
Joy Hansen
Julie-Amelie Cuijvers
Kaela Marie Thompson
Kaja Malo
Kendall Sanderson
Kevin Cool
Kristin Newman
Kristina Beumeller
Lane Hall
Linda Deer
Linda Erren
Lynn M Bloom
Macy Ferrari
Mark Granberry
Mark Luis
Mathew Cordingly
Matthew H Griffith
Matthew Stephen
Michaela Roberts
Mila Wilkinson
Nancy Jannisse
Naomi Chism
Patricia Anne Smith
Payton Dugal
Penelope Violet Klimko
Quinten Alfred Skjonsberg
Rachel Mckenzee Carr
River Parsons
Ryan M Kent
Scarlett Penrod
Scott Berwick
Shelby Postell
Shelda G Orlando
Shelley Moeller
Statton Orton
Szabolcs Katona
Tanner Gray
Travis Weins
Vai Fuli
Yvonne Liddell
above :
Cindy Dishon
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Sire of o spring earning $38.7 Million
NRCHA $2 Million Sire with o spring earning $2.4 Million in Reined Cow Horse money
Highlights
• LTE $500,037.51
• NCHA Horse of the Year NCHA Hall of Fame Horse
• Finalist 43 times
• Multiple Championships
• His dam was an NCHA Futurity Non-Pro CHAMPION
• Never missed a show due to injruy and retired sound Accomplishments
• The ONLY NCHA Horse of the Year to sire 2 OPEN Horses of the Year
• Sire of multiple NCHA, NRCHA and AQHA World Champions
• For 5 consecutive years, sire of the Top Selling Yearling at the Western Bloodstock Yearing Sales held during the NCHA Futurity.
• Sire of the ALL-TIME NCHA ARENA RECORD HOLDER (Will Rogers Coliseum) for the highest score – Holly Is Smooth marked a 233.
• The MOST AFFORDABLE sire on the NRCHA/NCHA list of top sires.
Compare his show career and sire credentials with the top performance horse stallions; then factor in his breeding fee, and you’ll see… he is without a rival!
Joe Howard Williamson behind the pulpit
A lifelong devotee of horsemanship and a born-again Christian at the age of 40, here’s how Joe Howard Williamson combines Christ and cutting horses
BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT
On any given Sunday, you’ll probably find a church service happening at a cutting. For 30 years, one of the most consistent leaders of these Sunday morning events has been Joe Howard Williamson. A lifelong cutting enthusiast, Williamson is also dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to fellow cutting competitors—and not just on Sunday mornings. Williamson’s commitment to walking alongside the NCHA has led to him performing at large milestones within the cutting community such as weddings and funerals.
LIVING OUT HIS TESTIMONY
Growing up on a ranch and showing horses all his life, Williamson has a background showing Paint Horses, halter horses, roping, steer wrestling and pro rodeoing. Then he was introduced to cutting through a Paint Horse named Sargent Freckles, and he’s loved the sport for decades. He is now an NCHA Hall of Fame inductee, multiple World Champion, won at the Summer Spectacular in 2017, and has gone to the World Finals over 29 times.
Williamson is a rancher, and lives on 20,000 acres, raising 1,000 head of cattle in North Texas. When he was around 40 years old, he became a Christian, and very quickly felt God wanted him to share his faith with others, and support them.
“Years of alcoholism and drug addiction, divorce and remarriage and everything else, just like a lot of other people,” Williamson said. “I’m transparent about that in my life. I just felt that God gave me a message to share. Sometimes I’m just kind of a flickering light for him.”
Shepherded by his home church of First Baptist Wichita Falls, Williamson began preaching in earnest. At the same time, Christian radio host Dawson McAllister was looking to expand his evangelical message toward new audiences, and reached out to Williamson to enlist his help. He connected the cowboy with up-and-coming musician Chris Tomlin—who is now one of the most well-known Christian music artists in the industry—and the two set out to speak with high school students. McAllister helped Williamson learn how to be an effective messenger for the gospel, as well as how to disciple believers.
↑
“I’d guess there were over 15,000 high school and junior high teenage students who received Christ when we did that,” Williamson said.
After several years speaking at schools, prisons and juvenile detention centers, Williamson set his sights on the places where he spent most of his leisure time: the cutting horse arenas. In 1994, Williamson started a ministry called Horsemen for Christ. His daughter, Denver Barnett, is the organization’s administrative assistant.
“Our mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus in and around NCHA,” Barnett said.
Williamson began preaching to small groups at the cutting horse shows on Sunday mornings. He built relationships, looked for ways to serve, and discipled young believers of Jesus in their faith. Those gatherings have grown to up to 200 attendees at times.
A Horsemen for Christ sermon
“My dad has always been on the road, helping people and traveling with other people, but we’re not a church— we’re a nonprofit ministry.”
DENVER BARNETT
“My dad has always been on the road, helping people and traveling with other people, but we’re not a church— we’re a nonprofit ministry,” Barnett said. “We always want to encourage people to find a home church, but when you can’t be part of your home church, we can be an extension of the church. We’re here.”
OUTREACH
Horsemen for Christ has a booth at the three major NCHA events, where the organization distributes Christian reading material, and hosts church services on Sunday mornings. They also hold a children’s church service when the opportunity arises. Williamson says Barnett is always looking for new ways to help people, such as fundraisers and other assistance.
“We host different times for encouragement throughout these shows,”Barnett said. “And we have a benevolence fund called Caring Cutters that we partnered with Mark Michaels on—we raise money and hold it in the account for when hard times come and we can help somebody in a time of need.”
Horsemen for Christ also launched a camp in 1999. Now called the Greg and Whitney Welch Memorial Bible
and Cutting Horse Camp in honor of two friends of Williamson—and the cutting community—who have passed away, the camp is held at Silverado Ranch in Weatherford. After Taylor Sheridan bought the facility and renamed it Bosque Ranch, the camps have continued at the same location thanks to his generosity. A number of cutting trainers come each year to help at the camp.
Williamson says NCHA members Bill Riddle, Shannon Hall, Ashley Baxtrom and Randy Chartier have been invaluable in helping the ministry.
“Love these men and their families,” Williamson said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Williamson began doing a Sunday morning service on Facebook Live from the Horsemen for Christ page. He’s continued sharing his messages on this platform, and they’ve been viewed by thousands of people.
“On Wednesdays we do a live prayer time, where we take people’s prayer requests throughout the week, and from different chapel services,” Barnett said. “We give a word of encouragement, and then we pray over every single one of those people.”
Seeing how the ministry has expanded outside of North Texas to reach cutting folks across the United States, and even other countries, still amazes Barnett.
Children gather for a youth sermon from Horsemen for Christ
MINISTRY THROUGH SEASONS
An offshoot of living a life of faith alongside cutting horse folks, Williamson has had the pleasure of providing counseling, premarital counseling, marriage ceremonies and funerals to his beloved equine community.
“My dad has done countless weddings and funerals, and I feel that just ties everything full circle,” Barnett said. “You are part of people’s lives on the road, and of course, they become part of your family. Joe Howard has been there to be part of so many special occasions.”
The organization has also hosted Thanksgiving dinner each November the last 12 years at the Futurity.
“This year was one for the books, we had 600 in attendance,” Barnett said.
Joe Howard Williamson with his wife, Bobbie ↓
FUTURE FOCUS
Williamson has been married to his wife Bobbie for nine years, and he says she’s become a great witness of God’s grace and mercy to many people in the cutting and ranching world.
“She is the real deal, and I love her dearly,” Williamson said.
Barnett hopes the organization will hold more camps, possibly in other locations around the country, as well as build mentorship programs for different sections of the cutting community. Williamson’s dedication to bringing Christ to the cutting horse crowd week after week has led to many coming to their own faith.
Looking ahead, Williamson hopes to continue growing the cutting and Bible camp, while building leadership in Horsemen for Christ for the next generation.
“I can’t thank God enough for the years of ministry he’s given me,” Williamson said. “All of my family has been a part of it in some form or fashion, and I’m very appreciative to the people that help me, and the NCHA that has opened the door for us to minister. My life could not have been any more exciting or any better. I thank God that I have a love for the cutting horse people, and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to be where I’ve been.”
CONNECT WITH HORSEMEN FOR CHRIST
Your best way to find a gathering with Horsemen for Christ is through the organization’s Facebook page: facebook.com/horsemenforchrist. You can also call Denver Barnett at (940) 541-2359.
← Horsemen for Christ members gather for a photo
Supports normal joint health and function
Supports normal movement patterns
Supports ability to meet performance demands
Supports recuperation capacity post-work
Maintains career longevity and competitive edge
LIVING IN THE MOMENT
2024 NCHA METALLIC CAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURITY
The excitement is palpable for the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, an event that cutters eagerly anticipate every year! It’s the moment when all their dedication and hard work truly shines as the finest three-year-olds in the industry showcase their talents. This year, the event was hosted at the iconic Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, from November 11 to December 7. When the dust settled, we celebrated the achievements of seven talented riders who emerged victorious in their respective divisions.
BY KRISTIN PITZER PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT
Kenny Platt and Too Hot To Tagg, 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity Open champions
Worth the Wait
Taking Center Stage
Ever since he started cutting, Kenny Platt has been chasing an NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity Open title. This year, he accomplished that goal when he rode Too Hot To Tagg to a 227, winning the championship for owner JH Nail Ranch Inc.
“I drive 12 hours down there and I’m there for 40 days, and I’ve done that now for, I think this is my 14th Futurity,” Platt said. “You spend 14 years chasing the same thing, and you get to where you run out of excuses about why you haven’t done it yet. When it finally happens, it means everything.”
All those years riding to the herd taught him some important lessons that he recalled as he prepared for the finals. One moment he kept replaying in particular was last year’s finals run where, after building up a big run, he didn’t cut his third cow like he wanted.
“I told my wife that I just really wanted to go down there and execute really well, and not make a beginner mistake,” Platt said. “I thought if I could get this horse through a run, I’d have a pretty good chance at doing good on him and getting a really good check.”
Platt has liked Too Hot To Tagg since he first saw him as a two-year-old stallion. After getting him into his program and gelding him, Platt said the horse’s talents only continued to build.
“He really kind of let down and started to be a pretty loveable little gelding,” said Platt, who thanked his finals help — Grant Setnicka, Chris Johnsrud, Lloyd Cox and Clay Johnson — his assistant trainer, Ella Blazek, and his wife, Becca.
“He’s such a little warrior. He tries so hard and is really cowy. He’s pretty exuberant about his job and loves it.”
CLASS: NCHA Metallic Cat Open
RIDER: Kenny Platt HORSE: Too Hot To Tagg
PEDIGREE: Hashtags x Too Hot x Hottish OWNED BY: JH Nail Ranch Inc. SCORE: 227 EARNINGS: $337,730.21
left :
Kenny Platt interviewing post-victory, with his son, Carter Platt, by his side
right :
Kenny Platt aboard Too Hot To Tagg
“He’s such a little warrior. He tries so hard and is really cowy. He’s pretty exuberant about his job and loves it.”
KENNY PLATT
↑ Kenny Platt smiling down at Too Hot To Tagg as they celebrate their victory
Going All the Way
A
s Roger Wagner rode Rollzana into the action-packed first set of the Intermediate Open finals from the thirdto-last draw, the pressure was on. There were already two 219s on the board, and Wagner hadn’t been riding Rollzana for very long. Still, he trusted the mare to do her job, and Rollzana responded by carrying him to a 224, which held to win the Championship.
“I’m catch-riding for Grant [Setnicka]. I got here about a week ago and had a couple rides on her, and felt really comfortable,” Wagner said. “She’s really cowy and has a good style to her. He’s done a really great job. We did some pre-works on her, and I’ve kind of handed the reins back to him the last few days and he’s been working her for me. It’s been working really well.”
Prior to the finals, Wagner, who traveled from Australia to compete at the Futurity, and Rollzana had made the semifinals of the Open, which would be held two weeks
later. Wagner's goal in the Intermediate Open was to make it a good experience for Rollzana.
“You don’t want to put them in a bad position or have something bad go wrong with them; you just want to cut good cows and keep them in the right spot, keep their confidence going forward, and stuff like that,” Wagner said.
Ultimately, the pair’s 213.5 in the semifinals didn’t advance to the Open finals, but Wagner was happy with their Futurity experience anyway. He thanked Setnicka for training Rollzana and for all his help with the mare, along with the rest of his herd help—Geoffrey “Spud” Sheehan, John Mitchell and Sean Flynn.
“I always feel confident when I go down there [to the herd] with the good help over here,” Wagner said.
Rolls Royce x Wendels Little Missy x High Brow CD OWNED BY: Van Boekel Hog Farms SCORE: 224 EARNINGS: $29,274.49
← Roger Wagner pilots Rollzana
Rising to the Top
Ever since childhood, Sarah Morine has dreamed of winning a championship buckle at the NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity. Last year, she finally made it happen when she won the Intermediate Non-Pro Championship on High Brow Snap, but she was still chasing the big one — the Non-Pro title itself. She had no idea that only a year later, that dream would come true with Smart Look Arising.
“When I won the Intermediate last year, I thought that was big, and then this was like, oh my gosh, total surprise,” Morine said. “It still hasn’t really set in yet, but it’s slowly starting to.”
Morine wasn’t nervous as she rode into finals. Instead, she focused on making clean cuts and staying calm. Though she didn’t feel like she was showing to the best of her abilities in the first two rounds, by the semifinals, everything seemed to click into place.
“It felt like I was just there to have fun and get the best check I could,” Morine said.
“I had no idea I was going to pull it off, but the cows set up perfectly, and I finished my cuts great. My help — Lloyd Cox, Clint Allen, Sean Flynn and Kelle Earnheart — was outstanding, my horse was outstanding, everything just fit.”
Smart Look Arising had her back, Morine added, and made everything easy. She had a good feeling about the mare when she bought her, and between the mare’s talent and Earnheart’s training, she’s turned out even better than expected.
Morine thanked her parents, Bruce and Kathy Morine, for their support; Tegan Still, for warming up her mare; her vet, Dr. Charlie Buchanan; Jeanine Koehler, for working on her horses; and Matt Gaines for settling the herd. She also expressed her appreciation for the additional incentives she and the mare received that boosted their take-home total to more than $130,000.
