27 minute read
2022 NCHA Eastern Nationals
Open
HORSE: SECRET SMOOTHIE NICKNAME: “SAM” RIDER: TREY WILSON
OWNER: Gerda Williams
A. My first time was in Jackson, Mississippi, back in ‘93. I remember having dinner at the Governor’s Mansion and the big fish fry. I miss the old days, but I enjoy it in West Monroe, Louisiana. It’s iconic for the weekend cutters. Location doesn’t matter; it’s just the show we need to have!
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. Sam is low, quick and strong. I’m not a very big guy myself, and he puts it on me a little bit - he makes you work for it! I haven’t had him for a long time, but we’ve always gotten along. He’s always been there for me.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. It works best if I just put my pants on the same way I do every morning. I don’t try to change anything. I keep the same mentality for every run.
A. The cows were tough, but I thought I did a pretty good job cutting - better than I had all week. The cow I wanted for my third cut wasn’t there, so we cut a re-run. I had a little bit of a bobble at the end, so I was pleased when we marked a 219.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. First, I identify the worst cow in the pen and get that one out of the way. Then, it’s a process of elimination. I’m looking at how they react to other horses. What do they look like when a guy’s driving them? I turn that picture around and focus on it that way.
A. Don’t make any mistakes, and try to get the biggest check. Like any cutting, you’re just trying to do the best you can. If you win, you win. If you don’t, you don’t. I’m just lucky to be there.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. Sam Shepard – I worked for him for 6 or 7 years. It was simple there, and his horses were quiet and calm. My heroes are the guys that make everything about the horse.
A. I want to show Sam as much as we can, and if we get to Will Rogers for the NCHA World Finals, that’d be great.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. Thank you to Gerda Williams, Sam’s owner. She’s been a pretty big fan of ours, and I’m fortunate she lets me show him. It’s good to be around amazing owners like Gerda, and I’ve got a barn full of them. We’ve got a pretty great team. ★
Non-Pro
HORSE: SWEET REYVENGE NICKNAME: “SAMMY” RIDER: LAUREN BUITRON
OWNER: Robert Middleton
A. I think I’ve been showing here since I was about 10. It’s a fun show with the big show feel and weekend camaraderie. It lost a little bit of its sparkle moving to West Monroe, Louisiana, but it was still a blast! I love that it provides a big stage for the weekend cutter.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. There’s a lengthy list of why Sammy is so special to me. He’s given me 110% from the very beginning. We bought him out of Mr. Sam Shepard’s barn, and although some say it’s bad luck to change their name, we decided to rename him after Mr. Sam, who was our biggest fan before he passed away. I genuinely believe Sammy was made for me!
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. It depends on the horse, but we have a set routine with Sammy. He’s a very nervous horse who appreciates routine, and honestly, I do too. In general, though, I just know that’s when I can really let go and have fun, so I keep in mind to enjoy it.
A. The last cow! The first was fun, the second we had a big miss and almost lost it, but the third made up for it! It might be one of my favorite cows of all time. My horse was having fun, and it was hard not to smile!
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. For Sammy, I like to look for something a little more challenging. He seems to enjoy it, but it depends on the horse. I try to take more risks in the finals and cut a spicier cow - one that I can try to win on!
A. Mostly I’m looking for my cows and running through options. If those cows don’t work out, I try and remind myself to keep it simple.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. I have several, but Austin Shepard and Paul Hansma are my heroes for so many different reasons. They are both amazing in the show pen, but they’re also such class acts. I grew up riding with Austin, and I spent most of my summers there.
A. I’m very goal-oriented, so I have many goals. One of them is making the NCHA World Finals in the Non-Pro, but it will depend on how my schedule plays out as a new mom.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. Thank you to my help, who always want to see me do well. There’s no reason for them to go out of their way other than friendship and the simple fact that they want to see me succeed, which means a ton to me. Thank you to my family and my husband for helping with our little girl and their constant support. I have the best circle anyone could ask for. ★
A. We’ve been coming back for the past 12 years. It’s great for our program when everybody can go and show in multiple classes. It’s always been a good show to us, and we will continue to support it.
