Cutting Horse Chatter – Fall 2024

W estern Calling Card the

THE SIGNIFICANCE & IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING

National Cutting Horse Association 260 Bailey Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-1862 (817) 244-6188; FAX (817) 244-2015 • nchacutting.com ©2023

NCHA STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jay Winborn

MANAGER OF COMMITTEE RELATIONS

Cathy Aleff

DIRECTOR OF JUDGES

Andy Adams

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP

Carley Myers

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Julie Davis

DIRECTOR OF SHOWS

Shianne Megel

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH Rianna Storey

NCHA OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

Mark Senn 2743 Perimeter Pkwy., #370 Augusta, GA 30909 (706) 830-5565

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Barnwell Ramsey 11515 Vanstory Dr., Ste. 110 Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 534-8125

VICE PRESIDENT

Kathleen Moore P.O. Box 220 Madill, OK 73446 (580) 795-6035

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ( TERM ENDS )

REGION 1

Les Jack (2027) P.O. Box 389 Rocanville, SK SOA 3L0 +11 (306) 643-4515

REGION 2

Phil Benadum Jr. (2026) 20232 Reynolds Ave. Dos Palos, CA 93620 (209) 587-0567

REGION 3

Kirby Smith (2026) 3493 W Guenther Rd. Grand Island, NE 68803 (308) 380-0242

REGION 4

John P. Lavelle (2025) 449 E. State St. Athens, OH 45701 (740) 593-3348

REGION 5

Sharon Overstreet (2025) 4855 Joe Overstreet Rd. Kenansville, FL 34739 (407) 908-3201

REGION 6

Tommy Williams (2026) P.O. Box 177 Rosie, AR 72571 (870) 613-1957

REGION 7

Steve Smith (2027) 2010 Country Club Dr. Sweetwater, TX 79556 (325) 725-1264

REGION 8 TBD

AT LARGE

Cara Brewer (2025) 37601 US Hwy. 43 Jay, OK 74346 (815) 985-7917

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Kathy McFarland

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Harrison Albrecht

DESIGNERS

Rachel Hudson

Alison Whitworth

PROJECT MANAGER

Kendall Talbot

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Aaron Chamberlain

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Stephanie Johnson

ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Evelyn Barber

WRITERS

Abigail Boatwright, Kate Bradley Byars, Marianne Dougherty, Anne M. Heinen, Jennifer Horton, Kristin Pitzer, Heather Smith Thomas, Roger Munford

ADVERTISING SALES

SENIOR VP | BROADCAST & CUSTOM PUBLISHING SALES, TEXAS MONTHLY & TEXAS COUNTRY REPORTER

Frank Librio (214) 642-6635 flibrio@texasmonthly.com

NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR | CUSTOM CONTENT & PUBLISHING

Liz Mullis (817) 888-7110 lmullis@texasmonthly.com

Copyright © 2024 National Cutting Horse Association

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

10.6 Acre Horse Facility, SW of Weatherford, Parker County, Texas

A 3-bedroom, 2.1-bath stone home with cedar trim and Austin stone finishes. Built in 2005, the 2,268 sq ft home includes an open concept living area, stained concrete floors, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and a stone fireplace. The property comprises gently sloping terrain with oak trees, transitioning to open pastureland and horse facilities, including a large steel building with a covered arena, horse barn, and equipment storage. Additional features include a gated entrance, upgraded electrical systems, and a small stock pond. Priced at $1,395,000.

93 Acres, Cool, Parker County, Texas

On the south edge of Cool, Texas with extensive FM 113 frontage. Mostly open pastureland and trees concentrated in two areas. Excellent soils for productive grasses and cultivation. The eastern portion has higher elevation with awesome views and building sites. The western portion has lower elevation with very productive soil and large pecan trees. A water well and small metal building for storage. Mineral rights available.

$25,000.00 per acre.

22.47 Acre Horse Facility, Springtown, Texas

Located at 4698 Holbrook Road 4.3 miles west of Springtown, Texas. This horse property features an awesome 135x250 horse barn shell, featuring a 125x120 arena, 20-12x13 stalls, 20x32 ft tack room, Priefert walker, a partially finished 2 story apartment, and a spacious asphalt floor. The land is divided into four pastures with sandy loam. The remodeled 2036 sq ft brick home is a 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath, with office, and an open living area. A steel shop, extensive pipe fence, a roping arena, two water wells, three stock ponds and two entrances.

$2,395,000.00

23 miles west northwest of Weatherford. Scenic level to gently sloping land in pastures with scattered trees and timbered areas for wildlife. An 8-acre stocked lake with excellent fishing and waterfowl hunting. A remodeled custom 5,279 sf, 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, 3 car garage, two story stone home. A large, covered patio with outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and pool.

$5,995,000.00

HUNTLEY RIDING DIRRTY SHIRLEY

PHOTO BY SETH

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT

Wilson Ranch

Clay County, Texas

$966,000

161 acres perfect for livestock, Coastal Bermuda hay production and recreation. Some gentle elevations make for excellent home sites, barn construction or Barndominium. Additionally, this ranch offers excellent hunting for deer, turkey, feral hogs and spring-fed stock tanks provide great bass fishing.

Steve Sikes (817) 366-3757

The Powell Ranch

Comanche County, Texas

3 beds | 2 baths | 1,400 sq ft

$999,999

Powell Ranch has so much to offer— a 131 acre ranch offering rolling landscape, coastal Bermuda hay fields and elevated pastures and mature post oak trees. Stock tanks, well water and Co-op water to the house and good fencing.

Steve Sikes (817) 366-3757

Historic S&S Ranch

Palo Pinto County, Texas

$14,000,000

Beautiful 2,649 acre property in Palo Pinto County includes historic detail, excellent grass forage, land cross fencing, and 1.3 miles of highway frontage. Great for hunting, and has capability of running 130 cattle without overgrazing.

Samuel Demel (817) 899-6899

Ranchers Selling Ranches

We are are an experienced realtor team that knows Texas. We have a passion for the Texas ranch community and a true understanding of what makes each unique property valuable. We’d be honored to help you sell or buy your next Texas Land investment, live-water property or hunting ranch.

A Salute to the Summer

Thank you to all the competitors, trainers, owners, breeders, and fans who came out to support the 2024 Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular.

Your enthusiasm and love for the sport of cutting truly brought the summer show to life. This event wouldn't have been the same without your dedication and passion.

In the spirit of celebration and gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in and supported the NCHA Military Cutting Challenge. This event not only showcased the remarkable skill and dedication of service members but also served as a testament to the strength and camaraderie within our armed forces.

Each competitor displayed incredible prowess, navigating challenges with the precision and discipline characteristic of military training. Behind these remarkable individuals were devoted trainers, ensuring that both service members and their equine partners were fully prepared to demonstrate their skills in the competitive arena.

This occasion was not just a competition; it was a celebration of the values that our military and cutting community holds dear — courage, honor, and commitment. So, to all of the cutting horse community, your participation and support have made this event a memorable tribute to the men and women who serve our country. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and for demonstrating the enduring spirit of our military community.

Congratulations to our NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses World Finalists and NCHA Foundation Scholarship Champions. This has been another successful show within the NYCHA, and continues to grow each year. The passion and friendship each youth member brings is something to be noted within the community.

See you in the fall for the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity!

Jay Winborn NCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

photo by justin clemons

Youth Connection

Officers of the National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) are excited about working together to make NYCHA even stronger.

Hey NYCHA! I am proud to say that I will be serving as your 2024–2025 President! I am 17, and I am from Midway, Texas. When I am not at a horse show (which seems to be rare), you can find me playing softball or participating in all manner of FFA contests.

I have served on the NYCHA officer team for the past five years and have loved every second! I have worked alongside some incredible individuals, including our beloved NYCHA Youth Director, and our dedicated NYCHA Youth Coordinator, Logan Lynch. I am endlessly grateful for the companionship of these people. I have been hauling in the youth class over the past five years, and I can safely say that there is no better place to make lifelong memories than your typical weekend show.

What makes the NYCHA stand out from other organizations is what happens inside the arena. I may be biased, but I would like to think that the youth is one of the toughest classes of the day. When your name is called and you walk to the herd, it’s game time. You go out there trying to have the best run. Then, when you walk out, the special part happens. If you have a good run, all your fellow competitors are telling you how great you did. If your run didn’t go as planned, they are there with “You’ll get ‘em next time!” When it’s time for their 2 ½ minutes, you get to do the same thing they did for you: cheer your heart out.

Although we all show up to win, we’re just as happy to see our friends succeed as we would be for ourselves. This is the NYCHA.

Over my term as President, I hope to focus on these moments. We may all be joined by the love of the horse

above

: Riley Farris, President

and the sport, but what really makes the NYCHA is the feeling of coming home to your family. This next year, the youth team and I will do our best to improve the NYCHA, whether it be through talking to other organizations or even just holding out a welcoming hand to new members.

As author Gretchen Rubin once observed, “The days are long, but the years are short.” This is especially true of our association. Our youth kids are the future of our industry and, so far, it’s looking pretty bright.

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out. Let’s make this next year the best one yet!

Riley Farris PRESIDENT

As competitive athletes, oftentimes we are asked: What’s your favorite part about this sport? What makes you get up every morning and choose to be members of this association? Why do you do what we do? My first thought is the horse. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. The name

says it all: National Cutting Horse Association. We owe them the credit they deserve. Our equine athletes continue to evolve and surprise us every day, but this is true all across the horse industry. So, what sets us apart from the rest? The people.

How many sports can you name where the professional athletes help their competitors perform to their best ability on a regular basis? When we cross that timeline, it’s all business, and we come putting our best foot forward. But at the end of the day, we are a family that wishes the best for each other. As members of NYCHA, we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of an association that embodies leadership, education, and sportsmanship. What starts as a seed leaves this program as a deeply rooted tree with a future full of endless possibilities and a beautiful legacy.

May we keep that in mind as we head into the new year. Broadcasting industry executive Donald H. McGannon once declared, “Leadership is action, not position,” and we owe it to the people around us to foster a nurturing environment. With that being said, I am honored to serve as the 2024–25 Senior Reporter and to be the voice of my people.

As always, if you wish to talk with me or want to get more involved in the NYCHA, don't hesitate to call!

Brea Collier

SENIOR REPORTER

Hello NYCHA members! I'm honored to be serving as your NYCHA Junior Reporter. I am 10 years old, from Mineral Wells, Texas. I am in fifth grade at Peaster Intermediate School. I am new to the show pen but not new to cutting. My dad, Ben Roberson, trains cutting horses and the rest of my family shows, too. My hobbies are riding my horses, and playing softball and volleyball.

If you missed NYCHA Youth Week, it was great! There were a lot of participants in the speech, essay, art, and photo contests. There were some very exciting runs in the show pen and plenty of time to visit with friends. I was extraproud of my sister, Kate Roberson, for being Senior Youth Champion. We finished up Youth Week with a banquet and a fun dance.

I hope I can be a helpful member of the NYCHA officers. I plan to write exciting articles and meet as many friends as I can. See you at the next show!

Acts 2:25: “I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”

Reese Roberson

JUNIOR REPORTER

above :

Reese Roberson, Junior Reporter

above :

Brea Collier, Senior Reporter

Stop

haul safely.

Optimizing Joint Health in Young Performance Horses

Quarter Horses are known for their agility and speed, but keeping their joints healthy is vital, especially for young horses in training. A recent collaborative study, supported by the American Quarter Horse Foundation, involving Animal Science faculty from Tarleton State, Texas A&M AgriLife, and Montana State University, along with equine veterinarians from the Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital and the Texas Tech College of Veterinary Medicine, evaluated the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), a commonly administered intra-articular corticosteroid, on the joint health of young, exercising two-year-old Quarter horses. Studies of IAC injections have been performed in adult horses with naturally occurring and experimentally induced osteoarthritis. However, the onset and resolution of synovial inflammation is influenced by age and the biological mechanisms of IAC use in healthy joints of young horses are less understood. Consequently, there is a critical gap in knowledge surrounding the welfare and biological impacts of IAC in young horses in training. Data collected from the study will effectively contribute to the protection of competition integrity, by reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury, and will answer key questions regarding enhanced performance longevity for young horses to improve the health and welfare of the American Quarter Horse.

In addition to the advancement of the field, undergraduate students at Tarleton State University gained significant benefits by assisting with large-scale equine research projects and getting introduced to a laboratory setting. These students not only apply classroom theories to real-world scenarios but also develop practical skills in equine science and research methodologies. Working on large, externally supported projects provides hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and problem-solving, essential for a career in the field. Additionally, exposure to laboratory environments equips them with technical skills and a deeper understanding of scientific processes. This experience can enhance their resumes, make them more competitive for graduate programs or job opportunities, and foster a greater appreciation for the complexities of equine science.

COLLABORATIVE GROUP

Dr. Jessica Leatherwood, Tarleton State University, Department of Animal Science

Dr. Carolyn Arnold, DVM, PhD, DACVS, Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Amanda Bradbery, Montana State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences

Dr. Sapna Chitlapilly Dass, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Department of Animal Science

Dr. Kati Glass, DVM, DACVS-LA, Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital, Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Ms. Brittany Paris, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Department of Animal Science

Dr. Jessica Leatherwood

ENHANCING GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

TARLETON STATE EQUINE SCIENCE PROGRAM

Embracing Opportunity

By Marianne Dougherty

Marcus Spencer knew he had a calling from the time he was a teenager. “I’ve always loved the idea of being on a horse around cattle,” said Spencer, who entered his first cutting competition in Oxford, Florida, when he was 14. A year later he started riding two-year-old horses for a veterinarian who gave him a Quarter Horse named “Luke.”

“He was the first horse I ever taught to work a cow.”

Spencer took lessons on an older mare owned by trainer Ted Sokol, who he was working for at the time. "Her barn name was 'Sweetie,' and I took lessons on her for about six months," he said. “She was definitely a been-there-done-that kind of horse.”

Spencer got serious about training when he had a conversation with his father before he graduated from high school. “I was not real big on school, and he told me that if I wasn’t going to pursue anything academically that I needed to find a trade,” he said. “I absolutely loved horses, and while I was pretty new at cutting, I thought maybe I could pursue that as a career. Honestly, there were a lot of times when I thought I’d made a mistake, but it has all worked out pretty well.”

So, what drew him to cutting in the first place?

“For me, it was the fact that horses can think on their own,” said Spencer, who worked with Cullen Chartier Cutting Horses in Milsap, Texas, for four years before opening his own training operation, Marcus Spencer Cutting Horses, two years ago. His specialty is training two-year-old horses, which can be challenging. “You’re starting with a wild animal. They don’t know anything. Don’t understand the saddle, don’t understand the bridle, and they don’t respond to basic commands,” he said. “They’re very green.”

ABOUT MARCUS SPENCER

HIS HEART HORSE

The horse he felt most connected to was an older gelding named Shortys Playgun (Playgun x Shortys Girl), whom he rode for the first time when he was 16. The horse was skittish, but once they bonded, “Hollywood” gave Spencer “his whole heart.”

MENTORS MATTER

Cullin Chartier, his former employer, and Ted Sokol, the trainer from Florida who got him started, are just two of his many heroes.

LATEST HOBBY

Last summer, Spencer went jet skiing at Possum Kingdom Lake about two hours out of Dallas. He’d heard people talk about how much they loved the sport for years and decided to buy a pair of jet-skis and see what all the fuss was about. He loves it.

photo by seth petit

Marcus Spencer aboard Poker Night in the show pen.

The upside for the trainer is watching the process unfold. The first step, he said, is to make friends with any horse he trains. “Obviously, they need to respect me because they’re large animals, but mostly I try to gain their trust, and that could go on for weeks. Then I’ll spend between 60 to 90 days just riding a horse around, teaching them left and right and how to move off my feet,” explained Spencer, who allows that some horses progress faster than others, depending on their mental maturity and how well they handle pressure.

“I start each horse on the flag first and introduce them to a live cow only after I’ve got them to where I can ride them around, stop and back up, open and close gates, stuff like that,” he said. On occasion, he’s had a horse who was afraid of the flag and started bucking or running away from it, but that’s been the exception.

“My goal as a trainer is to make sure every horse I work with is given an opportunity to start in a competition and have a good chance of being successful.”

MARCUS SPENCER

When he was 11 years old, Spencer’s father bought him a yearling, a stallion whose registered name was Just Gotta Be Cool. “I don’t remember what his barn name was,” he said, “but he taught me a lot about what I didn’t know.” He remembers falling off the horse head-first and landing on a concrete slab when he was 13. “He wasn’t really broke, so I got hurt pretty bad. The most important thing I learned that day was that I needed a horse I could control. Just because you can ride them doesn’t mean they’re broke or trained. I know how to tell the difference now.”

Spencer competes in the Open, Limited Open, and Intermediate Open cutting classes. Lately he’s had a lot of success on a horse named Mistify (Metallic Cat x Ms Dualin Colonel x Dual Pep). “I didn’t do so well when I competed with ‘Maverick’ in the 2022 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity in the Open,” Spencer said, “but the following year, when he was a four-year-old, I placed Reserve Champion in the Four-Year-Old Limited Open at the 2023 NCHA Super Stakes.”

Currently, Spencer owns two turnback horses and a yearling filly. “I will start riding her when she's two,” he explained. “Then I plan to put her up for sale in the Western Bloodstock Two-Year-Old Sale.”

As a trainer, Spencer’s goal is to make sure that every horse he works with is given an opportunity to start in a competition and have a good chance of being successful. To compete on a cutting horse that he trained himself is just icing on the cake. “To compete and possibly win on a horse after working day-in and day-out with them from early morning to late at night is truly gratifying.”

above :

Marcus Spencer pilots Mistify.

photo by seth petit

Bitten by the Cutting Bug

Meet some of the NCHA members who have recently been awarded their beautiful Achievement Buckle.

By Roger Munford

The National Cutting Horse Association awards members a medallion Achievement Buckle after earning their first $1,000 at NCHA-approved weekend classes. This beautiful buckle is crafted by Gist Silversmiths of Placerville, California.

One for the bucket list

Kenneth Poe, age 56, recently overcame a tough battle with cancer and decided it was high time to start working on his bucket list. From the top of that list, he bought an 11-year-old cutting horse named Swoop That Rey two years ago and has been competing ever since. And he loves it.

“It's a lot of work preparing for it, and you can't always control the outcome because you're cutting cows,” he said, “but the camaraderie with everybody that you're working with and training with and competing against is the best. Everybody has a positive attitude, and we're all rooting for each other, and I think in the world we live in, that’s important.”

Living in Ulmer, South Carolina, Poe competes in shows put on by the NCHA Sunshine Circuit, the Wateree Cutting Horse Association, the Carolina Cutting Horse Association, and the Augusta Cutting Horse Futurity. Earning his NCHA Achievement Buckle was something on his five-year plan but things moved a little faster than he expected.

“I have to say I got pretty lucky,” he said. “I won a couple of divisions I competed in, and I was really close to earning it my first year. But then, after two more competitions in my second year, I hit it.”

Poe, a general superintendent for a large construction company, is now thinking about buying a young horse and working with his trainer, Billy Wier, and the “RealCow” training system to get to a point where he can compete in the NCHA Futurity Championship in Fort Worth in an aged event.

“My inspiration is my wife, Laura, who’s with me at every show. She never fusses about anything, she’s always right there,” Poe said. “She’s a tough one to beat.”

Cutting is cool

“I got started because my sister, Landry, used to cut in high school,” said Arina Haugen, age 15, from Sturgis, South Dakota. “I thought it was pretty cool. I’ve been cutting for about a year now.”

Her favorite subjects at school are history and science, and she enjoys playing basketball. But she admits that she spends most of her time up at the barn with her horses.

“I have two horses,” she said. “There’s Dualin Lights — his barn name is “Jeff” — and I’ve ridden him for about four months now. My other horse is named “Pink,” and I’ve ridden her all year.”

Haugen competes in the Upper Midwest Circuit and earned her NCHA Achievement Buckle from wins in the $2,000 Limited in shows held in Rapid City.

photo by sandra lines photography

above from top :

Kenneth Poe showing Swoop That Rey. Arina Haugen works Dualin Lights.

photo by chuck miner

“The buckle shows that I've put in enough work that I can now show in bigger places,” Haugen said. “I want to qualify for the nationals all four years of high school. I like that there is so much opportunity and that I don't know most of it, so there's a lot to learn. My parents have really helped, and my trainer, Kenny Ingalls, too.”

In June, Haugen competed in the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals, winning the barrel racing competition, and finished third in breakaway roping.

From dirt bikes to cutting

“I’d been in professional dirt-bike racing for about 10 years, and I was pretty good — fastest around, but I was looking for something a little safer,” said Codey Scott Dunn, age 19, from Sandy, Oregon. “I always wanted to ride horses and cutting just drew my attention because of the adrenaline rush you get from working a cow.”

Dunn got started about two years ago and has been competing since September 2023, when he started working with his horse, Johnny Water, competing in local NCHA circuit events.

“I love the atmosphere, the people in the cutting community, and the technical side of it,” he said. “Especially the dedication it takes to be good.”

When he’s not cutting, Dunn works on his parent’s ranch as a manager. He credits his family for their support, as well as the entire Morgan Cromer cutting horse team.

“The NCHA Achievement Buckle meant a lot to me,” Dunn said. “My next goal is to show up at the NCHA Futurity Championship, and I'd like to win over $100,000 one day.”

The passion for cutting

“I became interested in cutting when I was at a Buck Brannaman cow-working clinic back in the early nineties,” said Debbie Bird, age 71, from Bozeman, Montana. “I watched my first cutting horse work a cow, and I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to do that one day.’ In 2012, I retired from the National Park Service, but it wasn’t until the fall of 2017 that I bought my first cutting horse, Reys War Badger.”

Bird competes in the NCHA’s Big Sky Circuit on the horse she’s ridden for the past four years, Bet On The Babe.

“I love the physical interaction you have between the horse, the cow, and the rider,” she said. “It’s much more difficult than it looks. And it’s just a lot of fun.”

Despite her horse recovering from injuries and Bird herself having a hip replacement, she took her cutting seriously and started to win.

“Like I said, I’m not very good,” she said, modestly. “When I earned the NCHA Achievement Buckle, I was in Texas at a

cutting in Whitesboro. I was shocked but also very grateful to the NCHA for having an award like that. I don't win things very often, and that meant a lot to me.”

Bird credits her husband, Paul Slinde, and her trainer, David Stewart, with being her main inspirations and supporters. Her goal for the future is to get a little bit better every time she goes into the showpen and to be a better partner with her horse. What keeps her going, she said, is the cutting community itself.

“I never participated in competitive sports before cutting, so I didn’t know what to expect,” Bird said. “I’ve found my fellow competitors to be friendly, helpful, and supportive. We all commiserate together. We all congratulate each other. This is a passion of mine.”

We’re having a blast!

“In 1993, I was a roper and team penner, and I had the opportunity to buy a really nice horse, Cals Kinky, in my price range,” said Doug Moretto, age 60, from Gilroy, California. “I was riding her, and there was a cow in front

photos from top :

Codey Scott Dunn pilots Johnny Water in the show pen. Debbie Bird aboard Bet On The Babe.

photo by scootem n shootem

Achievement Buckle Earners

FROM MARCH 2, 2024 TO MAY 17, 2024

Amanda Bishop

Andrea Ellis

Anna Anderson

Arina Haugen

Becky Daniel

Bella Hadid

Boone Carter

Brian Johnson

Bridget Hulslander

Caleb Tree

Camille Abbott

Carl Lambert

Carl Rodney Vaughn

Carly Zaharia

of us, and she started dancing. My buddy came up and told me she was a cutter. He sent me to a local NCHA pro trainer. I had a couple of lessons, and I was hooked.”

Moretto retired from being a law enforcement and firefighting command officer in 2017. He’d been cutting until 2005, but the pressure of his commitment to serving his community was too much to do both.

“I started back up with cutting in 2022 by getting involved with the NCHA again. By early 2023, I was back showing in weekend and limited aged events with Blu Katz and a little three-year-old mare named Suen Too Be A Lady,” he said.

Moretto most often competes in the NCHA Redwood Circuit, but he loves to travel for weekends with friends and family so he can also enjoy the NCHA’s Aurora Circuit in Canada and the NCHA Pioneer Circuit in the northwest.

“When I’m riding my show horse, Blu Katz, we’re just connected, and there’s nothing going to stop us,” he said. “The look on her face, the feel that I get from her back, we ride in there with the utmost confidence, and the scores go where they go, and the money comes when it comes. All I know is we have a blast and we try to really make the cutting horse heritage proud.”

Moretto credits cutting trainer Tim Johnson and his team with helping and guiding him as he plans his future cutting goals.

“I really want to get in the big cutting pen in Fort Worth for the NCHA Futurity,” he said. “I’d like to protect and nourish cutting horse breeding. And I want to make sure our youth is really jazzed, so they get bitten by the cutting bug, too.

Carol D Zea

Carolie Elizabeth Rozell

Carolyn Quan

Christina Friederich

Codey Scott Dunn

Colette Beasley Vaughn

Deborah Bird

Douglas Moretto

Dusty R Stewart

Eastin Goodpasture

Ella Armstrong

Ella Kate Chamness

Erika Thomas

Hannah Allison

Heather Dawn Rintoul

Jakup Tyler Bender

Jamie Morrison

Jodi Richard

Karen Barton

Karleigh Theriot

Katelyn Bookman

Kenneth L Poe

Kevin Smith

Kim Hooper

Kutter Pounds

Kylee Gibson

Lachelle Defoor

Laeysa Whitear

Lee Poncelet

Leslyn M Wallace

Lindsay Whitted

Madison Kay Tyler

Martina Malinova

Mesnier Gaelle

Morgan Jessup

Neal Bowlen

Paris Bailey

Payton E Frizzelle

Porter Hulme

Quinn Beveridge

Roger K Williams

Sharon R Stigall

Tate Holmes

Vince Montes Iv

Wendy Cornwell

Doug Moretto and Blue Katz at the Idaho Cutting Horse Association 2024 spring show.

photo by scootem n shootem

Smooth As A Cat’s impact on the industry started early on, and continues today.

These performers represent Smooth As A Cat’s bloodline. They are either sired by Smooth As A Cat, out of one of his daughters, or sired by one of his sons. 2023 NCHA FUTURITY

8Semi-Finalists, including 5 in the Open

These 4 major shows alone, represent earnings of 1,205,943.39 from Smooth As A Cat’s bloodline.

PHOTO BY MEGAN PARKS

That’s how long we’ve been building boots. And we don’t just at tach our name to some boots made by someone else. We pour our hearts into building them, from th e ground up, in our own family-owned factories, filled with talented craftsmen whose skills have been passed down through generations.

THE

RIOS OF MERCEDES FAMILY OF BRANDS

THE OFFICIAL BOOTS OF THE

Time to Make all Your Plans!

NCHA Futurity 2-Year-Old Sale

2-Year-Olds on Cattle Nominated to 2025 NCHA Futurity

NCHA Futurity Cutting Horse Sale

Trained Cutting Horses & 3-Year-Olds

The Evening Session Yearlings, Broodmares & B reeding Stallions

Preferred Breeders Sale

Weanlings, Yearlings, Broodmares & B reeding Stallions

Rocking P Ranch Production Sale

Sales will be Webcast with Online Bidding Available

nd - 7 th

Will Rogers Equestrian Center, Fort Worth, Texas

Early Consignments Include —

AFROMANN 2023 sorrel stallion (Sannman x Scooters Stylish Oak, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $132,333. Dam PE $633,415.

ALL FAITH 2023 bay mare (Badboonarising x Sassi Talk, by Smooth Talkin Style). Dam’s siblings earned $1,428,599.

APRIL METALLIQUE 2023 bay mare (Metallic Cat x Shesa Lil Moonlight, by Smart Little Lena). Dam LTE $33,572. Dam PE $23,221.

ASCENDORE 2023 dun stallion (Badboonarising x Reyzin Magic, by Reyzin The Cash). Dam’s siblings earned $261,973.

ATTACKYABADBOON 2023 bay stallion (Badboonarising x The Catattac, by High Brow Cat). Dam PE $651,087. Dam’s siblings earned $432,756.

BADASACAT 2023 blue roan stallion (Badboonarising x Lady Metallic, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $110,165.

BAYBAY RUTH 2023 sorrel mare (Dont Stopp Believin x Baby Genius, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $26,979. Dam’s siblings earned $1,962,274.

BIKINI WEATHER 2022 sorrel mare (Rey Dual x Scooters Stylish Oak, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $132,333. Dam PE $633,415.

BLACK SATTIN CATTIN 2001 black mare (Cattin x Playboys Ote Mae, by Playboys Remedy). CS - Stevie Rey Von ‘25. LTE $6,459.

BLACKK MAMBA 2023 bay roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Blackish, by Hottish). Dam LTE $372,501. Dam PE $5,712.

BLU COLLAR 2023 bay stallion (Once In A Blu Boon x Hot Cyndi, by Hottish). Dam’s siblings earned $123,993.

CLIMATE CHANGE 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Hott Blooded, by Hottish). 2nd dam LTE $46,322.

CONFETTI 2022 chestnut mare (High Brow CD x Piggyboonsmal, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam LTE $36,887. Dam’s siblings earned $1,013,349.

COUNTIN ON DIXIE 2022 sorrel mare (Im Countin Checks x Desires Dixie Cat, by High Brow Cat). Dam PE $27,094. Dam’s siblings earned $1,894,903.

DIGGIN STEVIE 2023 bay mare (Stevie Rey Von x CR Tuff Diggin Cat, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $39,969. Dam’s siblings earned $580,483.

DONNA PAULSEN 2023 red roan mare (Dual Rey x Cats Peptolena, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $138,462. Dam PE $456,191.

DRAPPED IN GUCCI 2023 red roan mare (Cool N Hot x Cats Peptolena, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $138,462. Dam PE $456,191.

