NCHA Chatter | Summer 2025 by 614 Media Group

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE

SUPER STAKES EASTERN NATIONALS

PRESENTED BY 6666 RANCH 2024 NATIONAL CIRCUIT

HORSE OF THE YEAR

CHAMPIONSHIP DONT STOP SWINGIN

A LIL MOORE SPICE

JAZLYN

Ranches 2025 Stallion Roster

CAT ICHI

CATS MERADA

High Brow Cat x Laney Doc Retired Stallion Fee - $3,150 (includes farm fee)

GOOD BETTER BEST

High Brow Cat x Merada Lena Stallion Fee - $3,150 (includes farm fee)

LAKER DOC

Good I Will Be x Luke Whoo Stallion Fee - $2,850 (includes farm fee)

NOTHING BUT BLU

Once In A Blue Boon x CC Cat Stallion Fee - $2,650 (includes farm fee)

Bob Acre Doc x Laney Doc Stallion Fee - $3,150 (includes farm fee) frozen semen only

TAGGLINE

Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Tag Stallion Fee - $1,850 (includes farm fee)

EE Ranches, Inc. 23018 Hwy. 377 North • P.O. Box 829 Whitesboro, TX 76273 Phone: 903-564-3692 • Fax: 903-564-3513

THE LUXURY LINE

Allocate Your Assets x Spurz N Diamonds Stallion Fee - $1,250 (includes farm fee)

STEVE ADAMS

KIM ADAMS

STALLION STATION MANAGER

STALLION STATION OFFICE MANAGER

817-235-4700 steve@eeranches.com

903-564-3692 kim@eeranches.com

www.eeranches.com

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

N C H A S TA F F EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jay Winborn MANAGER OF COMMITTEE RELATIONS

Cathy Aleff DIRECTOR OF JUDGES

Andy Adams DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Julie Davis DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP

Shannon Stewart DIRECTOR OF SHOWS

NCHA OFFICERS

Volume 78, No. 2 • Summer 2025 Official Publication of National Cutting Horse Association Publishing Partner: 614 Media Group

614 MEDIA GROUP

PRESIDENT

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

Jack McLaughlin

Seth Petit, Jess Gryder

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

Shianne Megel

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sav McKee CREATIVE COORDINATOR

Andrew Thomas CREATIVE DESIGNERS

Tori Smith Meg Rhoads Bryce Patterson

CEO

Lindsay Press ADVERTISING SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Dan Sileargy (614) 886-1320 Dan@614MediaGroup.com

WRITERS

Chris Alexis, Abigail Boatwright, Kathryn Bradley Byars, Melinda Green, Jennifer Horton, Kristin Pitzer, Heather Thomas

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH

Rianna Storey CHATTER EDITOR

Jess Gryder

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (TERM ENDS) REGION 1

Les Jack (2027) P.O. Box 389 Rocanville, SK SOA 3L0 +11 (306) 435-7630 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 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

Casey Green (2025) 1624 Whitt Cutt Off Rd. Perrin, TX 76486 (817) 304-1740 AT LARGE

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

REGION 5

Sharon Overstreet (2026) 4855 Joe Overstreet Rd Kenansville, Fl 407-436-1035

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Copyright © 2025 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

In This Issue F E AT U R E S

2025 NCHA Members Hall of Fame Inductees

Ora Diehl, Ronnie Hodges, Skip Jones, Dean Rebhuhn 2024 NCHA Horses of the Year

Open: Jazlyn; Non-Pro: Dont Stop Swingin; Amateur: A Lil Moore Spice How It's Made: La Pulga Tequila

The Spirit We Share Bound by a Buckle

63 NCHA mural in Weatherford, Texas.

Phil Waltrip & Martin Sharron Weatherford Mural

Wall of Honor Trainer Tips

One Step at a Time Working Horse to Cutting Horse

Back on Top

2025 NCHA Eastern Nationals Presented by 6666 Ranch

Southern Showdown

2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes Presented by Beechfork Ranch

New Ground, Same Glory

2024 NCHA National Circuit Championship

On the Big Stage 6

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

84 Ben Roberson rides Pep Talkk.

In This Issue D E PA RT M E N TS

Letter from the NCHA Executive Director

Jay Winborn NYCHA Officers

Youth Connection NYCHA News

Cody Gann

26 Kim Davis rides Mighty Believer.

Why I Ride

Living the Dream: Kim Davis

O N T H E C OV E R

NCHA Achievement Buckle Winners

NCHA Achievement Buckles 2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE

Members’ Corner

The Art of Judging

SUPER STAKES EASTERN NATIONALS

PRESENTED BY 6666 RANCH 2024 NATIONAL CIRCUIT

HORSE OF THE YEAR

CHAMPIONSHIP DONT STOP SWINGIN

Advertising

Advertisers Index A Look Back

A Work of Art I N D U ST RY N E W S

NCHA Chatter

Industry News

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

A LIL MOORE SPICE

JAZLYN

Three horses claimed the NCHA's coveted Horse of the Year Status. See story page 40.

4 million doll ar sire

T O O H O T T O TA G G

2024 NCHA FUTURIT Y OPEN

CHAMPION @H AS H TAG S_STA L L I O N

2013 Blue Roan Stallion 5 Panel N/N GBED N/G

Breeding Fee $5,000 • Standing @ VA L L E Y E Q U I N E

NOW AVAILABLE AT:

Australia’s #1 selling joint supplement, 4CYTE™ Epiitalis® Forte is an advanced health supplement, acceptable to use long term and ideal for all ages and classes of horses. The revolutionary ingredient that makes 4CYTE™ unique and effective is Epiitalis®, our exclusive, patented plant seed oil extract.

SHOP NOW AT SMARTEQUINE.COM

HOW 4CYTE™ EPIITALIS® FORTE SUPPORTS YOUR DOG: • • • •

Supports normal joint function, mobility and flexibility Helps maintain a normal inflammatory response Eases occasional joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity Helps maintain healthy cartilage development

LEARN MORE AT 4CYTE.GLOBAL 4CYTEUSA

@4CYTEUSA

F RO M T H E E X EC U T I V E D I R ECTO R

LETTER FROM THE

DIRECTOR I

want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous turnout we experienced at the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes and second annual National Circuit Championship this past March and April. The energy and enthusiasm from all participants, spectators, and fans were truly inspiring, showcasing the strength and spirit of our NCHA community. Seeing so many talented competitors come together to showcase their hard work and dedication was a highlight of the event. The attention to detail, hard-earned skills, and unwavering passion for the sport shone brightly throughout the competition. It ignited a sense of pride in our sport and reminded us of why we are part of this incredible community. With that momentum, we are now looking forward to the upcoming 2025 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular! This event promises to bring together the best in our sport once more, offering a platform for our talented equine athletes and their riders to compete at the highest level.

photo by justin clemons

I am looking forward to seeing the same camaraderie and enthusiasm as we gather to celebrate exceptional performances, share stories, and foster connections within our community. Together, let's make this show an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Jay Winborn NCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

owned by james & lisa strickland

» shown by rodrigo taboga » standing at valley equine

2025 BREEDING FEE: $2000

2020 BLUE ROAN STALLION HIGH BROW CAT X MOMS STYLISH SCOOT 7 PANEL N/N

FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR: VALLEY EQUINE SUPER STALLION INCENTIVE, NCHA SUPER STAKES, NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE, PCCHA

WATCH FOR THESE OUTSTANDING SHOW HORSES IN 2025!

TCR ELON MUS KUT Cowtowns Cat x Senorita Spoon

Starting off 2025: FWSSR – AQHA Ranch Heritage Challenge, Working Ranch Horse Open 4 year old Champion. Also tied for 2nd in the cutting. 4th Place - 2024 NRCHA Level 1 Limited Open Futurity

TCR WILD CAT

Dual Smart Rey x SR Cat Attack

Winner of the Inaugural Ranch Horse Classic at the 2024 AQHA World Show. Riden by Lavert Avent

Reserve Champion - 2024 SWRCHA Level 1 Limited Open Pre-Futurity

TCR BETTINGONCOWTOWN Cowtowns Cat x Bet Twice 002 2024 Colorado State Futurity Limited Open Futurity Champion

TCR I’M NOT A CATFISH

Cowtowns Cat x Charmin Melody 2024 Colorado State Fair Level 1 Limited Open Futurity Champion Revised

Robert A “Bobby” Norris - General Manager - bobby@teecrossranches.com Andee Lamoreaux - Office Manager - t-crossranch@outlook.com Head Trainer - Lavert Avent - (505) 429-7180

Please visit WWW.TEECROSSRANCHES.COM for more information.

located in mineral wells, texas • headquarters located in colorado springs, co

P RO U D LY S TA N D I N G I N 2 0 2 5 2005 Chestnut Stallion

EXXPEDIA

COWTOWNS CAT

Spots Hot x Shes Twice As Smooth Breeding Fee: $1000 Semen Only or $750 for 2 or more mares Earner of $23,677 and 68 AQHA points in Reined Cow horse, Heeling and Calf Roping

High Brow Cat x Cute Little Magic by Haidas Magic Breeding Fee: $1000 Semen Only or $750 for 2 or more mares

EXXPEDIA — 2024 — ACCOMPLISHMENTS NRCHA Celebration of Champions Cowboy Class Reserve Champion Fort Worth Stock Show AQHA VRH Ranch Trail Division Open Class Reserve Champion 2024 AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Cowboy Reserve All-Around Champion NRCHA Futurity Cowboy Class Reserve Champion

Standing at:

— 113 EQUINE —

6700 South FM 113 • Millsap, TX 76066

Breeding Fee $1000. $750 for 2 or more mares

N YC H A O F F I C E R S

Youth Connection National Youth Cutting Horse Association officers speak up Riley Farris, President ↓

mer Spectacular, make sure to be on the lookout for the NCHA Military Cutting Challenge. These veterans have spent hours dedicating themselves to compete in this program, so please come support them as they take a step into our beloved organization. Be on the lookout for other upcoming youth events and watch the future of our association grow. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact me! See you down the road NYCHA!

R I L EY FA R R IS NYCHA PRESIDENT

ey NCHA! The best time of year is upon us...the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular Although we do have three incredible Triple Crown events, this is by far the youth favorite. This is due to the (drum roll please)...NYCHA WORLD FINALS AND SCHOLARSHIP CUTTING! Please come support these hardworking competitors as they show throughout the week. Also during youth week is our annual Basket Auction. Any proceeds go toward supporting the future of the NYCHA, so please come place your bids! At the end of the week, we will also have our yearly Youth Banquet. During this ceremony, we will recognize all of the dedication put toward our organization this year, so if you have time, attend and celebrate! As if this was not enough excitement, at the end of the Sum-

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

above:

Brea Collier, Senior Reporter

BREA CO LLI ER NYCHA SENIOR REPORTER

Eight years ago, when I first started cutting, I would have never imagined myself being where I am today. I remember coming to my first Youth Week in Fort Worth, Texas, and being in complete awe of the other kids. Everything I saw from the world finals to the officer team, and everywhere in between, was exactly what I

N YC H A O F F I C E R S

wanted to do, but in my mind, it was all just a dream that would never be a reality. Looking back now, if I could tell that shy 10 year old girl anything, I would tell her to never say never and to keep dreaming because before you know it, you’ll have served in just about every position, including the Senior President, and now, you are writing your last article as the 2024-25 Senior Reporter. With that being said, I could sit here and write about how successful our year has been and all of the great things NYCHA has been up to, but it’s not my goal to make your vision for this program the same as mine. The beauty of this association is that every year, we have youth coming in and out which means we are constantly being exposed to different perspectives and seeing what other people envision for this sport, so my goal is to bring those ideas out of you. I think oftentimes people are more reserved when they don’t have that leadership title next to their name, but as Donald McGannon once declared, “Leadership is an action, not a position.” You don’t have to be in the senior youth or be an officer or have been cutting your whole life to make a difference. True leadership starts with the little things. Your actions both in and out of the arena contribute to the legacy this program will leave. Again, I could sit here and write every last detail about my experience, but I truly believe your time as a member of NYCHA is what you make it. I challenge you to put yourself out there, meet new people, participate in the “Out of Arena” contests and socials, apply for that officer position, and turn your dreams into goals. There is nothing that time, hard work, and dedication can’t get you. Finally, I want to say thank you to Mrs. Rianna Storey, Mrs. Logan Lynch, and Ms. Julia Buswold. Each one of you ladies have played such a special role in my NYCHA journey, helped shape me into the person I am today, and have supported the legacy I have been working to leave. With that being said, I am so grateful for every relationship I have made as a youth member, every person who has taken the time to read my articles, and everyone who has supported me in and out of the show pen. Without you, I would not be where I am today, so from the bottom of my heart, thank you! God has so graciously blessed me with this amazing opportunity, and though my time as an NYCHA officer is coming to an end, this is where my legacy begins. I may be moving on to the next chapter in my life, but I can assure you that I am only one phone call away if you ever need me, have any questions, or wish to talk. So, what will be your legacy?

above:

Reese Roberson, Junior Reporter

REESE RO BERSO N NYCHA JUNIOR REPORTER

ummer is here and that means lots of time to ride and Youth Week is just around the corner. Whether you are able to attend Youth Week in Fort Worth this July or not, you are still able to participate through the Out Of The Arena Scholarship opportunities. You can write an essay, send a photograph, and send an art project. The theme for this year is Catching Fire! Youth Week is a great time to learn how to become more involved within the NYCHA. There are a lot of positions up for election this summer, LEAP forms were due June 1, Merit Scholarship applications are due and more. Hopefully you have already participated in a few different ways. However, if you are not sure about elections, LEAP, or Merit Scholarship reach out to one of your Youth Officers or Rianna Storey at the NCHA Office and they can give you all the details. I hope to visit with you at Youth Week! Until then keep riding and stay cool! SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

N YC H A N E W S

NYCHA News Stay updated on the latest happenings from the National Youth Cutting Horse Association BY MEL INDA GREEN

photo by seth petit photography

above:

Cody Gann riding Mowtallic

or Cody Gann, great things come in threes—and, hopefully, fours. Gann, who lives in Alabama and rides for Tennessee, has won the Boys’ Cutting Championship at the National High School Finals Rodeo for the past three years straight, and he hopes to win again in 2025, his senior year. The key to winning is consistency. Gann’s horsemanship and riding definitely fit that bill. He’s won

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

his three consecutive championships on three different horses: geldings Hevvy Metal and Lizzy Cat, and mare Blu Metallic. “They were all pretty different horses,” Gann said. But that didn’t faze him. “They're all pretty experienced and know how to do their jobs, and they were all really good horses, so it wasn't hard to get along with them,” he admitted. His win on Blu Metallic came after riding her only a short time in a few smaller shows.

N YC H A N E W S

“I like the competition when we get to big events, the adrenaline and all. It's really fun. I probably like that most—the competition, as far as you get to show really good horses. It's not as fun, but I think losing makes the wins better.” CODY GANN

He loves the rush of the show pen, saying, “I like the competition when we get to big events, the adrenaline and all. It's really fun. I probably like that most—the competition, as far as you get to show really good horses.” And the occasional losses? “It's not as fun, but I think losing makes the wins better,” he said. Then there are all of the good friends he’s made among his fellow competitors on the NHSFR circuit. Gann’s father, a trainer, helps him pick his cows and gives him great advice. “He didn't train any of [the horses], but they were all in his program and he’s shown them also,” Gann said. That expertise helps in a pinch. “He helps me with picking out my own cows, because I would not know what I was doing,” Gann admitted, laughing. He’s a hard worker though, and learning with every run. Gann has a bright future ahead of him. After high school, he plans to continue training and showing

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

above:

Cody Gann, three-time National High School Finals Rodeo Boys Cutting Champion

his own 3-year-old gelding and has a job lined up with a renowned cutting horse trainer. But, for now, he’s looking forward to this summer’s NHSFR in Wyoming, hoping to sweep his four years of high school. He hasn’t picked the horse he will compete with, though. The horse might be a surprise, but his riding won’t be. When asked about his preparation plans, he said, “I’m not sure. Just try to go do my job again. Be consistent.” And that’s sufficient for a winning strategy.

WHY I RIDE

Living the Dream: Kim Davis BY JORDAN ABBRUZ ZESE

hen Kim Davis was four years old, she came in second place because she didn’t have chaps. “I had a pony named Flicka, and I was upset because I was second and not first because I didn’t have chaps!” Davis laughed. “So I told my mom, ‘You have to get me some chaps.’ I am 61 years old now, and I still remember that clearly.” That early memory set things in motion. Living on a ranch her whole life, everything has always evolved around horses for Kim–from her hobbies, to picking a profession that lets her care for horses without stress, to receiving a horse as a wedding gift from her husband. Originally from Sacramento, California, Kim now lives in Weatherford, Texas so she can be closer to the big horse shows and her son, trainer Bear Davis. “I started cutting before he was born,” explained Kim. “I started doing cow horse and got into cutting a long time ago, when I was 15 or 16. I went to Super Stakes where I made Non-Pro. After that, I wanted to be an attorney, so I quit for 10 years and had my son, Bear. Then I started cutting again.” After receiving her associate of arts degree, Kim went to law school. She worked during the day and attended classes at night, all with a new baby. When she was named class valedictorian and second in her class, she spoke at her graduation, holding Bear during her speech. Today, Kim is a wrongful death and personal injury lawyer who also takes on horse contracts. Her firm, KW Davis, has evolved to KC Davis, with her daughter-in-law Cory as her partner. Kim’s love for horses and cutting permeates her whole life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She has a deep passion for breeding, keeping most of the babies on her ranch. Currently on her property, she has at least 20 horses–some retired, and others very young. “It’s just so fun,” said Kim, in reference to the young horses. “I feed them and I take care of them, like having little kids.” Kim usually shows with her horse Mighty Believer, who is small but strong. She took Mighty Believer to NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranchright after getting him, and he won. Kim said, “He did everything for me.” In addition to Mighty Believer, Kim also has Red Solo Cat (a Super Stakes and Summer Spectacular winner) and Rockin’

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

KW, her mare named for her law firm. Rockin’ KW has had three babies and has won over $209,000 in earnings. Currently, Kim has won a total of $154,735 cutting. “Oh I love it. I mean, I am 61 and I am going to keep going,” Kim said. “It’s really nice when you look and there are people older than me cutting and they are still doing great. If you can keep your balance, older people can keep going and I am so grateful for that.” In spite of health challenges, Kim remains resilient and knows that she will keep riding, cutting, and competing for the rest of her life. If you ask her, horses are her everything. Cutting horses is an unbelievable experience she has fallen in love with, along with getting to keep her babies and senior horses. “Any person can get on a cutting horse and they will want to do that for the rest of their life, like my son,” explained Kim. “It’s so amazing when you get on a cutting horse. It’s the dream.”

left:

Kim Davis rides Mighty Believer right:

Kim Davis excitedly waiting for her horse, Mighty Believer, to be warmed up before entering the show pen.

A B O U T K I M D AV I S HI T T ING T HE SLOPE S

When Kim isn’t at the ranch with her horses, she is probably skiing with her family at their place in Lake Tahoe. I T ’S A SIS T ER T HING

Kim got her sister Kristen James into cutting. Kristen had some riding experience as a kid, but when Kim asked her to try cutting, she didn’t hesitate. “ SHOW ” DOG

Kim doesn’t go to any cutting show without her 16 year old Jack Russell Terrier, Boomer. According to Kim, Boomer is just a “real chill dog.”

Wealth is not his that has it, but his that enjoys it. — Benjamin Franklin

Enjoy more by spending less. LTE $500,037.51

$39 Million Sire NRCHA $2 Million Sire

• NCHA Horse of the Year • NCHA Hall of Fame Horse • The ONLY NCHA Horse of the Year to sire 2 OPEN Horses of the Year • Sire of multiple NCHA, NRCHA and AQHA World Champions

Take advantage of his 2025 special offer: 1st breeding $2,500 / 2nd breeding half price!

ACT NOW to secure your breeding reservation. Supply is limited.

You will not find a better deal with comparable credentials. Est. 1979

For breeding information, contact: Weatherford Equine Breeding Center website: www.manionranch.com 817-594-9181 • www.weatherfordequine.com Family owned. Operated by Kyle Manion. e-mail: tmanionranch@aol.com P.O. Box 94 • Aubrey, Texas 76227

940.686.2246

N C H A AC H I E V E M E N T B U C K L E S

NCHA Achievement Buckles These featured NHCA members have officially earned their first $1,000 BY JORDAN ABBRUZESE

A CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY Matte Foster, Arizona To Matte Foster, cutting is a thrill. “The horses. The athleticism,” Matte reflected. “I think it’s an amazing sport.” About eight years ago, Matte packed her bags and moved to Whickenburg, Arizona two days after her high school graduation in Idaho. Done with the cold and ready to dive into the cutting world in a warmer climate, Matte flew her little bay mare, Kitty Kitty Rap (barn name–Kitty) to their new home. Since then, Matte has built her own place, including a barn on her property with a training ground where she trains her nine horses. Matte has ridden horses her whole life, but didn’t get into performance horses until her big move. In the past, she has done a little rodeo and 4H, and had 17 horses she cared for as a teen in Idaho. These days, with 28 shows in her rear view mirror, Matte is excited to show a now 10-year-old Kitty before Kitty officially retires. “She was an Arizona-owned Futurity Horse Champion when she was three years old in 2018, which was her biggest accomplishment before this last year,” Matte explained. “We won more money than anyone ever expected. She was kind of the underdog, and is coming back to show everyone what she can do. We are excited for this year and I have always believed in her.” In the future, Matte plans to stay in the cutting world, and has even been training Kitty’s three-year-old colt and a gelding she has shown previously. Matte looks forward to growing and learning in a community that is centered around helping one another. “I met a lot of great people who have always been willing to help each other. A lot of people always show up in my corner to help me,” said Matte fondly. “It’s a close-knit

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

top:

Matte Foster cutting bareback AND bridleless.

bot tom:

Slade Defoor with Hank at a cutting.

family. I am packing the show schedule before Kitty retires and am currently sitting third in the world. We are going hard.”

GIVE IT A LITTLE TRY Trapper Slade Defoor, New Mexico You can count on eight-year-old Trapper Defoor–who goes by his middle name, Slade–to politely answer every question with a “yes ma’am,” and to always “have lots of fun” cutting with his favorite horse, Hank. “They just get along great,” said Slade’s mother Brooke, about Hank and Slade. “They both have wild spirits. Their personalities match.”

N C H A AC H I E V E M E N T B U C K L E S

While Slade’s first equine experience was with his aunt’s horse, Hammer, he was quickly influenced by his older sister’s love for riding. As one of three siblings, Slade wanted to try cutting after watching his older sister show and receive her Achievement Buckle in 2024. Slade has spent his childhood playing with horses at their family barn in New Mexico, with a particular fondness for jumping barrels. “Well, I have worked a lot with horses, and sometimes we’ll go play around,” said Slade. “I went to cutting camp and really liked it, and thought I’d give it a little try.” This was in March of 2024. Since then, Slade has been practicing diligently with his photo credit here trainer Abraham Carlos Calvillo Ponce (Mr. Abraham, to the Defoor family). Slade loves competing with Mr. Abraham in the pen, and spending time with Hank (registered name: Meant to Bee). His favorite part so far has been cutting the cows, and getting to know everyone in the cutting world. “Mr. Abraham is loud and tells me which one to get,” explained Slade.

top:

Jeanie McClure in the show pen.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Slade was the February 2025 NWAB (Never Won a Buckle) winner in Amarillo with the Panhandle Cutting Horse Association, and has accumulated other accolades and standings as well. This spring, he will show in the $2,000 Limit Rider, while his sister prepares to go to Nationals. Slade is excited to continue showing amongst a competitive youth class. “He is very talented at it,” said Brooke, proudly. “He is a natural.”

FRESH OFF THE RANCH Jeanie McClure, Wyoming Jeanie McClure has been around horses since she was born. Growing up doing rodeo and riding on the ranch, getting into cutting was a natural progression once she finished high school. In college, she pursued her associate science degree in equine studies, and further learned how to breed and train horses outside of the classroom. “I had a natural gift for it,” explained Jeanie. “That’s why I wanted to do it in college. I knew I didn’t want a 9-5 job–I wanted to do horses for a living.” While Jeanie continued to breed colts and train horses on her own property, she was striving to get into the cutting world. She soon switched her riding style over to cow horses. “When I got out of college, I had my own business starting colts,” said Jeanie. “Always on the backburner, I was playing with my own horses, striving toward cow horses. I had only shown cutting a couple of times, and I recently went and showed in January 2025.” Jeanie showed with her mare Sangria and Sunshine, who goes by her barn name Sanndee, when she got her Achievement Buckle. Even though Jeanie is mostly selftrained with little cutting trainer experience, she had decided to get off her ranch (being a bit of a self-proclaimed homebody) and “just wing it.” “I did go to a little cutting clinic here in my hometown in November 2024, and decided to show her at the Stock Show in Rapid City in January 2025.” Jeanie said. “I just went and winged it, and it was pretty cool! We were fresh off the ranch with no help.” Jeanie’s goal is to continue getting herself out there to get more experience, increase their earnings, and meet people. One day, she hopes to do more advanced training with horses. “I really love to deal with the horses,” said Jeanie. “It’s so fun and thrilling when everything works.”

