NRCHA President’s Letter

FROM THE PRESIDENT

As horse trainers and competitors, we are Making the Snaffle Bit Futurity® Finals often so laser focused on our goal that is always a goal, and that gold buckle that we get locked in. All of us who competed comes with the spotlight victory lap and in the 2022 National Reined Cow Horse having your and your horse’s name join Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, and win, the others on the banners that hang in the lose or draw, we felt stress. Will Rogers Coliseum is the goal of most

One thing I was told at the very beginning reined cow horse competitors, but there is of my career is that there is life after the more after the Futurity. When I reflect on Futurity. It is one of the most exciting times earning more than three million dollars in for us as trainers; it’s our Super Bowl. But this incredible industry, yes, three Futurity whether we have a bad show or a great titles helped me. But the purses given for show, there is a lot more for a horse and for our events today are taking our sport to new us as competitors after that 3-year-old year. heights at all levels: the Snaffle Bit Futurity,

But before we start looking ahead, don’t presented by Metallic Cat, the derbies, and forget to take a breath, especially now Western Bloodstock, BDB Breeders and during the end of the year holidays. This should be a time Hashtags World’s Greatest Horseman. Not to mention we let down, but many of us are already focusing on goals special events like The Run For A Million and the American for next year. Performance Horseman, presented by Teton Ridge.

Our cow horse family is so much a part of our lives. Remembering that if one horse show doesn’t work out They understand the ups, the downs and the perseverance that doesn’t mean none will work out is important for me. needed to be successful. But don’t forget to take time with I’ve had rough shows and wanted to dive back in and alter your family outside the competitive arena. Time spent with my program the very next day. At the end of this year, let loved ones can help you recenter, organize your thoughts the time you put into our lifestyle, the dedication and you and streamline your priorities. At the end of the year, many and your family have to the horse, and the effort you put in of us take time to reflect and the result can change how we stand for itself. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry look at the next year, how we approach training our horses Christmas! After the New Year, we can put our noses back and how we approach this business. on the grindstone for our next premier event.

Maybe this year was a success for you and now the priority is to stay focused and maintain that momentum. If things didn’t go as well as planned, it may be time to alter your program or make a change that sets you on the right course. Before you throw in the towel or make a big change, remember there is a lot more to a reined cow horse’s career than only our Futurity. Corey Cushing

Corey Cushing, NRCHA president