DREAM GIRL TALK 2023 bay mare (Smooth Talkin Style x Tazs Dreamgirl, by Pepto Taz). Dam LTE $105,274. Dam PE $43,020.

DRUNK ONA BOAT 2023 sorrel stallion (High Brow CD x Piggyboonsmal, by Peptoboonsmal).

Dam LTE $36,887. Dam’s siblings earned $1,013,349.

DRUNK ONA BOAT AGAIN 2023 sorrel stallion (High Brow CD x Piggyboonsmal, by Peptoboonsmal).

Dam LTE $36,887. Dam’s siblings earned $1,013,349.

DUALIN CATOLINA 2005 sorrel mare (High Brow Cat x DPS Lenas Lucinda, by Dual Pep). CS - Reyzin

The Cash ‘25. LTE $20,825. PE $177,681. Siblings earned $372,709.

DULCE RISING STARR 2023 sorrel mare (Badboonarising x Dulces Belle Starr, by Dulces Smart Lena).

Dam LTE $20,896.

ECHO CAT 2023 sorrel stallion (High Brow Cat x Scoot A Lil Closer, by Smart Lil Scoot). Dam LTE $67,150. Dam PE $443,512. Dam’s siblings earned $1,359,216.

EIGHTEEN 83 2023 sorrel stallion (Stevie Rey Von x RPL Ich This, by Cat Ichi). Dam LTE $134,983. Dam PE $91,636. Dam’s siblings earned $558,532.

FIN AND TONIC 2023 sorrel mare (High Brow CD x Scooters Stylish Oak, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $132,333. Dam PE $633,415. FINS 2022 sorrel stallion (High Brow CD x Scooters Stylish Oak, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $132,333. Dam PE $633,415.

FORGETFUL 2023 sorrel stallion (Stylin Cat x Hows Your Memorey, by High Brow CD). Dam LTE $87,087. Dam PE $14,819. Dam’s siblings earned $255,280.

FOUR POCKETS FULL 2023 bay mare (Catolena Cashin In x Rose E, by Thomas E Hughes). Dam LTE $75,559.

HASH ME OUTSIDE 2022 black mare (Hashtags x SDP Kitty Star Cat, by Grays Starlight). Dam PE $387,111.

HIGH STAKES ROLLN 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Post Card From Paris, by Light N Lena). Dam LTE $87,304. Dam PE $116,856. Dam’s siblings earned $441,387.

HOT MOM 2023 sorrel mare (Hottish x Cat Mom Do, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $199,423. Dam PE $347,326. Dam’s siblings earned $1,255,118.

HOTT 2023 bay stallion (Hottish x Stylin Playgirl, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $203,277. Dam PE $641,360.

ICE N CHAINS 2023 red roan stallion (Catolena Cashin In x Melting Snow, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $102,106. Dam PE $9,612.

IS ONCE OVER 2023 bay stallion (Once In A Blu Boon x Sabidoreya, by Reyzin The Cash). Dam LTE $22,588. Dam’s siblings earned $573,208.

ITS REYININ CASH 2022 sorrel stallion (Reyzin The Cash x TGI Party Time, by One Time Pepto). Dam’s siblings earned $240,374.

ITZA VIBE 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Cherry Chex Cat, by Cats Merada). Dam LTE $54,296. Dam PE $34,560. Dam’s siblings earned $464,000.

JUST COOL DOWN 2022 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Donas Suen Boon, by Boon Too Suen). Dam LTE $425,911. Dam PE $168,458.

KIMBO SLYCE 2023 bay stallion (Spots Hot x Oak Essence, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $2,384. Dam’s siblings earned $483,409. 2nd Dam LTE $316,251.

LITTLE STYLISH CAT 2023 sorrel mare (WR This Cats Smart x Little Stylish Rey, by Dual Rey). Dam is money earner and producer of money earner.

LOWWW COUNTRY 2022 sorrel stallion (Rey Dual x Scooters Stylish Oak, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $132,333. Dam PE $633,415.

MERRILYN MONROE 2022 sorrel mare (Cat Ichi x Merry Smooth, by Smooth As A Cat). Dam LTE $14,712. Dam’s siblings earned $102,871.

METAL N STYLE 2023 red roan stallion (Metallic Cat x Stylin Playgirl, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $203,277. Dam PE $641,360.

NAPSY 2023 sorrel mare (Badboonarising x Catnaps, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $79,920. Dam PE $607,026.

NAUTI COWGIRL 2023 red roan mare (Metallic Rebel x Boonitaish, by The Boon). Dam’s siblings earned $2,187,898.

NINE MILL 2023 sorrel stallion (Dont Stopp Believin x Play Purr View RG, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $84,797. Dam’s siblings earned $971,458.

ONE FO THE MONEY 2023 sorrel mare (Reyzin The Cash x Mare E Hughes, by Thomas E Hughes). Dam LTE $66,628. Dam PE $23,500.

PCC INSTANT MAGIC 2023 sorrel stallion (Dual Reyish x Reeds Instant Magic, by Abrakadabracre). Dam LTE $80,958. Dam PE $101,067.

PENDING 2023 red roan mare (Stevie Rey Von x Catscratch Sister, by WR This Cats Smart). Dam LTE $171,792. Dam PE $5,977.

PENDING 2023 sorrel stallion (Smooth As A Cat x Reyhannon, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $96,438. Dam PE $7,589. Dam’s siblings earned $225,765.

PENDING 2023 red roan stallion (One Time Pepto x Jae Bars Fancy Cat, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $80,978. Dam PE $580,338.

PIGGLY WIGGLY 2022 sorrel mare (High Brow CD x Piggyboonsmal, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam LTE $36,887. Dam’s siblings earned $1,013,349.

PLL DUAL STAR 2023 sorrel mare (Dual Reyish x Sweet N Starlight, by Smooth As A Cat). Dam LTE $50,315. Dam’s siblings earned $1,337,467.

PRF BOO REYISH 2023 sorrel stallion (Dual Reyish x PRF Sweet Like Boo, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $31,207. Dam’s siblings earned $299,403.

PRF SMART BOO REY 2023 sorrel stallion (Dual Smart Rey x PRF Sweet Like Boo, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $31,207. Dam’s siblings earned $299,403.

REBEL TUFF 2023 red roan stallion (Metallic Rebel x Fadie Lou, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $73,812. Dam’s siblings earned $648,445. RED FLAGG 2023 sorrel mare (Woody Be Tuff x Seca Rey Lena, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $45,742. Dam PE $277,633.

RISE N PURR 2023 sorrel mare (Badboonarising x Purrin Again, by TR Dual Rey). Dam PE $149,730. Dam’s siblings earned $160,173.

ROLLZ AT NOON 2022 red roan mare (Rollz Royce x Smart Noontime, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam LTE $10,230. Dam producer of money earner. Dam’s siblings earned $182,972.

ROYALLY ROAN PEPTO 2022 red roan stallion (Peptoboonsmal x Long Red Curls, by Smart Little Lena). Dam PE $14,670. Dam’s siblings earned $161,056.

SHEZ BADBADBAD 2023 red roan mare (Badboonarising x Sheza Dualin CD, by High Brow CD). Dam LTE $44,331. Dam’s siblings earned $214,812.

SMOKE STAK 2023 brown stallion (NRR Cat King Cole x SFR Magic Doll, by Abrakadabracre). Dam LTE $51,908. Dam PE $116,816.

SO FLIPPIN HOT 2023 chestnut mare (Stevie Rey Von x Flippin Hottie, by Hottish). Dam LTE $20,042.

STINGRAYY 2022 sorrel stallion (High Brow CD x Scooters Stylish Oak, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $132,333. Dam PE $633,415.

STYLIN HOTTISH 2023 sorrel stallion (Hottish x Stylin Playgirl, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $203,277. Dam PE $641,360.

STYLIN LIKE STEVIE 2023 blue roan mare (Stevie Rey Von x Stylin Playgirl, by Docs Stylish Oak). Dam LTE $203,277. Dam PE $641,360.

TAGGIN A SOLDIER 2023 bay stallion (Hashtags x Smart Alice Louise, by Rockin W). Dam LTE $47,717. Dam PE $61,767. Dam’s siblings earned $649,337.

THE PROFESSER 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x RPL Ich This, by Cat Ichi). Dam LTE $134,983. Dam PE $91,636. Dam’s siblings earned $558,532.

TUFF METALLIC 2023 bay stallion (Metallic Cat x CR Tuff Diggin Cat, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $39,969. Dam’s siblings earned $580,483.

YOU DONT OWN ME 2023 sorrel mare (Sannman x Hows Your Memorey, by High Brow CD). Dam LTE $87,087. Dam PE $14,819. Dam’s siblings earned $255,280.

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales

J

oin In! October 18 th & 19 th

Will Rogers Equestrian Center • Fort Worth, Texas

Early Consignments Include

A REBELS LEGACY 2019 chestnut mare (Metallic Rebel x One Time Legacy, by One Time Pepto). CS -Smooth Talkin Style ‘25. LTE $4,180. Dam LTE $25,218. Dam’s siblings earned $396,773.

BOONS SHINEY NU CAT 2023 red roan stallion (WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Nu And Blu, by Once In A Blu Boon). Dam money earner. Dam’s siblings earned $412,286.

BORDERLINE OBSESSED 2023 black stallion (Badboonarising x Metallic Quintan 014, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $17,411. Dam’s siblings earned $818,336.

CALL ME TUFFF 2023 red roan stallion (Call Me Mitch x CR Double Tuff, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $14,745. Dam’s siblings earned $81,159.

CAUSEOFCONVERSATION 2023

bay mare (Smooth Talkin Style x E Laine, by Thomas E Hughes). Dam LTE $60,316. Dam PE $4,046.

2023 H igh Sellers!

CSR TATUMS MVP 2023 red roan stallion (Metallics MVP x Bitten, by Boonlight Dancer). Dam’s siblings earned $239,525. 2nd dam LTE $86,194.

DAISY JANE 2023 sorrel mare (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes, by Dual Smart Rey). Dam LTE $96,453. Dam PE $1,188,698.

FIDDLE FOR ME DEAR 2023 red roan stallion (Fiddle And Steel x Time To Shine Dear, by One Time Pepto). Dam’s siblings earned $175,225

GRAND KINGDOM 2023 palomino stallion (One Time Royalty x Lighten Up Missy, by CD Lights). Dam LTE $3,647. Dam’s full siblings earned $316,769.

GREYISH 2023 gray mare (Dual Reyish x TR Miss Graygun, by Playgun). Dam LTE $41,815. Dam PE $2,580.

Black Magic Woman $180,000 Highly Hazardous $150,000

HELLO REBYL 2023 red roan mare (Metallic Rebel x Hello Kitty Hawk, by War Bird Dog). Dam LTE $12,559.

HERSHEL DUAL REYISH 2023 sorrel stallion (Dual Reyish x Cats Best Bet, by Bet On Me 498). Dam LTE $1,408. Dam’s siblings earned $354,078.

HISSTORICOLE 2023 chestnut stallion (NRR Cat King Cole x Hisstereya, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $133,311. Dam PE $268,181. Dam’s siblings earned $1,525,093. HOT BLONDE 2023 sorrel mare (One Time Pepto x Hot Shiney Lights, by CD Lights). Dam LTE $26,536. Dam’s siblings earned $104,025.

INDIAN POW WOW 2023 sorrel stallion (Cool N Hot x Cats Peptolena, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $138,462. Dam PE $458,539.

IR VON JOVI 2023 red roan stallion (Stevie Rey Von x LK Travelin Time, by One Time Pepto). Dam’s siblings earned $240,275.

KATZMEIFYOUCAN 2023 sorrel mare (Metallics MVP x Katzup, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $15,520. Dam PE $14,816. Dam’s siblings earned $847,510.

KR SHE B A TALKER 2023 sorrel mare (Smooth Talkin Style x She Be Metallic, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $86,028. Dam’s siblings earned $121,249.

LAST SEASON PRADA 2023 red roan mare (Hashtags x ARC Cat Her Please, by Chic Please). Dam LTE $127,467. Dam PE $143,734.

LET THE BEAT DROP 2023 red roan stallion (Stevie Rey Von x One Time At Bandcamp, by One Time Pepto). Dam LTE $92,448. LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Carly Rey, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $21,053. Dam’s siblings earned $204,350.

LIL TEXAS ROYALTY 2022 bay mare (One Time Royalty x Misters Peppy Girl, by Mister Dual Pep). Dam LTE $4,404. Dam PE $6,279. Dam’s siblings earned $89,539.

LU SEA LU 2012 sorrel mare (Smart Mate x Miss Sea Rey, by Dual Rey). 2025 Rebreed - Countin Hot Checks. LTE $21,279. PE $105,895. Siblings earned $414,755.

MISS TALKIN REYCINE 2018 sorrel mare (Smooth Talkin Style x Miss Reycine, by Dual Rey).

CS - Third Edge ‘25. Dam LTE $119,894. Dam PE $695,511.

MISTEVIOUS 2023 red roan mare (Stevie Rey Von x Hot Shiney Lights, by CD Lights). Dam LTE $26,536. Dam’s siblings earned $104,025.

MONEY REBEL 2019 red roan mare (Metallic Rebel x Money Talks Smart, by Smart Mate). CS -Smooth Talkin Style ‘25. Siblings earned $807,891.

ONE TIME DONA 2009 chestnut mare (One Time Pepto x Donas Cool Cat, by High Brow Cat). CS -Hashtags ‘25. LTE $10,000. Producer of money earner. Siblings earned $1,679,410.

ONE TUFF TWISTER 2023 sorrel stallion (Woody Be Tuff x Twist One Time, by One Time Pepto). Dam LTE $6,450. Dam PE $9,895. Dam’s siblings earned $665,090.

RBR RUMOR HAS IT 2022 palomino mare (One Shiney Metallic x CR Tuff Handle Lena, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam PE $3,229.

RED REDINGTON 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Oh Stylish Lizzy, by Lizzys Gotta Player). Dam LTE $45,706. Dam PE $68,151.

REYZIN CASH ON BELLA 2023 chestnut mare (Reyzin The Cash x Bela Sera, by One Time Pepto). Dam LTE $58,673. Dam PE $27,225. Dam’s siblings earned $652,732.

ales will be Webcast with

REYZIN THE STARS 2022 sorrel mare (Reyzin The Cash x Stars Freckled Girl, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $66,885. Dam PE $2,297.

SANNREYA 2022 red roan mare (Sannman x DMAC Dr Hip, by Hickorys Indian Pep). 2nd Dam PE $12,015.

SHADOW DANCER 2023 sorrel mare (Badboonarising x Shadowcat Hickory, by Cats Merada). Dam LTE $5,833. Dam’s siblings earned $13,914.

2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales

ARC Cat

Her Please

Lte $127,467

Pe $143,734

Her Yearling Filly by Hashtags Sells!

SHES BAD N ALL 2023 black mare (Badboonarising x The Last All Star, by Smooth As A Cat). Dam’s siblings earned $16,959.

SHINEY MY BAY 2010 bay mare (Shining Spark x Quixote Lena Peppy, by Paddys Irish Whiskey). ET - Metallic Rebel ‘25. PE $2,302. Siblings earned $452,057.

SHINEY NU LOOKER 2023 sorrel mare (WR This Cats Smart x Annies One Time, by One Time Pepto). Dam LTE $73,800. Dam’s siblings earned $339,775.

SJR COMMANDER MIST 2023 sorrel stallion (SJR Diamond Mist x Shiners Little Oak, by Shining Spark). Dam LTE $6,692. Dam PE $474,369.

SJR MISTS STYLISHREY 2022 bay stallion (SJR Diamond Mist x SJR Stylish Reyata, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $3,764. Dam PE $2,592. Dam’s siblings earned $132,702.

SJR XQUISITLY MIST 2023 bay mare (SJR Diamond Mist x Xquizit Cat, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $13,435. Dam PE $485,272.

SKIP TO MY LU 2023 sorrel stallion (The Animal x Lu Sea Lu, by Smart Mate). Dam LTE $21,279. Dam PE $105,895. Dam’s siblings earned $414,755.

SKOOTOVER 2023 sorrel mare (Scooter Kat x CR Double Tuff, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $14,745. Dam’s siblings earned $81,159.

SOUND OF MADNESS 2023 bay stallion (Hashtags x Smashing Reys, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $31,339. Dam’s siblings earned $157,319.

Dual Smart Kitty

Lte $317,758; Pe $495,700 NCHA Futurity Open CHAMPION

Yearling ½ brother by Cool N Hot Sells!

SPARKLET 2022 sorrel mare (Woody Be Tuff x Sparking Metallic, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $58,160. Dam’s siblings earned $500,321.

STARTED WITHA WHISPA 2023 bay mare (Hashtags x CR Tuff Digs Lucinda, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $70,315. Dam PE $72,743. Dam’s siblings earned $620,452.

STEEL THE COOL CAT 2023 red roan mare (Fiddle And Steel x Cool Lil Sister, by Dual Rey). Dam is a money earner. Dam producer of money earner. Dam’s siblings earned $343,655.

STEREYO TYPE 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Flat Baroque, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam LTE $91,905. Dam PE $47,664. Dam’s siblings earned $542,302.

STRESSIN METAL 2023 blue roan stallion (Fiddle And Steel x Reys Stressin Melody, by Reys Dual Badger). Dam LTE $45,860. Dam PE $11,275. Dam’s siblings earned $182,738.

STRESSIN METALLIC 2023 sorrel mare (Metallics MVP x Reys Stressin Melody, by Reys Dual Badger). Dam LTE $45,860. Dam PE $11,275. Dam’s siblings earned $182,738.

SUPER PSYCHEDELIC 2022 chestnut mare (Stevie Rey Von x Supercalafrajalistic, by Abrakadabracre). Dam LTE $68,510. Dam PE $59,166.

TAGGINCATZ 2023 red roan stallion (Hashtags x Cats Vida Moon, by High Brow Cat). Dam money earner.

THE QUEENS ENGLISH 2023 sorrel mare (Smooth Talkin Style x Mia Metallic Queen, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $11,373.

THIS CATS DESIREYBLE 2023 sorrel mare (Smooth As A Cat x Desires Rey, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $33,969. Dam PE $412,672. Dam’s siblings earned $1,860,934.

THIS ONE TIME 2009 chestnut stallion (One Time Pepto x Katie Starlight, by Grays Starlight). LTE $162,469. Sire of earners of $101,891. Siblings earned $369,405.

TIME TO BE WOODY 2023 sorrel stallion (Woody Be Tuff x Annies One Time, by One Time Pepto). Dam LTE $73,800. Dam’s siblings earned $339,775.

TIME TO FIDDLE 2023 red roan stallion (Fiddle And Steel x Annies Time To Shine, by One Time Pepto). Dam’s siblings earned $413,575.

TUFF CRACKIN CHIC 2023 sorrel mare (Woody Be Tuff x Smart Kwackin Boon, by Peptoboonsmal). Dam LTE $2,763. Dam’s siblings earned $832,900.

TUFF LIKE STEVIE 2023 sorrel stallion (Stevie Rey Von x Woodys Tuff Stuff, by Woody Be Tuff). Dam LTE $28,976. Dam’s siblings earned $334,423.

TUFF TO REYPLACE 2023 sorrel mare (Woody Be Tuff x Reyplacement, by Dual Rey). Dam LTE $8,616.

VON CAJUN 2023 sorrel stallion (Stevie Rey Von x Jennys Cajun Belle, by CD Lights). Dam LTE $1,921. Dam’s siblings earned $201,084.

WHIZ CAT 2022 bay stallion (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Carrera Cat, by Metallic Cat). Dam LTE $2,067. Dam PE $30,022. Dam’s siblings earned $102,209.

Lte $265,548 Watch for the Complete San Juan Ranch Offering! H ome of CD Diamond & SJR Diamond Mist NRCHA Open Futurity CHAMPIONS !

* Top Placing CD Diamond OR SJR Diamond Mist foals thru 2028 NRCHA Ft. Worth Futurity Finals receive $25,000 Open

$10,000 Non-Pro

SJR XQUISITLY MIST 2023 bay mare (SJR Diamond Mist x Xquizit Cat, by High Brow Cat). Dam LTE $13,435. Dam PE $485,272.

SJR COMMANDER MIST 2023 sorrel stallion (SJR Diamond Mist x Shiners Little Oak, by Shining Spark). Dam LTE $6,692. Dam PE $474,369.

Friday, October 18 th Watt Arena - 9:00 a.m. Performance Horse Sale & Select 2-Year-Old Sale Selling on Cattle Saturday, October 19 th Watt Arena - 9:00 a.m.

Select Yearling & Broodmare Sale Session II

by

Adan Bañuelos, a 4CYTE™ sponsored rider, aboard Storyteler.

photo

seth petit

4 C Y T E ™

JOINT CARE A REVOLUTION IN

Many competitors in every horse sport category use 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte Horse, the joint supplement said to maintain healthy cartilage development and scientifically proven to enhance joint health and function in horses.

By Anne McCready Heinen

For its 2023 entry to the United States, the 26-year-old Australian-based company began with the cutting horse. Today, the NCHA sponsor is finding growing use among top cutting riders and trainers as well as veterinarians.

“You only have to watch cutting horses to understand why supporting their joints is absolutely critical,” said Shai Jordan, the General Manager for 4CYTE™ and its parent company Interpath Global.

“Unlike any other equine sport, the physics of how the cutting horse moves its body is just incredible. You don’t have to be an expert to see the demand on their joints and appreciate the need to support them in their sport.”

The young age of starting cutting horses adds to the need for joint care, he noted. “There’s a cascading effect. We want to start with these horses where we’re maintaining their joint function despite the demands placed on them. These horses are phenomenal investments that really put their bodies through some serious work.”

Facing a beloved dog’s decline in mobility, 4CYTE™ founders Dan and Corina Bright threw themselves into finding solutions to support joint health and function. “They wanted to address not just the symptoms, but the underlying issues that are causing the problem,” Jordan said. “There are a number of things we pride ourselves on but one of the biggest is our considerable knowledge on joint health and what affects function and mobility.”

Later extended to other animals, the original offering called Sasha’s Blend is derived from New Zealand green-lipped mussel, abalone, and marine cartilage. It quickly became approved and registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority. Based in Ballarat, Australia, 4CYTE™ recently opened a manufacturing facility in Dallas to best support its U.S. growth that will extend to other equine sports, including

clockwise from top left :

Dan and Corina Bright with “Sasha”, their special dog who started them on the journey.

4CYTE™ is effective in other animals like dogs and cats

4CYTE™ spokesperson Spud Sheehan and The Shootist in the show pen.

photo by seth petit

photo courtesy of interpath

“Unlike any other equine sport, the physics of how the cutting horse moves its body is just incredible. You don’t have to be an expert to see the demand on their joints and appreciate the need to support them in their sport.”

SHAI JORDAN, 4CYTE™ GENERAL MANAGER

hunter-jumper and dressage, as well as dogs and cats. (Its products can be found on the company website, 4cyte.global.)

More recently, Interpath Global research uncovered a plant seed oil from a specific species of conifer trees that it developed into its current leading product, Epiitalis®. “Historically, parts of this particular species has been used in Eastern medicine for many health issues,” Jordan said. “We’re excited to see how Epiitalis® can help support our equine athletes cope with the demands of their work and not to forget our companion animals as well.”

Spud Sheehan Performance Horses in Weatherford, Texas, became an early U.S. adopter of Epiitalis®. “I knew the history because a lot of my (cutting horse) friends in Australia use it,” Sheehan said. When the company asked him to try it one of his more seasoned horses, Sheehan thought it was worth a try.

“We had a turnback horse who was struggling a bit with the work,” Sheehan said. After receiving Epiitalis® for two weeks, “he was working again and it’s given him a new lease on life.” Sheehan now gives the supplement to all the horses in his barn.

Interpath Global points to the published research and studies that back the efficacy of their products for horses, dogs, and cats. “We’re very proud that all of the studies have been product specific,

and most companies can’t say that,” Jordan said, noting that others rely on studies of ingredients that they then include in their products. Instead, 4CYTE™ products are actually used in the tests and research. “The beautiful part is that they all have the same outcomes,” Jordan said, in terms of showing a high level of effectiveness.

These peer-reviewed and published studies were conducted by renowned veterinary researchers, including Professor Wayne McIIwraith, at institutions such as Colorado State University, as well as other well renowned research centers, including Guelph University in Canada, and Melbourne University in Australia.

4CYTE™’s entry to the U.S. comes as more people are becoming aware of the importance of joint health. “There’s a lot of messages out there in terms of nutrition, but there’s still a lot of work to do in terms of promoting the critical importance of ensuring good joint health and function in equine athletes,” Jordan said.

“When I’ve visited feed stores, saddleries, and even some vets’ offices in the U.S. to have a look at what’s out there currently, joint supplements are seen as a bit of a

side issue that’s thrown in with nutrition,” he added. “People need to understand that just throwing glucosamine into the nutrition is an outdated solution. There are more revolutionary, evidence-based and modern approaches that are available right now.”

In Australia, 4CYTE™ continues to build on its strengths addressing joint health for animals. An Epiitalis® solution for people was recently peer-reviewed and published, showing once again successful outcomes, mirroring all of the animal studies. But for now, in the U.S., Jordan and his 4CYTE™ colleagues are gratified by the results American cutting horse trainers and riders are seeing with Epiitalis®.

“They’re seeing the results, and I love those moments,” Jordan said. “We get letters, emails, photos, hugs at the shows — it’s a love story.”

Supports normal joint health and function

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OPEN RIDER Hall of Fame Winners

The National Cutting Horse Association recently name six cutters to the 2023 NCHA Open Rider Hall of Fame.

BY JENNIFER HORTON

OPEN RIDER HALL OF FAME CRITERIA

Recipients must meet one of the following criteria:

Win any two:

• N CHA Futurity, Super Stakes, Derby or World Championship

Win any three:

• S uper Stakes Classic, 5/6-Year-Old Classic/ Challenge, or Reserve World Champion

Win one in category 1, plus two in category 2

Ride horses ranking in the NCHA Top Five Open Cutting horses five times. A rider must win 90 percent of the qualifying money to receive credit.

Have in excess of $1 million NCHA

Lifetime Earnings

DULUTH, MINNESOTA

J.P. Bell

J.P. Bell started showing as a Non-Pro before making the move to professional ranks. His earnings have reached $1,136,351. Bell has successfully promoted the sport in his local area, which he believes is a testament to the sport itself. While he has favorites from his early days, Bell said stallions Apollo Creed and Eight Mile top this era. Bell appreciates support from his family, customers, and friends.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

Al Dunning

A successful trainer in several disciplines with many accolades, cutting has Al Dunning’s heart. The homebred orphan foal, More Oats Please, was his family horse. They celebrated when Dunning passed the million dollar earnings mark but his calculations included old and unofficial earnings not counted by NCHA, so he kept showing and was able to celebrate a second time. His lifetime earnings are now $1,052,985. Dunning thanks his wife, family, and friends.

Walt Erwin

Walt Erwin began training reining horses in Tennessee. He stepped on a cutter for the first time and was hooked. When Bubba Matlock moved back to Texas, he left Erwin a show string and customers. Winning the Eastern Nationals on a gelding he owned (Playful Highbrow CD) was a highlight for Erwin. With a lifetime earnings record of $1,159,937, Erwin thanks his wife, all his customers, Sam and Austin Shepard, Bill Riddle, and Matlock.

ORLAND, CALIFORNIA

Shad Platt

Shad Platt was ranching and cowboying when he rode a couple colts he was training down the road to the ranch where Joe Baxter worked. Baxter encouraged him to show them at a futurity in Fallon, Nevada, and that got Platt started. Early on, Platt had a good two-year-old business, which led him to show in aged events. With $1,070,704 LTE, Platt said many people were good to him along the way.

SULPHUR, OKLAHOMA

Gaylon Wells

Gaylon Wells began cutting in his mid-thirties. He never considered the Hall of Fame attainable because his program has been about his people and not himself. With $1,086,649 lifetime earnings, Wells is proud he did it among a very elite group of cutters. He thanks his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first. His wife, Sunny, has been great support, and Shannon Lamb gave him the opportunity to purchase really good horses.

HEMET, CALIFORNIA

Eric Wisehart

Colorado native Eric Wisehart was starting colts when Rick Galles hired him and moved him west, before Wisehart had ever shown a horse. The Hall of Fame had long been a goal for Wisehart. He’s grateful for every horse sent his way because they each taught him something. Now, with $1,115,788 LTE, Wisehart thanks his wife, Kendall, and all his customers who have been with him the whole journey.

NON-PRO RIDER Hall of Fame Winners

The National Cutting Horse Association recently name seven cutters to the 2023 NCHA Non-Pro Rider Hall of Fame.

BY JENNIFER HORTON

“The competing is fun, of course, and it’s great to win but the people you get to do it with, day in and day out, are really what makes it worth it.”

DAVID BOOTH

NON-PROFESSIONAL HALL OF FAME CRITERIA

Recipients must meet one of the following criteria:

Win any two:

• N CHA Futurity, Super Stakes or Derby Non-Pro or World Championship Non-Pro

Win any three:

• S uper Stakes Classic, 5/6-Year-Old Classic Challenge or Reserve World Champion

Win one in category 1, plus two in category 2

Have Lifetime Earnings of $500K, including all Non-Pro money earned in any Non-Pro class (limited age or weekend combined) and any Open money won to achieve those total Lifetime Earnings. This will exclude all Amateur money

Have in excess of $150K in Non-Pro Championship weekend earnings, excluding Novice/Non-Pro classes

Have combined earnings from category 4 and category 5 in excess of $500K

SURPRISE, ARIZONA

David Booth

David Booth credits his parents, Roger and Liz, for getting him started and “feeding the addiction.” With $575,982 LTE, Booth said the WOW Cutting Series was a big factor in those dollars. Booth named a few special horses: Headacre, Crossing Red River, Spectacular Playboy, and Hott Sauce. Several people helped him in his journey: Mike Wood, Monty Buntin, Steve Kovacs, Chip Cardon, Jason Haefner, his stepmom, Kathleen Burr, and his husband, John, who now shares the cutting life with him.