REINED COW HORSE • CUTTING WWW.HOLYCOWPERFORMANCEHORSES.COM

805.331.2408

N C H A AC H I E V E M E N T B U C K L E S

Achievement Buckle Earners F RO M N OV E M B E R 15, 2024 TO MARCH 25, 2025

above:

Big smiles from Slade and Hank

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

ADDISON ALLEN

JUSTIN N MACKEY

AMANDA KRUGEN

K AMERON BUCHANAN

ARWEN BAC

KELLIE BRANCO

BARRETT OWENS

KINLEY SCHLESINGER

BRAYLAN THOMAS BUSBY

LARISA WALKER

BRODY GALYEAN

LAURA BUTCHER

BROOKE CHOATE

LAUREN ELIZABETH

CAROLINE GINN

NEIDENFEUHR

CASEY RENE ADAMS

LEANN RAY

CASEY SCHWERTFEGER

LENA WHITE

CLAY TON SMITH

LENLEI WEEKS FURLONG

COOPER T EVANS

LISA DEARING

COURTENAY DEHOFF

LIZZIE WALKUP

DANIK A AVILES

MARC HEITZ

DAWN BAXSTROM

MATTE M FOSTER

DAWN COSTELLO SELLERS

MCKENZIE CORVIN

DREW ELLEN STEWART

MICHAEL SCHLEGEL

EMMA DENNEY

MICHAEL W STEELE

EMMALY ELIZABETH WIDMER

MOLLY LOU TEUSCHER

ERIC M SOLBERG

NAVID KHARRAZI

FAY THE SCHAFER

NICHOLAS SMITH

GW YNETH MITCHELL

NICOLA BEUCKE

HAILEY MINSER

NICOLE MAUS

HANNA LUTHER

PAISLEY LYNN NOBLES

HAYDEN ROBERT TAYLOR

ROBERT BRENT MCDONALD

HEATHER CLELAND

SAMUEL COX

HYRUM MORLEY

SHAYLEE LEMOND

JAMES G SCHOTT

SONYA TAYLOR

JAMIE L PISCULLI

SUSANNA MANNS

JASPER NEWITT

TATUM DENNY

JEANIE A MCCLURE

TONYA BAXTER

JEREMY INGRAM

TRAPPER SLADE DEFOOR

JERRY DANIEL

TUCKER CLARK

JOHN TIMOTHY TRAVIS JR

VICTORIA JOHNSON

JON HENDERSON

ZEPHYR OYARZUN

JOY GUNN

ZOE CEE ZIEBARTH

2025 N C H A M E M B E R S H A L L O F FA M E I N D U CT E E S

NCHA MEMBERS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2025 BY JENNIFER HORTON

ach year, the NCHA recognizes the contributions of outstanding organization members, codifying their achievements with an NCHA Hall Fame induction. This year, four members will be inducted into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, Ora Diehl, Ronnie Hodges, Skip Jones and Dean Rebhuhn. They’ll be formally introduced at the annual NCHA Members Hall of Fame Gala, which will be held this year on June 21 at the NCHA Convention in San Antonio.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 N C H A M E M B E R S H A L L O F FA M E I N D U CT E E S

ORA DIEHL RUSK IN, FL

When Ora and Frank Diehl sat to watch a cutting during the Tampa county fair they had no idea of the turn their lives would take. “I asked a lady in the stands about it,” said Diehl. “She explained everything about the rules and horses and even invited us to the club’s next cutting. The rest is history.” The next 30 years were filled with cutting activities, including showing, breeding and producing the Tomato Futurity. Diehl became involved with NCHA as a director for Region 5. Diehl and Denise Williams, both with extensive banking industry experience, teamed up in 2018 to do an internal audit of NCHA. “Nothing was wrong, just messy,” said Diehl. “We worked to get everything put in place and set up improved procedures. I wanted it to continue so I ran for vice president.” Diehl is passionate about the entire extended cutting family, including the horses. “We take care of each other,” she said. “I want to pass this down to the next generations.” She took the responsibility of serving as NCHA President to heart and spoke of Hall of Fame induction. “I promise you the best of the best are in there and I am privileged to be part of that. There’s so many to thank that get you to a place where you’re honored. It’s breathtaking if you really want to know the truth about it.”

RONNIE HODGES ADEL, GA

Ronnie Hodges started breaking colts, but it wasn’t long before he got to the show pen. “Georgia Cutting Horse and Georgia Quarter Horse had shows together,” said Hodges. “That first year I won the $500 Novice Rider. The next year I won the Junior, Senior, Open and Novice. It took off pretty fast.” When that horse operation closed Hodges leased the facility to start his own business. The young man found friendships in superstars of the business—Buster Welch, Matlock Rose and Bill Freeman. “Every weekend was an adventure,” he said. “We had good horses and I was very competitive.” Hodges was influential in growing cutting in Europe and co-chaired the committee that put on a cutting demonstration during the Olympics in Atlanta. He served years on the Judges Committee. At one time, he had judged more major events than anyone else in the history of NCHA. “Judges were selected by the contestants,” he said. “Zack Wood told me every time my name was up I was the number one vote getter. That’s an honor from your peers.” Hodges, 81 in September, still rides seven or eight horses each day, with 30 in training. “My timing and my feel are still good. When I go to a show, we win. These kids wonder where this old man came from,” he chuckled. “I’ve been fortunate. I’ve ridden a lot of good horses.” SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 N C H A M E M B E R S H A L L O F FA M E I N D U CT E E S

DEAN REBHUHN WOODINV ILLE, WA

SKIP JONES AMARILLO, T X

You could say Amarillo winters led Skip Jones to cutting. Not long after Jones purchased an indoor arena (for his kids to ride in), he was surprised to learn a cutting competition was scheduled to be held there. “I had bought an older Colonel Freckles stud that Pete Branch had trained,” said Jones. “A friend tuned him up and showed him in the $10,000 Novice class and stuck me on him in the $500 rider class. That’s how the whole thing started. Cutting became a pretty strong focus of our lives from that point on.” When the West Texas Futurity restructured in 2001 they put Jones at the helm. “The NCHA has given so much to me and my family. I think a member should try to help any organization that gives to them.” That mentality led Jones to NCHA governance. When a sitting director resigned Jones filled the remainder of his term and was elected to continue. He completed six years on the NCHA executive committee last year. “In my mind, nothing I’ve done is exceptional,” said Jones. “It’s not been something I would consider Hall of Fame material. It’s just being a good member.” Jones had trouble putting words to what it means to him. “Many people I really admire and call my friends have been inducted. I never even thought I would be considered. It’s extremely special.” 36

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

From raising and showing Welsh ponies on the West Coast, it was pure happenstance when Dean Rebhuhn bought a Quarter Horse. Rey Jay Jr came with cow sense and it didn’t take Dean long to catch the cutting bug. “I’ve been very lucky in my life,” said Rebhuhn. “I found a little mare named Scrappy Chex who was loaded with cow sense. She wanted to go both ways at the same time.” The NCHA had established the Western and Eastern Nationals so he set a goal to qualify for the show in Ogden. “She laid down a run and we won,” said Rebhuhn. “I really didn’t know what I was doing. I still wear that buckle today.” In 2000 Rebhuhn was determined to take a homebred horse to the NCHA Futurity and, against odds, Starlight Warrior won the Limited Open Futurity shown by Rodie Whitman. “Lucky again,” he said. “Sometimes you have to decide what you want to do. That’s what I did.” An active member in the Cascade Cow Cutters, Rebhuhn began taking an interest in NCHA governance activities. He was elected as a director and joined the Finance Committee and the Growth and Development Committee, which he now chairs. Rebhuhn is humbled by the induction and appreciates many friendships and the support he’s received. “Compared to others [inducted into the Hall of Fame], I’m up here in Washington. I just like horses.”

e Ofﬁcial NCHA

Achievement Award Buckle

Qualiﬁed NCHA members now have the option to purchase “gold accented” Achievement Award buckle featuring 1/10 10KT yellow gold accents. If you have been awarded the Ofﬁcial Achievement buckle by NCHA, you may purchase this gold accented buckle at any medallion level. Contact us for details. le

Achievement Levels* $5,000 $1000 $10,000 $2,500 $15,000

$25,000 $50,000

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

of the Three horses claimed the NCHA's coveted Horse of the Year Status BY MICHAEL A JAYCOX

2024 NCH A OPEN HORSE OF T HE Y E A R

JAZLYN R IDER: James Payne

he 2020 roan mare Jazlyn (Hashtags x MK Cats Kitty x Spots Hot) has made a name for herself under the hand of James Payne. Jazlyn has been owned by Kathleen Moore of Madill, Oklahoma since she was a yearling and trained from the start by James Payne. "Kathleen bought her, but we picked her out at the yearling sales," Payne recalled. "I really liked her mother—that’s what drew me to her. People were a little unsure about Hashtags as a sire at the time, but I believed in her dam." Jazlyn showed promise early but faced challenges in her three-year-old year. "She was at the upper end of my two-year-olds, but early on at three, she wasn’t on my radar to show," Payne admitted. "Then, as we started hauling her to pre-works, it became clear—if I didn’t show her, I would regret it. She finished strong and showed great at the Futurity." Jazlyn’s four-year-old season was consistent and competitive. "She made every finals she went to as a four-year-old," Payne said. "That’s not easy when you’re going to 12 aged events. Winning the Super Stakes and the Derby were major highlights."

Her feel on a cow made her stand out. "I’ve trained a lot of horses, but only two in my career have taken cow sense to another level—Once In A Blu Boon and Jazlyn," Payne explained. "They just control a cow differently." That natural ability made her a force to be reckoned with. "You train horses to be smart on a cow, but with Jazlyn, it just came naturally," Payne said. "She knows how to handle a cow better than most." For Payne, the NCHA Open Horse of the Year title reflects the teamwork behind Jazlyn. "It’s a big accomplishment for Kathleen and her breeding program. I’m proud to have the opportunity to ride for Kathleen and train a mare like Jazlyn.” opposite:

Jazlyn and James Payne at the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular where they scored an impressive 230 to win the 4-yearold Open Championship title. p h oto by s et h p et i t p h oto g r a p h y

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

HORSE OF THE YEAR

2024 NCH A NON-PRO HORSE OF T HE Y E A R

DONT STOP SWINGIN R IDER: R yan Rapp

he journey with Dont Stop Swingin wasn’t always a straightforward path to success. Owned, bred and raised on the Rapp Ranch, the 2020 sorrel gelding (Dont Stopp Believin x Swing Thru The Drive x Hydrive Cat) was originally slated to be sold as a twoyear-old. However, a minor suspensory issue at just the wrong time kept him home—an unexpected turn of events that ultimately worked in their favor. “He was a talented horse, but he didn’t have much cow,” Ryan Rapp admitted. “He was kind of just going through the motions, didn’t have the best attitude about things.” But it was Rapp’s mother, Mary Ann, who gave the simple piece of advice that changed everything. “She said, ‘Just drive off on him and see what happens.’” That small adjustment flipped a switch in the gelding, unlocking a completely different side of him. “All of a sudden, he just stops, squats down, and crawls into the cow—I thought, ‘Oh, that’s new.’ And from there, he never looked back,” explained Rapp.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Skippy, as he’s known in the barn, went on to dominate. “The biggest win as a whole was just how consistently he stayed the whole year,” Rapp said. From taking home the Non-Pro titles at both the NCHA Great American Insurance Summer Cutting Spectacular and the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch to winning four rounds at Will Rogers, Dont Stop Swingin proved time and again that he belonged at the top. For Rapp and his family, winning Non-Pro Horse of the Year proved that the gelding had consistency and heart. He said, “There were several really, really good horses this year. He had to do good everywhere he went—and he won when it counted the most.” above:

Rapp and Dont Stop Swingin made an impressive jump at the 2024 NCHA World Finals when they moved from 12th to second place in the World, leading all four go rounds. p h oto by s et h p et i t p h oto g r a p h y

HORSE OF THE YEAR

A M Y BELL MEMOR I A L AWA RD | 2024 NCH A A M AT EUR HORSE OF T HE Y E A R

A LIL MOORE SPICE R IDER: Ken Schult z

inning NCHA Amateur Horse of the Year with A Lil Moore Spice (One Time Royalty x DMAC Spicy Spoon x Hes A Peptospoonful) wasn’t something Ken Schultz planned. It took going to the right shows, making most of the finals, and several flights from California. A Lil Moore Spice wasn’t an instant ticket to the winner’s circle when Schultz purchased her from Kathleen Moore. “I showed her for a year, and we did okay, but not great,” Schultz explained. “Then, a year ago in December, I moved everything to Grant Setnicka. Last year, I rode with him, and things just started to click. I had no idea I’d win Amateur Horse of the Year. I show, but not as often as some competitors since I live in California and have to fly back and forth.” A Lil Moore Spice’s consistency made all the difference. “She’ll fool you, acting slow until she walks to the herd; then, she’s all business. She’s extremely quick and fast, and it took me a while to get with her, but I

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

like a mare like that,” Schultz said. “She gave me her best every single time. She never walked down there and said, ‘I don’t want to do this today.’” Winning the title was a significant moment for Schultz and A Lil Moore Spice. “The amateur division has grown and is incredibly competitive. It was a huge honor,” Schultz said. “Larry and Ellen Bell, who sponsor this award in memory of their daughter, Amy, have made it even more meaningful. It’s a beautiful buckle, and I’m grateful for it—for my horse and my team. It takes a village, and Grant’s crew had A Lil Moore Spice ready every time I stepped into the herd.” above:

Ken Schultz and A Lil Moore Spice at the 2024 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular. p h oto by s et h p et i t p h oto g r a p h y

ake Your Plans

Join Us

in 2025!

2024 NCHA Futurit y Sales

Results Delivered

R ecord Setting 84 Sold - 100k+

R ecord Setting Highest Sale Session Average $108,889

in 2-Year-Old Sale Session II

Overall Average - $ 53,465 Top 10 Average - $ 568,000 Top 100 Average - $ 193,510 2-Year- Old Sale Sessions Average - $ 94,065 Show Horse Session Average - $ 59,818 Preferred Breeders Sale Sessions Average - $ 37,115

Jordies Mink

$1,000,000 • 2022 Mare

Metallic Rey Mink x Jordie Get Your Gun by Nitas Wood Seller Troy Applegate (Dillon Crumpler, Agent) Buyer Belle Terre Ranch

Join Us in

2025

as Western Bloodstock C ontinues

to Elevate the Standards of Performance Horse Sales & its Commitment to the Health of the Industry.

Mid-Year Cutting Horse Digital Sale - [ TIMED AUCTION ONLY ] July 18 th • 9 a.m. - Noon

Held during the NCHA Summer Cutting Spectacular

On the WB App!

Consignment Deadline - July 7 th

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales October 17 th & 18 th

Held during the Final Weekend of the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Will Rogers Equestrian Center – Fort Worth, Texas

Consignment Deadline - August 20 th

NCHA Futurity Sales

December 1 st - 6 th Held during the Final Week of the NCHA Futurity Will Rogers Equestrian Center – Fort Worth, Texas

Consignment Deadline - September 15 th

9710 Mineral Wells Highway Weatherford, Texas 76088

Office 817-594-9210 Jeremy Barwick 254-485-2542

www.westernbloodstock.com

H O W I T' S M A D E

A field of blue agave

La Pulga's Tequila Blanco

all photos courtesy of la pulga spirits

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

L A P U LG A T EQ U I L A

THE

SPIRIT SHARE WE

L A P U LG A’S P U R E D I ST I L L AT I O N M E E TS T H E C U T T I N G I N D U ST RY BY CHRIS ALEXIS

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

H O W I T' S M A D E

icture this: work’s done, the sun’s setting, and you’re chilling with family, friends, or maybe some work buddies. The grill’s going, barbecue’s in the air, and people are erupting in laughter as a joke lands perfectly. In your hand, you’re armed with La Pulga Tequila. La Pulga is a tequila born from Highland agave and what Dave Wiley, vice president of marketing at La Pulga Spirits, calls, “the spirit we share.” “We start with the ripest Highland agave, grown at 6,500 feet in elevation,” he revealed. Up in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, Mexico, the agave takes its sweet time maturing and soaking up the sun until its natural sugars find themselves at just the right levels. It’s harvested when the sugar levels peak, ensuring every bottle is just right. From there, it’s chopped up and split into a dual-cook process—half roasted in traditional brick steam ovens, half in low-pressure autoclaves. It’s a slow, deliberate process that breaks down the plant’s fibers, a process called hydrolysis that draws every ounce of flavor. And there’s another element to the process you may not expect. In fact, you may find it rather shocking. “We pump music into the fermentation vats,” Wiley said. Yes, music. You see, after the roasted agave gets shredded in a single-pass roller mill and rinsed to pull out all those sugars, it heads to fermentation. And that’s when they blast tunes into the vats to rile up the yeast.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

“The fermentation master picks the playlist,” Wiley said. “Some days it’s classic rock, other days it’s Mexican ballads—whatever’s cranking through the speakers, it wakes the yeast up.” This isn’t just for kicks; there’s science behind this. The vibrations make the yeast bubble and churn, turning those agave sugars into alcohol. “You can talk at the vats, and they respond to sound,” he said. “You can see the yeast will bubble up based on the vibration of the sound.” After fermentation, the liquid hits a two-step distillation: first in a still called “the destroyer” for a rough cut, then in “the rectifier” to refine it down to 110 proof. For the Blanco, they pump pure oxygen through it, letting evaporation shave off some ethanol before a splash of deep well water brings it to a clean 80 proof. The Reposado and Añejo head into second-use American whiskey barrels at 110 proof—nine to 11 months for the Reposado and 22 months (pushing two years!) for the Añejo—picking up rich, woody notes. “Some brands toss in vanilla extract, glycerin, or sugar syrups,” Wiley said. “Not us. We have zero additives, and that’s the fastest-growing segment in tequila right now—people want the real deal.” Wondering what La Pulga means? It literally translates to “the flea.” Back in 2020, during the thick of COVID, the founders banded together to save Pequeño Mexico, a historic flea market in Fort Worth, Texas, from being bulldozed. “It’s one of the oldest flea markets in the country,” he said. “A cultural landmark.”

H O W I T' S M A D E

La Pulga's Tequila Reposado

La Pulga Spirits co-founders (from left) Andrew De La Torre, Sarah Castillo, and Stephen Slaughter

Harvesting blue agave

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

H O W I T' S M A D E

La Pulga's Tequila Reposado and Tequila Blanco

“You look at our bottles—the stag, the bull, the deer printed on our labels—it’s a nod to the rodeo and cowboy culture that ties Fort Worth and Mexico together.” DAVE W ILE Y

They raised the cash, kept it alive, and when it came time to name their tequila brand, the flea market came back to mind. “A flea market’s where people gather—commerce, food, music, dancing,” Wiley said. “A great spirit does the same thing: it brings folks together.” That’s why the medallion on every bottle carries their North Star: “The spirit we share.” Two years in as of this month, La Pulga’s still headquartered in Fort Worth, and that sense of community runs through everything they do. Company leaders remain proud of the brand’s Fort Worth heritage, which led to a partnership with the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA). The NCHA, based right in Fort Worth, was a natural fit, despite the tequila being produced in Mexico.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

“You look at our bottles—the stag, the bull, the deer printed on our labels—it’s a nod to the rodeo and cowboy culture that ties Fort Worth and Mexico together,” said Wiley. The partnership kicked off just this year. The tequila makers engrave special bottles as prizes for NCHA events. And as La Pulga expands beyond Texas for the first time this month, the NCHA’s footprint lines up with the markets they’re eyeing next. “They’re great partners,” Wiley added. “We’re excited to see where this takes us.” Priced to be approachable, it's earned rave reviews—93 points for the Blanco, 95 for the Reposado, and 96 for the Añejo from Wine Enthusiast. La Pulga is designed to be a tequila for everyone. VISIT LAPULGA.COM TO GRAB A BOTTLE FOR YOURSELF.

B O U N D BY A B U C K L E

BOUND BUCKLE

Martin Sharron won the buckle aboard his first cutting horse, Yellow Cow

BY A

The remarkable odyssey of a missing trophy belt buckle that took decades to get back home

ne fortuitous day in 1980, two families were on an adventure exploring a ghost town in a Nevada desert. In one of the old, abandoned, falling down shacks, Phil Waltrip noticed a partially buried metal object. Moving it with the tip of his toe, he flipped it over and realized it was a belt buckle. Not thinking much of it, he put it with his collection of “treasures” and forgot about it. Forty-four years later, Floridian Waltrip decided to hunt down the rightful owner, and well, that search was successful—he found the longtime cutting horse competitor in the unlikeliest of places—basically his own backyard. Waltrip and his wife’s sister’s husband Kurt Krause were both former Marines, and they shared an interest in going out West with their motorhomes and families in tow to explore old abandoned mined and ghost towns. Not a horseman himself, Waltrip was mainly interested in artifacts from folks who’d lived in those places before him. “We called ourselves explorers,” Waltrip said with a smile. Waltrip describes in detail the buckle he found—it was made of German silver with a brass cowboy and a brass cutting horse. The top banner had the name Yellow Cow engraved on it, and the bottom banner said Martin Sharron. “I put the belt buckle in a little box where I kept my keepsakes, things I found, and I just set it aside,” Waltrip said.

BY ABIG A IL BOAT WR IGHT

In January 2025, Waltrip, now 83, was going through his possessions to designate who would receive each item when he eventually passes, and came across the buckle amongst his old treasures. “I told Brenda, my wife, that we needed to find the person or their family and get it to them,” Waltrip said in a Facebook post. He’d recently watched Yellowstone with his wife, and saw how important belt buckles were to the cowboys on the show. Waltrip was in investigations in the Marine Corps, he was a former county commissioner in Escambia County in Pensacola, and he also served time with the Florida Highway Patrol, and was a regional representative for the State of Florida department of Children and Families. He is detail-oriented,

right:

The buckle that was found, then returned SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

B O U N D BY A B U C K L E

and enjoys a good investigation, so he relished the task of finding the buckle’s original owner. “After over 75 phone calls to various buckle makers, ranchers and people with similar names all over the Western United States,” Waltrip wrote. “I lucked upon the [National] Cutting Horse Association, who confirmed they had a member by that name, age 92, and of all things, he was living in Pensacola, the same city I live in.” Waltrip had spoken with Cathy Aleff with NCHA. She was able to find a Martin Sharron in the database because he has been an NCHA member and competitor for decades, and has cutting horses who show even today. Although she didn’t release his contact info, having the right city was helpful to Waltrip. Continuing to dig on his own, Waltrip tracked down Sharron’s house address which was just a few miles from his, but the cutter was not at home when he stopped by. The house looked not-lived-in, and he worried. “My heart just sunk, I thought I found him too late,” Waltrip said. “I left a note on the door, and went to check with some of the neighbors to see if I could locate his family.” Meanwhile, an SUV parked in Sharron’s driveway. When Waltrip came closer, he saw that inside was Sharron, who he says is a “sharp as a tack gentleman.” The house was empty because he and his wife of many decades were moving to a one-story house nearby. “I wasn’t too late,” Waltrip said. “We’ve talked several times since then. He is just an amazing man. I made a new friend, and it took over 44 years and many, many miles to find. He had worked and lived all over the West in Texas, Utah and Nevada, before moving here in Pensacola.” Sharron said the buckle was the first buckle he ever won, with his first cutting horse Yellow Cow, at a Heart of Dixie cutting. “He was a lot of fun, and his name was on the buckle with me—that’s what made it important to me,” Sharron said. “I won 25 or 30 more, but they don’t have my horse’s name, or my name, on them.” Sharron is actually not sure how it made it to a ghost town, but he’s really glad to have it back. “It was real exciting for me that he went to that much trouble,” Sharron said. “You don’t have many people go to the trouble of going across the street to give you something, much less search like him. I offered to give him something, and of course, that was out of the question—he said no. He said, ‘I did it because I wanted to find the owner.’ I said, ‘Well, you found him.’”

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

above from top to bot tom:

Martin Sharron, the cutter who lost the buckle—it was the first buckle he ever won Phil Waltrip found the buckle while adventuring with his family in 1980. He recently tracked down Sharron, the original owner, and returned it

Waltrip is delighted at the successful reunion. Both men were Shriners, with the same Shrine, and they are both members of the Masonic Lodge. So many connections that it just seems like fate for them to meet. “We have been so close, for so long, and our life is so parallel, it’s just amazing,” Waltrip said. “It just gives me reinforced thoughts of how there is no accident, there has to be a God to do things like that.”

