Q - After a test-run last
COREY CUSHING INTERVIEW
June, the NRCHA has returned with a 3-year contract to hold the DT Horses Western Derby at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Why?
A - Let’s get started by saying that last year as tough as this was
with the pandemic and us being the first major show going into the 2020 season. We had heard rumors about small shows here and there. This was not only our first, but all of the equine industries, first premier event to finally let go and be out into the public since we had all been in lockdown. It was a last-minute decision and as much as we loved Paso Robles, California, they were not going to let us have a horse show. When I spoke to Brian Dygert, he had the dates available. The biggest concern was the heat, but the best thing about Westworld was that if you did get hot you could go ride in the air-conditioned areas that they offer. We were super excited to go there, me especially, but after more people got there and as the week went on, it was nothing but compliments and people saying, this is where the Derby needs to be.
Q - What can spectators expect to see at the event? A - I tell you what, there are so many great horses and so many
great riders out there. Whether it be in the Non-Pro, the Limited, the Intermediate and especially in the Open. These guys are going to come in Full Send mode. This is not just a friendly get together anymore. You are going to see the best Cowboys & Cowgirls compete not only for money, but for prizes. You know, this event is such, that it takes a lot of practice. It takes a lot of training and there is nothing more rewarding in my opinion. When it all comes together and you can put those perfect three runs together at the same time and walk away from it as a Champion, it is so rewarding and so humbling. There are so many ups and downs. What you can expect to see are the greatest horses competing at the highest level and the athletes showing great things as far as what they have to offer. Not only for the horse, but what these riders can do who are on them, and them both working together as a team.
Q - There is interest, in the future, to make the Saturday Night
Finals into a “Showcase Event” in Scottsdale suitable for broadcast and paid admission. What do you think about that concept?
A - It is something that definitely excites me. If we ever get a
point that we need to start charging because there are not enough seats available, I will not only give myself, but the whole board and Association a round of applause. It’s what we want this to be. We want this to be a spectator fun event where not only seeing the great horses, the cowboys & cowgirls, but also the great camaraderie, the people involved, how the Association is run and the pure excitement and enjoyment of being there. It’s a hot ticket!
Q - You are very active with NRCHA politically and were
unanimously re-elected as President of the organization. Why do it?
A - Because this is my life, this is something that I want to do.
Even though I grew up in the Reining, as the years went along and turning more into the Reined Cow Horse events this is truly my passion. I eat, live, sleep and drink COW HORSE, every single day! The ups and downs, good times, bad times, this is what I want 16
to do. For whatever reason the Board felt I was the best to be there in the Presidential spot. I feel like I am doing a good job. The best I possibly can. I have been credited and patted on the back for doing such a great job, but it can only be done when you are surrounded with great people. The committees, the boards, the office staff. So many more than can be mentioned here.
Q -– Winning the World’s Greatest Horseman Title twice is an
incredible accomplishment. How did you handle the pressure?
A - One event at a time. Honestly…..I mean that. It is so important
to get shown so true and good in all four events. But a person has got to remember in going there, that there might be time for touch ups here and there, or to say, let your horse know what is coming next. When the horses get to that point, they usually have a good idea, but maybe a small reminder, maybe warming him up different, maybe just the prep of - hey I have to saddle you and warm you up and we rope a steer, or we are just going down the fence. I might just trot you around? A horse has got to be mentally stable and mentally ready to handle that. Because, with so much time between each event, you won’t have a horse in the end. And we all know the old saying, it all comes down to the fence work……
Q - The World’s Greatest Horseman competition involves four events: herd work, reined work, steer stopping and cow work. What do you look for in a horse able to compete in all of the disciplines?
A - As far as competing in all four events, you look for a horse that is mentally comfortable with doing all four. The runs may not be 100% perfect, but if it’s not far from a couple of little adjustments to make them look really good. You must remember too, that going into that, if you don’t get shown as well as you would have liked to, there is still a couple more events to possibly still make a comeback, but it’s gotta work out right. Just having the complete confidence in your horse and the horses that I look for as it comes time to enter. Something that I expressed earlier, something I can get on and it’s, hey we are going to cut, or we are going down the fence, or we are going to rein, or rope. Whatever the case may be, they just understand it and they are confident in it, and even if they are not 100% perfect, that confidence is going to sell that more than what the freak movement would be.
Q -Who were some of the early influencers in your career? A - Definitely Benny Guitron. Noel Skinner, that’s who I grew up
riding with. He did not do a lot of cow horse back when I lived in Utah. As the years have gone on Don Murphy, Bob Avila and honestly bits and pieces from everyone. There is an endless list of people that I have gotten help from in one discipline to the next. Just good quality camaraderie, good quality people. It may work good on this horse, or this is something you can use later on. The influence in my life are who I listed, plus anyone I have asked advice from. Many of them still help me break it down and continue to help me to this day!
MAY 2021