CLASS: 4Cyte Non-Pro
RIDER: Sarah Morine
HORSE: Smart Look Arising
PEDIGREE: Badboonarising x Smart Lookin Laney x Cat Ichiy
OWNED BY: Sarah Morine
SCORE: 221.5
EARNINGS: $67,861.37
← Sarah Morine with Smart Look Arising
Stealing the Show
Shortly after the Intermediate Non-Pro finals wrapped up, Daniel Summers was stoked. He had ridden Gotcha To Sin to a 223, winning the Championship in the class. Not only that, but the gelding had impressed him during their run, seeming to find another gear from their performance in the second go. They still had the Limited Non-Pro finals to compete in right after, but with one title under his belt, Summers was already proud of their success.
But then, Gotcha To Sin did it again — he carried Summers to a 220, winning the title in the Limited Non-Pro, too. The duo collected $21,339 for their championships plus another $14,532 from the Non-Pro finals, elevating the native Australian’s lifetime NCHA earnings to more than $147,000.
“Since I didn’t really have big expectations for the second time, maybe that’s why it went really good as well,” Summers said. “I could feel he wasn’t super worn out, but I could tell he was tired. I sure wasn’t expecting to mark another score that big.”
Gotcha To Sin’s double victory was even more impressive considering the challenges he had to overcome to get there.
Shortly after he was started under saddle, the gelding got sick and was out of commission for several months while he recovered. When Summers got him back home and started riding him, he could tell he was a nice horse, but it wasn’t until shortly before the Futurity that he realized just how good he was.
“I felt like the other three-year-old I showed was better up until maybe the month before when we started pre-working this horse,” Summers said. “He just started stepping up his game a lot and caught up to my other one. I think a lot of it was the experience from pre-working and building his confidence. After the second time I showed him, it seemed to be clicking with him, and he was understanding his job a lot more.”
Summers thanked Gotcha To Sin’s owner, Kathleen Moore, who is his auntin-law, for letting him show the horse; her nephew, Ty Moore; Summers help in the show pen: Lloyd Cox, James Payne, Jaime Snider and Clay Johnson; and Mika Renz, who loped the gelding and helped Summers throughout the Futurity. He hopes to continue showing him in the future.
PEDIGREE: CR Gotcha Covered x Shez Sinsational x Dual Pep
OWNED BY: Kathleen Moore SCORE: 223 / 220
EARNINGS: $14,892.28 / $6,447.47
← Daniel Summers rides Gotcha To Sin
Conquering Two Crowns
I
n 2021, Marcos Chocron-Arocha landed the NCHA Futurity $50,000 Amateur Championship on RR Illegal Smile. He was thrilled, but thought it might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. This year’s NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity proved him wrong when he rode Poccahontas to not one, but two Futurity titles—the McAlister Assets Amateur and the Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur championships.
“It feels like reaching the stars, just an unbelievable dream come true. I think it will take a little bit of time to process everything,” Chocron-Arocha said.
Chocron-Arocha, who rides with Michael and Lance Cooper, said his team has been pushing him to get better this year. Lance trains Poccahontas, while Michael coaches Chocron-Arocha through improving his showmanship. Shortly before the Amateur finals, Michael gave ChocronArocha a quick pep talk.
“He told me, ‘Marcos, she’s been amazing for you, so you need to do it for her to make her job easier,’” Chocron-Arocha recalled.
“It was a lot of pressure for me to go in there and cut three good cows in the middle of the pen, but as soon as I did my job, she stood up and did hers. When you have an animal like that—not just smart, but wants to please you and understands the game so clearly—it makes our job a lot easier.”
The native Venezuelan purchased Poccahontas out of the 817 Horse Sales last year because, even though she was green, she seemed smart on a cow. Not only did that instinct prove true, but the mare also takes care of him, he said, and as an amateur who can’t ride every day, that is an important quality to have.
"It takes a village to pull off a win, and the Michael Cooper team makes everything look easier," Chocron-Arocha added. Thanks to them, his business partner and brother, Harvey Keene, his wife, Veronica, family, and Katie Facincani, who prepares his horses, Chocron-Arocha has been able to grow and progress in his riding. He also acknowledged his herd help—Clay Johnson, R.L.Chartier and the Coopers— for the amazing job they did.
CLASS: McAlister Assets Amateur / Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur
RIDER: Marcos Chocron-Arocha
HORSE: Poccahontas
PEDIGREE: Metallic Rebel x Daisy Poochanan x Smooth As A Ca
Kristin Shoppa had never competed at a limited-age event prior to the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, but her trainer, Ed Dufurrena, felt like she was ready. She purchased two futurity horses, Rose Colored Rollz and Sweet Magic Honey, the Monday before the Amateur first go, then piloted both to the Limited Amateur finals. There, she tied for third on Sweet Magic Honey (Dual Smart Rey x Sweet Mystic Metal) and rode Rose Colored Rollz (Rollz Royce x Royal Red Rosita) to the Championship with a 215.5, banking a total of $17,636.
“It was incredible,” Shoppa said. “I was just going out there to have some fun and kind of break the ice on doing the aged events for the first time. To be able to make it to the finals, and then to win the Limited Amateur, was a crazy, awesome surprise.”
Shoppa, who started off barrel racing, has been riding in weekend cutting events for the
last two years, including the World Finals. She felt like that experience helped prepare her for the Futurity, as she wasn’t as nervous as she thought she’d be. “Rollz” also made things a little easier by syncing up with her quickly.
“It was one of those things where I got on him, and we clicked right then,” Shoppa said. “He’s super dynamic, and he’s just a joy to be around. He’s halfway between a machine and a teddy bear. He’s got a funny little personality… he’s kind of like a toddler, getting into everything. I think he’s going to be one of those that the more he shows, the more confident he gets.”
Shoppa thanked her parents for being supportive and allowing her to try a new sport. She also thanked Dufurrena, his wife, Shona, and her horses for helping her become the rider she is today.
CLASS: NCHA Metallic Cat Limited Amateur
RIDER: Kristin Shoppa
HORSE: Rose Colored Rollz
PEDIGREE: Rollz Royce x Royal Red Rosita x Smart Little Lena
OWNED BY: Kristin Shoppa
SCORE: 215.5
EARNINGS: $9,505.86
Kristin Shoppa on Rose Colored Rollz →
A Star is Born
Winning your first Open title is something every young trainer looks forward to. While most don’t do it at the NCHA Futurity, Jimmie Annoot became the exception when he rode Show Biz On Broadway to a 221.5 for the Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Championship.
“You dream of stuff like winning the title, and for my first win ever in the Open to be at the Futurity in Will Rogers, it’s awesome,” Annoot said. “I was pretty nervous, and my first cut, I didn’t really get driven up as far as I wanted to, but she stayed in there for me, and my run just built. It was so loud in there, with everybody cheering and whooping and hollering, and that mare just got better and better.”
Annoot, who works for NCHA 5 Million Dollar Rider Michael Cooper, started working with Show Biz On Broadway this fall. The mare had been with Ascencion
Banuelos prior to joining Cooper’s program, after which Annoot started hauling her to preworks to prepare for the Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity. He was grateful to the mare’s owner and breeder, Danielle Carlton, for giving him the chance to ride and train the horse.
“She is so supportive,” Annoot said. “She was behind me 110%, so it gave me lots of confidence to show her horse. She wants me to go show the mare some more next year. For a young horse trainer, it's so important to have a client that supports you, and she's behind me all the way.”
Annoot thanked the Michael Cooper Cutting Horses team, including Cooper; his wife, Jenny; son, Lance; and Davide and Katie Facincani. In addition to Cooper and Lance, he thanked the rest of his show pen help — Clay Johnson and Casey Green — and loper Braeley Welling.
CLASS: Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open
RIDER: Jimmie Annoot
HORSE: Show Biz On Broadway
PEDIGREE: Hashtags x SS Kittys Show Biz x Blue Bayou Boon
OWNED BY: Danielle Carlton
SCORE: 221.5
EARNINGS: $5,278.66
← Jimmie
Annoot atop
Show Biz On Broadway
Celebrity Cutters Take Center Stage
The first-annual NCHA Celebrity Cutting connected cutters and the Fort Worth community with competition and camaraderie
BY JENNIFER HORTON | PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT
The stars shine bright in Texas and nowhere was brighter on November 29 than Will Rogers Coliseum during the inaugural NCHA Celebrity Cutting presented by Icon Global.
“We’ve had several members that have benefited from the care they’ve received th and it is a phenomenal facility—probably one of the best in the country,” said Winborn. “They’re a huge part of our community and we’re happy to have a partnership with them for this event.”
Actor Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) and NCHA Non-Pro Elizabeth Quirk claimed victory with a combined score of 450.5. Bohen rode Bobs Smart Badger (Reys Dual Badge Bobs Smart Choice x Bob Acre Doc) owned by George and Charlene Lane. Quirk rode her family’s homebred gelding Mighty KD Cat (High Brow Cat x KD Shorty x Kit Dual).
Actors from Taylor Sheridan produced series paired up with NCHA Non-Pro riders as 14 teams put on a show for the sold out crowd. The event raised funds for UT Southwestern Medical Center of Fort Worth, selected by event co-chairs Nicole Sheridan and Kit Moncrief with NCHA Executive Director Jay Winborn. above
Ian Bohen proved he’s not just a TV cowboy and earned the championship buckle he now proudly wears. “I’m like a kid—utterly thrilled. I just want to do it again.”
“I had an amazing coach [Russ Westfall], amazing horse and amazing teammate,” said Bohen. I was nervous as hell the whole day. Then we won and I just lost my mind.”
Bohen is a skilled rider but this was his first real cutting experience.
“I’ve worked the flag,” said Bohen. “I got on cows for the first time on Thanksgiving Day at Westfall’s ranch. His family is wonderful. Friday morning we worked again and Friday night we did the thing.”
After Bohen posted a 220 score, partner Elizabeth Quirk upped the ante and rode into the herd minus her bridle. The bridleless plan came about earlier that day and the gelding she calls Frank stepped up.
“He’s my go-to. Adan [Banuelos] tried him bridleless in the practice pen that afternoon and was like, ‘Yeah, I think we should go for it,’ so we did,” said Quirk.
“We went in 100% going rogue to give the people a show. My partner had a good score. I just needed a solid run. It all worked out,” she said with a smile. “It’s so worthwhile when you’re tied to a great cause and something that’s bigger than yourselves and bigger than competing.”
Quirk has long been supportive of NCHA charitable projects and was happy to participate.
“Everyone was so incredible,” she said. “It was great to see it all come together. I think all the competitors probably had a similar story. It reminded me of the real reason why we’re here and why we’re called upon to give back and serve a greater purpose.”
top : Elizabeth Quirk stepped up the degree of difficulty with Mighty KD Cat when she left her bridle on the fence and was rewarded with a 230.5 score
bottom left :
Aminah Nieves ( 1923 ) rode Metallic Jack owned by Lachlan Perks. Nieves teamed with Gwyneth Gaughan on Reyckoning, owned by John and Barbara Gaughan, for the reserve title with a team score of 448
bottom right :
Trainers, UT Southwestern medical staff and patients, celebrities and fans provided support and energy to the riders
Limited Age Event Rookie of the Year
Bella Hadid has already made a name for herself as one of the most successful models on the planet, and now she’s doing the same in the world of cutting horses
BY JACK MCLAUGHLIN
PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT
Bella Hadid is moving from the cover of Vogue to the pages of Cutting Horse Chatter.
Already world-famous as a model and celebrity, Hadid worked tirelessly through the 2024 NCHA season to make sure the world of cutting knows her name as well, as she captured 2024 NCHA Limited Age Event (LAE) Rookie of the Year honors.
On Dec. 3, during the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, she rode Metallic Hardball (Metallic Cat x Cinca De Maya) to a Limited Amateur Reserve championship.
Hadid entered the world of cutting just over a year ago, and has established herself as one of the highest-earning amateurs for NCHA Limited Age Events. To become LAE Rookie of the year, a cutter must have less than $5,000 lifetime earnings at the beginning of the year.
“The NCHA is excited to congratulate Bella Hadid as the LAE Rookie of the Year. Her hard work in and out of the show pen is evident,” said Jay Winborn, Executive Director of the NCHA. “When she is not competing, she cheers enthusiastically for her fellow cutting competitors and avidly supports the sport of cutting. We look forward to seeing her talent and passion for the sport, as well as her bond with equine athletes, continue to grow and flourish.”
“When she [Hadid] is not competing, she cheers enthusiastically for her fellow cutting competitors and avidly supports the sport of cutting.”
JAY WINBORN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NCHA
Hadid piloting Metallic Hardball as they compete in the Limited Amateur
Hadid on Metallic Hardball, smiling post-competition
Friends and family celebrating with Hadid after LAE Rookie of the Year win
Hadid riding Whippish (Hottish x Watch Me Whip x Playgun)
The Futurity Reserve Champions
Nine riders and horses finished as Reserve Champions during the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas
PHOTOS
What's in a Name?
A compilation of the best— and funniest—horse names from Futurity 2024
BY JACK MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOS COURTESY OF NCHA, SETH PETIT, AND NCHA MEMBERS
While Futurity is a serious matter, we like to have a little fun with it. Every once in a while, at least. We’ve picked out some of our favorite horse names from across the division of Futurity, and compiled them below. Enjoy, but just try not to get too upset that the name Grace Wigglesworth is already taken.
Bruce Almightee
OWNER: TEN/27 RANCH
OWNER: ASHLEY
Half Baked
OWNER: GWYNETH MITCHELL
My Favorite Horse OWNER: JKL RANCH
Noodles A Rising
OWNER:
Honda Civic OWNER: VP CUTTING HORSES LLC
ROBERT THIGPEN JR.
Bruhh
SNIDER
Gangstaa of Love
OWNER: GARY & MICHELLE REICHART
GI Jose
OWNER: SARCO CREEK RANCH
It Wazznt Me
OWNER: PAT & LISA TAYLOR
Shes A Little Freak
OWNER: LEVISAY FARMS LLC
Late Night Call Girl
OWNER: STAR C LAND & CATTLE CO LLC
Tag That Wood
OWNER: ROBERT SHAW
Grace Wigglesworth
OWNER:
Metallic Amanda
OWNER: DICK LEVY
Tha Batman
OWNER: CHRIS SCHILLER & GRANT REZABEK
KENNY THOMPSON
Amy Bell Memorial Awards
In 2014, Amy Bell of Weatherford, TX, daughter of Ellen and Larry Bell of Midland, TX, passed away very unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism at the age of 33. Amy was known as a tenacious horsewoman, seasoned traveler, accomplished hunter, dedicated philanthropist, and a “best friend” to many. In short, she touched lives across the world. Amy loved her horses, many pets, family, friends, and she loved the Lord. She lived life with no handlebars, and she loved children of all ages to the ends of the earth.
