NCHA_Fall_2026

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Ranches 2026 Stallion Roster

CAT ICHI

CATS MERADA

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

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

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

ONE SHINEY METALLIC Metallic Cat x One Shiney Rey 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

LAKER DOC

METALLIC MALICE

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

Metallic Cat x High Boon Stallion Fee - $3,000 (includes farm fee)

TAGGLINE

Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Tag Stallion Fee - $1,850 (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

NCHA OFFICERS PRESIDENT

MANAGER OF COMMITTEE RELATIONS

Cathy Marie Aleff

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

DIRECTOR OF JUDGES

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Andy Adams

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Suzie Rupert

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIPS

Shannon Stewart

DIRECTOR OF SHOWS

Shianne Megel

David Costello 108 Cutting Horse Court Weatherford, TX 76087 (559) 333-1470 VICE PRESIDENT

Chase Lackey 1951 NC Highway 61 S Burlingon, NC 27215 (336) 382-9332

Volume 79, No.3 ● Fall 2026 Official Publication of the National Cutting Horse Association

C H AT T E R T E A M EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Suzie Rupert

CREATIVE DESIGNER

Raychel Christensen

COPY EDITOR

Jeff Murray WRITERS

Abigail Boatwright Mary Beth Gokee Jennifer Horton Suzie Rupert

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Melissa Ashley NCHA Seth Petit

NCHA ADVERTISING SALES

Suzie Rupert (817) 244-6188 ext. 120 srupert@nchacutting.com

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH

Rianna Storey

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (TERM ENDS) REGION 1

Les Jack (2027) P.O. Box 389 Rocanville, SK SOA 3L0 (306) 435-7630 REGION 2

Phil Benadum Jr. (2029) 20232 Reynolds Ave. Dos Palos, CA 93620 (209) 587-0567 REGION 3

Ernie Beutenmiller Jr. (2029) 1932 Hwy 50 E Union, MO 63084 (314)808-3020 REGION 4

Byron Green (2028) 325 S South St. Cambellsburg, IN 47108 (812) 620-0451

REGION 5

Ora Diehl (2028) 301 14th St SW Ruskins, FL 33570 (813) 990-7258 REGION 6

Bradey Davis (2029) 62 Chester Field Cir Texarkana, TX 75503 (903)293-5191 REGION 7

Steve Smith (2027) 2010 Country Club Dr. Sweetwater, TX 79556 (325) 725-1264 REGION 8

Casey Green (2028) 1624 Whitt Cutt Off Rd. Perrin, TX 76486 (817) 304-1740

Copyright © 2026 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 Ave. Fort Worth, Texas 76107 Publications Agreement No. 40791503.

Sustaining Affiliate Member: American Humane Association Member: American Horse Council, American Horse Publications, Livestock Publications Council

www.nchacutting.com

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In This Issue F E AT U R E S

22 The Legend of Sam Graves 29 Summer Spectacular Cutting Haskell County's Greatest Historical Story

Presented by Great American Insurance Group

65 NCHA DAYS

2025 National Cutting Horse Association

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65 N C H A D AY S — A l a m o

How It's Made

Built to Stop What Matters Most — DeeMaxx

102 The Run for a Million Taylor Sheridan's

104 Youth World Finals

2026 Holy Cow Performance Horses

118 Youth Hall of Fame

2025 National Youth Cutting Horse Association

131

29 K e n n y P l a t t a n d G e t U m Ta l k i n

2026 National Cutting Horse Association

Special Operations Cutting Challenge

148 Hall of Fame

2025 National Cutting Horse Association

00 S m a l l h e a d l i n e p l a c e h o l d e r .

139 N C H A C l i n i c s 6

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In This Issue D E PA R T M E N T S

11 Jay Winborn

Letter from the NCHA Executive Director

14 Youth Connection NYCHA Officers

18 Taking a Leap of Faith Why I Ride

26 NCHA Achievement Buckles NCHA Achievement Buckle Winners

18 J amie Sokol and Badd Chick

176 Advertisers Index Advertising

INDUSTRY NEWS

145 Industry News NCHA Chatter

110 NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting COVER PHOTO: MY PISTOLS HOTT, SAILOR SNIDER, KRISTEN S m a l l hSNIDER, e a d l i n e p l SLATE a c e h o l d SNIDER, er.

YORK, SAWYER , CREW AND 00ASHLEY GRANT SETNICKA, JAIME SNIDER, STONE SNIDER AND ZIGZAGG PHOTO COURTESY OF S. SETNICKA

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FA L L 2 0 2 6 | C U T T I N G H O R S E

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

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

LETTER FROM THE LETTER DIRECTOR FROM THE DIRECTOR Looking Ahead: Building the Future Together

he past few months have been a powerful reminder of what makes the NCHA so special — great horses, Ttalented riders, passionate members, and a sport that continues to grow.

Congratulations to all the champions of the 2026 NCHA Great American Insurance Group Summer Cutting Spectacular, NYCHAto Holy Cowon Performance want to takethe a moment reflect the treHorses Youth World Finals, and the NCHA Foundation mendous turnout we experienced at the 2025 Scholarship Cutting. These accomplishments represent NCHAdedication NRR Catand King Super Stakes and tremendous areCole a testament to the talent and second commitment within our association. annual National Circuit Championship

I

But storyMarch of the NCHA is bigger our major thisthepast and April.

The than energy and events. Every weekend, members across the country enthusiasm from all participants, spectators, are putting on cuttings, competing, volunteering, and and fans were truly inspiring, showcasing the introducing new people to our sport. Internationally, that momentum continues as well.

The NCHA strength and spirit of our NCHA Foundation commucontinues to support the NCHA clinic series with events nity. Seeing so many talented competitors in Oregon and Canada. Bringing together judging, come together to showcase theirfrom hard NCHA work education and hands-on instruction trainers was an exciting step forward and a glimpse of the and dedication was a highlight of the event. opportunities ahead.

The attention to detail, hard-earned skills, and

That growth starts with for our the members. unwavering passion sport shone brightly

Whether you are for theIt2026 World Finals, throughout thepreparing competition. ignited a sense looking toward the Western Bloodstock Futurity Sales, of pride in our sport and reminded us of why fine-tuning a Futurity horse for November and December, we are part ofshow, this incredible community.

With hosting a weekend or simply bringing someone new into that the cutting pen, you are helping shape the future momentum, we are now looking forwardof the NCHA. to the upcoming 2025 NCHA Great AmeriThis also Group gave us Summer an opportunity to celebrate cansummer Insurance Cutting Specsomething bigger than competition through the NCHA tacular!

This event promises to Thank bring together Special Operations Cutting Challenge. you to the the best our sporttheonce more, offering a servicemen whoinparticipated, trainers and horse owners whoplatform partnered for withour them, and everyone supported talented equine who athletes and this remarkable event. It was a powerful celebration of

their riders to compete at the highest level.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN CLEMONS

courage, discipline, teamwork, and service - values that resonate deeply within the cutting horse community.

As we look toward the months ahead, I believe the NCHA has tremendous opportunity in front of us.

But realizing that opportunity will require all of us. photo by justin clemons

Our future is not something we simply wait for; it is something we build.

Continue to participate. Continue to support your

Ifellow am looking forward to seeing the same camamembers.

Continue to welcome new people raderie we what gather to celeinto our and sport.enthusiasm Continue toasshare makes cutting special.exceptional performances, share stories, brate and fosteryou connections Thank for being within part ofour thecommunity.

NCHA and for helping carry this great association forward.

Together, let's make this show an unforgettable Together, we can build on our traditions, embrace experience for everyone involved. new opportunities, and ensure that the sport we love continues to thrive for generations to come.

Jay Winborn Jay Winborn

N C H A E X EC U T I V E D I R ECTO R NCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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SUMMER 2025 | CUTTING HORSE

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Mount Solitutde Ranch 3,630± AC |NORTHWEST BEXAR COUNTY, TX

INFO@ICON.GLOBAL | 214.855.4000 | ICON.GLOBAL

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NYCHA OFFICERS

SARA HOLLAR NYCHA PRESIDENT

Cutters! My name is Sara Hollar. I am 17 Hso ello, years old and from Brenham, Texas, and I am excited to be serving as your National Youth

Cutting Horse Association’s Senior President for the 2026–2027 year! I hope to either be a familiar face or become one! When I’m not horseback, you can usually find me at my family’s business, Sombrero Brands, the Official Hat of the National Cutting Horse Association, where I recently started my own venture, Cowgirl’s Finest Jewelry. I plan to take the responsibility and leadership this industry has taught me and carry it forward throughout my presidency.

As we close the curtain on our favorite week of the year, I want to celebrate all of our members, both in and out of the arena. From World Champions and Hall of Fame inductees to first-time and returning scholarship finalists and recipients, your hard work and dedication deserve to be recognized. I also want to recognize every kid who was part of the week, whether you stepped into the show pen or not. Each of you helped make the week so special. If you went home with a title, reached a personal goal, or simply

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had the courage to compete, you should be proud of your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.

These are the good times, so enjoy them while they last!

During this year’s NYCHA Youth Week, the NCHA Foundation gave away more than $215,000 in scholarship money to deserving youth members wishing to continue their education. Four youth members also walked away with some big money and titles!

Our two newest World Champions, Brand Brewer, the NYCHA Junior Youth World Champion, and Josey Bell, the NYCHA Senior Youth World Champion, made their mark this year. Sailor Snider was crowned the NCHA Foundation Junior Scholarship Cutting Champion aboard MY PISTOLS HOTT with a 225, while her older brother, Stone Snider, turned around and scored a 227 aboard ZIGZAGG to take home the NCHA Foundation Senior Scholarship Cutting Champion title. We also celebrated our highest attendance ever during our Youth Week events, including Family Fun Night, presented by Synbiont; NYCHA Life After the Arena, presented by the NCHA Foundation; and the NYCHA Dummy Roping, which benefited Saving Hope Rescue. Seeing so many youth members and families involved was a true testament to the cutting horse community’s dedication to the future of our association.

I believe I speak on behalf of my fellow youth members when I say thank you to our outgoing president, Makena Grace Newton. She truly has set the bar high, not only for myself, but for all of our future presidents and members. I like to say that the cutting horse industry teaches leadership because the younger kids entering this industry look up to those who came before them. Makena was someone my younger self looked up to, and now having the chance to follow in her footsteps is truly an honor.

As we move forward and gear up for the next year, be on the lookout for our upcoming NYCHA Stallion Auction, along with our fundraisers and future community service projects. From the leaders before us to the leaders of tomorrow, our youth program continues to grow because of the people who invest in it. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all who help make this organization and Youth Week run so smoothly — our sponsors, parents, NCHA employees, volunteers, and everyone who puts in the time and effort to make these events possible.

I look forward to working closely with our NCHA Youth Director, Ms. Rianna Storey, as well as the NCHA Foundation’s Ms. Julia Buswold. I am excited to work alongside our outstanding group of officers and directors this year. Please feel free to contact me with any requests, questions, or concerns. Now, let’s kick off our 2026–2027 youth year and make it the best one yet!

NYCHA OFFICERS

WHITLEY HARRISON NYCHA SENIOR REPORTER

H

ello, I’m Whitley Harrison from Benton, Kentucky.

I have been lucky enough to be elected as the Senior NYCHA Reporter, a position that I am very grateful for. Raised as a trainer’s kid in the Great Lakes Circuit for my entire life, I am truly excited to represent the industry that has done so much for me as well as my family.

I cannot begin my term without mentioning the best week of the whole year for most kids in the NYCHA. We started Youth Week with Family Fun Night, graciously funded by Synbiont. There, we participated in flag football and sand volleyball and enjoyed pizza.

The night lived up to its name and was a lot of fun.

On Wednesday, the youth attended the Life After the Arena seminar, presented by the NYCHA Foundation.

This event is produced annually to prepare the youth for what comes after we have aged out of the Youth.

It equips us to be more knowledgeable about what is occurring in our industry and exposes us to different avenues to continue our involvement in cutting, beyond the arena. We started the day with our keynote speaker Akil Blount, a former NFL player. He emphasized the importance of the choices made when you are younger and of trusting in God. Then we had a Q&A with Riley Farris, Henrietta Armstrong, and Ashley and Jaime Beamer. Our afternoon session kicked off with Claire Shelton leading us through developing our resumes.

Next, Dr. Rebecca Speelman helped us organize our ideas on how to welcome, learn, celebrate, and serve our industry through outreach efforts. Jennifer Palmer, owner of Cuttinup Show Pads, offered us the opportunity to design our own show pads. Finally, we had snow cones and a concert by Dalton Davis.

Later in the week, we participated in a roping dummy

contest to support Saving Hope Rescue. In order to enter, Youth members were required to donate to the local humane society. In the past year, we have heavily focused on community service, thanks to our former president, Makena Grace Newton.

This was one of the best Youth Weeks I’ve ever been a part of, and I would like to personally thank the sponsors who were generous enough to make the whole week a success. Those sponsors include David Lewis Builder, Rafter P Construction, UltraCruz, Classic Equine, Synbiont, Holy Cow Performance Horses, and the NCHA Foundation. There were also so many parents, volunteers, and members of the NCHA Youth Committee who were very generous with their time and effort and made such an impact on our week. In addition to this, I would like to congratulate Brand Brewer for winning NYCHA World Champion in the Junior and Josey Bell for claiming NYCHA World Champion in the Senior. Similarly, I want to commend Sailor and Stone Snider for winning the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting Championships.

I am sad to leave Fort Worth and conclude Youth Week, but I am counting down the days until next year!

TO ALL NCHA MEMBERS

ZERO TOLERANCE

The National Cutting Horse Association is increasingly aware of the sensitivity of its members and the general public in assuring that its activities show the utmost respect for the cutting horse as an animal and that any perception of inhumane treatment is avoided. The Executive Committee, upon the recommendation of the Judges’ Rules Committee, other standing committees and many members has instructed the staff that a “zero tolerance” policy must be followed in connection with the enforcement 35.A. Zero Tolerance Policy Inhumane treatment or excessive training of a horse in any manner is strictly prohibited. Both owner and rider of any horse entered in an NCHA approved or sponsored event, by said entry, consents to the implementation of any action allowed by this Zero Tolerance Policy (Rule 35.A) by either show management or judge. This includes any act which the general public would perceive to constitute inhumane treatment or excessive training of a horse. Any act of inhumane treatment, mistreatment or intent to mistreat a horse will be dealt with in the strongest possible manner as provided for in this Standing Rule. This Zero Tolerance Policy covers acts occurring not only in the show arena, but also those occurring anywhere on the show grounds–the warm-up area, practice pen or any other location.

The “ Zero Tolerance” policy encompasses all of the following acts: 1. Excessive Training: Excessive Training includes: excessive jerking; cueing; whipping; use of lip wire or similar device; slapping or hitting a horse on the head, or any other part of the body, one time or more than one time, in any manner, either with the rider’s hands, reins or any other object; using a bit in such a way that a horse is caused to bleed from its mouth or face; using any object held in the rider’s hand to hit a horse; or any other act which may cause trauma or injury to a horse.

2. Inhumane treatment: Inhumane Treatment is the exhibition of a lame or injured horse, or a horse that appears lame or injured, or a horse with any other health abnormality, which could thereby result in the horse’s undue discomfort or distress.

Your cooperation in promoting the welfare of our cutting horse athletes through enforcement of our rules is appreciated and absolutely essential to the ongoing success of the NCHA and its affiliates.

Very Truly Yours, Kathleen Moore NCHA President

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WHY I RIDE

Taking a Leap of Faith Honoring Her Deep Florida Cutting Roots, While Jumping Into the Texas Cutting Horse World

BY MARYBETH GOKEE

F

lorida Cutter Jamie Sokol is no stranger to the Western Lifestyle that cutters enjoy. She literally grew up in the cutting pen, along with her sister Nikki Sokol Roberson, following in the very successful footsteps of her parents, Ted and Kathy Sokol.

“I have been very blessed that I have been involved in cutting my whole life and that my family gave me this opportunity,” Sokol explains. “It is my passion and I’m so thankful for that.”

The Sokol Family legacy in cutting spans decades, with her father Ted in leadership of the Florida Cutting Horse Association for many years, serving as a Director, eventually taking office as the President of the NCHA. Jamie took an early interest in wanting to continue with this tradition and to give back.

“After Rebecca Clark, one of dad’s customers, passed away, Nikki and I started a Memorial Scholarship for her and did that for 10 years,” says Sokol. “We raised the money and then we chose who the recipient would be just based on their character. It was just so important to me.”

Sokol’s interest in giving back continued to grow and after serving on the NYCHA Committee as a Youth, she decided to move into a more active role in her association.

“I wanted to be a part of something that has given me so much. Two years later, I became president in 2020,” Sokol says. “And then Covid hit and it was a little nerveracking because you want to do the best that you can. But we worked through it together.” Sokol continued to serve as FCHA President from 2020 to 2023. During those four years, the association moved from Lady Lake to the Florida Horse Park, a new venue.

“We had some of the largest winter circuits there at the Horse Park, one of them having over 370 horses,” she says. “So that was a huge feat to tackle; but it was extremely gratifying knowing that myself and the rest of the Officers put on such a fantastic show that people from all over the country came to it. It was a lot of work but it was very much worth it.” Sokol also created the Melinda Gamot Memorial Youth Scholarship Cutting at the Winter Circuit.

“We’ve had four of the Scholarship Cuttings, giving out $20,000 so far,” Sokol says. “That is one of my proudest moments is starting that for her and continuing

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that for her. She was just such a special woman and I loved her so much.”

The rising costs of cattle, facilities and producing a show are foremost on Sokol’s mind when she plans with the other FCHA directors. She’s blessed to have lifelong friends and fellow cutters to help accomplish this task. With Sokol returning to the President’s position this year, she’s thankful for her contacts and close Florida relationships who help her run such a successful association, in particular, fellow friends and Directors as Billy Kidd, Brooke Manion and Brittany Overstreet.

Sokol and her husband, Ian Shinnick, took the chance at the Texas shows after her parents moved from Florida to Mineral Wells, Texas, adding more horses that could take Sokol to the next level in cutting. With the help of her parents and her sister Nikki and brother-in-law, Ben Roberson of Roberson Performance Horses, Sokol worked to elevate her cutting to the next level.

PHOTO: Ian and Jamie and This Is My Spot

ABOUT JAMIE SOKOL FAMILY LEGACY Jamie's family has a long history of cutting, raised into cutting by her parents Ted and Kathy Sokol GIVING BACK Sokol created the Melinda Gamot Memorial Youth Scholarship and has given out $20,000 so far with plans

WHY I RIDE

: Jamie Sokol and Badd Chick, 2024 Super Stakes, photo: Seth Petit

“I’m just a small fish in a big pond,” Sokol says.

“This sport and the western lifestyle just means so much to me and my family. With the help of my family, I’ve increased my skill level and learned new things about this sport.”

Sokol not only made the leap into the big pen, but she has started her cutting horse breeding business in Texas, as well, with the help of her family. She and Ian also added an Open level horse to the mix.

Bar Nothing Dancer (Metallic Cat x Little Belly Dancer) joined the family and finished 8th in the Open in 2025 with $56,713.54 in earnings, with Roberson aboard.

With the strong string of horses she and Ian now have, Sokol continues her success with her mare, This is My Spot (Spots Hot x Iddy Biddy Kitty), evident in her NCHA total lifetime earnings of more than $143,601.

“My favorite success with her was making the 25 Novice Non-Pro Finals on her in 2021,” Sokol says.

“She really is my partner in crime and I just love spending time with her.”

Sokol also marked a 223 in the 25 Novice NonPro at the 2025 Eastern Nationals on her mare Badd Chick (Smooth As A Cat x ARC RUBY PLAYGUNIA).

“In this sport, you have to constantly evolve and learn new things. Nothing is ever the same,” Sokol says. “It’s a juggling act, staying in my roots here but also to evolve my cutting out there has been a great challenge but very satisfying at the same time.

“When this journey began, I told Ian, ‘Strap your boots on buddy, we’re going headfirst,’ and he did it.

He’s so supportive of my dreams and aspirations.”

Sokol says her family has been her biggest influence

in life, and her biggest blessing. Her parents gave her the foundation for success and continue to help, encourage and guide her through this journey.

“Nikki and Ben have influenced me so much, mostly with their faith, which I’ve found very inspiring and I’ve become a deeper person in my own faith because of that. I owe them drastically for that because they have taken me in and shown me that that is the number one thing.”

Brother-in-law and Open rider Ben Roberson says he’s quite proud of her, in how she’s navigated this journey.

“I am so proud of Jamie’s growth as a Christian more than anything,” he says. “With that being said, God is at the front of every decision she has turned into becoming a successful human. Winning is a gift from God and failure turns it into lessons, instead of disappointment.

“On the horse end, the program jumped to a totally different level in the purchase of Dancer. Dancer brings so much joy to our family.”

Whether it’s her breeding business, her growth in the pen and her faith, or facilitating successful shows for the FCHA, Sokol continues to share her passion for cutting horses in all she does.▪

20 25 O p e n Wo r l d F i n a l s

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T H E L E G E N D O F S A M G R AV E S

The Legend of Sam Graves and Old Hub How a Remarkable Horse Became One of Haskell County's Greatest Historical Stories

BY SUZIE RUPERT

A

long a country road in Haskell County stands a historical marker honoring an unlikely Texas legend, not a governor, military hero, or famous outlaw, but a bay horse whose intelligence, athletic ability, and partnership with his riders earned him a permanent place in local history.

The marker tells the story of Sam Graves and Old Hub, a partnership that embodied the spirit of the Texas frontier and ranching culture. More than a century after Old Hub’s death, residents of Haskell County have ensured that his story will continue to be told through historical markers, community storytelling, and a commitment to preserving local heritage.

According to local accounts, Old Hub was born near Jacksboro, Texas, around 1880. Even as a colt, he showed the qualities that would eventually make him famous.

Described as possessing “steel dust lineage,” Old Hub inherited exceptional speed, intelligence, and athletic ability. Those traits would later distinguish him as one of the finest ranch horses in the region.

His story became intertwined with that of Sam Graves, a young cowboy whose determination matched the promise of the horse. Graves admired the bay colt and struck a deal that has become part of local lore. To earn ownership of Old Hub, he split 2,000 fence rails by hand and used the proceeds to purchase the horse.

It was a difficult bargain, but one that would prove worthwhile.

After training the horse, Graves took Old Hub into the demanding world of ranch work. The horse eventually found his way into the hands of noted ranch manager J.W. “Bud” Arnett, who immediately recognized the animal’s extraordinary talents. Arnett offered Graves an opportunity to join a cattle drive into Indian Territory, and in June 1882 the pair arrived in Guthrie with a herd of cattle.

There, Old Hub’s reputation began to grow. Cowboys quickly noticed that the horse possessed an unusual instinct for working cattle. He could anticipate the movement of a herd, respond to subtle cues, and perform

Above: Decendants of Sam Graves M e m b e r s o r H a s k e l l C o u n t y H i s t o r i c a l C o m m i s s i o n n w i t h V P J o e Ya t e s

tasks that seemed beyond the abilities of ordinary ranch horses. Before long, stories of Old Hub’s intelligence and skill spread throughout the ranching community.

Sam Graves eventually established his own cattle operation, leaving Old Hub on the B Ranch in Haskell County. It was there that the horse’s greatest moment would occur.

In 1898, the Thurber Annual Texas Cowboy Reunion came to Haskell County. Among the featured events was a cattle-cutting competition offering a first-place prize of $150 — a substantial sum at the time. The contest was heavily advertised throughout the region, attracting skilled riders and some of the finest horses in Texas.

By then, Old Hub was no longer a young horse. He was approximately 20 years old and had been retired from active ranch work. For nearly two years he had spent his days resting in the pasture, fed soaked oats and hay by Arnett.

Most believed his competitive days were long behind him.

Yet when the reunion arrived, Graves saw something in the old horse that others had overlooked. With Arnett’s permission, he took Old Hub to the competition.

The event drew considerable attention. Riders mounted younger, stronger horses considered more likely contenders.

Few expected the aging ranch horse to challenge them.

When it was Sam Graves’ turn to compete, the crowd witnessed something extraordinary.

T H E L E G E N D O F S A M G R AV E S

After winning the initial competition aboard Old Hub, Graves made an even bolder decision. To demonstrate the horse's exceptional training and intelligence, he removed Old Hub's bridle and cut another calf. Working without reins or bit, horse and rider performed flawlessly.

The crowd erupted in admiration.

Old Hub had not only won the competition; he had done so in a manner that showcased the remarkable bond between horse and rider. The performance transformed a respected ranch horse into a regional legend.

Graves collected the $150 first prize and later presented half of the winnings to Bud Arnett in recognition of his care for the horse. Arnett used the money to purchase hay for Old Hub's retirement, ensuring that the aging champion would continue to receive the best care possible.

For several more years, Old Hub enjoyed life in the pasture where he had spent much of his retirement.

Then, one day, according to local tradition, he simply walked slowly over the hill. Arnett later found him beside a creek where he had chosen his final resting place.

The story might have ended there, but the people of Haskell County never forgot.