Gary Bellenfant

BOOKED FULL FOR 2025

Owned by

Standing at

WA L L O F H O N O R

WALL O F

HONOR

A substantial mural in downtown Weatherford, the “cutting horse capital of the world,” shows appreciation for the great sport of cutting BY ABIG A IL BOAT WR IGHT PHOTOS BY JES S GRY DER SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

f you drive through the city of Weatherford, Texas, heading west from Fort Worth, you cannot miss the 27-foot-by-80-foot mural on the southeast side of City Pharmacy, adjacent to Fire Oak Grill. Splashed with a vibrant orange sunset, the artwork features five of the National Cutting Horse Association legends. Here’s how this larger-than-life artwork came to fruition, and what it means to our cutting community.

THE IDEA

Most of us know Weatherford’s well-deserved nickname of being the “Cutting Horse Capital of the World.”

Weatherford's massive mural celebrating it as the "Cutting Capitol" ↓

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

“Per capita, out of the entire NCHA organization, we have the most ranches in Parker County and Weatherford,” Lyndsie Montgomery, Executive Director of the nonprofit Downtown Weatherford, Inc., said. Montgomery has a background integrated with the cutting horse community. She spent 20 years as a personal trainer for NCHA trainers, riders and owners and can testify to the impact cutting has had on Weatherford. “Aside from a Ronald McDonald statue at McDonald’s and a bronze statue at the Chamber of Commerce, I didn’t really feel like there was

anything that stakes our claim to that [title],” Montgomery said. “I had the idea of creating a mural that memorializes the [NCHA] legends who are from or currently reside in Weatherford, Texas.” Leading NCHA money-earner Phil Rapp says that while cutting has become a nationwide and worldwide sport, Weatherford is really the epicenter of this discipline. “I think this mural, and putting it on that building, just solidifies the relationship between Parker County and cutting,” Rapp, who is a past NCHA president, said.

WA L L O F H O N O R

PLANNING THE MURAL

With so many cutting greats to choose from, selecting the horse folks who would appear on the mural could be a challenge. Going with NCHA Hall of Famers seemed a good place to start. When asked her opinion on the project, NCHA past President and 4 million dollar rider, Lindy Burch, approved. 10 million dollar rider Matt Gaines was also on the list. After visiting with Gaines’ wife Tara, Montgomery talked to the NCHA to get a list of the “Highest-earning riders from Weatherford, Texas” and went from there. Others on the mural are

9 million dollar rider Rapp, 4 million dollar rider Michael Cooper, and 6 million dollar rider Paul Hansma. “I think it’s good company to be in, and I think all the people on the mural are great ambassadors for the NCHA and cutting in general,” Burch said. Gaines has lived in Weatherford for over 30 years. He was happy to be included and liked the idea of the mural in Weatherford to be about cutting. “I think it’s something unique, and appropriate. To be one of the people they asked to be up there with some of the best, the legends in our business, was nice,” Gaines said. “It’s

very appreciated that Weatherford is showing their support, and promoting the city as the Cutting Horse Capital of the World.” Stylle Read made the mural. He is known for his iconic murals depicting the West, including for Brumbaugh’s and Maverick Fine Western Wear in Fort Worth, and Reata Restaurant in Alpine. Bringing 47 years of experience creating over 35 different outdoor murals and other artwork, he tackled the project. With the 1850s building’s rough exterior and oversized dimensions, he was in for a challenge.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Using photos of each of the horsemen, and working with Montgomery’s father-inlaw Ric Montgomery (who did the black lettering), Read started with a sunset and crafted an impressionistic background that he could apply with spray guns. He followed up with the horsemen painted in detail. “You first do a rendering and you have to gauge it out per square inch. It was a pretty big wall,” Read said. “I’ve done a lot of outdoor murals, but this was one of the hardest surfaces because it was so rough.” The sidewalk near the wall was at an angle, adding more difficulty to using a lift to do the painting. Read used a projector to place his rendering on the wall. In all, it took him about three weeks of painting to complete the mural. “I took it on because I wanted to do something in Weatherford when I got the opportunity,” Read said.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

Burch is pleased with the mural. Having lived in Weatherford since 1986, she’s seen first-hand the ways cutting has brought ranches and industry like welding, construction companies, veterinarians, and other ancillary businesses into the area. “I think it’s really cool that Weatherford is embracing the relationship as much as they are, and trying to denote that in the city that they’re proud of,” Burch said. “They’re proud of the cutting horse people and proud to have them in their city limits.” Gaines likes seeing the mural when he goes into town. “The whole thing is really cool—when you look at it, it’s pretty amazing,” Gaines said. “The way the building is made with that rock, and the fact that the artist could make it look as good as he did, I thought it was very impressive. I think they did a great job.”

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Rapp is honored to be included on the mural. “I was driving past there yesterday, and it just hit me how special it was to be included up there on that mural, with the other four riders, and the impact we’ve all made on Parker County and Weatherford,” Rapp said. “But there’s also several other outstanding individuals who could also be included on that mural. So it was an honor, and humbling, to be one of the five. It’s something I enjoy, being a little part of Parker County, and Weatherford, cutting horse history.” Folks who reside in and are visiting Weatherford often stop in their tracks to take in the mural, Montgomery said. “Everybody thinks it’s amazing,” Montgomery said. “People pull out of the bank, and stop, and just stare at it. I think everybody is just amazed at the size of it. I think it is probably the largest in Weatherford, and you can see it from miles on miles. It definitely catches your attention as you are approaching downtown from the east. It’s pretty special.”

WA L L O F H O N O R

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

CR GOTCHA COVERED

TRAINER TIPS

ONE STEP AT A TIME Tips for Getting Started in Cutting BY HANNAH CR ANDALL

utting is an exciting sport that requires skill, dedication and a strong relationship between horse and rider. For newcomers, getting started in the cutting horse industry can feel overwhelming; but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding journey. To help beginners navigate their way into the sport, NCHA Growth and Development Chairman Dean Rebhuhn and Washington-based trainer Nina Lundgren share valuable insights on how to take the most effective first steps in cutting.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

TRAINER TIPS

WATCH AND MAKE CONNECTIONS

One of the best ways to get started in cutting is by immersing yourself in the sport. Attending local shows, meeting trainers and talking to experienced riders can provide knowledge and open doors to opportunities. Simply being present at events helps newcomers learn how the sport operates and make important connections. “Go watch some cuttings nearby, see what’s going on and meet the people,” Rebhuhn said. “There are trainers at every one, so go talk to them. Put it out there that you would like to get started, and ask what you should do. They might invite you out, or they might put you in touch with someone who works with amateurs.”

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT TO DO IN THE INDUSTRY

For some, competing at weekend shows is the perfect balance of fun and challenge, while others dream of making it to major events and making a name for themselves. There are many opportunities to be involved as a rider, trainer, owner, breeder, etc., but understanding what you are passionate about will help you set goals and make informed decisions. “What aspect of cutting excites you most? I never would have accomplished what I have if I wasn’t focused on my goals,” Rebhuhn said. “To get to those higher levels of competition, it takes a lot of work, time and investment, so it’s important to know if that is what you are striving for. If you want to be involved, there is a place for everyone. You just have to find and focus on where you want to be.”

FIND A TRAINER WHO CATERS TO NOVICE RIDERS

Not all trainers specialize in working with beginners, so it is important to find one who enjoys teaching new riders and that you trust to help you learn. A good trainer will focus on building con70

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

fidence, teaching fundamentals and ensuring that their clients progress to eventually succeed in competition. Working with someone who understands the learning curve can make all the difference in your experience. “You can go to the NCHA website and find a list of trainers, and you can certainly find some in your area; but the next step is to find out if those trainers cater to beginners,” Lundgren said. “Some do, and some do not. Newcomers need to hook up with somebody who likes working with beginners, because everybody has their talents, and some people are just not talented at schooling novice riders.”

TRAINER TIPS

Instead of focusing on immediate success, it is important as a novice to concentrate on small improvements that can lead to big wins. Each ride, practice and show are chances to learn and grow. If you lose a cow or struggle with your horse, remember that it is all part of the journey. “The biggest advice I have is to take it one step at a time. Don’t rush it. Gather information, get some experience under your belt and have fun,” Rebhuhn said. “The people I know really, really enjoy this sport. They love their horses, and they have fun - all because they embrace the ongoing process. It’s one step at a time, and that’s the best way I can think to describe it.”

TAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON HORSES FROM TRUSTED SOURCES

TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME

Cutting is a unique sport in that it takes time for all the pieces to fall into place to find success, and even the best riders had to start somewhere. It is easy for beginners to feel discouraged when things don’t go according to plan, but anyone involved in cutting has their own stories of setbacks and challenges that ultimately made them better. The key is to be patient and trust the learning process. “Just don’t be afraid, and go out there and do it. There is no need to be intimidated, because everybody started from square one and got on their first cutting horse at some point,” Lundgren said. “Even the ones who are really good now had to start somewhere, but everyone’s journey is going to look different. Find a trainer, have them help you find a horse and then have patience with yourself.”

Choosing the right horse is one of the most important steps for a beginner. Some trainers who work with newcomers may have older horses you can get on to try your hand, but having a horse of your own will be a major step in the right direction to really get involved. While it may be tempting to buy a flashy, high-caliber horse, an experienced steady mount is often the best for learning. “A lot of people will go watch and see these really great horses that they are sure are the ones for them. They have no concept, though, of how difficult it is to ride a horse like that and how much experience it takes,” Lundgren said. “They need to be comfortable buying an older horse that knows the ropes; and as they progress, they can step up to more horse.” A well-trained horse will teach you more than you could learn on your own, and using your resources to find one is crucial. Your trainer and friends in the industry can be extremely helpful in finding the right horse. “What I did and continue to do is take recommendations on horses from people I’ve gotten to know, whether a trainer or a friend. Thinking through my career, I’ve bought a handful of horses sight unseen, simply because I heard great things from people I trusted. The only time I bought a bad horse was when I bought without any recommendations,” Rebhuhn said. SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

TRAINER TIPS

CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GROW, AND GET IN THE SHOW PEN Even the most experienced riders continue learning throughout their careers. Studying training videos, attending clinics and seeking feedback from knowledgeable horsemen will help you refine your skills no matter how far along you are in your career. The best way to improve is to remain open to new knowledge and never stop working at it. “Experience is so important, but it’s never-ending,” Lundgren said. “There is nothing like riding into the show pen, and the more you do it, the more you will genuinely get the feel for it. You have to get in the show pen and put the time in as you progress to continue to improve.”

STAY TRUE TO YOUR LOVE FOR THE HORSE

At its core, cutting is about getting on these amazing horses who can work a cow with such athleticism. While competition is exciting, the real reward comes from working with a horse that understands and responds to cattle. Keeping that passion and appreciation for horses at the forefront will make the sport more enjoyable for years to come. “This is a horse activity, so we are all interested to some degree in our horses, whether we have one or have seen others,” Rebhuhn said. “Cutting is such an addictive sport, and it’s for the love of the horse. To feel a horse make a move with a cow is unbelievable. It’s difficult to describe, but it will always put a smile on your face to have your horse react to the movement of a cow the way they do.” Getting started in cutting may seem daunting, but by taking it one step at a time, you can build a lifelong passion and career in the sport. Surround yourself with the right people, find a great trainer, trust experienced recommendations and commit to learning. Most importantly, never lose sight of what drew you to cutting in the first place.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

MEET THE EXPERTS:

DEAN REBHUHN NCHA GROW TH AND DEVELOPMENT CHAIRMAN

NINA LUNDGREN WASHINGTON-BASED TR AINER

W O R K I N G H O R S E TO C U T T I N G H O R S E

B ACK Working horse CR Tuffer N Rey’s unexpected journey from Futurity to a ranch and pack lifestyle, and back again BY ABIG A IL BOAT WR IGHT

n a world where the best equine competitors in the cutting pen are specialists, living cutting day in and day out, a horse like CR Tuffer N Rey stands out. Nicknamed “Woody” because he’s sired by Woody Be Tuff, out of Calie Del Rey by Dual Rey, the 2016 sorrel gelding had a typical start to his career. Trained as a 2-year-old by Faron Hightower, he went two rounds at the Futurity. After that brief stint in the show pen, he made his way to a non-show job with owner Justin “J.D.” Roberts as a ranch and pack horse for his hunting operations. How this good gelding made his way back to the top of NCHA competition at the age of eight is a bit of a fairy tale.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

↑ CR Tuffer N Rey spent over four years as a steady pack horse for Justin Roberts’ hunting and fishing operation

W O R K I N G H O R S E TO C U T T I N G H O R S E

T OP

W O R K I N G H O R S E TO C U T T I N G H O R S E

Woody was once an NCHA futurity competitor, but his time as a working horse on hunts helped develop him into being a mentally strong World Finals contender →

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

W O R K I N G H O R S E TO C U T T I N G H O R S E

← Woody’s journey from pack horse to World Finals competitor was life-changing for both his owner and his trainer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRETT LAWSON

“I really saw a transformation in him…the more you ride him, the better he is.” JUST IN ROBERTS

WORKING HORSE LIFE Roberts lives in Graford, Texas, and shoes horses, when he’s not guiding hunts and fishing trips. He was nicknamed Woody in 2019 by a horseshoeing client, and ended up using him as a working horse for about four-and-a-half years. “I took him on hunts, roped on him, dragged calves to the fire—just everything a horse should do in the Western world,” Roberts said. “We camped out in some blizzards, he’d drink water out of a YETI cooler, I

put dead animals on his back, and I let my kids ride him. And he finally just started growing up.” Woody and Roberts had many adventures. “We’ve hunted the Gila wilderness in New Mexico, and the mountains of West Texas, hunting desert Bighorn sheep,” Roberts said. “I was packing a string of dude horses around. The only qualifications of these horses was to be safe and go all day. In that misfit

gang of horses, he always stood out in the bunch. People would see him and say he’s fancy looking.” This hard work smoothed down the horse’s rough edges and dislike of show-horse stalls and routines. “After a year or two, he would just come stick his head in the bridle, and was ready to go to work all the time,” Roberts said. “I really saw a transformation in him. He likes to work every day and do something.The more you ride him, the better he is.” SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

W O R K I N G H O R S E TO C U T T I N G H O R S E

BACK TO CUTTING Roberts developed a friendship with horseman Brett Lawson, who is also an avid hunter, when Lawson moved to town, and the two began hunting together. In January 2024, he noticed Woody at a hunt and pointed out his brand for Center Ranch. “When I first saw the horse, he had long hair on him, had been turned out for a long time and just looked like a ranch horse,” Lawson said. Lawson was looking for a horse to finished out and show, so Roberts agreed to let him work with Woody. “I took him and legged him up for about two months,” Lawson said. “Then I started working him, and the first time I worked him, I thought he was really good, but

I had a lot of work to do. So I just stayed consistent on him. But a month later, I called JD and said I think we’ve really got a nice horse here, and we should try to go show him.” Lawson was transitioning from needing pack horses to focusing on fly fishing, so it was good timing. He agreed to let Lawson show the horse in NCHA events. “At that moment, I still didn’t know just how good of a horse he really was,” Lawson said. Reflecting on why Woody did so well after a long break, Roberts reckons it was good for his mind, allowing him to grow up and mature. He’s also big and gritty. “He’s got a lot of bone. Really well made, big, strong feet, and he has a lot of heart,” Roberts said.

Lawson took Woody to a cutting in Whitesboro, Texas, for his return to the show pen and he placed second. “He really showed up and did a good job for me,” Lawson said. “He just got better and better, every single run, and day after day. He made a really nice horse that we didn’t even know existed.” Fractious on the ground when he started, Woody has mellowed into being a barn favorite. “He’s always ready to go to work, every single day. And he’s pretty honest,” Lawson said. “He’s also very strong. What won a lot of money in cuttings was if I got a tough cow, he’s so gritty and has so much heart, that he’s going to handle it and give it everything he’s got.” PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN ROBERTS

Roberts and family go for a ride →

← Woody is a calm enough horse for Roberts’ kids to ride

PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN ROBERTS

GOING FOR THE WORLD FINALS Having shown in the World Finals as a Youth but not yet in Open, Lawson decided to haul Woody for the title on the Over 5 Novice class, beginning in May and seasoning him along the way. He started out of the top 100—not even ranked. “We just kept pecking away at it, and we had a couple of pretty big weekends, we turned around and I was 30th in June,” Lawson said. “We went to big added money cuttings, and it was like a light switch went off on him. He really made a horse.” The pair moved into the top 15 by August, and Lawson pushed hard in September and October to secure their spot. “He got so consistent that every time I walked him down there, he was giving me everything he had, and he really started putting some high scores on the board, winning a lot of money, and securing our

spot in the World Finals,” Lawson said. At the Finals, they went in ranked 11th. The first go, they marked a 216.5. In the second, they showed well but they cut a tough cow that ran them over. Despite the challenge, Lawson showed him on one more cow. “We hauled all year, so we were going to keep cutting until the buzzer,” Lawson said. “It wasn’t a premium check like the first go round. But the journey with that horse, and how he blessed me in my show career, that was what was important to me. I owed it to that horse to turn back around and go cut another cow and finish it out.” Woody’s successes helped put Lawson on the map as a trainer, and build a nest egg for Roberts. “He is the gift that keeps on giving,” Roberts said. “It was cool

to see him grow up and for Brett to do so well on him. It was neat to see Brett be able to polish up what was there, and show me a horse I didn’t even know I had. He was a big blessing to us, and a blessing to Brett.” Lawson agrees, and credits Woody for giving him unforgettable experiences, trophy saddles and spurs, along with a boost as a trainer. “I just can’t say enough how much of a blessing he’s been to me, and he came out of nowhere—I never wouldn’t imagined him turn into what he turned into,” Lawson said. Woody is now with one of Lawson’s clients, hitting the show pen in Amateur competition. He’s continuing his journey of being a useful, working horse—just now showing off his mettle in the show pen with a new rider. SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

SOUTHERN SHOWDOWN 2025 NCHA E ASTERN NATIONALS PRESENTED BY 6666 R ANCH

Known for its generous purse and Southern charm, the NCHA Eastern Nationals, presented by 6666 Ranch, is often a staple on the schedules of weekend cutters. Thrilling competition, friendly rivalries and even a world-famous TikTok chef were highlights of this year’s event, held Feb. 27 to March 6 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. With 11 champions crowned across various divisions — and two riders claiming double championships — the competition was a testament to the depth of skill and consistency required to succeed.

BY K R IST IN PI T ZER PHOTOS BY SE TH PE T I T

opposite:

Benjamin Roberson and Pep Talkk, 2025 NCHA Eastern Nationals Open champions

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

Speaking Volumes

fter winning the Open Championship last year, Ben Roberson was looking to defend his title. He had two chances: 2024 Open Champion Bar Nothing Dancer, and Pep Talkk, who he had been riding for the last year-and-a-half. While some might put their money on the former, it was Pep Talkk who marked a 223, launching them to the top of the leaderboard for the remainder of the class. It was a solid victory for Roberson and the mare, and one of many claimed by Roberson’s team. “Our barn had a great show—we had five champions, and Pep Talkk was also Reserve in the $25,000 Novice. We had 40 entries out of our barn, and 23 made the finals. It was a great percentage,” Roberson said. “That show is, in my opinion, the best show that NCHA has for the members because they give people a chance to make the finals.

left:

Benjamin Roberson and Pep Talkk with their eyes on the prize right:

Benjamin Roberson rides Pep Talkk

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

It’s a show where you can go and have fun, and if you do your job, you’re going to get paid.” The Open title was the latest highlight in Pep Talkk’s journey. The mare was trained by Gabe Reynolds and landed in Roberson’s program as a 4-year-old, then remained with Roberson after current owners Ronney and Alana Coleman purchased her in 2024. Throughout her time with Roberson, the mare has accumulated almost $90,000. Roberson hoped to make the World Finals in the $25,000 Novice on her this year. “I give all the glory to God. Without him, we couldn’t do any of this,” Roberson said. “My wife, Nikki, is the backbone of our program. I’d like to thank Ronney and Alana; Makenna Larson, who works for us and got the mare ready for me; and my help: my father-in-law, Ted Sokol; Gabe Reynolds; Billy Kidd; and Bradey Davis.”

CLASS:

Open RIDER:

Benjamin Roberson HORSE:

Pep Talkk PEDIGREE:

Smooth Talkin Style x Spoon My Desire x Hes A Peptospoonful O W N E D BY:

Ronney & Alana Coleman SCORE:

223 EARNINGS:

$4,755

“It’s a show where you can go and have fun, and if you do your job, you’re going to get paid.” BENJAMIN ROBERSON SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

Full Throttle to Dual Wins

uring the 2025 NCHA Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch, Jason Britt and Phantom One found themselves in four different finals: the NonPro, Unlimited Amateur, $25,000 Novice Non-Pro and the $5,000 Novice Non-Pro. Britt would have been happy with just one Championship, but when it was all said and done, he and Phantom One had won the latter two classes—his first wins at the event in 10-plus years of showing. “I’ve finished Reserve five or six times, but I have never been able to clinch down a championship,” Britt said. “It felt great to get that first one out of the way. I just kind of slid into all four finals—I was kind of at the bottom of the totem pole going in on all of them—but I knew I just needed to be clean and not press the gas too hard. The rest of it took care of itself.” Phantom One, though he’s only 5 years old, did his part, too. Britt described him as big and athletic, and though he can be tough, Britt noted he tends to get along better with horses like that. It has taken some time for the duo to sync up—most of the time since

Britt bought him in April 2024 has been spent trying to figure each other out—but they finally seem to be moving in the right direction. “It was a little different deal, I guess, than what he was used to, but we made it work, and he's been a great horse. I think I’ve won $50,000 or $60,000 on him in the nine months that we've had him,” Britt said. “I had a friend help me get him ready at a weekend show before we went to Eastern Nationals. He came up to me and said, ‘Buddy, this horse doesn’t have a big motor, he just has an endless amount of gas.’ You don't get him tired; you just get him settled where his mind's right, and he takes care of the rest of it.” In addition to his show pen help, Britt thanked his wife, Mary Michael, for supporting him and letting him go show while she stays home with their three kids. While he doesn’t have access to many weekend shows in North Carolina, he hoped to hit a few this year with Phantom One, along with several limited age events.

← Jason Britt pilots Phantom One

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

CLASS:

$25,000 Novice Non-Pro / $5,000 Novice Non-Pro RIDER:

Jason Britt HORSE:

Phantom One PEDIGREE:

Rollz Royce x Desiresomemettalic x Metallic Cat O W N E D BY:

Jason & Mary Michael Britt SCORE:

223 / 221 EARNINGS:

$4,965 / $5,992

$25 OFF

fuel the difference in your horse's muscle recovery. enhanced with

rebound technology™ Chromium + Amino Acids ONLY FROM NUTRENA®

Signing up for our See the Difference Trial unleashes the athlete inside your horse with Rebound Technology™, our proprietary blend of research-backed chromium and amino acids. Try ProForce® today and ensure your horse is getting quality ingredients to recover and repair muscles, so you can fuel them to go the distance, every time.

Scan the QR code to fill out the sign-up form.

Print your $25 off coupon.

Use your coupon on ProForce horse feed at your local retailer.

Respond to our feedback email for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Try Proforce and save $25.

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

Kate Roberson atop Tuspot Shakur →

Double the Victory

ate Roberson tried not to focus on winning as she went into the Senior Youth finals with her gelding, Tuspot Shakur. She knew if they did their best, things would shake out how they were meant to. The gelding carried her to a 219, and the pair won the class, collecting $288. But their success didn’t stop there. Two days later, they rode into the $35,000 NonPro finals with the same game plan in mind. When the dust had settled, the pair’s whopping 225 had landed their second title. “I’ve been working really hard to be that consistent with my runs, and it felt great to be able to get both of those titles under my belt,” Roberson said. “I wanted to be consistent because I knew my horse and I had the ability to do what we needed to be able to win. As long as I stayed consistent, stayed calm and didn’t try to make a run happen, I knew it would be provided for me.” Throughout the Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch, Roberson noticed how hard “Nemo” tried for her. It’s been a long road with him, she said, both for her

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

own improvement and his, so she was glad to see their hard work pay off. She and her parents, Nikki and Ben, have owned the horse for about a year, during which time she’s mostly been the one to ride him. “He puts forth every single bit of effort he has every single time I show him, and he’s really enjoyable to be around,” Roberson said. “He really does not have a mean bone in his body. He just tries his hardest every time.” Roberson rides with her dad, who is a $1 million trainer. She also plays softball and powerlifts. It takes a team to help her stay on top of everything, and she was grateful to her parents for all they do to support her. “They’ve helped me learn on this horse and helped me be able to do well on him,” Roberson said. “I’d also like to thank the good Lord for giving me the ability to be able to do as well as we did, for all the opportunities and for everything just to work. And thank you to all the people that have helped me in that arena. I’ve definitely had some really good help over the past couple of years.”