IDALOU, TEXAS

Stuart Bozeman

Stuart Bozeman grew up ranching, so it was only natural that cutting was part of his life. Checkers Live Oak has been a gift that keeps on giving. A successful show horse, the mare is producing his next generation. Bozeman appreciates Mackie Hursh and Grant Setnicka for their good advice early in his journey (“to keep that mare!”). He thanks his parents and several trainers for helping him, including Chris Johnsrud, Clay Johnson, Boyd Rice, Lloyd Cox, and Don Murphy. His earnings now exceed $593,827.

WEATHERFORD, TEXAS

Traci Burgess

Traci Burgess won the Non-Pro World Championship and made the Non-Professional Hall of Fame last year, so she went to Disney World. In fact, she punched two tickets to the Hall of Fame, hitting both the $500,000 lifetime earnings and $150,000 Non-Pro weekend money achievements. It was a magical year for the woman who didn’t know what a cutting horse was until she met her husband, Jon. It was his encouragement that lit the fire for her to reach the Hall of Fame.

Burgess calls Littlemak ($322,107 LTE) her “heart” horse. La Femme Nikita was her favorite. Jon trained the mare from the start, and she spent 20 years with the family. With lifetime earnings of $525,570, Burgess’ next goal is to show at the NCHA World Championship Futurity. Burgess loves the big family atmosphere of the cutting industry and enjoys showing for the fun of it. She thanks her husband, family, and their customers for their support.

Rickie Cox

It wasn’t planned, but when Rickie Cox learned she was within $10,000, the Hall of Fame seemed within reach. Her first ride on a cutter hooked her, and $259,312 later, she’s still obsessed. The mare Lynx Time started her on the road. Cox raised and sold One Rockin Pepto as a yearling, but fate brought the quirky gelding home ten years later, and he took her to the Hall of Fame. Cox thanks her son and trainer, Kyle, for helping her.

SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS

Katie Fonsen Young

Katie Fonsen Young grew up riding. She showed her first cutter at age 11 and now has earnings of $528,168. Three horses — Smart Smokette, For Instance, and Hott Shots — were particularly impactful. Showing West Coast aged events, the Hall of Fame was not on her radar, but reaching goals with Hott Shots put her there. Cutting is a family affair, and she appreciates her parents, husband, and daughter, along with the cutting community she considers extended family.

Caitlin Rice

Caitlin Rice grew up cutting in Idaho. The Hall of Fame was a long-term goal, but she didn’t track her progress. Her husband, Scotty, told her when she passed the mark. She’s now over $629,704 LTE. Smart Like King was her first true show horse. She named Metallika as her favorite. Rice thanks her parents and husband for always supporting her, the Rice family for all they do, as well as friends Jessy and Cooper Vandiver.

Bobbie Williamson

Bobbie Williamson began showing with her husband, Joe Howard. When knee-replacement surgery sidelined him, she stepped on his gelding, Hott Dawg. They’ve won the Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio stock shows. The Hall of Fame came as a total surprise. She now has $230,760 LTE. Her 2022 World Finals remains a special memory.

Williamson thanks her husband for letting her ride his horses. She credits the horses she said taught her more than she taught them.

POTTER VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS

WEATHERFORD, TEXAS

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NOMINATE NOW

Nominate your offspring to be eligible for the NEW Nominator purse. Don’t wait — visit nrcha.co/cow-horse-incentive to submit your nomination by November 15, 2024, for a one-time fee of $275 for horses foaled in 2019 through 2024.

View subscribed stallions and nominated offspring online at NRCHA.com

HORSE Hall of Fame Winners

Seven cutting horses have been named to The National Cutting Horse Association 2023 Horse Hall of Fame.

Horses qualify by earning $150,000 in NCHA Open Championship contests, or by winning a combination of the following select shows:

Futurity

Super Stakes (4-Year-Old)

Derby (4-Year-Old)

Super Stakes Classics (5/6-Year-Old)

Summer Spectacular Classic/Challenge (5/6-Year-Old)

NCHA Open World Champion

PEDIGREE Once In A Blu Boon x Show Biz Kitty x High Brow Cat OWNED BY Teton Ridge SHOWN BY Adan Banuelos BRED BY Royce Stallcup

LIFETIME EARNINGS

$569,026.41

photo by anna krause photography

2017 SORREL STALLION

PEDIGREE

Reyzin The Cash x Dual Catolena x High Brow Cat

OWNED BY Joel Colgrove, Sr.

SHOWN BY Tarin Rice

BRED BY Joel Colgrove

LIFETIME EARNINGS

$436,150.28

2016 SORREL STALLION Countin Hot Checks

PEDIGREE

Hottish x Cat Countin Checks x Im Countin Checks

OWNED BY Jamie Hill

SHOWN BY Jaime Snider, Jamie Hill

BRED BY Jamie Hill

SHOWS WON

• 2022 Summer Spectacular 5/6 Open Champion

• 2023 Open World Champion

photo by s sylvester photography

photo by faith skinner photography

2018 SORREL STALLION

PEDIGREE

Hottish x Snow Me The Rey x Metallic Cat

OWNED BY Jim Good

SHOWN BY Adan Bañuelos

BRED BY Terri Brown

LIFETIME EARNINGS

$430,956.78

PEDIGREE

Hottish x Show Biz Kitty x High Brow Cat

OWNED BY Billy Wolf

SHOWN BY Austin Shepard

BRED BY Royce Stallcup

photo by take the reins photography

photo by performance horse central

2014 SORREL GELDING

PEDIGREE

Smooth As A Cat x Rey N Style x Dual Smart Rey

OWNED BY Ten/27 Ranch

SHOWN BY Todd and Elizabeth Quirk, Adan Bañuelos

BRED BY Eddie Young

LIFETIME EARNINGS

$433,056.85

2012 SORREL GELDING

Ripping Ichi

PEDIGREE Cat Ichi x Kodoboomba x Kodo

OWNED BY E.J. Huntley

SHOWN BY E.J. and Christina Huntley, Michael Cooper

BRED BY EE Ranches Inc.

LIFETIME EARNINGS

$401,344.27

photo by ncha

photo by s sylvester photography

BAMACAT

(High Brow Cat - MH San Tules Dually, by San Tule Freckles)

BET HESA CAT

(High Brow Cat - Bet Yer Blue Boons, by Freckles Playboy)

Proven Performer and sire! LTE $352,857: NCHA World Champion Stallion, NCHA Open Futurity Champion Stallion NCHA World Champion Sire. Average Earnings per performer 8-times his fee!

FEE: $2,000 +chute fee

LTE $272,151: NCHA Open World Champion

Sire of more than $9 Million

A NCHA & NRCHA Leading Sire since 2016

A QData Leading Cutting, Reined Cow Horse and Roping Sire since 2021!

FEE: $4,500 +chute fee

BOON TOO SUEN

(Peptoboonsmal - Meradas Little Sue, by Freckles Merada)

LTE $263,009: NCHA World Champion Stallion; AQHA & NCHA World Champion Sire

An NCHA Leading Sire since 2018 with performers earning more than $6 Million Perfect outcross for HIGH BROW CAT mares!

FEE: $3,000 +chute fee

$500 Early Booking & Outcross Consideration

METALLIC ROYAL MATE

(Metallic Cat - Royal Red Rinpoche, by Smart Mate)

LTE: $224,132: 24-time Champion and/or Reserve Champion including NCHA Int. Open Classic/Challenge Reserve Champion, NCHA Int. Amateur Classic/Challenge Reserve Champion.

FEE: $1,800 +chute fee

ROCKIN W

(Dual Rey - Boon San Kitty, by High Brow Cat)

LTE $329,722: NCHA Open Futurity Champion.

Sire of AQHA World Champion and NCHA Super Stakes Int. Open Classic Co-Champion ROCKIN KW (LTE $216,686).

FEE: $1,500 +chute fee

Transported Cooled Semen • Semen Freezing & Storage • Artificial Insemination

Mare

DESIRE REY

(Dual Rey - Playguns Desire, by Playgun)

LTE $57,232: 6th NRCHA Open Futurity, 3rd Southwest RCHA Kalpowar Open Futurity and Circle Y Open Derby. From the family of NCHA Open World Champion STARDUST DESIRE, the dam of two foals, both NCHA World Champions.

FEE: $1,000 +chute fee

FEE: $2,500 +chute fee STATE-OF-THE-ART REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES

QUAHADI

(Bet Hesa Cat - Ginnin Attraction, by Tanquery Gin)

LTE $174,593: AQHA Res. World Champion

Working Cow Horse. A 25-Time Champion and/or Reserve Champion, 3-time Finalist in both the World’s Greatest Horseman and The Run For A Million. First foals are 4-Year-Olds in 2025.

FEE: $2,000 +chute fee

METALLIC REY MINK

(Metallic Cat - Dual Rey Mink, by Dual Rey)

LTE $205,224: NCHA Open Futurity Champion. This young stallion’s first foals will start to show in 2025 as they will be 3-Year-Olds!

Dandy Cat • Desire Rey • Doc Seas Whiskey • Fiddle And Steel • Finals Bound Jesses Topaz • Kit Kat Sugar • Kreyzy Horse • Livin Four A Fling • Metallic Rey Mink

Metallic Royal Mate • Mr Playinstylish

Peptos Stylin Time • Quahadi • Rockin W • Saddling At Sunrise

Very Especial Cat • Walla Walla Starbuck

Frozen Semen Only: Cattalou • Coronel Del Rancho

Playin Stylish Seven From Heaven • Sixes Blue Powder • Sixes Pick

**ICSI Only: Paddys Irish Whiskey • Playgun • Royal Fletch • Tanquery Gin • The Boon• WR This Cats Smart Please visit www.6666ranch.com for details on each stallion’s incentives and eligibilities.

2023 NCHA Rookies of the Year

The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to the highest money-earning Amateur for NCHA-approved weekend shows, and for the point year in the Unlimited Amateur and/or $50,000 Amateur and/or $15,000 Amateur.

BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

2023 WEEKEND NCHA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Colt Wolf

Colt Wolf, of Whitesboro, Texas, turned 25 this July. When he received a letter informing him that he had won the 2023 Weekend NCHA Rookie of the Year title along with a buckle, he was excited, as he didn't have as much time to show as he had hoped. He and his father, Billy Wolf, have a custom haying business and haying season came early. “We are one of the largest hay suppliers in north Texas,” Wolf said.

“When I was in high school, I showed show pigs with Don Ham. Don was showing High Brow CD and my dad said if he ever found another horse like that, we wanted it. Dual Reyish was our first cutting horse,” Wolf said.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Wolf has had the opportunity to ride some truly exceptional horses. “I got to ride Wood She B Magic at the Super Stakes. I also got to ride her at the Ike and that was incredible. We marked 222 and won — and it was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done in my life!”

Another significant mare in Wolf’s riding career has been Broken Haloes. “She took good care of me and gave me her all. We only showed for six months last year, and were blessed with 2023 Rookie of the Year,” Wolf said.

It was Austin Shepard’s idea for Wolf to ride Broken Haloes, he said. “She was retired as a broodmare and we got her back in shape and I started showing her again.”

Regarding his goal for the future, Wolf feels it would be great to win the NCHA McAlister Assets Amateur Futurity. “This

next year will be my first showing at the Futurity, so I am excited about that. Winning would be a dream come true for me.”

Wolf says his heroes are Austin Shepard and Bill Riddle. “I started with Bill Riddle and he taught me to ride. We bonded because we both roped. The style and way I rode, he helped me carry it over into cutting,” he said. “Also, I’m a big person and it’s not as easy as for some of the smaller guys. Austin taught me some tips and tricks and how to be ‘small’ on the back of a horse.”

Wolf thanks his dad for his help and support. “Any time I wanted to go show, he was supportive. With a ranch it’s hard to leave — there’s so much we need to be doing — and for six months he let me go every weekend for four days in a row to the shows. I also want to thank Bill Riddle. I would never have been able to accomplish the things I have, without his help — getting Broken Haloes ready and getting me ready,” he said.

When he’s not busy with the ranch, and cutting, Wolf and his girlfriend Hunter Powell raise and train working dogs. “We have about 20 hunting/competition dogs and 20 cow dogs,” he said. “We love training puppies and watching a good dog work.”

Wolf’s plans for the future include continuing with cutting and helping his girlfriend with their canine business.

photo by seth petit

above :

Colt Wolf riding Wood She B Magic, owned by Billy Wolf, at the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes.

2023 LIMITED AGE NCHA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Tanner Rockey

Tanner Rockey, from Tehachapi, California, experienced an unforgettable birthday week as he turned 18 this past year, highlighted by winning the Limited Age NCHA Rookie of the Year award. “We got a phone call from NCHA saying I’d won. I was super excited, and called my trainer, Morgan Cromer, and Tom Shelly, and my family,” Rockey said.

“I hadn’t expected this at all. I had two big goals for 2023: To win NCHA LAE Rookie of the Year and win CHSRA State Champion. I attended the Buntin Smith clinic in January, which started my year off strong. I was able to accomplish both goals!”

Rockey started riding cutting horses in sixth grade with Tom Shelly. “My grandpa John Rockey Sr. got me into it. I’d go to my grandpa’s place every Wednesday to practice. He put me on his good horse, Let Georgie Do It,” said Rockey. “When I started going to shows, I showed ‘Georgie,’ so I was able to ride good horses from the get-go.”

“My grandpa was a big inspiration for me.”

TANNER ROCKEY

A good horse can teach a rider a lot, and Rockey has been fortunate enough to ride several. “The gelding I showed last year, Maid Of Cash, is a very special horse because Miss Bobbie Kay Davis had owned him, and my grandpa was a good friend of hers. This made a connection between me and the horse from the get-go. Let Georgie Do It was one of my grandpa’s all-time favorite horses. I loved showing him.”

The two aged-event horses that Rockey rode last year were Maid Of Cash and a mare named Spookys Favorite Cat. “She’s a really good mare, and I love her. This year I have a 5-year-old named Snap Twice that my Aunt Beth trained,” Rockey said. His goals for the future include hoping to win his grandpa’s award — the John Rockey Amateur Award — and eventually win a NCHA Futurity title. “My grandpa was a big inspiration for me. He wore a purple shirt when he won the NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity, and in my barn, all my horse blankets, halters, etc., are purple, and I wear a pair of purple boots!”

Rockey’s heroes are Lloyd Cox, Tom Shelly, and Morgan Cromer. “I also look up to my Aunt Beth Rockey. They all do a good job of training, and I have learned a lot from all of them — and want to thank them for their help and support,” he said.

When he’s not busy cutting, Tanner works for his dad, and enjoys cooking — using a smoker and a barbeque. “I’m not the best yet, but I love to cook briskets! I also experiment with blacksmithing. I have my own forge and anvil and all the hammers and tools I need. I’ve made some knives and want to try my hand at making bridle bits.”

Rockey also breeds horses with his grandma, Rose Rockey. “We have a two-year-old Reyzin The Cash colt at Morgan’s place. His mom is a full sister to Let Georgie Do It and this spring we had a Countin Hot Checks filly from the same mare,” he said. “I can’t wait to see how these horses turn out!”

photo credit lyndsey lamell

above :

Tanner Rockey and Spookys Favorite Cat in the show pen sporting purple in honor of his grandpa.

NYCHA Hall of Fame

Charles

Russell Bushaw

Growing up in a family deeply involved in cutting, it was only natural for Charles Russell Bushaw to follow in their footsteps. From an early age, the Weatherford, Texas, resident was immersed in the world of cutting, learning from his dad, uncles, and grandparents.

Some of his most memorable moments revolve around loading the trailer on Fridays to spend the entire weekend at shows. These weekends were not just about competition; they were filled with fun, friendship, and adventure.

Key factors in Charles' success have been the exceptional horses he has ridden and his dad's skill in picking the right cows for him to cut.

Among the many horses Charles has shown, two stand out as his favorites: Peptotoodie and LHR Royal Flush. Peptotoodie holds a special place in his heart, especially as the horse is being inducted into the NYCHA Youth Horse Hall of Fame this year. Both horses gave their all, making them unforgettable partners in the arena.

Currently, Charles is balancing college and working at the family ranch with the development and excavation business. He continues to compete in Non-Pro and Amateur-aged events, demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.

Charles credits his success to the support and guidance of his parents and the many mentors who have been constants throughout his youth career. Notable figures such as Tommy Dvorak, Don Pooley, Phil and Mary Ann Rapp, Casey Green, Troy Davis, and Jon Burgess played significant roles in his development as a competitor.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a profound honor for him, as he joins the ranks of many greats in the sport who also began in the NCHA Youth division. Charles feels privileged to be among the inductees, recognizing the rich history and legacy of excellence that precedes him.

Cody Cain

Being the son of a cutting horse trainer, Cody Cain of Chancellor, Alabama, has been at cuttings since he was two months old. Even though he was always at shows, his parents never pushed him to show, and he didn’t begin showing until he was 12. One of his favorite things about showing cutting horses is traveling around with his family, and spending time with all his friends. Cody has also been blessed with several horses who

above :

Charles Russell Bushaw (top); Cody Cain (below).

photo by seth petit

photo by nicole pols photography

have helped him in different ways. When he started showing, he was offered Peponitas Gunner (“Eyes”) who gave him a good foundation and helped him learn the basics of cutting. When he needed to “step up” Cody was offered CD Cats Olena (“Kitty”) who helped him earn his first trip to the World Finals and finish in the top five in the Senior Youth.

After showing Kitty for a few years, making the World Finals twice on her, and winning Reserve Champion in the $35,000 Non-Pro and Reserve Champion in the Senior Youth at Eastern Nationals, he was offered CT Incredible Cat (“Hulk”). Hulk has taken Cody back to the World Finals, was Champion of the $35,000 Non-Pro at Eastern Nationals, and won countless weekend events. Without these three horses, Cody would not be where he is today.

Cody looks forward to becoming a horse trainer, and giving back to the sport that has given him so much. He hopes to be a role model for younger riders. Cutting, he says, is a hard sport and has taught him so much about perseverance and sportsmanship.

Cody would like to thank his parents for everything they have done for him, and anyone who ever offered him their horse to show. He also thanks the trainers who have helped him by turning back or picking cows throughout his years in the Youth. Without them, he wouldn’t be the showman he is today.

Makayla Cowan

From Ardmore, Oklahoma, Makayla Cowan’s passion for cutting started young, and her journey with the sport was fostered by her parents, who are Non-Pro competitors. She began by participating in events like the Breeder’s Invitational kids cutting and the NYCHA Scholarship cutting. Over time, she transitioned from decorating her horses with glitter to becoming a competitive Youth rider, even hauling for the World Finals.

Riding various horses has helped her develop as a skilled rider. In 2016, when she was age 11, Cowan's parents bought her first cutting horse, Brinking Lights, affectionately known as “Macho.” As Cowan improved, Macho rose to the occasion, culminating in their first Senior Youth World Finals appearance in 2019, where they secured the show championship. In 2020, they claimed the 2020 AQHYA L3 cutting championship after the 2020 Youth World Finals together. Cowan often refers to Macho as her "once in a lifetime" horse.

Another significant horse in Cowan's career is Miss Masterson, owned by John Johnson. Initially intended as a fun

catch ride for the scholarship cutting during the Derby, Miss Masterson helped Cowan achieve a Reserve World Championship in the 2023 Senior World Finals. Cowan is deeply grateful to Johnson for entrusting her with Miss Masterson during this time.

Cowan's successful Youth career includes earning 353 Youth points and significant scholarship money. She also served as an Area 8 director for three consecutive years, gaining valuable experience in planning and implementing new ideas.

Currently, Cowan is a junior at Texas A&M University, pursuing a degree in financial planning. Induction into the NYCHA Hall of Fame marks a milestone in Cowan’s cutting career, giving her confidence for future goals. Mentored by her parents and Nate Gribble, she achieved significant success and formed motivating friendships within the NYCHA.

Brinley Lippincott

Brinley Lippincott from Cypress, Texas, found her passion for cutting through Brea Collier’s grandfather, who introduced her to Mark Mills' cutting camp. Transitioning from six years of riding hunter jumpers, Brinley sold her pony and breeches to fully embrace the world of cutting. Her journey has been filled with unforgettable memories, particularly the “Cuttin’ with Shynia” Memorial Cutting in Nebraska, which always included adventurous stops along the way.

Among her cherished experiences are flying in Jason Reed’s plane, white-water rafting in Colorado, and the camaraderie

above :

Makayla Cowan

photo by emily coffeen

of pizza parties, dances, and costume cuttings. She fondly credits her horses, Desires Rolex and Lotta Skeet, and Chaser Crouch’s mare, GS Zans Cat, which she was honored to show. A pinnacle moment was winning the World Championship last year, marking a triumphant end to her Youth career.

As an officer and president of the NYCHA for four years, Brinley honed leadership skills, learned public speaking, and organized events, gaining invaluable experience in securing donations and conducting meetings. She is currently pursuing an Agriculture Economics degree at Texas Tech, with plans to join Corrie and Debbie Rousey in real estate in Weatherford, while continuing her cutting career.

Brinley's success is rooted in the unwavering support of her parents, grandparents, and the Crouch family, who have driven countless miles, cheered, fixed trailers, and celebrated every milestone. The mentorship of Lucchese Johnson, Elizabeth Quirk, Shannon Lamb, and Corrie Rousey has inspired her with their positivity and grit.

Brinley encourages young riders to never give up on their dreams, emphasizing the importance of hard work, resilience, and good sportsmanship. With a deep appreciation for the cutting community, Brinley aspires to serve on a committee to enhance the NCHA community and remains dedicated to promoting the sport and creating lasting memories and friendships.

Gavin Mesalam

Gavin Mesalam hails from Versailles, Kentucky, but currently calls Millsap, Texas, home. His journey into the world of cutting began at the tender age of eight, surrounded by a family deeply immersed in the sport. With his father and sister as guiding forces, Gavin fully embraced the sport at age 13.

One of Gavin's standout moments in his cutting career was the costume-cutting event at Eastern Nationals, etching a cherished memory. But it was his victories that truly solidified his prowess in the arena. Winning the $15,000 Amateur at Eastern Nationals in 2020 marked a significant milestone, followed by clinching the $35,000 Non-Pro title in 2021 at the same event. Another feather in his cap was his triumph in the Senior Youth category at Congress 2021.

Throughout his journey, Gavin has been blessed to ride some remarkable horses. From A Cat Named Sue (a NYCHA Hall of Fame horse), to Stylish Import, Crystal Blue Boon, Take it Eazee, and Dualcious, each steed has not only propelled Gavin to competitiveness but also imparted valuable lessons

in horsemanship and care. Dualcious ("Andy") holds a special place. Andy's versatility, quirks, and unwavering commitment made him Gavin's ultimate arena partner. Now retired after a stellar career, Andy's well-deserved rest brings Gavin immense joy.

Currently honing his skills at Cullen Chartier's, Gavin aspires to become a prominent trainer and showman in the future. Driven by a competitive spirit, Gavin finds inspiration in the talented youth he competes against, recognizing their potential to shape the future of cutting. He actively seeks to mentor and support others through organizations such as NYCHA and LEAP.

For Gavin, cutting transcends mere competition — it's an exhilarating journey marked by triumphs and challenges. His mission is to continue nurturing the sport's growth, ensuring that today's youth become tomorrow's leaders in cutting.

photo by seth petit

photo by seth petit

above :

Brinley Lippincott (top); Gavin Mesalam (below).

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2018 NRCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION #1 NRCHA OPEN ALL AGES/ALL DIVISIONS HORSE OF THE YEAR 2018 LTE: $174,997 ••• SHOWN BY COREY CUSHING BRED & OWNED BY SAN JUAN RANCH POWERED BY ULTRACRUZ®

NYCHA HORSE Hall of Fame

Congratulations to the six extraordinary horses joining the 2024 class of NYCHA Hall of Fame inductees.

Cat Man Blue

PEDIGREE: High Brow Cat x Quintan Blue x Mecom Blue

OWNED BY: Annie Kate White

SHOWN BY: Sean Flynn, Madison Flynn, Ryder Flynn, Andy Loague, Blakley Simoneaux, Annie Kate White

2004 BAY GELDING

Dr Cuzin

PEDIGREE: Dual Rey x Short Candy x Shorty Lenaa

OWNED BY: Aden Bernhagen

SHOWN BY: Ronnie Rice, Tom Murrell, Aden Bernhagen, Sophie Bernhagen

BRED BY: James Vangilder

LIFETIME EARNINGS: $302,345.11

LIFETIME YOUTH POINTS: 230

PEDIGREE: Metallic Cat x Dual Nurse x Dual Pep

OWNED BY: Jerry & Patti Gann

SHOWN BY: Cody Gann

BRED BY: Kelly Schaar

LIFETIME EARNINGS: $183,485.22

LIFETIME YOUTH POINTS: 338

BRED BY: Cindy Smith

LIFETIME EARNINGS: $189,646.60

LIFETIME YOUTH POINTS: 318

2007 SORREL STALLION

2010 SORREL GELDING

PEDIGREE: Peptotime x Too Smart Toodie x Smart Mate

OWNED BY: Crown Ranch LP

BRED BY: Bill Masterson LIFETIME EARNINGS: $170,232.41 LIFETIME YOUTH POINTS: 260 2009 SORREL

SHOWN BY: James Payne, Charles Russell Bushaw

PEDIGREE: Metallic Cat x Playgiarism x Freckles Playboy

OWNED BY: Mike Farris

SHOWN BY: Gary & Michelle Reichert, Riley Farris

BY: Mariposa Farms LLP

$84,797.44

YOUTH POINTS: 495

PEDIGREE: Smart Little Lena x Playgirl Peppy x Freckles Playboy

OWNED BY: William & Tara Wilkins

SHOWN BY: Kolby Don Moore

BRED BY: Jack E. & Susan G. Waggoner

MARE

SORREL MARE

2005 SORREL GELDING

W estern Calling Card the •

TR Dual Rey with the "SDP" Buffalo Brand.

Words

by KATE BRADLEY BYARS

Photos by JESSICA GRYDER

Much like passing out a business card, a crisp, clear brand on a horse denotes the horse’s breeder and may tell us a lot about that horse’s value.

Eyes are drawn to a flashy sports car to note the make and model much like a gaze is drawn to a horse’s brand when it is being ridden in a warm-up arena. The horse’s brand is emblazoned on its skin for all to see.

“A brand establishes the reputation as well as the identity of the ranch,” said Nancy Richards, owner of Rio Roca Ranch, in Graford, Texas. “When the Rio Roca Ranch horses are sold or enter an arena for competition, our brand symbolizes the faith, care, quality, breeding, and intention that was contributed to that individual horse.”

Branding horses, or livestock in general, is nothing new. For decades, a brand has helped identify an animal for its owner or in case of theft. Today, though, that brand isn’t only for utilitarian purposes.

“It is a way for someone to know whose stock is whose,” said Shane Plummer of SDP Buffalo Ranch, in Fort Worth, Texas. “In our world, today with branding and imaging, it shows our way of life and our heritage.”

Most prominent cutting horse breeders are known by and for their brand. It is carefully chosen to reflect the family or business it depicts, and specifically placed on each horse. Whether using a hot iron or freeze brand, whether branding only show horses or all stock that a breeder owns, brands vary as much as the color of the horse’s coats we see in the cutting pen. One thing is certain, though, and that is that you can tell a lot about a horse just from that marking.

way back western

Branding is multi-faceted. In the Western world, it means that a horse or cattle are identified. In mainstream society, it’s focused more on identifying with an identity or a business. Yet, that is how Western branding is geared these days. Though there are ways to microchip and hair sample horses for identification, a freeze- or hot-branded animal is still seen as a source of pride.

Branding livestock and horses has been in use since the Ancient Egyptians. When colonists brought stock to the Americas, the practice came with them. Without fences to hold stock, the brand was how one cow was differentiated from another. Then, it was common practice to utilize hot branding to sear the identifying image, letter, or number on a hide. Today, there are other options to create the same effect.

Plummer began to brand the cutting horses bred, owned, and sold from SDP Buffalo Ranch using “freeze” brands, also known as CryoBranding, which utilizes dry ice or liquid nitrogen.

“We prefer freeze brands because it shows up and is more striking for everything but a roan and a gray, which makes it more difficult to see,” said Plummer. “We use a hot-iron brand for roans and grays, everything else is freeze branded. We bring them indoors, in an isolated area in a set of stocks and shave a square on their hip. We brand the left hip, primarily, or the shoulder if a horse already has a brand. Using a stopwatch, the brand touches the skin for 15 seconds. I have the same person do it for every horse; he is consistent and good at it.

“A burn is a burn, no matter if it is a cold burn or a hot burn,” he added. “If we use the hot brand, we also leave it on the skin for 15 seconds.”

The clear lines produced by freeze branding is also a reason Madison Smith of Beechfork Ranch, in Weatherford, Texas, opts to utilize that method.

“We used to hot brand when we primarily raised ranch horses, but I prefer freeze brands,” Smith said. “I think they give a cleaner, crisper appearance, especially on darker colored horses. I personally do not like clipping roans as it leaves a dark patch of hair where they were shaved, so the time on roans is a minute and 20 seconds, and all other colors is 45 seconds.”

Each ranch or breeder has their own method and procedure of branding. Both Plummer and Smith opt to brand the horses bred on their ranches in the horse’s yearling year.

“We brand as long yearlings in the late summer to early fall of their yearling year,” Plummer said. “The horses are physically mature enough to handle the size of the brand we use. A long yearling that will grow into the size of the brand we have, and it looks better.”