Generations continued to tell stories about Old Hub's intelligence, athletic ability, and remarkable achievements. Families passed the tale from parents to children, preserving a piece of Texas ranching history that might otherwise have disappeared.

In recent years, local historians and community members undertook an ambitious effort to formally commemorate Old Hub's legacy. Their work resulted in the installation of two historical markers, an official Texas Historical Commission marker and a locally funded Haskell County marker.

The project required extensive research, fundraising, and community support. Residents

contributed approximately $5,000 to ensure that both markers could be erected. The effort reflected a shared belief that local history deserves preservation and that stories like Old Hub's remain an important part of Texas heritage.

Today, visitors who stop to read the marker discover more than the story of an exceptional horse. They encounter a reminder of the values that shaped the Texas frontier: hard work, loyalty, perseverance, and the deep bond between humans and animals.

Old Hub may have been a horse, but his legacy represents something much larger. His story speaks to the ranching traditions that helped build West Texas and to the communities that continue to honor those traditions today.

Special thanks are also due to the members of the Graves family who made the trip to attend the marker dedication, honoring their family’s connection to this remarkable story. Appreciation is also extended to Susan Turner and Joe Estes of the Haskell County Historical Commission for their dedication, research, and efforts in helping preserve and share the legacy of Sam Graves and Old Hub. As long as the markers stand and the story is told, the legend of Sam Graves and Old Hub will continue to ride across the Texas plains. ▪

Te x a s H i s t o r i c a l M a r k e r

NCHA ACHIEVEMENT BUCKLES

Achievement Buckle Earners

T

FROM TO MARCH 26, 2026 TO JUNE 11, 2026

he National Cutting Horse Association proudly recognizes a special group of Weekend Cutters whose dedication, perseverance, and love for the sport have achieved a significant milestone. These members have earned an NCHA Achievement Buckle by surpassing $1,000 in lifetime Championship or Challenger show earnings in NCHA—approved events and classes during the current Point Year, after beginning the year with less than $1,000 in total earnings. This accomplishment reflects far more than the dollars earned in the show pen. It represents countless hours of preparation, long hauls, early mornings, late nights, and an unwavering commitment to improving as horsemen

ADDISON LEIGH TOMLINSON ALAYNA CASWELL ALEX SIMOES ALLEN HILLSTROM ALYSSA JONES AMANDA SPARKS ANDREA PAROLINI ANDREW TUEGEL ANGIE REYNOLDS ASHLEY BAUGH ASHLEY RINER AUDREY B BROOKS BAILEY ELLA FLYNN BEATRIX NEWITT BENŐ FEKETE BRIANNA LYNNE BLACK CALVIN KOONTZ CAROLINE ARENDT CECIL HANKINS CHARLEY ANN MERRIWETHER CHARLOTTE SKORUPSKI CHASE MOORE CLAIRE COUTURE WENZEL COLTEN SCHIFFELBEIN CONNIE GRACE COLLINS DANIEL MORTON DANIEL SODREL DAVID CAPRON DAVID KREBBS DAVID L JAMESON DEAN PANFILI DEANNA L ROBERTSON DEBRA POWELL DEON G SANFORD ELY SIZEMORE-DECKARD ERIN JOHNSON ERIN O'ROARK EVA SPLIETHOF FEMKE WERKHOVEN GEENA FLAMAN

GEERT VERHAEGEN GLENN ROACH GRACIE MOGELNICKI GRAYSON ANDREW ABEL HADLEY MEYER HANNAH G LLOYD JACQUELINE PIAZZA JAMES A ROHLEDER JANA MCINTYRE JASON S GOODNOUGH JAX KEMPKER JEFF WENIG JESS HESS JILL CENEDELLA JILL WATERMAN JIM STEWART JOEY J WEED JORDAN CORTEZ JORDAN MILLAY JULIE M NEVILLE KAMY JOHNSTON KARA MICIC

and competitors. Each run builds on the last, and reaching this benchmark is a testament to steady progress, determination, and belief in both horse and self. While Limited Age Event earnings are excluded from this recognition, the achievement remains a meaningful marker of success within the Weekend Cutter ranks. It highlights growth, consistency, and the rewarding journey of competing in NCHA — approved events.

Congratulations to each of these achievers. Your hard work and passion for cutting embody the spirit of the NCHA, and your accomplishment deserves to be celebrated. We look forward to watching your continued success in the arena.

KARSEN R LENTS KASHLIN RENAE HILL KELLY TAYLOR KENNY DENDAUW-IMBO KERRI WALKER KEVIN SLIJPEN KNOX E WILLIAMS KOBY LITTLE KYLE FISCHER KYLEE OMIECINSKI LACEY SONGER LAUREN BOYCHUK LINDSAY MADIGAN LISA MAHORNEY LUIS JOSE BENABE MADELYN GOSSELIN MADISON GRACE BAILEY MADISON MCCULLOCH MAGGIE PERRY MARLENA RHODES MARY KAY MEREDITH ZAJAC

MICHELLE NEUZIL MICHELLE REDDING MIKE BACKUS MIKE W MIERAS MIRANDA L WELCH NICOLE MARIA BROOKS NIKKI CHANDLER PAIGE FARR PAVEL SEDLACEK PRESTON M COLFORD RICKY LYNN NOLAN ROBERT CONOR BROWNING RON CLARK SAGE HANSON SARAH K ANDERSON SCOTT CHRISTOPHER SHAINA LAUB SHANNON LUNARDI SHAWN CLAASSEN SOPHIA SPANN STEPHANIE LANGBAUM STERLING AUTRY STEVEN BISHOP SYLVIA L SPEELMAN TALLAN MILLER TERRY KOONTZ TERRY L DAVIS TESSA NORRIS TESSA SUITOR THOMAS JAMES FISHER TOM FROST TYLER LEWIS PAGE WANDA ELAINE KUEPFER WESTON BOWEN WESTON LANE GRISWOLD ZOE BLAIR STRICKLAND

BY JENNIFER HORTON PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR THE WINNERS

Trading Favors birthday gift can you give a cutting cool that he helped me out and I was able W hat trainer that doesn’t need gift wrapped? to return the favor.”

How about TWO history-making records?

Back-to-back title wins with one horse AND back-to-back title wins with two horses sounds about right. Hall of Fame $5M Rider Kenny Platt did just that as the open finals wrapped up just days after his birthday. It can’t get much better than that.

Platt captured his second consecutive Open Derby Championship with Get Um Talkin. The win was a bit extra for Platt, who bred the gelding and has been training him since he was two.

“My wife and I raised him out of our mare, Just U Babe,” said Platt. “Actually, Robert Tregemba loaned me the money to buy that mare. I promised him first right of refusal on her babies. So when I offered this colt to him it came back around. It’s

The gelding they call “Spaghetti” had been a little inconsistent so far in his career, with good shows and just okay shows. But the last couple of months he’s turned it on.

They marked 219 to split third place at the Super Stakes and he’s still on track. The finals run really fit him.

“He’s just a little beast of a horse,” said Platt.

“The cattle were really fast and that’s right up his alley,” he said. “I option cut my first cow and it got him started. It was a lot of cow and it spread him out good and got him moving. He was really smart on all three cows and just got better as the run went. He loves the fast. He loves things in motion so it fit him really good.” ▪

CLASS:

Open Derby RIDER:

Kenny Platt HORSE:

Get Um Talkin PEDIGREE:

Smooth Talkin Style x Just U Babe O W N E D BY:

Robert Tregemba SCORE:

224 EARNINGS:

$62,251.08

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR THE WINNERS

Kane is Able

C

asey Schwertfeger cut two cows to put a 219 score on the board in the Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Derby. As the fourth draw he gave the field a target. One would catch him to share the championship.

Between his reins was Reyzin Alil Kane, a Cowan Ranch homebred gelding. Casey started him as a two-year-old for Cowans and is happy to have the opportunity to show him now.

“I showed him at the Super Stakes and Makayla [Cowan] showed him too,” he said.

“He seems to get better every time we show him.”

Coming from the go-round held in the Watt Arena, Casey felt a lot of confidence in his horse going into the finals.

“I wanted to do my job and be smart about my decisions and make my cuts clean to set up a good run to be able to show him off,” he

said. “The first cow took a bit to get cut but I knew it was important to be patient in that situation and make sure to get him set up correctly and not take myself out.”

Schwertfeger and “Kane” kept their second cow to the buzzer. It proved to be a smart decision.

“The horse was so good the whole run,” said Casey. “He got better and better and was really strong on the second cow to finish the run. I was happy with how it all worked out.”

At the Cowan Ranch since 2021, Schwertfeger thanked Bill and Michelle Cowan for the opportunities they’ve given him.

“They’ve been such a help to me and my wife during our time spent with them.

They’re so good to us helping us to improve as horsemen and we appreciate them.”▪

CLASS:

Limited Open Derby (Co-Champion) RIDER:

Casey Schwertfeger HORSE:

Reyzin Alil Kane PEDIGREE:

Reyzin the Cash x Billies Catty O W N E D BY:

Cowan Ranch, Inc. SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$8,129.92

The Show Horse

A

fter coming close a couple times, Alex Billingsley got his first Fort Worth win riding The Misstress to the co-championship of the Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Derby.

“She is strong and cowy,” he described the mare. “She’s watchy. She feels like a show horse.”

Alex wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when he stepped into the stirrups. This was just her third show in Grant Setnicka’s training program and the first time he would get to show the mare owned by Toni Carter Spencer.

“We had some cows we liked and when I got down there they were easy to find.

Shout out to my help, Cooper and Grant, for helping me,” said Billingsley.

“I went in there real soft and she felt great to me and showed really well,” he said. “I

could tell in the first couple of moves that she was spot on. Our first cow was really good and the mare felt dialed in. I knew I could put both my feet on her going either way. We built on the second cow and things came together.”

Billingsley wanted to finish solid when he turned around for their third cow. He had no idea of the scores posted before him. When his score flashed a 219 it took him a minute to realize they were tied at the top.

“I’d like to thank Miss Toni for having faith in her and letting me show her. And Grant and the whole team. I know how hard they work. The girls here, all those early mornings, I’m glad to do good for them too.

It’s not necessarily about me,” said Billingsley.

“I’m really thankful for them all.”▪

CLASS:

Limited Open Derby (Co-Champion) RIDER:

Alex Billingsley HORSE:

The Misstress PEDIGREE:

Badboonarising x Justa Puddy Cat O W N E D BY:

Toni Carter Spencer SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$8,129.92

FA L L 2 0 2 6 | C U T T I N G H O R S E

33

@AREYBE_STALLION

2020 RED ROAN AQHA STALLION

TRUE OPEN EARNINGS: $187,164

QDATAS #4 ALL TIME LEADING DAM & $2.4 MILLION PRODUCER.

21X AGED EVENT FINALIST INCLUDING NCHA OPEN FUTURITY, NCHA SUPER STAKES, NCHA DERBY, NCHA SUMMER SPECTACULAR, PCCHA DERBY, PCCHA CLASSIC, ABILENE SPECTACULAR, IDAHO DERBY, THE CATTLEMEN’S DERBY & BREEDERS INVITATIONAL, ETC.

STANDING AT VALLEY EQUINE | 2026 STUD FEE: $3,625 WWW.VALLEYEQUINEREPRO.COM/STALLIONS/AREYBE/

Inn It To Win It

T

he pedigree may make promises but you don’t ride paper. The proof is in the performance. Alll Inn is all in on that.

With Cooper Clark in the leather, the stallion added the Cowboy Trailer Sales Intermediate Open Derby Championship title to his resume and made a substantial deposit to his bank account.

Clark describes the horse as pretty easy going. He’s an honest horse that likes to do his job. Working for Adan Banuelos, Clark got the nod to show him. They made the open finals and captured the intermediate title.

“He works a cow in a pretty neat way,” said Clark. “He’s got a lot of try. The harder it gets the harder he’s going to try.”

The second draw in the first set, the

red roan stallion put down a dynamic run

CLASS:

controlling three cows in the middle of the

Intermediate Open Derby

with a 221. That’s where he stayed.

Cooper Clark

but we weren’t too focused on them because

Alll Inn

pen. He jumped to the top of the leaderboard

“We had cows picked out that we liked

I was so early,” said Clark. “If our cows got

RIDER:

HORSE:

PEDIGREE:

in the right spot we were going to cut them. Reyzin the Cash x Luckily it worked out and I was able to cut All Spice O W N E D BY:

all three cows I wanted.”

Iron Rose Ranch

$500,000 lifetime earnings mark.

221

The win also helped put Clark over the “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity

and I can’t thank Adan and Iron Rose Ranch enough.” ▪

SCORE:

EARNINGS:

$16,427.22

The Family Plan

M

akayla Cowan caught another win for the Cowan family when she rode Side Kic to win the 4CYTE by Interpath NonPro Derby.

“I showed his mother, so it’s a sort of full circle for me,” said Cowan. “We showed him in the small futurities last year. I started showing him this year.”

The gelding, nicknamed “Shrimp” for his small size, has progressively improved to be a solid partner for Makayla in the cutting pen.

“The non-pro finals were tough,” she said. “I was in the second set so I watched the first set and formed my game plan.”

Both of her parents were in the first set of the finals so it gave her a chance to cheer them on as well. The Cowan family competition is strictly friendly as they support and help each other.

“I knew I needed to be clean, play it

smart and not take any risks,” she said. “I stayed focused on that and it paid off.”

Side Kic had a busy show. He made three finals including finishing third in the limited open with Casey Schwertfeger.

“He stayed consistent and was spot on every run,” said Cowan. “I’m really proud of him.”

Their win lifted her lifetime earnings over $600,000 and Side Kic’s are over $150,000 now. To say it’s been a good year is a bit of an understatement.

“I want to thank my help — Shane Carlon, Lance Cooper, Clay Johnson and Lloyd Cox,” she said. “Also Casey and his wife Sydney, Kaedyn Kaupke and my loper Brett Stiles.”

At the top of her list, she thanked her parents and sister Makenzie. “I’m so grateful to be able to show homebred horses.” ▪

CLASS:

4CYTE Non-Pro Derby RIDER:

Makayla Cowan HORSE:

Side Kic PEDIGREE:

Stevie Rey Von x Shes Full of Hope O W N E D BY:

Cowan Ranch, Inc. SCORE:

217.5 EARNINGS:

$25,324.90

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR THE WINNERS

Growing Together

S

tarr Whitley rode SCR Ima Hottish Pep to win the 2L Custom Trucks Limited Non-Pro Derby. The new partnership with the horse she calls The Boss seems to be working out quite well.

“He has a deadly stop,” said Whitley.

“He really runs and stops straight and he’s very cowy. He’s not one to let a cow get past him. But he’s also very sweet and a gentleman.”

Whitley credits coaching by Kathy Daughn for her focus on the mental aspect of the sport. A former gymnast, Whitley finds visualization techniques she used in the gym can also be applied to the cutting pen.

“Kathy taught me that space is my friend so I was able to drive up and keep space between me and the cow,” said Whitley.

“That kept the run at a nicer pace. That week we worked on lessons to reinforce my

skills. He’s got such an animal instinct on a cow. I focused on staying out of his way and not putting my energy into him. I’d be still and let him have it, understanding that if I was a little long or short I could correct that and give him assistance. It was super exciting. It was a lucky and blessed day for me.”

Whitley may consider herself green in the cutting pen, but her success in three years has shot her out of the limited division into the non-pro with over $200k in lifetime earnings. Working with Daughn and trainer Jasper Patrick, Whitley has been on a serious mission to ride at this competitive level.

“The more I cheer for others the more it brings enjoyment to the experience of cutting and the family of the cutting world. I really love that.” ▪

CLASS:

Limited Non-Pro Derby RIDER:

Starr Whitley HORSE:

SCR Ima Hottish Pep PEDIGREE:

Countin Hot Checks x Shady Lil Pepto O W N E D BY:

Whitley Ranch LP SCORE:

215 EARNINGS:

$5,846.18

The Hand Me-Down Horse Grace Rapp rode Dontt Cha to win first rounds seem to fade before the finals, ESiredmma the Priefert Intermediate Non-Pro Derby. unless she starts overthinking. She finds

by Dont Stopp Believin, the song by Journey could also be the mare’s theme song.

“She is a very special horse and I’m grateful she’s become mine,” said Rapp. “She’s kind of been passed through the whole family — Ryan, my mom, my dad — they just didn’t get along with her.”

It all changed when Emma stepped into the stirrups and they fit. She came off the for-sale list. Emma began working her and after some weekend shows, they purchased an entry slot for the derby.

“I was trying to show smart,” she recalled her winning run. “My mare was really good and I was just trying to cut clean. Thankfully it came together. It was a nice, clean, pretty run and I was glad to have a calm and controlled run.”

Rapp said any show nerves she has in the

confidence comes with being prepared.

“I try to go into the big shows knowing that I’ve done everything I can for it to go well. If it doesn’t then it wasn’t meant to be.”

She thanked Casey Green and Sean Flynn for their help and Alexa Dahl for getting the mare ready.

“I want to thank my parents for the opportunity to show her and my brother for helping me so much. He trained her and did a great job. He helped me work her every day. And my dad and brother for helping me in the show pen.”

Their win in the finals also checked another box for Rapp by putting her over $500,000 in lifetime earnings.

“That was a big goal for me this year.”▪

CLASS:

Intermediate NonPro Derby RIDER:

Emma Grace Rapp HORSE:

Dontt Cha PEDIGREE:

Dont Stopp Believin x Cromed Out Cat O W N E D BY:

Phil and Mary Ann Rapp SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$9,455.05

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Gen Z for the W

THE WINNERS

Crow may be young but he’s a “I was like wow! I’m not going to lie, I Tyourystan serious cutting competitor. It’s not often kind of thought I had it but I wanted to stay see lifetime earnings over $460,000 for someone not old enough to drive yet. The big numbers don’t stop there. Crow marked a 224 on Tessa Rey to win the McAlister Assets Amateur Derby.

“She’s super special to me,” said Crow.

“She’s been very consistent and very good for me. She’s so smart on a cow. It’s hard to find a mare that really wants to help you.”

Crow is grateful to get to ride a horse like Tessa Rey. He calls “Minky” a team player.

“I walked to the herd knowing I definitely had the horse to do it. I wanted to have a clean, smooth run. I knew Clay, Lloyd, Cullen and Sean had the cows for me to win and I knew I had the right draw. I just needed to make it happen.”

Crow saw the 224 light up on the scoreboard and heard the screams.

humble like I’ve been taught.”

Happy to get the win, Crow thanked his parents, grandparents and family.

“I really appreciate Minky being as good as she is because horses like her do not come around very often.”

He had special words for her loper.

“I really want to thank Riley Richardson.

She’s done an absolutely outstanding job on this mare. They have the strongest connection. They love each other. I appreciate all that Riley’s done for me.”

Watch out, Lloyd Cox — Trystan might be coming after your GOAT status.

“I just want to grow up to be like him and my parents and be a great person to the world.” ▪

CLASS:

Amateur Derby RIDER:

Trystan Crow HORSE:

Tessa Rey PEDIGREE:

Metallic Rey Mink x Countessa Kitty O W N E D BY:

Crow Performance Horses LLC SCORE:

224 EARNINGS:

$11,454.23

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Working on a Bucket List

THE WINNERS

ark Ruff and his wife Shelley have owned improve. So I just went with it — leg on each M cutting horses for several years but only side and mind in the middle. It’s just another began cutting themselves a few years ago. horse and a bunch of cows.”

They traveled from their home in Australia to spend three weeks fully immersed in the Summer Spectacular with their trainers Lloyd Cox and Spud Sheehan. Both made their finals.

“I had a bucket list wish to cross the pond and show in Will Rogers,” said Ruff. “After coming to the Brazos Bash last year we made plans for the Summer Spectacular.”

The Ruffs purchased Sendero from Cox last year after the Futurity. The first time Mark swung a leg over the stallion was just minutes before he walked across the timeline to the herd.

“I was a little apprehensive not knowing this horse I was about to ride in Will Rogers,” said Ruff. “At home I ride as many different horses and saddles as I can to help myself

Ruff said Sendero’s good mind and his smooth and controlled way of moving make him easy to ride. The pair posted a solid 218 score for the win in the Limited Amateur Derby. Check off another bucket list item.

“I was there to enjoy the experience. I probably spent a fortnight working with those guys on my cuts. I watched cattle all week with Lloyd and Spud. My plan was to make good, clean cuts and put together a good run. There were plenty of fresh cows even late in the draw.”

Ruff appreciated all the help he received from Sean Flynn, Casey Green, Lloyd Cox, Spud Sheehan and Clay Johnson throughout the show.

“They were so good to us — helping and offering advice.” ▪

CLASS:

Limited Amateur Derby RIDER:

Mark Ruff HORSE:

Sendero PEDIGREE:

Metallic Rey Mink x GS Counting On Kitty O W N E D BY:

Mark & Shelley Ruff SCORE:

218 EARNINGS:

$1,988.35

Just Jamming

W

inning the Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur Derby championship aboard RT Playin My Jam was music to Tim May’s ears. It was a great way to start the morning for the pair who also came back in the Amateur Finals later that day.

A Non-Pro Hall of Fame Rider, May has been showing since 1989. With over $1 million in lifetime earnings, he is enjoying his dancing partner these days. May purchased the daughter of Bama Jelly in the Western Bloodstock Sale at the NCHA Futurity as a two-year-old and sent her to Sean Flynn for training.

“She’s just been a really consistent little mare all year,” he said.

As draw 11 in the second set, May said he

and trainer Sean Flynn had two cows picked out but wasn’t sure they would get them with ten horses to go ahead of him.

“When I rode in no one had cut them,” he said. “So they were the first two cows I cut and they were money earners.”

Three clean, precise cuts put cows in the middle and the sorrel mare kept them there to mark a 222 score when the buzzer sounded. Her $6,701 paycheck helped put the mare at $57,222 lifetime earnings.

“She is very easy to get along with,” said May. “She’s very cowy and she looks good doing what she does. She’s as smart as a whip.”

May said in addition to her sweet personality being very amateur friendly, Flynn shows her in the open as well. ▪

CLASS:

Intermediate Amateur Derby RIDER:

Tim May HORSE:

RT Playin My Jam PEDIGREE:

Bama Jelly x LHR Play Boon O W N E D BY:

Tim & Pam May SCORE:

222 EARNINGS:

$6,701.63

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Hanging It Out There

THE WINNERS

“

46

He just kind of paralyzes those cattle when you cut one,” said Kenny Platt, describing LBR Hangem, “Shotty” to his friends and fans. “He takes a cow that wants to run and makes them stand still in the middle of the arena. That’s a gift most horses, even great horses, don’t have.”

We’ve seen him crawl around in that sand, daring a cow to engage in his game of cat and mouse, with the trademark Shotty expression and intensity. His final Fort Worth Triple Crown run to win the Open Classic Challenge again was no exception.

The 226 score was no surprise.

“There wasn’t any drama to the run,” said Platt. “I had some cows I liked and I was able to go down there and cut them. He did the rest.”

Platt’s main focus was to cut clean and not try to force a win. When the first horse out marked a 221 it set up the challenge. But

FA L L 2 0 2 6 | C U T T I N G H O R S E

Platt didn’t waver from his plan.

“There’s nothing really out of reach with that one,” said Platt. “You’ve kind of got a weapon wherever you draw. He can turn it on anywhere. He’s been really fun.”

The stallion has a sweet disposition you don’t expect to find in an aged stallion.

“He loves people and the girls when they mess with him. He always has his ears forward. It’s rare to see that kind of attitude in a six-year-old stud. He’s just a wonderful horse.”

A little secret? “We learned at The Run For A Million, apparently he loves yellow horses,” Platt said with a smile.

“Physically, he can do anything. He’s just been unbelievable. For the better part of two years he’s turned it on and left it on. It’s been a pretty fun ride.”▪

CLASS:

Open Classic Challenge RIDER:

Kenny Platt HORSE:

LBR Hangem PEDIGREE:

Dual Reyish x Hangem High Pep O W N E D BY:

Shotty Syndicate SCORE:

226 EARNINGS:

$36,106.83

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Shake and Bake

THE WINNERS

hey were the first champions crowned good. Spud [Sheehan] told me to ‘go show TGroup at the 2026 Great American Insurance the hell out of her’ so I did. I knew I needed Summer Cutting Spectacular presented by Justin Insurance. Thomas Smith and Sugar Shaker came into the Signature Equine Hospital Limited Open Classic Challenge Finals as the go-round leader with a 221 score.

Working from the first draw, Smith and Sugar Shaker threw down an aggressive run posting another 221 score for the field of 17 to chase. It would not be caught.

“She’s got a really good way of moving,” Smith described the little red mare. “And she’s fast. Really, really fast.”

After their work in the go-round, Smith had confidence in his mare and knew she would be good. It was up to him to get it set up for her.

“She’d been working brilliantly,” said Smith. “With the first draw, the cows were

to lay it out there.”

Smith was sure to thank his help at the show and his team at home for their part in his success.

“My wife Kelly and Laura Franklin who got her ready. My help in the pen was Spud Sheehan, Cade Shepard, John Mitchell and Sean Flynn.”