A. I think when it’s your turn, it’s your turn, you know? My cows hadn’t presented themselves a whole lot during the cutting, but while walking to the herd in the finals, I noticed one of my cows walk up to the top and stand there. It seemed like every time I turned around, my next cow was in a good position, waiting to be cut.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. Just lots of integrity. She’s one of those horses that doesn’t come along very often. We were the last draw in a tough bunch of cows, and even though we didn’t have a lot of options, she did her part. Whenever you find yourself in a sticky situation, she digs in and gets better. You can’t say that about many horses - to put them in that situation and see them prosper. She’s definitely not afraid of a fight.
— Gabe Reynolds
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. It always comes back to just going down there, doing your job, and satisfying the fundamentals. Pushing your horse to the limit a bit more, maybe cutting a tougher cow and being slightly more aggressive, but not reckless. I keep in mind to just do my part and let the chips fall where they will.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. I look for cows that act sensible and want to pay attention to a horse. I also try to identify any cows that won’t work out. I like to look for cattle that act slightly intelligent and aren’t too reactive, especially with a late draw.
$25,000 Novice
HORSE: SWEETT CHAOS NICKNAME: “LILO” RIDER: GABE REYNOLDS
OWNER: Doug Secrest
A. I think about trying to do my job and satisfy all the fundamentals. I think about the cattle we’re going to cut and executing our game plan. Lilo is such a special horse. When things get hard and fast, she steps up to the plate. Even with a couple of big runs on the board, it feels like you’ve still got a fighting chance. Knowing that gives you a lot of confidence walking down there.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. I look up to many different trainers for different reasons, but I like to think I learn from watching all of them as a whole. At times, when I’ve idolized a guy too much, I would adopt their style to my program, and forget that there are things that I do well, too. I’ve learned to do my best and continue watching other good riders show. I don’t think you ever stop learning, that’s for sure.
A. You know, we’ve got a great group of clients and a great string of horses right now, so we’ll try to get to as many shows as possible. Especially with a mare like Lilo - she’s peaking right now and at the top of her game. This is her last year of limited aged events, so we’ll try to capitalize on that.
ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. At the end of the day, it comes down to your help and the people around you. Having people on your team that want to see you do well is huge. You don’t feel like you’re out there alone. You’ve got four other people out there rooting for you, too. Thank you to my help: Bill Pierce, Ben Roberson, Kevin Walden, and Matt Williams! ★
$5,000 Novice
HORSE: HIGH BABY SISTER NICKNAME: “FANCY” RIDER: TRENT HARRISON
OWNER: Kevin and Jessica Housman
A. This wasn’t my first time at Eastern Nationals, but it was my first time to win it! I’ve been in the finals several times there, so the win was pretty special. I come back because it feels big for those that don’t go to aged events. It’s a great show to take your weekend horses!
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. Fancy is a touch quirky handling her and getting her ready, but she’s always been a show horse when you ride to the herd.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. The less I blow it up in my mind and see it as just another run, the better I do. I have to expose myself to get noticed, so I realize that I have to go for it to get that big score.
A. The cattle were pretty tough. The hardest thing was having a big run without a miss.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. I look for something that’s not going to run me over. I like to know my cattle, but I also like to cut on feel. Usually, I try to find a cow that won’t overload my horse or take me out. One of my cows wouldn’t turn away, grinding on Fancy pretty hard, but the more challenging it got, the more she settled in and the more accurate she got.
A. More than anything, I think about slowing down and staying accurate.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. I’d say Billy Chipps and Gary Bellenfant. Billy introduced me to cutting and the right people. He greatly influenced where I’m at today in the industry. I worked for Gary back in the day, and he had a significant impact on my cutting career.
A. I’ll finish the limited aged events with Fancy while I’m still eligible. I won the NCHA Summer Spectacular a couple of years ago in the Limited Open, and it’d be great to go back!