Eventually, that yearling will grow into a powerful show horse and display the brand for all to see while it works cattle in the pen. The brand chosen by each ranch is easily identifiable and most are symbolic of the ranch’s history.

custom creation

Whether a straightforward brand that depicts ranch initials, or a creative brand that also showcases the landscape where the horses were bred, each brand carries its own significance. Many states require livestock owners to register their brand, and those brands are utilized to officially identify owners.

In Texas, where Plummer and Richards live and own ranches, law requires that brands, marks, and tattoos for horses be registered with the county clerk. For this reason, and in order to establish a longstanding brand with pride, creating a brand is not taken lightly.

Richards’ Rio Roca Ranch 1 is located in Palo Pinto County, where the landscape produces cliffs visible over the Brazos River. The view is a fixture in Rio Roca Ranch’s branding.

“A brand is very significant to the legacy and future of a ranch,” Richards explained. “In Spanish, rio means river, and roca means

rock, which correlates with the nature and terrain of the ranch. The brand for Rio Roca Ranch is three bars inside the letter R. One might think it is just for the three Rs of Rio Roca Ranch. It has a double meaning. It is also for the Richards family, the owner and two sons who founded the ranch 18 years ago. As the family and the ranch continue to grow, the three bars on the R are a constant reminder of the faith and legacy that was established by the original three founders.”

Smith used a similar method when creating the Beechfork Ranch brand. The ranch began in Arkansas but is headquartered in Weatherford, Texas.

“The Beechfork Creek, the north fork of the Little Red River, ran through our property, so the ‘BF’ came from there, and the curved line underneath is the common brand symbol for river,” she said.

A red roan yearling awaits being branded as an official "SDP" Buffalo Ranch horse.

above :

tried-and-true

below :

“In our world, today with branding and imaging, it shows our way of life and our heritage.”

Shane Plummer, SDP Buffalo Ranch

Harkening back to the telltale way a homesteader would brand cattle with initials and numbers to denote ownership, Plummer’s “SDP” brand is simple but effectively displayed on the Buffalo Ranch horses. He began to brand the cutting horses in 2004.

“Originally, the ranch was owned by my parents and my siblings — we were all involved with Buffalo Ranch,” Plummer said. “When we got together for a brand, we selected ‘SDP.’ Every male in my family has the same initials, and that is where it came from. There is a lot of pride from all the men involved, at least, because we have that common thread — my father, my sons, their sons, and me.”

When creating a brand, considerations include how the brand will stand out among others, and not duplicate another breeder or ranch brand. For Plummer, it was an easy decision. For other ranches, the brand directly relates to the name, such as Robert Patton’s Rocking P Ranch 3, which has a long-held

upturned half-circle under a P, to show the rocking letter. Alternatively, SMF Cutting Horses 4 has a brand that isn’t reflected in the name at all: It is the “rockstar” symbol, with the pinky and first finger up and a closed fist.

“When it comes to brands, I’ve seen everything from initials to a hand gesture that means ‘rock on,’ but ultimately, I am in the camp that horses are something we are all passionate about so if you’re going to brand your horses, be sure you have the utmost pride in the brand you’re putting on that horse,” Plummer said. “Nobody can ever take that brand off. It is there and it’s your job to make sure it’s meaningful and impactful to you personally.”

Using a

method, the “SDP” brand is carefully placed on the left hip.

Close up of the “SDP” brand before it grows back in with white hair.

made for the market

The average price for 30 seconds of television time during the 2023 Super Bowl was $7 million. A cutting horse averages three minutes when heading into the herd, cutting and walking out. As the horse show world dives deeper into televised events — such as The American, The Run For A Million, and more — that would be nearly $42 million in air time for a breeder/owner to have their brand displayed on a horse. That is when branding, in the literal sense, pays off.

“Companies pay a lot of money for billboards and commercials, all kinds of advertising,” said Plummer. “To me, a brand is advertising. I’ll always do it, for the sense of pride in my family’s legacy, and because it is a great opportunity for what we do and what we produce to be known to the public.”

Plummer has run across horses carrying his SDP brand in Brazil, across Europe, and even in Namibia, in Africa. Some were sold as competitive animals or breeding age, while others were sold as weanlings.

“It is important for me as a breeder in this business to see my brand prominently displayed,” he continued. “It is a sense of pride, but it also shows that I am good at what I do as a breeder when a horse is out there performing, whether I own it or not. It is even more gratifying if I don’t own it, and that is me, personally.”

Rio Roca Ranch follows that same thought process, using freeze branding to mark less than 10 horses annually. Richards says that though their competitive breeding program is small, it is significant to them.

“A great deal of thought and research goes into the breeding blueprint,” Richards said. “The Rio Roca Ranch brand has been registered and trademarked and is a symbol of those qualities for those who work or ride for it.”

Next time a horse walks into the herd wearing a brand, take a minute to think about the legacy, history, and care put into that symbol. It’s not only identifying that horse but showcasing that breeder’s dedication to the sport.

basics of branding

History shows that ancient Egyptians used livestock branding to identify cattle, and the practice was picked up by Europeans and brought to the New World. Today, branding cattle is a common occurrence for ranchers, and that identification has shifted to horses.

Branding irons come in many forms today, including fire-heated, electrically heated, or cold-heated. The brand symbols are used to create identifying marks, which can

above :

include symbols to denote a ranch name, like the “swinging R,” which has an R with a half-circle above it.

According to the Texas State Historical Association, cattle ranchers of Anglo descent utilized brands with alphabetical letters, whereas those ranchers of Spanish descent often used pictographs, much like the ancient Egyptians that first depicted branding. Searing a brand into the hide results in removal of the hair, and the area is blackened with the symbol, though it often regrows hair in either white or a darker color.

Ranchers adhere to the traditional fire-branding methods for livestock and horses. Following it’s invention in 1966 by Dr. R. Keith Farrell at Washington State University, many ranchers and livestock owners now opt to utilize freeze branding. Also called CryoBranding, to freeze brand is to use cold irons that utilize liquid nitrogen or dry ice to achieve haircolor changing appearance. Most hair changes to white when a freeze branding is utilized.

Today, branding is used in many ways, such as to identify Mustangs by the United States government and event lip tattooing is a common racehorse identification. Brands continue to serve their first purpose, which is to identify livestock in case of theft, and are registered in the brand-holder’s state. Yet, brands are also used today to identify owners and breeders of high-quality horseflesh competing in show arenas across the country.

The “SDP” brand can be seen as a sense of pride, even on the entry gate to the ranch.

FitsLike A Crown

Cowboy hat style and shape is an individual choice, but here are a few guidelines from Mark Hollar (above) of Sombrero Brands.

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

a competitor in cutting, a cowboy hat is one of the most important pieces of your attire. Whether you’re in the show pen, or out on the town, your hat makes a statement about your style and preferences. Here to unpack some of the nuance around cowboy hats is Mark Hollar of Sombrero Brands.

Styles

Each Western discipline has its own preferred hat shape. And within that shape, you can have personal variations.

“We have the cutter crease, and team ropers have a certain look, the bull riders have a certain look, barrel racers have their own,” Hollar said. “But style is very personal. It surrounds your face a lot of the time. Look at a hat, and you can tell who’s hat it is. It’s just because they’ve got a style their certain way. You can go back and look over the years and you can sometimes identify people by their hat.”

Materials

Hats are either made of fur for a felt hat, or straw. For a felt hat, the entry level quality hat may be made with wool, but those hats tend not to hold their shape very well in the weather, Hollar said. They may run around $200.

The more beaver content versus rabbit fur, the higher quality it is. That means it’ll last longer, Hollar said.

“Beavers live in water, so the more beaver content, the more durable the hat, and it has a softer, finer finish,” Hollar said. “A pure beaver hat can last 30 years, where some of the less expensive hats that are mostly rabbit fur may last eight to ten, or three. It depends on how you take care of it. But a good beaver hat will last a long time.”

The first level of fur in a felt hat is mainly rabbit fur. These can start around $300.

“They’re solid, they hold their shape, they’re good,” Hollar said.

As the quality goes up, more beaver fur is integrated. Hollar says the number of X’s on a hat denotes the percentage of beaver fur in the hat, but that can vary from one brand to another. The closer you get to pure beaver added, you may pay up to $1,000, or between $1,000-$2,000 for a custom hat.

“You can be at around 20 percent beaver, and then you’ll have another that is 50/50 with rabbit, and then there’s an 80 percent beaver/20 percent rabbit, and then a pure beaver hat,” Hollar said. “Then they have what we call a ‘belly fur beaver,’ which is the finer fur on the beaver belly, and that’s what we’d call your premium beaver.”

above :

Some straw hats come pre-shaped, which can limit the changes you can make. Others, like these, come with a flat brim and an open crown for shaping in a variety of ways .

There is also a beaver-mink blend, and a beaver-chinchilla blend.

When talking about straw hats, Hollar said very few hats contain actual straw these days. Most of the time, it’s a pulp paper that has been woven.

“Your Panama [hats] are straw, but if you get an actual real straw hat, they’re going to be pretty pricey, about $400 or $500,” he said. “Most of them are a Shantung, which is a woven rice paper, then they put a lacquer on it and it comes in a flat pattern. They’ll put it on a block, sew a wire into it, trim it up, lacquer it up, let it dry, and put a leacher [hatband] in it and send it down the road.”

Choosing your Quality

Because each company has its own standard to denote the percentage of beaver fur in a hat, when choosing your hat, Hollar recommends consulting with a reputable company’s sales rep.

“There are the X’s, which will give you a decent idea of where you’re going,” Hollar said. “But it’s not completely accurate with X’s. It’s what each individual company determines what an ‘X’ will mean.”

With straw, you may end up with a hat that is preshaped, and you’ll be limited on how you can customize the shape to your face.

Other straw hats come with an open crown, which allows for hand-creasing.

“The person who is shaping it will look at the person who’s going to be wearing it, and give them an individual look, rather than an out-of-the-box look,” Hollar said.

Straw hats don’t tend to have a big price difference due to quality, Hollar said.

Shapes

The most prevalent hat shape today is still a cattleman’s crease: a long narrow crown with deeper dents on the side. The brim has the sides turned up in the front beside the face, and the corners can be sharper or softer. Hollar said many times there will be small bumps on either side of the crown, allowing you to push the hat further down on your head.

But even with a typical shape, there’s room for individuality in the shape, he says.

“Your hat may be shaped differently if you have a broad face, or a long face,” Hollar said. “Some of them like a sharper, harder corner on the brim. Some like it a little softer. Some like a big brim. Some like a small brim. There’s a lot of choices, and it’s all individual preferences.”

How do you choose a shape? Hollar suggests looking at other riders in the arena.

“If you see something you like, tell the hat shaper you want one like that, and most good hat shapers can get pretty close,” Hollar said.

For competition, you’ll see sides that are up a bit, but not straight up, Hollar said. And for men, they don’t tend to see flat brims, Hollar said. Those tend to be more of a fashion choice and are popular with women. However, this style changes with geography as well.

left :

Michelle Musselman has her straw shaped into a traditional cutter’s crease.

left : Ben Coleman prefers a “6666 Crease” shown here.

left :

Dave Batty’s felt has been trimmed to a 4-¼inch brim, and his shape is a wider cattleman that is more relaxed and has more flow, versus crisp and boxy.

left :

Chance Miller works at Sombrero Brands. His hat is a pure beaver silverbelly with a telescope top, rolled brim and a gambler shape.

left : Shaun Musselman prefers his straw to be shaped in a wide cattleman’s crease for cutting competition.

“A flat brim hat is usually—not always—less expensive, more of a fashion hat,” Hollar said. “For a competition hat for a cutter, usually a cowboy and a cowgirl will wear a pretty good quality hat and they’re usually proud of what they wear.”

Trends range from larger-than-usual brims, to smaller brims. Hollar said ladies tend to have a crisper shape, which he says could be because they often take better care of their hats.

“For the most part, there’s no special crease for women versus men,” Hollar said.

Few women tend to wear the “Gus” shape, which is a bit retro, unless they’re doing mounted shooting, Hollar said.

“Once again, it goes back to the discipline in which you’re competing,” he added.

Hat Care Do’s and Don’ts

Dry a wet hat carefully. If your felt hat gets soaking wet, when you get back to your house, turn it upside down to let it dry completely.

“Most good hat companies can shape it back up for you,” Hollar said. “Generally, a good beaver hat, when you lay it down upside down [head opening up], it’s going to go back to its shape pretty well. The less expensive hats may get a little wonky on you, a little warped, but they can be straightened up and fixed.”

Clean lightly. Most of the time, your hat can be cleaned with a whisk brush or a dry hat sponge. Hollar says you want to brush in the direction the fur lays—typically, counter-clockwise.

“You don’t need to take water to it, just keep it clean,” Hollar said. “If you brush it regularly, it’ll last for a really good long time.”

Hat Etiquette

There’s a couple of rules most cowboy-hat-wearing folks abide by. Of course they’re not set in stone, but they’re the cultural norm, Hollar of Sombrero Brands says.

Straw = Summer, Felt = Winter. Straw hats are a summer choice, to be worn from Easter to Labor day, and felt hats are for Labor Day back to Easter. If you’ve got a light-colored felt, you can probably get away with wearing it in the warmer months.

“Sometimes here in Texas, as hot as it gets down south, you’ll see people wearing straw hats later into the year because in September it’ll still be 100-plus degrees down here,” Hollar said. “But you don’t really want to be wearing a straw in the winter.”

Felt is the dressier choice. Even in the summer, many horsemen prefer to wear a felt hat to a more formal event.

“A felt hat could be year-round, it’s more of a dressier hat,” Hollar said.

Set your hat crown side down. When removing your hat, place it with the crown down, Hollar said.

“You don’t want to flatten your brim,” Hollar said. “With a good felt hat, it probably is not going to hurt it, though.”

ABOUT SOMBRERO BRANDS

Located in Brenham, Texas, Sombrero Brands is the official cowboy hat sponsor of the NCHA. They offer hats, boots, apparel, tack, and accessories. Website: sombrerobrands.com.

From the Gridiron to the Show Pen

NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount is as devoted to the sport of cutting as he was to professional football.

WORDS BY MARIANNE DOUGHERTY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEL BLOUNT EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

As a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1970 to 1983, Mel Blount had it all: size, speed, mental toughness and a work ethic that was honed as a child growing up on a farm in Vidalia, Georgia. Not surprisingly, it is those same attributes that make him a fierce competitor in the riding arena. “My love of animals started on that farm,” said Blount, the youngest of 11 children. While his father had an old pickup truck, the primary mode of transportation was wagons and sleds drawn by mules or plow horses, which he learned to ride

bareback. A natural athlete who excelled in football, baseball, basketball and track, Blount attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on a football scholarship and met Matt Matthews in his senior year.

The cowboy hat that’s become Blount’s trademark? That’s an homage to Matthews, who introduced him to the world of performance horses. “I saw him walking around campus in a big cowboy hat, a starched shirt and jeans and thought, I’ve got to meet that guy,” said Blount. “We got talking, and when he told me that he worked on a ranch outside of town, I knew I had to go out there. I saw this trainer named Freddy Evans working a cutting horse and fell in love with it.”

When Blount got drafted by the Steelers in 1970, he used his $13,000 signing bonus to buy three quarter horses, which he kept at the family farm in Georgia. “One of them was a washed-up cutting horse, but I knew I could learn from him,” said Blount, who began riding in the off-season.

Mel Blount pilots NRR Coles Lightning at the 2022 NCHA Futurity in Fort Worth.

“I bought another cutting horse from a guy in Tennessee named Bud Webb, who told me about a show in Knoxville. He said that all I had to do was go in there and push a cow out of the herd, just put my hand down and give her as much slack as I could.” One of the judges that day was a well-known horse breeder named Norman Bruce. “He took me under his wing and taught me how to ride better and to know what good horses look like. Meeting him was one of the best things that ever happened to me.”

Then at a cutting horse clinic offered by Helen Grove of the King Ranch family in Staunton, Virginia, Blount met renowned cutting horse trainer Buster Welch, one of the founders of the NCHA, who put him on a mare named Gracie and told him to “go in there and work a cow.” Buster Welch passed at age 94 in 2022, but Blount has never forgotten his reaction that afternoon. “Keep in mind that I’m a Black guy and that there aren’t many Black guys in this sport, so when I heard (Buster) tell someone, ‘I don’t know where this guy comes from, but he knows how to sit a horse,’ it meant a lot to me. After that, if I saw him at a show, he always took the time to come over and talk to me.”

Blount is a legend in Pittsburgh where he was part of the dynasty that propelled the Steelers to four Super Bowl wins in the 1970s. The team’s formidable defensive line was nicknamed the Steel Curtain and for good reason, but in 1978 the NFL Competition Committee effectively changed the way the game was played by prohibiting defensive backs from grabbing receivers within five yards of the line of scrimmage. The controversial decision became known as Mel Blount’s Rule because it seemed designed to slow the Steelers down. The irony is that Blount and his teammates were so good that the rule change did little or nothing to stop the Steelers from going on to win back-to-back titles in 1979 and 1980.

While Blount will go down in history as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history, he hopes that he will be remembered for “the good I’ve done for others.” A devoutly religious man, he made a decision in 1983 to open a home for at-risk youth on the farm in Georgia where he was raised. The idea was to offer an alternative to a juvenile detention facility where hard work, discipline and spending time with animals like he did could turn young lives around.

“We had been winning all these Super Bowls, and when I came home to visit, word got out and ten,

"Mean" Joe Greene and Franco Harris with Mel Blount (No. 47).

Mel Blount in his trademark cowboy hat with, from left, NCHA Hall of Famers Buster Welch, Tom Lyons, Keith Barnet and Bill Riddle (top right).

clockwise from top : Blount’s son Akil, here at the 2022 NCHA Futurity finals in Fort Worth, Texas.

Blount (plaid shirt) and his sons (left to right) Khalid, Akil, and Jibri, with grandson Axtyn. Blount and his wife TiAnda.

photo by seth petit

maybe 20 kids would show up at the farm to get my autograph or ask me to toss the football to them,” Blount said. “It was like God spoke to me, and what he said was that there was more I could do for these kids than just sign autographs.” So, he put up the money to open the first Mel Blount Youth Home on his family’s farm in Vidalia, Georgia. Boys live at the home, which offers a structured life that includes working on the farm and church on Sunday. “It’s a Christian-based program that helps these kids thrive physically, mentally, spiritually and morally,” said Blount, “and it’s been more rewarding for my soul than anything else I’ve ever done.”

Blount spends most of his time at the 300-plus acre property he bought in Taylorsville, a small town in Washington County, south of Pittsburgh, where he opened a second Mel Blount Youth Home on the grounds in 1989. Now, more than 30 years after he made the decision to do more with his fame than just sign autographs, he remains steadfast in his belief that his work with underprivileged youth is part of God’s plan. In Taylorsville, that work includes a Christmas Toy Drive, a Back-to-School Drive, a Youth Summit, and Steelers Rookie Day when rookies from each draft class come to the ranch for a day of community service. The equestrian program has also been expanded so a greater number of kids can spend a day at

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the ranch where they learn how to ride and how to care for the horses.

Meanwhile, at 76, Blount shows no signs of slowing down. He’s still riding but not on the circuit right now. Two years ago, he showed his horse NRR Coles Lightning (NRR Cat King Cole x Dualeys Miss Charles x Its Just About Me) at the NCHA Futurity in Fort Worth. He’s also had a lot of success working with his trainer, Tracy Barton. “I’ve probably made about $150,000,” he said, “which is pretty good considering how little I show.”

Blount feels like he has a responsibility to present himself as a legitimate competitor when he’s in the ring and recalls the time former Steeler and NFL Hall of Famer “Mean” Joe Greene came to Fort Worth to watch him compete in the NCHA Futurity in the early ‘90s. “I made the finals on a horse out there that year,” said Blount, whose old friend got caught up in the excitement. “He said that it felt just like it did when we won the Super Bowl.” Now that’s saying something.

above

Mel Blount has served as a father figure to the youth who visit Blount 47 Ranch.

photo by ray carrington photography

A JEWEL IN THE TRIPLE CROWN

2024 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Austin Shepard (left) aboard Kittennish, owned by Billy Wolf.

Most horsemen will tell you that limited-age cutting horses are a privilege to watch perform. As they maneuver their cattle with machine-like precision, it is clear these athletes, and their riders, love their jobs. Those who attended the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, held July 13 through August 3 in Fort Worth, Texas, got to witness that beauty unfold on a grand scale, and in the end, 19 riders emerged victorious.

WORDS BY KRISTIN PITZER

PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

James Payne piloted Jazlyn, owned by Kathleen Moore.

Even More Spectacular

Only a few short months ago, Jazlyn and James Payne picked up their first premier title at the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, winning the Open Derby with a 228. After returning to the Will Rogers, they stepped it up even more, taking home the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular Rapp Ranch 4-Year-Old Open Championship with a whopping 230.

“It’s kind of surreal. You work really hard to get one, but then whenever you’re able to come back and do it again on the same horse, it’s really cool,” Payne said. “I haven’t marked very many 230s, so I was a little surprised when it came up, but I knew I had a run to rival what had been marked up to that point. She is just an elite-level horse, just really intelligent on a cow.”

While both runs were close in score, Payne said his Summer Spectacular run felt like a higher degree of difficulty due to the cattle. His first cow was soft and his second kept turning away, but it was the third cow that really made the run.

“My third cow was just a lot of cow,” Payne said. “It did everything — it ran wallto-wall, stopped in the middle and set up, it just did a variety of things, but it did it really fast and kept coming to me. I think the run at the Super Stakes was a little prettier….”

Payne planned to continue taking Jazlyn down the road to put more earnings on her.

He thanked her owner, Kathleen Moore, for trusting in him and giving him good horses to ride; his crew at the show and back at home; his wife, Nadine; and his help in the pen: Lloyd Cox, Sean Flynn, Casey Green and John Mitchell.

“She is just an elite-level horse, just really intelligent on a cow.”

JAMES PAYNE

CLASS: Rapp Ranch 4-Year-Old Open

RIDER: James Payne

HORSE: Jazlyn

PEDIGREE: Hashtags x MK Cats Kitty x Spots Hot

OWNED BY: Kathleen Moore

SCORE: 230

EARNINGS: $50,512.05

James Payne aboard Jazlyn.

Tougher Than Tuff

Equestrians are known to be tough, and cutters are no exception. How many other sports would a person who has been in the hospital step up and not only go compete a week later, but also win? That’s just what happened for Ronnie Rice and Titanium Tuff, who brought home the 4-Year-Old Intermediate Open title from the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular.

“I got put in the hospital, so [my son] Tag worked him, and all I did was step up on him and go show him,” Rice said. “I hadn’t showed him very well up until that point, and I finally got him showed, so it meant a lot to me because he’s a really good colt and most of the trainers know that.”

Titanium Tuff is out of Rice’s former ride, CR Boon To Be Tuff, who Rice said is “the best Woody Be Tuff mare I ever rode.”

“Luka,” named after Dallas Maverick’s player Luka Dončić, shares a lot of the same traits as his dam, including her personality.

“He’s a little juicy — you better mean what you want to do because he’s going to do it — and she was too in spots, but very cowed up and very hooked to a cow all the time,” Rice said.

The gelding was raised by James and Ellen Russell and started by Travis Stewart. Rice said his owner, Mike Adams, owner of Adam’s Tack and ADCO Stone and Interiors, has been great to have on the team.

“He has just been a blessing,” Rice said. “He lets me train my horses, and it’s no problem. I’ve ridden for him a year-anda-half — I’ve bought his feed a lot longer than I’ve rode for him. He’s a really good owner and lets me decide where to go.”

CLASS: 4-Year-Old Intermediate Open

RIDER: Ronnie Rice

HORSE: Titanium Tuff

PEDIGREE: Metallic Cat x CR Boon To Be Tuff x Woody Be Tuff

OWNED BY: Mike Adams

SCORE: 222

EARNINGS: $13,887.32

Titanium

Ronnie Rice and

Tuff in the show pen.

Family For The Win

Shortly after the 2023 NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity, Eric Ferreira left his employer for the last 10 years, Monty Buntin, and started his own training business. Change is never easy, but one of the horses in his program, Moove Von Over, made the transition less difficult thanks to his steady nature. At the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, the stallion put in a solid performance during the T/K Cutting Horses 4-Year-Old Limited Open finals and scored a 217 to win the title.

“It meant quite a bit because that’s a family-owned horse that we’ve had since we bought him in the very beginning of his 2-year-old year,” Ferreira said. “This put him over $100,000, so that was a good milestone. Plus, I’ll never get to show in the Limited again here, so it was nice to win it before I didn’t have another chance at it.”

“Merle” is owned by Ferreira’s mother-inlaw, Maria Tranberg. The family originally

planned to sell him at the 2022 Western Bloodstock NCHA Futurity Sales but ended up passing him out and bringing him back home. Ferreira realized the stallion had talent and took him to the Futurity, where they made the Limited and Intermediate Open finals, and the Open semifinals. At this year’s NCHA Super Stakes, they made the finals in all three Open divisions.

“He’s just been a real big blessing for us,” said Ferreira, who thanked his wife, Courtney, and Tranberg, along with everyone behind the scenes. “He’s never given us a real reason to make him a gelding because he already acts like one. He’s just a quiet, good-minded horse.”

Ferreira, who originally dreamed of training reined cow horses, started off as a reiner then intended to make a short pit stop in the cutting to gain some experience. After falling in love with the sport, though, he’s here to stay.

CLASS: T/K Cutting Horses 4-Year-Old Limited Open RIDER: Eric Ferreira HORSE: Moove Von Over PEDIGREE: Stevie Rey Von x My Little Moo Chacha x Tangys Classy Peppy OWNED BY: Maria Tranberg SCORE: 217 EARNINGS: $7,779.72

Eric Ferreira rides Moove Von Over.

Swinging for the Fences

Prior to the Non-Pro go-rounds, Ryan Rapp and Dont Stop Swingin had already left their mark on the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular. The duo won the Open semifinals, then scored a huge 229 to take Reserve in the 4-Year-Old Open finals. From there, they went into the 4-Year-Old Non-Pro and marked a winning 224.5 — a half-point higher than Reserve Champion, Emma Rapp, his sister.

“It was mixed emotions,” Rapp said. “I didn’t really feel great about beating my sister, especially by just half a point. She really showed well, and I didn’t have that clean of a run, but with the degree of difficulty on the first cow, it kind of kept me in it. If we would have tied, that would have been fine.”

Though it was a difficult victory, Rapp was honored for Dont Stop Believin to win his second title in the Will Rogers Coli-

seum. It was a bit of a learning experience to amp him up for the Open then tone it back for the Non-Pro, but the gelding stepped up and proved reliable when it counted.

“I feel like he feeds off the energy in the arena,” Rapp said. “I’ve noticed as he’s matured, he really steps up and does extra stuff in the finals. He enjoys his job enough that he’ll give that extra just because he wants to.”

Rapp thanked everyone who helped him and the gelding achieve their success in Fort Worth.

“My girlfriend, Brett Stiles, has gotten him ready every run his whole show career, and she’s done an excellent job preparing him every time,” he said. “Thanks to my parents for consistently mounting me on good horses, and Johnny Mitchell, Sean Flynn, Clay Johnson and my dad for helping me get through those runs.”

CLASS: 4CYTE 4-Year-Old Non-Pro

RIDER: Ryan Rapp

HORSE: Dont Stop Swingin

PEDIGREE: Dont Stopp Believin x Swing Thru The Drive x Hydrive Cat

OWNED BY: Philip & Mary Ann Rapp

SCORE: 224.5

EARNINGS: $22,794.92

Ryan Rapp and Dont Stop Swingin focus on a cow.

Better and Better

Buying a horse sight unseen can be risky, but Alyssa Dvorak knew what she was doing when she purchased Betterthanabentley through Facebook. The gelding was with Cullen Chartier and Marcus Spencer, and she could tell he had a neat style by watching him work in videos. Her gut instinct paid off when he carried her to the 4-Year-Old Intermediate Non-Pro Championship.

“I’ve always wanted one of Cullen’s horses,” Dvorak said. “It all worked out with the price and where he was located, and I couldn’t say no. He actually has been more than what I expected. He went from being just a little project to being part of the family really fast.”

“He has the best personality in the barn, he’s kind of like a dog, always super friendly.”

ALYSSA DVORAK

Throughout the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, Dvorak knew if she made good cuts and did her job, “Ozzy” would step up and do his, too. The plan worked, as the duo also made the 4-Year-Old Non-Pro finals after tying to win the semifinals. Since the Summer Spectacular was only Ozzy’s fourth event to show at, she was glad to see him be so consistent.

“He has the best personality in the barn,” she said. “He’s kind of like a dog, always super friendly.”

Outside of riding cutting horses, Dvorak attends Weatherford College, where she’s studying business. Cutting takes up most of her life, just like it has ever since she showed for the first time at the age of 3. She rides with her dad, Tom, who guides her through training her own horses.

“Thanks to my dad for giving me the opportunity to show these horses; Grant Setnicka and Casey Green, who have been in my corner for years and always make sure I’m on the right cow; my Uncle Paul [Hansma], who has always shown up and been there for me; and Cullen for letting me buy Ozzy.”

CLASS: 4-Year-Old Intermediate Non-Pro

RIDER: Alyssa Dvorak

HORSE: Betterthanabentley

PEDIGREE: Rollz Royce x Raetallic x Metallic Cat OWNED BY: Alyssa Dvorak SCORE: 221

EARNINGS: $9,120

Alyssa Dvorak and Betterthanabentley in action.

