Behind the Buckle: Russell Dilday

BEHIND THE BUCKLE

A buckle from more than 15 years ago brings a chuckle to NRHA Million Dollar Rider Russell Dilday.

Compiled by Katie Frank Photos by Kate Bradley Byars

National Reined Cow Horse professional Russell Dilday has paid his dues—literally and figuratively. The three-time World’s Greatest Horseman champion has his hands full juggling his training operation, cattle, family and a podcast, “Cowhorse Full Contact,” which he hosts with fellow trainer Chris Dawson. Still, amid all his notable reined cow horse wins, he recalls a specific buckle with admiration.

Back in 2005, Dilday threw for the win in the steer stopping at the Glennville Round-Up Rodeo in Glennville, California. He was riding Miss Plain Plain (Just Plain Kernel x Miss Master Blaster x Master Remedy).

“I’d beat Kyle Lockett and Tanner Watt to win that buckle,” Dilday said. “The only reason I’d beat Kyle was because he missed, but I told him for the rest of our lives I would tell everyone I beat him not that he beat himself.”

As for future goals, the horseman has his sights set on another World’s Greatest Horsman title and would like to make the finals again at the Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. Even with multiple major titles to his name, Dilday stays humble with a great sense of humor.

“When you start in this business, you have to fight for any horse and business you can get,” he said. “Well, now I’m trying to figure out how I knew so much about everything when I was young, because now I can’t remember!”