CLASS:

$35,000 Non-Pro / Senior Youth RIDER:

Kate Roberson HORSE:

Tuspot Shakur PEDIGREE:

Spots Hot x Karma Kat x High Brow Cat O W N E D BY:

Nikki & Ben Roberson SCORE:

225 / 219 EARNINGS:

$5,088 / $288

Entries Open: May 1 Entries Close: June 6 Way Out West Cutting Series added money

presented by Wrangler

Entries open: August 1 Entries Close: September 9 in awards and prize money

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

A Triumphant Return

ver since SDP Buffalo Ranch purchased Spots Hottist a year ago, Christian Miller has been legging the stallion up, preparing to take him back in the show pen. The Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch was his first big event back, and Miller’s hard work paid off when he and the stallion scored a 222 for the $5,000 Novice Horse Championship. “For him to go and have some success, especially right before breeding season, I think that was a big deal,” Miller said. “It was good for the horse, good for me and good for Buffalo Ranch—anytime you can get a win is definitely a positive thing.” The duo initially competed in the Open first go but had a little tough luck and did not advance to the finals. Miller and his girlfriend, Makayla Riddle, who prepares the stallion, talked about what they could adjust for the $5,000 Novice class, and

Christian Miller on Spots Hottist →

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

their instincts were spot on—Miller said he couldn’t have asked the stallion to perform any better in the finals. “He's probably one of the most talented, physical horses that I’ve been blessed to throw a leg over,” Miller said. “Jesse Lennox did a phenomenal job training him. He's a very physical horse and very athletic. I think the biggest thing is keeping him slowed down, accurate and in the right state of mind. From then on, he does the rest of it.” Spots Hottist bred his first mares in 2024, and SDP Buffalo Ranch was looking forward to those foals this year. Miller also hoped to see how far they could go in the World standings. He thanked SDP Buffalo Ranch for giving him the opportunity to train out of their facility; Riddle for always preparing the stallion well; and his herd help: Bradey Davis, Walt Erwin, Gabe Reynolds and Brett Lawson.

CLASS:

$5,000 Novice Horse RIDER:

Christian Miller HORSE:

Spots Hottist PEDIGREE:

Hottish x Reyann Hickory x Dual Rey O W N E D BY:

SDP Buffalo Ranch SCORE:

222 EARNINGS:

$4,218

BRED AND OWNED BY:

SANJUANRANCH.COM

BOOK FOR 2025

LTE: $153,320 8 PANEL: N/N

LTE: $179,883 8 PANEL: N/N

LTE: $203,712 8 PANEL: N/N

CD OLENA X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (SHINING SPARK) 2012 NRCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION #1 NRCHA 2012 HORSE OF THE YEAR

CD DIAMOND X CAT MIST (HIGH BROW CAT) 2018 NRCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION #1 NRCHA 2018 HORSE OF THE YEAR

SMOOTH TALKING STYLE X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (SHINING SPARK) 2024 THE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN REINED COW HORSE CHAMPION

MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

CD DIAMOND FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE ENROLLED IN THE RIATA BUCKLE PROGRAM

CD DIAMOND & SJR DIAMOND MIST FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN GOLD BUCKLE FUTURITY PRODUCED EVENTS

TOP PLACING CD DIAMOND, SJR DIAMOND MIST OR SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS FOALS THRU 2029 NRCHA FT. WORTH FUTURITY FINALS RECEIVE

$25,000 (OPEN) • $10,000 (NON-PRO) Limited to one winner each, Open & Non-Pro. Does not include Intermediate, Limited or Novice Open or Non-Pro.

CD DIAMOND, SJR DIAMOND MIST & SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE ROYAL CROWN ROPING INCENTIVE

S TA N D I N G AT

CD DIAMOND, SJR DIAMOND MIST & SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED FOR THE NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE

(817) 594-9181

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

Maggie Malee Wilson rides Motown Cat →

In Perfect Sync

hen Maggie Malee Wilson and her family purchased Motown Cat in December 2024, she thought it was going to take a little time to sync up with the gelding. She was pleasantly surprised, therefore, when the horse carried her to a 217 in the Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch $50,000 Amateur finals only three months later to win the class and a paycheck worth $3,760. “He’s been very easy,” Wilson said. “I was so surprised how easy we connected. It was pretty much just a God thing, in my opinion. Winning meant so much to me; it was basically a dream come true.” Wilson, 22, went into the show knowing she just had to drive up, let the gelding do his part, and breathe. Her herd help—Billy Kidd, Todd Gann, Ben Roberson and Zeke Entz— assisted her beautifully, she said, and she was grateful for their help.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Wilson has been riding with Entz since she was 14 and has enjoyed learning from him over the years. “I love training with him,” Wilson said. “He is very passionate about what he does, and I know when he teaches me, he’s doing it for the best. He’s very patient with me.” When she’s not in the cutting pen, Wilson works at her family’s welding business and attends Shelton State Community College, where she is pursuing a business degree. She planned to haul Motown Cat for a World title this year and was grateful for the opportunity to team up with the 7-year-old gelding. “I love everything about him—his personality and how easy he is to get along with; how smooth he is when he rides; and how his brain works. I can tell how cowy he is,” Wilson said.

CLASS:

$50,000 Amateur RIDER:

Maggie Malee Wilson HORSE:

Motown Cat PEDIGREE:

High Brow Cat x Royal Red Rosita x Smart Little Lena O W N E D BY:

Richard Wilson SCORE:

217 EARNINGS:

$3,760

RIOROCARANCH.COM

CONUNDRUM RISING BADBOONARISING X IGGY REYZALEA

Shown by Grant Setnicka

2025 NCHA SUPER STAKES DERBY FINALIST | 3RD PLACE 2025 THE IKE OPEN DERBY FINALIST 2025 CATTLEMENS OPEN DERBY FINALIST 2024 NCHA FUTURITY OPEN FINALIST LTE $136,988 and still counting...

It’s A Privilege To Own A Great Horse

Soaring to Victory

ver since Kimberly Watt purchased Blu Laney Bird three years ago and put him in training with Gabe Reynolds, the gelding has done double-duty, carrying Reynolds in the Open and Watt in the Non-Pro. At the Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch, the horse stepped up and won a title with both, first carrying Reynolds to the $25,000 Novice Championship. “I didn’t try to think of it as going out there to win — I just wanted to present my horse the best I could. You sort of have to let those victories come to you,” Reynolds said. “He actually tied for Reserve last year in that same class, so it was kind of cool for him to come back and win it. Between myself and Kim, I think that’s his third Eastern Nationals title over the last three years.” Since the horse usually makes several runs at each event between Reynolds and

Watt, Reynolds believed the key to keeping him happy was not overpreparing him. Usually all it takes is a little jogging for the gelding to come out and give 100%. “I think sometimes when we overwork horses, they start to get a little fatigued and a little bit sore and things like that, and they tend to go the other way, so that has been our strategy with him for a while now,” Reynolds said. Blu Laney Bird was slated to compete at the NCHA National Circuit Championship, so Reynolds was grateful to have the Eastern Nationals to help prepare him. From there, he and Watt hoped to keep showing him and having fun on the good-natured gelding. Reynolds thanked his wife, Lauren, for all her help; Watt for being a loyal client; and his help in the show pen: Ben Roberson, Matt Williams, Nick Pilcher and Walt Erwin.

CLASS:

$25,000 Novice RIDER:

Gabe Reynolds HORSE:

Blu Laney Bird PEDIGREE:

Once In A Blu Boon x Catalaney x High Brow Cat O W N E D BY:

Kimberly Watt SCORE:

225 EARNINGS:

$4,287

← Gabe Reynolds and Blu Laney Bird

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

← Susan Kaseroff on Yall Im Countin

Counting On Success

usan Kaseroff has only been showing cutting horses seriously for a few years, but her gelding, Yall Im Countin, is a seasoned pro, having amassed $212,226 during his career. Though she’s only owned him for a few months, the pair looked like long-time partners at the Eastern Nationals when the gelding carried her to the $15,000 Amateur Championship. “That day was probably one of the most special days that I can remember,” Kaseroff said. “The horse was absolutely phenomenal. He's the best horse in the whole wide world. Everyone who knows him loves him, and I'm just incredibly blessed to have him.” Kaseroff said Yall Im Countin has helped her become a better rider in the short amount of time she’s owned him, and she thanks God for him every day. She also appreciates her trainer, Ben Roberson, and his team’s support. They—along with

the “amazing facility,” good cows, and wonderful help she received in the show pen at the Eastern Nationals—helped get her year of hauling in the $15,000 Amateur off to a good start. When she’s not on a horse, Kaseroff is either selling retail technology to large companies, or she can be found on the golf course. Kaseroff sees a lot of similarities in the mindset required to golf and ride cutting horses successfully, and she’s always striving to improve herself in both sports. “I read a ton of books on mental toughness and being prepared,” Kaseroff said. “Golf is very similar because it's very mental. You can't have any tension in your hands, your body, your back or anything, and still have a good swing. It’s the same way in the cutting. As hard as it is, you have to stay relaxed, or you're going to mess up your horse.”

CLASS:

$15,000 Amateur RIDER:

Susan Kaseroff HORSE:

Yall Im Countin PEDIGREE:

Im Countin Checks x Bling Bling Bling x Smooth As A Cat O W N E D BY:

Susan Kaseroff SCORE:

221 EARNINGS:

$4,920

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

Trust Pays Off

ithout a solid weekend horse in his string, Brad Weiss might have been out of luck when it came to showing at his first Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch. Fortunately, his 5-year-old mare, Woody Nightshade, was able to step in and fill that role, carrying him to a 219 for the Unlimited Amateur Championship. “It was pretty cool to go out there and pick up a win,” Weiss said. “I was just trying to stay out of her way and not screw her up, to trust in her training and my trainer, Ben Roberson. Being a part of his team and getting to experience the success all of us had in the barn made it an exciting show.” Weiss, who has ridden horses his whole life, bought his first cutting horse in 2012. He admitted he didn’t quite know what he was doing, but he was having fun. Eventually his work — Weiss owns a special events business that does catering, concessions,

Brad Weiss rides Woody Nightshade →

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

productions and promotions — picked up, and it wasn’t until 2018 that he bought his first serious cutting horse through an online auction. Weiss’ wife, Sidney, got him and the new mare hooked up with Tag Rice, who continued to train some limited age horses for him. In 2023, Weiss moved to Roberson’s barn. He thanked Rice, Roberson, and their teams for helping him along in his journey, along with Sidney. He was equally grateful for Woody Nightshade, who he purchased last March from her breeder, Crown Ranch LP. He planned to show her at the NCHA National Circuit Championships, then focus on limited age events. “We hope to continue showing her and trying to put as much money on her as we can, then we’ll start looking at breeding her and see if she’ll turn into being a producer for us,” Weiss said.

CLASS:

Unlimited Amateur RIDER:

Brad Weiss HORSE:

Woody Nightshade PEDIGREE:

Woody Be Tuff x Bittersweet x Metallic Cat O W N E D BY:

Weiss Performance Horses, LLC SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$4,459

Save 10¢ Per Gallon on Gas and 15¢ Per Gallon on Auto Diesel with the Love's App. Valid on the gas and auto diesel pumps only. Limited time offer. Offer may not be valid on all payment types. Details offered in app and subject to change.

Kimberly Watt atop Blu Laney Bird →

The Cherry on Top

lu Laney Bird received his second title at the 2025 NCHA Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch when he carried his owner, Kimberly Watt, to a 221 to win the Non-Pro Championship. For Watt, just getting to be at the show with the gelding was the highlight of her week, and her horse’s two new titles were the icing on the cake. “I don’t know if it’s set in yet,” Watt said. “Of course, it’s what everyone wants, but I’m truly just happy to be there. I always say horses are more about the people than the horses sometimes, and that win was just an added bonus on top of everything.” Watt tends to feel more pressure in the go-rounds than in the finals, she said, and the Eastern Nationals was no different. She was grateful for her trainer, Gabe Reynolds, and his wife, Lauren, who mentally prepared her for her runs.

“It is so much mental that you really do have to take a minute to be like, 'look, OK, I can do this,'” Watt said. “Lauren always says, ‘Just do it, and do it well.’ I try to break it down one step at a time and then just work myself through it like that.” Blu Laney’s Bird’s temperament and innate talent help her stay confident, too. The duo clicked immediately when she purchased him from EE Ranches in 2022, and she credited the foundation Guy Woods put on him, along with the work Reynolds has done in the years since, for leading them to their latest title. She thanked everyone at the show, “from the people in the stalls to the loping pen to the show pen.” “NCHA has such a good group of people,” Watt said. “I’m blessed in many ways, and [Gabe and Lauren] are certainly one of them.”

CLASS:

Non-Pro RIDER:

Kimberly Watt HORSE:

Blu Laney Bird PEDIGREE:

Once In A Blu Boon x Catalaney x High Brow Cat O W N E D BY:

Kimberly Watt SCORE:

221 EARNINGS:

$4,569

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

101

2025 NCHA EASTE RN N ATI O N A LS PRE S E N TE D BY 6666 RA N CH

Cutting Her Path to Victory

t’s only been a year since Karleigh Theriot first began competing in cuttings, but thanks to her winning ride on Time To Be Smooth, or “Elle,” in the $2,000 Limited Rider at the Eastern Nationals, she already has a big title to her name. She and the mare scored a 219 for the Championship, winning their biggest payday yet. “It feels surreal, from the journey where I started this a little over a year ago to where I’m at today,” Theriot said. “The bond I have with my horse is just insane, and what we’ve accomplished together is amazing.” After begging for a horse her whole life, Theriot started riding cutting horses with her dad, Kevin Foret, three years ago. Theriot chose the discipline because she was so impressed with the athleticism required for horses to be successful in the sport. “I had friends that barrel raced and roped, and it never quite hit me the way that the

Karleigh Theriot and Time To Be Smooth in the show pen →

102

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

partnership of the horse and rider in the cutting does,” Theriot said. “It’s amazing what these horses can do. We help them cut the cow out, and then it’s pretty much them from there on.” Theriot was grateful for Elle, who Foret purchased from Marvin Marmande. Since then, the mare has taught her everything, Theriot said, including to have confidence in her riding and to trust their partnership together. Theriot hoped to win a few more titles with the mare before retiring her to her breeding program. “I hope to one day end up in the Non-Pro Hall of Fame, but realistically speaking, I’d love to just have a broodmare string in the future and help other riders in the non-pro and weekend world realize that you don’t have to have a name out there to enjoy the sport,” Theriot said.

CLASS:

$2,000 Limited Rider RIDER:

Karleigh Theriot HORSE:

Time To Be Smooth PEDIGREE:

Smooth As A Cat x One Sweet Time x One Time Pepto O W N E D BY:

Kevin Foret SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$5,640

The world’s number one hoof boot The ultimate competitive edge

Adlee Griffin steers Bamas Jewel →

Homegrown Champion

or Adlee Griffin, 11, showing at the Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch is like going home. She’s been competing at the event nearly her whole life, and she’s gotten to know lots of people there. That all made her win in the Junior Youth even more meaningful after she piloted Bamas Jewel to a 218. “I love showing in that arena, and I think my horses love it, too,” Griffin said. “It meant a lot to go out there and win on a horse that my dad trained.” Griffin has been riding Bamas Jewel, or “Nita,” for about a year. Going into the finals, her game plan was to gently guide the mare through clean cuts and not let her nerves get to her. Nita, who is 7 years old, listened to her cues and kept in sync with the cows perfectly. “She used to do some extra stuff, but she just did everything she was supposed to do

like a 19-year-old horse,” Griffin said. Cutting is a family affair for Griffin. Nita is owned by her grandfather, Ronnie Griffin, and her dad, Mason, trains cutting horses. Griffin cherishes the moments with her family, including the four-legged members. “I like spending a lot of time with my animals, and I like it because you can meet a lot of new people and make a lot of lifetime friendships doing this sport,” Griffin said. “I think that's something that will stick with me my whole entire life going throughout this, even if I don't stay in cutting that long.” She thanked her help in the show pen, including Bradey Davis, Todd Gann and Walt Erwin. 2025 will be the first year she hauls for a World title with Nita, and she is excited to see where their journey leads them.

CLASS:

Junior Youth RIDER:

Adlee Griffin HORSE:

Bamas Jewel PEDIGREE:

Bamacat x Early Birds Jewel x Nitas Wood O W N E D BY:

Ronnie Griffin SCORE:

218 EARNINGS:

$276

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

105

NEW GROUND, SAME GLORY 2025 NCHA NRR CAT K ING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK R ANCH

A new stage set the scene for the 2025 NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, held March 19 to April 14. Due to ongoing renovations at the Will Rogers Coliseum, its home for 43 years, the event was relocated to the nearby John Justin Arena. Change often brings challenges, but show organizers rose to the occasion, determined to uphold the Super Stakes’ longstanding prestige. Their efforts paid off, and this year’s champions will be remembered not only for their standout runs, but also their adaptability during a unique year in NCHA’s history.

BY K R IST IN PI T ZER PHOTOS BY SE TH PE T I T

opposite:

Austin Shepard and Rollz Eh, 2025 NRR Cat King Cole Open Derby Champions

106

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Comeback Complete

rom the moment she brought the secondhighest price in the 2023 Western Bloodstock NCHA Futurity Sales, it was clear Rollz Eh was special. What wasn’t so readily seen, though, was the grit and determination she had to overcome several challenges thrown at her as a 3-year-old. Between colic surgery and a strained suspensory, the mare missed 100 days of training. Now 4 years old, she seems to have caught up to her competitors as evidenced by her NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Open Derby Championship presented by Beechfork Ranch with Austin Shepard. “She’s a survivor, and she wants to cut. That just shows how much she loves it,” Shepard said. “I think it’s a huge credit to her to have missed so much time and then be so competitive with all the best horses in the world.” Rollz Eh hasn’t just bounced back from her setbacks—she’s excelled. The mare took

left:

Austin Shepard aboard Rollz Eh right:

Austin Shepard, Rollz Eh, and team celebrating their win

108

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Reserve at the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, and she’s placed in the Top Five at every cutting she’s been to. Shepard said between her cowiness and her physical abilities, there isn’t much that can hold the mare back. Shepard, who is expecting his first grandchild in September, thanked Todd Stringer for getting Rollz Eh ready in place of his daughter-in-law, Kamryn Shepard. He also thanked his help—his son, Cade, Clay Johnson, Sean Flynn and Boyd Rice—along with owner Billy Wolf. “Billy's not only a great customer of ours, he's a great friend and he's really supported our program—not just me, but Cade, too,” Shepard said. “It's not easy to do well and to win in this, but it's really hard if you don't have the horsepower. He lets the bad shows roll with the good ones, and he trusts the process. That's what it takes to be a successful owner in this business.”

CLASS:

Open Derby RIDER:

Austin Shepard HORSE:

Rollz Eh PEDIGREE:

Rollz Royce x This Cats Smilen x WR This Cats Smart O W N E D BY:

Billy Wolf SCORE:

224 EARNINGS:

$73,355.77

“She’s a survivor, and she wants to cut. That just shows how much she loves it.” AUST IN SHEPARD

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

109

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

← Garret Hampton showing Dutchess Deluxe

Dream Ride

ince Dutchess Deluxe started competing as a 3-year-old with Kody Porterfield, Garrett Hampton has been a fan. When Porterfield decided to haul for a World title this year, he sent the mare to Hampton’s employer, Tarin Rice, to take to limited-age events. Rice gave her to Hampton to show at The Cattlemen’s Derby in March, and after the duo tied for third in the 4-Year-Old Intermediate Open, Porterfield asked if he’d take her to the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch.. Hampton jumped at the chance, and the mare carried him to the Priefert Intermediate Open Derby Championship. “It was my first Fort Worth win, so that was pretty cool to get that done—it’s been one of my goals to accomplish that,” Hampton said. “I worked her at the house the morning of the finals, and she worked two cows and was really good. I knew if we cut some good cows,

110

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

we’d be set, and it worked out.” Hampton and Dutchess Deluxe drew up deep in the second set, so Hampton, along with Rice and Lance Cooper, tried to have a long list of cows ready for his turn. He cut two cows from that list, and Dutchess Deluxe did her job, displaying her long neck, big reach and cow smarts with style. After the NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes, Porterfield planned to take Dutchess Deluxe back for a of couple weeks, and then Rice and Hampton plan to show her at the Breeder’s Invitational. Hampton hoped to double up with Rice at limited-age events for the remainder of the year. “Thanks to the whole Tarin Rice Performance Horses crew for always being there helping me, the Porterfield crew for letting me show that mare, and the Stanfords for giving me the opportunity to go show her,” Hampton said.

CLASS:

Priefert Intermediate Open Derby RIDER:

Garrett Hampton HORSE:

Dutchess Deluxe PEDIGREE:

Hashtags x Post Card From Paris x Light N Lena O W N E D BY:

Stanford Ranch Performance Horses SCORE:

221 EARNINGS:

$14,653.53

FROM SADDLE TO CITY LIGHTS

we have you covered

shop: www.lovleiranch.com

follow: @lovleiranchco

contact: cs@lovlei.com

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Faith Rewarded

urner West has had Hashtags Silver Girl in his program since she was a yearling, and ever since the mare was started under saddle, West knew it wasn’t a matter of if, but when, she would pull off a big win. At the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, she justified his faith in her when she carried him to the Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Derby Championship. “We’ve always believed in her; it was just, when is it going to happen? But it all came together right here, which was really exciting,” West said. “She came on at the right time and wants to work and help.” Hashtags Silver Girl shares those traits with both her sire and dam, West said. The mare is gritty, and he can trust her to take hold of a cow and stay connected. “She’s always had a really good stop and wanted to pull with the cow,” West said.

“Over time, she’s figured out how to use that stop and how cowy she is to her benefit.” West thanked owner Ashton Wunsch for staying the course with him and trusting his process. When he first went out on his own as a trainer in 2017, he focused on 2-year-olds until about 2020, when he decided to re-enter the show pen. Switching from teaching the basics to 2-year-olds to working with older horses took a little adjustment period, he said. “With a 2-year-old, you're teaching them movements and you’re not too worried about them being late,” West said. “You can always catch up on a 2-year-old, but you have to have the accuracy on a show horse.” He thanked his wife, Lauren; family; help; and all his clients for their support. “They've all stood behind me and let me come back and learn how to show again after being away from it for a while,” West said.

CLASS:

Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Derby RIDER:

Turner West HORSE:

Hashtags Silver Girl PEDIGREE:

Hashtags x Play Corn x Playgun O W N E D BY:

Ashton Wunsch SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$8,137.39

← Turner West with Hashtags Silver Girl

112

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

← Connor Southworth pilots Flashen Stevee

Finding Their Stride

onnor Southworth and Flashen Stevee’s journey to their biggest win yet has been full of highs and lows. It started last year with the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity, followed by the Augusta Futurity 4-Year-Old Intermediate Amateur Championship in January. Next, they won the first go’s of the Arbuckle Mountain Futurity Derby Amateur and Intermediate Amateur, only to face some challenges in the finals. Their roller coaster season didn’t stop there. At the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, they won the McAlister Assets Amateur first go and placed fourth in the Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur first go, then lost a cow in the latter finals. But redemption was on the horizon — the next day, they marked a 220 to win the McAlister Assets Amateur Derby Championship. “Walking out and seeing the score, I breathed a sigh of relief. I felt like I finally got

back to a level head,” Southworth said. “He is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of horse. He's got a lot of personality and a lot of expression on a cow. He cares about his job and is athletic. He's just one of those horses.” Southworth admitted he sometimes overthinks things, so he was glad to come full circle at the show and do his job to the best of his abilities. He added that he couldn’t have done it without Brandon and Nikki Dufurrena or their words of wisdom. “She’s got a saying — ‘You make the finals, and you’ve made it,’” Southworth recalled. “‘You are getting paid to be there at that point, so go have fun and let the horse do his job.’ And I can’t thank Brandon enough for all the advice and training he’s given me.” Southworth also thanked the rest of his team: Flashen Stevee’s loper, Sammy Ernst; his parents, Robert and Alisha; and his help: Casey Green, Clay Johnson and Cass Tatum.