During her short life, she began a very private but significant work dedicated to making life better for those less fortunate. That was especially true when it came to children. Throughout her life, Amy was involved in numerous charitable and humanitarian efforts. As Amy’s travels took her to some exciting new places far away from her Texas roots, her desire to show her love and compassion for children extended to projects all over the world. Amy’s family is deeply committed to honoring those final wishes by supporting Amy’s programs and projects and sharing her spirit throughout the world via The Amy Bell Charities. In 2015, the NCHA, with the support of Amy’s friends and family in the cutting horse family, established the NCHA Amy Bell Memorial Amateur Rider of the Year Award as well as the NCHA Amy Bell Memorial Horse of the Year Award. Through her life and now her memory, Amy Bell continues to “Pay it Forward”. For more information on the life of Amy Bell and how her legacy continues, visit amybellcharities.org.
Amy Bell Memorial Amateur Rider of the Year & Amateur Horse of the Year
John Brengard
Grace Ann Vangilder
Miller Wade Smith
Langston Pattillo
John Rockey
James Vangilder
Makayla Cowan
Roy Kuiper
Mike Rutherford
Bella Michelle Anderson
Mr. Connerey
Let Georgie Do It
Two Time Dual
High Stylin CD
Sweet Toothe
Cat About Houston
Redneck Hillbillie
Prince of Cat
Cowboys N Hippies
A Lil Moore Spice
The NCHA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization supporting the NCHA and equine community through youth programming and scholarships, equine welfare research, historical preservation efforts, and continued education of the sport of cutting. To learn more about how you can support the NCHA Foundation and ongoing efforts to educate our youth, protect the horse, preserve our past, and secure the future of the sport of cutting, visit nchafoundation.org today or contact jbuswold@nchacutting.com.
June 20-22
Join us in San Antonio, Texas for the 2025 NCHA Annual Convention! Registration is mandatory for all attendees. mark your calendar! Convention is FREE and all members are encouraged to attend! Scan the QR code to register today. * Hotel transactions payable with credit/debit card only; no cash accepted.
4th Annual
A NIGHT AT THE RANCH
PRESENTED BY BOWIE HOUSE AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors, lot donors, buyers, attendees, and volunteers for making A Night at the Ranch such a special and successful evening! We look forward to celebrating with everyone again in 2025!
The NCHA Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization supporting the NCHA and the equine community through youth programming and scholarships, equine welfare research, historical preservation efforts, and continued education of the sport of cutting. To learn more about how you can support the NCHA Foundation and ongoing efforts to educate our youth, protect the horse, preserve our past, and secure the future of the sport of cutting, visit nchafoundation.org today or contact jbuswold@nchacutting.com.
To view photos from A Night at the Ranch, visit our Facebook today!
Two ways to APHA registration:
1. Lineage: If your horse has at least one APHAregistered parent, your horse is eligible for APHA registration REGARDLESS OF COLOR.
OR
2. Markings: If your horse has two inches of solid white hair in the qualifying area (above the hock/knee & behind the eye).
Some of the APHA- registered sires:
BADBOONARISING
CATOLENA CASHIN IN
CATTY HAWK
CHECK YER METAL
DANDY CAT
DON’T STOPP BELIEVIN
DUAL REYISH
HYDRIVE CAT
LONE WOOLF
METALLIC REBEL
METALLIC REY MINK
ONE TIME ROYALTY
REYZIN THE CASH
RUSTY BLUE METALLIC
SMOOTH AS A CAT
SMOOTH TALKIN STYLE
STEVIE REY VON
STORYTELER
SWING WIDE THIRD EDGE
BRED AND OWNED BY:
BOOK FOR 2025
LTE: $153,320
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CD OLENA X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (SHINING SPARK)
2012 NRCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION #1 NRCHA 2012 HORSE OF THE YEAR MILLION DOLLAR SIRE
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CD DIAMOND, SJR DIAMOND MIST & SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE
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CD DIAMOND X CAT MIST (HIGH BROW CAT)
2018 NRCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION #1 NRCHA 2018 HORSE OF THE YEAR
TOP PLACING CD DIAMOND, SJR DIAMOND MIST
OR SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS FOALS THRU 2029 NRCHA FT. WORTH FUTURITY FINALS RECEIVE
$25,000 (OPEN) • $10,000 (NON-PRO)
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LTE: $203,712
8 PANEL: N/N
SMOOTH TALKING STYLE X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (SHINING SPARK)
2024 THE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN REINED COW HORSE CHAMPION
CD DIAMOND & SJR DIAMOND MIST FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE ROYAL CROWN ROPING INCENTIVE
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WORLD CHAMPION CUTTERS
2024 NCHA BROKE SPUR RANCH WORLD FINALS
Each day, thousands found their way to the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Forth Worth, Texas in late November. While a respite from cooling fall temperatures was a bonus, they came for one thing, and one thing only: to take in cutting on its biggest stage, and see who would be named a 2024 Broke Spur Ranch World Finals Champion. We’ve chronicled not only the results of each World Finals competition that took place this year, we’ve also brought to life the stories behind those who took home the top prize.
BY HEATHER THOMAS & KATHRYN BRADLEY BYARS
PETIT
Christian Miller on RJ Sanny Squared
PHOTOS BY SETH
Top of the World
Christian Miller is 31 years old, originally from Georgia. His grandfather Johnny Hodges is a horse trainer and Miller grew up riding with him and showing horses. “I moved to Texas about 9 years ago and went to work at Crown Ranch to get started. Then I moved to Buffalo Ranch to work for Paul Hansma for about 3 years,” Miller said.
“I got to ride good horses and show some, then went out on my own. Shortly after that I went to Valley View Ranch and was there about a year, then back to SPD Buffalo Ranch to work for Shane and David Plummer, Jane Plummer and Debbie Plummer. This is where I met Johnny and Janet Cooper,” he said.
“My second year at Buffalo they brought me RJ Sanny Squared (Sannman x RH Baby Powder), a 2-year-old owned by Johnny and Janet Cooper. A guy had put about 20 rides on her and I’ve had her ever since. After her 3-year-old year we started her show career; she got kind of a late start but was always a good mare, though a little tough in spots. I think that’s one reason she turned out so great; she turned that toughness into grit,” said Miller.
He continued, “By the end of her 6-yearold year I felt she was finally firing on all cylinders. They were talking about retiring her, but I wanted one more year since I’d been riding her for her whole life. We made an excuse to haul, just to have her another year, with no expectations of winning the World.” This was frosting on the cake.
“We started the year just going strong so we could get up there pretty well and not have to worry about it later in the year. Halfway through the year, on our way to San Antonio we realized we were winning the World! We came home from the Houston Livestock Show and sat down and decided it was either time to coast and be in the Top 15 or turn up the gas and try to finish it,” he said.
“She’s a great mare. I made the Riders Hall of Fame and she made the Horse Hall of Fame. She ended up at about $270,000 with $150,000 in weekend earnings which put her in the Hall of Fame. She helped me get over a million in rider earnings, putting me in the Hall of Fame, and won a World title, so it was a very special year,” Miller said.
“Winning the World title was surreal," explained Miller. "I had a bunch of goals but didn’t think there was a chance in heck to put her in the Hall of Fame, but we went after it. I’m blessed to have a great boss— Shane Plummer—who allowed us to go and supported us, and great customers with Johnny and Janet and a great horse. It was stressful with highs and lows; I’d be at the top of the world one day and at the pharmacist the next day getting ulcer medicine! There were lots of early mornings and late nights, trying to keep everything rolling at the house while we were on the road. It takes a good team.”
RJ Sanny Squared (Sanny) will be retired and bred. “She’s 100% sound. I think she deserves to go be a horse and live the rest of her life completely sound and become a mama," said Miller. "I’ll be starting over; we had a great year and the only way to go on from here is to get back after it—and see where the next journey takes us!”
2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals Open RIDER: Christian Miller HORSE: RJ Sanny Squared
PEDIGREE: Sannman x RH Baby Powder x PG Gunpowder
O WNED BY: Johnny & Janet Cooper EARNINGS: $133,686.18
“Winning the World title was surreal. I had a bunch of goals but didn’t think there was a chance in heck to put her in the Hall of Fame, but we went after it. ”
CHRISTIAN MILLER
Meant-to-Be Memory
For Elizabeth Quirk, her 2024 NCHA
Broke Spur Ranch World Finals $50,000
Non-Pro title aboard Hot Nu Cowboy was meant to be. She started the year strong before taking a brief break to have her third child, then came back armed with a desire to get back in the show pen. Aboard “Cowboy,” it all came together to make 2024 a year she’ll never forget.
In January, she had it in her mind to make the World Finals, though she was due to give birth to her third child in July. She aimed to win as much as possible before the break, and rode a few horses to accomplish that goal. She returned in August, with three children and Cowboy.
“That is one of the most intelligent, most physically capable horses I've ever ridden, and it's just an honor every single time I throw my leg over,” said Quirk, of Denham Spring, Louisiana. “This is what dreams are made of; this is why we cut, for horses like him. He's been such a special connection to have.”
Quirk’s horse and team helped her on the road. She especially connected with Caitlin Hooker, who is Cowboy’s loper, and who also had a baby over the summer. Quirk said she could see Cowboy felt more like the chaperone than the one that needed care.
“We were like a traveling circus! It was pretty neat for us to be going up and down the road this year, hauling and being pregnant,” she said. “We were able to take the time off and still walk away with a World championship. I wish my heart could be put into words, but I'm so humbled by the experience and just grateful, truly grateful.”
Quirk is quick to thank her team but then focuses back on her horse. The connection with Cowboy led Ten/27 Ranch, owned by Quirk and her husband, Todd, to purchase his mother, Special Nu Kitty, by High Brow Cat.
“He's the one that always shows up for me and he deserved the spotlight this year,” Quirk said. “Because of him I was able to win this title.”
CLASS: 2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals Non-Pro
RIDER: Elizabeth Quirk
HORSE: Hott Nu Cowboy
PEDIGREE: Hottish x Special Nu Kitty
OWNED BY: Ten/27 Ranch
EARNINGS: $118,827.33
← Elizabeth Quirk rides Hott Nu Cowboy
The Stars Align
Debra Winard had a great year; she still can hardly believe she qualified as a World Finals winner. She lives in Scottsdale, Arizona and has 5 children and 10 grandchildren, which normally keeps her busy. “I did steal away from them, however, for the whole year, and thanked my family ahead of time for their support! I missed a lot of family activities and birthdays, but it was worth it,” she said.
“I started riding with Mike Wood in 2019. I feel lucky to be in his program and I am so grateful to be in it. My horse Nitreyious (Metallic Cat x Cherrey) is a special guy. We purchased him last year in Fort Worth during the World Finals so he was a new horse to me this year. His barn name is Rodney and he’s a quirky individual. He is so cowwy and athletic—a very talented horse,” Winard said.
Winard continued, “I was grateful to have all the stars aligned this year to make my dream come true. This was actually bigger than any of my dreams. I just wanted to have a good year, and it was a really great year!”
She is part of a unique barn group called the Wood Hood. She explained, “We are like family. We support each other and never miss each other’s runs. Everyone is always there to help. We go to dinner together every night when we’re on the road, and we were on the road a lot! We were gone sometimes for three weeks at a time; we’d come home for a day and a half and be gone again. We are a tight-knit group and we are all friends outside the barn because of our love for the horses.” This is a passion they all share.
“The experience was fabulous but grueling at times," admitted Winard. "It definitely is blood, sweat and tears, hauling horses for the World! Winning this title was surreal. I had a good lead going into it, and we all thought I would probably win it, but I didn’t allow myself to think that way until it was a done deal. It was great, however, to be introduced on the red carpet before we made our final run. That was a neat moment.”
“I was grateful for the support of my family. My husband never let up and was there for me during the good times and bad. My daughter surprised me and showed up when I won. That was a really nice moment!”
Winard said it’s hard to put into words what it means to win this title. “I was working toward this but never sure I could make it. I love this sport so much and I am humbled and grateful for all the people who made this happen—my family, my ‘family’ in the barn, Mike Wood and Roper Curtiss. I could not have done this without them. I am also grateful to my horses,” she said. She plans to continue cutting a little in 2025. “My daughter is getting married, so we’ll be shifting gears and doing wedding stuff! The wedding is in June, so maybe after the wedding I can show a little more, showing the same horse. Mike Wood has uncanny ability to place the right horse with the right rider, and it was amazing for Rodney and me. This horse will be 8 years old. I’ll be the only one showing him in the coming year, and I am really looking forward to what the future holds. I am so grateful for this horse!"
CLASS: 2024 NCHA Broke Spur
Ranch World Finals Unlimited
Amateur
RIDER: Debra Winard
HORSE: Nitreyious
PEDIGREE: Metallic Cat x Cherrey x Dual Rey
O WNED BY: Debra Winard
EARNINGS: $72,648.66
below :
Debra Winard on Nitreyious
It Takes a Team
Kyle Hayes lives in Corsicana, Texas and started cutting as an activity that he and his daughter Kenzee could do together. “It was a way to spend time together doing something we both like, with our horses. I’ve been cutting for the past 3 years,” he said.
“My original goal this year was just to win $10,000 in the 35,000 Non-Pro and then see where I stood," explained Hayes. "At that point, I decided this was an opportunity to pursue, with a goal of winning the World.”
It was a great experience being able to spend time with his wife Leslie and daughter on the road. “I enjoyed going to different places and meeting all the people. I am thankful for the people who helped me,” said Hayes.
His daughter is 12 and ended up fourth overall in the $15,000 Amateur. “She was only able to go every other weekend because she’s at her mom’s place the other weekends,” explained Hayes.
Hayes showed a horse named Smooth Billie. “I competed on him in the $35,000 and my daughter competed on him in the $15,000. He’s a big horse, 16 hands, but very consistent and easy to get along with. I showed another horse at the Finals, however—a horse named Dripping N Finesse (Once In A Blu Boon x Miss Docs Command)," he said.
"I let my daughter show Billie at the Finals; I let him be fresh for her. I went into the Finals with a sizeable lead and didn’t have to do much," Hayes said.