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. My 10-year-old son traveling with us and getting my horses ready was a meaningful memory for me. For us to do this together was awesome. Doing this as a family - that’s what it’s all about! I also want to say thank you to Fancy’s owners, Kevin and Jessica Housman. ★
$25,000 Novice/Non-Pro & $35,000 Non-Pro
HORSE: SUPEREY NICKNAME: “THOR” RIDER: MARK TIMOTHY SIMPSON
OWNER: Mark Timothy Simpson
A. This was my third time showing at Eastern Nationals. We like to say it’s the ‘big show’ for us weekend cutters.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. Thor’s got a big heart for such a little horse. He’s got a lot of try and gives 100% every time. The gelding wants to do his job and hold that cow no matter what.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I don’t do too much mental preparation. At the end of the day, I know if I do my job and let Thor do his, we’ll end up in the mix somewhere.
A. We pushed up out of the herd, cut clean, everything was correct in the middle, and Thor was spot on. I stayed out of his way and let him have the cow.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. While in the herd, I look for something that looks good and wants to shape up. My corner help, Matt Williams and Gabe Reynolds, did a great job picking me some good cows!
A. I want to make three clean cuts down the middle and let Thor do his job. If we do that, we usually do well. I also think about everybody staying safe, including Thor.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. I watch a lot of different trainers and believe you can pick up something from everybody. What amazes me is how much work they put in - sometimes 16-to 18-hour days. The top trainers all have something in common: dedication to their craft and this sport, which I greatly admire.
A. My goals are to show as much as possible while keeping Thor safe and healthy. I’d love to keep showing in the $25,000 Novice/ Non-Pro and see how far we can go.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. I’d like to credit my trainer, Matt Williams, and all my show help: Gabe Reynolds, Bill Pierce and Billy Kidd. I am so grateful for you guys! Thank you to Mike and Libby Bowman for keeping Superey healthy. It’s a team effort. ★
$5,000 Novice/Non-Pro
HORSE: WICKED METAL NICKNAME: “WICKY/WICKED” RIDER: MORGAN MILLER
OWNER: Morgan Miller
A. This was our first year at Eastern Nationals, and we are excited to come back next year! It was a great show.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. There are so many! We trust each other, and it feels like anything is possible with Wicky. I never have to worry knowing he will give it his all every time. His personality, love, and all we have achieved together make him special.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I don’t prepare any different for the finals. Really, it’s just another run. I listen to the same playlist every time, which helps me get into the zone.
A. The run itself was not what made the win so special. It was a sad moment for me after hauling last year and showing in this class for the very last time. I knew it was my “last hoorah,” making things bittersweet and extra special.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. When I watch cows, I look for something that will suit my horse best and give him a chance to stop hard. If it comes down to it and the cows are bad, I look for something that won’t run us over.
A. Without realizing it, I do the same routine every time. I tuck in the back of my shirt and push my hat down. As soon as I start walking down there, I get in the zone.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. Casey Green is my hero. Without him, none of this would be possible. I’ve come such a long way with Casey’s help. He’s spent so much time helping me in the show pen, but even more outside of the show pen. He’s extremely patient and willing, which makes me want to learn even more. Thank you so much for everything, Casey!
A. I don’t have many goals for the rest of this year, although I want to show in more limited aged events. As for Wicked, we will show every month, having fun in a couple of different classes. I’m hoping to haul him next year.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. Easterns was a great show - one of my favorites from this year. I would also like to thank my help in the show pen! ★
$50,000 Amateur
HORSE: REYZURBETSONTHISCAT NICKNAME: “RAYMOND/RAY” RIDER: BARNWELL RAMSEY
OWNER: Barnwell Ramsey
A. I’ve been coming to Easterns for the last five years. Eastern Nationals and its cousin, Western Nationals, are some of the best opportunities for weekend warriors to win significant purses at a low entry cost. It feels like the NCHA Futurity for weekend competitors.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. He’s an Open-caliber horse who handles an Amateur well, even when I make a mistake. Together, we won the Amateur at the 2016 NCHA Futurity. After that, Ray went on to win several Open futurities and continued to tote me. He’s a true show horse. When the light comes on in the show pen, he is ready to get it done.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I try to visualize what I want to accomplish - make good cuts, stay out of the horse’s way, and read the cow. I take a deep breath when I pass my turnback help and let it happen.