This isn’t Smith’s first Fort Worth title, but it is his first in the historic Will Rogers Coliseum. He won the Limited Derby at the 2025 Summer Spectacular but it was held in the John Justin arena while the Will Rogers underwent renovation.

“So this one feels different,” he said. “It’s good.”▪

CLASS:

Limited Open Classic Challenge RIDER:

Thomas Smith HORSE:

Sugar Shaker PEDIGREE:

Kit Kat Sugar x Ms Peppy Cat O W N E D BY:

Yvonne Bonda SCORE:

221 EARNINGS:

$5,753.18

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Digging for Gold

THE WINNERS

W

hen Thomas Bray rode to the herd in the Cowboy Trailer Sales Intermediate Open Classic Challenge Finals he had good reason to be confident. Sitting on a 436 composite score from the first two go rounds, Magick Madness was getting better through each go round.

“I had a really good work on her in the practice pen that morning,” said Bray. “I just worked one cow.”

Bray has trained the mare owned by J+ Ranches since she turned three. He describes her as really, really cowy and super, super fast.

“The first time I made finals in Fort Worth, a friend gave me good advice. The key to being in the finals is to stay out of the penalty box,” said Bray. “That’s my focus every time. Be clean and when the cards align it will align.”

As first draw in the second set of the finals,

Bray had his choice of cows. His cuts were textbook in getting up out of the herd.

“One of the cows I wanted was right there

in the middle. I’ve always been told to drive

the cows to the judges’ stand. That cow was headed there so it was perfect.”

CLASS:

Intermediate Open Class Challenge RIDER:

When the buzzer sounded, Bray knew the

Thomas Bray

happy with a 222 but the 225 flashed on the

Magick Madness

“My good friend Milt Bradford once told

Dual Reyish x Smooth Magick

numbers would work. He was going to be scoreboard was gold.

me ‘dig up that gold — it’s in the middle of the arena.’ I felt like I did that.”

Bray thanked his wife and son along with his

HORSE:

PEDIGREE:

O W N E D BY:

J+ Ranches LLC SCORE:

help — Justin White, Jonathan Rogers, R.L. 225 Chartier and Clay Johnson.

EARNINGS: “I especially thank the Johnsons for

believing in us and taking us in like family.” ▪

$11,915.25

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The Amazing Jazlyn

T

he pressure could have been intense.

Riding the 2024 Open Horse of the Year into the herd for her final NCHA Triple Crown run in Will Rogers could intimidate anyone. But if Kathleen Moore was nervous she didn’t show it. The NonPro Hall of Fame owner/operator of Jazlyn looked cool and confident as they worked to earn the massive 225 score that lit up the coliseum.

After showing another horse in the first set, Moore came back in the second set with her mare Jazlyn. Following trainer James Payne’s advice, she slowed down and took her time to make calm, precise cuts.

Then Jazlyn did what Jazlyn does.

Moore gave most of the credit for the showstopping run to the red roan mare.

Her deep, accurate stops and bright

expression got the crowd engaged cheering her on.

“She’s an amazing mare,” Moore said in

CLASS:

4CYTE Non-Pro Classic Challenge RIDER:

her winning interview after the run. “She’s Kathleen Moore got a lot of heart and she’s not going to let H O R S E : a cow get by her.”

The

win

pushed

Jazlyn

Jazlyn’s

lifetime

PEDIGREE:

earnings over $525,000. Moore shared Hashtags x that the mare was challenging for Payne as

MK Cats Kitty O W N E D BY:

a young horse but their years together have Kathleen Moore produced a solid cow horse.

SCORE: Moore thanked her trainer, James Payne, 225 for all he’s done for Jazlyn’s career. She also E A R N I N G S : thanked her show help — Matt Miller, $19,658.82 Lloyd Cox and Clay Johnson — for always being supportive. ▪

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR

Redemption Ride

THE WINNERS

the Non-Pro semi-finals, Maura earlier that day and it wasn’t good,” she said.

Asortsfter Costa was looking for a redemption of “I’m pretty green. My horse was trying to be when she rode Tik Tak Toe into the herd for the 2L Custom Trucks Limited Non-Pro Classic Challenge finals. But she was not expecting to win.

“My father-in-law bred him and sold him to one of our customers. His mother has raised good babies and we just fell in love with him,” said Costa. They bought the gelding back last year.

“We thought it would be fun to have a horse like that to go down the road. He’s a simple horse — easy to ride and extremely cowy. He’s super easy, super willing and easy to practice on and he doesn’t take much to get ready.”

While Armando is normally the one in the saddle, Maura hops on every chance she gets.

“I had shown in the non-pro semi-finals

exceptional but he had rider error. My main goal was to do better this time. He deserves a better pilot than me. He does his job no matter what I do. He is so special.”

Good cows and good help came together for Costa and her partner, even when she was nervous making her second cut.

“My husband wanted me to get the second cow from the very back fence. I’m not cowy at all so I was freaking out about it,” she said.

“It’s one thing if there’s ten cows at home but that whole herd thing — I had to take my time and not rush to get the cow out there. I was lucky with the time. I was able to work it to the buzzer so it worked perfect. It was awesome.” ▪

CLASS:

Limited Non-Pro Classic Challenge RIDER:

Maura Costa HORSE:

Tik Tak Toe PEDIGREE:

Hashtags x Sweet Smoke Lena O W N E D BY:

Armando & Maura Costa SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$5,209.52

Another Day at the Office ith another solid performance, Connor That was my mentality going into showing W Southworth and Flashen Stevee claimed there.” their second Fort Worth title with a win in the Priefert Intermediate Non-Pro Classic Challenge. The pair won the Amateur Derby at the Super Stakes last year.

“He’s a really good horse that’s fun to be around,” Southworth described the gelding they call Floyd. “He’s got a great personality, he’s pretty cool. He’s a unique horse that’s for sure. I’ve had a lot of horses and he’s sure one of my favorites.”

He tried to treat his finals go as just another day and didn’t put much pressure on himself for results.

“It was just another run. I really focused on having fun and not trying too hard and not to nitpick things. I went and showed my horse to enjoy it as best I can. Whether things went right or wrong, I was going to have fun and find the good parts of everything in it.

As fourth draw in the second set, Southworth had time on his hands before taking the reins.

“I tried to keep my mind from overthinking things. In the cow box we have random conversations about just things in life and businesses, what we’re doing with work and projects that need to be done.”

And they watch cows.

“Yeah, we might talk cows and write some down but once we have what we want we’ll sit and talk about whatever.”

Connor is grateful for those who help him and Floyd get to the pen.

“I’d like to thank Brandon Duferrena and Lucky 7 Performance Horses and all the people who help me, Sammy for loping him and Brooke for getting him ready for the finals. I appreciate them all.”▪

CLASS:

Intermediate Non-Pro Classic Challenge RIDER:

Connor Southworth HORSE:

Flashen Stevee PEDIGREE:

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

Robert & Alisha Southworth SCORE:

217.5 EARNINGS:

$7,142.59

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She's Fire

S

awyer McWilliams and FS Fine Lil Hashtag claimed the win in the McAlister Assets Amateur Classic Challenge to close the curtain on the mare’s major limited aged event career in fine style. It was his third Fort Worth title with the red roan mare he calls “Fire.”

“The name fits her personality a lot,” said Sawyer. “She’s a little spicy. She’s super cowy.

She tries hard every day. She does what she’s supposed to do.”

How does a 15-year-old get a win in the amateur at the Summer Spectacular?

“Well, a lot of dedication and work and thanks to my trainer Rodrigo Taboga and all his helpers,” Sawyer answered.

McWilliams called his winning run really special. The 222 on the scoreboard would agree. The smile on his face as they walked

out told the story.

“All of my goes with her were really good.

I think [2]16 was the lowest we marked. She was solid that whole show.”

McWilliams advanced to the amateur intermediate finals and the amateur finals, which showed the same day. His first run in the intermediate finals looked promising when a cow came up with a different idea.

“I took a zero and walked out of the pen because the big amateur finals were next and that’s really where I had my mind set to do well. This is her last year in the aged events and I wanted to close it out really good and not do anything to embarrass the mare. She tries so hard.”

Sawyer and Fire each now have lifetime earnings in six figures.▪

CLASS:

McAlister Assets Amateur Classic Challenge RIDER:

Sawyer McWilliams HORSE:

FS Fine Lil Hashtag PEDIGREE:

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

Brittinee McWilliams SCORE:

222 EARNINGS:

$16,266.78

Surprise Ending ngie Highland won her first Fort Worth is a pretty good gig. He knows the routine.

ALimited title with Flashing My Royce in the They work him before I show him and then Amateur Classic Challenge. It was a great way to finish out the gelding’s Triple Crown career.

“Flash is a really special horse for me,” said Highland. “I bought him from Beau and Ashley Galyean at the end of 2024. We made the limited amateur finals at the Super [Stakes] and Summer [Spectacular] last year and the Super this year so my goal for this show was just to make the finals.”

An economist with her own consulting company, Highland began cutting six years ago. Her time in the saddle is very limited due to her business demands.

“Everyone did something weird during Covid. Mine was to get into cutting.”

She described the gelding as wonderfully quirky. He’s a favorite in the Galyean barn.

“He picked up that being an amateur horse

he gets three snacks. Exactly three. It’s a special horse that will tolerate a limited amateur and go show in the open.”

Happy to make the finals, Highland took a relaxed approach to her finals day determined to enjoy the ride.

“I was happy we cut three cows. After my run I think he ate his weight in snacks while we were waiting. I didn’t realize until there were two horses left that I was leading it.

Someone had to tell me.”

It was an emotional win for Angie after her mother passed away unexpectedly last year.

“Eric Magby was patient helping me and Clay Johnson is so supportive. I’m so grateful to the Galyean family and I can’t thank NCHA enough for producing such amazing shows.”▪

CLASS:

Limited Amateur Classic Challenge RIDER:

Angie Highland HORSE:

Flashing My Royce PEDIGREE:

Rollz Royce x Suemma Cum Laude O W N E D BY:

Angie Highland SCORE:

216 EARNINGS:

$2,183.29

2026 NCHA GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE GROUP SUMMER CUTTING SPECTACULAR THE WINNERS

Believin the Feeling Goforth made patient, precise cuts eight and she rides her and even works the LVSynn to bring his cows to the middle and flag. She’s probably going to stick around Cowgirl Believin kept them there to get the win in the Rios of Mercedes Intermediate Amateur Classic Challenge.

The win was a repeat of 2024 when they were derby co-champions.

“She’s been a good mare for us,” said Goforth.

They found her purely by chance in the Western Bloodstock Yearling Sale at the NCHA Futurity.

“My wife picked her out, so I’ve heard about that a lot since,” he said with a chuckle. “I was in the sale and she was walking around with our baby boy when she saw the filly waiting to come in. She came back and told me we had to buy her.

We didn’t know anything about her. I don’t know that I’d want to do it that way again, but I was a good husband.”

They bought the filly. “She’s a sweet mare and she tries hard. Our daughter is

here.”

Goforth just wanted to be clean and get her shown for her final time in Fort Worth.

“We had watched cattle. The first two cows were ones we knew we wanted to cut.”

Then a Hereford walked out to a good spot for Goforth to finish his run strong.

As first draw, there was nothing left to do but wait.

“We were happy to get her shown this last time here, but it did make for a couple of long sets,” he admitted.

Goforth thanked his trainer, Sean Flynn, and his help in the corners — Cade Shepard, Casey Green and Clay Johnson.

“And, of course, I have to thank my wife for picking her out.” ▪

CLASS:

Intermediate Amateur Classic Challenge RIDER:

Lynn Goforth HORSE:

VR Cowgirl Believin PEDIGREE:

Don't Stopp Believin x VR Cowgirl Kakie O W N E D BY:

Lynn & Kara Goforth SCORE:

219 EARNINGS:

$7,431.08

2026 NCHA D AY S Cutters from around the country–and now even the globe–ride to claim the top spot in each of NCHA’s regional circuits as part of NCHA Days 2026.

2 0 2 6 N C H A D AY S

SOUTH TEXAS

ALAMO

T

he Bell County Cutting Horse Association welcomed cutters to the 2026 Alamo Circuit NCHA Days, held May 14–17 at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton, Texas. Hosted by Bell County CHA, the four-day event delivered strong competition, warm hospitality, and impressive participation throughout the weekend.

The show opened Thursday with Aged Events, followed by three full days of NCHA Weekend classes. Attendance reflected the enthusiasm surrounding the circuit, with 75 entries working Thursday, followed by 164 on Friday, 179 on Saturday, and 123 on Sunday. Judges Bruce Morine and Jaime Beamer, along with several fillin judges, officiated the action.

Vicki LeBlanc Photography provided livestream coverage, while Emily Coffeen captured daily photography and reels, helping showcase the event beyond the arena. Exhibitors and guests also enjoyed complimentary breakfast tacos each morning, a Saturday catered meal from Olive

Garden featuring lasagna, salad, and breadsticks, and a Sunday Ice Cream Social. Special thanks went to Lynn Glover and Emily Wherrell for organizing the hospitality.

Behind the scenes, Deb Inscore, Molly Sims Grabarschick, Mark Mills, and Richard Sims kept the show running smoothly, handling the practice pen, announcing, cattle, and ground. As organizers noted, it truly takes a village.

The total purse reached an outstanding $124,139.40.

L E F T T O P : A m a r i n e E r v i n , L E F T M I D D L E : S r Yo u t h M i c a C o l l i n s , L E F T B O T T O M : C a d e n c e B a n k C e n t e r , P H O T O S R I G H T T O P : J r Yo u t h J a k e a n d H a d l e y F r a z i e r , RIGHT BOT TOM: Ama Candee McCormick

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

APPALACHIAN

T

he Appalachian Circuit came together May 15– 17 for NCHA Day 2026 at JMJ Farm Arena in Lewisburg, West Virginia, where producer Jim Johnson welcomed cutters from across the region for one of the largest shows the facility has hosted in several years.

The weekend opened Friday with Limited Age competition, setting the tone for a strong and spirited event. By Saturday, the show had grown to more than 140 entries, drawing competitors from as far north as Maine and as far south as South Carolina. The turnout reflected not only the strength of the Appalachian cutting community, but also the special pull of Lewisburg and the hospitality found at JMJ Farm.

Participants began the day in true Appalachian fashion, with many enjoying Rodney’s famous blueberry pancakes before heading into a full schedule of cutting. Lunch from Brittany’s Food Truck kept exhibitors and spectators fueled, while evenings were spent at some of Lewisburg’s favorite local restaurants or gathered around cookouts on the grounds.

For the Appalachian Circuit, NCHA Day is about much more than a score or a buckle. It is about fellowship, friendship, and the shared love of the sport.

Many competitors have known one another since their Youth days, and the horses themselves feel like part of the family.

Year after year, cutters return to these West Virginia hills, drawn by the beauty, the hospitality, and the people. If there is a cutting at JMJ Farm Arena, the Appalachian family is sure to be there.

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2 0 2 6 N C H A D AY S

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A , A L B E R TA , S A S K AT C H E WA N , M A N I T O B A

AURORA he Aurora Circuit marked a special milestone TNCHA May 8–10, 2026, as members gathered for Days at the North Thompson Agriplex

in Barriere, British Columbia. The first Aurora Circuit show held in Barriere proved to be a memorable success, bringing together riders, families, friends, and supporters for a weekend filled with competition, community, and celebration.

From the opening day, the event carried an atmosphere of excitement and appreciation.

Competitors made the trip with trucks and trailers loaded, and their effort did not go unnoticed. The circuit expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who traveled to take part, helping make the new venue feel immediately welcoming and full of energy.

One of the weekend’s highlights was the youth class, featuring riders ages 8 and up. Their enthusiasm and sportsmanship added a special spark to the show and offered a reminder of the bright future of cutting in the Aurora Circuit.

The event also honored tradition and remembrance with the Bob Zirnhelt Memorial sheets, creating a meaningful connection between past and present members of the cutting community.

Beyond the arena, exhibitors and guests enjoyed a full schedule of fellowship and fun. A silent auction, pizza night, potluck gathering, and beautiful weather all added to the weekend’s success. These moments reflected what makes NCHA Days special: the people, the horses, and the shared love of the sport.

For the Aurora Circuit, Barriere did not disappoint.

It was a weekend of great rides, lasting memories, and sincere gratitude.

L E F T TO P: Larissa Price and Boom Boom Queen, LEF T BOT TOM: North Thompson Agriplex Arena, RIGHT TOP: Dennis Hall and Deputy Droopy

MONTANA, WYOMING

BIG SKY he Big Sky Circuit celebrated NCHA TCounty Days on May 30–31, 2026, at the Powell Fairgrounds in Deer Lodge, Montana,

bringing cutters together for a spirited weekend of competition, camaraderie, and circuit pride.

Produced by Jim Johnson and represented

by MCHA President Ashley Lee, the event showcased the welcoming atmosphere and strong community that define Montana cutting.

The weekend’s competition offered generous added money, with $750 added to the cutting, giving exhibitors an extra incentive as they stepped into the arena. Riders and spectators enjoyed two days of action, with Beto Orsi Photography on hand to capture the moments and preserve memories from the show.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the “Never Won a Buckle” class, held at the end of Saturday’s schedule. Designed to celebrate and encourage cutters still chasing that special first buckle, the class brought extra excitement to the arena. A social was held during the class, creating

a fun and relaxed atmosphere for members, families, and friends.

The social quickly became a favorite part of the weekend, as participants stayed to cheer on the competitors in the “Never Won a Buckle” class. That enthusiastic support reflected the heart of the Big Sky Circuit: a community that celebrates every rider, every run, and every milestone.

Set against the backdrop of Deer Lodge, the 2026 Big Sky Circuit NCHA Days offered more than competition. It was a weekend of encouragement, fellowship, and appreciation for the sport of cutting.

L E F T T O P : H o l l y s C a t M o d e l a n d Ta y l o r C o r d i n g l y , L E F T B O T T O M : M a g i c R a y s and Darrell Lee, RIGHT TOP: Smooth Stalkin Style and David Hymas, RIGHT BOT TOM: Sweet and Jazzy, and Baliegh Lane

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2 0 2 6 N C H A D AY S

ARIZONA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN NEVADA, SOUTHERN UTAH, WESTERN COLORADO

CACTUS

T

he Cactus Circuit celebrated NCHA Days on May 2–3, 2026, at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, with a strong turnout and a weekend full of competition, recognition, and circuit pride.

Hosted as a celebration of the weekend cutter, the event drew an impressive 331 entries over two days, reflecting the continued enthusiasm and dedication of cutters throughout the Arizona cutting community. Exhibitors came ready to compete, support one another, and take part in a show designed to honor the heart of the sport.

The atmosphere inside the arena was energetic and appreciative, with awards presented after each class. Those presentations gave riders their moment of recognition in front of fellow competitors, family members, and friends, adding to the excitement of the weekend and highlighting the accomplishments of each class.

Show Secretary Kathy Winfield helped coordinate the event, with photography provided

by Lyndsey Lamell of Lamell Photo. Her images captured the action, emotion, and memorable moments that made the 2026 Cactus Circuit NCHA Days a standout weekend.

NCHA Days holds special meaning for weekend cutters, offering a chance to celebrate the riders who balance their love of cutting with busy lives outside the arena. The Cactus Circuit was proud to host this year’s event and to welcome such a great group of competitors to Queen Creek.

With excellent participation, a well-run schedule, and a shared appreciation for the sport, the Cactus Circuit’s 2026 NCHA Days proved to be a successful and memorable celebration of cutting in Arizona.

ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, TENNESSEE

COTTON Cotton Circuit celebrated an outstanding TtheheNCHA Days weekend May 23–24, 2026, at Agricenter Showplace Arena in Memphis, Tennessee. Produced by Kevin Herzke and Cowen Coie, the two-day event brought cutters together for a full weekend of competition, fellowship, and true Southern hospitality.

The show drew an impressive 252 entries over two days, with competitors filling both pens and keeping the action steady from start to finish. Even with a busy schedule, the event ran smoothly, wrapping up around 7 p.m. and allowing exhibitors, families, and friends time to gather and enjoy the weekend together.

One of the highlights of the show was the fantastic youth turnout. Young riders brought energy and enthusiasm to the arena, adding to the excitement of NCHA Days and reminding everyone of the bright future of the sport.

The Cotton Circuit also added $740 in fresh cattle classes, helping enhance the competition for exhibitors. The rerun classes were especially strong, with 55 entries, showing continued

support and participation from cutters across the circuit.

Outside the arena, hospitality was front and center. A Saturday evening dinner gave participants the chance to relax and visit, while lunch was served on Sunday. Memphis barbecue proved to be a major highlight of the weekend, offering a local flavor that guests won’t soon forget.

With great horses, strong entries, youth participation, and time spent among friends, the 2026 Cotton Circuit NCHA Days truly showcased what makes this circuit special: camaraderie, competition, and a welcoming Southern spirit.

T O P : To d d H i n t o n C a r p e n t e r C h a m p i o n $ 5 0 k N o n - P r o , L E F T B O T T O M : Placeholder, RIGHT TOP: Rachel Wilson McCurdy Champion $25k Amateur, RIGHT BOT TOM:The future of cutting

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A , A L B E R TA , S A S K AT C H E WA N , M A N I T O B A

EUROPEAN

he NCHA European Circuit celebrated NCHA Days May 20–24, 2026, at the TCremona Fairground in Cremona, Italy, bringing

together riders, families, trainers, and cutting fans from across Europe for a memorable international showcase.

Approximately 80 riders traveled from throughout Europe to participate in the event, which was held in conjunction with a larger fair that welcomed more than 35,000 visitors and featured additional equestrian disciplines.

The setting offered a vibrant atmosphere, giving cutting horses and riders the opportunity to shine before a broad and enthusiastic audience.

Support for the event was strong, with NCHA added money, European directors’ sponsorship for the Limited Aged Event, and support from the Antonini Group for the weekend show. In total, $21,300 in added money was offered, helping elevate the level of competition and reward exhibitors for their efforts.

Each evening after the show, major cutting stables including Denis Pini Cutting Horses, Rosy O’Grady’s Cutting Horses, and Silvia Ranch hosted free after-show parties open to all participants. These gatherings added to the fellowship and hospitality that made the week especially enjoyable.

The event also celebrated important milestones and achievements. Young Louane Fouvatic made her debut in the arena, competing in the Youth with the help and support of her father, Gaetan Fouvatic, a French trainer and European director. During the event, the association also awarded NCHA of Italy 2025 champions, with awards presented to riders from across Europe.

With international participation, generous support, and outstanding camaraderie, the European Circuit’s 2026 NCHA Days was a true celebration of cutting.

LEFT TOP: $25k Novie Horse Non-Pro Champion, Giulo Gallazzi and Uno P e p p y , L E F T B O T T O M : N C H A D a y s J r Yo u t h C h a m p i o n , L o u a n n e F o u l a t i e r , a n d Te x S a n T i m e , R I G H T T O P : N C H A D a y s $ 5 k N o v i e H o r s e C h a m p i o n , P i et r o Va l e r i a n d Lo u Lo u L a n d ow n e d by M a r c o S a l vato r i , R I G H T B OT TO M : NCHA Days Open Champion, Martina Annovazzi and Ignited owned by Marco Salvatori

KENTUCKY, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, OHIO, LABRADOR (CA), NEW BRUNSWICK (CA), NEWFOUNDLAND (CA), ONTARIO (CA), QUEBEC (CA)

GREAT LAKES he Great Lakes Circuit celebrated NCHA TFairgrounds Days May 1–3, 2026, at the Preble County in Eaton, Ohio, with a successful

weekend that highlighted participation, adaptability, and the next generation of cutters.

Led by contact person and secretary Vicki Green, the event brought riders together for three days of competition and fellowship. Despite cooler weather, exhibitors proved once again that cutters are adaptable, showing up ready to ride, support one another, and make the most of the weekend.

The show was marked by strong participation in the rerun classes, an encouraging sign of enthusiasm throughout the circuit. Riders took advantage of the opportunity for more time in the arena, helping create a busy and energetic atmosphere across the show grounds.

One of the most exciting takeaways from the weekend was the strength of the youth and $4,000 Limit Rider classes, which averaged around 20 entries. That level of participation speaks volumes

about the future of the sport. From young riders just gaining experience to developing competitors working their way up, the Great Lakes Circuit demonstrated that cutting has a bright future in the region.

Awards were another highlight of the event and were appreciated by all who received them. The recognition added to the sense of celebration that makes NCHA Days special for weekend cutters and families alike.

With solid entries, dedicated competitors, and a strong showing from emerging riders, the Great Lakes Circuit’s 2026 NCHA Days was a positive and memorable event in Eaton.