Bringing Home the Gold

Kylar Terlip has been riding horses for most of her life, but it was only two years ago that she got into cutting. Since then, she’s racked up a Champion and a Reserve title at the NCHA Super Stakes in the 4-Year-Old Limited Amateur and 4-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur, respectively. This year, she collected her first NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular title when she rode Desire Some Sterling to a 216 in the 4-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro.

“I ran barrels competitively until I was 20, and then I quit and went to TCU,” Terlip said. “When I decided I wanted to ride again, my dad asked if I wanted to show in the cutting or cow horse. I chose cutting, and I’m very glad I did. My dad owns studs, so I only show mares, and we breed them. We’re full into the game now.”

Terlip and her dad, Kaleb, bought Desire

Some Sterling through her trainer, Sean Flynn. Flynn showed her some in the Open to prepare her for Terlip, and Terlip took over her reins in January.

“I like how solid she is for a 4-year-old,” Terlip said. “She’s a little mare, but she tries really hard. She is just a little show horse. We all joke around the barn how she’s kind of crabby sometimes and doesn’t really act like she cares about a lot, but she does really love cows.”

Terlip, a sales and use tax consultant for the oil field, thanked Flynn, his wife, Ashley, and their crew for helping her juggle work with showing and riding. She also thanked her dad for supporting her dreams.

“I’ve been horse-crazy since I was a little girl — barrel horses, cow horses when I was younger, cutters, rope horses — anything to do with a horse, he’s all in on,” Terlip said.

CLASS: 4-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro

RIDER: Kylar Terlip

HORSE: Desire Some Sterling

PEDIGREE: Metallic Cat x Desire Some Freckles x Freckles Playboy

OWNED BY: Kaleb Terlip

SCORE: 216 EARNINGS: $5,266.80

Kylar Terlip and Desire Some Sterling address a cow.

Moving Up the Ranks

As an equine sports medicine veterinarian, Dr. Molly Bellefeuille spends her days working on performance horses, the majority of which are cutting horses. Four years ago, she decided to give the sport a try herself. In 2023, she and Old Towne Road were the $50,000 Amateur World Champions, and this year, she upped her game even more when she rode CR Hi Dual Lightnin to the McAlister Assets 4-Year-Old Amateur Championship.

“I’ve helped a lot of other horses win Triple Crown events, and I never imagined myself winning one, so it was pretty awesome to get the opportunity to do that,” Dr. Bellefeuille said. “Hauling last year really prepared me and developed me into a showman, and that was my goal — to get better so I could come back in aged events. I think it’s a perfect example that if you walk to the herd 120 times, you’re going to get better and be more prepared.”

Dr. Bellefeuille, who rides with Michael Cooper, enjoys traveling to shows with her clients. She estimated that nearly half of the horses in the McAlister Assets 4-YearOld Amateur finals were horses she works on and said that element made the evening more enjoyable.

“It makes it pretty nice to be on the road with everybody because then I’m right there to help my clients and be of assistance in any sort of emergency they have,” Dr. Bellefeuille said. “Showing with everybody has made me closer to all of them and helped me be more efficient at being a veterinarian because I’m always with everybody and the horses.”

Dr. Bellefeuille thanked Cooper and his son, Lance, for all their hard work on her horses and for helping her grow as a showman; Jaime Snider for all his advice; and Morgan Cromer for being positive and supportive.

CLASS: McAlister Assets 4-Year-Old Amateur

RIDER: Dr. Molly Bellefeuille

HORSE: CR Hi Dual Lightnin

PEDIGREE: CR Highlight x ARC Catty Dual x Dual Pep

OWNED BY: Dr. Molly Bellefeuille SCORE: 218 EARNINGS: $9,005.99

Dr. Molly Bellefeuille and her horse, CR Hi Dual Lightnin.

A Smooth Comeback

Charlee Teague started cutting when she was in college but only got to show a couple times before Covid-19 shut everything down. After a long break, her mom encouraged her to get back into it, and so in January, Teague purchased Smooth Rey Von and started working with Clay Johnson. Her hard work paid off at the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular when she rode the mare to the 4-Year-Old Limited Amateur title and also placed fifth on a second horse, Tag A Longs.

“It meant a lot to realize how much progress I’m making,” Teague said. “My other horse was earlier in the set, and I had a cow run up on me. I got really flustered, but when I went to show my horse that won, she brought me back and was like, everything’s OK. I was able to calm my nerves and get right back into it.”

Teague works on her family’s ranch in Northeastern Oklahoma. She rides ranch horses every day, but if she wants to practice cutting, she has to make the trip to Johnson’s place in Weatherford, Texas.

“It’s pretty hard to juggle, especially since Clay is so far away, but he’s really good at explaining things and he makes sure your horse is going to be the same for you every time,” Teague said. “I never have to worry about what the horse is going to do, I just have to worry about myself. That’s super helpful, especially when you don’t get to practice every day.”

She thanked her parents, Gary and Laura, for giving her the opportunity to show, and Johnson for all he’s done.

“It’s really fun to be an amateur on his team because we all have been doing really well together,” Teague said. “It’s great when everyone else is winning with you.”

“I never have to worry about what the horse is going to do, I just have to worry about myself.”

CHARLEE TEAGUE

CLASS: 4-Year-Old Limited Amateur

RIDER: Charlee Teague

HORSE: Smooth Rey Von

PEDIGREE: Stevie Rey Von x Shes Really Smooth x Wheeling Peppy

OWNED BY: Teague Diversified, Inc.

SCORE: 216

EARNINGS: $2,126.18

Charlee Teague riding Smooth Rey Von.

A Cowgirl’s Instinct

Lynn Goforth has made the finals at different Fort Worth cutting events before, but prior to the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, he had never won. When he marked a 216 from the first draw of the Rios of Mercedes 4-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur on VR Cowgirl Believin, he thought that streak would continue. By the end of the class, though, his score had been matched but not beaten, making him and the mare co-champions in the class.

“It wasn’t really nerve-wracking having to wait after going first because I never really expected a [2]16 to hold up,” Goforth said. “There were a lot of good horses in the finals, the cattle just took a lot of them out.”

“She’s just a gritty mare.”

LYNN GOFORTH

Goforth thanked his wife, Kara, for her intuition in picking the mare out of the 2021 Western Bloodstock NCHA Futurity Preferred Breeders Sale. At the time, the Goforth’s had a list of yearlings they planned to try to buy, but VR Cowgirl Believin wasn’t on it.

“My wife, Kara, was walking around in the back with our little boy, and she actually saw the mare in the back of the sale barn there,” Goforth said. “She came in, and they were selling the mare. She said, ‘Are we not interested in this one?’ I said no, I didn’t know anything about her. She said, ‘Well, I really like her.’ That’s literally how we bought the mare. She’s going to pick them all out now.”

Goforth thanked his help, including his trainer, Sean Flynn; Cade Shepard; Austin Shepard; and Clay Johnson. He also thanked Broc Schwartzkopf, who did a great job getting the mare ready.

“She’s just a gritty mare,” Goforth said. “She might not have all the athletic ability in the world, but she tries hard, she’s cowy and she’s got good intentions.”

CLASS: Rios of Mercedes 4-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur Co-Champion

RIDER: Lynn Goforth

HORSE: VR Cowgirl Believin

PEDIGREE: Dont Stopp Believin x VR Cowgirl Kakie x Cowboy Cattylac

OWNED BY: Lynn & Kara

Goforth SCORE: 216

EARNINGS: $6,327.96

Lynn Goforth aboard VR Cowgirl Believin.

Tagging Triumph

When Marty Davis and Taggingin marked a 216 from the fourth-to-last hole in the Rios of Mercedes 4-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur finals, tying for the top score, Davis wasn’t ready to celebrate just yet. Three years ago, at the 2021 NCHA Futurity, Davis was sitting Reserve in the Amateur finals with a 218, when the thirdto-last rider knocked him to third. Like back then, he knew anything could happen.

But, when the finals wrapped up, his score had held out for the Co-Championship. Davis, who was originally just thrilled with his run, said it was a dream come true to win on Taggingin.

“I bought him about this time last year — Clay Johnson had him, and he did a super job with him,” Davis said. “He’s been a little bit tough for me to get with, and it all came together finally at the Derby.

He’s just a really nice horse, and I’m glad I kind of did my job halfway, and he did the rest.”

Davis grew up day working on ranches in West Texas. His uncle and aunt, Willard and Joan Davis, trained cutters back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, which influenced him to want to do the same one day. After his daughters graduated from college, he decided to go for it. He was grateful for all the trainers that have helped him out over the years since.

“I have to give a shoutout to Jamie Dosher, who got me started,” Davis said. “Then, I went to Curtis and Gina Bass. I learned a lot under Curtis. Mackie Hursh kind of got me going in the aged events, and I spent a couple years with Kathy Daughn and got a lot of good showmanship advice. Now, I’m with Clay. We kind of jive; we’re both West Texas guys.”

CLASS: Rios of Mercedes 4-YearOld Intermediate Amateur Co-Champion

RIDER: Marty Davis

HORSE: Taggingin

PEDIGREE: Hashtags x Time For Autumn x One Time Pepto

OWNED BY: Marty Davis

SCORE: 216

EARNINGS: $6,327.96

Marty Davis pilots Taggingin.

At Last

It’s no secret that winning a championship in the Will Rogers Coliseum is the goal of most cutters, and prior to the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, Kittennish and Austin Shepard had come close several times

The duo, who has picked up titles all over the country, took Reserve at both the 2022 NCHA Futurity and the 2023 NCHA Super Stakes. But, finally, during this year’s Summer Spectacular, the mare and Shepard pulled out a win in the 5/6-Year-Old Open with a 224.5.

“I was happy for myself, but it felt really good to win something for her because she really deserved it,” Shepard said. “She’s won just about anywhere there is, except in the most important arena that we show in. She’s only got two more events in there after this one, so I really wanted to make it count.”

Kittennish was spot on all the way into the

finals, handling deep draws and a wide variety of cattle.

“She just has God-given talent,” Shepard said. “She can do things that other horses can’t do, and I’m not just talking about other people’s horses – I mean mine, too. She loves working a cow, and that’s something you can’t train into a horse. They have to love to do it.”

Shepard thanked Kittennish’s owner, Billy Wolf, for keeping him and his son, Cade, mounted on good horses, and his daughter-in-law, Kamryn Shepard, for the effort she puts into Kittennish’s care. He also acknowledged his help in the pen: Cade, Clay Johnson, Sean Flynn and Boyd Rice.

“To be able to win, you have to have great help getting your horses prepared, and you have to have great help in the arena that really wants you to win,” he said. “I can honestly say those guys do everything they can for me to win.”

“She loves working a cow, and that’s something you can’t train into a horse. They have to love to do it.”

AUSTIN SHEPARD

CLASS: 5/6-Year-Old Open

RIDER: Austin Shepard HORSE: Kittennish

PEDIGREE: Hottish x Show Biz Kitty x High Brow Cat

OWNED BY: Billy Wolf SCORE: 224.5

EARNINGS: $30,266.94

Austin Shepard aboard Kittennish.

From the Beginning

CR Tuff Swiss Cat is a special horse to Justin Wright. For one, she’s the first horse he’s gotten to keep in his program the whole way through, from the moment his client, Jeffry Ogden, purchased her as a yearling, up until now. For two, she carried him to the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes Limited Open Championship in 2023, then added another bullet point to his resume at this year’s NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular: the T/K Cutting Horses

5/6-Year-Old Limited Open title.

“She’s always been very smart and cowy,” Wright said. “What stuck out to me this show is she’s just getting stronger. She was great last year as a 4-year-old, but she’s just able to do a lot more now and is quicker. I’m excited to go forward.”

Wright has ridden horses for Ogden since before he even got into cutting. He grew up cowboying with his dad in East

Texas and developed a love for cow horses. Originally, he was only interested in riding 2-year-olds, but a fateful trip to the 2007 NCHA Futurity put cutting on his radar.

“I just fell in love with it and went home and practiced,” Wright said.

Wright continued mostly training 2-year-olds, but in 2019, he went to work at Rocking P Ranch. There, he got several opportunities to get into the show pen, and before long, he had the bug. Now, thanks to CR Tuff Swiss Cat, he’s an earner of nearly $150,000.

“I want to thank Kenzie Denman — she gets the horse ready for me and she lives with that horse,” Wright said. “She does everything with her; I just kind of show up and work her. I would also like to thank Pete Branch. I’ve worked beside him the last year-and-a-half, and he has taught me so much about showing and keeping a horse going.”

CLASS: T/K Cutting Horses

5/6-Year-Old Limited

Open

RIDER: Justin Wright

HORSE: CR Tuff Swiss Cat

PEDIGREE: Woody Be Tuff x Swiss Cat Pepto x Sweet Lil Pepto

OWNED BY: Jeffry Ogden

SCORE: 222

EARNINGS: $6,037.93

Justin Wright and CR Tuff Swiss Cat.

Spider Senses

Ever since he got What Happens Now into his program, Hayden Upton knew the gelding was talented. But, they had a challenge to overcome that is somewhat rare in the cutting horse world: the horse stands at least 15.2 hands, a giant amongst many of his peers. “Spider” has otherwise been easy to work with, though, and at the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, he and Upton didn’t let his height stop them from tying to win the 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Open.

“He’s been super easy, but he is a very big horse, unusually big for the cutting game,” Upton said. “He has such a big, smooth way of moving, and it’s like he’s on hydraulics when he works — it’s crazy how small he can get.

“I just have to keep his height in mind because when you show him, he’s so big and reachy, it almost lacks an element of drama,

so it looks easier compared to other horses that have to scamper a bit to get across the pen,” he added. “We just have to manage that without overdoing it.”

After the finals, where the duo cut three good cows to tie the previously marked high score of 219.5, Spider was purchased by Shannon Lamb of Broke Spur Ranch. The gelding will continue with Upton through the rest of his limited age career, and afterward, Upton suspects he’ll go on to do some weekend cutting.

“I’d like to thank my help: Randy Chartier, Cullen Chartier, Jesse Lennox and Michael Cooper,” Upton said. “I couldn’t do it without those guys, my wife, Summa, or my loper, Caroline Ginn, who has gotten him ready a big part of his career. She knows him well and does a great job every time. I couldn’t do it without the whole team.”

CLASS: 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Open Co-Champion RIDER: Hayden Upton HORSE: What Happens Now PEDIGREE: Metallic Rebel x Dontt Happen Twice x Woody Be Tuff OWNED BY: Bar RR Ranches LLC SCORE: 219.5

EARNINGS: $10,382.40

Hayden Upton aboard What Happens Now.

A Cool Comeback

At the 2021 NCHA Futurity, Suen To Be Cool and Kobie Wood were on fire. The pair tied to win the first go and kept the momentum going through the next two rounds to make it into the Open finals. Suen To Be Cool was injured soon after and ended up taking the next 14 months off to recover.

Since his return to the show pen, the gelding has tried to catch back up with both Wood and his wife, Paula, who has been aiming for the Top 10 in the Non-Pro this year. At the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, he finally nabbed his first title on the big stage when he carried Wood to the 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Open Co-Championship.

“It’s just trying to get him back physically, mentally and sound without hurting him,” Wood said. “He’s so fast and so sudden. He’s

quicker than grease. That’s his best thing — he’s quick to the stop and quick out of there. He’s a fun horse to ride.”

The Woods bred and raised Suen To Be Cool, who is out of their great mare Donas Suen Boon. They have a herd of full siblings and three-quarter siblings to the gelding, and Wood said while they have a lot of traits in common, Suen To Be Cool outshines them all with his speed.

“This horse here, he’s one of the quickest horses I’ve ridden,” Wood said. “He’s a little on the wild side if you don’t ride him down. If you start out fast, he’s going to go faster than fast, so you have to hold him in and bring him back home.”

Wood thanked Paula for getting the gelding ready for him, and all his help: Lloyd Cox, Clay Johnson, Sean Flynn and Casey Green.

“That’s his best thing he’s quick to the stop and quick out of there. He’s a fun horse to ride.”

KOBIE WOOD

CLASS: 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Open Co-Champion

RIDER: Kobie Wood

HORSE: Suen To Be Cool

PEDIGREE: Hottish x Donas Suen Boon x Boon Too Suen

OWNED BY: Paula Wood

SCORE: 219.5

EARNINGS: $10,382.40

Kobie Wood and Suen To Be Cool in the show pen.

A Beautiful Year

2024 has been Jessica Bañuelos Feiner’s year. In April, only months after winning the 2023 NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity Amateur on Pit Viper, she rode Beautiful Lies to the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Non-Pro Championship. In May, her son, Seven, was born. Then, at the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, she and Beautiful Lies teamed up again and claimed both the 4Cyte 5/6-Year-Old Non-Pro and Intermediate Non-Pro titles.

“My husband, Steven, said that I won the ‘Unorthodox Stepping Stone Triple Crown,’ and I will take that,” Feiner said. “Being in both those finals and winning both is something I feel like only ‘Xena’ can make possible. I can’t believe that it happened, but in the same breath, if I cut my cows clean and I do my job, she’s capable of holding anything and marking anything.”

Prior to the Non-Pro, Beautiful Lies carried Feiner’s brother, Adan Bañuelos,

to sixth place in the Open. From there, she and Feiner won the first go of the Non-Pro Classic and topped the cumulative score after the second go. Feiner said the mare, who is bred to 2022 NCHA Open Horse of the Year Third Edge, was dialed in all week long.

“She’s the most unique, electric, exciting-moving horse I think we’ve ever owned,” Feiner said. “I feel so blessed that I got to experience what she feels like.”

Feiner thanked Steven for buying the mare, Ken Sitton and Steve Oehlhof for selling her, Bañuelos for doing a great job training her, and Kaitlin Baher for getting Xena prepared perfectly.

“My corner guys — Jesse Lennox, Grant Setnicka, Adan, and my dad, Ascencion Bañuelos — they just give me all the confidence in the world knowing they’re down there with me,” Feiner said. “Thanks to the whole ABPH and SMF crew. It’s the best team and family support system ever.”

CLASS: 4Cyte 5/6-YearOld Non-Pro | 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Non-Pro

RIDER: Jessica Bañuelos Feiner

HORSE: Beautiful Lies

PEDIGREE: Hottish x Suen You Will See x Boon Too Suen

OWNED BY: SMF Cutting Horses LLC SCORE: 227 | 222 EARNINGS: $17,456.57 | $5,984.05

Jessica Bañuelos Feiner and Beautiful Lies captured two titles.

Climbing the Ladder

For several years, Starr Whitley dreamed of owning Dont Look For Troubl but never thought he’d come up for sale. If he did, she figured he’d sell for $2 million. This March, her dream unexpectedly came true. Since then, “Cinch” has been everything she hoped for, and she was thrilled when he carried her to her first title in Fort Worth, the 5/6-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro, with a big 222.

“He was originally with Dalton Vicar, and I love the way Dalton trains,” Whitley said. “I’ve bought a horse from Dalton before, and it’s like driving a Rolls-Royce versus a Jeep. It’s such a privilege to own him.”

Whitley has been riding cutters for two years. She started with Ronnie Rice and now rides with Kathy Daughn, who resides on her ranch. In addition to cutting, Whitley runs a global steel plate company. Her Whitley Ranch recently gave $100,000 to

the NCHA’s youth scholarship fund, and she also wrote a book under her maiden name, Starr Shephard: The Beautiful You: A Whole Woman Holistic Way of Creating the Life You Love. Even with everything else going on, she still finds time to ride with Daughn four hours a day, five days a week.

“I am very grateful to have this as a hobby,” Whitley said. “We have to realize the blessing of getting to do what we love, no matter what the result is. We always have an incredible learning experience and evolve to a new level of excellence and mental strength.”

Whitley was excited for the future with Cinch, who she said is cowy, can draw stronger than any horse she’s ever felt, and never gets distracted.

“He and I both want to win it, so it works really well,” she said. “We’re both in sync mentally.”

CLASS: 5/6-Year-Old Limited Non-Pro

RIDER: Starr Whitley

HORSE: Dont Look For Troubl

PEDIGREE: Meteles Cat x Dont Look Twice x High Brow Cat

OWNED BY: Whitley Ranch LP SCORE: 222

EARNINGS: $5,360.85

Starr Whitley and Dont Look For Troubl.

Foreshadowed Finals

Christina Huntley is no stranger to the Will Rogers Coliseum, but prior to the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, she had never won a title in the Big Pen. That all changed when she rode her dad’s mare, Dirrty Shirley, to the McAlister Assets 5/6-Year-Old Amateur Championship.

“I think everybody that shows cutting horses dreams of winning something in that arena, so to be able to do that was almost indescribable,” Huntley said. “It’s one of the things you strive to accomplish. I was just glad I was able to get that done.”

Huntley was particularly grateful to her friends that came and sent positive vibes out before her winning ride.

“Micaella Sabine told me she was going to come and be in my champion photo, and after my first go-round, Lance Cooper told me I was showing great and deserved to win it, so ‘let’s go do it this show,’” Huntley

recalled. “It was a cool thing that happened beforehand, and then it actually ended up coming true in the finals.”

Huntley, who balances her time between riding and working at commercial real estate firm CBRE, thanked her family and the team behind her.

“My dad goes above and beyond; he shares the same passion I do for the horses and the sport,” Huntley said. “It’s not possible without the hard work of every single person at Michael Cooper Cutting Horses. Michael himself has put so much time and effort into helping me, and I cannot thank him enough.

“My help in the arena — Michael, R.L. Chartier, Casey Green and Jesse Lennox — every single one plays a big part in all of my success,” she added. “Katie Fancincani has been doing a phenomenal job getting ‘Jenny’ ready. Also, thank you to Braeley Welling for her hard work getting my gelding, ‘Slick,” ready all year.”

CLASS: McAlister Assets 5/6-Year-Old Amateur RIDER: Christina Huntley HORSE: Dirrty Shirley PEDIGREE: Hashtags x San Tule San Doc x San Tule Freckles OWNED BY: EJ Huntley SCORE: 224 EARNINGS: $10,240.18

Christina Huntley aboard Dirrty Shirley.

The Competitive Gene

When Mary Crow rode Hott In Here to the Rios of Mercedes 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur Championship, it was an exciting moment for multiple reasons, but first and foremost is the fact that she’s shared the mare with her son, Trystan, from the beginning. Crow showed the mare at the 2022 NCHA Metallic Cat Futurity, and then Trystan, who is 11, took over for 2023. The NCHA Great American Insurance Summer Cutting Spectacular was Crow’s first show back with her in quite some time.

“It’s very emotional to get to share it with Trystan, and for it to be a horse that we’ve had since she was a little baby,” Crow said. “It’s very exciting for us and our program. Trystan and I have a very friendly rivalry riding against each other. He’s no longer in the Intermediate, but we do compete against each other in the Amateur. He was the first

one right there at the gate with the biggest smile to give me a hug and a high five.”

Hott In Here has been a special mare all along, Crow said. The mare is sensitive and doesn’t like to get into trouble, but when she’s set up to be in time with the cow, her natural talent helps her be successful. The Crows’ trainer, Clay Johnson, had her prepared just how she needed to be for the show, she added.

Crow thanked all of the trainers that have poured their time and efforts into her family’s program, along with her help: Johnson, Morgan Cromer, Cass Tatum and R.L. Chartier. She also thanked her husband, Toby, and Trystan.

“Toby keeps things going at home so Trystan and I can go, and keeps us on great horses,” Crow said. “Trystan is my little show buddy. He pushes me to be better and does not cut me any slack.”

CLASS: Rios of Mercedes 5/6-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur

RIDER: Mary Crow

HORSE: Hott In Here

PEDIGREE: Metallic Cat x Hottness x Spots Hot

OWNED BY: Trystan Crow SCORE: 219 EARNINGS: $6,997.25

Mary Crow rides Hott In Here.

Aussie Style

Thomas Sheehan originally traveled to the United States from Australia to watch his son, Geoffrey “Spud” Sheehan, compete in the Open at the NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, but Spud, his wife, Rebecca, and their son, Sam, had something else in mind. The trio decided to enter Sheehan and their horse, Deluxe Style, in the Limited Amateur. Sheehan gamely worked the mare on the flag a couple times, tied for second in the first go, then rode her to the 5/6-Year-Old Limited Amateur Championship.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever ridden in America, and to ride in the Coliseum was a fairy tale, but to win it was incredible,” Sheehan said. “She’s a very understanding mare to put up with me in the first place. She’s very quick and reads a cow unbelievably well.”

Sheehan and his wife, Cate, have a ranch in Australia where they train their own horses. Sheehan has been dabbling in the cutting for a while but estimated he had only competed in 10 to 12 events back home.

CLASS: 5/6-Year-Old

Limited Amateur

RIDER: Thomas Sheehan

HORSE: Deluxe Style

“It’s the first time I’ve ever ridden in America, and to ride in the Coliseum was a fairy tale, but to win it was incredible.”

THOMAS SHEEHAN

“We used to do a lot of campdrafting, but we switched over to cutting now,” Sheehan said. “It’s very different cutting here than back in Australia. The cattle are a lot faster, and it’s a lot more professional. There’s a lot more contestants. It was huge, and the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Sheehan said Rebecca and Sam will likely take the mare’s reins back over, and he himself will take what he learned in the States back to Australia. He thanked both of them, Cate, his help in the show pen — Spud, Clay Johnson, Sean Flynn and Adan Banuelos — and the sponsors.

“It’s a credit to my daughter-in-law, son and grandson, who set it all up for me,” Sheehan said. “Just a big thank you to them. It’s overwhelming.”

PEDIGREE: Smooth Talkin Style x Deluxe Checks x Im Countin Checks

OWNED BY: Rebecca Sheehan

SCORE: 218

EARNINGS: $2,316.87

Thomas Sheehan pilots Deluxe Style to the championship.

Cream Rises to the Top

Youth competitors showed off their skills in scholarship classes and vied for top titles in the World Champion classes.

BY KRISTIN PITZER | PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT

A Sweet Victory

Kay Hunt had never made the finals in the NCHA Foundation Junior Scholarship Cutting. Things changed this year when she not only won the first go-round on Crafty With Cows with a 222.5, but then marked a 224 in the finals for the win.

“Making it to the finals was really enjoyable, and doing it with my mom and dad was really nice,” said Hunt, who celebrated her 12th birthday a week later.

Hunt has only known Crafty With Cows (High Brow CD x Miss Haulin Hickory x SR Instant Choice) for about a year-and-a-half, but she and the gelding have already developed a strong bond during that time. The gelding’s owner, Carol Ward, shows him on the weekends, and Hunt gets him ready for her to show.

“The three of them have a special bond,” said Hunt’s mom, Jenna. “Carol has been incredibly supportive of Kay, and they have given her amazing opportunities.

She’s never let any other youth kid show that horse, so for her to get to show him means the world to us.”

Crafty With Cows got his favorite treat, a strawberry Pop-Tart, after his win with Hunt. She was excited to continue showing him in the Youth.

“He’s a very interesting horse. He’s lazy until he gets in front of a cow,” Hunt said. “When he’s in front of a cow, it feels amazing. Sometimes it’s a little scary because I think I’m going to fall off.”

Hunt thanked her mom and dad, Clay Carter, who works for Ward, along with Ward and her husband, David, for their support. Jenna echoed her appreciation and also applauded Hunt’s determination and hard work.

“She practices every single day,” Jenna said. “To see her go and not only win the finals but win the go-round was unbelievable. We were all very emotional about it.”

Kay Hunt aboard Crafty With Cows, owned by Carol Ward, marking a 224 for the win.

NCHA FOUNDATION JUNIOR YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP CUTTING CHAMPION

Going for Gold

Before stepping into the NCHA Foundation Senior Youth Scholarship Cutting first go, Kate Roberson was a little nervous. She had never shown The Golden Shot before and had only been riding her for a short period of time. The mare (WR This Cats Smart x Velvets Best Shot x Playgun) took care of her, though, marking a 219, then carried her to a winning 220 in the finals.

“It was very special because that’s my first championship in Fort Worth, and I got to ride an amazing horse,” Roberson said. “It was really fun and very interesting to be on a horse that I’m not used to being on, especially one that’s as flashy as she is with her color. She was really amazing and is very talented. I’m very grateful that I had the opportunity to show her.”

The duo’s first round gave Roberson a lot of confidence for the finals, and advice from her dad, Ben, who is an NCHA professional, provided an additional boost.

“He just told me to be ready because she’s very capable, and to go do what I knew how to do,” Roberson said.

When she’s not riding cutting horses, Roberson plays softball and does powerlifting. She finds the latter helps improve her riding as it keeps her strong and limber.

“It really allows me to be able to physically engage and be able to sit tight on my horse, and not feel uncomfortable when they’re making big stops or turns,” said Roberson, 16. “Being in good physical shape makes it easier to stay up there in a way that they can do their job.”

The sophomore in high school hopes to become a veterinarian in the future. She thanked The Golden Shot’s owner, Kathleen Moore, for letting her ride the mare; her parents and family for their support; and the Lord for giving her the opportunity.

Kate Roberson rode The Golden Shot to a winning 220 in the finals.

NYCHA HOLY COW PERFORMANCE HORSES JUNIOR YOUTH WORLD FINALS

Jitters: Conquered

When Georgia Hoffman’s family first got Smart Bobby Rey (Dual Rey x Smart Bobbi Sock x Bob Acre Doc) a little more than four years ago, she wasn’t his biggest fan. She was timid to ride him and always picked other horses instead. As she improved in her riding, that all changed, and this year, the gelding, who is now her favorite horse in the barn, carried her to the NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses Junior Youth World Finals.

“It felt amazing just knowing that I made that accomplishment and that I’m the World Champion,” Hoffman said. “I think it’s so special that I shared that whole journey with him.”

Hoffman admitted she was nervous going into the first round. She and Tucker Harrison were running a close race, and she knew he could overtake her if he won each go-round. When Harrison won the first go, Hoffman’s nerves increased as she prepared for the

second round. Her trainer, Kolby Moore, was able to offer her some advice to get her head back in the game.