A. My herd holders, Gabe Reynolds and Bradey Davis, had fresh cows picked out and located, making it easy to let Ray go out and do his job.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. My main focus is identification; I want to be able to recognize my cow when we get in the pen.
A. I want to make three good cuts in the center of the pen with my horse centered. I have heard, “Making a good cut on a bad cow is better than making a bad cut on a good cow.”
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. My heroes are the everyday cutters who may not have had a lot of success, but keep coming back for the pure joy of the sport.
A. I hope to keep gathering with the extended NCHA family and show my limited aged event horses at the NCHA Super Stakes. I’d also like to show at some of the smaller futurities like the Cotton Stakes and the Southern.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. Craig Thompson and Brian Griffin have tolerated my inadequacies on a cutting horse for many years, and we’ve taken many baby steps to get where we are today. Thank you to Gabe Reynolds, Bradey Davis, Kevin Walden, and Billy Kidd, who deserve the most credit, and to Autumn Rohlk, who helped get Ray ready all week. It’s a blessing to have a family and a wife who supports me. ★
$15,000 Amateur
HORSE: TC WILSON RIDER: JENNIFER BUCHANAN
OWNER: Jennifer Buchanan
A. This was my very first time at Easterns, and it was fantastic! I made four out of five finals. I most definitely plan on coming back again.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. His personality is one in a million, and I can say he’s a real team player. I’m new to cutting, so he helps me out and keeps me in line. He’s just point and go.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I like to stay focused and listen for direction from my trainer and arena help. I’m also very comfortable on TC Wilson, which helps tremendously. I’ve shown in many other disciplines in the past, so I don’t get nervous.
A. TC Wilson felt great - he was so into it. The cattle that my trainer, Gabe Reynolds, picked out were fantastic, too! It all fell together nicely.
— Jennifer Buchanan
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. I look for quiet cows that are okay with being a little independent. I pay attention to feel and find cows that act like they want to be cut.
A. Hold three cows, have fun, and keep it simple!
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. I look up to my trainer, Gabe Reynolds. I like his technique and love how well the horses are treated in the program. They are under excellent care. Many of his horses seem to really enjoy their job, and I admire seeing how far the horses have come along.
A. I’ve only been cutting consistently for one year. Being so new, my goals are to attend as many shows as possible, keep learning, and continue having fun! I’m waiting for Gabe to tell me where we are headed next; I’m up for anything.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. The cutting industry has been welcoming on every level, from the little shows to the more significant ones. I feel connected with an excellent cutting horse team that makes my life much easier. The trainers and arena help have been fantastic and extremely helpful. I feel incredibly blessed. ★
$2,000 Limited Rider
HORSE: TA JENNY DIVER NICKNAME: “JENNY” RIDER: KATE ROBERSON
OWNER: Renee Sullivan
A. This wasn’t my first time. Eastern Nationals has become an annual trip. We like to go every year. It’s a great chance to show the best that I can and have a lot of fun!
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. Jenny has a great personality. Whether I’m on her back or on the ground, we get along so well. She gets a little hyper sometimes, but keeping her calm helps keep me calm, too, so it all works out!
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I always think about what I need to do specifically on my horse. While I’m loping, I’ll tell myself to breathe, stay calm, and that it’s okay if I don’t do well. If something goes wrong, don’t worry about it. There’s always another chance!
A. After the buzzer went off, I walked out of the pen and saw that 220. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was such a special moment for us!
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. I actually don’t watch my cows. My dad and grandpa watch cows for me. While walking to the herd, I listen to their advice and try to put the cows they’ve picked for me in the best possible position to make good cuts.