LEFT TOP: Andrew Larsen ICHA President presenting to Hunter Tharp, 50 Am R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n , L E F T T O P : A n d r e w a n d D a x W i s e n e r , J r Yo u t h R e s e r v e , L E F T B OT TO M : Ty l e r D e l a n g e p r e s e n t i n g t o B r i a n n e S m i t h , $ 4 k C h a m p i o n , R I G H T T O P : A n d r e w a n d B r y n n U n r o e , 5 0 A m C h a m p & S r Yo u t h R e s e r v e Champion, RIGHT BOT TOM: Andrew presenting to Michele Enderie, $25 Am Reserve Champion

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EASTERN COLORADO, KANSAS, NEBRASKA

HEARTLAND he Heartland Circuit celebrated NCHA Days May 9–10, 2026, at the Western State Bank Expo TCenter in Dodge City, Kansas, with a strong two-day show that drew impressive participation and plenty of enthusiasm from competitors and supporters.

With 223 entries over the weekend, the event marked a great turnout for the Heartland Circuit and reflected the continued strength of cutting in the region. Exhibitors enjoyed excellent conditions throughout the show, with awesome weather adding to the positive atmosphere both inside and outside the arena.

In addition to the buckles provided by NCHA, the Heartland Circuit awarded $800 in bonus cash to circuit winners, giving competitors an extra reason to celebrate their accomplishments. The circuit also presented a variety of additional awards, including halters, horse hair care products, fly protection sheets, masks, and boots.

Those prizes helped make NCHA Days feel especially rewarding for exhibitors, recognizing not only winning runs but also the dedication and effort that riders bring to the sport. The event captured

the spirit of the International Circuit Program by celebrating weekend cutters and creating a welcoming environment for all participants.

Secretary Erin Smith helped represent the circuit, while Olivia Danielle Photography captured the action and memorable moments from the Dodge City weekend. From strong entries to generous awards, the 2026 Heartland Circuit NCHA Days was a successful gathering for cutters, families, and friends.

With good weather, strong participation, and enthusiastic support, the Heartland Circuit’s NCHA Days proved to be a memorable celebration of cutting in Kansas.

L E F T T O P : $ 4 k LT D R e s e r v e C h a m p C o r d e S t a n g . L E F T B O T T O M : To d d R a n d l e s helping Dirk Blakesley, RIGHT TOP: Loping Pen, RIGHT BOT TOM: Candid Tr a i n e r s

WESTERN TEXAS, NEW MEXICO, WESTERN OKLAHOMA

OILER T

he Oiler Circuit was held May 23rd-25th, 2026, at the Mallet Event Center, in Levelland, TX.

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B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A , A L B E R TA , S A S K AT C H E WA N , M A N I T O B A

OZARK

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he Ozark Circuit celebrated a record-setting NCHA Days weekend May 29–31, 2026, at Paradox Arena in Lakeview, Arkansas, where TriLakes CHA hosted an energetic and memorable event for cutters, families, and fans.

The show featured 261 runs over two days and required 550 head of cattle, underscoring the strong turnout and excitement surrounding the weekend.

Participation extended well beyond the local area, with competitors traveling from as far as 869 miles away to take part. The facility was busy throughout the event, with 128 stalls rented and a sold-out clinic featuring Tommy Marvin and Ryan Moore adding even more value for participants.

The weekend also marked the debut of a new practice cattle pen complete with a branding wall, giving exhibitors another useful resource during the show. Every class included added awards, with prizes such as Cuttin’ Up Show Blankets helping recognize competitors and make each class feel special.

Hospitality and entertainment were major highlights as well. After a Mexican dinner, attendees enjoyed live music from the Stephen James Gang Band featuring drummer Don Orrell, creating a festive atmosphere that carried the celebration beyond the arena.

Photography was provided by 5A Photography and Jaycee Andrews, capturing the action and memories from the weekend. With strong participation, new facility features, added awards, great food, and live music, the Ozark Circuit’s 2026 NCHA Days at Paradox Arena was a standout success and a true celebration of the cutting community.

TOP: Ozark Circuit NCHA Weekend Champion of the 50K NonPro- Robert Peterson riding “Slo Poke”, presented by Jason Lindsay, MIDDLE: To m m y M a r v i n a n d R y a n M o o r e g i v i n g i n s t r u c t i o n s d u r i n g t h e i r c l i n i c P l a c e h o l d e r , B O T T O M : 4 K L R w i t h E m i l y E g g e r r i d i n g “ C R To o T u f f ” o w n e d

by Kent and Susan Egger

WASHINGTON, OREGON, IDAHO, NORTHERN UTAH

PIONEER

The Washington Cutting Horse Association welcomed cutters, families, and friends to the WCHA Spring Limited Aged Event at the Moses Lake County Fairgrounds for an exciting week of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.

The event featured more than $40,000 in added money, drawing strong participation and raising the level of competition throughout the show. Exhibitors brought quality horses and competitive runs to the arena, making the Limited Aged Event a highlight of the spring cutting calendar.

One of the standout moments of the week was the awarding of two championship saddles during the Limited Aged Event. These prestigious awards gave riders an extra goal to chase and added excitement to an already impressive lineup of classes. The saddle presentations reflected WCHA’s commitment to recognizing excellence and rewarding the hard work of competitors, owners, trainers, and horses.

The association also placed a strong emphasis on supporting the next generation of cutters.Throughout the show, WCHA proudly presented multiple youth prizes and scholarships, helping encourage young

riders and invest in the future of the sport. Those awards were a meaningful reminder that youth involvement remains an important part of the cutting horse community.

Beyond the competition, daily social gatherings created a welcoming and memorable atmosphere.

From pizza night and pie tasting to a catered dinner and Kentucky Derby-themed snacks, exhibitors and families had plenty of opportunities to relax, visit, and enjoy time together.

With generous added money, championship saddles, youth recognition, and strong fellowship, the WCHA Spring Limited Aged Event delivered an unforgettable week in Moses Lake.

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NORTH TEXAS, EAST OKLAHOMA

RED RIVER Red River Circuit continued a proud tradition TRedheMayRiver 30–31, 2026, as Texas CHA hosted the NCHA Weekend at the Jared Lesh Cow

Horse Arena in Whitesboro, Texas. The affiliate has supported the program every year since its beginning, and this year’s event proved to be another memorable celebration of weekend cutters.

The show brought together competitors, families, and supporters for a weekend focused on recognizing the riders who keep the circuit strong.

New members joined the fun, and several marked a special milestone by winning their first NCHA buckle. Those moments added excitement to the weekend and reflected the welcoming spirit of the Red River cutting community.

Awards were a major highlight of the event. In addition to the NCHA-sponsored buckles, Texas CHA presented approximately $15,000 in prizes.

Weekend winners received electric bikes, creating plenty of enthusiasm and giving competitors something unique and memorable to take home.

For the affiliate, the event was about more than

L E F T : S r Y o u t h R — S o p h i a M o o k R e s e r v e L - Ta t u m D e n n y C h a m p i o n , RIGHT TOP: Megan Moore 50 NP Reserve Champioin, RIGHT BOT TOM: S t a n d i n g w i t h Tu r n e r We s t M i d d l e 4 L i m i t R i d e r L- C o l t e n M o w e r y R e s e r v e R - Ty W e s t C h a m p i o n

prizes. It was an opportunity to honor cutters with a weekend centered on them and their dedication to the sport. Texas CHA expressed pride in serving the circuit and gratitude for everyone who made the trip to participate.

Secretary Dee McLaughlin helped represent the event, while Jessica McLaughlin Vandiver provided photography credit for the weekend. With strong support, meaningful awards, new member success, and a sincere appreciation for its exhibitors, the 2026 Red River NCHA Weekend was a standout gathering in Whitesboro.

NORTHERN NEVADA, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

REDWOOD T

he Buckaroo Breakout, produced by Nevada Reined Cow and Cutting Horse Association in Winnemucca, Nevada, was one unforgettable event packed with excitement, competition, and plenty of fun.

The Livestock Events Center came alive during NCHA Days as competitors and spectators from neighboring states gathered for an action-filled weekend. The cutting competition brought incredible talent and energy, keeping the crowd engaged throughout the event. Saturday night turned up the excitement even more with a crowd-favorite mechanical bull riding competition, where 10 teams battled it out for a $500 prize. Laughter, cheers, and friendly competition filled the air, making it a weekend full of great memories and good times for everyone involved.

L E F T T O P : J a s p e r N e w i t t — C h a m p i o n o f t h e J u n i o r Yo u t h , L E F T B O T T O M : D e l a n e y D a w — R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n o f J u n i o r Yo u t h , M e g a n Moore 50 NP Reserve Champioin, RIGHT TOP: Kinley Schlesinger — C h a m p i o n o f t h e S e n i o r Yo u t h , R I G H T M I D D L E : C i r c u i t A t t e n d e e s , R I G H T B O T T O M : To r i e M o n r o e — R e s e r v e C h a m p i o n o f t h e 5 0 N o n - P r o

FEATURING DAVE ALEXANDER’S 65 pc ORCHESTRA

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2 0 2 6 N C H A D AY S

FLORIDA, GEORGIA, NORTH CAROLINA, SOUTH CAROLINA

SUNSHINE Circuit brought energy, creativity TMayheand1–3Sunshine plenty of excitement to NCHA Days, held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in

Perry, Georgia. From the first gathering to the final run, the weekend was filled with cutting, camaraderie, new ideas and memorable moments for competitors and families alike.

The show opened with a festive Mexican fiesta party, setting a fun and welcoming tone for the weekend. Youth competitors added even more personality to the event with a “Battle of the Bands” contest, dressing as their favorite singers and bringing plenty of smiles to the crowd. Congratulations went to Codie Raffield, who won the youth contest as “Dolly Parton” while riding Pickinupstrangers.

Special thanks were extended to Cuttinup Show Pads for graciously donating the award.

The weekend also included a Kentucky Derby watch party, giving exhibitors and spectators another opportunity to gather outside the arena and enjoy time together. Alongside the social events, three full days of cutting kept the competition strong and the atmosphere lively.

One of the biggest highlights was the circuit’s firstever flag cutting class. The class drew 15 participants and added 15 new NCHA memberships. Everyone joined in the lope pen to cheer on the riders, creating a supportive and exciting environment. Special recognition went to Ora Diehl and Chase Lackey for bringing the concept to life, Raymond Shumate for running the flag for every participant, and Waylon Overstreet for judging.

With great friends, new members and lasting memories, Sunshine Circuit NCHA Days was truly the place to be.

L E F T TO P: The Cutting Arena LEF T BOT TOM: Derby Days at Sunshine Circuit, RIGHT TOP: Are you Battle of the Band Champion Codie Raffield, RIGHT B O T T O M : Yo u t h C o m p e t i t o r s

IOWA, MINNESOTA, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, WISCONSIN

UPPER MIDWEST

T

he South Dakota Cutting Horse Association hosted the 2026 NCHA Days for the Upper Midwest Circuit on May 2–3 at the James Kjerstad Event Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. The weekend brought a strong turnout, full classes, and an enthusiastic group of cutters eager to compete and celebrate the sport.

Attendance was heavy throughout the two-day event, and the schedule stayed busy from start to finish. With full classes and late evenings, supper was served each night to accommodate competitors, families, and staff as the show wrapped up around 11 p.m. The hospitality helped keep everyone fueled and connected during the long but rewarding days.

The SDCHA added $250 on top of the existing $500 in added-money classes, giving exhibitors extra incentive in the arena. NCHA provided buckles for Champion and Reserve Champion in the nonadded money classes, while sponsor MVP supplied third-place prizes featuring bags of goodies.

One of the most memorable highlights of the weekend was the Rookie class. Though not an official NCHA class, it drew an impressive 18 entries and reflected the growing enthusiasm of new cutters in the circuit.

Over the course of the weekend, SDCHA awarded 10 rookie buckles, recognizing and encouraging the next generation of competitors.

With generous awards, strong participation, late-night fellowship, and excitement for new and upcoming cutters, the Upper Midwest Circuit’s 2026 NCHA Days was a successful and enjoyable weekend.

As organizers summed it up best: fun was had by all.

L E F T T O P : J r Yo u t h C h a m p i o n K i n z i P a r s o n s a n d p a r t y , L E F T B O T T O M : S a w y e r Dauenhauer, RIGHT TOP: $4LR Res Champ Ashlyn White, RIGHT BOT TOM: $50 NP Champ Debra Shriver

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Wednesday, December 9, 2026

A LO O K B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S O F B R A K E S W I T H DEEMAXX HIGH PERFORMANCE TRAILER BRAKES

BY S U Z I E R U P E R T P H OTO S P R O V I D E D BY D E E M A X X H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E T R A I L E R B R A K E S

T

here is a certain amount of trust involved every time a horseman pulls out of the driveway.

Behind the truck may be a trailer carrying horses

worth thousands or even millions of dollars. But their

value goes far beyond a price tag. They are partners, 94

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athletes and, for many, the foundation of a livelihood.

Add tack, equipment, perhaps a living quarter and, most importantly, the people inside the truck, and suddenly something as seemingly ordinary as a trailer brake becomes anything but ordinary.

HOW IT'S MADE

For DeeMaxx Components, that responsibility is exactly why a brake should never simply be “good enough.”

The company has built its reputation around disc brake systems designed to perform under some of the toughest conditions imaginable. But behind the rotors, calipers and engineering is a surprisingly simple philosophy: build a better product, stand behind it and take care of the people who trust it.

A COMPANY BORN FROM THE DESIRE TO BUILD BETTER The DeeMaxx story began in 2010 with founder Chuck Deegear, but his experience in the trailer brake industry stretches back much further.

Before starting DeeMaxx, Deegear spent 18 years as half-owner and president of Kodiak, at the time one of the largest names in trailer disc brakes.

Eventually, he reached a point where he wanted the freedom to make improvements he believed were necessary.

“Chuck left Kodiak after 18 years there to kind of be able to do the things that he wanted to do as a company,” Brandon Dobransky explained, “but more importantly, be able to make the changes that he saw needed to be made to be the best disc brake on the market.”

That desire to innovate became the foundation for DeeMaxx.

Rather than becoming part of a larger corporate structure, the company has remained independent, even after receiving acquisition interest.

“We have not been bought out,” Dobransky said.

“They’ve approached us several times. That’s not something we’re looking to do.”

That independence has allowed DeeMaxx to remain focused on something that can easily get lost as companies grow, listening to the people actually using the product.

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HOW IT'S MADE

PROVEN WHERE CONDITIONS ARE TOUGHEST DeeMaxx first established itself in the marine trailer industry, an environment that is notoriously unforgiving to brakes.

Saltwater, moisture and corrosion make reliable braking especially challenging, and drum brakes are particularly susceptible to those conditions.

Deegear already had relationships within the marine industry, and when he launched DeeMaxx, many customers followed.

From there, the company moved into an arena where failure carries even greater consequences — the United States military.

Today, DeeMaxx works through its customers with trailer programs serving every branch of the U.S. military, including Space Force. Those relationships have put DeeMaxx products through demanding testing designed not merely to demonstrate that the brakes work, but to discover where they might fail.

“They have the sole goal of trying to get the trailer to have the brakes fail,” Dobransky explained of military testing. “They’re trying to come up with every environment where the brakes can give out.”

That testing record extends beyond military requirements. According to DeeMaxx, the company is the only brake manufacturer to pass the SAE J2681 Brake Test and receive a “satisfactory” result, along with passing all major braking tests, a distinction that speaks directly to the company’s emphasis on performance under demanding

DEEMAXX ISN'T SIMPLY BUILDING SOMETHING DESIGNED TO STOP A TRAILER.

IT IS BUILDING SOMETHING DESIGNED TO PROTECT WHAT IS INSIDE IT. braking conditions.

For DeeMaxx, those tests are more than numbers on a specification sheet. They are proof points for the people depending on those brakes when the trailer behind them carries something they cannot afford to lose.

“The United States military can try to get these things to fail,” Dobransky said. “You should be rest assured they’re going to be good enough to tow your horses, your heavy equipment, your RVs.” For horsemen pulling valuable horses hundreds or even thousands of miles each year, that is the kind of testing that turns an engineering claim into confidence on the road.

ENGINEERING YOU CAN SEE

DeeMaxx has continued expanding into utility trailers, RVs and, most recently, the horse trailer market. Yet the same lessons learned from saltwater, military applications and heavy loads remain built into the product.

The company's patented rotor design helps dissipate heat and moisture, two enemies of braking performance. Its rotors are up to 15 percent larger, increasing brake torque and helping deliver greater stopping power.

The open disc brake design also makes inspection surprisingly simple. Instead of critical components being hidden inside a drum, owners can visually inspect their pads and rotors and more easily access bearings.

“Our system, you can see the entire thing,” Dobransky said. “You can check the thickness on your rotors, the thickness of your brake pads…

It’s truly a lot easier maintenance.”

Other details are less obvious but equally intentional: improved caliper bleeding, silicone boots designed to withstand extreme temperatures, an integrated caliper mount-bolt and sleeve design, corrosion-resistant coatings and components engineered around tight

tolerances.

DeeMaxx also offers the complete electric-overhydraulic system — from actuators and brake lines to calipers, rotors and mounting brackets.

The company backs its actuators with a threeyear warranty and its disc brake assemblies and components with a seven-year warranty.

Dobransky said the decision to extend that coverage came down to a straightforward question.

“We are claiming to be the best disc brake on the market,” he recalled. “Why would we not back that up with the best warranty on the market?”

WHEN FEET MATTER Specifications are important. Stopping distance makes them real.

Dobransky described testing conducted on a nearly new triple-axle RV equipped with ABS drum brakes. Using the same road, speed, driver, controller settings and conditions, the trailer was brought to approximately 40 mph and stopped using only its trailer brakes.

HOW IT'S MADE

With the ABS drum brakes, the three stopping distances were approximately 460, 475 and 490 feet.

The brakes were then converted to DeeMaxx discs.

The following day, under the same testing conditions, the trailer stopped in approximately 275, 260 and finally 250 feet.

Even more telling was what happened as the brakes were repeatedly used. The ABS drumbrake stopping distances increased as heat built, while the disc-brake distances decreased.

The open design of the disc system allows heat to dissipate rather than remain trapped. That becomes especially important for horsemen traveling through mountains, navigating heavy traffic or hauling long, heavy living-quarters trailers.

It can also reduce the burden placed on the tow vehicle.

As drum brakes lose effectiveness, Dobransky explained, the truck increasingly has to help stop the trailer. A properly performing disc system allows the trailer brakes to do the job they were designed to do — saving wear on expensive truck braking components in the process.

P R O T E CT I N G MORE THAN A TRAILER For DeeMaxx, entering the horse industry has meant learning a new market, but the reason behind the product translates easily.

Horsemen understand investment.

They understand what it means to spend years developing a horse, countless hours on the road and weekends away from home. They understand that the trailer behind them may hold not only a valuable horse but also their livelihood.

Dobransky sees a strong parallel between those customers and the families DeeMaxx already serves in the RV market.

“You have a serious financial investment in the lifestyle that’s in the trailer,” he said of the horse industry.

But money is only part of the equation.

“The more that you can do to keep you and your family, you and your horses, you and your trailers… the more you can do to provide that

safety to yourself and also provide that to everyone else out there on the road, that’s a huge, huge difference.”

That may be the best explanation of how a DeeMaxx brake is really made.

Yes, it begins with engineering. There are rotors and calipers, coatings and brake lines, tolerances and testing. There are years of experience behind every improvement and countless miles behind every lesson learned.

But ultimately, DeeMaxx isn't simply building something designed to stop a trailer.

It is building something designed to protect what is inside it.

And when the trailer behind you carries a great horse, your livelihood or someone you love, a few hundred feet can make all the difference. ▪

THE RUN FOR A MILLION CUTTING HORSE CHALLENGE

THE RUN FOR A MILLION

NCHA Shannon Stewart, Owner Billy Wolf, Champion Austin Shepard, Harper Davis, Kamryn, Breezy and Cade Shepard

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY,

BEST OF THE CUTTING BEST.

Debbie celebrates with Monty Buntin and Michael Cooper

BY: MARY BETH GOKEE P H OTO S : C o u r t s ey o f T h e R u n Fo r A M i l l i o n and Reba Hicks

T

aylor Sheridan created the Run For A Million as a premier Western Performance horse competition. He sought out the top equine athletes and riders, all brought together at the amazing South Point Casino in Las Vegas. The prize money and thrilling atmosphere enticed the top riders in Reining and in Reined Cow Horse, and other specialty challenges. In 2023, Sheridan added the Open Cutting horse event, bringing the Top 10 Open riders to the big pen. For this year, Sheridan decided to up the prize money, to up the number of qualifiers and to open the big pen up the top 15 Non-Pro qualifiers, as well.

It brought about excitement for Equine competitors like no other, bringing the top equine athletes and their riders from the most popular Western Performance events together under one roof. It was exhilarating.

TRFAM, as the event is known, offered $250,000 up for the best NCHA Open riders and horses, 15 horses, one round. The Top 15 finishers from the 2025 Brazos Bash in Weatherford qualified for this challenge.

This year, Sheridan decided he wanted the Non-Pro riders to have the chance to showcase their horses, to support the growing influence the Non-Pros have. With $125,000 added, the Non-Pros entered the arena and, faced with the same atmosphere, the excited crowd and the top horses in America, showed their abilities.

The Banuelos Family Celebrate Reyzin the Limit

Candid shots from The Run for a Million Cutting Challenge

Austin Shepard and Rollz Eh

Open Class Winner

Austin Shepard marked an amazing 231 on

the Rollz Eh mare, taking home $55,000 for his run. Shepard is one of four cutters who have qualified for all four of TRFAM events in Vegas. The mare, affectionately known as Lucy, is a 2021 mare by Rollz Royce, out of This Cats Smilen. With her massive 231 at the TRFAM, she can add this victory to her career highlights. Rollz Eh placed second place in the NCHA Open Futurity. She was also named the 2025 NCHA Open horse of the year, with over $741,000 in earnings and was the winner of the NCHA Super Stakes Open Derby.

“The mare is just so special because she really has the desire to do it,” Shepard said.

“But she’s also just so smart, cowy and quick.

She has the physicality needed and the mindset to take over and do it.”

Shepard credits Sheridan for adding something new to the TRFAM each year.

“This year, allowing for it to extend from just the Open riders to the Non-Pro, it’s exciting,” he said. “It paid a little better and allowed us to step up to these accomplishments.”

Owner Billy Wolf and Shepard have qualified a Wolf horse each of the four years of this event. Friends for years and Wolf a close client and supporter of the Shepard family, his mare was stepping into some mighty big shoes.

“That first cow was a great cow to start her on, but that was a lot of turns,” Shepard explained. “I was encouraging her but I wasn’t having to manufacture that. That cow was fast

Debbie Day and Kat Play

and she just took over and handled it. She latched on and took over. That’s what made the run.”

Shepard explained that in every other Western Performance sport, outside of cutting, it is individual — the rider and the horse compete against others.

“In cutting, we are unique in that we try to help each other beat each other,” he said.

“It was very obvious at this event. That’s hard for other people who compete in other equine events to understand. The fact that we help each other, help other trainers maybe go out and beat us, help their customers — that’s what makes us team players.

“It was very interesting to talk to people out there, they just couldn’t fathom it. But it’s just what we do in cutting.”

Shepard also said that the Vegas arena allowed for the cutters to go showcase their horses in a big venue.

“You know, it was the best of the best out there, all trying to let everyone see what their horses could do,” Shepard said. “That never gets old. It’s what gets us up each day.”

Non-Pro's Inaugural Winner

Nevada cutter Debbie Day still has not come down off the cloud from her win at the inaugural $125,000 Non-Pro Cutting class at TRFAM. “I’m just so thankful that Taylor [Sheridan] decided to add our class,” Day said. “It’s a dream come true to have qualified at the Winter Bash.

But to have marked a 229, a score like I’ve never marked before, that’s just unbelievable.”

Day’s horse, Kat Play, lit up the crowd with

his run and score, bringing home $27,500 for Day. Kat Play is a 2016 gelding (by Kit Kat Sugar, out of NQH Shadow Play) and is owned by Dacole Investment Company.

“He’s just such an amazing horse,” Day said.

“He’s just so easy and trustworthy. I never feel nervous on him.” With over $930,000 in earnings herself and her horse’s earnings over $500,000, Day admitted that TRFAM is her biggest cutting accomplishment so far.

“With Monty’s guidance, (Monty Buntin, her trainer and NCHA Hall of Famer) I could just go in and focus on the job at hand.”

Day credits her fellow Non-Pros with the success of the class this year. “With a whole lot of great riders, it’s a dream come true,” she said.

“I drew ninth, and there were six more horses to go. The field was packed full of accomplished riders. I just watched the rest and cheered everyone on. We were all in it together — qualifying was half the battle.”

The other half was the class itself. And Day with her horse, Kat Play, stepped in to light up the arena. “The second cow was tough,” Day said. “I knew I had to hold the cow and thought to myself, do I have to work this one until the buzzer?”

“But that 229, it was just unbelievable to me and I’m so thankful.

“This year, he’s just been really dialed in,” Day added. “It’s just all been a blessing — the run, the score, the support — it means so much, just a blessing. It was overwhelming.” ▪

youth week NYCHA ° 2026

Where Gold Buckle Dreams Come True

YO U T H WO R L D F I N A L S

YOUTH WEEK

Youth competitors assembled for a week of activities and World Finals competition..