CLASS:

McAlister Assets Amateur Derby RIDER:

Connor Southworth HORSE:

Flashen Stevee PEDIGREE:

Stevie Rey Von x Flash About x Purdy Boy Flash O W N E D BY:

Robert & Alisha Southworth SCORE:

220 EARNINGS:

$14,018.62

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

113

$10 Million BOOKED FULL FOR 2025 ICSI Available

Wes Reeder rides As Im Is →

Twist of Fate

es Reeder’s first Fort Worth title, the Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur Derby Championship, was a long time coming, but it didn’t happen in a way he ever expected it to. He secured the win with As Im Is, a horse he started but never planned to show. It took a serendipitous turn of events early in the horse’s career, then again at the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, to make the title happen. “This was my first horse to ever take through the NCHA Futurity Sale, and he brought $172,000,” Reeder said. “I thought he sold, and I was crying when I came out of the pen. I got back to the stalls, and my dad, Wendell, told me that Barbara, my stepmom, had PO-ed him.” Instead of selling him, the Reeders sent As Im Is to Lee Francois a couple months before the 2024 NCHA Metallic Cat World Championship Futurity. There, the gelding and Francois made the Metallic Cat World

Championship Futurity Open semifinals and took second in the Metallics MVP incentive. Shortly afterward, a new Metallics MVP incentive for the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes again drew the pair to Fort Worth, but when they didn’t make the Open semifinals, Reeder bought a slot in the Amateur to try to win it himself. “I ended up showing him and getting along really well, a lot better than I thought I was going to because I hadn’t ridden him in so long,” Reeder said. “He is talented, smart and really willing. He just wants to make you happy.” Reeder thanked Barbara, Wendell and Francois for giving him the chance to show the horse. He also mentioned Jose Cruz, who taught him the basics of cutting; Chris Hanson, who fine-tuned his horsemanship skills; Colt Moore, who is always in his corner; and his wife, Emily, who “listens to me talk about horses 24/7.”

CLASS:

Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur Derby RIDER:

Wes Reeder HORSE:

As Im Is PEDIGREE:

Metallics MVP x Lil Bow Wow x War Bird Dog O W N E D BY:

Barbara Watts Reeder SCORE:

217.5 EARNINGS:

$8,036

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

115

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Carrying the Legacy

rey Moore’s family members are no strangers to the cutting horse world. His aunt, Kathleen Moore, is a top owner and breeder who was inducted into the Non-Pro Hall of Fame, and his brother, Ty Moore, is also a Hall of Famer. Moore himself may be a newer face in the industry, but that’s because he’s just getting warmed up. After only two years of riding cutters, he took home a Triple Crown title of his own when he piloted Blame It On Blu to the Love's Limited Amateur Derby Championship. “It’s my first title in Fort Worth, so it’s pretty cool,” Moore said. “Kathleen and Ty have been doing it and so I’ve been around it for 20 years. I was over there messing around in the arena, and it just kind of took off. I went to a show that next weekend and just never quit.”

Moore took Blame It On Blu, who is owned by Kathleen, to a handful of shows prior to the NCHA Super Stakes and said while they’d had their ups and downs, things seemed to be getting better. Everything came together during their finals run despite some tough cuts. “He’s pretty cowy, and he’s got a cool look to him,” Moore said. “He handled it well. I would have liked to have done a better job showing him, but it all ended pretty good.” Moore was grateful for the help from his trainer, James Payne, who he’s ridden with from the beginning. He thanked the rest of the Payne Ranch crew, along with his family and his wife, Jordan, for all their help. Moore, who takes care of cows at his family’s ranch and also works in the steel industry, said he enjoys riding Blame It On Blu and hopes to continue as long as the horse remains in Kathleen’s stable.

CLASS:

Love’s Limited Amateur Derby RIDER:

Trey Moore HORSE:

Blame It On Blu PEDIGREE:

Once In A Blu Boon x Docs Crooked Cat x High Brow Cat O W N E D BY:

Kathleen Moore SCORE:

212 EARNINGS:

$1,355.16

← Trey Moore with Blame It On Blu

116

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

← Ryan Rapp pilots Red Lights

Major Three-Peat

inning a major title at a Triple Crown event is an impressive feat, and for some, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Ryan Rapp, though, it’s an experience he’s relived repeatedly since he won his first NCHA Super Stakes title in 2022. His streak continued in 2025 when he piloted Red Lights to his third Non-Pro Derby Championship in a row — each one earned on horses sired by his family’s stallion, Dont Stopp Believin. “It’s a great testament to the breeding program my parents have built,” Rapp said. “I can’t thank them enough for doing everything they have throughout the years, which has allowed me the opportunity to accomplish this. It’s a great reflection of that horse’s talent and integrity.” The title adds to a list of accomplishments between Rapp and Red Lights that seems to grow longer at each show. The duo made the

2024 NCHA Futurity Open semifinals, took Reserve in the Open at the 2025 Abilene Spectacular and won the 2025 Augusta Futurity 4-Year-Old Non-Pro. The horse has gotten more confident and consistent with each run, and Rapp has enjoyed watching him transition into a strong show horse, a quality that was apparent during their finals run. “Given my late draw in the first set of finals, I didn’t have many cows I liked left, but I also knew it didn’t matter as much with that horse because he can handle a cow so well,” Rapp said. “He’s a very calm, confident horse, which makes my job much easier to execute. “I’m grateful to my sister, Emma, or ‘Beans,’ who has gotten him ready for almost every run of his career, and to my help in the arena who have been the same guys the last three years in a row: Clay Johnson, Sean Flynn, John Mitchell and my dad,” Rapp added.

CLASS:

4CYTE Non-Pro Derby RIDER:

Ryan Rapp HORSE:

Red Lights PEDIGREE:

Dont Stopp Believin x Bet On Red x Bet Hesa Cat O W N E D BY:

Phil & Mary Ann Rapp SCORE:

223 EARNINGS:

$45,137.88

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

117

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Gotcha To Win

ast fall, Gotcha To Sin surprised Daniel Summers at the NCHA Futurity by carrying him to championships in both the Intermediate Non-Pro and Limited Non-Pro, despite missing some training when he was younger due to an illness. At the 2025 NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, Summers and the gelding kept that momentum going, nabbing the Cowboy Trailer Sales Intermediate Non-Pro Derby title with a 218. “Coming back to another show in Fort Worth and being competitive, making the finals and winning is even cooler because already you've done it at the Futurity and you're always hoping to do it again,” Summers said. “It means a little more if you can do it two times in a row.” Gotcha To Sin’s cowiness and strength help him out in the show pen, but Summers said even more than that, the horse wants to show. He comes out each day and gives it his all, and his

performance in the finals was just about perfect. Summers himself is also a natural showman. He trains his own horses, and he uses the time at events to learn and keep himself up-to-date on different techniques. “Even if you do bad, keep going to shows because you're surrounded by all of these very competitive trainers. You can watch what they're doing and try to keep yourself current with the process,” said Summers, who mentioned he particularly likes to observe James Payne and Lloyd Cox in the practice pen. Summers expressed his gratitude to his help in the show pen: Cox, Payne, Clay Johnson and Jaime Snider. He also thanked his aunt-in-law, Kathleen Moore, and Ty Moore for letting him show Gotcha To Sin. He hoped to keep showing, learning, and getting better alongside the horse through the rest of the year.

CLASS:

Cowboy Trailer Sales Intermediate Non-Pro Derby RIDER:

Daniel Summers HORSE:

Gotcha To Sin PEDIGREE:

CR Gotcha Covered x Shez Sinsational x Dual Pep O W N E D BY:

Kathleen Moore SCORE:

218 EARNINGS:

$7,631.31

← Daniel Summers with Gotcha To Sin

118

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

← Chisholm Clark pilots Kit Kat On The Rocks

Saving the Best for Last

ith only a single go-round in the Limited Non-Pro Derby, Chisholm Clark knew he and Kit Kat On The Rocks had to make their run count. They had one obstacle to overcome: the pair had drawn the last slot in the last set, meaning it could be difficult to find the cows they needed to cut. Knowing that, Clark rode into the pen planning to cut clean and smooth and let the gelding do his job. The strategy paid off — the pair’s 218.5 landed them Clark’s first Fort Worth title. “I’ve always dreamed of doing well there in Will Rogers,” Clark said. “He’s pretty smart on a cow and definitely getting more cow smart since I showed him at the Futurity. He’s matured a bit as he’s gotten older and showed more. He’s simple and easy to work, and he’s like a pet raccoon to be around.” Their history together dates back to when Clark’s parents, Rodger and Stephanie,

purchased the gelding as a 2-year-old. They sent him to Travis Bullard to train, and after the horse turned 3, he moved to Casey Green’s operation in Perrin, Texas, where he’s stayed ever since. Since Clark lives in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, getting to ride with Green can take some effort. “We try to go to as many limited-age events as we can, and when we’re there, I just try to get some practice on my limited-age horses,” Clark said. “I definitely want to thank my mom and dad for allowing me to show these horses, and Casey for coaching me and teaching me a lot over the past couple years.” He also thanked his help, including Cass Tatum, Cade Shepard and Sean Flynn, along with Green’s team. Clark looked forward to continuing to show “Skeeter” at upcoming limited-age events this year.

CLASS:

Limited Non-Pro Derby RIDER:

Chisholm Clark HORSE:

Kit Kat On The Rocks PEDIGREE:

Kit Kat Sugar x Baileysontherocks x Sweet Lil Pepto O W N E D BY:

Rodger & Stephanie Clark SCORE:

218.5 EARNINGS:

$5,158.89

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

119

SADDLE UP FOR WAGYU R-CRANCH.COM

10% OFF FAMILY-OWNED

Entire Order

Code: NCHA10 Redeem by 8/31/25

PREMIUM WAGYU BEEF

TEXAS RAISED

2025 NCHA NRR CAT K ING COLE

SUPER STAK ES CLASSIC PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK R ANCH

PHOTO S BY S E T H PE T I T

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

121

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Consistency Pays Off

ast year, Boomer Cat and Michael Cooper landed the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes Open Classic Reserve Championship with a 222. Second place at a major event is hard to top, but at this year’s event, they did just that, scoring a 224 for the Championship. Cooper was elated to bring home the title for owner E.J. Huntley and his daughter, Christina. “That horse has been so good,” Cooper said. “He’s been Mr. Consistent — she [Christina] and I have both showed him a lot. He’s got a really good mind. He doesn’t take a lot of work, and he tries to do right. He adjusts to what I need him to do better, and I think he thinks about it. You don’t see very many horses that can compete in the Amateur and the Open both and keep going.” Before the finals, Austin Shepard, R.L. Chartier, Jesse Lennox and Cooper’s son,

left:

Michael Cooper and Boomer Cat right:

Michael Cooper, Boomer Cat, and team celebrate victory

122

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Lance, helped Cooper watch cows, and they had a small handful picked when he rode into the finals as draw eight. Cooper saved his favorite cow for his second cut and held it for about 30 seconds, a decision he believed made the run. Boomer Cat did his part well, too, hitting the bottom of his stops all the way through every time. Cooper appreciated having clients like the Huntleys, who “put forth 100% of the effort and finances to make sure that we can be at the optimum level of our game.” He was also grateful for the people behind the scenes, including his whole barn crew and his wife, Jennifer. “They are the unseen heroes that keep everything together where you can do what you do and get to the winning spot,” Cooper said. “And, I praise the Lord and thank Him for all of our success.”

CLASS:

Open Classic RIDER:

Michael Cooper HORSE:

Boomer Cat PEDIGREE:

Metallic Boom x Nurses Kitty x WR This Cats Smart O W N E D BY:

E.J. Huntley SCORE:

224 EARNINGS:

$32,723.53

“He’s been Mr. Consistent...he’s got a really good mind. He doesn’t take a lot of work, and he tries to do right. ” MICHAEL COOPER SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

123

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

← Kolby Moore pilots Ginger And Tonic

An Instant Connection

hen Kolby Moore’s brother and fellow trainer, Colt, realized he had too many horses to show at the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, he asked Kolby if he’d be able to catch-ride a mare named Ginger And Tonic. Moore had never seen the mare show before, but after working her once, he knew they were going to click. A week later, the pair rode to a 223, winning the Intermediate Open Classic. “She was actually really easy to get with,” Moore said. “I like how much draw she has and how reachy she is across the cow. During her finals run, she was reading that cow so well and letting me go trap it. It was one of those runs where everything just felt right.” Ginger And Tonic’s success at the event didn’t end in the Open—she also carried owners Rick and Traci Hortons’ daughter,

124

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Sidney Lee, to a tie for first in the Classic Limited Amateur first go, followed by a tie for fourth in the finals. Moore appreciated the opportunity to be part of her success and was grateful for the Hortons’ trust in him. Moore, who lives in Williston, Florida, has been training cutters for the public since 2020. He learned everything he knows about cutting from his grandfather, Gary, and dad, Casey, who are both also trainers, and he’s proud to continue the tradition along with Colt. “I’d like to thank my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ; all my help—Colt, Clay Johnson, Austin Shepard, Lloyd Cox and Russ Westfall—for helping me through the go-rounds and the finals; and my family, including my wife, Megan, and my little cheerleader, Presley. It’s a team effort, and my wife is a big support system in all of it.”

CLASS:

Priefert Intermediate Open Classic RIDER:

Kolby Moore HORSE:

Ginger And Tonic PEDIGREE:

Dual Smart Rey x Ginger Pepto x Peptoboonsmal O W N E D BY:

Rick & Traci Horton SCORE:

223 EARNINGS:

$12,456.94

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Time to Shine

arly in Time To Check’s 4-year-old year, the gelding was injured, sidelining him for most of the season. Trainer Ryan Howell, who works out of owner Mark Senn’s facility, slowly started bringing him back, but it wasn’t until the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch that he felt like the gelding was prepared. There, the duo finally found their groove when they won the Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Classic Challenge Championship. “I think with him not getting very much show experience last year, it took a seasoning process to finish him,” Howell said. “It took a little bit more time to get him dialed in and ready to compete with those horses that have been showing for two full years. Once we got him back, I think he was a good enough horse to overcome it and still be competitive.” Time To Check’s cowiness, stops and accuracy helped him make up for lost time. In the finals, it was those traits that let him

and Howell set the pace for the rest of the class, along with assistance from Howell’s help: Cade Shepard, Austin Shepard, Cass Tatum and Matt Gaines. Howell thanked them for having his best interests at heart; Senn and his girlfriend, Kelly Gates, for their encouragement and the opportunities they provide; and the NCHA for putting on a good show despite construction challenges at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. “The way they set up the John Justin and the way it was run, they did a fantastic job,” Howell said. Following the 2025 NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes, Howell sent Time To Check home with Cade to show at the Breeder’s Invitational, since Howell and his wife, Kalyn, are expecting their first child in May. Afterward, he planned to take the gelding to as many shows as possible the rest of the year.

CLASS:

Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Classic RIDER:

Ryan Howell HORSE:

Time To Check PEDIGREE:

Im Countin Checks x Gini One Time x One Time Pepto O W N E D BY:

Mark Senn SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$7,508.22

← Ryan Howell on Time To Check

126

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

Whole Lot of Heart

s Whole Lota Love entered the pen for the Amateur Classic finals with owner Traci Shehady on board, the deck was stacked against him. The NCHA Super Stakes was his second-ever aged event to show in, and the finals was chock full of horses that had been competing for years. But the gelding looked like an old pro as he carried Shehady to a 219, winning the Championship. “We raised this horse, and it’s been a long road just getting him ready to show,” Shehady said. “He had an injury and fractured a hock early, and his progress was affected by that quite a bit. Once we overcame all that, which took a lot of time, then we were able to move forward.” From that point, Whole Lota Love, or “Thunder,” was easy to train, Shehady said. He’s a natural mover, and he has a lot of the same qualities as his dam, Biscuit Love, who is the foundation of Shehady’s program.

Traci Shehady aboard Whole Lota Love →

128

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

“Both of them are a lot of horse, really smart, super cowy, and have a neat, unique way of moving,” Shehady said. Thunder joins many other Biscuit Love offspring that have found success in the show pen. His half-sister, Once In Love, and Shehady won the 2019 NCHA Futurity Unlimited Amateur Championship, and Shehady and You Cant Buy Love were the 2018 NCHA Super Stakes Unlimited Amateur Reserve Champions. Biscuit Love’s influence wasn’t limited to the Amateur at the 2025 Super Stakes, either — her son, Gangstaa Of Love, and Paul Hansma finished third in the Derby Intermediate Open. Shehady was excited for Thunder to have his own victory. She thanked her husband, Daniel, for getting the gelding ready and also expressed her gratitude to her help in the pen: Andrew Lowther, Casey Green, Sean Flynn and Lloyd Cox.

CLASS:

McAlister Assets Amateur Classic RIDER:

Traci Shehady HORSE:

Whole Lota Love PEDIGREE:

Boon A Little x Biscuit Love x Smart Aristocrat O W N E D BY:

Traci & Daniel Shehady SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$17,685.15

KISER

ARENAS

Footing management training and footing consultation

Your arena footing is more than just dirt ... it's the foundation of your entire equine program.

Better footing starts here! From arena design to daily maintenance Kiser brings the expertise. • On-site Arena Consultations • Hands-On Facility Training • Customized Plans for Long-Term Success Safe. Consistent. Show-Ready. 940-665-8058 kiserarenas.com

*Trusted by Premier Facilities, Fairgrounds, and Equine Venues Across North America and Canada.

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

← Lewis Byars and Playin The Slots

Hitting the Jackpot

utting is in Lewis "Lew" Byars’ blood— his father, Jeff, and grandfather, NonPro Hall of Famer James Hooper, are both NCHA money-earners. Growing up, Byars participated in weekend cuttings, but he dreamed of one day winning in Fort Worth. At the Super Stakes, those wishes were finally fulfilled when he rode Playin The Slots to the Classic Intermediate Amateur Championship. “I hate to use the cliche, but dreams come true,” Byars said. “I was just tickled to be in the finals and wanted to show my mare as best as I could. I believed I had a good enough horse to win it if everything fell into place, and it did.” Playin The Slots was bred by Hooper, who gave her to Byars at the end of her 4-yearold year. Byars has enjoyed riding her ever since and said her physical abilities and determination are what set her apart.

130

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

“She's got a big heart,” Byars said. “She's a pretty good-sized mare and surprises you with her power. I joke with people that you can drink a cup of coffee on her stop, but you better hold on because she's going to take off like a rocket whenever she comes out of it. It surprises me more and more.” Byars was grateful to his trainer, Harris Shepard, for the work he’s done with the mare, along with the rest of his show pen help: Austin Shepard, Cade Shepard and Sean Flynn. “I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to compete in this sport, my grandfather for giving this mare to me, and my wife, Courteney, who got my mare ready and does all the hard work while I just get to ride for two-and-a-half minutes.”

CLASS:

Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur Classic RIDER:

Lewis "Lew" Byars HORSE:

Playin The Slots PEDIGREE:

Metallic Cat x Spots A Playin x Spots Hot O W N E D BY:

Lewis & Courteney Byars SCORE:

218 EARNINGS:

$9,919.22

A Fine Performance

oming into the NCHA Super Stakes, 14-year-old Sawyer McWilliams was feeling confident with FS Fine Lil Hashtag. About a month before the show, the duo went to the Ardmore Mountain Futurity and made the finals in all three 5/6-year-old Amateur divisions. McWilliams knew he could trust the mare to do her job in a show situation, and she repaid that faith by carrying him to a 220 — the highest score he’s marked yet — to win the Love's Limited Amateur Classic Championship. “It meant a lot because I worked really hard towards it, and it came,” McWilliams said. “I knew I had a pretty good run going. I tried to keep it going, and I didn't want to mess up. I wasn't trying to go for the win, but after my second cow, I kind of knew we had a good run, and then when I had the third cow, I knew we closed it out and it was going to be a good score.”

The eighth grader and the mare also tied for seventh in the McAlister Assets Amateur Classic and just missed the Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur Classic finals by one point. McWilliams called FS Fine Lil Hashtag “the definition of a show horse” and said when the pressure is on, the mare puts everything on the line and doesn’t back down. He credited his trainer, Rodrigo Taboga, for keeping her in shape, and he plans to keep showing the mare until she ages out. McWilliams originally got into the cutting four years ago through his grandfather, David Neyland, and his sister, Presley. His favorite thing about the sport is the environment and the lifestyle he gets to live. Outside of cutting, McWilliams and his family run Brangus cattle. He thanked his parents, Brittnee and Trey, and his grandfather for their involvement and support.

CLASS:

Love’s Limited Amateur Classic RIDER:

Sawyer McWilliams HORSE:

FS Fine Lil Hashtag PEDIGREE:

Hashtags x Mighty Fine Merada x Cats Merada O W N E D BY:

Brittnee McWilliams SCORE:

220 EARNINGS:

$2,363.55

Sawyer McWilliams pilots FS Fine Lil Hashtag→

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

131

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

On a Hot Streak

hen Deena Adams’ family asked her which title she’d rather win with Hot Girl Ish, the Non-Pro Classic or the Intermediate Non-Pro Classic, she chose the former, as she hadn’t won a big non-pro title in Fort Worth before. Her husband, Dustin, joked that maybe she should just win both, and at the time, Adams said it almost sounded silly. But after two days of finals, she was surprised to find herself in the winner’s circle with both championships in hand. “It feels unreal,” Adams said. “I knew she was capable of great runs, but the wins did catch me a bit off guard. My very first non-pro title was at the [Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association Futurity] in the fall on the same horse, and then to come and do this is pretty spectacular.” Hot Girl Ish started off the NCHA Super Stakes with Adams’ trainer, Cullen Chartier, in the Open, but missed the semifinals by a point-and-a-half. When it was Adams’ turn to show her, she focused on doing her job confidently and correctly, and enjoying the moment. In return, the mare behaved almost

Deena Adams aboard Hot Girl Ish →

132

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

flawlessly, from the Intermediate finals to the daunting Non-Pro finals. “In the Intermediate, there were nine per set, and then I went in the next day and there were 17 in the set. We went from a small group of cows to a big group,” Adams said. “It gave it a completely different feel from one day to the next, but I had my husband and Cullen in one corner, and they were spot on with my cows, and I have great turnback help with Lloyd Cox and Clay Johnson. Plus, she’s a huge stopper and super strong. I think we fit together as a team.” Adams was grateful to her support circle, including Macall Chartier who prepared “Tamale” for her even though she had her own horse in both finals. She also thanked Chartier for training her, Ken Wrobbel for selling the mare to her, and Dustin for letting her show her. “He's an incredible showman himself. He can go and get on this horse and show her off also, but it has been important to him to let me have a turn,” Adams said. “I think it really is selfless of him to do so for me and shows the kind of real love that we share together.”

CLASS:

4CYTE Non-Pro Classic/Cowboy Trailer Sales Intermediate NonPro Classic RIDER:

Deena Adams HORSE:

Hot Girl Ish PEDIGREE:

Hottish x Sly Playgirl x That Sly Cat O W N E D BY:

Dustin & Deena Adams SCORE:

221.5 / 224 EARNINGS:

$22,280.99 / $6,346.50

Deena Adams and Hot Girl Ish competing for their second win →

“It feels unreal. I knew she was capable of great runs, but the wins did catch me a bit off guard.” DEENA ADAMS

2025 NCHA NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES PRESENTED BY BEECHFORK RANCH

← Kylar Terlip and Love Stuck Baby

It Takes a Village

oing into the Limited Non-Pro Classic finals, Kylar Terlip had her work cut out for her. Not only had both her mares made the finals, but they had drawn up only four draws apart. But Terlip wasn’t alone. Thanks to her trainer, Sean Flynn, and his team’s support, Terlip was able to pilot Love Stuck Baby to the Co-Championship and Desire Some Sterling to third place. “I don't think my day could have gone any better,” Terlip said. “I didn't make the Amateur semis on either mare, so I was a little bummed, but when I made both back to the Limited Non-Pro finals, I was like, I'm going to make this count. And that's what we did. It's going to be a very hard day to top.” The Limited Non-Pro Classic Co-Championship isn’t the first NCHA Super Stakes title Terlip and Love Stuck Baby have won together. Last year, they were

134

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Reserve in the class, and in 2023, the pair won the Limited Amateur Derby. Terlip said watching the mare, who was trained by Flynn’s wife, Ashley, and is now 6 years old, grow over the years has been rewarding, especially since she is Terlip’s first limited-age horse to see all the way through starting from the futurities. “She’s gotten to be a big, pretty mare. She’s really cow smart and can go from handling a fast cow to doing well on a slow one,” Terlip said. “That’s one thing I like about her — as long as I do my job getting it cut, she can hold whatever I put in front of her.” Terlip thanked Ashley and Sean, along with their crew; her dad, Kaleb, for supporting her horse dreams; and all her family and friends. She also thanked her help: Austin Shepard, Cade Shepard, Clay Johnson and Eddie Flynn.