“He said I already made it to there, I just needed to go show and have fun,” Hoffman recalled. “He just told me to quit being nervous and just go show.”

After a nail-biting second round, Hoffman knew the Junior Youth World title was hers. With the pressure off, she was able to have more fun and piloted “Rey” to their best score in the third go.

Hoffman, who turned 13 shortly after the Summer Spectacular, thanked her parents, Ginger and Grant, for spending so much time on the road with her.

“I just want to thank my parents for taking me everywhere and letting this happen for me, and my dad for all the good advice,” Hoffman said. “Thanks also to my trainer and to Rey.”

Georgia Hoffman pilots Smart Bobby Rey to her Junior Youth World Championship win.

Her Time to Shine

In the six years that Riley Farris has owned Play Purr View RG (Metallic Cat x Playgiarism x Freckles Playboy), she’s accomplished more than she ever thought possible. This year alone, the duo won the Senior Youth at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the NCHA Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch, and the mare was recently inducted into the NYCHA Horse Hall of Fame. The duo capped off the year by winning NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses Senior Youth World Finals after accumulating 214 points over the course of the show season.

“She’s given me everything she’s got over the past six years, so to be able to get one more thing on her before she starts winding down on her career was really special,” said Farris.

Throughout three rounds of competition, Farris and the mare tried to stay consistent. Going into their

third run, which would be the mare’s final one as a Youth horse, Farris hoped to mark something huge. Their 217 wasn’t quite what she anticipated, but the run, which allowed “TJ” to show off her big stops, was a fitting one to end on.

Farris planned to continue showing TJ in the NonPro and Amateur until the mare crosses the $100,000 marker. Then, she’ll likely be retired to the Farris’ broodmare pasture. Farris, 17, will focus on her other horses as she finishes her senior year of high school, after which she plans to get an agricultural economics degree, then go to law school and pursue a degree in familial law.

“I want to thank all of my help, friends and family, especially my dad and my sister, Reygan, for all of their amazing support this year, along with my Lord and savior for getting me here,” Farris said.

Riley Farris rode NYCHA Horse Hall of Fame inductee Play Purr View RG to the Senior Youth World Finals Championship.

Two ways to APHA registration:

1. Lineage – If your AQHA horse has at least one APHAregistered parent, your horse may be eligible for APHA registration REGARDLESS OF COLOR.

2. Markings – If your horse has two inches of solid white hair in the qualifying area (above the hock/ knee and/or behind the eye)

Below are some of the APHA-registered sires with competing foals :

• BADBOONARISING

•CATTY HAWK

•DANDY CAT

•DUAL REYISH

• LINCOLN

•METALLIC REBEL

•ONE TIME ROYALTY

• REYDIOACTIVE

•REYZIN THE CASH

•RUSTY BLUE METALLIC

•SMOOTH AS A CAT

•SMOOTH TALKIN

STYLE

•STEVIE REY VON

Warriors in the Cutting Pen

The Second Annual NCHA Military Cutting Challenge saw 13 U.S. Special Operations military members learn the sport of cutting — and compete in the Will Rogers Coliseum — all in the same week.

BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS | PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT

F or the second year, the NCHA held a Military Cutting Challenge during the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth. This year’s event took place on August 3 and saw 13 competitors from Army Special Operations–Rangers and Green Berets.

The NCHA partnered with the Special Forces Foundation to host this unique competition, which aims to honor and celebrate the courage and dedication of our military members. Each veteran was outfitted with NCHA sponsors Cinch

shirts and jeans, Sombrero Brands cowboy hats, and Rios of Mercedes boots to prepare them to enter the show pen. The NCHA then paired the participating military members with some of the top professionals in the cutting industry. After just two days of training, the new cutters were asked to put the skills they learned to the test by competing in the show pen.

Jeremy Pierce, who lives in Missoula, Montana, was this year’s champion. Pierce recently retired after 20 years in the military. “I’d been doing equine therapy in the Fort Carson area [near Colorado Springs, Colorado] as I was getting ready to retire,” he said. “Some of my friends in the Special Forces Foundation told me about this competition; they were looking for people to try this cutting challenge.”

Even though Pierce didn’t grow up with horses, in April this year, he started breaking a colt. “I took cutting lessons on sorting cows and calves, but never tried competition,” he said. “I rode an old ranch horse, and some of them are not as quick as they used to be!”

Pierce said he had never been on a horse as quick and athletic as the one he rode in the NCHA Military Cutting Challenge. “These horses are amazing. The horse did it all,” he noted.

Members of the US Special Forces pause for the National Anthem before mounting up for the 2024 NCHA Military Cutting Challenge.

His equine partner in the show pen was Nito Sass, owned by Jim Haworth and trained by Cara Brewer of northeastern Oklahoma. “I met with Cara two days before the competition,” Pierce continued. “She introduced me to the horse, and I rode him. We worked the flag a little, then cut out three cows. I did another practice session on Friday on a practice horse. So, I was only on ‘Nito’ a little bit on Thursday, and then Saturday afternoon for the competition.”

Brewer has been training cutting horses for about 20 years. “It’s an honor for us to get to share our sport with the veterans; we appreciate them and the sacrifices they make for our freedom,” Brewer said.

Second-place winner, Tyr Symank, lives near Seattle, Washington. “I came back from Iraq earlier this year, and that should be my last trip,” he said, adding that he’s been in the military for close to 30 years — 24 of them in Special Forces.

“The director of the Special Forces Foundation [Ignacio Garza, who also competed] and I tried out for Special Forces together, and both became Special Forces medics; he was in the class ahead of me. After we graduated, we didn’t see each other for about 20 years,” explained Symank. “When Ignacio founded the Special Forces Foundation, he reconnected with me. Earlier this year he asked if I’d be interested in doing this Military Cutting Challenge. I’d had experience with horses, but never cutting.”

Symank worked with trainer Morgan Cromer to learn the basics of cutting, which he found to be quite different from his past experiences riding. “I practically had to re-learn!” joked Symank. “The cutter’s hunch is quite different than military form and position. Every time Morgan would direct me to do something, I could feel my First Sergeant yelling at me — about my posture, my hand on the horn....”

With cutting, he added, “you have to just let the horse do it.

“Morgan taught me how to propel and kick with the heel on the cow side,” explained Symank, who rode Paydey in the competition. “The whole time I was out there I was muttering ‘Cow side! Cow side!’ I had to be really focused.”

Cromer asked Ava Peterson, the 15-year-old who owns and shows Paydey, how she would feel about letting Symank use the horse for the Military Cutting Challenge. “Ava didn’t hesitate and was all for it, telling me she could get the horse ready for Tyr,” said Cromer.

“It was cool to watch a young kid so respectful and generous,” she added. “One of my favorite things working with veterans is seeing people’s generosity and appreciation for them. The thing I noticed most about all these guys in Special

Jeremy Pierce steers Nitro Sass for the win.

Tyr Symank concentrates aboard Paydey.

Sean Stoneham cuts through the competition on Orin Swift.

Dean

Joseph Levine gets last minute tips.

Sean Stoneham shares a moment with Orin Swift. 2024 ncha

Military Cutting Challengers

Patrick Burke Fort Worth, Texas ARMY RANGER-VET

Ignacio Garza Fort Worth, Texas 10TH SFG

Lowell Koppert

Aiken, South Carolina 3RD SFG-VET

Jeremy Pierce

Missoula, Montana 10TH SFG

Luke Sculli

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 10TH SFG-VET

Kerry Shirley Fort Worth, Texas 10TH SFG-VET

Adam Cannon

Fort Bragg, North Carolina 7TH SFG

Dean Goble

Colorado Springs, Colorado 10TH SFG

Joseph Levine

Colorado Springs, Colorado 10TH SFG

Jamison Roth

Brownsburg, Indiana ARMY RANGER-VET

Alan Shebaro Fort Worth, Texas 3RD SFG-VET

Sean Stoneham

Colorado Springs, Colorado 10TH SFG

Tyr Symank

Seattle, Washington 19TH SFG

Forces — especially Tyr, because I got to work with him — is that they adapt quickly and listen. He was a fast learner and immediately understood anything that I taught him. These guys were really focused.”

Cromer also noted the veterans’ focus learning a new sport. “They had a great mental game and control, and no fear. These guys were not afraid of getting on a horse they didn’t know.” With that mental attitude, they were able to build an instant bond with the horse.

All the trainers commented on how focused and fearless the military riders were, which really helped them do well in their first cutting experience.

“This kind of competition is good for us; Special Operations guys are used to being in control of everything in their environment, so this was part of the therapy side,” said Symank. “Once you separate that calf out of the herd, you have to turn that control over to the horse and let your horse do it all. This can be difficult for guys like us, in everyday life situations.”

Third place winner was Sean Stoneham, who was the 2023 NCHA Military Cutting Challenge champion, and who returned for another go. Stoneham is still in active service with 10th Special Forces. While Stoneham admits he is very comfortable on horses, “this cutting challenge was one thousand percent different, in the athleticism and focus of these horses,” he said.

This year, Stoneham was paired with trainer Luke Barnhart and a horse called Orin Swift (barn name “Maverick”), who Barnhart trained. The horse is owned by Scott and Karen Barnhart Partners.

“Maverick actually moved faster than any horse I have ridden,” said Stoneham, who blamed his lifting a hand off on the second cow as one reason he lost points this year. “I forget that you don’t need to help these horses at all! I felt it happen and realized I’d just lost points.

“The adrenalin you get is just crazy, and then you have to calm down and walk back into the cows and calmly bring another one out,” added Stoneham. “Once your horse is locked onto that cow and you are in a good spot, it is right back to the races.”

“The event demonstrated what the NCHA is about — bringing people together to enjoy one of God’s greatest gifts, cutting horses,” trainer Barnhart noted.

This is a great event to bring attention to the sport of cutting and the military, explained Stoneham. “The athleticism of the horses and the competitive aspect make it much more interesting and exciting than going on a trail ride for equine therapy.”

“It was an amazing day, and I can’t wait until next year,” said Pierce. “I have to defend my title.”

below :

Second place winner Tyr Symank gets a congratulatory pat from trainer Morgan Cromer.

WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND

This past June, these 14 NCHA Circuits across North America hosted cutting events to commemorate NCHA Weekend.

Compiled by Abigail Boatwright

clockwise from top right :

Gist buckles at Aurora Circuit; Ozark’s Phillip Sadler with Brad Brewer, Annie Beal, and Rebel Heart; Aurora’s Anna Mathison is pumped after a great run; Christian Miller and Wayne Czisney both celebrate $1 million in earnings at Red River Circuit.

photos by : krystina lynn photo ( aurora ); kozy d photography ( ozark ); jessy mclauchlin vandiver ( red river )

SOUTH TEXAS

ALAMO

M5 Cutting Horse Association Arena: George H. Henderson Expo Center, Lufkin, Texas

M5 Cutting Horse Association hosted the Alamo NCHA Weekend with 192 entries. The event featured catered street tacos on Friday night and authentic Louisiana jambalaya on Saturday prepared by “The Blind Cajun Cook.” The show proved to be what Weekend Days were made for, with many laughs and memories made. Many thanks to the sponsors, including Doohicky Designs and CA Clazzy Beadz.

WEST VIRGINIA, VIRGINIA, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, NEW ENGLAND

APPALACHIAN

East Coast Cutting Horse Association Arena: Shawnee Farms Arena, Lewisburg, West Virginia

A fun time was had by all in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. The weather was gorgeous on Saturday and a little drizzly on Sunday. Youth competitors were excited to receive their buckles, as were champions for the other buckle classes. Lots of locals came to watch the festivities.

clockwise from top :

Josey Bell with horse and buckle. Sawyer McWilliams won a buckle. Joe Gotti with his prizes.

from top to bottom : Jim Johnson with Jr. Youth champ Alexa Sbarra. Johnson and Sr. Youth champ Cheyenne Bolyard.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, ALBERTA, SASKATCHEWAN, MANITOBA

AURORA

Alberta Cutting Horse Association

Claresholm Agriplex, Claresholm, Alberta, Canada

The Aurora Circuit NCHA Weekend took place June 1 and 2. The weather was great, with hints of summer starting to emerge after a cold spring. Cutter Jones from Texas judged the 68 cuts on Saturday and 66 on Sunday. It was a great weekend with phenomenal runs, a great venue, and good times had by all!

MONTANA, WYOMING

BIG SKY

Montana Cutting Horse Association

Blue Ribbon Pavilion, Deerlodge, Montana

The Big Sky Circuit NCHA Weekend was a roaring success with around 100 runs a day. Contestants came from Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Utah. Besides the beautiful Gist buckles provided by NCHA, Circuit award winners took home custom headstalls. Many other awards were handed out to deserving competitors!

from top to bottom : Brooklyn Beveridge and RL Bobby Boucher. Megan Mathison (green shirt) celebrates.

from top to bottom : Michelle Van Dyke, Kyle Clement, Wayne Smith, Gus Hoffman. Turnback help conferring.

Arena:

Arena:

LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, ALABAMA, TENNESSEE

COTTON

Southern Cutting Horse Futurity Arena: Kirk Fordice Equine Center, Jackson, Mississippi

This show averaged 100 entries over two days. The event provided free lunch on Friday and Saturday. Gist buckles were awarded to every class. Winners were determined by score totals for Saturday and Sunday. Attendees seemed to have a good time!

KENTUCKY, INDIANA, ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN, OHIO, E. CANADA

GREAT LAKES

Illinois Cutting Horse Association Arena: DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois

We had 389 entries over 2.5 days. Youth kids participated in an informational scavenger hunt where they asked the cutters questions about earnings and judging credits, and talked with Futurity champion breeders Pat and Laura Collins. CHA president Elaine Jackson and her husband got married 26 years ago in the show pen so the show holds a special place for them!

top to bottom : Rick and Elaine Jackson celebrate on horseback. Brian Johnson accepts his awards.

above : Champion Colette Vaughn. Brandon D’Albor and winning buckle.

E. COLORADO, KANSAS, NEBRASKA

HEARTLAND

Cutting Horse Association of Nebraska

This was a fun weekend in Kearney, Nebraska, with about 115 entries each day. Cutting Horse Association of Nebraska provided lunch on Saturday and Paradox Cutting Horses provided lunch on Sunday. The event welcomed cutters from Colorado and Kansas to the Nebraska Show, and all had a great weekend of cutting.

W. TEXAS, E. NEW MEXICO, W. OKLAHOMA

OILER

Panhandle Cutting Horse Association Arena: Foote-Rogers Equine Facility, Farwell, Texas

Oiler Circuit NCHA Weekend was held June 1 and 2. The weather could not have been better. Beautiful Gist buckles were awarded in all classes. Dinner was provided by Panhandle Cutting Horse Association, and water guns were distributed free of charge. As always, the focal point of our cuttings is the fellowship enjoyed by all.

from top to bottom : Hana Luther and Trip Fortenberry. Sterling Decker, Haylee King, and Zachary Corvin.

above : Wyatt Sazwan and his buckle. Jacki Wilkins and Amy Pierce.

ARKANSAS, MISSOURI

OZARK

The Ozark NCHA Weekend was hosted by newly formed affiliate Tri-Lakes Cutting Horse Association. A tornado swept through the area just a few days prior, leaving the arena and show grounds without power and water, and with huge trees down. Thanks to the hosts, the facilities were in top shape by the time the first trailers rolled in. A highlight was a clinic on Friday afternoon with trainer/clinicians Ryan Moore and Kevin Miller.

WASHINGTON, OREGON, IDAHO, N. UTAH

PIONEER

NCHA Pioneer Circuit Weekend, in one word, it was fun! It featured fresh cattle, big classes, and plenty of extras. Each horse received Bonina’s Elite Treats; each rider received a slice of pie. On Friday night, cutters tried something new: polo! Anna Anderson graciously provided polo ponies, mallets, and T-shirts. Saturday night cutters enjoyed a free Tri-Tip BBQ followed by music and dancing.

from top to bottom :

A breather before the cutting action. Bryce Maubach rides Something In Red.

from top to bottom : Cutters playing polo! Randy Mestdaugh on Foxies Believin.

Montana Cutting Horse Association Arena: Bonina Event Center, Eltopia, Washington

Tri-Lakes Cutting Horse Association Arena: Paradox Arena, Lakeview, Arkansas

N. TEXAS, E. OKLAHOMA

RED RIVER

Texas Cutting Horse Association Arena: Jared Lesh Cowhorse Arena, Whitesboro, Texas

The weather was more than 100 degrees both days, but thanks to Jared Lesh for installing nine A/C units so the arena could stay at a very comfortable temperature! We worked 253 horses in the two-day event and worked 527 horses over the four-day show. The youngest contestant was Cord Roberson at age 7. The event’s oldest contestant was not a clear winner because some people will not tell you their age!

REDWOOD

Redwood Empire Cutting Horse Association Arena: Murieta Equine Complex, Rancho Murieta, California

NCHA Weekend was held in Rancho Murieta at Carol Ward’s Murieta Equine Complex, a beautiful state-of-theart facility. The weather was very hot, so a water balloon fight ensued on Saturday after the cutting was over. New champions who had never won a buckle were crowned. Overall, we had lots of smiles and family fun.

Michelle Moore and “Last Draw” trophy. Preslie Green and Megan Du Toit.

above : Ivan Flores (first buckle) and Marjie Massaglia. Monty Buntin aboard Kat Play.

N. NEVADA, N. CALIFORNIA

NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, FLORIDA

SUNSHINE

Wateree Cutting Horse Association Arena: Georgia Sports Arena, Swainsboro, Georgia

The NCHA Circuit Weekend cutting in Swainsboro was once again a huge success with perfect weather, great prizes, and wonderful friends. The weekend started with a traditional Thursday night welcome dinner. The weekend finished with 350 entries. First- and second-place Circuit winners took home prizes. Sandra Lines Photography did amazing work capturing photos, from candids to incredible action shots!

MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, IOWA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA

UPPER MIDWEST

Minnesota Cutting Horse Association

Red River Valley Fairgrounds, West Fargo, North Dakota

The Upper Midwest NCHA Circuit Weekend was judged by Mark Bryant, with Pam Cole on video, and Jacquee Daniel as secretary. It was produced by 57 Ranches and JP Bell. On Saturday, the event had 81 entries, and on Sunday, 69 entries. States represented include North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. The Parsons boys enjoyed their first time in the cutting pen, and fun was had by all.

from top to bottom : Kash and Kole Parsons. Jim Neshman, Deb Moller, and JP Bell.

from top to bottom : Rachel Campbell celebrates with Billy Kidd. Monty Nix rides Lucky Little Tag.

Arena:

NCHA Launches NCHA Films

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is proud to announce the launch of their new YouTube channel, NCHA Films, a dedicated platform to share the compelling stories of its members and celebrate the vibrant culture of the cutting horse family.

By Carley Myers - NCHA

This exciting new venture will bring to life the rich history, passion, and dedication of the people and horses that make up the NCHA community.

With NCHA Films, the NCHA aims to connect with a broader audience by providing an inside look at its diverse and talented members’ lives, experiences, and achievements. The channel will feature a wide range of content, including inspirational stories highlighting the strong bonds between riders and their equine partners, in-depth interviews with cutting horse enthusiasts and behind-the-scenes footage of events. By sharing these narratives, NCHA Films hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the sport and its community, encouraging new fans and participants to discover the joys of cutting.

By highlighting the personal stories of its members, NCHA aims to create a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the cutting horse family, emphasizing the shared values and passions that unite them. The launch of NCHA Films also marks a significant step forward in the NCHA’s commitment to leveraging digital platforms to engage with a global audience. With the rise of online content consumption, YouTube offers an ideal platform for the NCHA to reach new demographics and connect with cutting horse enthusiasts from all walks of life. Through NCHA Films, the NCHA is poised to inspire a new generation of riders and fans, ensuring the continued growth and success of the sport.

As the NCHA embarks on this exciting new chapter, they invite everyone to join them in celebrating the incredible stories and achievements of the cutting horse community. Subscribe to NCHA Films and immerse yourself in the world of cutting, where tradition meets innovation, and passion knows no bounds. Together, let’s honor the remarkable individuals and horses that make the NCHA a truly special organization.

“NCHA Films is more than just a YouTube channel; it’s a vibrant tapestry of stories that brings the cutting horse community to life.”

JAY WINBORN, NCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

top :

Michael Cooper with wife Jennifer after winning the Open Classic on Starry Eyedd.

bottom :

Austin Shepard aboard Wood She B Magic during the 2023 Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular.

easton jay photography

easton jay photography

Challenge Accepted

NCHA competitors brought their A-games to the second annual Cutting Horse Challenge at The Run For A Million in Las Vegas.

BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT | PHOTOS BY TRFAM

Surrounded by the elevated atmosphere of being part of The Run For A Million, the richest event in reining, cutting, and cow horse competition, NCHA competitors got down to business. A dozen top NCHA riders and their best horses dug into the dirt at South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, to vie for big chunks of prize money. With a tie for third place and a surprise announcement at the buckle ceremony, the $200,000 Cutting Horse Challenge was an unmissable event.

Produced by Brumley Management Group and Bosque Ranch, The Run For A Million (TRFAM) offers Vegas glitz alongside top Western performance competition. TRFAM is now in its sixth year — this qualifier-based event was the brainchild of Taylor Sheridan, Academy Award-nominated director of hit shows such as Yellowstone. Sheridan created a documentary-competition

called The Last Cowboy that follows Western competitors on the path to showing in TRFAM’s final reining event. What’s bloomed since then is a packed weekend with sold out final events and a host of ancillary events doling out major cash for competitors, and excitement for audiences.

“The Run For A Million’s goal is to promote Western lifestyle and its traditions,” Amanda Brumley, show producer, said. “The demographic who attend the event and watch The Last Cowboy are a mix of horse enthusiasts and people who have never sat on a horse. The opportunity to watch these horses, in all three disciplines, compete at the highest level three nights in a row, is a rare experience to bring ranching to the arena. With cutting being featured on Yellowstone and its inclusion at The Run For A Million, it allows horse enthusiasts to experience cutting firsthand.”

Brumley says adding a cutting event offered a learning opportunity last year, and this year was even better.

“Cutting was out of my wheelhouse, being a reining competition producer,” Brumley said. “Overall, [this year] it went much smoother. This was only the second year we have hosted the cutting, and it blew everyone’s minds!”

NATIONAL CUTTING HORSE ASSOCIATION ( NCHA ) COMPETITORS:

Austin Shepard

Monty Buntin

Grant Setnicka

Adan Bañuelos

Lloyd Cox

Kenny Platt

James Payne

Wes Galyean

Michael Cooper

Russ Westfall

Cade Shepard

Matt Miller

Jesse Lennox

from top :

and Kat Play score a huge 226 to place second at TRFAM. Princesses Rule has her eyes on the prize with rider Grant Setnicka.

Tied with Setnicka for third, Adan Banuelos piloting Storyteler put on a show.

opposite :

Austin Shepard and Kittennish show off their skills in front a Vegas crowd.

Monty Buntin

“She likes to win.”

Austin Shepard came to TRFAM ready to play, with his top mare Kittennish as his mount. The 2019 mare (Hottish x Show Biz Kitty x High Brow Cat) owned by Billy Wolf of Whitesboro, Texas, is a solid competitor, making her the obvious choice for the Summerdale, Alabama, resident to bring.

“She’s just my best horse — overall, she’s probably the best horse I’ve ever had, and she’s definitely the best horse I have right this second,” Shepard said. “I wanted to take my best horse our there where we could compete.”

“Kitty” is known for her prowess in the pen, and Shepard says her greatest strength is simply that she doesn’t have any weaknesses.

“She’s one of the very few horses I’ve ever ridden what could do everything,” Shepard said. “She’s very, very smart about a cow. She’s extremely physical. She can stop good. She can move her front end as good as any horse I’ve ever had. And she has something that we can’t train, she wants to be a winner. She likes to win.”

Shepard’s goal for the class was to be clean cutting the cows he liked, giving the mare an opportunity to show her ability.

“My main strategy was to have her ready, but she was really ready that morning,” Shepard said. “She was very ready when we started, and just mainly wanted to find out cows, get them drove out of the herd, and then what was going to happen was going to happen.”

“Anything we can do to cut for good money and promote our sport is definitely good for everybody.”

AUSTIN

SHEPARD

Shepard had two good cows, and his third cow was one that was in the group with his first cow.

“When I turned around [for the third cow] I was amped up, and probably got in too big of a hurry, but there was a cow that I liked. I stepped in behind a little group of cows, and that cow that I thought I was going to cut just took off,” Shepard said. “Thankfully, I did not commit to it. And, thankfully, the cow that I saw in my first cut just appeared. That was very handy — I got lucky on my third and didn’t chase the wrong cow.” Their score of 231 put the duo at the top of the class, bringing

them a $50,000 check. Shepard appreciated the atmosphere around the Cutting Horse Challenge.

“It was excellent — it was a lot of fun,” Shepard said. “It was a really good crowd, a lot of participation. I think it was really good for the sport of cutting. There were a lot of people who saw their first cutting horse live.”

Shepard also loved being able to compete in the same event as his son, fellow pro-trainer Cade Shepard, who also qualified for the event. The family stayed throughout the show watching other events, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the festivities.

“Having my son qualified for this event was really cool, he really enjoyed himself and it’s just an honor to be part of it,” Shepard said. “I really thank Taylor [Sheridan] for having it. Anything we can do to cut for good money and promote our sport is definitely good for everybody. We hope to qualify for next year.”

A Spotlight on Western Performance

Riding Kat Play, Monty Buntin had a stellar ride in the Cutting Horse Challenge. The 2016 sorrel gelding (Kit Kat Sugar x NQH Shadow Play x Playgun) owned by Dacole Investment Company turned in a score of 226 to pocket a $35,000 check.

Participating in the event meant a lot to the Lancaster, California, resident.

“It’s just everything for the growth of our sport, and the promotion of amazing horses and trainers that have worked really hard to become what they are,” Buntin said. “To be highlighted like that, and more importantly, to highlight the horses — it feels like an event that anybody who wears a cowboy hat can join together to admire great horsemanship. I think it’s amazing, and probably the most fun show that I go to.”

Momentous Moments

Grant Setnicka of Grandview, Texas, had an excellent ride in the Cutting Horse Challenge. Aboard Princesses Rule owned by Rio Roca Land and Cattle, his score of 223 tied Adan Bañuelos and Storyteler for third place and a $27,500 check.

But Setnicka was good at compartmentalizing his emotions. He also had many things on his mind and heart at this show, including his relationship with his girlfriend, Sawyer.

Setnicka has known Sawyer for seven years, and they’ve been dating for about six months. Intending to propose soon, he had a ring custom-made, and it was finished right before the couple left for Vegas. Setnicka had no plans, but he did ask her parents for permission to marry her.

“My gut feeling told me ‘bring the ring,’” Setnicka said. “So I brought it, and had it locked in a room so Sawyer couldn’t find it. I figured when the right time or moment hits me, I’ll do it.”

Also at top of mind was the recent passing of legendary reined cow horse competitor Doug Williamson. Setnicka counted Williamson as a best friend, near family member, and mentor. Being at this major horse event with Williamsons’ wife, Carol, made for an emotional week. He wanted to honor Williamson, so he asked Carol if he had a color or a number that he could carry to honor him.

“She said, without any hesitation, that a wild rag was his signature,” Setnicka said. “He always showed with a wild rag on, and didn’t care if it was 110 degrees. So that’s what we did.”

Setnicka sourced black wild rags from stores around the show, gathering 17 — enough for most of the cow horse competitors to wear in the pen.

“I was pretty emotional that night,” Setnicka said.

After the cutting competition came the buckle presentation, and as he was standing with Sawyer, preparing to get on stage, Austin Shepard spoke to him, still wearing the wild rag. It had an effect on Setnicka.

“That was a reminder of Doug passing, and life is short. What are you waiting for? This is your person. You won your dreams, you’ve checked all your boxes. So that’s when it hit me to ask one of my employees to go get the ring,” Setnicka said.

He stuffed the ring box in his boot, talked to the camera crew about his plans, and was called on stage. Knowing that Sawyer only asked that a proposal be documented for themselves, he took the leap. He asked her to go on stage with him, holding hands the entire time. Luckily, the MC Anthony Lucia is a friend and played along. Holding Sawyer’s hand, Setnicka knelt down on stage, plucked the box from his boot, and proposed — and she said “yes,” laughingly reminding him to put the ring on her finger.

“It was pretty awesome,” Setnicka said. “Of course, I held the ring the wrong way and other things, but the two most interesting things I was feeling was never being so sure of something, and never being so scared in my life.”

from top :

James Payne and Summer Time Fun get gritty. Phil N Dangerous with rider Wes Galyean follow the cow with precise movements. Michael Cooper and Starry Eyedd performing under the Vegas lights.

INDUSTRY NEWS

CELEBRITY CUTTING EVENT WILL BENEFIT CANCER PROGRAMS

Fort Worth, Texas — The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) proudly announces its Celebrity Cutting Challenge, which is scheduled for November 29, 2024, at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. This exciting event will feature stars from various entertainment entities, all competing in the art of cutting to raise funds for UT Southwestern Medical Center’s cancer programs in Fort Worth. Participants will be paired with experienced trainers, navigating the challenges of the arena.

NCHA and chairs Nicole Sheridan and Kit Moncrief will host this event. Tickets are available through the NCHA.

"We’re excited to combine the thrill of cutting with a cause that touches so many lives," said Jay Winborn, NCHA Executive Director. "This event showcases our sport and also supports UT Southwestern in providing exceptional care to anyone facing a cancer diagnosis."

NCHA ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIPS

HEWLETT-PACKARD BRINGS ITS INNOVATION TO CUTTING

NCHA's new partnership with Hewlett-Packard (HP) is poised to enhance the NCHA experience both at home and in business, and will now provide members with exclusive HP discounts.