B Y : A B I G A I L B O AT W R I G H T P H OTO S BY: S E T H P E T I T

T

he NYCHA Youth Week is the culmination of a year’s work for NCHA Youth members, both in and out of the arena. Starting on Tuesday, July 28, and concluding on Sunday, August 2, the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth was Youth central.

Tuesday, before competitive events began, the week kicked off with a NYCHA family fun night presented by Synbiont.

“It was inspiring to play volleyball and football in the very arena where youth have chased their dreams at the NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses Youth World Finals and NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting,” Rianna Storey, NCHA Youth Director, said.

Wednesday featured the fourth annual NYCHA Life After the Arena event, presented by the NCHA Foundation.

The event included a professional panel moderated by NCHA Foundation executive director Julia Buswold, keynote speaker, Akil Blount from Blount 47 Ranch, as well as a lesson in design from Jennifer Palmer from Cuttin’ Up Show Blankets. The schedule also included a resumewriting workshop led by 2022 NYCHA Hall of Fame inductee Claire Shelton, and a youth brainstorming session to generate ideas to grow the youth program with Code West Scholars’ very own Dr. Rebecca Speelman. A record number of Youth members — over 80 — participated in this year’s event.

“It was a full day for our Youth members aimed at sparking interest and ideas as to what they may want to do with life after the arena — college or trade school, utilizing their NCHA Foundation scholarships, and making connections with industry leaders and sponsors,” Storey said.

The NYCHA Public Speaking Contest and NYCHA governance meeting took center stage on Thursday — with record numbers participating. NCHA Director of Judges Andy Adams also conducted a successful Judging 101 seminar which the youth count as a highlight of the week's activities. Following those events the ever-popular

NYCHA Dummy Roping Contest, presented by Rafter P Construction, Ultra Cruz, and Classic Equine took place.

“That acted as our community service event giving our Youth the opportunity to give back. All entry fees into the dummy roping were actually a donation to Saving Hope Rescue. Participants also brought items, such as dog toys, blankets, and food bowls,” Storey said. “We had over $300 in cash donations, and Saving Hope Rescue was able to join us on site with some adoptable puppies.”

Friday kicked off the in-arena action with the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting and NYCHA Holy Cow Performance Horses Youth World Finals first go.

This year, the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting awarded $105,000 — a huge jump in scholarship funds awarded compared to previous years. In 2025, this event awarded $40,000 in scholarships. A combined milliondollar investment made by the NCHA Foundation and NCHA, as well as a commitment from LS Performance Horses led to the scholarship award increase.

“This is truly a game changer for our youth members,” said Buswold. “The NCHA and the NCHA Foundation are both committed to ensuring that our NYCHA members have the funds needed to chase their dreams in and out of the arena. The LS Performance Horses joining us and matching a previous commitment by Whitley Ranch was an exciting addition as well. All the collaboration, at this level of commitment, is going to impact the futures of our youth members, and ultimately our association, for generations to come.”

Sunday evening, after the finals concluded, youth gathered for the NYCHA Banquet. During that banquet, more than $200,000 in scholarships was awarded to youth members, for in-arena and out-of-the-arena contests such as photo, art, public speaking, and essay. This included the $10,000 Joseph Broderick “Brody” Beaver Memorial Scholarship Award, awarded to Senior Youth World Finals Champion Josey Bell.

2026 YOUTH WORLD FINALS

Brand's Big Win

F

or 13-year-old Brand Brewer, hauling for a World title was a natural step, considering his mom Cara was hauling in the Open. One of Cara’s employees was also making a run in the Senior Youth World title race, so they went along for the ride and hauled for their titles together.

The Brewers went all over the nation, including California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

“It was a great year,” Cara said.

During his campaign, Brand rode a number of horses, mostly paired with Playin A Rebel, nicknamed “Casper.”

“He has a very fun personality,” Brand said. “He likes to play and chew on things.”

“Let’s just put it this way: Casper is a 13-year-old boy in horse form,” Cara said.

“They’re two peas in a pod. He’ll come out riding him bareback with a halter. He’s just a really good gelding.”

At the Blue Ridge show, he marked a 77

on Casper — one of his highlights of the year.

For the Youth World Finals, he borrowed “Summer” because Casper had been showing hard. Brand went in leading by a good margin, so he was feeling good.

He had only ridden the mare a few times before, but they had a great connection.

“I just wanted to try to not lose a cow, and have fun,” Brand said. “I knew I just had to try to hold the cows, and I knew they would mark me. I knew I had the horsepower to win it; I just needed to do my part.”

“It feels really good,” Brand said. “I was feeling ecstatic. I was super happy.”

Brand is thankful to the owners who allowed him to use their horses, and everyone who helped him inside and out of the arena, cheering him on and celebrating his wins. ▪

CLASS:

Junior Youth World Finals RIDER:

Brand Brewer HORSE:

Summer Time Fun PEDIGREE:

Metallic Cat x Hey Georgy Girl O W N E D BY:

Ty Moore SCORE:

677

By George!

Josey Sikorski-Bell of She’d always planned to show 2017 red Aat lthough Madisonville, Texas, rode Buy George roan gelding Buy George at the Youth the Youth World Finals, her path to get World Finals. Her dad has been hauling there took riding a dozen horses. Josey’s dad, Trent Bell, is a trainer, and she often rode client horses, as well as horses owned

by Christian and Makayla Miller and Cass and Chelsea Tatum. But she didn’t originally plan to go for this title — she hauled hard last year and was reserve in this class.

“I really wasn’t planning on hauling this year, I didn’t really have anything to show at the beginning of the Youth year, but if kind of just happened,” Josey said. “We ended up getting Woody B Smooth for me to show.”

Josey didn’t have a plan to show this year, but hauling with her parents, riding many horses and aiming for big youth classes shaped her strategy. She had many great moments during her campaign, including leading in the first go at the circuit finals.

“This year was really fun, every single run,” Josey said. “There were a lot of highs.”

him in the Open for clients Parri and Jerry Longworth, and she’s been getting him ready every time. She also showed him in the Senior Scholarship class last year.

“He has a great personality, and I really love him, and love being around him,” Josey said. “He’s really fun. He’s one of the most fun horses I’ve ever gotten to show.”

She wanted to have fun and enjoy her time, but Josey and “George” had tough luck the first go.

“I drew dead last, and two of my cows tried to jump out of the arena,” Josey said.

“But it was still fun because I was showing a great horse.”

“It felt unreal when it was happening, but it was pretty spectacular,” Josey said. “I didn’t really think it would happen because I didn’t have anything steady to show at the beginning of last year. But the stars aligned, and it just worked out.” ▪

CLASS:

Senior Youth World Finals RIDER:

Josey Sikorski-Bell HORSE:

Buy George PEDIGREE:

Metallic Cat x Hey Georgy Girl O W N E D BY:

Parri & Jerry Longworth SCORE:

654 Combined

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For the Scholars NCHA Foundation Scholarship classes award big bucks to Youth competitors.

B Y: A B I G A I L B O AT W R I G H T P H O T O S B Y: S E T H P E T I T

Sibling Celebration

T

he Snider family had a party in the dirt after both Sailor Snider, 14, and her brother, Stone Snider, 16, won their respective NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting classes. From Rising Star, Texas, Sailor rode My Pistols Hott, aka “Pablo,” to win the Junior title.

Sailor’s dad, Jaime Snider, has shown the 2018 bay stallion owned by Slash 7 Slash since the stallion’s three-yearold year, and Sailor has ridden him at home and prepared him for her dad many times.

“He’s a super good horse, and he’s very friendly,” Sailor said.

Sailor was reserve in this class in 2025, but showing this year was her first time to compete on Pablo. She was nervous

in the first round but gained confidence for the finals.

“In the finals, I felt a little more comfortable, and just knew if I could get my cows cut clean, that Pablo would do the rest.”

She scored a 225 to win the class. Sailor winning the class alongside her brother in the Senior class was a heartwarming moment for the family.

“It’s very exciting, it’s super special,” Sailor said. “It was really cool to win it with my brother and do it on horses that my dad has trained and shown.

My mom shed a lot of tears that day.”

She said a special thanks to Kristen York for letting her ride Pablo.

CLASS:

NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting Junior RIDER:

Sailor Snider HORSE:

My Pistols Hott PEDIGREE:

Hottish x Shes My Other Pistol O W N E D BY:

Slash 7 Slash, LLC SCORE:

225 SCHOLARSHIP:

$10,440 ($5,000 LS Performance Horses Scholarship Incentive and $5,440 NCHA Foundation Scholarship)

Stone’s Success Sixteen-year-old Stone Snider of Rising Star, Texas, rode 2019 bay stallion ZigZagg often in the time the stallion was in Stone’s dad Jaime Snider’s training program from the end of his four-year-old year through his five-year-old year.

“I always loved him a lot, so it was pretty special to get to show him at the scholarship,” Stone said.

Watching his sister Sailor win the Junior Youth Scholarship class right before the Senior class was a motivator, Stone said.

“I was proud of her before I went, and had a little pressure, but it felt really good,” Stone said. “It was fun.”

Stone was reserve in the class last year.

Looking at the competition riding before him in the finals, he had a

singular goal, and he set his strategy accordingly. He was 11th in the herd.

CLASS:

NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting Senior RIDER:

Stone Snider HORSE:

“I was just trying to be clean, and my Zigzagg dad picked three good cows,” Stone P E D I G R E E : said. “It just all worked out.”

Their run scored a 227 to win the class

and $11,720 in scholarship funds. He was pleased to accept his award with his sister and family with him.

Hottish x Justasassycat O W N E D BY:

Gregory Williamson SCORE:

227 SCHOLARSHIP:

“It feels awesome,” Stone said. “I $11,720 ($5,000 Whitley Ranch Scholarship

couldn’t have done it without everybody Incentive and $6,720 NCHA Foundation supporting me. It means the world.”

Scholarship)

In 2011, the National Cutting Horse Association family lost one of its young and most promising Non-Pro competitors, Joseph Broderick Beaver. Brody began his cutting career in 2006, at the age of 16. In 2008, at the NCHA Eastern National Championship, he claimed the Amateur title. The following year, Brody won the Boys Cutting Champion title at the 2009 National High School Finals Rodeo. In 2011, Brody was a top NCHA Non-Pro World Championship contender and earned the NCHA Bronze Award.

To honor Brody’s memory, the Joseph Broderick Beaver Trust made a gift to the NCHA Charities Foundation to establish the Joseph Broderick Beaver Memorial Scholarship Fund. First awarded in the 2012 Youth point year, a $10,000.00 Brody Beaver Memorial Scholarship has been awarded annually to the Senior Youth World Champion for the continuation of his or her education at the college or university of their choice.

Since its establishment, the Joseph Broderick Beaver Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded $150,000.00 to Youth members in Brody’s memory.

scholarship recipients 2026 Josey Bell 2019 Christina Huntley 2025 Preslie Green 2018 Chaser Crouch 2024 Riley Farris 2017 Ryan Rapp 2023 Brinley Lippincott 2016 Kenli Marvin 2022 Emma Grace Rapp 2015 Aubrey Pigg 2021 Faith Farris 2014 Austria Arnold 2020 Colt Moore 2013 Shannon McCoy 2012 Rieta Dufurrena

2 0 2 6 N C H A F O U N D AT I O N S C H O L A R S H I P E S S AY W I N N E R S

Junior Essay Winners Place

Amount

Name

1st

$600

PORTER HULME

2nd

$300

ZACHARY CORVIN

3rd

$200

PENELOPE KLIMKO

y name is Porter Hulme, and as a youth member of the NCHA, Cutting has been more than a sport to M me — it’s been the place where I found myself again.

When people talk about a Gold Buckle Dream, they usually think about winning. But for me, that dream is about surviving, growing, and becoming the kind of person who can stand tall even after life tries to break you.

Cutting has shaped my values, my leadership, and my sense of responsibility in ways I never expected. It became my outlet during some of the darkest moments of my life. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety, and in 2025, I reached a point where I didn’t think I could keep going. I felt empty, forgotten, and convinced that even God had stopped listening.

But that wasn’t true.

Years earlier, I survived a truck wreck that left me paralyzed. Doctors told me I would never ride again.

But my dad prayed over me, and by the grace of God, I regained movement. I learned to walk again. And two and a half years later, I rode into my first World Finals.

That wasn’t just a comeback — it was a miracle.

In my darkest moment, I forgot that miracle. I forgot the people who loved me. But a friend reminded me of my purpose and the fact that I wasn’t alone. That reminder saved me. I spent that night praying and asking God for a sign to keep going — and He gave me one. I’m still here. I’m still fighting. And every day, I try to take one more step forward.

Cutting is part of what keeps me moving. When the world gets too loud, I go to the barn at night, saddle a horse, and everything quiets down. The arena is where the weight lifts off my shoulders. It’s where I can breathe again. It’s where I feel closest to the person I want to become.

This sport has taught me how to lead, how to show up for others, and how to be someone younger kids can look up to. I want to carry those lessons forward. I want to be the kind of leader who notices when someone is struggling and reminds them that their story isn’t over.

One of my heroes, Colt Moore, said something I live

by now: “Don’t let a bump turn into a rut.” Life will throw bumps at you — some small, some life-changing.

But champions don’t stay stuck. Champions rise, even if it takes time.

My Gold Buckle Dream isn’t just about winning a title. It’s about inspiring others the way this sport has inspired and saved me. If I can help even one person feel less alone, then I’m already becoming the champion I want to be.

I

t’s December 3rd, 2022. I’m thirteen years old, perched in the front row of the Watt Arena. This was a momentous event. It was my first time ever watching the NCHA Futurity in person. Growing up in rural Washington, I had grown accustomed to watching the Futurity from the other side of a television screen, longing to one day be there in person. So here I was, my first time ever in Texas, about to watch the Open riders make their debut in the first-go. I was teeming with enthusiasm. This was nothing like watching it on the TV screen back at home. Here, I could see what the cameras couldn’t quite capture. I could watch up close as each horse mesmerized the crowd, moving alongside the cow perfectly as if they had been rehearsing. With every dramatic move the horse made, the crowd grew electrifyingly louder. I could feel the buzz to my core. I was witnessing the world's best cutters perform in front of my very own eyes. These were true cutting champions.

The way they could flawlessly mark astonishing scores,

flaunting their gold buckles earned from a world title.

Yes, that was the epitome of a cutting champion. And maybe once I marked big scores and won gold buckles like them, I could be a champion too. But until then, I just had to keep dreaming gold buckle dreams.

I had started cutting three years prior. Meet ten year old Nevaeh. Unlike most other ten year olds I knew at the time, I was shy and afraid of what might happen if I ventured out of my comfort zone. I could’ve even won “The Most Timid 10 Year Old Award of 2019,” if it had existed. My mom searched for solutions to get me out of my shell, so when a spot opened up at a summer camp just five minutes down the street from our house, my mom took advantage of the opportunity. Though, this summer camp wasn’t like the ones I had seen in movies.

There was no lake, no recreation center, and not even a tetherball pole. There was a huge sandbox, though it wasn’t exactly for building sandcastles. See, this wasn’t just any summer camp. This was “Cutting Edge Cow Horses,” where kids learned to operate and work on the ranch for the summer in exchange for free cutting lessons. Any young girl would’ve been ecstatic to be at a horse camp, but not me. The idea of working on the ranch didn’t sound very appealing and riding a horse that big with a cow at play was a terrifying thought. Nevertheless, my mom assured me that cutting camp would help me to build character and come out of my shell. After all, it would only be for the summer. Or so I thought. I quickly found out that this whole cutting deal wasn’t something that you could do once and never again, because after my first time placing my hand down on a cow I figured out that cutting was absolutely terrifying… yet exhilarating.

Though I had started off the summer leery about cutting, it had quickly proven me wrong. What would’ve

originally been a summer spent cooped up in my room, with my nose in a book tucked away from the world, was now a summer filled with making memories while working cattle in the sunset, sneaking ice cream on trail rides with my new friends, and swimming in water troughs after the cow pens had been scraped clean. Not only was I building character like my mom had hoped, but I had found something that I actually liked. No, something that I loved. By the end of that summer, when the crisp September air was creeping in, and the beginning of fifth grade was drawing nearer, I had caught the cutting bug. Over the course of my fifth grade year, I spent my time showing across my circuit.

With every show I attended, my love for the sport grew.

Though, with love came passion and with passion came obsession.

My obsession with cutting wasn’t subtle. Pretty soon, every wall in my room was plastered with pictures of prestigious horses, and shiny gold buckles cut out from Gist Silversmith advertisements. All of my free time was spent analyzing world championship runs, and researching herd-work techniques, striving to improve for every show. It was through my obsession, that my gold buckle dream was developed: be successful in the cutting pen, and then become a champion. With every show I attended over the next few years, I set out to fulfill my gold buckle dream, so by the time I was midway through my senior youth career, I had a plethora of accolades that reflected a champion. I had gold buckles etched with catchy titles that rested in their display cases on my bedroom walls, World Finals invitations laid out perfectly in picture frames and Cinch shirts embroidered with my name from years claiming my position as a youth director. I had marked the big scores,

Senior Essay Winners Place

Amount

Name

1st

$600

NEVAEH VAZQUEZ

2nd

$300

KATE ROBERSON

3rd

$200

REAGAN BOLLENBACHER

2 0 2 6 Y O U T H W O R L D F I N A L S S C H O L A R S H I P E S S AY W I N N E R S

longed for. The reputation of a champion. Though, despite the countless prizes I had collected, I felt so empty. I had fulfilled my dream, so how come I felt so unfulfilled? Had all of my hard work really been for a collection of shiny buckles to show off at school? Had my identity been built purely on my success? See, from the outside I may have looked like an accomplished champion, but on the inside I didn’t feel like a champion. I couldn’t help but wonder if being a champion truly meant winning one title just to chase the next, or if it meant something more.

Pretty quickly, my journey to become a champion instead turned into a journey to find the makings of one. During this new expedition, with every show I entered, I began to realize that during my voyage from a tremulous little girl into a success-driven youth competitor, I had lost sight of what first made me fall in love with cutting at horse camp all of those years back. It wasn’t winning or success, but it was what came before I ever won a gold buckle. It was how cutting made me feel, and who it had turned me into. During that first summer at cutting camp, the long days cleaning pens with friends, building fences, and learning the basics of maneuvering a herd of cattle, had fulfilled me in a way that nothing else ever had. It had instilled in me tenacity, leadership and companionship with animals and humans alike; the very characteristics which prompted me to strive for success in the first place. I now knew that I had been going about being a champion all wrong. I learned that being a champion wasn’t about winning

116

FA L L 2 0 2 6 | C U T T I N G H O R S E

gold buckles and captivating an audience with big scores, but it was truly about the story your success told.

So with every show I traveled to from that moment on, I strived to find my fulfillment in my character rather than my success. It was only once I started doing that, that I truly felt like a champion. After all, at the end of the day it wasn’t my scores that would leave a lasting impact on the industry, but it was the presence I brought with me to the arena. The moment I started utilizing my accomplishments as tools to help build up others, rather than to build up myself was the moment that I knew I was a true champion.

So meet seventeen year old Nevaeh, with a new gold buckle dream. My gold buckle dream is that the qualities I’ve developed through the cutting industry help others to find their fulfillment in character rather than their accomplishments. In doing this I strive to help others feel like a champion, not because of a buckle that says so, but because of the impact they bring to the industry through their camaraderie, passion, and leadership. I work so that my influence may guide others to recognize their character as their greatest success rather than just their victories posted on social media or a title captured in the bold words on a certificate. After all, youth are the very future of the cutting horse industry, and if we use our gold buckle dreams as leverage to impact others through our character both in and out of the arena, we will set our industry up for a future brighter than any gold buckle could shine. ▪

YO U T H H O R S E

HALL OF FAME WINNERS Six cutting horses have been named to The National Youth Cutting Horse Association 2026 Horse Hall of Fame

1 9 9 0 B AY G E L D I N G

Colonel Leana PEDIGREE

Doc O'Lena x Colonel Missy x Colonel Freckles O W N E D BY

CJ Marcello Jr. S H O W N BY

Justin Marcello B R E D BY

Jerry Durant, Weatherford, TX LIFETIME EARNINGS

$37,900.26

L I F E T I M E YO U T H P O I N T S

377

1983 SORREL GELDING

Lucky Bottom Roy PEDIGREE

Doc Bar Boys 2 x Lucky Bottom 86 x Lucky Star Mac O W N E D BY

Nikki S. Roberson.

S H O W N BY

Jamie Sokol, Nikki Sokol Roberson B R E D BY

Edd Bottom, Asher, OK LIFETIME EARNINGS

$50,844.67

L I F E T I M E YO U T H P O I N T S

325

2007 SORREL MARE

MK Vivian PEDIGREE

Kit Dual x Runnin Mate x Smart Mate O W N E D BY

Kenli Marvin S H O W N BY

Tommy Marvin, and Kenli Marvin B R E D BY

The Gene McKown Living Trust Norman, OK LIFETIME EARNINGS

$112,351.91

L I F E T I M E YO U T H P O I N T S

210

1991 SORREL GELDING

Montanas Musical Sox PEDIGREE

Montana Doc x My Musical Maiden x Doc's Cowboy O W N E D BY

Tarin Rice

S H O W N BY

Tarin Rice, Tatum Rice, Trea Rice, Halee Rice, Boyd Rice, Bernie Kirkland, Shayla Boyce, Brody Boyce B R E D BY

Ryker Ranch, Towson, MD LIFETIME EARNINGS

$48,028.10

L I F E T I M E YO U T H P O I N T S

345

2 0 2 6 Y O U T H H O R S E H A L L O F FA M E W I N N E R S

2014 RED ROAN GELDING

Taliate PEDIGREE

Metallic Cat x Reytaliate x Stylish Rey O W N E D BY

Preslie Green S H O W N BY

Preslie Green B R E D BY

Linda Holmes, Longmont, CO LIFETIME EARNINGS

$332,635.46

L I F E T I M E YO U T H P O I N T S

343

2000 SORREL GELDING

Wood Ya Wanna PEDIGREE

Zack T Wood x Curly Gray Hair x Grays Starlight O W N E D BY

Wrigley Ranches, LLC Ketchum, ID S H O W N BY

Alannah Chartier, Tarin Rice, Sheridan Clark, McCall Callahan B R E D BY

Dick Gaines, Weatherford, TX LIFETIME EARNINGS

$297,557.38

L I F E T I M E YO U T H P O I N T S

211

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2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

WILL BUSHAW 2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Will Bushaw is a 2025 graduate of Peaster High School and is currently a sophomore at Texas Christian University, studying business. A lifelong horseman, Will spent his youth career competing and excelling in the cutting horse world, earning recognition as one of the sport’s standout young talents.

Will’s competitive record speaks for itself with lifetime earnings of $492,104 at the age of 19. Among the many titles earned throughout his youth career, he was the 2020 NYCHA Junior Youth World Champion, NYCHA Junior Youth Rookie of the Year, NYCHA Gold LEAP Award

recipient, Texas High School Rodeo State Finals Boys Cutting Champion, Texas High School Rodeo Rookie of the Year, two-time NCHA Foundation Scholarship Champion, and two-time San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Senior Youth Cutting Champion.

No story captures Will’s heart for this sport more than his bond with his horse, Milhouse. After battling back from several near-death health scares, Milhouse’s story could have ended quietly. Instead, in Will’s final youth event, the pair defied the odds together, capturing the win at the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cutting. It was a fitting and unforgettable finish to Will’s youth career, and a testament to the trust and determination between horse and rider.

Will’s success in the arena was matched by his dedication to service outside of it. He served three years as NYCHA Area 9 Director, representing his region at Youth Week, organizing community service projects, and fundraising for Cook Children’s Therapy Dogs.

As he continues his education and competitive career, Will looks forward to building on the foundation his family has established while carrying on the Crown Ranch brand alongside them. He is equally excited to encourage and support his younger brother, Wesley, as he develops his own journey in the cutting horse industry. With a deep appreciation for the traditions of the sport and a commitment to its future, Will hopes to continue representing his family, horses, and the cutting community with integrity, hard work, and a passion for excellence for years to come.

Will’s combination of talent, work ethic, and heart for service makes him a fitting addition to the NYCHA Hall of Fame.

2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

OWEN COGDELL 2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Raised in Silverton, Texas, Owen Cogdell grew up surrounded by the cutting horse industry. Coming from a family deeply rooted in ranching and cutting horses, Cogdell was introduced to the sport at an early age and quickly developed a passion for both the horses and the people behind the sport.

Throughout his youth career in the National Youth Cutting Horse Association, Owen found success both in and out of the show pen. Along the way, he qualified to show three times at the state level of the NHSRA, became a double national finalist, and was recognized as a two-time

Whitney and Greg Welch Memorial Sportsmanship nominee.

Beyond the accolades, Owen has always placed a great value on hard work, sportsmanship, and his dedication to the association and the people who supported him throughout his journey. Some of his most memorable moments came while showing Bet On A Cat, a horse he borrowed from Tammy Jones, where he earned the youth scholarship in the senior division two consecutive years. Another standout memory came with his horse “Warlock,” marking back-to-back scores of 75 and 76 during their very first weekend together.