CLASS:

Limited Non-Pro Classic RIDER:

Kylar Terlip HORSE:

Love Stuck Baby PEDIGREE:

Stevie Rey Von x Smart Whittle Margie x Smart Whittle Play O W N E D BY:

Kaleb Terlip SCORE:

217 EARNINGS:

$5,651.86

A Winning Move

oove Von Over wasn’t supposed to stay with Courtney Ferreira, her husband, Eric, and her mom, Maria Tranberg. Tranberg bought him with the intention of letting Eric train and then sell him the following year, but when that plan didn’t work out, they decided to keep him and show him. He quickly became a special part of Eric’s career, carrying him to more than $100,000 in earnings the same year Eric started his own training business. At the NCHA Super Stakes, Ferreira got her own chance to step into the saddle. She and the stallion clinched the Limited Non-Pro Classic Co-Championship, further elevating the stallion’s status in the family. “It was my first time showing in Fort Worth, so it’s special I got to do it on him. He’s been more than we realized as far as how important he would be to us — he has been

such a blessing,” Ferreira said. “Eric didn’t have to give me the opportunity to show him — I’d be just as happy to watch him win — but I’ll show him whenever I’m lucky enough.” Ferreira considers herself green to showing, so the title was a way for her to not only do Moove Von Over justice, but also prove to herself she could compete with a horse of his caliber. She thanked Eric for letting her show him, along with Tranberg who has been a big supporter of Eric’s program from the beginning. “I appreciate her very much. She’s given us a lot,” Ferreira said. “She’s the one who got me into horses initially as a young kid. She taught me how to saddle and bridle, and now I’m the one teaching her how to do stuff. It’s fun to see the dynamic change and have her be such a big part of our program now.”

CLASS:

Limited Non-Pro Classic RIDER:

Courtney Ferreira HORSE:

Moove Von Over PEDIGREE:

Stevie Rey Von x My Little Moo Chacha x Tangys Classy Peppy O W N E D BY:

Maria Tranberg SCORE:

217 EARNINGS:

$5,651.86

Courtney Ferreira pilots Moove Von Over →

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

135

HORSE

POWER

The South Point Hotel Casino Has the Premier Equestrian Center in the Country. We Have 11 Great Restaurants, Spa Costa Del Sur, Headliner Entertainment, a Full-Service Casino, Race and Sports Books, 30-Table Poker Room, Bingo Hall, 64-Lane Bowling Center and a 16-Screen Movie Theater, Plus 46 Weeks of Equestrian Events!

Where Cowboys & Their Horses Stay & Play Always Free Parking H Las Vegas Blvd. at Silverado Ranch H 1-866-796-7111 H southpointarena.com

2024 nch a national circuit cha mpionship

ON THE

BIG STAGE Competitors from 16 circuits around North America and Europe returned to Fort Worth for the second year of the NCHA National Circuit Championships.

BY K ATE BR ADLE Y BYARS PHOTOS BY SE TH PE T I T

or many of the 6,000-plus cutting competitors qualifying in the 2024 point year to compete in the NCHA’s National Circuit Championship, the opportunity to show in Fort Worth, Texas, is enough to motivate them. Marry that excitement with added money from sponsors equally dedicated to upholding the sport of cutting, including custom trophy saddles to each class champion, and it’s nearly irresistible. “I believe it is a great program; a program to get more people involved, have a great experience on the big stage—five judges, Fort Worth—and it is exciting,” said Mike Wood, the National Circuit Open

Champion. “NCHA did a really good job of putting the show on with breakfast in the morning, saddles displayed, awards presentations and, hopefully, this program only continues to grow.” Awarding top 10 prizes, finalist jackets, and 13 trophy saddles to champions, the program dedicated to showcasing weekend cutters on the sport’s biggest stage has fast become a favorite. From April 4 through April 12, these weekend warriors took center stage in the Watt Arena, showcasing their skills and striving to earn the year’s top title in their respective divisions.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

137

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P NON-PRO (CO- CH A MPION)

Playing to Win

Mike Wood on Bugattii

OPEN

Sleek Ride

ugattii (Metallic Cat x Button Down Supercat) qualified for the 2024 National Circuit Championship before he took time off last year, and when he and trainer Mike Wood rode into Watt Arena, he came out swinging. The gelding and Wood captured the Open title for owner Dawn Chapman, of Chandler, Arizona, with a 223, earning $8,522.40. “I don’t know much about sports cars, but he definitely feels like a sports car—he is fast, quick, super athletic, and kind of high strung,” laughed Wood. “With time off, he came back stronger this year, and he is just a happy, content boy that is ready to go. I am showing him in the Open this year.” Though Wood is no stranger to showing Top 15 horses, the NCHA Circuit Program allowed him to bring Bugattii to compete for a national title even though the horse hadn’t shown hard the previous year. It was a thrill for Chapman, too, to attend the show. She said that walking by the saddles daily was exciting, knowing that her horse was competing for one. Turns out, she did take a saddle home. “A lot of times in the Finals, I am not always going for it but rather trying to cut clean, cut good cows, and if my horse is good, we do the best we can,” Wood said. “I was able to cut some good cows and he is dynamic to where he can mark the score. It is exciting to walk along the concourse, see the prizes and saddles, and NCHA is doing a great job to promote it and get people excited. When people are excited, it is good for everybody in the business, from the beginner cutter all the way to the top echelon of the World Finals.”

138

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

eorge Bongiorno did not set a goal to qualify for the National Circuit Championship, but when he and Playto (Rey Dual x TGI Playtime) did step into the Watt Arena, he had a plan to show to the best of their ability. The 8-year-old gelding was purchased from RL Chartier to be his wife and son’s show horse. “He’s just a nice horse. RL Chartier trained him,” Bongiorno, of Darien, Connecticut. “I started showing him a little bit just because, and that is how we got qualified. Anytime you get the opportunity to come to Fort Worth and compete, it is special. It gives everybody something to shoot for and it’s a good thing for the whole association.” The pair tied to win the NCHA National Circuit Championship Non-Pro title with a 219, earning $7,943.57. “I was trying to be as clean as I could be, penalty free, but still be aggressive enough to show the judges I wanted to win,” he said. “We got lucky. I want to thank my help, and whenever I’m down in Texas, I stay at RL and Mica Chartier’s and Winston Hansma’s and whenever I do good down here, they have a lot to do with it, giving me a place to stay and work out of.”

George Bongiorno with Playto

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P $50,000 A M AT EUR

Goal Getter

Havey Manion aboard Hottish In Havana

NON-PRO (CO- CH A MPION)

Two For The Money

avey Manion showcased only two cows to score a 219, enough to tie for the NCHA National Circuit Championship Non-Pro title, earning $7,943.57. A single mom to a 9-year-old son, Manion is no stranger to the cutting arena, having grown up showing and learning from her father, Bill Riddle. “I’ve been involved in cutting since I was a kid, but I’ve never been able to do it full-time; it’s always been a hobby,” she said. “I’m 42, and I haven’t won a saddle since 2013, so having the opportunity to win saddles and win buckles, it’s pretty cool. I want to thank Steve Norris for coming up with such an amazing [saddle] program. I own a business and am a mom, and [the Circuit Program] allows me to have a goal. I can’t go as much as needed to be in the Top 15, but it gives me a goal to work toward.” Her gelding, Hottish In Havana (Hottish x Spookys Smarty Pants), is “her buddy,” she says. The team has been together for three-and-a-half years. “He’s the best horse I have ever ridden,” she said. “He tries hard and he’s great for me. Austin Shepard, Andy Sherrard, Cade Shepard, and my dad, Bill Riddle, helped me. Cade and Dad had our cows picked, and we cut those two cows. I had to kind of dig my second cow off the back wall, and she turned out to be good, so we just held her.”

ualifying for the 2024 National Circuit Championships reminded Shawna Parsons of when she competed at the national level in Western pleasure and heightened her competitive spirit when cutting. The Mandan, North Dakota, competitor traveled from the Upper Midwest circuit to compete in Fort Worth. “When I started cutting, there is a definite time where I was learning so I stayed local, in my state, then started showing out of state, in the circuit, but I’ve always wanted to show at the bigger shows with more prize opportunities,” Parsons said. “We decided to go to the inaugural [National Circuit Championship] last year, but unfortunately, the day before I showed I got influenza. We definitely had to come back this year and give it another shot.” Aboard Pharrel (Metallic Cat x Bet On Houston), Parsons laid down a 220 in the finals to earn the $50,000 Amateur Championship saddle, NCHA trophy, Gist buckle, 4Cyte bag, finalist jacket, gold medallion for her circuit, and a check for $8,970.28. She has had the horse for three years, and her husband also shows Pharrel in the Non-Pro. “He was a step-up horse for me,” Parsons said. “The horse I was showing before was a little quirky and we wanted something better suited around our kids, and Pharrel is exactly that. He packs all three of my kids, who are under 8, and he will still go lay down a run for both me and my husband. We are lucky and thrilled that he hits all our check boxes.” Parsons says getting a taste of showing at bigger events, like the National Circuit Championships during the NCHA NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes presented by Beechfork Ranch, changes her goals. This dynamic duo plans to attend NCHA Eastern Nationals presented by 6666 Ranch and some larger cuttings in the future. One thing is for sue, they are aiming to return to the National Circuit Championships in 2026.

Shawna Parsons pilots Aboard Pharrel

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

139

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P $35,000 NON-PRO

Fueling the Fire

Wendy Claus aboard Huntin Time Lucy

UNL IMI T ED A M AT EUR

Stress-Free Success

s the first horse out in the Unlimited Amateur, Wendy Claus knew she needed to make an impression. Aboard her husband’s 9-year-old mare, Huntin Time Lucy (Huntin Time x Pretty Steady Lena), the pair marked a 218 to hold off the rest of the competitors and take the title, prizes, and $7,673.64 back to Scottsdale, Arizona. “It was kind of challenging to think of what I could accomplish being number one, being competitive and remaining there for two full sets,” Claus said. “I was really delighted when it worked out the way it did.” Claus qualified on Cats Royal Blue, but that mare is in the breeding barn and did not make the trip. Enter “Lucy,” who Claus calls a delight to show. “My husband was kind enough to allow me to ride his horse, and I’ve shown her only 10 times over the last four years,” she said. “I don’t partner with her an awful lot but when I do, I just adore riding her. She is a tremendous mare, super quick-footed, bright and a blast to show.” The couple are no stranger to hauling for NCHA events, having qualified their horses for the NCHA World Finals in the past, but last year, the NCHA National Circuit Championship offered a less stressful means to achieve their goals. “We decided last year not to haul as aggressively and make our goal to qualify for the Circuit Championships,” Claus said. “It was a relief to not have to stress ourselves and our horses as much to qualify for such a well-run, beautiful event like we had at the Circuit finals. We love the atmosphere, team environment and emphasis on the circuits. It is such a fun, fun event to attend. We will always want to support the Circuit Championships and make it our goal; it suits our lifestyle, and it is an achievable goal, and it keeps our horses happy. I love to see all the different people from different circuits competing.”

140

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

he National Circuit Championship wasn’t Travis Krein’s first time showing in Fort Worth, Texas, but the event did stoke the Lusk, Wyoming, competitor’s fire when he and Bleyzin (Reyzin The Cash x Mesacat) rode away with the $35,000 Non-Pro National Circuit Championship title. “I think everybody has a winning go, that is why we do what we do, but there are so many variables that can go wrong—but when everything goes right it’s an incredible feeling,” Krein said. “I give a lot of credit to the horse and Brad Baxter’s training; he always has that horse ready. I know when I go to the herd, I am confident and feel good on him. I was able to cut all the cows I wanted and fortunately, they let me show my horse. It went great.” The pair’s score of 219 earned Krein $8,825.24, plus the championship saddle, NCHA trophy, Gist buckle, 4Cyte bag, Finalist jacket, and gold medallion. Krein appreciated the sponsor support of this event. “There are a lot of great sponsors, and I can’t say enough about how great of an event it was,” he said. “A win like this fuels the fire and makes me want to come back, and set bigger goals for next year. The Circuit Program is a great opportunity [for riders], the sponsors are great, the added money is great and it’s a great opportunity to step up and show your horse. I see it getting bigger and better and everybody should try to get qualified. It’s going to be our plan to make it back.”

Travis Krein on Bleyzin

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P $25,000 NOV ICE (CO- CH A MPION)

Pinch Hitter

Julie Alexander and Yall Get Ready

$15,000 A M AT EUR

For The First Time

ulie Alexander and Yall Get Ready (Im Countin Checks x Bling Bling Bling), owned by her husband Paul Alexander, made her first trip from New Plymouth, Idaho, to show in Fort Worth, Texas. The team captured the $15,000 Amateur National Circuit Champion title to earn $8,791.16 plus prizes. “It was very exciting,” she said. “When I got into the Finals, I got a mediocre score, actually, a 214, but it held. I couldn’t watch; I was too nervous. I couldn’t believe I won; it was incredible!” The 10-year-old gelding was purchased as a yearling and Paul trained him, then showed through aged events. Now, Alexander has brought home her own big win. “This was the biggest show I’ve ever been in,” she said. “I appreciate all my help. It’s nice to have someone watch your cows for you, and I had Josh Hofeldt,Glenn Beveridge helped a lot, Todd Adolf, Tim Castilaw and Luke Denton. If I didn’t have them, I don’t feel like I could have made it because it is a team event. My husband, he trained my horse and he’s the one who rides when it’s cold and I can’t get out there. It takes a team.” She encourages anyone who wants to compete at a national level to do so through the National Circuit Championship. “If I can do it, anyone can qualify,” said Alexander. “I’ve been telling people that I show with that they should go for it next year. I didn’t feel like I didn’t belong there, it was first-class and welcoming. I encourage anybody that has been showing for a couple of years to go for qualifying.”

ack Bell did not plan on showing Faymiss (Hottish x Miss Priss Pepto) in the NCHA National Circuit Championships, though he showed the roan mare to qualify her. Instead, his dad was set to ride into the herd, but during the $25,000 Novice first go, he was too sick to compete. Thankfully, Bell knew the mare and how to show her to the best of her ability. “I showed Faymiss her entire 5- and 6-year-old career, then gave her to my sister, who made the World Finals twice on her,” he said. “She gave her to me to show for the Circuits to qualify.” The pair marked a 217.5 to tie for the National Circuit Championship $25,000 Novice class and earn $8,300.58. While most competitors were Open riders, the young man from Duluth, Minnesota wasn’t nervous to be in the saddle. “I knew she was good enough to win it,” he said. “If I did my job, I knew it would be alright. It shaped up really good, I put my hand down and the run went really good.” He appreciates the NCHA Circuit Program because it is another place older cutting horses can shine. “I like that it is another way for older horses, after the aged event career, to win money and have another shot at a title,” Bell said.

Jack Bell rides Faymiss

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

141

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P $25,000 NOV ICE NON-PRO / K UBOTA $5,000 NOV ICE NON-PRO

Twice As Nice

Monty Buntin on Bet On Red

$25,000 NOV ICE (CO- CH A MPION)

A Sure Bet

teven and Stacy Morgan’s horse, Bet On Red (Bet Hesa Cat x One Red Mist), had an impressive show at the NCHA National Circuit Championships, bringing both trainer Monty Buntin to the Co-Champion title in the $25,000 Novice, earning $8,300.58, and taking Morgan’s daughter Savanna to the $25,000 Novice Non-Pro Finals. The mare also produced the 2025 NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes 4Cyte Non-Pro Derby Champion, Red Lights, shown by Ryan Rapp. “I’d always like the mare, and when we got her bought, we immediately started having success,” Buntin said. “She’s a young mare but she is well over $100,000 in earnings now.” Buntin applauds Steve Norris and the minds and efforts behind the National Circuit Championship. While he has shown many times in Fort Worth, Texas, he says competing there is always special for him and for his clients. The World Finals are awesome, said Buntin, but he has a hard time concentrating on anything except his futurity horses there. Having the National Circuit Championships coincide with the NRR Cat King Coler Super Stakes is a bonus for Buntin. “The Circuit finals pay really well, and it adds a lot of value to people coming from a long way away, to have the opportunity to show for this kind of money under this limelight, and I think that is outstanding,” he said. “I am grateful to Steve and Stacy Morgan for the opportunity to ride and show like this.”

142

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

tarting the 2024 qualifying year, Kim Adolf and her husband, Todd, had a goal for Reys Talkin (Smooth Talkin Style x Rose Rey), to qualify for four National Circuit Championships. Focusing on showing in the $5,000 Novice Non-Pro and $5,000 Novice the first half of the year, then on the $25,000 Novice Non-Pro and $25,000 Novice the second half, they accomplished that goal. When it came time for “Roscoe” to step up, he took his riders to four sets of Finals in the Watt Arena. Kim brought home two championship wins on the same day. In the $25,000 Novice Non-Pro, the pair scored a 221 to earn $9,106.76, and in the Kubota $5,000 Novice Non-Pro, marked a 222 for $8,492.52. She said the week brought the gelding’s earnings to $286,000. “He’s been a blessing; he is a little rockstar,” she said. “He’s kind of a hot little horse and has a lot of energy, so we weren’t too concerned about the amount of runs. One run a day is nothing to him! He stays bright and active either way.” The couple’s T&K Performance Horses is no stranger to the cutting arena, or winner’s circle. Kim has won an NCHA World Title and Todd has ridden many Top 15 year-end horses. Their barn tried the National Circuit Championship the inaugural year. “We were so impressed with the format and how it was run, and the amount of money to be won,” Kim said. “We are both getting older and we like to stay a little closer to home, and that is why the Circuit Program, and format works for us. It isn’t easy to qualify but it works good for our program, that’s why we like it so much.”

Kim Adolf and Reys Talkin

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P $2,000 L IMI T ED R IDER

First Time Charmed

Foster Johnson rides Boomkitty

$5,000 NOV ICE

Complete Championship

oomkitty’s path to the 2024 National Circuit Championship included being shown by three Open riders to qualify, as well as being shown by his owner, 85-year-old William Alguire of Sherman, Texas. In Fort Worth, it was Foster Johnson at the reins with the son of Metallic Boom, out of Nurses Kitty, took the title with a 223 to earn $8,326.16. In the hands of riders Brian Kelly, Wayne Czisny and Johnson, the horse not only qualified for the National Circuit Championships but also the NCHA World Finals. It was a struggle to decide which event to compete in, since the National Circuit Championship states the same horse cannot also compete for the World Finals, Johnson said. “This is the first time I felt pressure [to show good] because I knew this show would be a big deal, and so I asked [Alguire] not to ride him for three weeks,” Johnson said. “I felt like I had the best horse in the class, had a good draw in the go-round, and it felt a little different than any time I’d shown one before, and I am thankful it worked out.” Johnson and Boomkitty rose to the occasion. Following the win a message from Alguire proved the decision Johnson made was correct: “He told me that I made his life complete.” “That might be the last time I show Boomkitty, because Bill bought that horse to show him, and I felt bad asking him not to ride him three weeks leading up to the show,” Johnson said. “He’s 85 years old, and that’s why he gets up in the morning, to go ride that horse. He’s a special horse.”

irst-time finalist Emma Martin got more than she hoped for when she rode Wasabi Spice (Smooth As A Cat x Sofie Rey), owned by Pam Keller of Mineral Point, Missouri, into the Kubota $2,000 Limited Rider Finals. The pair scored 217, earning $8,637.56 and the championship title. “This is the first time I’ve ever shown [Wasabi Spice] and I like him a lot,” Martin, 20, said. “I’d loped him a lot and he is my favorite horse to lope! I was kind of hyped up; I don’t remember a lot about the finals. I remember my last cow and Trevor Bullock cheering for me, which made me really excited, and I was getting with it. My horse gave me everything he had.” Martin was quick to thank her turnback help, Ashley Backstrom, Nate Miller, Andy Philo and her dad. The trip to Fort Worth was fun, she said. “Meeting all the different people that I hadn’t talked to a lot was cool,” Martin said. “My mom and my dad have always done well [in Fort Worth] and I wanted to make the Finals just once. I had a lot of fun!”

Emma Martin pilots Wasabi Spice

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

143

2024 N C H A N AT I O N A L C I RC U I T C H A M P I O N S H I P SENIOR YOU T H

With a Bang

Trystan Crow on Stylish Duals

JUNIOR YOU T H

Best Birthday

rystan Crow turned 12 years old a couple days after he rode Stylish Duals (Dual Rey x Moms Stylish Babe), owned by Tim Drummond of Pawhuska, Oklahoma to the National Circuit Championship Junior Youth title. Family friends, the Drummonds, offered the gelding when the mare he qualified to compete on was bred. “Dually” was a perfect fit, Crow said. “My riding style and his training style are partly the same,” said Crow, of Dimmit, Texas. “He is a very easy horse to get along with.” The youth was “really nervous” headed into the finals, he said. He put the pressure on to top his 2023 reserve title in the same class. But the nerves didn’t inhibit Crow’s riding, and the pair scored a 220.5, earning $1,151.50. “I just really wanted to win it; this is the first big youth event I’ve ever won,” he said. “The Youth in the Circuit is a huge deal, the Junior Youth was huge this year. I knew if I could make it past the first round to Finals, it would mean a little more to me. My dad has to stay home for some of my cuttings, so I dedicated this to him and the Drummonds. It was very nice of them letting me ride their horse, who is still an aged event horse. It was a big deal to me and really special.” He thanked his parents, Toby and Mary Crow, his grandparents and the Drummonds for their help. Crow would love to be a cutting horse trainer, just like his herd help—Adan, Cookie , and Ascension Banuelos and Todd Adolf—and has dreams of crossing the Million Dollar Rider mark. “When people say my name, I want them to know I was a good hand with a horse and I really respect a horse,” said Crow.

144

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

ody Gann, 18, and Mowtallic (Metallic Cat x Bowman Fancy Pepto), owned by Gann’s uncle, Chad Gann, had quite the 2024 NCHA National Circuit Championship show. The Leighton, Alabama, youth rode to the Senior Youth title. In the Senior Youth class, Gann and Mowtallic earned $1,210.15. Without a horse of his own, Gann showed horses owned by his father, NCHA trainer Todd Gann, to qualify. He showed Mowtallic for the fifth time when they walked into the Watt Arena in Fort Worth. “He’s relatively new to me showing him, but he is really smart, strong and can read a cow really well,” Gann said. “He’s a fun horse to show and listens to you really well. I can feel really confident showing him, like I can hold any cow on him.” The winning run went as planned, he says. The three cows they cut worked out for their score of 222. “It was a clean run and [we] cut three good cows to keep them in the middle of the pen,” he said. “It was a fairly physical run, and he was really good.” Qualifying for the National Circuit Championships and earning the title helps put a bow on Gann’s time as Youth competitor. “Anyone, in any class, should qualify—dad’s whole barn enjoyed it,” he said. “It pays out really well, is a bunch of fun and I would tell anyone considering it to do it.”

Cody Gann with Mowtallic

I NI NDDUUST STRY RYNNE EWWS S

NCHA

INDUSTRY NEWS

SOUTH TEXAS TACK TAPPED AS OFFICIAL NCHA SADDLE MAKER A Brenham, Texas company has been named the official saddle maker of NCHA. Founded in 2003, South Texas Tack offers saddles in a variety of colors and styles, including full or half roughout, waffle, windmill and small weave tooling.

NCHA NAMES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES The NCHA has named hall of fame inductees in the following categories: 2024 Horse Hall of Fame, 2024 Non-Pro Riders Hall of Fame, 2024 Open Riders Hall of Fame, and 2025 Members Hall of Fame. You can find a full list at: www.nchacutting.com/about-us/news/2025/02/12/ ncha-announces-hall-of-fame-inductees

$100,000 INCENTIVE RETURNS FOR 2025 NRR CAT KING COLE SUPER STAKES The NCHA announced that its partnership with Texas Quarter Horse Association to return a $100,000 incentive to the highest placing Texas-foaled horses in the Super Stakes Classic. You can find the results of this year’s Super Stakes on p. 106.

NCHA ANNOUNCES THE FIRSTEVER NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO On April 5, 20 men and women who qualified for the Short-Go at the 2024 NHSFR in Rock Springs, Wyoming took to the stage on April 5 to compete in the 2024 National Circuit Championships.

SHANNON STEWART HIRED AS NCHA DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP On Feb. 27, the NCHA hired Shannon Stewart as the organization’s director of marketing and sponsorship. She brings extensive experience in large-scale event planning, sponsorship development and brand management.

146

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

NCHA ANNOUNCES RESULTS FROM 2025 CONTESTED ELECTIONS The NCHA released the results of the seven contested Director elections. The winners include: • • • • • • •

David Booth, Ashley Bosack, Dawn Chapman, Debra Winard (Arizona) Sandra Lines, Pam Scott (Florida Danny Bryson (Kansas) Brian Cottrell (Minnesota) Michelle Van Dyke (Montana) Tony Smith, Wendy Warne (South Carolina) Geoffrey Sheehan (Texas-North)

NCHA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED GRANT FUNDING FOR STUDY INVESTIGATING IMPACT OF TIME AND USE ON ARENA FOOTING The NCHA recently announced supportive for a collaborative research effort between Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M University Center for Infrastructure Renewal, and the TAMU Department of Animal Science to investigate the impact of time and use on arena footing characteristics, which is an import consideration in all equine sports.

above:

Shannon Stewart, the NCHA's Director of Marketing and Sponsorship.