This collaboration with HP marks a significant step forward in our commitment to excellence and innovation within the cutting horse community. With HP's support, we are confident in enriching the cutting horse competition landscape and ensuring a dynamic future. HP’s laptops and printers will support cutting horse trainers, owners, and the growing media presence in our sport.

The NCHA is pleased to offer members a simplified purchasing plan through HP, dedicated sales teams, and exclusive discounts. Members should have received an email (on June 25, 2024), with detailed instructions and a secure link to exclusive benefits.

Founded in 1939, HP revolutionized home computing and printing, making technology more accessible. Today, HP remains a global leader with innovative and affordable products for home and business use.

NUTRENA IS NOW THE OFFICIAL FEED OF THE NCHA

NCHA announces a new partnership with Nutrena, a leading brand known for providing exceptional horse feed products. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organizations and showcases NCHA’s commitment to supporting the growth and well-being of the cutting horse community and its equine athletes.

Members were able to visit the Nutrena booth located in the tradeshow area of Amon G. Carter Exhibit Hall at the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular. (If you weren’t able to attend the event, you can schedule an online consultation with an equine nutritionist on Nutrena’s website.)

"At Nutrena, we know that for high-performing horses, health, happiness, and performance go hand in hand. That is why we have spent over one hundred years developing horse feed to nourish and fuel them to feel their best,” according to a statement by the Nurtrena Team. “We look forward to working together to continue developing a space where riders and their beloved horses can thrive together.” (continued page 150)

WINNING IS LITERALLY A JOINT EFFORT, STARTING WITH YOU.

Give back to your high performer with NexHATM (hyaluronate sodium)

Injectable Solution

At the first sign of lameness, affordable NexHA lubricates joints and calms inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis.1,2 An FDA-approved generic bioequivalent to Legend® (hyaluronate sodium), NexHA helps keep joint pain in check and your partnership competitive for years to come.

For more information, contact your veterinary distributor, Vetoquinol sales representative, or scan the code.

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1 Gupta, R.C., Lall, R., Srivastava, A. Hyaluronic Acid: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Trajectory. Front VetSci. 2019 Jun 25:6:192.

2 Goodrich, L.R., and Nixon, A.J., Medical Treatment of Osteoarthritis in the Horse – A Review. The Veterinary Journal. 2006; 51-69.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The safety of NexHATM has not been evaluated in breeding stallions or in breeding, pregnant, or lactating mares. The following adverse reactions have been reported following intravenous use of NexHA Injectable Solution: occasional depression, lethargy, and fever. NexHA is approved only for intravenous injection.

©2024 Vetoquinol USA, Inc., the Vetoquinol logo is a registered trademark and NEXHA is a trademark of Vetoquinol USA, Inc. Legend is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim. NEX-24-00003

(hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution 10 mg/mL For Intravenous Use In Horses Only

BRIEF SUMMARY: Before using NexHATM (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution for horses, please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows.

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

INDICATIONS: NexHATM Injectable Solution is indicated in the treatment of joint dysfunction of the carpus or fetlock in horses due to non-infectious synovitis associated with equine osteoarthritis.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: 4 mL (40 mg) injected intravenously. Treatment may be repeated at weekly intervals for a total of three treatments. Use aseptic technique and inject slowly into the jugular vein. Horses should be given stall rest after treatment before gradually resuming normal activity.

Discard any unused portion of the drug and the empty vial after opening.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications for the use of NexHATM Injectable Solution in horses.

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PRECAUTIONS: Radiographic evaluation should be carried out in cases of acute lameness to ensure that the joint is free from serious fracture.

The safety of NexHATM injectable Solution has not been evaluated in breeding stallions or in breeding, pregnant or lactating mares.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: No local or systemic side effects were observed in the clinical field studies using hyaluronate sodium injectable Solution.

POST-APPROVAL EXPERIENCE: While all adverse reactions are not reported, the following adverse reactions are based on voluntary post-approval reporting for hyaluronate sodium injectable Solution: Occasional depression, lethargy, and fever.

To report suspected adverse events, contact Vetoquinol USA, Inc. at 1-800-835-9496. For technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Vetoquinol USA, Inc. at 1-800-267-5707. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

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(“New Partnerships” continued from page 148)

THE CRESCENT HOTEL FORT WORTH

NCHA announces a new partnership with The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth. Nestled between vibrant downtown and the renowned cultural district, The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth is celebrated for its stunning architecture, acclaimed art program, and meticulous attention to detail. NCHA members are invited to take advantage of special pricing for stays, as well as to visit the hotel’s restaurant, Emilia’s, and lobby bar, The Circle Bar, and enjoy its many other amenities.

NCHA ANNOUNCES HALF A MILLION DOLLARS TOWARDS NCHA WORLD FINALS

The NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals, renowned for its electrifying competition, is set to be more rewarding than ever before. This year's event will feature half a million dollars in added money and a remarkable pay-out increase of nearly 60 percent across all divisions.

Horses and riders compete all year to qualify for the NCHA Broke Spur Ranch World Finals — which takes place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center from late November to early December — and more is on the line now than ever before. The event is free to attend.

NCHA ANNOUNCES AFFILIATE HONORS

The 2023 Affiliate of the Year is the Wateree Cutting Horse Association, and the Reserve Affiliate of the Year is PK Cutters.

“I want to thank the NCHA for this award,” said Wateree CHA President Chris Howell. “I also want to thank our members; we've got a very loyal group of cutters here. We've just tried to make cutting fun. We sincerely appreciate this award and are very honored.”

“I am very proud of Dee (McLauchlin) and Jessy (Vandiver) for the work they put into keeping this association running,” said Cooper Vandiver, President of PK Cutters. “We are a family-run association and want to do as much as we can for our cutters and consider them family.”

Congratulations to both affiliates and thank you for your hard work and dedication to the sport of cutting.

in memoriam

TJ VANCE

TJ Vance of Inavale, Nebraska, passed away at age 44. Vance was a long-time NCHA member since 1991, and was an AAA Judge. A lifetime Cutting Horse of Nebraska (CHAN) member, Vance is survived by his wife, Tara; sons, Trey and Tanner; parents, Bonna and Larry, and brother, Cody. He will be missed by the entire NCHA cutting community.

ELI McDONALD RECEIVES 2024 RAFTER P YOUTH AWARD

Congratulations to Eli McDonald, of Madden, Mississippi, winner of the 2024 Rafter P Youth Award.

The Rafter P Youth Award aims to provide financial assistance to a youth member in good standing with the NYCHA, enabling them to attend the 2024 Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular and the Holy Cow Performance Horses Youth World Finals. As the award recipient, McDonald competed in the recent NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting.

“Eli was selected because the nominations (for him) were from the heart, describing his character and his work ethic,” said Rafter P President and Founder Brad Pryor. “We need more young men like Eli in this ever-changing world we live in.”

CuttingHorse_Template-Quarter.indd 1

“Thank you to the NYCHA, Rafter P Construction, and everyone who nominated me,” said McDonald, who also tied for NCHA Senior Youth Rookie of the Year. “I am very blessed and thankful to have this opportunity!"

above :

Eli McDonald is the winner of the 2024 Rafter P Youth Award.

photo by photography tru

New NCHA Affiliate WR Events Holds CommunityFocused Cutting Shows

A new NCHA affiliate, WR Events, based in Sedalia, Colorado, hosted two special cutting showcases recently. The first, held over the July 4th weekend at the renowned Wiens Ranch, drew cutting horse enthusiasts and the local community alike. The weekend kicked off with a cutting showcase, and more than 350 attendees were served a meal courtesy of WR Premium Beef (Wiens’ direct-to-consumer beef operation). The event successfully introduced many to the world of cutting, resulting in 71 new NCHA members. The enthusiasm and energy were palpable as spectators enjoyed the thrilling competition.

One highlight was the Open and Non-Pro classes, which featured insightful commentary from judges and trainers, providing the audience with a deeper understanding of the scoring process and the sport.

Another standout feature was the fiercely contested "Never Won a Buckle" class. Competitors vied for a stunning buckle, sponsored by Showtime Awards LLC.

In a gesture of appreciation, a $1,000 trainer bonus was awarded to the trainer who brought the most entries to the

show, generously provided by Ron Pietrafeso and family. This highlighted the importance of trainers in fostering new talent.

With its rich history in raising and showing champion cutting horses, Wiens Ranch provided the perfect backdrop for the show, as well as a similar event held over Labor Day. Known for producing horses with earnings in the millions, and also home to Craig Morris Cutting Horses, the ranch continues to be a cornerstone of excellence in the cutting horse world.

The success of these cutting showcases is a promising indicator of WR Events' potential to grow and enhance the NCHA community. — Hannah Nelson

Editor's Note (Facing Page):

Due to an editing error, we neglected to include Brian Unroe’s winning story in last issue’s coverage of the 2024 NCHA Eastern Nationals Presented by 6666 Ranch. We regret the error and are sharing his story here.

New NCHA affiliate, WR Events, based in Sedalia, Colorado, recently held two popular cutting events that showcased thrilling cutting competition and other aspects of the NCHA community.

photo courtesy of wr events

In December 2022, after years of following V Eight Fulla CD’s career, Brian Unroe inquired about purchasing the gelding. V Eight Fulla CD wasn’t for sale at the time, but Unroe, who owned a half-brother to the gelding, hoped his then-owners would be willing to make a deal. Fortunately for him, they agreed to sell, and a little over a year later, the gelding carried him to the NonPro title at the Eastern Nationals.

“That was my biggest win so far in my cutting career, so it means a lot to me,” said Unroe, who has been cutting for about three-and-a-half years. “He’s been really solid for us and is a consistent, really nice gelding. We felt he could win at that level, and he sure did.”

Unroe didn’t have a big game plan going into the finals, other than to ride the gelding like he normally does. V Eight Fulla CD

tends to be consistent, no matter what show he’s competing at.

“He’s just a really gritty type of horse that definitely doesn’t want a cow to get by him,” Unroe said. “He’s got a unique style to the way he stops and turns the cow.”

Unroe keeps the gelding at home and works him himself, but he’s been training with Nick Pilcher the last couple months. Prior to that, he worked with Matt Williams, and he said both trainers deserved to be credited for their parts in his win, along with his herd help: Billy Kidd, Walt Erwin and Jessie Pritchard.

Outside of cutting, Unroe owns a feed store and a fencing business, and manages rental properties. He planned to continue showing V Eight Fulla CD through the end of the year.

CLASS: Non-Pro

RIDER: Brian Unroe

HORSE: V Eight Fulla CD

PEDIGREE: High Brow CD x Fulla Looks x Dual Rey

OWNED BY: Brian Unroe SCORE: 217

EARNINGS: $4,755

Brian Unroe rides V Eight Fulla CD.

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

Tracy Barton (26) R5

Ora Diehl (26) R5

James Eakin (26) R7

John Echeverria (26) R2

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

Sherry Cowan (25) 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

Limited Age Events

Monty Buntin (27) R2

Zeke Entz (26) R5

Clay Johnson (26) R8

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

Elizabeth Quirk (26) R6

Kylie Rice (26) R8

Jamie Sokol (27) R5

Cameron Thompson (26) R8

Eric Van Boekel (26) R4

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

Rock Hedlund (26) R2 *

Lauren Kimble (26) R4

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

David Pilcher (25) R4

Elizabeth Quirk (27) R6

Phil Rapp (26) R8

Dean Rebhuhn (25) R1

Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg (25) R2

Madison Smith (27) R8

Governance

Dan Agnew (25) R4

Sharon Beach (25) R8 *

Rick Mowery (26) R8

Nate Miller (27) R1

Toddy Pitard (27) R6

Kenny Pugh (25) R7 – NVEO

Jonathan Rogers (25) R8

Grant Setnicka (26) R8

Tim Smith (26) R2 – NVEO

Scott Weis (27) R8 - NVEO

Matt Lopez (26) R8

Ryan Moore (27) R3

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

John Fay (27) R2

Byron Green (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

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 (PT). Refer

the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com.

Judge Evaluation Form

Reason for Evaluation:

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: ________

Email Address: __________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________

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.

The Patented Leveler On

our Signature Series

ThePatentedLeveler Onour SignatureSeries

Less foot fatigue, Less knee pain, Fewer stirrup losses… Better balance, Better ride, Better performance.

Lessfootfatigue, Lesskneepain, Fewerstirruplosses… Betterbalance, Betterride, Betterperformance.

Zycosan®

(pentosan polysulfate sodium injection)

250 mg/mL

For intramuscular use in horses only.

Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert)

CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

DESCRIPTION: Zycosan contains pentosan polysulfate sodium, a semi-synthetic polysulfated xylan. It is a pale yellow to brownish yellow, clear, sterile solution.

INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis in horses.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to pentosan polysulfate sodium or any of the inactive ingredients in Zycosan 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 (see Warnings and Precautions).

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

User Safety Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. 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. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Dechra at (866) 933-2472.

Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions:

Zycosan has been shown to prolong coagulation parameters up to 24 hours after injection, therefore caution should be used when administering this drug before or after strenuous activities (see Target Animal Safety). Due to the anticoagulant effects, this drug may exacerbate Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH).

The concurrent use of NSAIDs with Zycosan has not been evaluated. Due to the anticoagulant effects of Zycosan and known anticoagulant effects of some NSAIDs, caution should be used if NSAIDs are concurrently administered. Horses concurrently treated with Zycosan and NSAIDs should be monitored for hemorrhage or other clinical signs of abnormal bleeding (e.g., petechiae, ecchymosis, or epistaxis). The safety of long-term repeat use of Zycosan has not been evaluated. Pigmentary changes in the retina (pigmentary maculopathy) have been reported in human patients following long-term oral use of pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is not known if a similar finding occurs in horses. The safe use of Zycosan has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses.

Other Warnings:

Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

Injection site reactions were the most frequently reported adverse reactions in the field study. Injection site reactions were associated with clinicopathology changes in some cases. Other adverse reactions reported in more than one horse were prolongation of coagulation parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)), lethargy, behavior changes, and colic. To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Dechra at (866) 933-2472 . For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDAVETS or online at http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.

STORAGE CONDITIONS: Store at room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C), with excursions to 59-86°F (15-30°C).

MANUFACTURED FOR:

Dechra Veterinary Products 7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525 Overland Park, KS 66211 USA

Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-559

Zycosan is a trademark of Dechra Limited.

R 01 2023

award nominations

award nominations

julie dvorak hansma

julie dvorak hansma

non-pro sportsmanship award

non-pro sportsmanship award

The Julie Dvorak Hansma Non-Pro Sportsmanship award shall be presented annually to an active NCHA Non-Pro rider who exhibits the outstanding qualities of Julie. These qualities are: a high level of horsemanship in and out of the show pen, support of their peers, a trusted advisor to all, a high level of integrity and a leader who represents the true definition of a Non- Pro rider in the sport of cutting.

The Julie Dvorak Hansma Non-Pro Sportsmanship award shall be presented annually to an active NCHA Non-Pro rider who exhibits the outstanding qualities of Julie. These qualities are: a high level of horsemanship in and out of the show pen, support of their peers, a trusted advisor to all, a high level of integrity and a leader who represents the true definition of a Non- Pro rider in the sport of cutting.

mary kingsbury amateur sportsmanship award

mary kingsbury amateur sportsmanship award

The Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award is presented annually, during the NCHA Futurity, to an Amateur who exhibits integrity, kindness, honesty, respect, good sportsmanship, fairness, and compassion for people and horses in and out of the arena. Any Amateur, in good standing, may be nominated by an NCHA member by submitting a written letter or online nomination form.

The Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award is presented annually, during the NCHA Futurity, to an Amateur who exhibits integrity, kindness, honesty, respect, good sportsmanship, fairness, and compassion for people and horses in and out of the arena. Any Amateur, in good standing, may be nominated by an NCHA member by submitting a written letter or online nomination form.

todd drummond

todd drummond

memorial award

memorial award

Each National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) affiliate can nominate one outstanding youth member each year. The recipient will be recognized for scholastic, extracurricular activities, and cutting horse involvement. All affiliates are encouraged to participate in the nomination process.

Each National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) affiliate can nominate one outstanding youth member each year. The recipient will be recognized for scholastic, extracurricular activities, and cutting horse involvement. All affiliates are encouraged to participate in the nomination process.

zane schulte award

zane schulte award

The Zane Schulte Award was created in honor and memory of Zane Schulte, the son of Thomas and Barbra Schulte. Awarded annually, this recognition is presented to a professional trainer who exemplifies the character by which Zane Schulte is remembered: integrity, service, values, respect of their peers, contribution to the industry and excellence in the arena.

The Zane Schulte Award was created in honor and memory of Zane Schulte, the son of Thomas and Barbra Schulte. Awarded annually, this recognition is presented to a professional trainer who exemplifies the character by which Zane Schulte is remembered: integrity, service, values, respect of their peers, contribution to the industry and excellence in the arena.

nominations due october 7, 2024

nominations due october 7, 2024

For questions, contact the NCHA office at 817.244.6188. The printable applications can be found at nchacutting.com.

For questions, contact the NCHA office at 817.244.6188. The printable applications can be found at nchacutting.com.

Pursuant to the NCHA’s Constitution and Bylaws, the director elections for terms of service for the period of June 2024 - June 2027 were concluded on March 28, 2024. All directors elected in this year’s election will begin their three-year term of service at the commencement of the NCHA Convention. Below is a listing of the NCHA Board of Directors effective June 21, 2024.

Alabama

Julie Beasley (27)

James Hooper (LD)

Joey Nail (26)

Andrew Sligh (27)

Arizona

Sherry Cowan (25)

Joe Kalt (25)

Glen Nelson (26)

Tim Smith (25)

Mike Wood (26)

Arkansas

Diana Cunningham (25)

Toddy Pitard (LD)

Tommy Williams (25) (EC)

Lewis Wray (LD)

California & Hawaii

Robert Adams (26)

Dana Azevedo (26)

Phil Benadum (27) (EC)

Kathy Cardon (26)

Tim Castilaw (27)

Norm Clark (26)

Brent Erickson (27)

Katie Fonsen-Young (26)

Rock Hedlund (27)

Fiina Ugrin Jolley (26)

Suzy Rodoni-Silverberg (27)

Stan Williams, Jr. (26)

Colorado

Nicole Bauler (27)

Nate Miller (27)

Steve Norris (LD)

Ron Pietrafeso (LD)

Kenny Platt (27)

Joel Schulz (27)

Florida

Josh Deason (25)

Ora Diehl (LD)

Sandra Lines (25)

Brittany Overstreet (26)

Sharon Overstreet (26) (EC)

Pam Scott (25)

Illinois

Rick Jackson (25)

Scott Shaw (26)

Indiana

Byron Green (25)

Andrew Larsen (25)

Iowa & Wisconsin

Travis Grover (25)

Seth Kirchner (26)

Kansas

Kirby Smith (26) (EC)

Rebecca Waters (25)

Kentucky

Trent Harrison (26)

Randy Mesalam (25)

Louisiana

Robert Charles Brown (26)

Gwen Coie (27)

Keith Deaville (LD)

Elizabeth Quirk (25)

Bruce Richerson (LD)

Trey Rogillio (27)

Michigan

Dan Agnew (27)

Crystal DeWitt (27)

Minnesota

J. P. Bell (26)

Bob Janssen (25)

Mississippi

William Cole (27)

Taylor Flowers (27)

Ricky Lewis (27)

Missouri

Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr. (LD)

Greg Beutenmiller (27)

Sonny Martin (27)

Ryan Moore (27)

New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), NY, NJ & PA

Marty Miller (25)

Bill Stein (26)

Faye D. Stein (26)

Jack Werner (26)

New Mexico

Leslie Graor (25)

Richard Hicks (25)

North Carolina

Chase Lackey (26)

Garry Merritt (27)

Bob Meyer (27)

Barnwell Ramsey – President Elect

North & South Dakota

Tom Holmes (25)

Jason Reed (25)

Ohio

Jeff Brown (27)

Steve Duff (27)

John P. Lavelle (27) (EC)

Scott McKinsey (26)

Chuck Smith (LD)

Oklahoma

Cara Brewer (25) (EC)

Michelle Cowan (26)

Brandon Dufurrena (27)

Kathleen Moore – Vice President

Ty Moore (25)

James Payne (25)

Bill Riddle (LD)

Brad Wilson (25)

Oregon

Julie Clarke (26)

Marcea DeGregorio (25)

Mary Freeborn (27)

Jack Holt (27)

South Carolina

Tracy Barton (25)

Tennessee

Texas North

Jeremy Barwick (27)

Jaime Beamer (26)

Chris Benedict (LD)

Mary Bradford (27)

Lindy Burch (LD)

R. L. Chartier (27)

Dennie Dunn (LD)

Kelle Earnheart (27)

Jo Ellard (LD)

Jennifer Foland (26)

Matt Gaines (27)

Casey Green (27)

Leon Harrel (LD)

Cody Hedlund (27)

Tom Lyons (LD)

Frank Merrill (26)

Matt Miller (27)

Jim Milner (LD)

Ken Mock (27)

Bruce Morine (27)

Sarah Morine (27)

Mike Mowery (LD)

Rick Mowery (27)

Mary Ann Rapp (27)

Phil Rapp (LD)

Tarin Rice (27)

Ben Roberson (27)

Jonathan Rogers (26)

Corrie Rousey (25)

Ted Sokol (LD)

Cameron Thompson (27)

Chubby Turner (LD)

Bronc Willoughby (LD)

Michael Wood (27)

Texas South

Denise Bendele (26)

Frank Bowen (27)

Constantine Caloudas (27)

James Davison (25)

James Eakin (26)

Scott Ferguson (25)

Bobby Hunt (26)

Janice Little (27)

Jane Mancuso (25)

Harrison Perrin (25)

Sam Wilson (LD)

Virginia, West Virginia, D.C.,

Maryland & Delaware

Roy Bauer (26)

Jim Johnson (26)

Ryan Smith (26)

Washington & Alaska

Holly Jones (26)

Nina Lundgren (27)

Dean Rebhuhn (26)

Wyoming

Audra Crouse (26)

Georgia

Alison Howell (26)

Ryan Howell (27)

John Hulsey (27)

Mark Senn – President

Idaho

Mike Giannini (27)

Barbi Madgwick (25)

Montana

Suzanne Nellen (25)

John Seymour (26)

Nebraska

J.B. Atkins (26)

Nevada

John Echeverria (26)

Patti Lund (27)

Barbara Brooks (LD)

Zeke Entz (25)

Kevin Herzke (26)

Jason Whitaker (26)

Texas East

Punk Carter (LD)

Bradey Davis (27)

Billy Emerson (26)

Sylvia Fuentes (27)

Jan Gandy (27)

Cynthia Patty (27)

Ronnie Smith (27)

Texas West

Cheryl Callis (25)

Sherry Graham (27)

Skip Jones (26)

Coleta Rosson (26)

Steve Smith (27) (EC)

Utah

Danielle Pace (27)

Steve Williams (27)

John (Jack) Enright (27)

Eastern Canada

Eric Van Boekel (25)

Amanda Law (26)

Western/Central Canada

Connie Down-Cicoria (25)

Darcy Geherman (25)

Les Jack (26) (EC)

Sandy Reid (25)

Amanda Smith (25)

Doug Wiens (27)

Europe

Josef Bachmeier (25)

Gaetan Foulatier (27)

Denis Pini (25)

Jana Pini (25)

Sergio Traverso (25)

Pietro Valeri (26)

(LD) Life Director (EC) Executive Committee

Term Expires: (25) 2025 (26) 2026 (27) 2027

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

DRIVER, DARREN, Elberton, GA

(Standing Rule 4)

HEFNER, AMANDA, Chico, CA (Standing Rule 4)

MARTIN, BRYON, Clyde, NY

(Standing Rule 4)

POVERTY KNOB, Waterford, PA

(Standing Rule 4)

SCHILKE, ANDREW, Springtown, TX (Standing Rule 4)

SCHRAEDER, MICHAEL, Tomball, TX (Standing Rule 4)

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*

AMIGOS EMPLEO LEGAL, INC., Dallas, Texas. Rule 40*

ANDERSON, MERRILL, Marshall, Texas. Rule 40*

ANDERSON, SUSAN, Canby, Oregon. Rule 40*

AERIAL LIGHTING, Watseka, Illinois Rule 40*

ARNOLD, MIKE, dba CUT A COW, Springfield, Missouri. Rule 40*

ASHLEY, SHELLY, Sayre, Oklahoma. Rule 40*

ATLAS HORSEWALKER, THE , Plano, Texas. Rule 40*

AUBIN, GEORGE, dba WICHITA LAND AND CATTLE CO., WHC, SIGMA CORP, et al, Houston, Texas. Rule 40*

AUDIO CEL, Carrollton, Texas. Rule 40*

AYERS GROUP, THE, dba SONNY WOOLEY, Abilene, Texas.................Rule 40*

B & S FARM SUPPLY, Winona, Texas. Rule 40*

BAILEY, CHUCK, dba LONESTAR VIDEO, Rising Star, Texas. Rule 40*

BARBER, GALE, Madison, Alabama. Rule 40*

BARRETT, BRIDGETT, Liberty, Utah Rule 40*

BARRON, GRANT, Stephenville, Texas. Rule 40*

BEALS, DENNY & JILL, Lufkin, Texas. Rule 40*

BECK, ERNEST, Midland, Texas. Rule 40*

BENDING B TRADING LLC, Collierville, Tennessee Rule 40*

BENEFIELD, DOUG, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Rule 40*

BERGER, BENJAMIN, Brenham, Texas Rule 40*

BENGSTON, BEN, Ogden, Iowa. Rule 40*

BERNARD, THOMAS, Int. West, France. Rule 40*

BERNIE’S CUSTOM COACH OF TEXAS, INC., Houston, Texas. Rule 40*

BETTER BUILT ARENA CONSTRUCTION, Okarche, Oklahoma. ........................................................................................ Rule 40*

BLACK FOREST SADDLERY, Louisville, Kentucky. Rule 40*

BLACKMAN, DANIEL, Cat Springs, Texas.............................................. Rule 4

BLACKMON, EDDIE, DeKalb, Texas. Rule 40*

BLACKWELL, REX, Elk City, Kansas. Rule 40*

BLANKS, RENEE, Aubrey, Texas. Rule 40*

BM OF TEXAS, San Antonio, Texas. Rule 40*

BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS/DOTTIE MCGONAGILL, Fort Worth, Texas. Rule 40*

BODE, KEVIN, Frisco, Texas. Rule 40*

BOGARD, BO, Eagles Nest, New Mexico. Rule 40*

BOHANON, BERNADETTE, Heber Cith, Utah. Rule 40*

BOWLES, DEAN, Portland, Tennessee.

BRANNAN, DAVE, dba SOUTHERN AIRS RANCHES, Doralville, Georgia

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

BUCKLE T HORSES, Pattison, Texas. Rule 40*

BURKE, ROBERT L., Lancaster, California.

BUSH PRODUCTS, Bryan, Texas.

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

CAMPBELL, JAMES, Gilbert, Arizona. Rule 40*

CANDLESTICK CONSTRUCTION, Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada. ............................................................................................

CAPRON, TENAYA, Fort Worth, Texas.

CARROLL, TOMMY, Weatherford, Texas.

CARTER, BILLY W., Natchitoches, Louisiana.

CASTEL INTERNATIONAL, Houston, Texas.

CATAWBA RANCH, Lancing, Tennessee.

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

CATENA WATCHES/BILL KRAFT, Tioga, Texas. Rule 40*

CATON RANCHES/JUDY CATON, Snohomish, Washington.

CAVANAGH, JOHNNIE, Petaluma, California.

CELEBRITY CLASSIC, Provo, Utah.

CHAMBERLAIN, CONNER, Davis, Oklahoma..

CHINOOK PRODUCTIONS, Vancouver, B.C., Canada.

CHISHOLM TRAIL BOOT CO., Fort Worth, Texas.

CIRCLE H WELDING, Hico, Texas.

CML HEALTH MATTERS, INC., Justin, Texas.

COATES MANUFACTURING INC., Bossier City, Louisisana.

COGBURN, DAVID BRET, Clayton, Oklahoma.

COLLINS, RICHARD, Oceanside, New York.

COLMENAREZ, JOSE, Miami, Florida.

CONNELLA, KEITH, Malakoff, Texas.

CONNELLA, TIM, Seguin, Texas.

CONTINENTAL QUARTER HORSES, INC., Sanger, Texas.

COPENHAVER, TODD, Valley View, Texas.

CORLEY, MELVIN D., Middletown, Kentucky.

COWBOY COUNTRY WESTERN STORE, McAlester, Oklahoma.

COWBOY’S CHOICE GOLD AND SILVER, McAlester, Oklahoma.

COWHORSE SUPPLY, Winter Haven

COW CUTTERS CHA, Anadarko, Oklahoma.

CRAIG, MIKE, Gainesville, Texas.

CREASEY, JUDY BROWNING, Montgomery, Texas.

CROSS, JOHN, Poolville, Texas.

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

JAY, Lorena, Texas.

BONIN, DOUGLAS, LaPorte, Indiana. Rule 40*

BOONE, RICK, dba WOLF CREEK RANCH, Dallas, Texas. Rule 40*

BOOTH, KRISTEN, Temecula, California. Rule 40*

BOSTWICK, DAVID, CREATIVE CHARACTERS, Oblong, Illinois Rule 40*

BOUGET, BOB, Branch, Louisiana Rule 40*

40*

40*

CROOM, MATHEW, Weatherford, Texas.................................................Rule 40*

CUNNINGHAM REAL ESTATE, Bowie, Texas.

CUTTER CUSTOM TRUCKS, Grapevine, Texas.

D & D HORSE TRANSPORT, Oakdale, California.

DALEY, MIKE, Sonora, California.