For Owen, his time in the NYCHA was about far more than competition. The NYCHA gave him lifelong friendships, countless lessons, and the opportunity to grow as both a horseman and a person. Through years of showing, traveling, and learning from both good and bad runs, he developed the character and consistency that continues to shape him today.

“The best advice I could give is just keep going,” Cogdell said. “You’ll have a lot of bad runs, and you’ll have a lot of good ones, but don’t get discouraged. Encourage yourself and encourage others.”

Now, the 22-year-old still spends his days riding cutting horses and working alongside his family on their ranch, raising cattle and continuing the lifestyle he was raised in. He credits much of his success to the people who supported him along the way, especially his parents, Jim and Pam Cogdell, who hauled him countless miles to horse shows, along with his brother, mentors, and show help who continually pushed him to become a better competitor. Among those mentors, Casey Green played a major role in helping refine Owen’s showmanship and confidence in the arena.

As a NYCHA Hall of Fame inductee, Owen hopes to continue giving back to the industry by helping younger generations, especially his younger cousins, learn the ropes of showing and develop the same passion for cutting horses that shaped his own life. Looking ahead, he plans to remain involved in the cutting horse industry, continuing to ranch, compete, and support the future of the sport that has given him so much.

“It’s a huge honor,” Cogdell said. “The people that supported me, hauled me to shows, and helped me along the way are really what made it all possible.

2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

BREANNA COLLIER 2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Calling Cypress, Texas, home, 19-year-old Brea Collier got her start in the equine industry as a hunter jumper when she was four years old. She competed in English for about 6 ½ years before her grandpa, Bill Collier, signed her up for Mark Mills’ Ranch Hand Camp where she “caught the bug.”

Collier and her parents laugh now, but at the time, they had just purchased a new hunter jumper on December 23rd, and after showing her grandpa’s cutter at the New Year show in Gonzales, Texas, she fell in love with the sport, sold all of her English horses and tack, and never looked back. Though cutting is “home” to Collier, she is beyond thankful for the foundation English built for her.

Hauling across the United States with the Crouch Team, Collier has endless stories to share. These include but are certainly not limited to white water rafting in Colorado, absolutely everything about the Reed’s show in Faith, South Dakota, watching the Indian Relay Horse Races, and visiting Yellowstone and the Badlands National Park. But she said if you ever get the chance, ask her about Chaser Crouch and the toolbox, the “wide load”, zinc oxide, and the paint fences.

According to her, “they won’t disappoint!”

Serving on the NYCHA officer team for eight consecutive years, from an Area Director all the way to Senior President, Collier is very passionate about her time in the Youth. She is a firm believer that your time in NYCHA is what you make it, and the time spent out of the arena is just as important, if not more important, than the time spent in the arena. Looking back on her career, she shared two quotes that she lived by. One was from Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” And, “Somewhere around this arena, there is a little kid that wants to be just like you someday. You owe it to them to be the best you can be.” She truly believes in serving others and making them feel welcome, fostering a familial environment, and having good sportsmanship.

Knowing that she would not be where she is today without her “village,” Collier wants to give a special thanks to her grandpa, her parents, the Crouch Team, the Caloudas Family, Mark Mills, all of her turnback help, show management, all the owners that allowed her to borrow their horses, everyone that supported her along the way, her four-legged teammates, and God Himself.

Though she is hanging up the bridle reins in her youth career, she continues to show her horses on the weekends. When asked what life looks like now, she shares that she is attending Texas A&M University studying Agricultural Leadership and Development and AgriFood Sales. After college, her ultimate goal is to serve as a missionary while pursuing a career in the ag industry.

2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

LILY ERWIN

2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Lily Erwin of Lady Lake, Florida, has been embedded in the cutting world since birth. The daughter of NCHA Hall of Fame Open Rider Walt Erwin, Lily is the oldest of five children and leads her siblings with strength, love, and determination. Lily started showing when she was 7 years old and hasn’t looked back since. She was a competitive gymnast from the ages of 5-9, which gave her the experience of working hard for success. During the COVID shutdown, Lily proved to her parents she could handle a full school workload and be Walt’s right-hand woman. The rest is “history.” Lily made the World Finals an impressive six times, twice as a Junior Youth and four times as a Senior Youth. In 2023-2024 point year, Lily not only made the Senior Youth World Finals but also took home

the National High School Finals Rodeo Girls Cutting title. In 2025-2026, Lily once again made the Senior Youth World Finals and the short go at the National High School Finals Rodeo. She also has a handful of NCHA Foundation Youth Scholarship Cutting Finals on her resume.

With many influential mentors who have helped her along the way, Lily credits her parents, Walt and Sara, as the ones who were always the first to cheer her on but also show her ways to improve. She says she has spent more hours horseback helping prep horses for Walt to show than she did doing anything else. She also thanks both sets of grandparents, who supported her with encouraging texts, the horses, and by helping transport her and her siblings. Lily says there are an innumerable number of people in the cutting world who have helped her reach this achievement. She counts Todd Gann as a tremendous help in the show pen, especially at the National High School Finals Rodeo. Dan Edwards for spreading her horizons through the countless hours spent working and watching 2-year-olds at his place.

She would also like to thank Jerome Bradford for paving the way to success by mounting her with his horses at the beginning of her youth career. And Mark Senn, who not only helped her with horsepower in the show pen, but who has also given her significant insight into different career paths and life advice. She also thanks the Scheers, especially for the last shows of her youth career when TC spent many hours turning back, giving her the best opportunity to win, and Brandi for always being there to give her a boost of confidence before showing. Lily says the Slighs will also always hold a special place in her youth career, whether it was dinner and a place to stay, or the incredible summer of 2024, getting to show their special mare, June. She also thanks Nate and Stacie Pettitt, Brandy Gann, Codie and Casey Green, and so many others who have played an impactful role at each cutting.

Counting the horses as the most special part of her journey, Lily credits Playful Highbrow CD for teaching her how to love and show a horse. Moonstruck Player for showing her how to win and become a showman. Blu Metallic for putting her on top at just the right moment, and DB Mates Brow, who gave her consistency when she needed it. Peponitas Huggs reminded her how to have fun after a hard World Finals chase. Marshall Mathers CD for teaching her how to step onto the aged-events stage, and Trash Talkin for bringing her back to the fun side of showing for more than points.

Lily says the NYCHA has helped her become the strong, resilient, hardworking, determined young woman she is today, with help along the way from amazing family, friends, mentors, and horses.

2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

RILEY HOPE FARRIS 2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Riley Farris, 19, from Midway, Texas, began riding Western Pleasure horses at the age of three. At eight years old, she decided she wanted to be just like her family and get involved in the cutting horse industry. As she screamed and flailed during her first cow work, her family questioned whether cutting was a good idea. Luckily, they allowed her to get back in the saddle, and she fell head over heels – both literally and figuratively. Since that day, she has never looked back.

On many weekends, it was typical to see the Farris family trailer line hauling down the road: Mike, Reygan, and Riley in the lead, Faith and Mitch behind, and Pops and Caca bringing up the rear. While being stuck in living quarter trailers together brought challenges; it also brought bonding and unforgettable memories. When not with her family, Farris could be found wandering the showgrounds with the youth group. Whether playing football in the Gonzales arena, sumo wrestling, running golf carts down the dirt roads of Wyoming, or simply laughing at nothing on the floor of a trailer, every ride home was filled with many stories to tell.

Throughout her years in NYCHA, Farris stepped into many leadership roles. From serving as an Area Director to making her way to Senior President, she is extremely grateful for all of the lessons these positions taught her. She believes if you are a part of an organization, your voice deserves to be heard for its betterment.

Her time as a NYCHA officer was no exception. Between afternoon Zoom calls and Triple Crown youth meetings, she enjoyed watching the suggestions made by her team come to fruition. She hopes that by the end of her years, she was able to help leave NYCHA better than she found it. This industry has always felt like home, and as she got older, she realized that it was now her duty to ensure the younger generation felt that way as well. To continue growing the cutting horse family, she believes that it has to feel exactly like that: a family. Simple acts such as a pat on the back after a bad run, or a quick laugh in the loping pen can contribute to that goal more than any of us initially realizes.

She attributes all to her Lord and Savior and is very thankful for all the blessings he continuously provides. As for her family, Farris is grateful for every member, but wants to especially thank her sister, Reygan, and her dad.

Reygan stepped in when she did not have to, always making sure Riley had anything she needed. Her dad is the reason any of this was possible. She thanks him for her work ethic, ability to be here, and everything in between. She also wants to thank everyone who ever helped her both in and out of the show pen, but especially Casey Crouch, Chad Bushaw, Kory Pounds, and Trent Bell for becoming not only show help, but father figures. She also thanks the horses who got her here and everyone who stepped in to help her through these rough couple of years.

Over the past year, her saddles have gathered dust as she served as the Texas FFA State President. After retirement from this role, she will be attending Texas Christian University, majoring in Communication Studies with the hope of attending law school later on. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in Agricultural Policy, in hopes of running for public office.

Someday soon, she intends to get back in the saddle and is excited to continue her journey in this industry.

2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

CHARLES CODY GANN 2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Charles Cody Gann was destined to follow in his family’s footsteps. A third-generation cutter, raised in the industry as a trainer’s kid, Cody developed a love for horses at an early age. Once he was old enough to walk to the herd, cutting horses quickly became his passion. Growing up in the cutting world instilled in him a strong work ethic, dedication, and competitive drive.

Cody rode numerous horses in his youth journey, but there were three that played especially important roles.

Instance, was the horse he learned to cut on and the horse that laid the foundation for his future success. Hevvy

Metal was the horse that Gann credits with teaching him how to win. And Blu Metallic helped establish Cody as one of the top youth competitors in the NYCHA. During his junior youth career, Cody quickly emerged as a dominant competitor, earning multiple championships and consistently placing among the top riders at major events, including the Eastern Nationals, NYCHA World Finals, and the NCHA Foundation Scholarship Cuttings. He was crowned the 2019 Junior Youth World Champion and Show Champion, and in 2020, he captured the NCHA Foundation Junior Youth Scholarship Cutting Championship. Riding Hevvy Metal, Cody won the NYCHA Junior Youth Championship at the Eastern Nationals three consecutive years. He also qualified for the NYCHA Junior World Finals four straight years and the Junior Youth Scholarship Cutting Finals five times, earning “Hevvy Metal” induction into the NYCHA Horse Hall of Fame.

As he advanced into his senior youth years, Cody continued his remarkable success. He qualified for four consecutive Senior World Finals and Eastern Nationals Senior Finals, while also qualifying for the Senior Youth Scholarship Cutting Finals four times. He concluded his NYCHA youth career by winning the NYCHA World Finals Show Champion title aboard Blu Metallic and finishing third in the Senior Youth World Standings. Cody demonstrated unmatched consistency on the national stage and made history as the first competitor in the history of National High School Finals Rodeo to win his event four times.

Cody earned the NHSFR Boys Cutting Champion title in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished youth competitors. Cody credits much of his success to the unwavering support system surrounding him. He is deeply thankful for his parents, grandparents, brother Cole, his Aunt Leann, his whole family, the Sligh family, and all of his dad’s customers for their constant encouragement. Although there are far too many people to thank individually, Cody remains sincerely grateful for everyone who contributed to his journey and success. He considers it a tremendous honor to be inducted into the NYCHA Youth Hall of Fame alongside so many respected individuals, including members of his own family — his father, Todd Gann, his uncle, Chad Gann, and his aunt, Leann Patterson.

Cody is currently working for Austin Shepard as he pursues his next goal of becoming an Open Hall of Fame Rider. Looking toward the future, Cody hopes to see continued growth of the NCHA through expanded events, incentives, and payouts. He personally aims to introduce a new generation of riders to the sport. Cody’s advice to future youth competitors is simple: work hard, have fun, and enjoy every moment, because the friendships and memories made through cutting horses will last a lifetime.

2 0 2 6 N Y C H A H A L L O F FA M E

EMMA GRACE RAPP 2026 NYCHA Hall of Fame Inductee

Emma has been immersed in the cutting horse industry for as long as she can remember. Raised by her parents, Phil and Mary Ann Rapp, alongside her older brother, Ryan Rapp, Emma was introduced to the cutting horse lifestyle at an early age. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the sport, she developed a passion for horses through countless hours spent in the barn, at horse shows, and learning from those closest to her. Their guidance, support, and dedication to the industry helped shape the horsewoman and competitor she is today.

Emma's success in the show pen is a testament to years of hard work and perseverance. She captured the 2022 NYCHA Senior Youth World Championship, establishing herself as one of the nation's top youth competitors. In 2026, she reached another career milestone by winning the NCHA Super Stakes Non-Pro Championship, one of the National Cutting Horse Association's most prestigious titles. These accomplishments reflect not only her talent but also her commitment to continually improving as both a rider and horsewoman.

Throughout her career, Emma has earned more than $470,000 in lifetime NCHA earnings and accumulated an impressive 645 youth points, achievements that place her among the sport's most accomplished young competitors. While she is proud of the championships and milestones she has earned, Emma believes the greatest rewards come from the relationships built with her horses, family, and fellow competitors, as well as the lessons learned through every challenge and success.

Away from the show arena, Emma enjoys working the family's homebred horses alongside Phil, Mary Ann, and Ryan. She values being involved in every step of developing young horses, from their earliest rides to preparing them for competition. Working together as a family is one of the aspects of the cutting horse industry she treasures most, and it has given her a deep appreciation for the dedication required to produce successful horses.

Emma is equally committed to her education. She currently attends Texas Christian University (TCU) and is on track to graduate in December 2026 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Business. She takes pride in balancing the demands of collegiate academics with the responsibilities of competing at the highest levels of the sport.

When she isn't riding or competing, Emma enjoys spending time with friends and family. With a lifelong passion for cutting horses, a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the people and horses that have shaped her journey, Emma looks forward to continuing to build on her family's legacy while pursuing excellence in and out of the show pen.

2 0 2 6 S P E C I A L O P E R AT I O N S C U T T I N G C H A L L E N G E

BY SUZIE RUPERT PHOTOS BY SETH PETIT AND NCHA

Seals meet Berets

Champion Scott Allcorn and family

T

here are few sights more stirring than an American flag hanging over an arena, a good horse waiting at the gate, and men who have spent their lives answering the call of duty stepping into a challenge unlike anything they have faced before.

At the 2026 NCHA Special Operations Cutting Challenge presented by David Lewis Builder, Navy SEALs and Green Berets traded battlefields for the cutting pen, bringing with them the same determination, discipline and competitive spirit that have defined their lives in service. But this time, their mission was different: find a cow, trust a horse and make the most of every second.

And, of course, win.

But long before the first cow entered the herd, this year’s Challenge was already becoming something special.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and supporters, the warriors were treated to several days designed not only to prepare them for competition, but to welcome them into the Western and cutting-horse communities in a way they would remember long after the final score was called.

Their Fort Worth experience began with a little cowboy outfitting.

At Cinch, each contestant had the opportunity to gear up with jeans and shirts for the week ahead. From there,

the group headed to Sombrero Brands in the Stockyards, where hats completed another piece of their Western wardrobe.

And no cowboy outfit is complete without boots. Rios of Mercedes generously provided each contestant with a pair of boots, giving the warriors something made to carry them through the cutting pen and a keepsake from an unforgettable week.

The gifts were more than swag. They were gestures of appreciation from people and companies who wanted these men to know that their service mattered.

Then came an experience with an even deeper meaning.

On Thursday morning, the warriors visited the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas.

For a group of men who understand service, sacrifice and courage in a way few others ever will, the visit offered a powerful connection to generations of Americans who answered their country’s call. Surrounded by the stories of Medal of Honor recipients, the morning provided a moment away from the lighthearted rivalry and competition, a chance to reflect on courage, character and the extraordinary sacrifices made by those who came before them.

It was a fitting experience for a week built around honoring warriors.

The schedule also gave the contestants plenty of opportunities

to become horsemen. Practice sessions at the Will Rogers Memorial Center put them aboard their horses and alongside their trainers, working cattle, learning the feel of a cutting horse and preparing for what awaited them beneath the bright lights of the Coliseum.

They even got a look at the sport from the other side of the judge’s stand during a Judging 101 session with NCHA Director of Judges Andy Adams. Understanding what judges are watching for gave the competitors another perspective on the sport they were about to tackle.

Then it was time to put everything they had learned to the test. For Senior Chief SEAL Scott Allcorn, that mission ended with a championship.

Aboard Royalty Smart, Allcorn marked an impressive 226 to claim the title in a fiercely contested field.

Yet what made his victory especially meaningful was not simply the buckle. It was the journey and the humility that came with it.

Allcorn admitted that he did not feel his championship run was quite as strong as his performance the year before.

His first thought after the run wasn’t about celebrating. It was about learning. He immediately turned to his trainer and asked what he had done wrong so they could go back, study it and improve.

That mindset says a great deal about the man behind the buckle.

For Allcorn, cutting has become more than a competition.

Horses are a passion, and the opportunity to ride alongside experienced cutting-horse trainers has given him a new appreciation for horsemanship and the partnership required to compete at a high level.

In the days leading up to the championship, Allcorn practiced aboard Royalty Smart, preparing not only for the cattle but for the pressure of the moment. When it came time to show, he chose not to overthink it. He described his mindset as “no mind,” — stay present, trust the preparation and let the horse-and-rider partnership take over..

Before entering the pen, the message was simple: let’s go win.

It worked.

T O P : C A S E Y G R E E N A N D M A S T E R S E R G E A N T M AT T H E W S W A N N B O T T O M : W E S TA N D W I T H T H E E

That partnership is at the heart of cutting and perhaps the most humbling part of the sport for someone accustomed to being in control.

In the cutting pen, rank doesn’t matter. Medals don’t matter.

Experience in the military doesn’t matter. The cow doesn’t care who is sitting in the saddle. It only knows where it wants to go.

The horse, however, knows exactly what it is doing.

A good cutting horse reads a cow in an instant, reacts before the rider can fully process the movement and demands that the rider trust its instincts. For men trained to make decisions under pressure, learning when to act and when to simply get out of the horse’s way can be an entirely different kind of lesson.

And that is where the magic of this event lives.

The SEALs and Green Berets weren’t competing as teams.

They were competing as individuals, each chasing the same No. 1 spot. But beneath the friendly rivalry was something deeper, a shared understanding forged through service, sacrifice and the willingness to step outside a comfort zone.

There was plenty of laughter, too.

Because no matter how highly trained a man may be, a 700-pound cow has a way of reminding everyone that plans don’t always survive contact with the opponent.

The crowd embraced every bit of it.

Families, veterans, horsemen, sponsors and supporters came together to cheer the competitors, not simply because they were watching a cutting, but because they understood what these men had already given long before they ever rode through the gate.

And perhaps that is what makes the Special Operations Cutting Challenge so powerful.

Horse

Pedigree

Owner

Rider

Score

1

Royalty Smart

One Time Royalty x Shes Smooth N Smart

Windy Pass, LLC

Scott Allcorn

226

2

Two Smooth Shoes

Smooth Talkin Style x Miss Woody Two Shoes

Kathleen Moore

Charlie Kirksey

221.5

3

Reys Your Brow

High Brow Cat x Tootsie Rey

Redtown's N5 Land & Livestock

Justin Alexander

221

simply because they want to do something meaningful for people who have already done so much for their country.

And there are fellow competitors who may want the same buckle just as badly but still understand exactly what it means to stand beside the man who earns it.

By the end of the Challenge, Scott Allcorn had the coveted championship title and another gold buckle to add to his story.

But the competition produced another result worth remembering.

A SEAL may have taken home the buckle, but the Green Berets

It gives these warriors a chance to compete, laugh, learn and simply enjoy the partnership between horse and rider. But the days surrounding the competition also give the cutting-horse community an opportunity to give something back.

Every part of the experience carried the same underlying message: Thank you. We remember. And we're glad you're here.

Allcorn made sure to recognize the people who helped him reach the winner's circle, especially his wife, who attended alongside his parents. He called her his “number one fan” and expressed his gratitude for the constant support

and encouragement she gives him.

That sentiment seems to capture the spirit of the entire event.

No one reaches the winner's circle alone.

There are horses and trainers. Families and friends.

Sponsors and volunteers. There are businesses that open their doors, companies that donate their products and supporters who quietly step forward

claimed the highest composite score.

So, naturally, neither side is likely to let the other forget it anytime soon.

And maybe that's exactly how it should be.

Because the Special Operations Cutting Challenge is about competition, but it is also about connection. It's about a community opening its doors to men who have spent their lives serving others and saying, for a few days, this one's for you.

It is a reminder that courage doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Sometimes it finds a new purpose in a saddle, a new partner in a horse and a new challenge in a cutting pen.

On this day, warriors became horsemen.

They competed hard. They laughed often. They honored always.

And thanks to the people and sponsors who surrounded them throughout the journey, they were reminded that the gratitude of a nation and of the cutting-horse family extends far beyond the arena gate. ▪ L E F T : C O M P E T I T I O R S AT T H E M E TA L O F H O N O R M U S E U M RIGHT: SERGENT FIRST CLASS JEREMY PIERCE

SPECIAL OPERATIONS cutting challenge

scott allcorn

Tier One special operations unit Seal Team Six, Senior Chief

clint larue

Navy SEAL • Senior chief, E-8

justin alexander

U.S. Army Special Forces - 18Z Special Forces operations sergeant • sergeant major

lowell koppert

U.S. Army Special Forces - 3rd Special Forces Group • Staff Sergeant

ANTHONY DICKMAN Navy SEAL • Chief Warrant Officer 3

chance spangler

Navy SEAL • Command Master Chief, E-9

zachary gibson

U.S. Army Special Forces - Operations Sergeant Major • 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

jeremy pierce

U.S. Army Special Forces - 10th Special Forces Group • Sergeant First Class

rob dunlap

Navy SEAL • Chief Warrant Officer 3

brian zamaitis

Navy SEAL • senior chief, E-8

Charlie kirksey

U.S. Army Special Forces - 5th Special Forces Group • Sergeant First Class

Matthew Swann

U.S. Army Special Forces - 18Z Group Operations Sergeant • Master Sergeant

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class is in

session THE NCHA’S CLINIC SERIES BRING LEARNING AND CAMARADERIE TO RIDERS AROUND NORTH AMERICA. BY: ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

C

utting is a sport best learned in collaboration, and participating in a clinic is an excellent way to not only to improve your horsemanship and cattle skills, but also to build friendship and community. The NCHA Clinic Series offered two clinics this year: one in Powell Butte, Oregon, and another in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Here’s how the clinic series brought valuable education to members.

NCHA CLINIC SERIES

the inspiration Three years ago, NCHA approached the NCHA

Foundation with a grant request to create the clinic series as a benefit to members, says Julia Buswold, NCHA Foundation Executive Director.

“The Foundation was more than happy to do that under our Continued Education tenet,” Buswold said. “We do them domestically and internationally.”

The clinics serve several purposes.

“I think the number one goal is to engage and help our riders of all skill levels,” Buswold said.

“We want to invite newcomers to the sport as well.

I think it’s a really great way for current members to bring along a friend to these clinics, and a great way to introduce somebody new to the sport of cutting. We really wanted it to be a benefit for our existing members, as well as a gateway for new members.”

Ontario Cutting Horse Association President Amanda Law said NCHA invited local affiliates to make the clinic their own to cater to their members.

“We opened the clinic up to people who are Ontario Cutting Horse Association Members,

Cutters eager to learn.

Candid photo of Professionals.

thinking, if it doesn’t fill, we’d open it up to the general riders in the area and see if people want to come in,” Law said. “It was filled within four or five hours.”

hands-on learning The clinics are held over two full days, and include

professional trainers as clinicians. This year, Jody Galyean and Paul Hansma went to Oregon. Hansma and Bill Riddle taught the Canadian clinic.

“We take at least two of our Hall of Fame trainers with us, and our director of judges, Andy Adams, typically goes with us to handle the judge’s seminar portion of the clinic,” Buswold said.

At the Canada clinic, 5A judge Cody Smith went for the judge’s seminar.

Riding participants are capped at 32 students, but the judge’s clinic is open to more participants, and the riding portions can be audited. Thirty spectators attended the clinic in Ontario. The number of riding students is limited due to cattle costs and time constraints. “[Clinics] are open to anyone,” Buswold said. “In all of our clinics so far, we’ve had everything from youth riders to seasoned, novice riders and professionals who are just wanting advice and a tune-up from Hall of Fame trainers.”

The first day includes a morning session with the judge’s seminar.

“We really want to give them what the judges are looking for before we go out and start getting on horseback,” Buswold said.

In the afternoon, participants get horseback and work with clinicians one-on-one, in a group setting, and do some flag work.

The second day, clinic producers set up a mock show scenario, and riders get to work at least two head of cattle.

“While they’re doing their run, our judge is giving them live feedback,” Buswold said. “‘Okay, this is what we saw on this cow, this is what we would have scored it. Here’s what I want you to do on the next one.’ So they’re getting feedback as they go through their run.”