He credits Billie with his win, saying, "Even though I rode another horse for that event, the credit for winning the World really goes to Smooth Billie, the horse I rode all year.”
Winning the World was an amazing experience. “I appreciated all the people who helped me along the way. A lot of credit goes to Casey Crouch and Dale Robbins, the trainers. Winning this, for me and my daughter, was a special experience— something that can never be taken away from either one of us. It built some great memories,” Hayes said.
“It takes a team, with all the people involved, from the guy training your horse to the people helping you in the show pen. I am thankful for all of them, and for my wife’s support,” he said.
For the future, he’s thinking about riding Dripping N Finesse in the $25,000 Novice Non Pro in 2025. “I’ll be in the Non Pro classes and Unlimited Amateur. I think my daughter will try to do the 35. The neat thing about cutting is that you can do it as a family," said Hayes. "If your kid does softball or some other sport, you are just watching, but this way you get to participate, with your kid. This is one of the biggest things that drew me to cutting, and I want us to keep doing something like this so we can practice and do it together.”
2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals $35,000 Non-Pro RIDER: Kyle Hayes HORSE: Dripping N Finesse
PEDIGREE: Once In A Blu Moon x Miss Docs Command x Miss N Command OWNED BY: Kyle Hayes EARNINGS: $19,878.55
below :
Kyle Hayes and Dripping N Finesse
Miles in the Making
When Ashtyn Brown claimed the 2024 Broke Spur Ranch World Finals $50,000 Amateur Champion title, it ended a monthslong streak that included traveling to 12 states to compete on three horses, logging thousands of miles and checking off 155 turns in the show pen.
The 16-year-old homeschooler from Culleoka, Tennessee, originally set out with another goal in mind, the $35,000 Non-Pro title. However, her earnings at the NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity in 2023 bumped her into the $50,000 bracket.
“When we realized I was out of the $35,000, we said we would haul in the $50,000 and, if I made Top 15, Top 10, it would be amazing,” Ashytn said. “After a couple of months, we realized I was sitting in first, and realized we can do this—we can win. In April, we set out to win the World, and I think out of all year, from January 1 to the time I went to World Finals, I got to spend two weekends at my house.”
Her parents, Barrow and Carla, fully
committed to helping their daughter with her goal. The family lived out of their horse trailer on the road. When their work kept them away, friends stepped in. It took a team, Ashtyn was sure to point out.
On the way to earning $119,865.90, Ashtyn rode three horses, but one mare became her go to, Toy Catz, who she calls “Betty.”
“She is my unicorn, but I obviously would not be able to do it without all three of my horses,” she said. “We bought Betty in May, and we had recently retired one of my heart horses. When I got on Betty, she felt just like my retired horse, acts just like him. We have clicked ever since. Being able to throw your leg over horse and y'all both trust each other is just like this sensational feeling of like comfort and just you have faith, and you give each other confidence.”
Now that the title is in hand, both Ashtyn, Betty and the entire family is looking forward to a break. Next year she plans to focus on National High School Rodeo Association cutting events and enjoy touring colleges.
CLASS: 2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals $50,000 Amateur
RIDER: Ashtyn Brown
HORSE: Toy Catz
PEDIGREE: High Brow Cat x Smartlittlelenastoy
OWNED BY: Ashtyn Brown
EARNINGS: $119,865.90
Ashtyn Brown steers Toy Catz →
Riding the Ups and Downs
Megan Du Toit handled the wins and challenges thrown her way in 2024, and she and CR Tuff Lightsaber earned the Broke Spur Ranch’s $15,000 Amateur World Champion title during the Metallic Cat World Champion Futurity. The competitor had not set out for the title, but a glance at the leaderboard in early 2024 focused her on the year-end goal.
“The goal I had was to haul again this year in $15,000 Amateur and to just be in the top 15, and to be in a safe spot to make it into the World Finals, so that at the end of the year to be able to not show too hard in the last few weeks,” she said. “After I saw I was leading it I thought, ‘Why not try to go win the world title, won't that be cool?’ Though for me I really wanted to show again in the Watt Arena.”
As she and “Carly” competed throughout the year, Du Toit said that the mare by Woody Be Tuff always tried her best in the
show pen. Du Toit said the mare helper her become a better showman. While Du Toit had her wins through the year, advice she received kept her focused not only on each run, but her year-end goal. She and Carly only paired up in September of 2023.
“This year I had great support and guidance throughout the year,” she said. “Some advice that was said to me this year was to not go out and try to win every day but to focus instead on the end goal of making it to the World Finals. It means so much to me that my horse CR Tuff Lightsaber helped me win the 2024 $15,000 Amateur World Finals Championship title. The win means a lot to me after a long year of hauling with ups and downs to reach this accomplishment was amazing. The moments and feelings of this year I won't ever forget, becoming a World Champion is not easy; it takes resilience and lots of support.”
CLASS: 2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals $15,000 Amateur
RIDER: Megan Du Toit
HORSE: CR Tuff Lightsaber
PEDIGREE: Woody Be Tuff x Shortys Starlight
OWNED BY: Allure Enterprises
EARNINGS: $24,969.26
← Megan Du Toit atop CR Tuff Lightsaber
Cross-Country Champs
Tracy Barton has been training cutting horses in Hartsville South Carolina for 5 years. He started working for Greg Welch when he got out of high school, then moved to the East Coast to train horses. “Then I spent 8 years at North Ridge Ranch in Pierre, South Dakota and worked for Jerry Ward—the ranch where they filmed Dances with Wolves. I rode all the great horses Jerry had—NRR Cat King Cole, NRR Ollie Tom Cat, NRR Al Capone and all the full brothers to Cole,” Barton said.
Then he and his wife purchased their place in Hartsville, South Carolina and he had an opportunity to do a clinic in Canada for Robert Krentz. “Robert’s wife rode a horse called One Moore Reycy. Mike and Suzanne Wood (customers of mine) were looking for a horse to purchase, so I told them about this horse," explained Barton. "We got Reycy in December 2023. I was working with them and told Suzanne the horse was a little better than I thought. She wanted me to show Reycy and get him seasoned to show. This was mid-January so the season had already started. I won my first check on Reycy in February,” He said.
She elaborated, “We had no plans to haul Reycy, just wanted to get him seasoned so Suzanne could show him. In May we were in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and Suzanne said, ‘Hey. Look at the standings. You are in the top 10 on Reycy.’ I hadn’t paid any attention because we were concentrating on the bay stallion NRR Pedal Cat that I was showing in the Open; he was the only one we planned to haul."
“So we started hauling hard and went to the Dakotas and Minnesota and showed in Iowa on the way home. We won $9000 in that stretch and it put Reycy ahead of the competition. I was grateful to Mike and Suzanne; I’d only been riding with them 6 months, and for them to trust me and give me the go-ahead to do this was sobering and I really appreciate it." Barton continues.
"I’ve had the World Champion stallion twice and Reserve twice, but this is different. When you are a trainer it’s nice to be recognized with your wins but this was a personal goal. I want to thank my wife and the help at home for keeping everything rolling, and my two kids Travis and Emma Rae Barton who came to watch me at the World Finals.”
This is a performance-based industry, based on moneys won—not points or ribbons. “To achieve this milestone meant a lot to me. Reycy made my job a lot easier. Sometimes I cut cows I wasn’t supposed to hold and he held them. If I cut really good cows he made them look good and if I cut really bad cows we were still in the hunt. To be able to make the top 15 in the finals with that class of competition was very humbling.”
Regarding the future, Barton said he doesn’t plan to do much for a while because he’s tired! “We showed in 14 states, I was home 3 weekends out of the whole year, and showed 4 horses 432 times. With the 3-year-old limited-age horses I showed 1127 times. I drove our truck more than 46,000 miles to shows,” he said.
“I may show Reycy a little in the Open and go to a show or two, but not get real serious. Then in 2026 if Suzanne wants to ride him that will be great. If not, I will probably show him in the Open in 2026.”
“We had 19 people from the East Coast make the World Finals this year, including 4 or 5 that had never been in the World Finals before. It’s great to get more people involved. I want to thank the people who helped me at the World Finals because you are only as good as the help you get.”
CLASS: 2024 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals
$25,000 Novice
RIDER: Tracy Barton HORSE: One More Reycy PEDIGREE: One Time Royalty x Reycy Cowgirl x Dual Rey OWNED BY: Michael & Suzanne Wood
EARNINGS: $84,172.58
below :
Tracy Barton on One More Reycy.
Ahead of Schedule
James Fiegel planned to spend 2024 seasoning his new bay gelding, Ranger Hughes, but the pair clicked, and instead of working toward a future goal, won the 2024 $25,000 NCHA Broke Spur Ranch Novice Non-Pro World Champion title. Fiegel had his eye on “Ranger” for some time before he purchased him.
“I always liked him; I didn’t think he’d ever be for sale,” Fiegel said. “It was special because I wanted him for a while. He never got to win a major aged event so for him to have the year he had is really special. When we weekend show, we look for consistency, and that is what he was through his aged events. He’s a great horse; he had that special quality. I didn’t have the goal to win the world this year; this was the perfect timing, meant to be.”
Fiegel showed the gelding in two classes in 2024, the $5,000 Novice Non-Pro and the $25,000 Novice Non-Pro.
“Hauling a horse is hard,” he said. “I had 140-something runs on him this year between two classes. He just aged out, he’s only seven, and he handled a lot of tough situations.”
He hit the ground running in early 2024 at the Stock Show and didn’t let up, qualifying for both classes at the World Finals, sponsored by Fiegel’s Broke Spur Ranch, located in Paradise, Texas.
“This is my second time to win the world, and while I sponsored it, it was really cool to win a World Finals with a different buckle, which was something special,” he said. “Getting to sponsor the World Finals is something that [riders] work hard all year toward, and to win a world title is a special thing not a lot of people get to do. It takes a lot of work and dedication and strategy. A lot goes into a successful hauling campaign.”
Fiegel acknowledged his support system, wife Shannon Lamb, trainer Gaylon Wells, Christian Miller and Shane Carlon, who he said were a big part of his success.
“A lot of people don't understand hauling for the world title, and it takes a special horse,” Fiegel said. “Ranger is very special, and he got to the $200,000 earnings mark this year. I feel lucky to have him.”
As a professional, Mike Wood’s goal is to have a horse that his clients can show and enjoy, and he hit that nail on the head with Debra Winard’s mare, Sweet Blueberry Wine. Wood piloted the Sannman mare to the Broke Spur Ranch World Finals $5,000 Novice Horse title and $82,128.53 in earnings. Not only did Wood enjoy showing the mare in 2024, Winard rode her to the reserve champion title in the $5,000 Novice Non-Pro.
“I believe in my customer [being able to to] enjoy their horses and get to show them, as well,” Wood said. “I rarely show a horse if my customer isn’t also showing that horse. I try to have my horses prepared for my customers to show and be competitive on them, and of course I want to win, but I want my customers to win and have fun.”
For the Scottsdale, Arizona, horseman, “Blueberry” is the perfect blend of cow savvy and athleticism for both he and Winard.
“The mare deserves the title; she’s got so much try, is athletic and she’s so cowy,” Wood said. “She has so much integrity and is strong with a great presence in the pen. With her showing in the Novice Non-Pro and the Novice, to carry that torch in both quite a feat. To be able to come in at the World Finals and win both go-rounds in the $,5000 Novice Open and [in the top] of the Novice Non-Pro, it’s astounding.”
Wood said that some horses are washed up or tired at the end of the year, but not Blueberry. He credits her strength with their success.
“We knew she was a good horse, very capable with the ability, but the question is consistency,” Wood said. “She stayed consistent this year and marked a lot of big scores all along. When you have that consistency, it makes a difference for them to come out a champion.”
Dawn Chapman grew up in rural Arizona riding horses after she begged her non-horse family to get a pony. She did gymnastics, barrel racing and trail riding, then had to sell her horses when she went to college. “I got married, and didn’t have horses again until after my four kids grew up. I bought a horse and trail ride, but wanted to get into something competitive,” she said.
“I realized I needed to get my own horse—something a little better, to compete more effectively. I went to Gary Bellenfant’s place in Texas, right after he won the futurity on Peptoboonsmal. I didn’t know what a Futurity was. Gary had me try a wonderful little gelding called Cheyenne Sugar Doc, otherwise known as Little John. I bought him, and Little John took me from the 500 Amateur Rider all the way to the Non Pro,” she said.
“I had lots of success with that horse, but never went to the World Finals…Then I bought Cat Cooper, to do weekend shows, and needed a place to keep him in training. My husband asked, ‘Aren’t there any trainers in Arizona?’ so I called Roper Curtiss to see if Mike Wood could take Cooper and me.”
In 2014 they went to Fort Worth and Mike showed Cat Cooper in the World Finals, Chapman’s first ever. She bought Clays Little Kit Cat that year, who has now been to the World Finals eight times at 16 years old.
She didn’t haul in 2023, but was at the World finals to support her friends. “I wanted to haul in 2024, so while we were there, people brought horses for Mike to try. One morning they brought in a gelding I thought was really nice, and the next day I bought him. Tito is what we call him but his real name is Talkin Reycy (Smooth Talkin Style x Twice As Reycy). He’s a sensitive horse, with a big personality. If he’s lying down in his stall you can lie down with him because he doesn’t want to get up. He just wants to be loved!” she said.
“Like all the good ones, there were times I could tell he wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing, and I’d be riding him or Mike would be riding him and he’d be in a funk. Then he got out of the funk and was the horse that got me to the finish line to win the world championship. I still can’t believe it,” Chapman said.
PEDIGREE: Smooth Talkin Style x Twice As Reycy x Dual Rey
OWNED BY: Dawn Chapman EARNINGS: $58,487.41
Dawn Chapman rides Talkin Reycy →
Champion at 22
Peyton Moretti is 22 years old and lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I started my job 4 years ago with Mike Wood Performance Horses. I saw a Facebook post when they were trying to find some lopers to help out at shows. I did show help for them for 2 years and then started working fulltime at their ranch,” she said.
“I really loved the job and didn’t think I’d have the opportunity to show because I was just a loper and taking care of horses. Then Mike and Roper offered me the opportunity to haul for the $2,000 and I started showing. Last year I showed a few times in the $2,000 Limit Rider and won $1,800 and had to stop because if you go over $2,000 you can’t show in that class the following year. So I hauled and showed a little just to get the experience.”