DALLEY, ROBERT, dba D BAR D MANUFACTURING COMPANY, Gonzales, Texas

DARK, LARRY, Dallas, Texas.

DAVIS, BROOKE, Cantonment, Florida

DAY, TAMRA, Okmulgee, Oklahoma

DE BROGGI FARM HORSE TRANSPORTATION, Stock ton, California. .........................................................................................

DETWILER, TIM & SUSIE, Bonham, Texas.

DIAL, JOHN, Fort Worth, Texas.

40*

DIAMOND D ENTERPRISES, Waxahachie, Texas. Rule 40*

DIAMOND GROUP, SEAPORT WHOLESALE, Los Angeles, California. ........................................................................................

DONATH, RICK, Peoria, Illinois.

DORN, DOUGLAS & SHERYL, Kuno, Idaho.

DOUBLE M SIGNS, Flower Mound, Texas.

D.R. BROWN CORPORATION, Brownwood, Texas.

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

DR PERFORMANCE/STEVE SHELLY, Helena, Montana. Rule 40*

DUDDING, BILL, Weatherford, Texas.......................................................Rule 4

DULANEY, CHARLES, Meridian, Mississippi. Rule 40*

DUNCAN, TOM, Greenville, Texas. Rule 40*

DYER, TONY, Corinth, Texas.

EAGLE, AL, dba LONE STAR AUTOMOTIVE, Fort Worth, Texas.

EDWARDS QUARTER HORSES, Milton, Florida

ELWOOD, ALAN, Hinsdale, Illinois.

ENDSLEY, SHARON, dba CIRCLE H EXCHANGE, Fort Worth, Texas.

EQUESTRIAN VIDEO PRODUCTIONS, Granbury, Texas.

EQUIHEALTH, Boulder, Colorado.

40*

40*

40*

40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

EQUINE AMERICA CORPORATION, PRESIDENT DON BECKER, Dallas, Texas Rule 40*

EQUINE PLANNED INVESTMENTS, Scottsdale, Arizona. Rule 40*

EQUISCAN, Ray Miller, Jr., Baraboo, Wisconsin. Rule 40*

EVANS, FRED, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Rule 40*

EVANS, SHERYL, Livermore, California.

ESTEP QUARTER HORSES, Weiser, Idaho.

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

FAITZ, PAT, Polk City, Florida. Rule 40*

FARR, DUSTY, Wichita Falls, Texas. Rule 40*

FARR, PATRICIA, Palm Desert, California.

FERNANDEZ, FERNANDO, Ocala, Florida.

FISACKERLY, PETER & SANDY, Russellville, Kentucky.

40*

40*

40*

FLETCHER, JERRY, Phoenix, Arizona Rule 40*

FLETCHER, RICKEY, Red Oak, Texas.

FLIT CONNECTION, THE, Chouteau, Oklahoma.

FONTENOT, FORREST, LeBlanc, Louisiana.

FOX, BOBBY, Glen Allen, Missouri.

FOX BRANCH COLLECTION, Moberly, Missouri.

FRANCE, JAMES R., Hudson, BC, Canada.

FRANK, TROY & AMY, DESIGNSOFSTEEL.COM, Stillwater, Okalahoma.

FREIGHTLINER, Fontana, California

FREDERIKS, WALTER J., dba AURORA PACIFIC CATTLE CO., Aurora, Oregon.

FRONTIER HORSE COMPLEX, Pilot Point, Texas.

FULKERSON, TOMMY, Oakwood, Texas.

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40*

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40*

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GARRIOTT, SHAWN WESTERN ELECTRIC, Emporia, Kansas

GASS, NICK, Spring Branch, Texas

GATSHALL, DR. G. W., Forney, Texas.

DUSTIN, Mannsville, Ohio

GENENA, LINDA, Aubrey, Texas.

GLENN, TOM, Redmond, Oregon.

MARCO, Wichita Falls, Texas.

CLASSIC CARS, Brownsboro, Texas

COMMUNICATIONS, New York, New York.

GOLDEN HORSE SHOW REVIEW, Bryn Mawr, California.

GARY, Geary, Oklahoma.

RICHARD, Conroe, Texas.

D. W., Stanberry, Missouri.

ROD & ELAINE, Weatherford, Texas.

RICKY J., Tyler, Texas.

DAVID, Dallas, Texas.

COAST FENCE, Fulshear, Texas.

JOHN, Valley Center, California.

KAY, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

DAN, dba FAIR DOLLAR FARMS, INC., Laurel, Florida.

GARY, Agoura, California.

NANCY, Dallas, Texas.

JAY, Chico, Texas.

PHILLIP & JEANNETTE, Maud, Oklahoma.

MICHELLE, HORSE SENSE, Beverly Hills, California.

JEFF, Maineville, Ohio.

PEGGY L., Carthage, Missouri.

JOHN., Castle Rock, Colorado.

MONTY, Bryan, Texas.

JOHN PHILLIP III, Laurinburg, North

AMY, Meridian, Texas.

JOEY, Weatherford, Texas

TEAL, Scottsdale, Arizona.

DON, Billings, Montana.

CAROLYN, Happy, Texas.

WM & BRENDA, Fallon, Nevada.

S. M., Rowlett, Texas.

LYNN, Fort Worth, Texas.

E. W., Mansfield, Louisiana.

CHARLES, Fort Worth, Texas.

MARILYN, Mineola, Texas.

PUBLISHING COMPANY, Glendale, Arizona.

JEFF, dba SILVERWOOD WINTER CIRCUIT, Hardesty, Oklahoma.

BOND, DANA LEAHY, Hyannis, Massachusetts.

DENNIS, Sanger, California.

AROUND INC., Carthage,

BOBBY, dba CIMARRON RIVER CUTTING, Coldwater, Kansas.

DANNY, Cleburne, Texas.

JESSE, Burleson, Texas.

PRODUCTS, San Jose, California.

BOYCE, Abilene, Texas.

GEORGE, Jacksboro, Texas

JOSLIN (Wild Mushroom), Weatherford, Texas

EQUINE TRANSPORTATION, Leavenworth,

PRODUCTS, Fort Worth, Texas.

JOHNSON, C. NEIL, III, Missouri City, Texas.

JOHNSON, KENNETH, dba GJ INTERNATIONAL, Arlington, Texas.

MR. & MRS. BRAD, Paris, Texas.

DREW, Ruston, Louisiana.

JONES, GREGORY, Ardmore, Oklahoma.

JONES, JACK M., JR., J&J SADDLERY, Marion, Kentucky.

JOSHUA TREE MARKETING, Edmond, Oklahoma.

KAFKA, HAROLD, CRAZY HORSE RANCH, Millington, New Jersey.

KAPLAN, LES & ASSOCIATES, Elmsford, New York.

INTERNATIONAL, Mesquite, Texas.

KAUFMANN, ASHLY MEREDITH, Sonora, California.

KEETON, DOYLE & CAROL, Giddings, Texas.

LARRY, Sugar Grove, Virginia

DAVID, Louisville, Mississippi.

ED or JUDY, Santa Fe, Texas.

KING, MR. & MRS. JERRY, Corpus Christi, Texas.

OF SPORTS, HAROLD FLYNN, DIRECTOR, Little Rock, Arkansas.

KNOX, TONNIE & JAMIE, Yuma, Arizona.

LAIRD, HOWARD, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

CHERYL-HOOF DOCTOR, Burleson, Texas

LANDSBERG, AUDREY, Agua Dulce, California.

LANGFORD, RANDY L., Katy, Texas.

40* FUNDERBURG, WILL, Canyon, Texas.

LAREDAO CONVERSION TRUCKS, Burleson, Texas.

LAWRENCE INSURANCE GROUP, Greensboro, North Carolina.

LAYLAND, CRAIG, Lubbock, Texas.

LEACH, BOB, De Leon, Texas.

LEATHER HORSE MERCANTILE, Weatherford, Texas.

LECHNER, ANNABELLE, Templeton, California

LEGATE, CAROL/LARRY BROWN REALTORS, Amarillo, Texas.

LEVITRE, JOSH, Bountiful, Utah

LEWIN, MICHAEL, Salado, Texas. Rule 40*

LEWIS, DAN, Caldwell, Idaho. Rule 40*

LEWIS, DAVID, LONE OAK STALLION STATION, Hendersonville, Tennessee. Rule 40*

LIFELINE EQUINE c/o JILL HINDS, Arena, Wisconsin. Rule 40*

LITTLE MONTANA LTD., Vienna, Virginia. Rule 40*

LOGO IT!, Logan, Utah Rule 40*

LONE STAR FORD, Houston, Texas. Rule 40*

LONG, GREG, dba SHOW OFFS, Van Alstyne, Texas. Rule 40*

LUCAS, BOBBY, Edmond, Oklahoma. Rule 40*

LYLES, LINDA, dba THE RANCH HOUSE, Abilene, Texas. Rule 40*

LYNCH, DURWOOD, Plainview, Texas. Rule 40*

MACLEOD & HOPPER, Lexington, Kentucky. Rule 40*

MAG BAR SYNDICATE, ALAN WEISS, Dallas, Texas. Rule 40*

MAGNETIC SOLUTIONS, Wichita Falls, Texas Rule 40*

MANDEVILLE, LISA, Northridge, California. Rule 40*

MARRS, MIKE, Abilene, Texas. Rule 40*

MARSHALL, LINDA, Vero Beach, Florida. Rule 40*

MARTIN, MICHELLE, Batavia, Illinois. Rule 40*

MASSIMO, BELLEZZA, Italy, (Roma) Rule 40*

MATTHEWS, MICHELLE, Chino Valley, Arizona Rule 40*

MAY, LYNN, Monroe, Washington. Rule 40*

MAYFIELD, GREGORY SCOTT, Scott, Louisiana. Rule 40*

McCLELLAND, JOHN R., New Iberia, Louisiana. Rule 40*

McFADDEN, EDDIE, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Rule 40*

McGEE, JIM & FRIGGA, Hampton, Georgia. Rule 40*

McGUIRE, ARVID, Anderson, Alabama. Rule 40*

McKEE, MIKE & VICKIE, Cleveland, Tennessee. Rule 40*

McLEOD, MARILYN, Flora, Mississippi. Rule 40*

McRORY, BRYAN, Perry, Florida. Rule 40*

MEBANE RANCHES, Woody, California Rule 40*

MID-ISLAND KENNELS, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Rule 40*

MID-WEST FEED & BEDDING, Lacygne, Kansas. Rule 40*

MILAM, JULIE, Alta Loma, Texas. Rule 40*

MILEY STARFLEET TRAILER COMPANY, Sacramento, California. ......................................................................................... Rule 40*

MILLER, BRAD/PREFERRED REINERS PRS, Inc. Wilmer, Texas. ................................................................................................ Rule 40*

MILLER, FRED, Metairie, Louisiana. Rule 40*

MILLER, RAY JR., EQUISCAN, Baraboo, Wisconsin. Rule 40*

MILLER, ROBERT GLENN, Houston, Texas. Rule 40*

MILLER, TERRY, Bunkie, LA. Rule 50.d.4

MILLICAN, JOHN, Whiteville, North Carolina. Rule 40*

MILLIGAN, KELLY, Laurinburg, North Carolina Rule 40*

MILLS, JERRY, Englewood, Colorado. Rule 40*

MILLSAP, RANDY, dba RED ROCK CATTLE COMPANY, Cumby, Texas. Rule 40*

MIZE, ALLEN, Dallas, Texas. Rule 40*

MONEY, MIKE, Santa Ynez, California. Rule 40*

MONTGOMERY, BETTY, Austin, Texas. Rule 40*

MOORE, G.W., dba WESTERN WOOD SHAVINGS, Dallas, Texas. Rule 40*

MOREHOUSE, KIANA, Buckley, Washington Rule 40*

MORRELL, KEITH, Hardy, Arkansas. Rule 40*

MOSIER, KARL, Stevensburg, Virginia. Rule 40*

MOSS, MICHELE, Aubrey, Texas. Rule 40*

MOXY PRODUCTS, INC., Torrance, California. Rule 40*

MURDOCH, DON, Dallas, Texas. Rule 40*

MUSICK, STAN & SUZI, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Rule 40*

NATION ADVERTISING, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rule 40*

NAT’L TEAM ROPING ASSN/DARLENE MILLER, Weatherford, Texas. Rule 40*

NORRIS, DESTIINY, Ruskin, Florida Rule 40*

NOSAL, CHARLOTTE, Houston, Texas. Rule 40*

OLD HICKORY FURNITURE CO., Roanoke, Texas. Rule 40*

OLSON, TRACY, Canada Rule 40*

O’MALLEY & ASSOCIATES, Los Angeles, California. Rule 40*

OUTLAW TRUCK, Carthage, Missouri. Rule 40*

OUT WEST FINE PROPERTIES, SI JARBOE, Dolores, Colorado. Rule 40*

OWEN, SUSAN, Elizabeth, Colorado. Rule 40*

P & J ASSOCIATES, North Miami Beach, Florida. Rule 40*

P.J. FINANCIAL, Los Molinos, California. Rule 40*

PACE, JERRY, Conroe, Texas. Rule 40*

PACE, STEPHANI A., Renton, Washington. Rule 40*

PASS, MICHAEL, Whitesboro, Texas. Rule 40*

PARKS, ROBBIE, Stephenville, Texas. Rule 40*

PEARSON, LONNIE, dba GOLDEN VALLEY RANCH, Norman, Oklahoma. Rule 40*

PERKS, ANDREW, Brock, Texas Rule 40*

PERRIN, WIL, dba UNITED HYDROCARBON CORPORATION, Corona Del Mar, California. Rule 40*

PITTMAN, MIKE, Temple, Texas. Rule 40*

PLEASURE ACRES PERFORMANCE HORSE SALE, Arcadia, Indiana .............................................................................................. Rule 40*

POKOJ, MALGOZATA, Poland Rule 40*

POLLARD BITS & SPURS/DANNY POLLARD, Merkel, Texas. Rule 40*

PONS, PHIL, Ocala, Florida. Rule 40*

PORTER, JEROME & JAMIE, Rogers, Arkansas Rule 40*

POSEY, RANDY, Comanche, Texas. Rule 40*

POWERS, GEORGIA, dba WESTERN SLOPES SPRING CUTTING, Grand Junction, Colorado. Rule 40*

PRESTIGE TRUCK CONVERSIONS, JOE SLOWIAK, Burleson, Texas. ................................................................................................ Rule 40*

PROMENSCHENKEL, MARLYS, Olathe, Kansas. Rule 40*

PRO WALK MANUFACTURING, Ada, Oklahoma Rule 40*

PYLE, BOBBY, Bloomburg, Texas. Rule 40*

QUINTANA, REX, Benton City, Washington. Rule 40*

RAFTER C, Lindale, Texas. Rule 40*

RAINBOW, FRANK, Springtown, Texas. Rule 40*

RAMADA LIMITED WILLOW PARK, Aledo, Texas. Rule 40*

RANCHLAND REALTY, INC., Granbury, Texas.

RATJEN, JACK, Mansfield, Texas.

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

RB QUARTER HORSES, Valley View, Texas Rule 40*

RED RIVER WESTERN DECOR/JEFF BURNS, Fort Worth, Texas.

Rule 40*

RED STAR BREEDERS, Fayetteville, Tennessee. Rule 40*

REEK, TOM, Brenham, Texas.

Rule 40*

REUTER, SHELIA, Kirkwood, California. Rule 40*

RIDENS, D. C., Salem, Oregon. Rule 40*

RIVER RIDE OF TEXAS, INC., Alpine, Texas. Rule 40*

RODDY, DEWEY, Jonesboro, Arkansas. Rule 40*

RODGERS, TEX, Pinehurst, Texas.

ROE, DOUG & MARY ANN, Moody, Texas.

ROOT, HEIDI, Red Bluff, California.

RUSSELL, DON, dba REDBUD CLASSIC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ........................................................................................

SACHTLEBEN, TROY J., Antonio, Colorado.

SANTA FE SPIRIT, Albany, Georgia.

SANTA ROSA EQUINE, Vernon, Texas

SARATOGA STALLS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

SCHAEFER, DARLENE, Las Vegas, Nevada.

SCHAEFER, ROBERT, Las Vegas, Nevada.

SCHWAB, RICHARD, dba SUMMIT LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY, Marietta, Oklahoma

SCHWARZ, SHELDON, Springfield, Georgia.

SEABREEZE TRAVEL, North Miami, Florida.

SEGO, J.T., Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

SEGUIN HORSE CENTER, Seguin, Texas.

SHOW OFFS, Van Alstyne, Texas.

SHOWTIME SLEEPERS, INC., RICK WILLIAMS, Ocala, Florida. .............................................................................................

SHRIMPERS, Fort Worth, Texas.

SIDE SADDLE BOUTIQUE/TAWNI Maughn, Weatherford, Texas.

SILLIMAN, DARRELL, Bernie, Missouri.

SILVERWOOD WINTER CIRCUIT, Jeff Hogner, Hardesty, Oklahoma. ........................................................................................

SIMMONS, LUTHER, Florissant, Missouri

SIMS, HARVEY, FLYING BAR A RANCH, Rhome, Texas.

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40* SIMS RANCH, Stephenville, Texas.

SKAGGS, CHRIS, Lancaster, California.

SMITH, DANIELLE, Ripley, Maine

SMITH, SID & VICKIE, Edgemont, Arkansas.

SNODGRESS EQUIPMENT/Randy Snodgress, Joshua, Texas.

SODA CREEK RANCH, Oronogo, Missouri.

SOUTHEASTERN CHA, LISA ETHERIDGE, Sec’y, Unadilla, Georgia.............................................................................................

SOUTHWEST DISTRIBUTORS, Cleburne, Texas.

SPEIGHT, JOHN, Midland, Texas.

SPINNING F RANCH, Lake Forest, California.

STAHL, JOHN, De Soto, Kansas.

STAN TAVENNER QUARTER HORSES, Ennis, Montana

STANLEY, STEVEN, Chillicothe, Texas.

STAR HORSE PRODUCTIONS, INC., San Diego, California.

STARNS, C. M., Fort Worth, Texas.

STEINMEN, ROBERT & SUSAN, SK, Canada.

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40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

40*

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Rule 40*

Rule 40*

STEPHENS, ROBERT, Rocky Comfort, Missouri. Rule 40*

STEPHENS, SHA, Weatherford, Texas.

STEPHENS, STEVE, Clinton, Mississippi.

STEVENS, J.C., Canon City, Colorado.

STICKLER, MIKE, Templeton, California.

STITES, MARK, Custer, South Dakota.

STOCKYARDS REALTY, Fort Worth, Texas.

STONEMAN, MARK, Granbury, Texas.

STRUCTURAL STEEL BLDG., Boca Raton, Florida.

SUPERIOR BARNS AND BUILDINGS/DEBBIE PEELE, Franklinville, South Carolina.

SUPERIOR EQUINE PHARMACEUTICAL, Pleasant Grove, Utah

SWZT / STEVE TACKETT, Longmont, Colorado.

T-TREE QUARTER HORSES, Kerrville, Texas.

TACKETT, STEVE - SWZT, Olney, Texas.

TAYLOR, CATHY, Olympia, Washington.

TAW, Wingate, Texas.

TERRAL, RUSTY, Santa Maria, California.

TETON RANCH CORP. c/o STEVE TUSHA, Emmetsburg, Iowa.

TEXAS AMERICAN RANCHES, INC., Sanger, Texas.

TEXAS EXOTIC BOOT COMPANY, Fort Worth, Texas.

THORTON, MARY JO, GREAT SOUTHWEST RANCH, Greenville, Texas.

TIMBERCLAD PRODUCTS, Richardson, Texas.

TOOTHACRE QUARTER HORSE SHOW, CAROLYN RENNINGER, SEC’Y, Sandburg, Pennsylvania.

TRAILS APARTMENTS, Fort Worth, Texas.

TRAVEL LODGE SUITES, Fort Worth, Texas.

TRIPLE C WELDING, Cleburne, Texas

TRUCK & LIVESTOCK CONCEPTS, GLEN MILLER, Bleiblerville, Texas.

TUBAUGH, JOHN, EAGLE HORSE TRADING CO., Kansas City, Missouri.

TURNER, KELSEY, Eufaula, Oklahoma

TUTTLE, FERRELL, Victoria, Texas.

TYNAN, RUSSELL, Mesquite, Texas.

UNITED SPRTSMANS ASSOCIATION, Fort Davis, Alabama.

UTAH TAILORING, Baird, Texas.

VAN HAM QUARTER HORSES, Pilot Point, Texas.

VAUGHN, DAN, Waxahachie, Texas.

VAUGHN, LLOYD & SHARON, Beeville, Texas.

WALTON, BOB, Fort Worth, Texas.

WALTON, GERRY, FLY TECHNOLOGIES, Bedford, Texas.

WATKINS, BILL, Denton, Texas.

WEATHERBUSTER, INC., El Cajon, California.

WELLS, JACQUELINE, Austin, Texas.

WELLS, JULIE, Boyd, Texas

WESTERN CAROLINA HORSE SALES, Central, South Carolina.

WESTERN TRUCKWORKS, Edmond, Oklahoma.

WESTON, DONNA, Parma, Idaho.

JEANNE, Pampa, Texas.

WILLETT, TIMOTHY, Dallas, Texas.

WILLIAMS, BONNIE, NRM SADDLE RIDGE MORTGAGE, Weatherford, Texas.

WINCHESTER, LORI, Searcy, Arkansas

WINEY, MICHAEL, Evening Shade, Arkansas

WMIT STUDIO A DESIGN LLC, Moneta, Virginia.

WOLFE, PATSI, Trinidad, Colorado..

KENNETH & ROXANNE, Kaufman, Texas.

JAMES, Tomball, Texas.

DICK, Portage, Indiana.

NCHA Probation List

CLARK, BECKY, Weatherford, TX December 21, 2023 – December 21, 2024 (Standing Rule 35A)

COLLINS, QUINN, Washington, TX January 2, 2024 – January 2, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)

DECKER, SHANE, Clarendon, TX July 10, 2024 – July 9, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)

HEIMER, LOIS, Cave Creek, AZ September 17, 2024 - September 16, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)

MOORE, CASEY, Williston, FL November 16, 2021 - November 16, 2024 (Standing Rule 51.a.4)

SABARRA, ARIEL, Grafton, WV April 26, 2024 – April 25, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

Rule 40*

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40*

40*

40*

40*

VAUGHN, LLOYD (EMMITT), Kenedy, Texas. Rule 40*

WALKER, MILLIE, Opelousas, Louisiana

WALL, TREY, Valley View, Texas.

WALLACE, LOUIS N. & LINDA, Belton, Texas.

40*

40*

Official Buckle Maker

Official Whiskey

In 2011, the National Cutting Horse Association family lost one of its young and most promising Non-Pro competitors, Joseph Broderick Beaver. Brody began his cutting career in 2006, at the age of 16. In 2008, at the NCHA Eastern National Championship, he claimed the Amateur title. The following year, Brody won the Boys Cutting Champion title at the 2009 National High School Finals Rodeo. In 2011, Brody was a top NCHA Non-Pro World Championship contender and earned the NCHA Bronze Award.

To honor Brody’s memory, The Joesph Broderick Trust made a gift to the NCHA Charities Foundation to establish The Joseph Broderick Beaver Memorial Scholarship Fund. First awarded in the 2012 Youth point year, a $10,000.00 Brody Beaver Memorial Scholarship has been awarded annually to the Senior Youth World Champion for the continuation of his or her education at the college or university of their choice.

Since its establishment, The Joesph Broderick Beaver Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded over $100,000.00 to Youth members in Brody’s memory . scholarship

By becoming a member of the 1946 Club, you become one of our most dedicated partners in securing the future of cutting. Your annual contribution not only supports essential programs but also ensures the legacy of the sport continues to thrive for generations to come.

1946 Club Benefits

In addition to helping sustain the NCHA Foundation for future generations, 1946 Club Members will receive annual benefits. Annual support begins for as little as $2.74 per day!

Sapphire

in an annual issue of the NCHA Chatter magazine 1946 Club member certificate

Parking pass good for the entirety of the NCHA World Championship Futurity 1946 Club member decal 1946 Club lapel pin 1946 Club logoed ballcap

Club logoed puffer vest Invitation to exclusive events such as the Past Champion’s Party and NCHA Foundation Western

Celebration Pre-sale ticket purchase access to ticketed NCHA Triple Crown events

Reward the Best of the Best

Nominate someone outstanding by October 7, and let’s celebrate excellence at this year’s NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity.

By Roger Munford

The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) has the honor of hosting the ceremonies for four prestigious awards, among many others, at the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, coming to the Will Rogers Arena, in Fort Worth, Texas, in December.

The nominees for these specialty awards should be selected for their outstanding contributions to their class, the NCHA, and the sport of cutting. They should also exhibit dedication, as well as the kind of support for their peers that sets them apart.

You can nominate any NCHA member, but don’t wait. The nomination period closes on Monday, October 7.

For convenience, please use the camera in your phone and the QR codes on page 160 to enter your nomination today.

JULIE DVORAK HANSMA NON-PRO SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Named for Julie Elizabeth Hansma, a milliondollar rider and wife of trainer Paul Hansma, who passed on February 6, 2022, as the result of a head injury she sustained at a 2018 cutting in Bryan, Texas. The Julie Dvorak Hansma NonPro Sportsmanship Award is presented to the Non-Pro rider who exhibits the outstanding qualities of Julie — a high level of horsemanship in and out of the show pen, support of their peers, a trusted advisor, a high level of integrity, and a leader. The 2024 Julie Dvorak Hansma Non-Pro Sportsmanship Award is generously sponsored by Russ and Janet Westfall, who have both been inducted into the NCHA Members’ Hall of Fame.

MARY KINGSBURY AMATEUR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

This award was created in honor of longtime NCHA Amateur Committee supporter Mary Kingsbury, who passed in 2016. Since 2017, the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award celebrates an Amateur rider who shows dedication to the sport of cutting, exhibits good sportsmanship, integrity, kindness, respect, and a high moral character, as well as someone who has made extraordinary contributions of time and effort to the NCHA and its basic endeavors. The Lackey Family generously sponsors the 2024 Mary Kingsbury Sportsmanship Award.

TODD DRUMMOND MEMORIAL AWARD

Every year since 1984, this award has recognized a youth NCHA member, who is outstanding for their academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and involvement with cutting. Named for Todd Drummond, who died in a car crash at age 18, the recipient of the award receives a trophy buckle.

ZANE SCHULTE AWARD

If you have questions, contact the NCHA office at (817) 244-6188, ext. 121. Or email Julie Davis at jdavis@nchacutting.com about the Julie Dvorak Hansma Non-Pro Sportsmanship Award and the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award, and Cathy Aleff at caleff@ nchacutting.com about the Todd Drummond Memorial Award and the Zane Schulte Award.

The award was established in 2001 in honor of Zane Schulte, the late son of Barbra and Thomas Schulte, and has been presented every year to a cutting horse trainer who exemplifies integrity, service, values, respect to their peers, contribution to cutting, and excellence in and out of the show arena. The 2024 recipient will be honored with the beautiful Zane Schulte Award trophy.

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.

NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting Will Award $40,000 Annually

Let’s celebrate the early days of scholarships for youth cutting competitors.

By Roger Munford

Recently, the NCHA announced a new partnership with Whitley Ranch, which will significantly benefit youth cutters who compete in the annual NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting.

“The new partnership with Starr Whitley and Whitley Ranch of Brenham, Texas, will add an additional $10,000 in awarded scholarships to our top three Senior Scholarship Cutting finalists through the year 2034,” said Julia Buswold, NCHA Foundation Director.

“Including the generous commitment from Whitley Ranch, the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting will now award $40,000 annually to our deserving and talented youth members.”

A Tribute to the First Winners

Congratulations to the first recipients of the Whitley Ranch Scholarships:

NCHA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

CUTTING SENIOR CHAMPION:

Kate Roberson riding

The Golden Shot

NCHA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

CUTTING SENIOR CO-RESERVE

CHAMPIONS:

Ashtyn Brown riding Toy Catz and Will Bushaw riding Ava Rey

The NCHA established the Youth Scholarship Cutting in 1990. In 2018, the NCHA Foundation became a major supporter of Youth Week and the Youth Scholarship Cutting. A year later, the name was changed to the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting. Today, the scholarship cutting is a highlight of the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular.

Back in 1990, from the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum, in Fort Worth, Texas, the crowds cheered on two successful challengers for the first-ever NYCHA Scholarship Cutting.

Winning the Junior Youth Scholarship Cutting, with 219.5 points, was McKenzie Merrill, 13, from Purcell, Oklahoma. She rode Royal Santana, a 19-year-old sorrel Quarter Horse gelding sired by Peppy San and out of a mare named Royal Smart.

The 1990 Senior Youth Scholarship Cutting was won by Millie Kay Bouget, 16, aboard Especials Lady, a mare owned by Harold Kuehling of Abbeville, Louisiana. She won with 222.5 points. Kay Bouget was also inducted into the NCHA Youth Hall of Fame.

Today, more than 150 youth cutters compete in the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting annually. Since the program's beginning, well over half a million dollars has been awarded to NYCHA members to assist them in their pursuit of higher education.

top :

2024 NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting Senior Champion, Kate Roberson. (Pictured L-R:) Front Row: Cord Roberson, Reese Roberson. Back Row: NCHA Executive Director Jay Winborn, Sara Hollar of Sombrero Brands, Starr Whitley of Whitley Ranch, Kate Roberson, Kathy Sokol, Ben Roberson, The Golden Shot, Nikki Roberson, Ted Sokol, NCHA Foundation Executive Director Julia Buswold.

left :

1990 Senior Youth Scholarship Cutting champion Millie Kay Bouget. right : McKenzie Merrill won the 1990 Junior Youth Scholarship Cutting.

photos courtesy ncha

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