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

147

I N D U ST RY N E W S i n m e m o r ia m

i n m e m o r ia m

GERALD ALEXANDER

PAUL DERREZ

Jan. 8: Legendary 2-year-old trainer Gerald Alexander has passed away. Recognized as one of the industry’s top 2-year-old trainers. Throughout his career, six horses he trained became NCHA Open Futurity Champions, and three became Open Reserve Champions.

Jan. 12: One of the pioneers behind bringing the NCHA to Europe is now gone. Paul Derrez, the former president and founder of NCHA Netherlands, died at the age of 72. Working with cattle was a lifelong dream for Derrez, who pursued this by training horses and coaching others in the sport he loved. He was often seen competing on Lucky Smart Peppy.

i n m e m o r ia m

GARY BELLENFANT March 22: A beloved horse trainer and NCHA competitor has passed away. Known for his passion toward cutting and support of fellow competitors, Bellenfant was a Futurity finalist 12 times, winning the Futurity in 2019 and 1995. He also won the 1998 Super Stakes Classic, 1996 Super Stakes, 1989 Super Stakes and 1989 Summer Spectacular. Horses he trained on included Bayou Shorty (DNA), Peptoboonsmal, MNY Peppy Star Rio, Gins Solano, and Metallic Rey Mink. Bellenfant was also a tireless champion for the development of the sport.

148

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

I N D U ST RY N E W S i n m e m o r ia m

i n m e m o r ia m

HAM BROWN

LANK CREACY

Jan. 3: Longtime NCHA member Jerry Lee “Ham” Brown has passed away. A third-generation cattleman, Brown competed in cutting horse events beginning in 1981, and served as an NCHA director for 10 years. He was a member of the Florida Cattleman’s Association, the Texas Cattleman’s Association and served on the Florida Farm Bureau and USDA’s ASCS boards.

Feb. 2: A lifetime cutter was lost earlier this year. Lank Creacy, who was a member of the NCHA for 50 years, rode horses such as Winning Doc, Ginnin Around, Miss Quixote Bar, Little Angel Pep, Padre Pop and others. He also worked on some of the industry’s most prominent ranches, including Sanford Ranch, 6666, Moorhouse Cattle Company, King Ranch and McGehee Ranch.

i n m e m o r ia m

DON ELLIS March 25: In late March, respected equine trainer Don Ellis passed away at the age of 92. With a more than 50 year career in the NCHA and American Quarter Horse Association, Ellis trained and showed horses across a wide range of disciplines, including halter, Western pleasure, reining, and cutting. He served in various officer and board roles for the NCHA, Mid-State Illinois Cutting Horse Association (MSICHA), and Illinois Quarter Horse Association (IQHA). For nearly two decades, he was a respected judge for the AQHA, NCHA, and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA).

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

149

Break free 250 mg/mL

Help your equine patients by controlling the clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis • • • •

To learn more about Zycosan®, please scan the QR code or visit go.dechra-us.com/zycosan 24-hour Veterinary Technical Support available: (866) 933-2472 Nonurgent Technical Support available: support@dechra.com

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 thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). Refer to the prescribing information for complete details or visit www.dechra-us.com. 1. Zycosan® Freedom of Information Summary NADA 141-559 © 2023 Dechra Veterinary Products. Dechra is a registered trademark of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC. Zycosan is a registered trademark of Dechra Limited; all rights reserved. E230089-A

Judge Evaluation Form Reason for Evaluation: C o m m e n d a t i o n : I wish to reco gnize an individual who is hard working and consistently d o es a g oo d job. S p o t C h e c k : I d o not wish to make an official protest, but I want a class reviewe d by the W e ekend Monitor. O f f i c i a l Pr o t e s t : I am enclosing the protest fe e ($1,000* for LA E or $500* for W e ekend). I und erstand that I must b e an owner or exhibitor in the class to file a protest. *Fee is refundable if protest is upheld.

Jud g e(s) name(s) ab out whom you are submitting this re p ort: I f y o u a r e s u b m i t t i n g a c o m m e n d a t i o n , p l e a s e d e s c ri b e w h y y o u f e e l t h is j u d g e d e s e rv e s r e c o g n i t i o n :

I f y o u a r e s u b m i t t i n g a S p o t C h e c k r e q u e s t o r a n O f f i c i a l Pr o t e s t , p l e a s e c o m p l e t e t h e f o l l o w i n g : Show N ame:

Show D ates:

Show City and State:

Class N ame:

Have you reviewe d the tap e?

In your o pinion, how did the jud g e d o on p enalty ap plication?

Excellent

In your o pinion, how did the jud g e d o on “ placings’ base d on run content?

Excellent

In your o pinion, did the jud g e act professionally?

Yes

Avera g e

Poor

Avera g e

Poor

Yes

If he /she did not act professionally, please explain: ______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5.

In your o pinion, how was the jud g e’s p erformance during the entire show?

Please explain fully the circumstances that prompte d you to complete this re p ort:

M emb er N ame: Email A d dress:

Excellent

Avera g e

M emb er N umb er:

Poor

D ate: Phone N umb er:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This form is available online at nchacutting.com. This form is confid ential and will b e se en only by officials in the N C H A Jud ging D e partment. This re p ort can b e use d to commen d a hard-working, consistent individual which will help the Jud ging D e partment reco gnize the b est jud g es. F or Sp ot C hecks and O fficial Protests: a. If a pattern of complaints e merg es re garding an individual jud g e, the Jud ging D e partment will review ta p es of the show or shows in question and take further action when a p pro priate. b. Evaluation must b e submitte d by a contestant in the class or an owner who has a horse in the class. c. This Evaluation must b e file d within seven (7) days of the incident. d. A me mb er can submit only one Jud g e Evaluation F orm in a calendar month. e. When submitting an official protest, the protest fe e ($1,000 for LA E or $500 for W e ekend) must b e enclose d.

S u b m i t f o r m t o N C H A J u d g e s D e p a rt m e n t , 2 6 0 B a i l e y A v e n u e , F o rt W o rt h , T X 7 6 1 0 7 / j u d g e s@n c h a c u t t i n g . c o m . Revise d 5/16/2024

154

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

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).

brief summar resize - one-half.indd 1

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

1/15/2024 4:04:41 PM

Pursuant to the NCHA’s Constitution and Bylaws, the director elections for terms of service for the period of June 2025 - June 2028 were concluded on March 11, 2025. 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 20, 2025.

Alabama Julie Beasley (27) James Hooper (LD) Joey Nail (26) Andrew Sligh (27) Arizona David Booth (28) Ashley Bosack (28) Dawn Chapman (28) Glen Nelson (26) Debra Winard (28) Mike Wood (26) Arkansas Diana Cunningham (28) Toddy Pitard (LD) Tommy Williams (28) (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) Craig Morris (28) Steve Norris (LD) Ron Pietrafeso (LD) Kenny Platt (27) Joel Schulz (27) Florida Ora Diehl (LD) Sandra Lines (28) Brittany Overstreet (26) Sharon Overstreet (26) (EC) Pam Scott (28) Georgia Alison Howell (26) Ryan Howell (27) John Hulsey (27) Mark Senn – President Idaho Mike Giannini (27) Barbi Madgwick (28)

156

Illinois Rick Jackson (28) Scott Shaw (26) Indiana Byron Green (28) Nick Pilcher (28) Iowa & Wisconsin Seth Kirchner (26) Kansas Danny Bryson (28) Kirby Smith (26) (EC) Kentucky Trent Harrison (26) Louisiana Robert Charles Brown (26) Gwen Coie (27) Keith Deaville (LD) Elizabeth Quirk (28) Bruce Richerson (LD) Trey Rogillio (27) Michigan Dan Agnew (27) Crystal DeWitt (27) Minnesota J. P. Bell (26) Brian Cottrell (28) Mississippi William Cole (27) Taylor Flowers (27) Ricky Lewis (27) Missouri Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr. (LD) Greg Beutenmiller (27) Sonny Martin (27) Ryan Moore (27) Montana John Seymour (26) Michelle Van Dyke (28) Nebraska J.B. Atkins (26) Nevada Cookie Banuelos (26) Patti Lund (27)

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), NY, NJ & PA Bill Stein (26) Faye D. Stein (26) Jack Werner (26) New Mexico Joel Carson (28) Richard Hicks (28) North Carolina Chase Lackey (26) Garry Merritt (27) Bob Meyer (27) Barnwell Ramsey – President Elect North & South Dakota Tom Holmes (28) Jason Reed (28) Ohio Jeff Brown (27) Tim Dobyns (26) Steve Duff (27) John P. Lavelle (27) (EC) Chuck Smith (LD) Oklahoma Cara Brewer (28) (EC) Michelle Cowan (26) Brandon Dufurrena (27) Glenda Ericsson (28) Jody Galyean (28) Kathleen Moore – Vice President Ty Moore (28) Bill Riddle (LD) Brad Wilson (28) Oregon Julie Clarke (26) Marcea DeGregorio (28) Mary Freeborn (27) Jack Holt (27) South Carolina Tony Smith (28) Wendy Warne (28) Tennessee Barbara Brooks (LD) Zeke Entz (28) 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 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) Geoffrey Sheehan (28) Ted Sokol (LD) Cameron Thompson (27) Chubby Turner (LD) Bronc Willoughby (LD) Michael Wood (27) Texas South Denise Bendele (26) Liz Bray (28) Frank Bowen (27) Constantine Caloudas (27) Caroline Collins (28) James Davison (28) James Eakin (26) Bobby Hunt (26) Janice Little (27) Sam Wilson (LD) Texas West Cheryl Callis (28) Sherry Graham (27) Skip Jones (26) Coleta Rosson (26) Steve Smith (27) (EC) Utah Danielle Pace (27) Steve Williams (27)

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) John (Jack) Enright (27) Eastern Canada Eric Van Boekel (28) Amanda Law (26) Western/Central Canada Connie Down-Cicoria (28) Darcy Geherman (28) Les Jack (26) (EC) Sandy Reid (28) Amanda Smith (28) Doug Wiens (27) Europe Gaetan Foulatier (27) Denis Pini (28) Jana Pini (28) Sergio Traverso (28) Pietro Valeri (26) •••••••••••••••••••••••• (LD) Life Director (EC) Executive Committee Term Expires: (26) 2026 (27) 2027 (28) 2028

OVER $1.2 MILLION IN

WAS PAID OUT IN 2024!

Chrome Cash offered at most NCHA major LAE events! APHA registration is the ONLY requirement to enter Chrome Cash, a class within a class.

Get your eligible horse APHAregistered to enter Chrome Cash at participating NCHA events! APHA World Show Cutting June 30 • Watt Arena

$1,000 ADDED to each World Championship class (Senior, Junior, Amateur)

Two ways to APHA registration: 1. Lineage: If your horse has at least one APHAregistered parent, your horse is eligible for APHA registration REGARDLESS OF COLOR.

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

Some of the APHA- registered sires: BADBOONARISING CATOLENA CASHIN IN CATTY HAWK CHECK YER METAL DANDY CAT DONT STOPP BELIEVIN DUAL REYISH HYDRIVE CAT LONE WOOLF METALLIC REBEL

METALLIC REY MINK ONE TIME ROYALTY REYZIN THE CASH RUSTY BLUE METALLIC SMOOTH AS A CAT SMOOTH TALKIN STYLE STEVIE REY VON STORYTELER SWING WIDE THIRD EDGE

APHA.COM/CHROMECASH QUESTIONS OR READY TO REGISTER?

CONTACT SUNNY BATES: sbates@apha.com • 817.219.7985

122 East Exchange Ave. | Suite 420 | Fort Worth, Texas 76164 | apha.com

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 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* 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* 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* BOWLES, DEAN, Portland, Tennessee. .................................................. Rule 40* BRANNAN, DAVE, dba SOUTHERN AIRS RANCHES, Doralville, Georgia ........................................................................... Rule 40* BUCKLE T HORSES, Pattison, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* BURKE, ROBERT L., Lancaster, California. .............................................. Rule 40* BUSH PRODUCTS, Bryan, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* CAMPBELL, JAMES, Gilbert, Arizona. .................................................... Rule 40* CANDLESTICK CONSTRUCTION, Deloraine, Manitoba, Canada. ............................................................................................ Rule 40* CAPRON, TENAYA, Fort Worth, Texas.................................................... Rule 40* CARROLL, TOMMY, Weatherford, Texas. ............................................... Rule 40* CARTER, BILLY W., Natchitoches, Louisiana. .......................................... Rule 40* CASTEL INTERNATIONAL, Houston, Texas............................................ Rule 40* CATAWBA RANCH, Lancing, Tennessee. ............................................... Rule 40* CATENA WATCHES/BILL KRAFT, Tioga, Texas....................................... Rule 40* CATON RANCHES/JUDY CATON, Snohomish, Washington. ................ Rule 40* CAVANAGH, JOHNNIE, Petaluma, California. ....................................... Rule 40* CELEBRITY CLASSIC, Provo, Utah. ......................................................... Rule 40* CHAMBERLAIN, CONNER, Davis, Oklahoma.. ...................................... Rule 40*

158

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

CHINOOK PRODUCTIONS, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. .......................... Rule 40* CHISHOLM TRAIL BOOT CO., Fort Worth, Texas. ................................. Rule 40* CIRCLE H WELDING, Hico, Texas. .......................................................... Rule 40* CML HEALTH MATTERS, INC., Justin, Texas. ......................................... Rule 40* COATES MANUFACTURING INC., Bossier City, Louisisana. .................. Rule 40* COGBURN, DAVID BRET, Clayton, Oklahoma. ...................................... Rule 40* COLLINS, RICHARD, Oceanside, New York. .......................................... Rule 40* COLMENAREZ, JOSE, Miami, Florida. ................................................... Rule 40* CONNELLA, KEITH, Malakoff, Texas. ..................................................... Rule 40* CONNELLA, TIM, Seguin, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* CONTINENTAL QUARTER HORSES, INC., Sanger, Texas...................... Rule 40* COPENHAVER, TODD, Valley View, Texas. ............................................ Rule 40* CORLEY, MELVIN D., Middletown, Kentucky. ......................................... Rule 40* COWBOY COUNTRY WESTERN STORE, McAlester, Oklahoma. ...................................................................... Rule 40* COWBOY’S CHOICE GOLD AND SILVER, McAlester, Oklahoma. ...................................................................... Rule 40* COWHORSE SUPPLY, Winter Haven ...................................................... Rule 40* COW CUTTERS CHA, Anadarko, Oklahoma. ......................................... Rule 40* CRAIG, MIKE, Gainesville, Texas............................................................. Rule 40* CREASEY, JUDY BROWNING, Montgomery, Texas. ............................... Rule 40* CROSS, JOHN, Poolville, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* CROOM, MATHEW, Weatherford, Texas.................................................Rule 40* CUNNINGHAM REAL ESTATE, Bowie, Texas. ........................................ Rule 40* CUTTER CUSTOM TRUCKS, Grapevine, Texas....................................... Rule 40* D & D HORSE TRANSPORT, Oakdale, California. .................................. Rule 40* DALEY, MIKE, Sonora, California. ........................................................... Rule 40* DALLEY, ROBERT, dba D BAR D MANUFACTURING COMPANY, Gonzales, Texas ............................................................ Rule 40* DARK, LARRY, Dallas, Texas. ................................................................... Rule 40* DAVIS, BROOKE, Cantonment, Florida .................................................. Rule 40* DAY, TAMRA, Okmulgee, Oklahoma ...................................................... Rule 40* DE BROGGI FARM HORSE TRANSPORTATION, Stockton, California. ......................................................................................... Rule 40* DETWILER, TIM & SUSIE, Bonham, Texas. ............................................. Rule 40* DIAL, JOHN, Fort Worth, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* DIAMOND D ENTERPRISES, Waxahachie, Texas. .................................. Rule 40* DIAMOND GROUP, SEAPORT WHOLESALE, Los Angeles, California. ........................................................................................ Rule 40* DONATH, RICK, Peoria, Illinois. .............................................................. Rule 40* DORN, DOUGLAS & SHERYL, Kuno, Idaho............................................ Rule 40* DOUBLE M SIGNS, Flower Mound, Texas. ............................................. Rule 40* D.R. BROWN CORPORATION, Brownwood, Texas. ............................... Rule 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. .................................................................. Rule 40* EAGLE, AL, dba LONE STAR AUTOMOTIVE, Fort Worth, Texas. ............................................................................ Rule 40* EDWARDS QUARTER HORSES, Milton, Florida ..................................... Rule 40* ELWOOD, ALAN, Hinsdale, Illinois. ........................................................ Rule 40* ENDSLEY, SHARON, dba CIRCLE H EXCHANGE, Fort Worth, Texas. ............................................................................ Rule 40* EQUESTRIAN VIDEO PRODUCTIONS, Granbury, Texas. ....................... Rule 40* EQUIHEALTH, Boulder, Colorado. .......................................................... 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. .................................................. Rule 40* ESTEP QUARTER HORSES, Weiser, Idaho. ............................................. Rule 40* FAITZ, PAT, Polk City, Florida. ................................................................. Rule 40* FARR, DUSTY, Wichita Falls, Texas. ......................................................... Rule 40* FARR, PATRICIA, Palm Desert, California. ............................................... Rule 40* FERNANDEZ, FERNANDO, Ocala, Florida............................................. Rule 40* FISACKERLY, PETER & SANDY, Russellville, Kentucky. ........................... Rule 40* FLETCHER, JERRY, Phoenix, Arizona ...................................................... Rule 40* FLETCHER, RICKEY, Red Oak, Texas. ..................................................... Rule 40* FLIT CONNECTION, THE, Chouteau, Oklahoma................................... Rule 40* FONTENOT, FORREST, LeBlanc, Louisiana. ........................................... Rule 40* FOX, BOBBY, Glen Allen, Missouri. ........................................................ Rule 40* FOX BRANCH COLLECTION, Moberly, Missouri. .................................. Rule 40* FRANCE, JAMES R., Hudson, BC, Canada. ............................................ Rule 40* FRANK, TROY & AMY, DESIGNSOFSTEEL.COM, Stillwater, Okalahoma....................................................................... Rule 40* FREIGHTLINER, Fontana, California........................................................ Rule 40* FREDERIKS, WALTER J., dba AURORA PACIFIC CATTLE CO., Aurora, Oregon. ............................................................................... Rule 40* FRONTIER HORSE COMPLEX, Pilot Point, Texas. .................................. Rule 40* FULKERSON, TOMMY, Oakwood, Texas. ............................................... Rule 40* FUNDERBURG, WILL, Canyon, Texas. .................................................... Rule 40* GARRETT, JAY, Lorena, Texas.................................................................. Rule 40* GARRIOTT, SHAWN WESTERN ELECTRIC, Emporia, Kansas ................ Rule 40* GASS, NICK, Spring Branch, Texas ......................................................... Rule 40* GATSHALL, DR. G. W., Forney, Texas. .................................................... Rule 40* GAY, DUSTIN, Mannsville, Ohio .............................................................. Rule 40* GENENA, LINDA, Aubrey, Texas. ........................................................... Rule 40* GLENN, TOM, Redmond, Oregon. ........................................................ Rule 40* GLISSON, MARCO, Wichita Falls, Texas................................................. Rule 40* GLOBAL CLASSIC CARS, Brownsboro, Texas......................................... Rule 40* GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, New York, New York. ............................ Rule 40* GOLDEN HORSE SHOW REVIEW, Bryn Mawr, California. ..................... Rule 40* GOODWIN, GARY, Geary, Oklahoma. .................................................... Rule 40* GRAY, RICHARD, Conroe, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* GREEN, D. W., Stanberry, Missouri. ........................................................ Rule 40* GREEN, ROD & ELAINE, Weatherford, Texas......................................... Rule 40* GREEN, RICKY J., Tyler, Texas................................................................. Rule 40* GUARDINO, DAVID, Dallas, Texas. ......................................................... Rule 40* GULF COAST FENCE, Fulshear, Texas.................................................... Rule 40*

GUSTAFSON, JOHN, Valley Center, California. ..................................... Rule 40* HAMBY, KAY, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ............................................... Rule 40* HAMILTON DAN, dba FAIR DOLLAR FARMS, INC., Laurel, Florida................................................................................... Rule 40* HANSEN, GARY, Agoura, California. ...................................................... Rule 40* HARDWICK, NANCY, Dallas, Texas......................................................... Rule 40* HARJO, PHILLIP & JEANNETTE, Maud, Oklahoma. .............................. Rule 40* HARNISH, JAY, Chico, Texas. .................................................................. Rule 40* HARP, MICHELLE, HORSE SENSE, Beverly Hills, California. .................. Rule 40* HARRIS, JEFF, Maineville, Ohio. ............................................................. Rule 40* HASKINS, PEGGY L., Carthage, Missouri. .............................................. Rule 40* HASTINGS, JOHN., Castle Rock, Colorado............................................ Rule 40* HAWLEY, MONTY, Bryan, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* HAYES, JOHN PHILLIP III, Laurinburg, North Carolina. .......................... Rule 40* HEFNER, AMANDA, Chico, CA...............................................................Rule 4 HEINEY, AMY, Meridian, Texas. ............................................................... Rule 40* HERNANDEZ, JOEY, Weatherford, Texas ............................................... Rule 40* HENKEL, TEAL, Scottsdale, Arizona. ...................................................... Rule 40* HERSHBERGER, DON, Billings, Montana. .............................................. Rule 40* HERTZ, CAROLYN, Happy, Texas. ........................................................... Rule 40* HEYWOOD, WM & BRENDA, Fallon, Nevada. ...................................... Rule 40* HIBBS, S. M., Rowlett, Texas. ................................................................. Rule 40* HICKLE, LYNN, Fort Worth, Texas........................................................... Rule 40* HOBBS, E. W., Mansfield, Louisiana. ...................................................... Rule 40* HODGES, CHARLES, Fort Worth, Texas. ................................................ Rule 40* HOFFMAN, MARILYN, Mineola, Texas. .................................................. Rule 40* HOFFMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, Glendale, Arizona. ...................... Rule 40* HOGNER, JEFF, dba SILVERWOOD WINTER CIRCUIT, Hardesty, Oklahoma. ........................................................................ Rule 40* HOOF BOND, DANA LEAHY, Hyannis, Massachusetts. ......................... Rule 40* HOPKINS, DENNIS, Sanger, California. .................................................. Rule 40* HORSEIN’ AROUND INC., Carthage, Tennessee ................................... Rule 40* HOUSTON RANCH, Whitesboro, Texas. ................................................ Rule 40* HOWARD, KELLI, Whitesboro, Texas ...................................................... Rule 40* HOWARD, RIC, Houston, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* HUCK, BOBBY, dba CIMARRON RIVER CUTTING, Coldwater, Kansas. ........................................................................... Rule 40* HUEY, DANNY, Cleburne, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* HUGHES, JESSE, Burleson, Texas. .......................................................... Rule 40* I DOTCOM PRODUCTS, San Jose, California. ....................................... Rule 40* INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF HORSE FARMS, Dallas, Texas. .................................................................................... Rule 40* INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK VIDEO SALE, Alberta, Canada. .............................................................................. Rule 40* JACOB, BOYCE, Abilene, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* JENSEN, GEORGE, Jacksboro, Texas..................................................... Rule 40* JERRETT, JOSLIN (Wild Mushroom), Weatherford, Texas ...................... Rule 40* JEWELL EQUINE TRANSPORTATION, Leavenworth, Kansas................. Rule 40* JLD PRODUCTS, Fort Worth, Texas. ....................................................... Rule 40* JOHNSON, C. NEIL, III, Missouri City, Texas. ......................................... Rule 40* JOHNSON, KENNETH, dba GJ INTERNATIONAL, Arlington, Texas................................................................................ Rule 40* JONES, MR. & MRS. BRAD, Paris, Texas. ............................................... Rule 40* JONES, DREW, Ruston, Louisiana........................................................... Rule 40* JONES, GREGORY, Ardmore, Oklahoma. .............................................. Rule 40* JONES, JACK M., JR., J&J SADDLERY, Marion, Kentucky. .................... Rule 40* JOSHUA TREE MARKETING, Edmond, Oklahoma. ............................... Rule 40* KAFKA, HAROLD, CRAZY HORSE RANCH, Millington, New Jersey. ...................................................................................... Rule 40* KAPLAN, LES & ASSOCIATES, Elmsford, New York. .............................. Rule 40* KACE INTERNATIONAL, Mesquite, Texas. ............................................. Rule 40* KAUFMANN, ASHLY MEREDITH, Sonora, California.............................. Rule 40* KEETON, DOYLE & CAROL, Giddings, Texas. ....................................... Rule 40* KEITH, LARRY, Sugar Grove, Virginia ...................................................... Rule 40* KING, DAVID, Louisville, Mississippi. ...................................................... Rule 40* KING, ED or JUDY, Santa Fe, Texas. ....................................................... Rule 40* KING, MR. & MRS. JERRY, Corpus Christi, Texas.................................... Rule 40* KING OF SPORTS, HAROLD FLYNN, DIRECTOR, Little Rock, Arkansas. ....................................................................... Rule 40* KNOX, TONNIE & JAMIE, Yuma, Arizona. ............................................. Rule 40* LAIRD, HOWARD, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ......................................... Rule 40* LAMB, CHERYL-HOOF DOCTOR, Burleson, Texas ................................ Rule 40* LANDSBERG, AUDREY, Agua Dulce, California...................................... Rule 40* LANGFORD, RANDY L., Katy, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* LAREDAO CONVERSION TRUCKS, Burleson, Texas.............................. Rule 40* LAWRENCE INSURANCE GROUP, Greensboro, North Carolina. ................................................................................. Rule 40* LAYLAND, CRAIG, Lubbock, Texas. ........................................................ Rule 40* LEACH, BOB, De Leon, Texas................................................................. Rule 40* LEATHER HORSE MERCANTILE, Weatherford, Texas. ........................... Rule 40* LEGATE, CAROL/LARRY BROWN REALTORS, Amarillo, Texas. ............. Rule 40* LEVITRE, JOSH, Bountiful, Utah......................................................Rule 40* 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, BRYON, Clyde, NY....................................................................Rule 4