She rode several horses, but the main mount that helped her win the World title is This Isa Third (Third Cutting x Cat Fancy This) owned by Christine King. “He is a powerful horse. When I heard I’d be hauling that horse for the rest of the year, my jaw dropped. Mike Woods rode him to win the $5,000 Novice in the World in 2019 and also made the Top 15 one year in the Open with him. Hearing I would be showing a world champion horse and one that made the Top 15 in the Open was awesome. He’s about 11 years old and a very honest horse. He listens to you, but also knows how to read a cow perfectly and do his job. He’s one of the best horses I’ve ever ridden,” Moretti said.
“Hauling is a lot of fun, but also very hard. You are going up against so many amazing competitors through the entire year, trying to keep in position at least in the Top 15. You make a lot of new friends but also try to keep your mental focus and positive thoughts,” she said.
To actually win was an amazing experience. “I started my job as an 18-year-old and would never in a million years expected to have a World champion title by the time I was 22! It was very emotional for me. Christine King gave me a great opportunity, letting me ride that horse and haul him the rest of the year. It felt great to be able to thank all those people who helped me get to that point. It wasn’t just the rider or the horse, but everyone around us—a great team effort,” she said.
“I want to thank so many people who helped me, like Debra Winard who let me show A Little Brown Suga. Bruce Castilaw let me show his horse, A Boy Named Suen. I want to thank them, and their horses; they all helped me get this World champion title.”
Moretti is not sure yet what the future holds. “I don’t know if I will be riding that horse. Hopefully I will be riding some other horses next year in the Open, but I know I will be staying home and working horses at the ranch while everyone else is on the road. My hope for the future is to be a trainer. Showing is fun but being able to train the horses and get them to their best potential is the best thing about cutting. It’s not about the money; it’s about taking a great horse, helping it reach full potential.”
When she started fulltime at the ranch, she didn’t want to be a trainer. “I wanted to be a Non Pro, and fought with my bosses a little on that, but Roper Curtiss told me my best potential is as a trainer. He encouraged me and helped me push past my limits to want to be a trainer,” she said.
CLASS: 2024 NCHA Broke
Spur Ranch World Finals $2,000 Rider
RIDER: Peyton Moretti
HORSE: This Isa Third
PEDIGREE: Third Cutting x Cat Fancy This x High Brow Cat
OWNED BY: Christine King
EARNINGS: $33,881.95
below :
Peyton Moretti on This Isa Third
Weekend Rookie of the Year
Without knowing about the award until the end of the season, BriElle Cawley snagged Weekend Rookie of the Year honors in a competition that went down to the wire.
BY HEATHER THOMAS
PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT
BriElle Cawley was born and raised in Breckenridge, Texas. “I grew up with a ranch and rodeo background but only started showing cutting horses these last few years. I bought my horse, Lil Lou Rey (known as Lou) in December 2023 and started hauling with our friends and show family this January. Josh and Amy King, with Josh King Cutting Horses, have been helping and training us. They are more like family than friends now.”
“I didn’t realize Rookie of the Year was an actual award for weekend shows until a few months before the end of the season. Then someone said, ‘Did you know you are in the running for Weekend Rookie of the Year?’ So then we started showing in both the $15,000 and the $50,000 amateur classes to try to get my earnings up there. It was a close call and a tight contest until the very last weekend show,” she said.
This was exciting, to see if she could actually make it. “We were going to every weekend show we could get to, in October and November. We continually checked online after weekend earnings were updated, and it was a neck-and-neck finish!” she said.
“We had so much fun. My kids got to come with us; they enjoy the shows as much as my husband Scott and I do. We hauled all year with our friends, Anna and Seth Shortes who helped us get into showing. They have kids around the same age as ours. We have a 10-year-old and a 6-year-old and they’ve grown up with horses, so it’s a cool thing to see them start to love a sport as much as we do,” Cawley said.
“Winning this was overwhelming.... The energy inside the Watt Arena was really cool and we were very excited!”
“Winning this was overwhelming. When they presented the award for Rookie of the Year my family and all our friends were there. The energy inside the Watt Arena was really cool and we were very excited!”
“I couldn’t have accomplished this year without the support from my family, Josh King, and the whole crew at King Cutting Horses. I really fell in love with cutting this year and it’s all because of them and ‘Lou’ that we made it. Lou has the greatest personality and a big heart. He gives his all with every trip to the herd. I was fortunate to get to purchase him from Carol Anderson Ward Cutting Horses and Clay Carter. Lou is a 12-yearold gelding with $115,000+ in earnings so he is definitely not a rookie! I am the only rookie on our little team! He takes good care of me every show, even when I make mistakes; he still holds cows,” Cawley said.
“We plan to keep showing, and hope we have a good year again. My daughter will get to start showing her mare in the youth this year, so that will be even more fun, doing this together. Lou will still be around and he will probably live here on our place the rest of his life. He is a very special horse!”
BriElle Cawley pilots Lil Lou Rey; Family and friends surround BriElle to celebrate her achievement; Brielle and Lou mid-competition.
NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals Candids
While the winners take all the glory, hundreds of riders, horses and family have helped shape the 2024 NCHA World Finals as we know them today, and none of us would be here without them.
PHOTOS BY JESS GRYDER
“To win a world title is a special thing not a lot of people get to do. It takes a lot of work and dedication and strategy.”
JAMES FIEGEL
“It takes a team, from the guy training your horse to the people helping you in the show pen. I am thankful for all of them, and for my wife’s support.”
KYLE HAYES
2024 NCHA Futurity Open
Cricket Reyzin Cash & Morgan Cromer
$258,071
2024 NCHA Futurity Amateur
Deluxe Cashh & Tony Smith
$65,294
Candid photo of a rider with horse at the NCHA Sunshine Circuit 2024 local championship in Camden, South Carolina ↓
photo by jessica o ʼ connor equine imagery
CROSS COUNTRY CUTTING
The fourth annual NCHA Local Circuit Championships series brought together regional NCHA groups to celebrate the great sport of cutting from across the country, and even the world.
From Lincoln California to Logan County, New Jersey, and from Canada to Italy, the fourth-annual NCHA Local Circuit Championships were held both nationally and internationally, as top cutters from across multiple regions came together to celebrate the sports of cutting and determine this year’s top riders.
This year, two new circuits joined the mix–the Ozark and Upper Midwest–-bringing the total number of regional circuits to 16. This section compiles the results from each, and a bit about the people, and horses, who make them all possible.
Alamo
SOUTH TEXAS
The Alamo Circuit Finals was held on October 12-13 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Brenham, Texas. We had great attendance, and many of our exhibitors later showed at the NCHA World Finals since they were in the top 15 in their respective classes.
WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, BRENHAM, TEXAS
OPEN
HORSE: Smart Lookin Sannman
RIDER: Tance Bryant
OWNER: Estate Of Ted & Nancy Turner
BUSHNELL, FL
NON-PRO
RIDER: Chris Coughran LA PORTE, TX
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Mica Collins WASHINGTON, TX
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Jadeyn Garrett FULSHEAR, TX
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Kyle Hayes CORSICANA, TX
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Bayleigh Koren PLANT CITY, FL
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Sugar Magnolias
RIDER: Bryant Slaughter
OWNER: Wesley Sinor HOUSTON, TX
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Flash N Sann
OWNER + RIDER: Colleen Johnson SNOOK, TX
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: High Brow Dee Jay
OWNER + RIDER: Paige Kincaid BLEIBLERVILLE, TX
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Check In At Midnight
RIDER: James (Cody) Lore BLEIBLERVILLE, TX
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Joe Gotti CUSHING, TX
JUNIOR YOUTH
Mason Miller Sorrel Carter
SENIOR YOUTH
Riley Hope Farris
Appalachian
WEST VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, NEW ENGLAND, EASTERN CANADA
Beautiful fall weather and a new Dream Park-covered arena set the stage for a successful Appalachian Circuit Finals in Logan Township, New Jersey. Thursday night’s (Oct. 17) meet and and greet started the weekend. The comradery continued with an Italian Feast and Awards Saturday evening (Oct. 19), and everyone enjoyed a gourmet donut delivery Sunday morning (Oct. 20). Good cattle, good footing, awesome awards, great competitors and a tireless staff contributed to an enjoyable fun cutting weekend.
OPEN
HORSE: Hez All Cat
RIDER: Tracy Walker
OWNER: Roy Bauer
ELKINS, WV
NON-PRO
RIDER: Tracy Walker MURRYSVILLE, PA
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: William Stein TURBOTVILLE, PA
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: David Phillips MOHRSVILLE, PA
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Butch Russum LIMESTONE, TN
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Julia Stas LATROBE, PA
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Taco Tuesdayy
RIDER: Paul Wasyln
OWNER: Harold Bailey WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: SLR This Kats Kual
OWNER + RIDER: Butch Russum LIMESTONE, TN
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Sum Kinda Fabulous
RIDER: Ryan Smith, Roy Bauer OWNER: Yvonne Liddell
The Aurora Finals were held over five days at the Nutrien Western Event Centre, located in the historic Calgary Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta. The show was hosted by the Canadian Cutting Horse Association and held in conjunction with the Calgary Cutting Horse Futurity with an impressive turnout. Cutters from across Canada gathered for a great and competitive competition. Everyone enjoyed the Calgary Stampede hosted “Barn Party” on Saturday night, which included a live band and complimentary catered dinner. On Sunday we held our Champions Party, where we enjoyed another dinner, sponsored by the CCHA, and handed out awards. We are grateful for another excellent and want to send a profound thank you to the NCHA and all of our sponsors who made it possible.
OPEN
HORSE: Reys A Little Hell
RIDER: Glen Beveridge
OWNER: The Stampede Ranch
FOOTHILLS, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
NON-PRO
RIDER: Brad Karl
LONGVIEW, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Marisa Anserson
LONGVIEW, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Brad Karl
LONGVIEW, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Teresa Lukacs
OLDS, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Jill Rennie
PRINCE ALBERT, SASKATCHEWAN
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Reys A Little Hell
RIDER: Glen Beveridge
OWNER: The Stampede Ranch
LONGVIEW, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Hot Sriracha
RIDER: Brad Karl
OWNER: The Stampede Ranch
LONGVIEW, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: R Agent Scully
RIDER: Glen Beveridge, Tyler Darroch
OWNER: The Stampede Ranch
LONGVIEW, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Spooks Bold N Blu
OWNER + RIDER: Luree Williamson
FOOTHILLS, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Ainsley Mills
WAINWRIGHT, ALBERTA ( CANADA )
JUNIOR YOUTH
Quinn Beveridge
SENIOR YOUTH
Greta Wurtz
CALGARY, CANADA
Big Sky
MONTANA, WYOMING, SOUTH DAKOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, MINNESOTA
The Big Sky Circuit finals weekend was a huge success. It was Montana’s largest cutting hose show to date, $23,250 added dollars, and over 560 works in four days, bringing competitors from all over the United States. There were beautiful and useful prizes awarded, from the Gist Champion buckles to custom Rambo Horse Blankets, wagons and folding chairs. Taking home $14, 673.87, Janssen Performance Horses had a stellar showing. Miller’s Horse Palace was very accommodating, providing contestant socials every evening, great cattle and providing a free entry to all youth contestants.
MILLER’S HORSE PALACE | BILLINGS, MONTANA
OPEN
HORSE: Rock N Rio
RIDER: Roy Oliver
OWNER: Sandra Brown
HAMILTON, MT
NON-PRO
RIDER: Shaun Musselman
CASPER, WY
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Michelle Musselman
CASPER, WY
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Jerry Gregory FRUITA, CO
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Kelsey Fraser BIG TIMBER, MT
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Baliegh Lane
HUNTLEY, WY
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Two Hot
RIDER: Will Nuttall
OWNER: Paul John and non-member
ROBERTS, MT
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Dizzy MIzz Lizzy
OWNER + RIDER: Jann Parker BILLINGS, MT
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Power Naps
RIDER: Justin Johnson
OWNER: Helen Larsen
POWELL, WY
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Smooth as Lou
RIDER: Shaun Musselman
OWNER: Shaun & Michelle Musselman
CASPER, WY
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Jodene Johnson
CASPER, WY
JUNIOR YOUTH
Kylee Williams
SENIOR YOUTH
Ryatt Fraser
Cactus
ARIZONA, WESTERN COLORADO, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, SOUTHERN NEVADA, SOUTHERN UTAH, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The 2024 NCHA Cactus Circuit Championship show was hosted by Southwest Cuttings at the Ranch Horse Company complex in Temecula, California. Over 330 horses and riders qualified for the Cactus Circuit Championship show held October 23 – 26, in the heart of Southern California’s wine country. The two go round and pencil final show structure catered to 140 qualified entries. Top-notch awards were presented to the top three placings in each class. Congratulations to everyone who competed throughout the weekend! Exhibitors enjoyed the event and are looking forward to representing the cactus circuit the second annual National Circuit Championship show to be held in April 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.
OPEN
HORSE: Nitreyious
RIDER: Mike Wood
OWNER: Debra Winard
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
NON-PRO
RIDER: Kaitlyn Laube
CORONA, CA
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Michele Billingsley
WADELL, AZ
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Debra Winard
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Lauren Salon
QUEEN CREEK, AZ
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Megan Du Toit
CHILLIWACK, B.C. ( CANADA )
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Bowflex
RIDER: Mike Wood
OWNER: Teresa Home
SANTA YNEZ, CA
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Prince Of Cat
RIDER: Cindy Watkins
OWNER: Duane & Cindy Watkins
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Sweet Blueberry Wine
RIDER: Mike Wood
OWNER: Debra Winard
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Talkin Reycy
OWNER + RIDER: Dawn Chapman
CHANDLER, AZ
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Peyton Moretti
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
JUNIOR YOUTH
Isabella Banuelos
SENIOR YOUTH
Ruby Robbins
RANCH HORSE COMPANY COMPLEX | TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA
Cotton
EAST TEXAS, ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, TENNESSEE
We had 388 entries over the three days. Served lunch on Saturday. Good members and representatives of Cotton Circuit. Had prizes for trivia questions and a lot of fun telling jokes. Weather was great and had $15,000 to give away in pencil finals. Lots of positive comments and everyone seemed to have a fun time.