After their run, riders get with the trainer they were paired with from the day before, and debrief, going over their ride with tips on where they can improve, and what improvements they’re already making.

“If they want additional help, they can go back to the flag with them for a little bit,” Buswold said.

Clinic attendees enjoy having NCHA come to

Hands-on learning in the arena.

their area, Buswold said.

“I think the participants are extremely excited that the ‘home office’ is showing interest and wanting to give them value for their loyalty to NCHA,” Buswold said. “The Hall of Fame trainers that go with us have been a wealth of knowledge. It’s exciting — it’s almost like we get to put on a baseball clinic with Babe Ruth. It’s a really exciting opportunity for people to learn from these folks who have been at the top of their game.”

Afton Towry has been cutting for about four years, and the Veneta, Oregon resident is a member of the Oregon Cutting Horse Association. When she saw info for the clinic pop up on Facebook, she signed up for the chance to learn from Hall of Fame trainers.

“It was amazing,” Towry said. “I had the best time. It was the most beautiful cutting grounds.

The arena was wonderful, the stalls, everything about the facility was beautiful.”

She enjoyed the judge’s seminar, learning about what judges are looking for.

NCHA CLINIC SERIES

“That was really insightful because there are so many rules and regulations and you don’t always know what they mean,” Towry said. “It’s not an easy discipline to get into. So it was really insightful to learn from people at that level.”

She got the most out of time with the trainers.

“Being hands-on with the trainers and getting their feedback was the best part, because they gave one-on-one type of training,” Towry said. “Even though you were in a group, I felt like I got one-onone type of schooling.”

Towry said the clinic was a great welcome for newcomers to cutting. As a longtime rider, but newer to cutting, she felt like the clinics open up the organization to new people.

“It was such a great opportunity to open up those doors to let new people, younger riders, novice riders, get schooling and lessons, and it not be so intimidating,” Towry said. “I think it was a really great thing for the industry.”

Law said their Canadian clinic was a huge hit with members.

“It was honestly incredible,” Law said. “The participants were talking about it for the next three shows. People have asked over and over again, ‘How do we get it again?’ It was a highlight in a great way because we did it right before our first show of the year. The participants and spectators got so much out of it. I feel like they got a lot of confidence going into the show the next day.”

She encourages affiliates to enter their organization as options for future clinics.

“I think it is so encouraging, and it felt like such a huge give back from the NCHA — we’re not in an area that is easy to get clinicians,” Law said.

“Everybody felt so good about it.”

Bill Riddle with an inspired young cutter

Canadian Attendees

Director Andy Adams teaches from the Judges prospective

NCHA Professionals

looking ahead With successful clinics the last few years, NCHA is planning to host more in 2027.

“These clinics are important for the Foundation, but I also think they’re important for the future of NCHA,” Buswold said. “Our members pay dues every year, and compete on the weekends at many shows. It’s a way for us to be able to give them value back for their membership, but also encourage them to improve their skill levels.” ▪

For more information on the NCHA Foundation and to support programming like this, visit www.nchafoundation.org today.

N C H A Tr a i n e r s P a u l H a n s m a , B i l l R i d d l e a n d N C H A Foundation Executive Director Julia Buswold

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NCHA INDUSTRY NEWS

NCHA

INDUSTRY NEWS

AWARDS

DISCOVER MONROE-WEST MONROE ANNOUNCES GOLDEN HERON AWARD WINNERS

D

iscover Monroe-West Monroe honored 50 years of tourism in Ouachita Parish and announced the winners of the Golden Heron Awards: •Tourism Events Excellence Award: National Cutting Horse Association – Eastern National Championship; Shianne Megel – Director of Shows

Fort Worth, Texas — The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and the National Youth Cutting Horse Association (NYCHA) are proud to announce Brooklynn Triche of St. Francisville, Louisiana, as the recipient of the 2026 Rafter P Youth Award, presented by Rafter P Construction.Full press release at https://nchacutting .com

LUTHER WHITE JR.

Luther Maxwell White, Jr., “Luke,” 80, passed away peacefully at his home, with his wife Karen of 23 years by his side.

They lived on the Suwannee River near Chiefland, with their beloved dogs, Priss and Buster.

Luke was born June 4, 1945, at Alachua General Hospital in Gainesville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther White, Sr., and Juanita Marshburn White, and his brother, Wesley White.

He spent a happy early childhood in Bronson and the family moved to Chiefland in 1956. A skilled and talented athlete at Chiefland High School, Luke played on the 1961 State Champion football team and excelled in basketball and track. He went on to play football as a freshman with the University of Florida Gators after graduation in 1963, but a knee injury sidelined him and broke his heart – he never played in a game for the team. His teammates from the early 1960s squads, affectionately known as the Silver Sixties, always graciously included him in their reunions. Luke remained a fiercely loyal Gator fan for life.

From an early age, he began working for the family businesses, White Construction and Limerock Industries, helping build roads across Florida – including major sections of I-75, I-10, and Alligator Alley.

While working in South Florida, he loved taking his airboat out with friends for all-night frog gigging; closer to home, he’d mullet fish all night long out from Cedar Key. The family raised cattle, a tradition Luke and Karen continued by founding White Cattle Company. They raised outstanding registered Brahmans, Herefords, and Angus, along with crossbred cows and bulls.

Luke’s true passion was beautiful AQHA cutting horses; his stallion, Boon San Lena, was the World Champion Cutting Horse Stallion in 1993 and the World Champion NCHA Cutting Horse in 1994.

His father introduced him to elk hunting in Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area in the 1960s. Luke continued those hunts throughout his life,

IN MEMORIAM

hauling his mules from Florida every September to McCall, Idaho, for backcountry pack trips. (His mules remain part of the ranch today.) Luke and Karen were married in beautiful McCall and built two developments there: Elkhorn and White Cloud.

In his later years, Luke spent much time driving around his beloved Flatwoods, with Karen riding shotgun every chance she got, checking on his fat cows. He was an avid outdoorsman and proud Florida rancher with a deep love for critters of all kinds. He was happiest when he was working.

Luke was a Life Member of the American Quarter Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was also a member of the Levy County Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the National Cattlemen’s Association, and the Brahman, Hereford, and Angus breed associations. He was a lifelong member of the Chiefland Methodist Church.

Luke is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Luke (Molly); his daughter, Snow (Curt); his son, Brad; grandchildren Max White (Allie), Harley White Nussel (Art), Kynnedy White, Bryson White, and Denver White; and great-grandsons Hayes Nussel and Hudson White. uke was a man of quiet strength who lived to work. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

L

NCHA INDUSTRY NEWS

IN MEMORIAM

NANCY LEE RAPP

Nancy was born March 5, 1934, in Valley, IL to Edward and Ann (Rady) Waytenick. Nancy grew up in Clinton, IL. She graduated from Clinton High School, then St. Mary’s College of Nursing and studied chemistry and biology at the St. Bede Academy.

Nancy worked as a nurse in New York City and later as a flight attendant for Slick Airways. That job took her throughout the Pacific and she was delighted to be in Hawaii when it became our 50th state. Nancy met her husband of 26 years while serving as a nurse in Pan Am’s flight department in the California Bay Area. Nancy was married to Gerald R. Rapp October 6, 1967.

Nancy and Gerald retired in Napa, California building the Rapp Ranch.

They became very involved with cutting horses through their son Phil. Nancy fervently supported the cutting horse industry. She was found cheering anywhere her family was competing. Nancy made friends everywhere she went and enjoyed the company of friends new and old during those competitions.

Nancy is survived by her children Philip, his wife Mary Ann Rapp, and grandchildren Ryan Edward and Emma Grace Rapp. Gerald R. Rapp Jr. ( Jay) and his wife Susan Rapp, their daughter Sydney Rapp. Margaret (Rapp) McNulty and her husband Andrew McNulty and their children Megan McNulty Cross and Brendan McNulty in addition to two great grandchildren.

Sisters Patricia (Waytenick) Hyduk and Janet Sue (Waytenick) Conard and daughter Lisa Michele Sparling. She is preceded in death by husband Gerald R. Rapp, brother Edward Michael Waytenick and parents Edward and Ann Waytenick. https://www.bcbfuneralhome.com/obituaries/nancy-rapp

IN MEMORIAM

ANNE MARY RIDDLE Ringling — Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Anne Mary (Havey) Riddle, 82, of Ringling are scheduled for 10:00 am Monday, March 23, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Ringling with Joe Howard Williamson officiating, and Tom Holt and Allen Bingham assisting. Interment will follow at 3:00 PM at Eastview Cemetery of Vernon, TX. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Ringling.

Anne was born on April 6, 1943, at Providence, Rhode Island to the late Mr. Roland Arthur Havey and Mrs. Helen M. (Sullivan) Havey. She went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at a healthcare facility at Ardmore, OK. Anne was born and raised in Rhode Island. When she was just nine years old, she drew a picture of a horse and declared that one day she would have one of her own. That dream stayed with her until the 1970s, when she moved to Texas and finally purchased her first horse — beginning a lifelong love of horses and the cutting horse industry. Anne served as the Chief Operating Officer of Bill Riddle Inc. beginning in 1980, where she played a key role in the business and touched countless lives along the way. She was known not only for her work ethic but also for her generosity and willingness to help others. She quietly gave to children in Africa, supported police and animal rescue organizations, and was always helping someone in town or someone who worked alongside her — whether as an advisor, a mother figure, or through financial help during difficult times.

Within the cutting horse community, Anne was deeply respected. She was long involved with

the NCHA Cutter in Action Crisis Fund, helping cutting horse families during times of hardship. As an NCHA Non-Pro competitor, she earned over $71,000. Her last time showing a horse she marked a 76.

When Bill asked her how she executed the run so well after not showing for years because of severe back issues, she simply replied, “Bill, I’ve been having that run in my mind for years.” Although she had not been able to ride for over 25 years, horses remained a constant love in her life. Her favorite horse of all time was Clark’s Lil Fanny, the horse she won most of her earnings on. Clark’s Lil Fanny lived to the age of 31 and passed away at Anne and Bill’s ranch.

Anne was also a successful businesswoman outside of the horse world. She owned an interior design company in Dallas, Texas, where her love of fashion and design showed in everything she did. Anyone who knew Anne knew she was always dressed to the nines. She was an amazing mother to Kelly, Liz, and Havey, and proudly known as Mom, Granny Annie, and Nana. Her heart was enormous, and she helped countless people come to know Jesus or find strength during the hardest moments of their lives. Anne expected excellence. You always knew where you stood with her. She was, without question, one of the hardest working women anyone could ever meet. She also had a fun side that everyone loved. Anne was famous for running late and then making up for it by driving down Highway 89 at a steady 100 miles an hour. Everyone in town knew to watch out for Anne on that road. She once told Havey that she knew it took ten minutes to get to town to pick her up from school — but she could make it in five. One of her favorite holidays was St. Patrick’s Day. She loved singing “Who Threw the Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder,” and in fact she performed it just last week.

Anne had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats. That love clearly passed on to her daughters, who now have what can only be described as small zoos in their homes. Over the years she had many beloved pets, but a few favorites were Roxie, Molly, Bullie, and Catch. Anne was also known for her determination and toughness. She endured more than ten surgeries on her back, neck, and legs and had limited mobility for many years. Despite this, she remained deeply involved in the lives of her family. Many people don’t know that Anne was also a licensed pilot and flew a single-engine Cessna. One of Kelly’s favorite memories was flying with her to transport a deer for taxidermy — an adventure that ended in an emergency landing that sent deer flying all over the plane. She graduated from Boston University with a master’s degree and was a member of the prestigious Scarlet Key Honor Society. Anne never liked sleeping much. It was not unusual for family and friends to receive texts or calls from her at 2 a.m. — because if she was awake, she assumed everyone else should be too.

If you knew Anne at all, you knew about her love for anything sweet — especially chocolate. She actually had a very serious theory about desserts. According to her, every cake, cobbler, or pie needed to have a perfectly straight line cut through it. And if the line wasn’t straight… well, the only responsible thing to do was keep taking bites until it was. For some reason, by the time the line was finally straight, the entire dessert had mysteriously disappeared. She loved Jesus deeply. Anyone who has seen her Bible knows it is filled with highlighting, notes, and years of study and devotion. After an emergency surgery a year ago that led us to where we are today, Anne was more than ready to meet Jesus. Anne Mary Riddle lived a life full of strength, faith, humor, generosity, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of family, faith, and the countless people whose lives she helped along the way.

Preceding her in death was her father, Roland Arthur Havey, mother, Helen M. (Sullivan) Satchell, daughter Elizabeth Anne Ezell and stepfather, Frank Satchell.

Survivors include her loving husband, Bill Riddle of the home; daughters, Kelly Good of Ringling and Havey Manion of Pilot Point, TX; sisters, Jane Wilson and Marion Devolve; grandchildren, Madison Nehls, Ali Good, Riley Good and wife Makala and Layne Manion; great grandchildren, Josie Nehls, Korver Good and Kinsler Good; numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers are Troy Riddle, Riley Good, Paul Hansma, Layne Manion, Allen Bingham and Jody Galyean. https://www.alexandergrayfh.com/obituaries/anne-riddle

IN MEMORIAM

NCHA INDUSTRY NEWS

JONATHAN "JON" FOOTE

A handsome cowboy rode into the herd with his well-worn felt hat, starched shirt, blue jeans and signature red bandana in his back pocket and cut his last cow on May 22, 2026. That was the passing of Jonathan Foote at his beloved ranch outside of Livingston, Montana.

Jon was born to Ray and Rosann (Lipe) Foote on May 30, 1935, in London, England, where his father was a colonel in the US Air Force during World War II. His family, when stateside, lived in New Jersey. Jon attended Eaglebrook School, Phillips Academy (Andover), Rhode Island School of Design and Yale University. Jon married Ann Webster in 1956, and they had two children, Jonathan, Jr. and Timothy. Jon graduated from Yale University’s School of Architecture in 1964 and founded the Environmental Design Group architecture practice in New Haven. Jon married Anna Hilterhaus in 1965. They had two children, Nathaniel and Anna. In 1976, after his second divorce, Jon sold his Connecticut farm, loaded two horses into a horse trailer and headed west to pursue his childhood dream of being a cowboy.

In 1978, Jon bought the T Square Ranch outside of Livingston. The house was built in 1906 and reflected much of Jon’s love of old, rustic buildings.

Jon was drawn to old dude ranches, homesteads and log cabins. He was the visionary as to the use of old buildings and materials to create architectural designs inspired by his love and understanding of the western landscapes and culture. Many other architects and construction companies tried to imitate Jon’s work, but none could measure up to the original Jonathan Foote. Jon became a legend in the architectural world, but you would never know this by his sometimes scruffy cowboy attire and affection for hanging out at dive bars.

Jon taught architecture at Montana State University for several years. His students adored him and many of them eventually worked for him when in 1979, Jon founded Jonathan Foote & Associates in Livingston, Montana. Eventually, the MSU Architecture Department named their staff conference room after Jon. He always joked that part of his contract with the University was that he would never have to attend a staff meeting. In 2004, Jon’s teaching, career and character were recognized by MSU with the University’s bestowing of an Honorary Doctorate.

In 1985, Jon married Jennifer Williams and they later divorced. In 1987, Jon founded On Site Management Construction. He was devoted to both companies and to the people who worked for him. Jon was deeply respected and well-loved by his employees. He was cherished for his creativity, impeccable work product and ear for listening.

In 1993, Jon married Kathy Reiser. They raised their daughter, Meghan, at the T Square, and shared their love of horses, ranching, travel, sports, family and friends.

Jon and his close friend, Steve Claiborn, purchased Hunter’s Hot Springs ranch in the late-1990s. Some of the greatest times of Jon’s life were on this ranch. He loved the cattle and the beauty of the ranch, as well as the big Montana skies, huge pastures and roaring Yellowstone River. Jon suffered debilitating strokes in 2000 and 2001, and a Parkinson’s diagnosis in the mid-2000s. With his love of life, fierce determination to get better, and Kathy and Meghan’s steadfast support, Jon made a remarkable recovery. After the strokes, Jon decided it would be better to drive around the ranch instead of riding horseback for long hours. On his sojourns, he loved to shoot gophers from his Expedition. One day he came home with a bullet hole in the hood of his car. Kathy asked him how that happened. He said that a gopher had charged him and he had to shoot fast! Kathy and Jon laughed for days.

After moving west, Jon rode the cutting horse circuit in Wyoming and Montana. Over time, he channeled his incredible energy, support and networking abilities into improving the National Cutting Horse Association, as well as regional cutting horse associations. Jon was inducted into the NCHA Member’s Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2024, he received the prestigious NCHA Modine Smith Humanitarian Award.

Jon loved competition … cutting, tennis, golf, skiing, hockey, soccer, even liar’s poker was an important competition for him. Jon was a great friend to legions of people with his warm smile, endearing charm and genuine interest in every person he met. Who could ever forget his smile, sparkling eyes and bushy eyebrows? Jon never met a stranger and never made an enemy. He was always curious, brilliant, kind, thoughtful, naughty and funny. He was a true leader, a great companion and an immense talent.

My cowboy … go catch Peppy or Barney and cut the toughest cow in the herd. You will hold it … you always did.

Jon is survived by his wife, Kathy, children, Tim Foote, Anna Foote, Nathaniel Foote (Pamela St. Clair) and Meghan Foote-Windmueller (Matt), as well as his brothers, Ray Foote (Penny Johnston Foote) and Geof Foote (Vanessa), daughters-in-law, Kerrie Foote and Eliot Foote, and grandchildren Lindsey Foote, Bowie Foote, Whitney Foote and Addison Squires, and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and literally thousands of friends made along his journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Rosann, his son, Jonathan Foote, Jr. and sisters-in-law, Anne Mueller Foote and Kathie Foote. A private memorial service will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MSU School of Architecture. https://www.franzen-davis.com/obituaries/jonathan-foote

IN MEMORIAM

JERRY WAYNE GANN

Jerry Wayne Gann, age 78, of Leighton, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Jerry was a man who lived life to the fullest, never met a stranger, and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. There will be a visitation on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia with the funeral service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Edward Riner will officiate the service and burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quindle and Sue Gann, and his grandson, Christian Blaine Gann.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patti Gann; his children, Todd (Brandye) Gann, Chad (Nikki) Gann, and Leann ( Joey) Patterson; his

grandchildren, Lexie (Micah) Estave, Cole Gann, Ashlee Gann, Cody Gann, Ty Patterson, and Tag Patterson; and his brother, Wade (Martha Faye) Gann.

Jerry had a deep love for cutting horses and was a proud lifetime member of the National Cutting Horse Association, where he also served as an NCHA 4A judge. He enjoyed boating, riding motorcycles, and going to antique car shows, always finding joy in adventure and the outdoors. Jerry attended Spring Valley Church of Christ.

Above all else, Jerry loved his family dearly and treasured every moment spent with them.

He will be remembered for his largerthan-life personality, kind heart, and the way he could make a friend anywhere he went. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the family he loved so deeply.

The family would like to express our gratitude for the excellent care provided by Gentiva Hospice staff as well as Ms. Keya Mitchell and Ms. Brenda Crockett.

https://www.morrisonfuneralhomes. com/obituaries/Jerry-W-Gann?obId=48343812

Sandy Sokol Secretary of the Year 2026

Kathy Cardon

From humble beginnings with a bullhorn, a notepad, and a paper bag for the cash, Kathy Cardon built a career that has become a cornerstone of the cutting horse industry.

In the late 1990s, as one of the founding forces behind the Kern County Cutting Horse Association, Kathy helped bring cutting horse competition closer to home for exhibitors in California’s Central Valley. Shows were truly grassroots efforts, hauling panels on a flatbed trailer, building temporary arenas at ranches and feedlots, and then packing everything up to do it again the next weekend. While one partner announced, the other served as secretary, and then they traded places to compete.

A few years later, a chance meeting with the legendary Kathryn Webb at the Utah Futurity would change the course of Kathy’s career. Under Kathryn’s mentorship, Kathy became secretary for the San Diego Cutting Horse Association, working prestigious shows in Temecula and Brawley. Those events, the final West Coast stops of the hauling year, attracted many of the sport’s most accomplished competitors and taught lessons that shaped a lifetime of excellence.

Today, the NCHA Show Department credits Kathy with more than 1,000 shows, a remarkable achievement reflecting decades of dedication, professionalism, and service. Yet for Kathy, the greatest reward has always been the people. Through a shared love of horses and the cutting horse industry, she has formed friendships and connections that span generations and geography.

Receiving the Sandy Sokol Secretary of the Year Award is especially meaningful. Kathy hopes her work reflects the kindness, integrity, and commitment that Sandy embodied. Her guiding principle remains simple and enduring: “Don’t find fault, find a remedy.”

D “ on’t find fault, find a remedy.”

Affiliate of the Year 2025

UTAH CHA

2025 NCHA AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR PRESIDENT Blake Christensen VICE PRESIDENT Rej Hintze SECRETARY/ TREASURER Shailyn Haviland SHOW SECRETARY Paige Foster

PK CUTTERS

2025 NCHA RESERVE AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR PRESIDENT Cooper Vandiver VICE PRESIDENT Robert Lee Burns SECRETARY/SHOW SECRETARY Jessica Vandiver TREASURER Dee McLauchlin

AQHA AWARDS

METALLIC CAT LEADING AQHA SIRE

PEDIGREE High Brow Cat X Chers Shadow X Peptoboonsmal OWNED BY Rocking P Ranch LLC BRED BY The Roan Rangers 2025 OFFSPRING EARNINGS $6,142,967.13 PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCKING P RANCH LLC

2005 RED ROAN STALLION

METALLIC REY MINK

LEADING AQHA FRESHMAN SIRE PEDIGREE Metallic Cat X Dual Rey Mink X Dual Rey OWNED BY Los Jaboncillos Ranch Inc. BRED BY Los Jaboncillos Ranch LLC and King Ranch Inc. 2025 OFFSPRING EARNINGS $1,170,674.26 PHOTO BY SUZANNE SYLVESTER PHOTOGRAPHY

2016 RED ROAN STALLION

BLACKISH LEADING AQHA DAM

PEDIGREE Hottish X SS Blacks Lil Kitty X Blue Bayou Boon OWNED BY Julie Jarma BRED BY Julie Jarma 2025 OFFSPRING EARNINGS $704,874.80 PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

2014 BL ACK MARE

2025

HORSE HALL OF FAME BAYLENCIAGA

PEDIGREE Once in a Blu Boon X Incredicat X High Brow Cougar OWNED BY Beechfork Ranch of Weatherford, TX BRED BY Double Down Horse Ranch

LTE: $438,419.93

SHOWN BY Lloyd Dennis Cox, Sean Flynn, Barney Mac Smith, Madison Smith, Cass Tatum

2019 BAY MARE

PHOTO BY SUZANNE SYLVESTER PHOTOGRAPHY

CHECK YER METAL PEDIGREE Metallic Cat X Checkers Live Oak X Im Countin Checks OWNED BY Stuart Bozeman of Idalou, TX BRED BY Stuart Bozeman

LTE: $432,477.54

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Stuart Bozeman, Sorrel Carter, Madison Flynn

2017 BAY ROAN STALLION

CR MISS MAYZIE

PEDIGREE CR Gotcha Covered X Miss Mayzie Wood X Nitas Wood OWNED BY Ray and Brenda Lipsey of Lincoln, NE BRED BY Blakley Simoneaux

LTE: $424,875.79

PHOTO BY EM PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Tarin Rice

2020 ROAN MARE

2025

HORSE HALL OF FAME HOTT NU COWBOY

PEDIGREE Hottish X Special Nu Kitty X High Brow Cat OWNED BY Ten/27 Ranch of Denham Springs, LA BRED BY Wrigley Ranches LLC

LTE: $434,820.54 PHOTO BY EMILY COFFEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Adan Banuelos, Cullen Chartier, R L Chartier, Ed Flynn, Sean Flynn, Ryann Packard, Elizabeth Quirk, Nancy Rainey, Philip Rapp

2014 BAY GELDING

MOMS LIL REBEL

PEDIGREE Metallic Rebel X SDP Moms CD X High Brow CD OWNED BY Slate River Ranch of Weatherford, TX BRED BY The Over Forty Ranch

LTE: $422,269.62

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Glade Knight, John Mitchell

2019 BAY STALLION

NICE WORK BABE

PEDIGREE WR This Cats Smart X Just U Babe X Lizzys Gotta Player OWNED BY Kathleen Moore of Madill, OK BRED BY Wagonhound Land & Livestock

LTE: $525,119.44

PHOTO COURTSEY OF THE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN

SHOWN BY Kathleen Moore, James Payne

2019 BAY MARE

2025

HORSE HALL OF FAME NINETEEN 42

PEDIGREE Hottish X Lil Rattler X Dual Rey OWNED BY Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC, of Weatherford, TX BRED BY SMF Cutting Horses LLC

LTE: $413,471.86

SHOWN BY Jessica Banuelos Feiner, Steven Feiner, Wesley Galyean, Taylor Sheridan

2019 SORREL GELDING

PHOTO BY PERFORMANCE HORSE CENTRAL

PREACHERSDRINKNAGAIN PEDIGREE Metallic Cat X Reys Desire X Dual Rey

OWNED BY Rock’N Diamond Equine, LLC of Horseshoe Bay, TX BRED BY HB Bartlett

LTE: $328,484.44

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Holly Francois, Lee Francois, Sydney Gray

2018 SORREL GELDING

REYZIN THE LIMIT

PEDIGREE Reyzin the Cash X Metallistic X Metallic Cat OWNED BY Kate Gaughan Banuelos of Las Vegas, NV BRED BY Kate Gaughan Banuelos

LTE: $546,224.20

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Adan Banuelos, Cookie Banuelos, Kate Gaughan Banuelos

2021 RED ROAN STALLION

2025

HORSE HALL OF FAME ROLLZ EH

PEDIGREE Rollz Royce X This Cats Smilen X WR This Cats Smart OWNED BY Billy Wolf of Whitesboro, TX BRED BY Todd Nelson

LTE: $726,412.39

PHOTO BY BRANDON D’ALBOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Austin Shepard

2021 SORREL MARE

SPECIAL NU BOON

PEDIGREE Boon Too Suen X Special Nu Kitty X High Brow Cat OWNED BY Bitterroot Ranch LLC of Las Vegas, NV BRED BY Wrigley Ranches LLC

LTE: $403,889.54

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

SHOWN BY Trever Bullock, Monty Buntin, R L Chartier, Lance Cooper, Michael Cooper, Ryliegh Ferrier, Bonnie Martin, Frank Martin, Tosten Peterson, Jacob Pinheiro

2014 SORREL GELDING

2025

HORSE HALL OF FAME SUMMER TIME FUN

PEDIGREE Metallic Cax X Hey Georgy Girl X Wild Thing DNA OWNED BY Ty Moore of Madill, OK BRED BY Ty Moore

LTE: $413,729.34

PHOTO BY PERFORMANCE HORSE CENTRAL

SHOWN BY Travis Barton, Kathleen Moore, Ty Moore, James Payne

2015 SORREL MARE

TOO HOT TO TAGG PEDIGREE Hashtags X Too Hot X Hottish

OWNED BY JH Nail Ranch Inc. of Albany, TX BRED BY Wes and Lindy Ashlock SHOWN BY Kenneth Platt

LTE: $721,061.39

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

2021 ROAN GELDING

NON PROFESSIONAL ($150,000)

Hall Of Fame 2025 Julie Clarke

PHOTO BY LYNDSEY LAMELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Julie Clarke’s journey in the cutting horse industry began with a desire to reignite her competitive spirit after time away from the show arena. Exploring several disciplines, including reined cow horse and reining, she discovered cutting, and after the very first turn, she was hooked. That moment sparked a passion that would lead to a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the sport. Among her most treasured memories are watching the first cutting-bred foal from her program hit the ground, sharing the sport with her grandchildren, winning an NCHA World Championship, and now earning induction into the NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame. For Julie, the Hall of Fame represents one of the highest honors an amateur competitor can achieve. Entering 2025, she set

a personal goal of earning induction into the Non-Pro Hall of Fame and achieved that milestone during the first quarter of the year. Combined with capturing a World Title, it became one of the most meaningful and rewarding seasons of her cutting career. Julie credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and the many people who have helped guide her journey. She extends heartfelt thanks to her husband, Tom, for supporting her passion; her parents, who nurtured her love of horses from a young age; her granddaughter, Mia Webster, for sharing the journey with her; and her entire family for their encouragement and love. She is also grateful to the trainers who generously shared their knowledge and guidance throughout the years, especially Morgan Cromer and Jake Pinheiro.