A. I think about trusting my horse, putting my hand forward, and sitting down. I tell myself to let Jenny do what she knows how to do, and I focus on staying calm through my run.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A.My dad and my grandpa are my heroes in the showpen. They have helped me so much - always putting their complete trust in me. They are never controlling and don’t over-excite me. They believe I know what I’m doing.
A.My goals are to try my best at every show and make each one a fun experience! Hopefully I’ll make it to the NYCHA World Finals at the end of the year.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A.I want to thank Larry & Renee Sullivan for letting me show Jenny! To my family: thank you for always supporting me. Thank you to my help in the show pen, and lastly, I’d like to thank God for helping me do so well throughout the year on such a special horse. ★
Senior Youth
HORSE: HERSHAY KISS NICKNAME: “SIMONE” RIDER: EMMA RAPP
OWNER: Lori Gale
A. No, this wasn’t my first time. I came back this year because I’m hauling, and I love that Eastern Nationals does a lot for the Youth. I also appreciate how the production of the show is put together!
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. What makes Simone unique is how hard she tries every single run. I’ve never shown her when she didn’t try her absolute hardest!
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I guess I don’t really. I try to put little thought into the fact that I’m in the finals, and just think of it as any other run.
A. I had a ton of time on my third cow! After quitting my second cow, I turned around and still had 50 seconds. I put my hand down on my third cow with 35 seconds left, and I couldn’t have asked Simone to be any better. The cow was great, and it all came together!
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. My mom and dad usually watch my cows while I lope my horse, but I try to look for a cow that looks good going back to the herd.
A. I want to make clean cuts, make sure to cut the correct cows, and get up!
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. My brother, Ryan. Not just because he shows really well, but because he gives the best pep talks whenever I’m in a slump. Ryan’s also the first person to tell me what I did wrong, but he’s one of my biggest supporters at the end of the day. I look up to both my parents as well!
A. My goals for the rest of the year are to become a better showman and to have a fun year.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. I want to say thank you to Bobby and Lori Gale for letting me show their horses. I also want to thank my parents for hauling me down the road. ★
Junior Youth
HORSE: HALOS REY NICKNAME: “HOOVER” RIDER: MICA COLLINS
OWNER: Susan Brooks
A. This was our second time coming to Eastern Nationals. We came back because it was such a fun show the first time! I liked that it was held in West Monroe, Louisiana, this year.
Q. WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOUR HORSE STAND OUT?
A. Hoover is goofy, but he’s also very smart and helpful! He knows when we’re headed to a show and loves when everyone starts cheering. The louder the cheers, the better Hoover gets and the harder he tries. He also likes to help put his halter and blankets on, diving into them headfirst. Like all the good ones, he has many little things that make him extra special to me. I like to think he loves his job.
Q. HOW DO YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE FINALS?
A. I just think about how we already made the finals, so let’s go out there and have some fun!
A. When the draw came out and I drew last, I got excited, because I knew what I had to get done. I saw it as a challenge, but I had great help.
Q. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHILE WATCHING COWS?
A. Mostly, I work on identifying them and looking for big markings and colors. I ride with Kathy Daughn, and she’s big on watching cows.
A. I’m just thinking about not messing up my cuts. If I don’t mess up, Hoover is usually really good. I tell myself to stay clean and do my job.
Q. WHO IS YOUR HERO IN THE SHOW PEN?
A. Kathy Daughn has a champion’s mindset, which has greatly impacted me, and I enjoy being around her. She has taught me so much! I also look up to Cara Brewer and Morgan Cromer.
A. My goals for this year are to maintain a spot in the Top 10 Junior Youth world standings, make the finals at the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting, and continue studying the Open riders while working on my showmanship skills.
Q. ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD?
A. I want to thank Susan Brooks for allowing me the opportunity to show a horse like Hoover. Thank you to my help: Bill Pierce, Casey Crouch, Zeke Entz, and my dad, Quinn Collins! ★