OPEN
HORSE: Red Royal Rosita
RIDER: Bill Pierce
OWNER: Payne & Wiggins Quarter Horses, LLC
HATTIESBURG, MS
NON-PRO
RIDER: Jamie Hays
COVINGTON, GA
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Andrea Blackmon
CHAPEL HILL, TN
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Jamie Hays
COVINGTON, GA
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Steven Simpson
SLAUGHTERS, KY
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Cole Burns
GREENVILLE, MS
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Cds Nockout
RIDER: Tom O'Neal
OWNER: Bill Pierce
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Cds Nockout
OWNER + RIDER: Tom O’Neal
CHOUDRANT, LA
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Cowgirl Blues 17
RIDER: Mason Griffin
OWNER: Cliff Mills
RAYVILLE, LA
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Smooth Vibrations
OWNER + RIDER: Cole Burns
GREENVILLE, MS
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
Shez Fancy Boon
PHILADELPHIA, MS
JUNIOR YOUTH
Turner Pierce
SENIOR YOUTH
Cody Cain
LOGAN TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY
European
ALL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
The most anticipated event of the year, and the one NCHA of Italy had long aspired to organize, proved to be exceptional and unforgettable for European cutting. A remarkable 160 horses from across Europe competed in this final of the circuit, which boasted extraordinary participation. A significant added money prize, made possible by the support of sponsors and the unwavering commitment of NCHA, further elevated the event’s prestige.
WOW, what a wonderful 2025 NCHA Great Lakes Circuit Finals held at Ricky Fork Arena in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Thank you to Mike and Brittany McIntosh for over 15 years of hospitality! And a bomb of a send-off party Saturday! Cutters, step up and honor your producers. It's hard to find facilities, and this was our last show at Rocky Fork. Thank you for the GREAT turnout. Over 300 cuts, but more importantly almost 500 entries!! With our class structure of "class within a class", we got our ponies showed, awards presented, NCHA subsidy money delivered in finals.....and still got done in time for fellowship, bonfire, dinner, music, the best!
Numerous cutters now qualified for Eastern Nationals & NCHA National Circuit Championships. Our 2025 Circuit Finals will be held mid-October at C Bar C Arena in Cloverdale, Indiana.
The Platte Valley Cutters and Beef Empire Cutting Horse Association produced the event, which featured over 110 runs each day. Additionally, a special dinner provided by Platte Valley/BECHA/CHAN on Saturday evening. The Cutting Horse of Nebraska year end award presentation also took place Saturday evening. We had $500 added in all added money classes. Great weather, great facility!
STORMENT VAIL EVENT CENTER | TOPEKA, KANSAS
OPEN
HORSE: Dirk Blakesley, Bill Miller
RIDER: Lois Ann
OWNER: Kent & Susan Jarnagin
PROTECTION, KS
NON-PRO
RIDER: Deb Watts
MALCOLM, NE
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Shay Martin
LAMAR, NE
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Thomas Wiens
SEDALIA, CO
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Amy Pierce
HOLLY, CO
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Jimmy Holmes
HOLLY, CO
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: DMAC Natalie Cole
RIDER: Nathan Miller
OWNER: Lynn Giffing
PUEBLO WEST, CO
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: My Wayward Son
OWNER + RIDER: Steven Norris
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Brownn Sugarr
RIDER: Nathan Miller
OWNER: Cross 2 Ranches LLC
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Cut With Style
RIDER: Katie Grover
OWNER: Travis Grover
CRESCO, IA
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Katelyn Bookman
AUGUSTA, KS
JUNIOR YOUTH
Abbie Daniel
SENIOR YOUTH
Olivia Watts
Oiler
WEST TEXAS, EASTERN NEW MEXICO, WESTERN OKLAHOMA
We worked 200 horses in the two days the event took place. We had a very nice fajita Dinner for everyone, followed by our Annual Cornhole Tournament. The proceeds from the Tournament were split between the three associations. Youth in our association then went out and bought items for the Angel Tree kids in their area. We raised approximately $1,800 this year.
OPEN
HORSE: Stringer Bell
RIDER: Dana Larsen, Collbran Blue Larsen
OWNER: Dana & Wilma Larsen GRUVER, TX
NON-PRO
RIDER: Tyler Johnson WAYSIDE, TX
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Wayne Banks LOVINGTON, NM
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Dave Sheen BANGS, TX
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Wayne Banks LOVINGTON, NM
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Josh Letsis CASTLE ROCK, CO
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Getta Grip
RIDER: Abraham Carlos Calvillo Ponce
OWNER: Tim Foote/Charlie Rogers Partnership CLOVIS, NM
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: MyMetallicAttraction
RIDER: Amy Welch King
OWNER: Josh & Amy Welch King BAIRD, TX
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Sannman Sunlight
RIDER: Abraham Carlos Calvillo Ponce
OWNER: Kimberly Miller DEXTER, NM
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Betce
RIDER: Kippi Cogdell, Blaze Cogdell
OWNER: Dick & Kippi Cogdell TULIA, TX
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
JUNIOR YOUTH
Clara Ashlock
RIDER: Keith Fortenberry MATADOR, TX SENIOR YOUTH
Mattie Cobberly
NOLAN COUNTY COLISEUM | SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Ozark
ARKANSAS, MISSOURI
Ozark Mountain Cutting Horse Association had a great last of the year show November 1 and 2 at The Lucky J Restaurant and Arena, Carthage, Missouri. It included the Ozark Circuit Championship. This was the biggest show in OMCHA’s 42 year history. Friday’s show worked 185 horses, plus 18 NCHA Futurity colts afterwards. Saturday, 202 head road to the herd. It was a total of 35 hours of cutting, 837 head of cattle, two long days and two short nights. Thanks and congratulations to all, and yes, we’d do it again!
OPEN
HORSE: Justa Lil Fraxy
RIDER: Sonny Martin
OWNER: Ryan & Jane Yarbro
NON-PRO
RIDER: Andy Bylo
LESLIE, MO
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Alexis Bylo
LESLIE, MO
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Alexis Bylo
LESLIE, MO
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Ryan Yarbro
OXLY, MO
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Jennifer Sadler
LAKEVIEW, AR
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Twisted Metal
RIDER: Ryan Moore
OWNER: Jenny Webster
BOURBON, MO
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Twisted Metal
RIDER: Ryan Moore
OWNER: Jenny Webster, Manny Webster BOURBON, MO
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Fittin to Believe
RIDER: Sonny Martin, Levi Martin
OWNER: Mary Slaughter
BONNE TERRE, MO
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Reygalo
RIDER: Andy Bylo
OWNER: Andy & Kendra Bylo
LESLIE, MO
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Carl Vaughn
BROOKLAND, AR
JUNIOR YOUTH
Brand Brewer
SENIOR YOUTH
Cooper Yarbro
LUCKY J ARENA | CARTHAGE, MISSOURI
WASHINGTON, OREGON, IDAHO, NORTHERN UTAH
We had participants from Oregon, Idaho and Utah participate, ranging in age from 9-80 years old. Each rider was presented with a goodie bag, compliments of OCHA. There was also a raffle for a necklace and a show blanket donated by Cuttinup Blankets, LLC. Each class winner was awarded equine oral recovery strips (EOR), which deliver nutrition and enhance hydration to horses. These were donated by Patrick Young DMV and Tail Ties by TailCinch. We had pizza for dinner on Thursday evening and had the best ever pies donated by Blue Raeven Pies on Friday. We ended the weekend with an awards banquet on Friday where we honored winners from the Pioneer Circuit and OCHA.
OPEN
HORSE: One Free Bird
RIDER: Dax Hadlock
OWNER: Leann Wilson
ST. GEORGE, UT
NON-PRO
RIDER: Barbi Madgwick
MELBA, ID
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Rebecca Hofeldt
GREEN RIVER, WV
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: David Miller
WEST MOUNTAIN, UT
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Leah Stewart
LANGLEY, B.C. ( CANADA )
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Corey Andrews
MOLLALA, OR
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: BNL Skeet Shooter
RIDER: Nina Lundgren
OWNER: Holly Jones
WALLA WALLA, WA
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Blus Tuff Lady
RIDER: Jessica Goodwin
OWNER: Austin & Jessica Goodwin
PRINEVILLE, OR
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Smart Looking Kitty
RIDER: Luke Denton, Westin Sampson
OWNER: Rocken H Cutting Horses
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Girlz in the Hood
OWNER + RIDER: Ross Hansen
TENINO, WA
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Sharon Stigall
JUNIOR YOUTH
Caleb Tree
AURORA, OR SENIOR YOUTH
Audrey Tree
NORTON ARENA | MADRAS, OREGON
Red River
NORTH TEXAS, EASTERN OKLAHOMA
We had a great turn out for our Red River Circuit Finals. We had a concert with The Chaser Crouch Band come in on Friday night for our cutters to enjoy dinner and a night of dancing. We got to give a first buckle away for the Red River finals weekend! We worked 400 plus horses and had a phenomenal payout to our cutters. We always enjoy ending the year with this event and getting to recognize not only our Top 15 world finalist but also our weekend cutters for achieving the National Circuit Finals also.
YCA ARENA | GRAHAM, TEXAS | PK CUTTERS AFFILIATE
OPEN
HORSE: Fancy Deville
RIDER: Gavin Jordan, James Vangilder Rock
OWNER: Creek Cutting Horses, LLC
WEATHERFORD, TX
NON-PRO
RIDER: Grace Vangilder
WEATHERFORD, TX
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Tracie Clark
WHITEWRIGHT, TX
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Bret Nuttall
GAINESVILLE, TX
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Michelle Moore
EL PASO, AR
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Kristin Shoppa
DECATUR, TX
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Speak Easie
RIDER: Gaylon Wells
OWNER: Broke Spur LLC
CROWLEY, TX
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Ranger Hughes
RIDER: James Figiel
OWNER: Broke Spur LLC
CROWLEY, TX
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: CR Tuffer N Rey
RIDER: Brett Lawson
OWNER: Justin Roberts
GRAFORD, TX
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Grace and Light
RIDER: Fallon Lacina, Jody Radomske
OWNER: Codie Larson
SYKESTON, ND
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Joshua Clark
MILLSAP, TX
Joe Thomas Pounds Rider Flynn
SENIOR YOUTH
Preslie Green JUNIOR YOUTH
Redwood
NORTHERN NEVADA, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Nevada Reined Cow and Cutting Horse Association and the Gold Country Cutting Horse Association partnered to present the 2024 NCHA Redwood Circuit Championship show. The event was held October 5 and 6, at the McCourtney Ranch in Lincoln, California. One and ninety entries worked through two go rounds for a chance to collect the NCHA-sponsored added money and prizes awarded in the non-working finals. Owners and riders rode away with a plethora of prizes, including custom vests, Gist buckles, paychecks and much more. Congratulations to everyone who competed at the Redwood Circuit Championship! We wish our members the best of luck at the upcoming National Circuit Championship show.
OPEN
HORSE: Kat Play
RIDER: Monty Buntin
OWNER: Dacole Investment Company
RENO, NV
NON-PRO
RIDER: David Levisay CRESTON, CA
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Jan Dunham LOOMIS, CA
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Robert Cooley PETALUMA, CA
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Bambi Deibele LEBANON, OR
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Bambi Deibele LEBANON, OR
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Zori
RIDER: Rock Hedlund
OWNER: Echeta Livestock LLC
RENO, NV
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Vintage Geisha
RIDER: Dylan Meyer
OWNER: Robertson Ranches
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Vintage Geisha
RIDER: Dylan Meyer
OWNER: Robertson Ranches
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Pier Sircello CAMINO, CA
Laine Waldron
Dawson McWhorter JUNIOR YOUTH
SENIOR YOUTH
MCCOURTNEY RANCH | LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA
Sunshine
NORTH
CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA
The 2024 Sunshine Circuit Championship show was held in Camden, South Carolina this past October. Over the course of four days we had NCHA members come to compete from Florida to Michigan for nearly $80,000 in total purse along with great prizes provided by NCHA. Participants also enjoyed a catered meal and live music by Melton Moon on Friday night courtesy of Carolinas Cutting Horse Association.
SOUTH
CAROLINA EQUINE PARK | CAMDEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
OPEN
HORSE: NRR Petal Cat
RIDER: Tracy Barton, Ryan Smith
OWNER: Shawn Ognu
ANGIER, NC
NON-PRO
RIDER: Ginger Hoffman
ANTHONY, FL
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Amy Alexander
VASS, NC
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Ginger Hoffman
ANTHONY, FL
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Mary Beth Jackson
CAMERON, NC
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Bobby Al Manning
UVALDA, GA
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: One Moore Reycy
RIDER: Tracy Barton
OWNER: Michael & Suzanne Wood
CLAREMONT, NC
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Kreepy Krawler
OWNER + RIDER: Kyle Register-Hanshaw
BUSHNELL, FLORIDA
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Pretty Asa Princess
RIDER: Jerry King, Tracy Barton, Eddie Braxton, Charles Mayo
OWNER: Kyle Register-Hanshaw
BENSON, NC
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Metallic Trona
RIDER: Fran Akin, Macie Dann
OWNER: Fran Akin
SUMMERFIELD, FL
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
HORSE: A Sophisticated Kate, Metallic Trona, Wond R Woman
RIDER: Macie Dann
SUMMERFIELD, FL
JUNIOR YOUTH
Georgia Hoffman
SENIOR YOUTH
Lily Erwin
Upper Midwest
MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, IOWA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA
The 2024 Upper Midwest Circuit Finals was held in the premier cutting show facility on the Central States Fair Grounds in Rapid City, South Dakota on October 26th and 27th.
The Circuit Finals was held in conjunction with SDCHA Annual Breeders Futurity and Spooktacular weekend cutting over four days and averaged around 110 entries a day with cutters from across our Upper Midwest Circuit plus Canada, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. The weather was beautiful with highs in the 70’s. The arena and ground were spectacular. We utilized approx. 750 head of fresh cattle that were a cutter’s dream. SDCHA held their annual membership meeting on Thursday evening and then served a banquet-like meal for Friday and Saturday evening provided by sponsors providing an excellent opportunity for fellowship. Our newest and youngest entrant was Sloan Neshem who walked away with the third place in the Jr. Youth circuit finals!