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* POVERTY KNOB, Waterford, PA..............................................................Rule 4 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. ....................................... Rule 40* RATJEN, JACK, Mansfield, Texas. ........................................................... 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. .......................................................... Rule 40* ROE, DOUG & MARY ANN, Moody, Texas. .......................................... Rule 40* ROOT, HEIDI, Red Bluff, California. ........................................................ Rule 40* RUSSELL, DON, dba REDBUD CLASSIC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. ........................................................................................ Rule 40* SACHTLEBEN, TROY J., Antonio, Colorado........................................... Rule 40*

SANTA FE SPIRIT, Albany, Georgia. ........................................................ Rule 40* SANTA ROSA EQUINE, Vernon, Texas ................................................... Rule 40* SARATOGA STALLS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa ............................................... Rule 40* SCHAEFER, DARLENE, Las Vegas, Nevada. ........................................... Rule 40* SCHAEFER, ROBERT, Las Vegas, Nevada............................................... Rule 40* SCHILKE, ANDREW, Springtown, TX.......................................................Rule 4 SCHRAEDER, MICHAEL, Tomball, TX......................................................Rule 4 SCHWAB, RICHARD, dba SUMMIT LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY, Marietta, Oklahoma ...................................................... Rule 40* SCHWARZ, SHELDON, Springfield, Georgia. ......................................... Rule 40* SEABREEZE TRAVEL, North Miami, Florida. ........................................... Rule 40* SEGO, J.T., Tahlequah, Oklahoma. ......................................................... Rule 40* SEGUIN HORSE CENTER, Seguin, Texas................................................ Rule 40* SHOW OFFS, Van Alstyne, Texas............................................................ Rule 40* SHOWTIME SLEEPERS, INC., RICK WILLIAMS, Ocala, Florida. ............................................................................................. Rule 40* SHRIMPERS, Fort Worth, Texas. .............................................................. Rule 40* SIDE SADDLE BOUTIQUE/TAWNI Maughn, Weatherford, Texas. ......... Rule 40* SILLIMAN, DARRELL, Bernie, Missouri. .................................................. Rule 40* SILVERWOOD WINTER CIRCUIT, Jeff Hogner, Hardesty, Oklahoma. ........................................................................................ Rule 40* SIMMONS, LUTHER, Florissant, Missouri ............................................... Rule 40* SIMS, HARVEY, FLYING BAR A RANCH, Rhome, Texas.......................... Rule 40* SIMS RANCH, Stephenville, Texas. ......................................................... Rule 40* SKAGGS, CHRIS, Lancaster, California.................................................... Rule 40* SMITH, DANIELLE, Ripley, Maine ........................................................... Rule 40* SMITH, SID & VICKIE, Edgemont, Arkansas. .......................................... Rule 40* SNODGRESS EQUIPMENT/Randy Snodgress, Joshua, Texas. ............... Rule 40* SODA CREEK RANCH, Oronogo, Missouri. ........................................... Rule 40* SOUTHEASTERN CHA, LISA ETHERIDGE, Sec’y, Unadilla, Georgia............................................................................................. Rule 40* SOUTHWEST DISTRIBUTORS, Cleburne, Texas. .................................... Rule 40* SPEIGHT, JOHN, Midland, Texas. ........................................................... Rule 40* SPINNING F RANCH, Lake Forest, California......................................... Rule 40* STAHL, JOHN, De Soto, Kansas. ............................................................ Rule 40* STAN TAVENNER QUARTER HORSES, Ennis, Montana......................... Rule 40* STANLEY, STEVEN, Chillicothe, Texas. ................................................... Rule 40* STAR HORSE PRODUCTIONS, INC., San Diego, California................... Rule 40* STARNS, C. M., Fort Worth, Texas. ......................................................... Rule 40* STEINMEN, ROBERT & SUSAN, SK, Canada. ........................................ Rule 40* STEPHENS, ROBERT, Rocky Comfort, Missouri. ..................................... Rule 40* STEPHENS, SHA, Weatherford, Texas..................................................... Rule 40* STEPHENS, STEVE, Clinton, Mississippi. ................................................ Rule 40* STEVENS, J.C., Canon City, Colorado. ................................................... Rule 40* STICKLER, MIKE, Templeton, California. ................................................ Rule 40* STITES, MARK, Custer, South Dakota. .................................................... Rule 40* STOCKYARDS REALTY, Fort Worth, Texas. ............................................. Rule 40* STONEMAN, MARK, Granbury, Texas. ................................................... Rule 40* STRUCTURAL STEEL BLDG., Boca Raton, Florida. ................................. Rule 40* SUPERIOR BARNS AND BUILDINGS/DEBBIE PEELE, Franklinville, South Carolina. ............................................................ Rule 40* SUPERIOR EQUINE PHARMACEUTICAL, Pleasant Grove, Utah........................................................................ Rule 40* SWZT / STEVE TACKETT, Longmont, Colorado. .................................... Rule 40* T-TREE QUARTER HORSES, Kerrville, Texas. .......................................... Rule 40* TACKETT, STEVE - SWZT, Olney, Texas. ................................................. Rule 40* TAYLOR, CATHY, Olympia, Washington.................................................. Rule 40* TAW, Wingate, Texas............................................................................... Rule 40* TERRAL, RUSTY, Santa Maria, California. ................................................ Rule 40* TETON RANCH CORP. c/o STEVE TUSHA, Emmetsburg, Iowa............. Rule 40* TEXAS AMERICAN RANCHES, INC., Sanger, Texas. .............................. Rule 40* TEXAS EXOTIC BOOT COMPANY, Fort Worth, Texas. .......................... Rule 40* THORTON, MARY JO, GREAT SOUTHWEST RANCH, Greenville, Texas. ............................................................................. Rule 40* TIMBERCLAD PRODUCTS, Richardson, Texas. ....................................... Rule 40* TOOTHACRE QUARTER HORSE SHOW, CAROLYN RENNINGER, SEC’Y, Sandburg, Pennsylvania................ Rule 40* TRAILS APARTMENTS, Fort Worth, Texas. ............................................. Rule 40* TRAVEL LODGE SUITES, Fort Worth, Texas. .......................................... Rule 40* TRIPLE C WELDING, Cleburne, Texas .................................................... Rule 40* TRUCK & LIVESTOCK CONCEPTS, GLEN MILLER, Bleiblerville, Texas. ........................................................................... Rule 40* TUBAUGH, JOHN, EAGLE HORSE TRADING CO., Kansas City, Missouri. ....................................................................... Rule 40* TURNER, KELSEY, Eufaula, Oklahoma .................................................... Rule 40* TUTTLE, FERRELL, Victoria, Texas........................................................... Rule 40* TYNAN, RUSSELL, Mesquite, Texas. ....................................................... Rule 40* UNITED SPRTSMANS ASSOCIATION, Fort Davis, Alabama. ................. Rule 40* UTAH TAILORING, Baird, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* VAN HAM QUARTER HORSES, Pilot Point, Texas. ................................. Rule 40* VAUGHN, DAN, Waxahachie, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* VAUGHN, LLOYD & SHARON, Beeville, Texas....................................... Rule 40* VAUGHN, LLOYD (EMMITT), Kenedy, Texas........................................... Rule 40* WALKER, MILLIE, Opelousas, Louisiana ................................................. Rule 40* WALL, TREY, Valley View, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* WALLACE, LOUIS N. & LINDA, Belton, Texas. ....................................... Rule 40* WALTON, BOB, Fort Worth, Texas. ........................................................ Rule 40* WALTON, GERRY, FLY TECHNOLOGIES, Bedford, Texas. ..................... Rule 40* WATKINS, BILL, Denton, Texas. .............................................................. Rule 40* WEATHERBUSTER, INC., El Cajon, California. ....................................... Rule 40* WELLS, JACQUELINE, Austin, Texas. ..................................................... Rule 40* WELLS, JULIE, Boyd, Texas ..................................................................... Rule 40* WESTERN CAROLINA HORSE SALES, Central, South Carolina. ................................................................... Rule 40* WESTERN TRUCKWORKS, Edmond, Oklahoma. ................................... Rule 40* WESTON, DONNA, Parma, Idaho. ......................................................... Rule 40* WHITE, JEANNE, Pampa, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* WILLETT, TIMOTHY, Dallas, Texas........................................................... Rule 40* WILLIAMS, BONNIE, NRM SADDLE RIDGE MORTGAGE, Weatherford, Texas. ......................................................................... Rule 40* WINCHESTER, LORI, Searcy, Arkansas ................................................... Rule 40*

WINEY, MICHAEL, Evening Shade, Arkansas ......................................... Rule 40* WMIT STUDIO A DESIGN LLC, Moneta, Virginia. .................................. Rule 40* WOLFE, PATSI, Trinidad, Colorado.. ....................................................... Rule 40* WRIGHT, KENNETH & ROXANNE, Kaufman, Texas............................... Rule 40* WYNKOOP, JAMES, Tomball, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* ZIMMERMAN, DICK, Portage, Indiana. .................................................. Rule 40*

NCHA Probation List DECKER, SHANE, Clarendon, TX July 10, 2024 – July 9, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A) ELLISON, LYNN, Grantsville UT March 10, 2025 to September 10, 2025 (Rule 50.d.2) HEIMER, LOIS, Cave Creek, AZ September 17, 2024 - September 16, 2025 (Standing Rule 35A)

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

159

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

Tracy Barton (26) R5 Ora Diehl (26) R5

Clay Johnson (26) R8 Skip Jones (27) R7

Lauren Kimble (26) R4 John C. Kratzer (26) R8

James Eakin (26) R7 Eric Field (27) R4

Seth Kirchner (25) R3 Chase Lackey (27) R5

Ty Moore (27) R8 Todd Quirk (27) R6 **

Vicki Green (25) R4 Ashley Hallinan (25) R2

Jim Haworth (27) R3 Anita Janssen (26) R3 ** Skip Jones (26) R7

John P. Lavelle (27) R4 Barnwell Ramsey (26) R5 Phil Rapp (26) R8 *

Sarah Sherman (26) R1 Suzanne Rodoni-Silverberg (25) R2 Madison Smith (26) R8

Brooke Manion (25) R5 Scott McKinsey (26) R8 Dee McLauchlin (26) R8 *

Corrie Rousey (27) R7 Ronnie Smith (27) R6 Buddy Westphal (26) R1

Ben Roberson (27) R8 Ronnie Smith (25) R6

Michael Wood (26) R8

Erin McGinn Smith (25) R1 Kathy Unfried (25) R2

Growth and Development

Cheryl Callis (26) R7 – NVEO Kathy Cardon (26) R2 ** David Costello (27) R6 Kim Cox (25) R7

Rebecca Waters (25) R3

Dawn Brehm (26) R5 William Cole (25) R6 ** Bob Cooley (25) R2

Jim Johnson (26) R4 Joe Kalt (26) R2 **

Thad Cox (27) R8 - NVEO Steve Duff (27) R4

Jane Mancuso (27) R7 Shelly Mowery (26) R8

Taylor Flowers (26) R6 Jan Gandy (26) R6 Sandra Lines (26) R5

Glen Nelson (25) R2 Darrell Parsons (26) R3 Dean Rebhuhn (26) R1 *

Brooke Manion (27) R5 * Jennifer Palmer (25) R8

Matt Robinson (27) R6

Amateur

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

160

Shelby Agnew (27) R4 Phil Benadum (26) R2 Ora Diehl (26) R5 Cody Hedlund (26) R8

Judges Rules Roy Bauer (25) R4 Jaime Beamer (26) R8 ** Monty Buntin (27) R2 Joe Cameron (27) R5 – NVEO Tim Castilaw (25) R2 - NVEO

Finance & Audit

Bradey Davis (26) R6 Walt Erwin (25) R5 Jody Galyean (27) R8 - NVEO

Denise Bendele (26) R7 Frank Diehl (27) R5

Rock Hedlund (27) R2 * Seth Kirchner (25) R3

James Eakin (26) R7 Ora Diehl (25) R5 *

Josh King (25) R7 Ken Mock (26) R8

Jeff Fehrman (26) R5 Jim Haworth (25) R3 ** Drew Knowles (28)

Sarah Morine (26) R8 Rick Mowery (26) R8 Nate Miller (27) R1

Garry Merritt (27) R5 - NVEO David Pilcher (25) R4

Toddy Pitard (27) R6 Kenny Pugh (25) R7 – NVEO

Elizabeth Quirk (27) R6 Phil Rapp (26) R8 Dean Rebhuhn (25) R1

Jonathan Rogers (25) R8 Grant Setnicka (26) R8 Tim Smith (26) R2 – NVEO

Madison Smith (27) R8

Scott Weis (27) R8 - NVEO

Governance

Limited Age Events

Dan Agnew (25) R4 Sharon Beach (25) R8 *

Monty Buntin (27) R2 Zeke Entz (26) R5

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Jaime Snider (26) R8 Wendy Warne (26) R5 ** Michael Wood (26) R8

Weekend Show John Fay (27) R2 Byron Green (26) R4

David Booth (26) R2 **

Richard Hicks (25) R7 Chris Howell (25) R5 John Hulsey (26) R5

Libby Bowman (25) R4 Ryder Carpenter (26) R8

Holly Jones (26) R1 Joe Kalt (26) R2

Missy Jean Etheridge (25) R6 Kathy Foote (26) R1 Sherry Graham (26) R7 *

Nate Miller (26) R1 ** Jason Reed (27) R3 Corrie Rousey (26) R8

Alison Howell (26) R5 John C. Kratzer (25) R6

Ted Sokol Jr. (26) R8 * Bill Stein (26) R4

Regan Plendl (26) R3 Elizabeth Quirk (26) R6

Heather Todd (26) R6 Wendy Warne (27) R5

Kylie Rice (26) R8 Jamie Sokol (27) R5 Cameron Thompson (26) R8

Youth

Non-Professional

Eric Van Boekel (26) R4 Priscilla Wilson (26) R5 Professional Trainers

Shannon Collier (26) R7 Michelle Cowan (25) R8 Mary Crow (26) R7 Amy Lippincott (25) R7

Tracy Barton (25) R5 Phil Benadum (25) R2 *

Sabrina Mesalam (27) R4 Glen Nelson (27) R2 Chad Newton (25) R5

Cara Brewer (25) R8 David Costello (25) R6

Shawna Parsons (26) R3 Kory Pounds (26) R8 **

Kathy Daughn (26) R7 Casey Green (27) R8 **

Nikki Roberson (25) R8 * Leigh Ann White (27) R6

Mason Griffin (25) R6 Andrew Larsen (25) R4 Jesse Lennox (25) R8

Kristen York (26) R1

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 Rock Hedlund (26) R2 *

•••••••••••••••• * - 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

You belong here

SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN !

mark your calendar! June 20-22

Join us in San Antonio, Texas for the 2025 NCHA Annual Convention! Registration is mandatory for all attendees.

Convention is FREE and all members are encouraged to attend! Scan the QR code to register today. * Hotel transactions payable with credit/debit card only; no cash accepted.

N C H A M E M B E R S’ C O R N E R

The Art of Judging A deep dive into the world of NCHA judging BY JENNIFER HORTON

above:

n NCHA competition, one of the most important, albeit sometimes misunderstood, components is the judging. After all, the result of competition is the decision of who wins. That decision is determined by the scores awarded by the judges officiating. With so much riding on that score and so many factors that go into reaching that number, NCHA has increased their emphasis on education, for both judges and competitors, to support the process for everyone involved. The NCHA judges are proven competitors who bring their experience and knowledge from the saddle to the judge’s stand. The judge certification process is designed to build their skills in the mechanics of judging. Judges are recertified every two years at education seminars. “You have to learn how to judge,” said NCHA Director of Judges Andy Adams. “Just because you’ve won a lot of money doesn’t automatically make you a good judge.” The NCHA judge rating system begins with AA working up to the AAAA credential, based on their cutting earnings and how many shows they’ve judged. This year, realignment of the rating system has added a five-A tier. “At the end of the year, judges who have met the requirements can elevate,” said Adams. “If they’ve fallen below the level we need them to be, then they will drop a level. It follows how the National Football League handles their high-level referees.” The NCHA weekend monitor was developed following the limited aged event monitor system and provides 90% of their continuing education. Adams believes every judge leaves a monitored event a better judge than they were when they got there.

166

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

NCHA Judges during the 2025 NRR Cat King Cole Super Stakes.

“Education, education, education. We cannot do enough education.” ANDY ADAMS, NCHA DIREC TOR OF JUDGES

“The weekend monitor system is one way we are continuing education for our judges,” said Adams. “It’s also how we track their performance through the year.” Following each show, judges send their class videos and judges sheets to their assigned weekend monitor, who reviews them and communicates with the judge on their performance. “We’re like a swing coach,” said Adams. “If our judge is doing a great job, we let them know. We help anyone struggling. We want to make sure they’re not forming bad habits and hold them accountable at the same time.” In addition to a section on the website dedicated to judges information, NCHA has developed an education platform with their YouTube channel featuring videos designed to teach judges and competitors. Members are encouraged to learn there as well to understand rules, judging criteria and scoring. “Education, education, education,” said Adams. “We cannot do enough education.”

2025 BREEDING FEE

$2500

plus chute fee FOR BREEDINGS CONTACT EMILEE RADFORD VONSPARTACUS@SUNEERANCH.COM 940-580-0716

SHOW UP FOR YOUR

FUTURE WORLD CHAMPIONS WIN $5,000!

RESERVE WORLD CHAMPIONS WIN $2,500 THIRD PLACES WIN $1,500 (Level 3 classes, judging & speech contests)

Presented by the Kimes Ranch Competition Award Fund

AUGUST 1-10, 2025

KIRSTIE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

OKLAHOMA CITY

ENTER BY

JULY 1

TOTAL OF $1 MILLION IN CASH AND AWARDS!

NCHA Corporate Partners ® ™

Official Non-Pro Title Sponsor

Official Presenting Sponsor of Eastern Nationals

Official Western Apparel and Outerwear

Official Trailer Dealer

Dual

Reyish

Official Youth World Finals Title and Awards Sponsor

Official Arena Tool

Official Beef Cattle Nutrition Partner

Official Ranch Equipment

Official Buckle Maker

Official Equine & Ranch Insurance Provider

Official Agriculture Equipment Company

Official Tequila

Official Unlimited Amateur Title Sponsor

Official World Championship Futurity Title Sponsor

Official Boot and Amateur Division Title Sponsor

cowboys’ finest

Official Cowboy Hat

170

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

Official Equine Sale Company

NCHA Official Sponsors

Official Live Score

Official Job Platform

SHOCK WAVE Official Shock Wave Treatment

Official Saddle Maker

Official NCHA Merchandise

NCHA Award/Event Sponsors

NCHA Sponsors

NCHA Official Host Hotels

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

171

A DV E RT I S E R S I N D E X

Advertisers Index A DV ER T ISER N A ME

PAGE NUMBER

M A NION R A NCH (SMOOT H A S A CAT) 27

4 CY T E 12

MCA L IS T ER A S SE T S

A DA MS TACK

ME TA LL IC RE Y MINK

A MER ICA N H AT COMPA N Y

M W CH A P S

147

A PH A 157

NCH A

AQH A 168

NCH A FOUNDAT ION

B A DB OON A R ISING

NU T REN A 87

24, 25

163, 16 4, 165 161, 162

BEECHFORK R A NCH

ONCE IN A BLU B OON

BEN EMIS ON INSUR A NCE

PL AT INUM PERFORM A NCE

BIG SK Y IN T ERNE T

125

B OBBY NORR IS

B ACK COV ER

PR IEFER T 103 R A F T ER P CONS T RUC T ION

173

BRUMB AUGHS 14

RE ID CREEK LODGE

CA LG A RY S TA MPEDE

RE Y Z IN T HE CA SH

114

CA S SELL EQUINE INSUR A NCE

100

R IO ROCA R A NCH

CINCH 29

R IO S OF MERCEDE S

174

COA L S ON RE A L E S TAT E

ROCK ING P R A NCH | ME TA LL IC CAT

COUN T IN HOT CHECKS

S COOT B OOT S

104

COW B OY T R A ILER S A LE S

S OMBRERO BR A ND S

175

DHR 1685 B OURB ON

S OU T H P OIN T CA SINO

136

EE FA MILY HOLDING S

S OU T H T E X A S TACK

17 7

EL I T E S TA LL M AT REN TA L S

S TORY T ELLER (DOUBLE DOV E R A NCH) 5

60, 61

EQUINE DIS COUN T S (BIG A S S FA NS) 150

T EE- CRO S S R A NCHE S

16, 17

GIS T

T HE CAT T LE S AV ER

169

GRE AT A MER ICA N INSUR A NCE | JUS T IN INSUR A NCE 46, 47

T HE CI T Y OF W E AT HERFORD

H A SH TAG S 11

T IN M A N

127

H AY US A

T IOG A T ERR I TORY

178

H AY-R I T E 4 5

T R I A NGLE HORSE S A LE S

151

HOLY COW PERFORM A NCE HORSE S

T R IPLE C PERFORM A NCE HORSE S

HOT T ISH ME TA L

ULT R A CRUZ | S A N TA CRUZ | S A N JUA N R A NCH

38, 39

INSIDE B ACK COV ER

HP 81

V E TOQUINOL

K ISER A REN A DR AG S

VON SPA R TACUS

167

INSIDE FRON T COV ER

V P R A NCH | R- C R A NCH

120

152

W E S T ERN BLOOD S TOCK

4 8, 49

K UB OTA

129

L I V E S TOCK NU T R I T ION CEN T ER

LOV E'S 99

W HISK I S AUER

LOV LE I R A NCH

Z YCO S A N

172

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

111

14 5, 147

15 153, 155

N C H A: A LO O K B AC K

A Work of Art The story of legendary cutting horse artist Carrol Bush BY JACK MCL AUGHL IN

below:

A Carrol Bush drawing of a cutting horse. right:

For Carrol Bush, now in her 90s, there was no “Ah-ha!” moment, not single memory or series of memories she can recall where her love for horses began. It was something, she said in a Top Hand TV profile from 2024, that’s simply always been there. “I loved horses from the very beginning,” she said, recalling that her first horse as a child was actually a gift from one of the customers of her mother’s beauty shop. She would go on to marry Reserve Champion and prominent cutting horse ranch worker Billy Bush. And it was through one of her husband’s associates that her skill for drawing horses was uncovered. While Billy was working for B.F. Phillips, Sr. in Frisco, Texas, NCHA Secretary and Cutting Horse Chatter founder Milo Sullivan allegedly asked Carrol: “Why don’t you draw me a picture of a cutting horse?” So she did, and–as they say–the rest was history. The first official drawing she created was of the very first cutting horse champion, Housekeeper, from 1947, using a photograph of the horse given to her by Sullivan. People “threw a fit over it,” according to Bush, so she decided to create more. “At that point there were nine champions," she said. "So I drew all of them." Bush would go on to create drawings of cutting horses and western scenes throughout the 1950s, 1960s and later, and much of her work is still on display throughout the NCHA offices in Fort Worth, Texas.

Long time equine artist Carrol Bush.

To see Bush’s full interview, visit the Top Hand TV YouTube channel.

176

SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

4765 Hwy. 290 E., Brenham, TX 77833 (979) 421-9072

502 E. Main St. Chanute, KS 66720

1-800-279-3052

tiogaterritory.com/NCHA

Where Western Tradition Meets Real Estate Expertise

Reduced

Sold

Owner

Broker

Bobby Russell Jennifer Bobby Sara H. Fielding Gina Kelly Tri Norris Webb Barefoot Bowden Brazelton Chandler Marx Tammen Goldthwaite (817) 291-0759 (817) 233-7100 (214) 923-1030 (817) 694-6551 (214) 213-4210 (817) 291-8719 (817) 312-5845 (512) 876-0470 (817) 266-5501