CENTRAL STATES FAIR GROUNDS | RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
OPEN
HORSE: Looking Awesome
RIDER: J P Bell, Calvin Kobluk
OWNER: Calvin Kobluk
RICE, MN
NON-PRO
HORSE: CD Sugarbritches
RIDER: Travis Grover
CRESCO, IA
$50,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Jim Neshem DES LACS, ND
UNLIMITED AMATEUR
RIDER: Jason Reed
FAITH, SD
$35,000 NON-PRO
RIDER: Jim Neshem DES LACS, ND
$15,000 AMATEUR
RIDER: Kurt Kostrzewski
ZIMMERMAN, MN
$25,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Tell Em Im Stylish
RIDER: Bob Janssen
OWNER: Joann Yahnke
SHAKOPEE, MN
$25,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Faymissl
RIDER: Jenna Bell
OWNER: Jack Bell
DULUTH, MN
$5,000 NOVICE
HORSE: Demolish
RIDER: Stacey Smith, J P Bell
OWNER: Stacey Smith
DULUTH, MN
$5,000 NOVICE NON-PRO
HORSE: Hollys Cool Cat
OWNER + RIDER: Travis Grover
CRESCO, IA
$2,000 LIMITED RIDER
RIDER: Ella Armstrong
DUSTIN, MN
JUNIOR YOUTH
Ella Armstrong
SENIOR YOUTH
Jack Bell
Find up-to-date performance records for a stallion and its offspring, plus proven crosses reports, five-cross pedigree, and more to help you make the best breeding decisions.
New and updated weekly! Track the top 50 money-earners, sires, dams, grandsires, owners, and more in each discipline.
The QData Online Database offers a variety of reports with extensive money-earning detail and a summary of AQHA points and awards. Horse, Sire, Dam and Grandsire reports are available.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Jonathan Foote receives Modine Smith Humanitarian Award
Established in 2012, the Modine Smith Humanitarian Award was created in honor of philanthropist, volunteer, and humanitarian, Modine Smith. It is an honor to announce Jonathan Foote as this year’s representative.
Foote was a National Director from 1990 until 2000. He also was elected to the NCHA Executive Committee in 1995 alongside his beloved friend Modine Smith. He played a major role in developing the Amateur Class, the regional governance system and expanding the format of the NCHA world finals. He was also instrumental in developing the Western National Finals. Foote was inducted into the NCHA Member’s Hall of Fame in 2004. Today, at nearly 90 years old, his love of the sport continues.
Kendall Luengas tapped for Rafter P Loper of the Year Award
This is the second year Rafter P Construction, the Official Builder of the NCHA, has awarded a Loper of the Year award to recognize the hardworking men and women behind the show horses.
Kendall Luengas, this year’s winner, currently works for Bryant Slaughter of Hempstead, Texas.
“Here at Rafter P, we are excited to recognize Kendall Luengas as the second annual Loper of the Year,” said Brad Pryor, Rafter P Founder and President. “I think it is extremely important to recognize the backbone of the cutting horse community and reward these lopers for all of the time and commitment they give to these trainers and horses. Without them, there would be no cutting horse community.”
Jonathan Foote ↓
Kendall Luengas ↑
Alexis Bylo wins Todd Drummond Award for outstanding youth member
Each National Cutting Horse Association affiliate has the opportunity to nominate one outstanding youth member who will be honored annually with the Todd Drummond Award. The youth member will be recognized for scholastics, extracurricular activities, and cutting horse involvement.
This year’s winner is Alexis Bylo of Leslie, Missouri.
“It’s honestly so incredible, I know there are tons of youth out there that work their butt off. To be picked is an honor,” said Bylo. “Usually in the morning, I will go feed, then come in and get as much schoolwork as I can do and try to get ahead. Then when Dad gets home from work, we’ll go ride. I would definitely like to thank my parents. They are the best and I love how much they love the sport of cutting just like I do.”
Paula Wood takes Julie Dvorak Hansma Non-Pro Sportsmanship Award
The Julie Dvorak Hansma Non-Pro Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to an active Non-Pro rider in the NCHA who exemplifies the outstanding qualities of Julie Hansma. These qualities include: a high level of horsemanship both in and out of the show pen, support for peers, serving as a trusted advisor, maintaining a high level of integrity, and leadership.
Paula Wood is this year’s winner. Wood has been a member of the NCHA since 1989 and remembers Julie Dvorak Hansma fondly. “Julie was a very, very dear friend of mine. We raised our kids together and showed against each other. I feel very honored to be chosen for this award,” explained Wood. “It’s not just an award,” she went on to explain.
Alexis Bylo ↑
Paula Wood ↑
QUINTAN (Im Countin Checks x Quintan Blue)
Owner: Circle Y Ranch | Rider: Tarin Rice
2025 Abilene Spectacular 5/6YO INTERM OPEN CHAMPION
STEVIE REYZ BLUEZ (Stevie Rey Von x Quintan Blue)
Owner: Circle Y Ranch | Rider: Garrett Hampton
Zane Schulte Award recipient
The creation of the Zane Schulte Award was established to honor the memory of Zane Schulte, the son of Thomas and Barbra Schulte. The award is presented annually to a professional trainer who exemplifies the character by which Schulte himself is remembered: integrity, service, values, respect of their peers, contribution to the industry, and excellence in the arena.
This year’s winner, Brett Davis, an NCHA member since 1980, has trained and shown as a professional trainer. He is currently showing in Fort Worth at the 2024 Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity alongside his son, Bradey, to whom he passed on his enthusiasm for the sport of cutting. “I’m very, very honored,” stated Davis, “I want to thank my family for supporting me all these years.”
Wendy Warne receives Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award
The Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to an Amateur who exhibits integrity, kindness, honesty, respect, good sportsmanship, fairness, and compassion for people and horses in and out of the arena.
Wendy Warne, the 2024 recipient, has been in the cutting community for over 20 years but originally started riding pleasure horses. In the NCHA, Warne currently competes in LAE Amateur and weekend Amateur and Non-Pro classes.
“First and foremost, it is a blessing that any of us get to do this and share in the sport and camaraderie. This is a big win and such a positive moment in today’s time. I’m especially grateful for this award because I knew Mary personally,” explained Warne. “She showed in our area. I saw her battle with cancer and we spoke a lot because I am a breast cancer survivor. To be awarded this award, years later, is in itself really really special. I am so thankful for the people that put me up for this award. I like to be positive and cheer and holler. We’ve got to bring cheer and passion to the world we live in right now.”
NCHA Foundation $50,000 project funding
Last October, the NCHA announced an additional $50,000.00 in project support to the IGNITE Equine Clinicians Registry (ECR) Project and Suspensory Ligament Study and issued a matching challenge for others to join in backing of the project.
Alpha Capital
The NCHA is excited to announce Alpha Capital Family Office as the official sponsor for two activations at the upcoming NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity— the VIP Pre-Party and the Trainer’s Lounge. This partnership brings added prestige and luxury to the premier cutting horse event of the year, taking place in Fort Worth, Texas.
NCHA Judges
The NCHA is proud to recognize the following judges who determined this year’s NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity and NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals Champions.
Amateur Futurity Judges: Tim Denton, Faron Hightower, Seth Kirchner, Rick Mowery, Shane Stoval
Non-Pro Futurity Judges: Tom Diaz, Pete Fanning, Mitch Farris, Don Pooley, Rubin Pringle
Open Futurity Judges: Brady Bowen, Randy Chartier, Bill Pierce, David Stewart, Jason Swayne
World Finals Judges (November 23 - 24): Lindy Burch, Chad Bushaw, Jonathan Rogers, Justin White, Bronc Willoughby
World Finals Judges (November 27 - 30): Luke Barnhart, Dell Bell, Frank Craighead , James Davison, Bronc Willoughby
Brett Davis ↑
Wendy Warne ↑
in
CASEY CONNALLY
It is with deep sadness that the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) announces the passing of Casey Connally, of Gunnison, Colorado. Connally passed away on November 29, 2023 surrounded by her family and loved ones.
As a member of NCHA, Connally competed in the Colorado region #6 and Texas region #8 Non-Pro weekend events, and in 2012 reached her final goal with her 3 year old Craximus Maximus (Little Lol Lena x Max Donna) aka Cracker entered up in the Non-Pro/Lmt. Futurity and following in the 2013 Derby. In 2015 Casey concluded her cutting goals finishing third in the Lucas AQHA World Show in the Amateur Adequan Level 2 Cutting.
JOHN ECHEVERRIA
The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is deeply saddened to announce the loss of John Echeverria of Reno, Nevada. He and his wife have a cattle and horse ranch in Wilton, CA, where he raised cutting horses for the past 36 years.
Echeverria served as Area Region 2 Director for the NCHA for 8 years. He was the founder of the Regional Circuit Finals and served on the Governance and Grievance Committees for 10 years. Echeverria was a lifetime member of the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association, where he served as Treasurer off and on for the past 10 years.
in memoriam
ROB KUIPER
The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Rob Kuiper. Originally from Canada, Kuiper was a rancher with extensive experience working with horses and cattle.
Kuiper began his NCHA career as an Amateur cutter in 2000, where he entered the cutting community by participating in weekend events. In 2019, he began training with Russ Elrod, with additional support from Gary Gonsalves. His hard work paid off, and he started to achieve wins while riding Prince Of Cat (Smooth As A Cat x Call Me Queen B) and Dualsnap Talker (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualsnap).
His dedication, talent, and humility led him to be named Amateur of the Year in 2022, and he quickly achieved over $200,000 in NCHA lifetime earnings.
memoriam
in memoriam
NCHA Suspension and Denial of Privileges List
Probations and suspensions may have been cleared by the time the magazine is published and mailed. The following persons have been suspended from the National Cutting Horse Association and/or denied all privileges of the Association until further notice. Proceedings have been conducted in accordance with National Cutting Horse Association Rules.
*Please note that the provisions of former NCHA Rule 40 have recently been merged into current NCHA Rule 4. An asterisk beside the Rule 40 number in the following list denotes that the suspension was made pursuant to former Rule 40. Please see the provisions of current Rule 4 on the NCHA Website for current guidelines relating to suspension for failure to make payments.
New Suspensions
A PERFECT “10”, Adrienne Patou, Fort Worth, Texas. Rule 40*
AARON, CHRISTOPHER, Walker, Louisiana Rule 40*
ABEAR, KENNETH, Burleson, Texas. Rule 40*
ADJUSTO OF TEXAS, Weatherford, Texas. Rule 40*
ADKINS, RL (ROB), Sweetwater, Texas. Rule 40*
AGVEST INTERNATIONAL QUARTER HORSE CUTTING #1, Houston, Texas. Rule 40*
AIR RIDE HITCH, Beach Island, South Carolina. Rule 40*
ALLEN, CHRISTEN, Creswell, Oregon. Rule 40*
ALL PHASE ARENA, Spring Grove, Minnesota. Rule 40*
AMERICAN MASTERCRAFT, Boca Raton, Florida. Rule 40*
HEIMER, LOIS, Cave Creek, AZ September 17, 2024 - September 16, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)
SABARRA, ARIEL, Grafton, WV April 26, 2024 – April 25, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
40*
Break free
Help your equine patients by controlling the clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis
• 250 mg/ml in a 7.5 mL vial; more flexibility in dosing a wide range of horses
• With proper dosing at 3mg/kg, 4 injections needed to provide maximum therapeutic effect
• FDA approved drugs ensure the manufacturing process is consistent to preserve the drug’s quality
• Proven efficacy not limited to specific joints1
Important Satefy Information
As with all drugs, side effects may occur. For intramuscular use in horses only. Not for use in humans. Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a weak anticoagulant. Caution should be used when administering Zycosan if you are taking an anticoagulant. In case of accidental self-injection, seek immediate medical attention. If product comes into contact with skin, rinse skin thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if needed. Horses with hypersensitivity to pentosan polysulfate sodium should not receive Zycosan. Do not use Zycosan concurrently with other anticoagulant drugs. Do not use in horses with clotting disorders or within 24 hours of surgical procedures. Caution should be used when administering this drug before or after strenuous activities. Caution should be used when NSAIDS are administered concurrently due to the anticoagulant effects of Zycosan. If Zycosan and NSAIDS are used concurrently, horses should be monitored for hemorrhage or other clinical signs of abnormal bleeding. The safe use of Zycosan has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses. The safety of long-term repeat use of Zycosan has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are injection site reactions, prolongation of coagulation parameters (activated partial
and
time
for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com.
Reason for Evaluation:
Judge Evaluation Form
Commendation: I wish to recognize an individual who is hard working and consistently does a good job.
Spot Check: I do not wish to make an official protest, but I want a class reviewed by the Weekend Monitor.
Official Protest: I am enclosing the protest fee ($500* for LAE or $200* for Weekend). I understand that I must be an owner or exhibitor in the class to file a protest. *Fee is refundable if protest is upheld.
Judge(s) name(s) about whom you are submitting this report: _______________________________
If you are submitting a commendation, please describe why you feel this judge deserves recognition:
If you are submitting a spot check request or an official protest, please complete the following:
Show Name: _________________________________________________________ Show Dates: __________________________
Show City and State: __________________________________________________ Class Name: __________________________
1. Have you reviewed the tape? ___ Yes ___ No
2. In your opinion, how did the judge do on penalty application? ___ Excellent ___ Average ___ Poor
3. In your opinion, how did the judge do on “placings” based on run content? ___ Excellent ___ Average ___ Poor
4. In your opinion, did the judge act professionally? ___ Yes ___ No If no, please explain: _________________________________________________________________________________
5. In your opinion, how was the judge’s performance during the entire show? ___ Excellent ___ Average ___ Poor
6. Please explain fully the circumstances that prompted you to complete this report: ______________________________
Member Name: _______________________________________ Member Number: ______________________ Date: ________
This form will be available online at NCHAcutting.com and in the Cutting Horse Chatter. This form is confidential and will be seen only by officials in the NCHA Judging Department. This report can be used to commend a hard-working, consistent individual which will help the Judging Department recognize the best judges. Spot Checks and Official Protest:
1. If a pattern of complaints emerges regarding an individual judge, the Judging Department will review tapes of the show or shows in question and take further action when appropriate.
2. Report must be submitted by a contestant in the class or an owner who has a horse in the class.
3. This report must be filed within seven (7) days of the incident.
4. A member can submit only one Judge Evaluation Form in a calendar month.
5. When submitting an official protest, the protest fee ($500 for LAE or $200 for Weekend) will need to be enclosed. Return form via mail to NCHA Judges Department, 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
For
APRIL 10-13, 2025
COLUMBUS, OH, Ohio Expo Center
• An Unparalleled Educational Program for all disciplines spanning seven different venues.
• The Largest Horse-Related Trade Show in North America.
• The Fantasia — Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, and an Adoption Affaire — Enjoy meeting horses of all sizes, breeds, and colors!
• Cowtown in Cooper (sponsored by Western Life Today) — Learn all about cow and ranch events in this western lifestyle experience!
• The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition — A fast-paced timed and judged race through an obstacle course with $5,500 at stake!
• The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge — A fun activity for equestrians to exercise their barnyard skills and win prizes, no horses needed!
• NEW! Donkey Extravaganza — Learn all about donkeys through clinics, demos, educational exhibits, and more!
• NEW! Breed Bonanza (sponsored by Sentinel by Kent and Blue Seal) — A unique under saddle class showcasing the best features of horses from all breeds!
• Youth Activities, a Consignment Shop, and much more!
North America’s Premier Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering
Ryan Rose
Julie Goodnight
Tik Maynard
Cole Cameron
Luke Reinbold
Barbra Schulte (Cutting & Sports Psychology)
Luke Gingerich (Liberty & Bridleless Horsemanship)
Marcie Quist (Driving)
Sandi Simons (General Training & Cowgirl Dressage)
Jennifer Truett (Dressage)
Traci Brooks (Hunter/Jumper)
Connie Combs (Barrel Racing)
Ty Evans (Mules)
Wendy Murdoch (Biomechanics & The Murdoch Method)
Kellie & Sam Rettinger (Draft Driving)
Ifa Simmonds (Equestrian Fitness)
Ivy Starnes (Easy Gaited Horses)
Mary Miller-Jordan (Mustangs)
Canadian Cowgirls (Drill Teams) And many more to be announced! Featured
All standing committee members appointed for 2024-2025 will begin their three-year term of service immediately following the 2024 NCHA Convention through the annual convention in 2027. Below is a listing of NCHA Standing Committee Members effective June 24, 2024.
Affiliate Officers/Secretaries
Cheryl Callis (26) R7 – NVEO
Kathy Cardon (26) R2 **
David Costello (27) R6
Kim Cox (25) R7
Vicki Green (25) R4
Ashley Hallinan (25) R2
Brooke Manion (25) R5
Scott McKinsey (26) R4
Dee McLauchlin (26) R8 *
Erin McGinn Smith (25) R1
Kathy Unfried (25) R2
Rebecca Waters (25) R3
Amateur
Dawn Brehm (26) R5
William Cole (25) R6 **
Bob Cooley (25) R2
Thad Cox (27) R8 - NVEO
Steve Duff (27) R4
Taylor Flowers (26) R6
Jan Gandy (26) R6
Sandra Lines (26) R5
Brooke Manion (27) R5 *
Jennifer Palmer (25) R8
Cynthia Patty (26) R6 - NVEO
Erin Russell (27) R8
Andrew Sligh (26) R5
Grant Smith (26) R3
Paul K. Smith (25) R7
Peri Suenram (26) R1
Kelley Tammen (26) R8
Finance & Audit
Denise Bendele (26) R7
Frank Diehl (27) R5
James Eakin (26) R7
Ora Diehl (25) R5 *
Jeff Fehrman (26) R5
Jim Haworth (25) R3 **
Garry Merritt (27) R5 - NVEO
Ora Diehl (26) R5
James Eakin (26) R7
Eric Field (27) R4
Jim Haworth (27) R3
Anita Janssen (26) R3 **
Skip Jones (26) R7
Corrie Rousey (27) R7
Ronnie Smith (27) R6
Buddy Westphal (26) R1
Growth and Development
Shelby Agnew (27) R4
Phil Benadum (26) R2
Ora Diehl (26) R5
Cody Hedlund (26) R8
Jim Johnson (26) R4
Joe Kalt (26) R2 **
Jane Mancuso (27) R7
Shelly Mowery (26) R8
Glen Nelson (25) R2
Darrell Parsons (26) R3
Dean Rebhuhn (26) R1 *
Matt Robinson (27) R6
Judges Rules
Roy Bauer (25) R4
Jaime Beamer (26) R8 **
Monty Buntin (27) R2
Joe Cameron (27) R5 – NVEO
Tim Castilaw (25) R2 - NVEO
Bradey Davis (26) R6
Walt Erwin (25) R5
Jody Galyean (27) R8 - NVEO
Rock Hedlund (27) R2 *
Seth Kirchner (25) R3
Josh King (25) R7
Ken Mock (26) R8
Sarah Morine (26) R8
Rick Mowery (26) R8
Nate Miller (27) R1
Toddy Pitard (27) R6
Skip Jones (27) R7
Seth Kirchner (25) R3
Chase Lackey (27) R5
John P. Lavelle (27) R4
Barnwell Ramsey (26) R5
Phil Rapp (26) R8 *
Ben Roberson (27) R8
Ronnie Smith (25) R6
Jaime Snider (26) R8
Wendy Warne (26) R5 **
Michael Wood (26) R8
Non-Professional
David Booth (26) R2 **
Libby Bowman (25) R4
Ryder Carpenter (26) R8
Missy Jean Etheridge (25) R6
Kathy Foote (26) R1
Sherry Graham (26) R7 *
Alison Howell (26) R5
John C. Kratzer (25) R6
Regan Plendl (26) R3
Elizabeth Quirk (26) R6
Kylie Rice (26) R8
Jamie Sokol (27) R5
Cameron Thompson (26) R8
Eric Van Boekel (26) R4
Priscilla Wilson (26) R5
Professional Trainers
Tracy Barton (25) R5
Phil Benadum (25) R2 *
Cara Brewer (25) R8
David Costello (25) R6
Kathy Daughn (26) R7
Casey Green (27) R8 **
Mason Griffin (25) R6
Andrew Larsen (25) R4
Jesse Lennox (25) R8
Matt Lopez (26) R8
Ryan Moore (27) R3
John C. Kratzer (26) R8
Ty Moore (27) R8
Todd Quirk (27) R6 **
Sarah Sherman (26) R1
Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg (25) R2
Madison Smith (26) R8
Michael Wood (26) R8
Weekend Show
John Fay (27) R2
Byron Green (26) R4
David Pilcher (25) R4
Elizabeth Quirk (27) R6
Phil Rapp (26) R8
Dean Rebhuhn (25) R1
Madison Smith (27) R8
Governance
Dan Agnew (25) R4
Sharon Beach (25) R8 *
Tracy Barton (26) R5
Kenny Pugh (25) R7 – NVEO
Jonathan Rogers (25) R8
Grant Setnicka (26) R8
Tim Smith (26) R2 – NVEO
Scott Weis (27) R8 - NVEO
Limited Age Events
Monty Buntin (27) R2
Zeke Entz (26) R5
Clay Johnson (26) R8
Rick Mowery (25) R8
Kenny Platt (26) R1**
Stallion Owners
Dana Azevedo (27) R2
Crystal DeWitt (26) R4
Benjie Frost (27) R5
Alvin Fults (26) R7
Rock Hedlund (26) R2 *
Lauren Kimble (26) R4
Richard Hicks (25) R7
Chris Howell (25) R5
John Hulsey (26) R5
Holly Jones (26) R1
Joe Kalt (26) R2
Nate Miller (26) R1 **
Jason Reed (27) R3
Corrie Rousey (26) R8
Ted Sokol Jr. (26) R8 *
Bill Stein (26) R4
Heather Todd (26) R6
Wendy Warne (27) R5
Youth
Shannon Collier (26) R7
Michelle Cowan (25) R8
Mary Crow (26) R7
Amy Lippincott (25) R7
Sabrina Mesalam (27) R4
Glen Nelson (27) R2
Chad Newton (25) R5
Shawna Parsons (26) R3
Kory Pounds (26) R8 **
Nikki Roberson (25) R8 *
Leigh Ann White (27) R6
Kristen York (26) R1
* - Chairman
** - Vice Chairman
R - Region
NVEO - Non-Voting Ex-Officio (25) Term Expires in 2025 (26) Term Expires in 2026 (27) Term Expires in 2027
The Next Generation
The National Youth Horse Cutting Association offers a platform for upand-coming young cutters to learn, hone their skills and test their mettle
BY JACK MCLAUGHLIN
While the National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) functions today as a streamlined operation with members in 42 states and nearly a dozen countries, it wasn’t always that way, as in the summer of 1993, youth cutters gained a formal home when the NYCHA was officially created.
According to Jo Ellard, who served as the first NYCHA chairperson (and did so for the 10 years following its inception), the organization was originally modeled after another group, one that boasted a solidified youth program at the time.
“I had worked with the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA), I served on the auxiliary board and was very versed in how NJHA was set up. I still think it’s one of the most organized, youth organizations in the country,” Ellard says. “My thought in creating NYCHA was to structure it after NJHA.”
Ms. Jo Ellard speaking at the 1996 NYCHA Annual Awards Banquet →
The program, which is open to youth cutters in two age groups–Junior Youth (13 and under) and Senior Youth (14-18)–strives to “offer youth members the opportunity to develop their horsemanship skills, practice sportsmanship and discipline, develop leadership skills, and learn responsibility in caring for their horses and themselves,” according to NCHA Youth Director Rianna Storey.
One year after its inception, in 1994, NYCHA hosted its inaugural National Convention and Awards Banquet, and the National Youth Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame was established the following year. Today, the Hall of Fame has inducted more 160 outstanding young cutters, many of whom have gone on to win adult-level NCHA accolades later in their cutting careers.
Ellard was involved in the creation of the Youth Hall of Fame as well.
“I assigned points for different accolades and then picked out the top kids related to these,” she said. “At the time it was created, we didn’t
have computers, either. I went back through all the records, I hand-searched every issue of Chatter to retroactively assign winners.”
Today, the National Youth Cutting Horse Association holds an annual World Finals, its Youth Convention, and the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting, which is held in Fort Worth and sees members compete for $150,000 in scholarships, elect officers and enjoy their time together.
The group also hosts NYCHA Life After the Arena annually, an informative session for young cutters related to life in (and out) of the cutting industry, as well as the National Youth Cutting Horse Association’s Stallion Service Auction, which operates as the NYCHA’s primary fundraiser and “helps ensure the growth and progress of the NYCHA and its youth programs,” according to Storey. Stallion owners generously donate breedings to their stallions. Every cent of their winnings benefits the NYCHA, and helps ensure the group can continue to cultivate the next generation of cutters.
2024 NYCHA Junior Youth World Finalists ↓
Honoring a true legend, who always led and never followed. We celebrate his greatness , friendship, and remarkable legacy.
CINCH thanks BOB AVILA for the Run of a Lifetime.
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The Test of Time
From trophies to training and more, the work of late artist and cutter Jim Reno lives on to this day
BY JACK MCLAUGHLIN
More than 60 years ago, one of the early issues of Cutting Horse Chatter featured a story on a budding young artist and horse trainer named Jim Reno. In 2008, Reno passed away at the age of 79, but his work has lived on long after his death, and in more ways than one.
Raised in Indiana, Reno grew up with a love of all things equine. He gravitated toward wood carving in his younger years, which eventually led him to sculpting. His favorite subject to carve? Horses.
An accomplished horse trainer in his own right–he won Open NCHA contests in Chicago, Des Moines and Detroit in the 1950s–Reno would later find a way to combine two of his life’s passions: cutting and sculpting.
In 1959, the NCHA commissioned Reno to create an official trophy for NCHA events. Depicting a cutting horse, rider and calf, the trophy and design are still used today for winners of multiple events. The Brahman Breeders International also used his sculpture of a Brahman specimen as their official trophy.
below :
Artist Jim Reno with one of his many horse sculptures
“I'm a horseman. I needed a ranch to raise horses. My art let me have the ranch.”
JIM RENO
In 1973, Penny Tweedy, owner of Secretariat, had Ren create a life-size statue of the Thoroughbred, as it was, at the time, the first horse to win the Triple Crown in a Quarter Century. It still stands today in the Maker’s Mark Secretariat at the Kentucky Horse Park.
A bronze statue he created for the legendary quarter horse Dash For Cash can also still be seen at the headquarters of the American Quarter Horse Association in Amarillo, Texas. Additionally, Anne Marion of 6666s Ranch commissioned a sculpture known as “The Finalist” outside of the NCHA headquarters in 2005.
Reno’s involvement in the NCHA went deeper than sculpting, however. He served as Vice President of the organization in 1975, and President for two separate stints, between 1976-1978 and 1986-1989.
Ultimately, as Reno told The Odessa American for a 1998 article on his work, it was his love that came first and foremost. His sculptures–many of which still remain today–were an extension of this.
“I'm a horseman. I needed a ranch to raise horses. My art let me have the ranch,” Reno said.
TO ALL NCHA MEMBERS ZERO TOLERANCE
The National Cutting Horse Association is increasingly aware of the sensitivity of its members and the general public in assuring that its activities show the utmost respect for the cutting horse as an animal and that any perception of inhumane treatment is avoided. The Executive Committee, upon the recommendation of the Judges’ Rules Committee, other standing committees and many members has instructed the staff that a “zero tolerance” policy must be followed in connection with the enforcement of Rule 35.A.
35.A. Zero Tolerance Policy
Inhumane treatment or excessive training of a horse in any manner is strictly prohibited. Both owner and rider of any horse entered in an NCHA approved or sponsored event, by said entry, consents to the implementation of any action allowed by this Zero Tolerance Policy (Rule 35.A) by either show management or judge. This includes any act which the general public would perceive to constitute inhumane treatment or excessive training of a horse. Any act of inhumane treatment, mistreatment or intent to mistreat a horse will be dealt with in the strongest possible manner as provided for in this Standing Rule. This Zero Tolerance Policy covers acts occurring not only in the show arena, but also those occurring anywhere on the show grounds–the warm-up area, practice pen or any other location.
The “ Zero Tolerance” policy encompasses all of the following acts:
Excessive Training: Excessive Training includes: excessive jerking; cueing; whipping; use of lip wire or similar device; slapping or hitting a horse on the head, or any other part of the body, one time or more than one time, in any manner, either with the rider’s hands, reins or any other object; using a bit in such a way that a horse is caused to bleed from its mouth or face; using any object held in the rider’s hand to hit a horse; or any other act which may cause trauma or injury to a horse.
Inhumane treatment: Inhumane Treatment is the exhibition of a lame or injured horse, or a horse that appears lame or injured, or a horse with any other health abnormality, which could thereby result in the horse’s undue discomfort or distress.
Your cooperation in promoting the welfare of our cutting horse athletes through enforcement of our rules is appreciated and absolutely essential to the ongoing success of the NCHA and its affiliates.