James Figiel

James Figiel’s journey in the sport of cutting began in childhood and developed into a lifelong passion for horses, competition, and the cutting horse community. His introduction to the sport came under the guidance of mentor Chubby Turner at Silverado, where he learned the fundamentals of cutting and developed a love for the discipline. Lindy Burch also played a significant role in encouraging and supporting his involvement during his youth. Following college, Figiel returned to active competition, showing alongside Galen Wells and Shannon Lamb, who would later become his wife. Together, they traveled extensively, creating lasting memories while building a successful career in the sport.

Among his many accomplishments, induction into the NCHA Hall of Fame stands as the most meaningful. While winning two NCHA World Championships ranks among the highlights of his career, Hall of Fame recognition represents the culmination of decades of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the sport he loves. What makes the honor especially significant is that it was achieved through the weekend non-professional ranks, where success is earned through consistency, determination, and countless competitions rather than a handful of major events. Throughout his journey, faith, gratitude, and the support of family, friends, and fellow competitors have remained central to his success.

He is especially thankful for four exceptional horses — Ranger Hughes, Paradox Cat, Shorty Katz, and Nite Riider — whose contributions were instrumental in earning Hall of Fame status. As he reflects on a lifetime in cutting, Figiel remains deeply grateful for the mentors, horses, friendships, and experiences that have shaped his career. Being welcomed into the NCHA Hall of Fame is an honor he will cherish forever.

NON PROFESSIONAL ($150,000)

Hall Of Fame Nancy Martin

PHOTO BY EMILY COFFEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

2025

For Nancy Martin, horses have always been a way of life.

Growing up around horses and cattle, she was introduced to the sport of cutting at an early age and quickly developed a passion that would shape much of her life. What began as a childhood interest grew into a lifelong commitment to the sport, its horses, and the people who make the cutting community so special. Over the years, Martin has accumulated countless memories in and out of the show pen. While there have been many accomplishments and unforgettable moments with exceptional horses and treasured friends, the memories she values most are the ones shared with her family. Among her happiest experiences are the years spent alongside her husband, Steve, watching their daughter, Elle, grow

up in the cutting horse industry and develop her own love for showing horses. Those moments, filled with pride, joy, and family connection, have become some of the most meaningful chapters of her journey. Throughout her career, Martin has remained dedicated to the sport she loves, always striving to improve while appreciating the friendships and opportunities cutting has provided. Reaching the Hall of Fame has been a longtime goal, making this recognition especially meaningful. To Martin, induction into the Hall of Fame represents far more than personal achievement. It is a reflection of years of dedication, perseverance, and support from family and friends. Most importantly, it is a tribute to the remarkable horses that made the journey possible. As she accepts this honor, Martin does so with gratitude for the people, horses, and experiences that have defined her life in cutting.

Mia Webster

For Mia Webster, cutting has always been about more than competition — it has been a family tradition, a passion, and a bond shared with her grandmother, Julie Clarke. Although Webster officially began showing in 2015, she has been around the sport for as long as she can remember. Growing up attending horse shows with her grandmother, she developed a love for the cutting horse industry at an early age. As her interest grew, so did the special relationship she shared with Clarke, whose guidance and support helped shape Webster’s journey in the sport. Among Webster’s most memorable accomplishments is showing CW Blu Ray and marking her first 228 score in Las Vegas. The milestone remains one of her favorite memories and a moment that validated years PHOTO BY LYNDSEY LAMELL PHOTOGRAPHY of hard work and dedication. Beyond the success in the show pen, Webster treasures the friendships and connections she has built while traveling to competitions and spending countless hours “hauling” with family and friends. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame came as a surprise. Webster discovered she was eligible while reviewing qualifications during the World Finals, and the news brought a mixture of excitement and disbelief. What makes the honor even more meaningful is the opportunity to share the experience with her grandmother.

NON PROFESSIONAL

Hall Of Fame Julie Clarke

PHOTO BY LYNDSEY LAMELL PHOTOGRAPHY

($500,000)

2025

Julie Clarke’s journey in the cutting horse industry began with a desire to reignite her competitive spirit after time away from the show arena. Exploring several disciplines, including reined cow horse and reining, she discovered cutting, and after the very first turn, she was hooked. That moment sparked a passion that would lead to a lifetime of achievement and dedication to the sport. Among her most treasured memories are watching the first cutting-bred foal from her program hit the ground, sharing the sport with her grandchildren, winning an NCHA World Championship, and now earning induction into the NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame. For Julie, the Hall of Fame represents one of the highest honors an amateur competitor can achieve. Entering 2025, she set

a personal goal of earning induction into the Non-Pro Hall of Fame and achieved that milestone during the first quarter of the year. Combined with capturing a World Title, it became one of the most meaningful and rewarding seasons of her cutting career. Julie credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and the many people who have helped guide her journey. She extends heartfelt thanks to her husband, Tom, for supporting her passion; her parents, who nurtured her love of horses from a young age; her granddaughter, Mia Webster, for sharing the journey with her; and her entire family for their encouragement and love. She is also grateful to the trainers who generously shared their knowledge and guidance throughout the years, especially Morgan Cromer and Jake Pinheiro.

Jennifer Christmann Foland

PHOTO BY LYNDSEY LAMELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennifer Foland’s roots in the cutting horse industry run deep, with generations of family passion shaping her lifelong journey in the sport. She became involved in cutting in the late 1980s through the influence of her uncle, Don Christmann, and her father, John Christmann, while her grandmother also owned cutting horses.

Jennifer grew up surrounded by encouragement, dedication, and a love for the cutting horse lifestyle. Among Jennifer’s proudest accomplishments is watching the horses her family raised excel.

Hissy Cat became a cornerstone of their program, and her daughter, Hiss N Vinegar, went on to win the NCHA Super Stakes Open twice before earning induction into the NCHA Horse Hall of Fame.

Jennifer also captured one of her career highlights by winning the

NCHA Super Stakes Non-Pro aboard Shes Twice As Smooth. Fittingly, the horse that carried her over the earnings mark for Hall of Fame induction was Countin Hiss Money, a fourth-generation horse bred on the family ranch and a grandson of Hissy Cat. For Jennifer, this honor represents a lifetime dream made possible through faith, family, exceptional horses, and the unwavering support of countless friends, trainers, and loved ones who helped her along the way.

NON PROFESSIONAL ($500,000)

Hall Of Fame 2025 Danny Jones

PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Danny Jones’ journey in the cutting horse industry began when he was just 18 years old, working for a trainer and discovering a passion that would shape his future. He “got the bug” early and made a promise to himself that if he ever had the opportunity, he would become a cutter. That determination, combined with years of hard work and dedication, led to a remarkable career in the sport he loves. Among the many highlights of his career, Jones points to showing the great Play Miss Boonsmal as one of his most memorable accomplishments. The experience of competing aboard such an exceptional horse stands as a defining moment and a testament to the success he achieved through perseverance and commitment to excellence. Receiving this Hall of Fame honor

is especially meaningful to Jones. He is deeply honored by the recognition and remains characteristically humble, viewing the award not as a personal achievement alone, but as a reflection of the people, horses, and opportunities that helped shape his journey.

Jessica Pounds

PHOTO BY EMILY COFFEEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Jessica Pounds’ lifelong passion for horses began in Australia, where she was raised in a family deeply connected to the western lifestyle. Her grandfather made history by importing the first American Quarter Horse into Australia, laying the foundation for Jessica’s future in the equine industry. She later had the opportunity to work for Roger Wagner and his family in Australia, and when the Wagners moved to the United States, Jessica made the journey as well. Through cutting, Jessica not only built a successful career but also found her greatest blessings. The sport introduced her to her husband, and together they are raising their two boys while continuing to compete and share the lifestyle they love. Among her proudest accomplishments are making NCHA Futurity Finals and

qualifying for NCHA World Finals, achievements that reflect years of dedication, sacrifice, and hard work.

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is especially meaningful to Jessica because it represents the people, horses, and experiences that shaped her journey. She is deeply honored by the recognition and remains committed to supporting the next generation of the cutting horse industry.

NON PROFESSIONAL ($500,000)

Hall Of Fame 2025 Mike Rutherford Jr.

Mike Rutherford’s journey in the cutting horse industry began in the late 1980s, continuing a family tradition deeply rooted in the horse business. Raised in a family involved in both thoroughbreds and ranch horses, Rutherford was surrounded by horses from an early age. Although he spent much of his youth in Houston, the family ranch south of Austin played an important role in shaping his future. The ranch featured a cutting arena, a legacy of his father’s participation in the sport, and it was there that Rutherford’s passion for cutting truly began. His introduction to cutting came when a cutting horse was brought to the ranch and he began working with an in-house trainer. Along the way, he experienced the ups PHOTO BY SETH PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY and downs familiar to every horseman, including a few memorable falls during those early lessons. Encouraged by his father and family, Rutherford quickly developed a love for the sport that would last a lifetime. Over the years, Rutherford built an impressive list of accomplishments.

Among his proudest achievements are winning the NCHA Super Stakes twice, earning Amateur of the Year honors, and owning a Horse of the Year. Those milestones represent years of dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence in the show pen. For Rutherford, induction into the Hall of Fame is the culmination of decades spent doing what he loves. Beyond the championships and accolades, he treasures the friendships, travel, and memories that cutting has provided. Grateful for the journey and humbled by the recognition, Rutherford views this honor as a celebration of a lifetime devoted to the sport of cutting.

OPEN RIDERS

Hall Of Fame 2025 Bradey Davis

Bradey Davis’ journey in the cutting horse industry began at an early age under the guidance of his father, a respected trainer with more than 40 years in the business and over $2 million in earnings.

Growing up, Bradey spent summers helping his dad prepare horses at shows, learning the discipline, dedication, and work ethic that define success in the arena. Although he didn’t begin showing competitively until his late teenage years, his passion for the sport quickly grew. At age 20, he gave up his non-pro card and began apprenticing under his father, continuing the family legacy. Among Bradey’s proudest accomplishments is qualifying for the prestigious The Run for a Million in 2025, a milestone that reflects years of PHOTO BY BRANDON D’ALBOR PHOTOGRAPHY commitment and perseverance. Today, being inducted into the Hall of Fame represents the culmination of countless early mornings, late nights, and sacrifices made in pursuit of excellence. The honor carries even greater meaning because it fulfills a lifelong dream inspired by his father’s own Hall of Fame induction 20 years ago. Bradey’s induction stands as a testament to hard work, family tradition, and dedication to the sport of cutting.

Casey Moore For this Hall of Fame honoree, a lifelong passion for the cutting horse industry began in Oklahoma through family ties and an early introduction to some of the sport’s most influential figures.

His father, a calf roper and ranch manager, became involved with legendary horseman Ed Bottoms by furnishing cattle for his program. Growing up around outstanding horses and respected horsemen provided the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to the sport of cutting. Among his many accomplishments, nothing has brought him greater pride than watching his sons, Kolby and Colt, build successful careers in the cutting horse industry.

Sharing induction honors with his son in the same class made the PHOTO BY SUZANNE SYLVESTER PHOTOGRAPHY achievement especially meaningful. Another treasured distinction was being inducted into the NYCHA Hall of Fame, a fact he still enjoys reminding them of, since it happened before either of their inductions. This Hall of Fame recognition carries special significance because it places him among the individuals he admired most while growing up.

The horsemen and competitors who once inspired his dreams are now his fellow Hall of Fame members.

Living and competing from Florida often meant fewer opportunities to attend major aged events than many of his peers, making every opportunity count throughout his career. Reflecting on the journey, he remains grateful for the exceptional horses, dedicated people, and countless experiences that shaped his success. Being welcomed into the NCHA Hall of Fame is an honor he deeply appreciates and one that will remain among the most cherished achievements of his life.

OPEN RIDERS

Hall Of Fame William Colt Moore

William Colt Moore comes from a proud legacy deeply rooted in the cutting horse industry as a third-generation cutting horse trainer. Raised in a family where horses have always been a way of life, Colt developed a passion for the sport at an early age and has dedicated himself to continuing the tradition of excellence established by generations before him. Surrounded by family members involved with horses in many different capacities, he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and commitment that define successful horsemen. One of the defining moments of Colt’s career came during the 2022 NCHA Futurity, a milestone he considers both one of his greatest achievements and happiest PHOTO BY EMILY COFFEEN PHOTOGRAPHY memories. That event served as the launching point for his professional career and business, opening new opportunities and solidifying his place within the cutting horse industry. Being inducted into the NCHA Open Hall of Fame represents the realization of a lifelong dream for Colt. Since his days competing in the Junior Youth division, he has admired the talented trainers and horsemen whose names are etched into the Hall of Fame. Today, he is honored and humbled to join their ranks, marking a significant achievement in an already promising career.

Benjamin Roberson

For Benjamin Roberson, cutting has been a lifelong passion rooted in family, tradition, and a commitment to excellence. His journey in the sport began at an early age when his father and uncle took him to the Augusta Futurity. Watching the excitement and athleticism of cutting horses left a lasting impression on the young horseman. Soon after, the family connected with respected trainer Steve Pickett of Trenton, South Carolina. Under that guidance, Benjamin and his older brother began riding cutting horses at around nine years old, laying the foundation for what would become a successful career in the sport. While he is quick to credit the trainers, clients, family members, and friends who PHOTO BY PERFORMANCE HORSE CENTRAL have supported him along the way, one accomplishment stands out among many proud moments. Qualifying for the NCHA Open World Finals in 2025 marked a significant milestone in his career and served as validation of years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. For Roberson, however, success is about more than a single achievement. He values the consistency that has defined his career and takes pride in remaining competitive and successful over time. The ability to continue doing what he loves while contributing to the sport means as much as any trophy or title. Being recognized with this Hall of Fame honor is deeply meaningful to Roberson. It represents not only the accomplishments along the way but also a lifetime devoted to cutting, the people who made the journey possible, and the enduring legacy of a sport that has shaped his life.

OPEN RIDERS

Hall Of Fame Rodrigo Taboga

2025

Rodrigo Taboga, born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, grew up immersed in the cutting horse industry. His father, Carlos Taboga, was a self-taught horse trainer who began training cutting horses in 1986, providing the foundation for a family legacy in the sport.

From an early age, Rodrigo spent his days riding horses and helping with ranch operations, developing a passion that would shape his future. At just 18 years old, he began his professional career as a horse trainer, a path he has followed with unwavering dedication ever since. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed many memorable victories, but his first major milestone came in 2017 when he won the ANCA Open Futurity, Brazil’s premier PHOTO BY TED PETIT PHOTOGRAPHY cutting horse futurity. Two years later, he achieved a historic accomplishment by becoming the first Brazilian rider to qualify for the NCHA Open Futurity Finals. That same year, he captured the NCHA Open Limited Futurity Championship aboard Sugar Smak, a mare owned by close friends and mentors Jody and Bridget Galyean. Sharing that success with his wife by his side in the loping pen and his brother supporting him in the herd made the achievement even more meaningful. This Hall of Fame recognition holds special significance as it represents not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for his home country, Brazil. Along the way, he overcame language barriers, cultural differences, and the challenges of competing at the highest levels of the sport. Grateful for the blessings bestowed upon his family and career, he considers this honor far beyond anything he imagined as a young horse trainer pursuing his dream.

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UPCOMING AWARDS NOMINATIONS DUE OCTOBER 1, 2026

TODD DRUMMOND MEMORIAL AWARD

Each Affiliate has the opportunity to nominate one exceptional youth member for recognition of their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to the sport of cutting.

JULIE HANSMA NON-PRO SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Nominate a Non-Pro who exemplifies the true meaning of integrity, sportsmanship, and leadership within the cutting horse community.

ZANE SCHULTE AWARD

Nominate your favorite Professional Trainer who exemplifies integrity, service, and excellence both inside and outside the arena.

MARY KINGSBURY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Nominate an Amateur who exemplifies integrity, honesty,

respect, sportsmanship, and compassion for both people and horses.

MODINE SMITH HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Nominate a member who demonstrates unwavering support for the NCHA and the NCHA Foundation through their continued dedication to preserving and strengthening the association’s past, present, and future.

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202 6-202 7 NCHA Directors

Pursuant to the NCHA’s Constitution and Bylaws, the director elections for terms of service for the period of June 2026 - June 2029 were concluded on March 12, 2026. 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 19, 2026.

Alabama (R5) Julie Beasley (27) James Hooper (LD) Andrew Sligh (27) Arizona (R2) David Booth (28) Ashley Bosack (28) Dawn Chapman (28) Debra Winard (28) Mike Wood (29) Arkansas (R6) Diana Cunningham (28) Toddy Pitard (LD) Tommy Williams (28) Lewis Wray (LD) California & Hawaii (R2) Dana Azevedo (29) Phil Benadum (27) (EC) Kathy Cardon (29) Tim Castilaw (27) Bob Cooley (29) Katie Fonsen-Young (29) Rock Hedlund (27) Fiina Ugrin Jolley (29) Suzy Rodoni-Silverberg (27) Stan Williams, Jr. (29) Brent Young (27) Colorado (R1) Nate Miller (27) Craig Morris (28) Steve Norris (LD) Ron Pietrafeso (LD) Kenny Platt (27) Erin Smith (27) Florida (R5) Ora Diehl (LD) (EC) Sandra Lines (28) Brittany Overstreet (29) Sharon Overstreet (29) Pam Scott (28) Georgia (R5) Ryan Howell (27) John Hulsey (27) Mark Senn (LD) Idaho (R1) Barbi Madgwick (28) Illinois (R3) Rick Jackson (28) Indiana (R4) Byron Green (28) (EC) Nick Pilcher (28)

Iowa & Wisconsin (R3) Seth Kirchner (29) Kansas (R3) Kirby Smith (29)

North Carolina (R5) Chase Lackey – Vice President Garry Merritt (27) Bob Meyer (27) Barnwell Ramsey (LD)

Kentucky (R5) Trent Harrison (29)

North & South Dakota (R3) Tom Holmes (28) Jason Reed (28)

Louisiana (R6) Gwen Coie (27) Keith Deaville (LD) Mason Griffin (29) Elizabeth Quirk (28) Bruce Richerson (LD) Trey Rogillio (27)

Ohio (R4) Jeff Brown (27) Steve Duff (27) John P. Lavelle (27) Chuck Smith (LD)

Michigan (R4) Dan Agnew (27) Crystal DeWitt (27) Minnesota (R3) J. P. Bell (29) Brian Cottrell (28) Mississippi (R6) William Cole (27) Taylor Flowers (27) Ricky Lewis (27) Missouri (R3) Ernie Beutenmiller, Jr. (LD) (EC) Greg Beutenmiller (27) Sonny Martin (27) Ryan Moore (27) Montana (R1) Kelly Fraser (29) Michelle Van Dyke (28) Nebraska (R3) Deb Watts (29) Nevada (R2) Cookie Banuelos (29) Patti Lund (27) New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), NY, NJ & PA (R4) Bill Stein (29) Jack Werner (29) New Mexico (R7) Joel Carson (28) Richard Hicks (28)

Oklahoma (R8) Cara Brewer (28) Michelle Cowan (29) Glenda Ericsson (28) Jody Galyean (28) Kathleen Moore – President Ty Moore (28) Bill Riddle (LD) Brad Wilson (28) Oregon (R1) Marcea DeGregorio (28) Mary Freeborn (27) Jack Holt (27) South Carolina (R5) Tony Smith (28) Wendy Warne (28) Tennessee (R5) Barbara Brooks (LD) Zeke Entz (28) Kevin Herzke (29) Maben Thompson (29) Texas East (R6) Punk Carter (LD) Bradey Davis (27) (EC) Billy Emerson (29) Sylvia Fuentes (27) Jan Gandy (27) Cynthia Patty (27) Ronnie Smith (27) Texas North (R8) Jeremy Barwick (27) Jaime Beamer (29) Chris Benedict (LD) Mary Bradford (27) Lindy Burch (LD) R. L. Chartier (27) David Costello – President-Elect Dennie Dunn (LD)

Kelle Earnheart (27) Jo Ellard (LD) Jennifer Foland (29) Matt Gaines (27) Casey Green (27) (EC) Leon Harrel (LD) Joey Jingoli (29) Tom Lyons (LD) 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) Ben Roberson (27) Jonathan Rogers (29) Geoffrey Sheehan (28) Ted Sokol Jr. (LD) Cameron Thompson (27) Chubby Turner (LD) Bronc Willoughby (LD) Michael Wood (27) Texas South (R7) Denise Bendele (29) Liz Bray (28) Frank Bowen (27) Constantine Caloudas (27) Caroline Collins (28) James Davison (28) James Eakin (29) Mary Garbett (29) Janice Little (27) Sam Wilson (LD) Texas West (R7) Cheryl Callis (28) Sherry Graham (27) Skip Jones (29) Coleta Rosson (29) Steve Smith (27) (EC) Utah (R1) Danielle Pace (27) Steve Williams (27) Virginia, West Virginia, D.C., Maryland & Delaware (R4) Roy Bauer (29) Ryan Smith (29) Washington & Alaska (R1) Holly Jones (29) Dean Rebhuhn (27) Wyoming (R1) Audra Crouse (29) Hayden Heaphy Jr. (29)

Eastern Canada (R4) Eric Van Boekel (28) Western/Central Canada (R1) Connie Down-Cicoria (28) Colton Hall (28) Les Jack (28) (EC) Sandy Reid (28) Doug Wiens (27) Europe (R4) Gaetan Foulatier (27) Denis Pini (28) Jana Pini (28) Sergio Traverso (28) Pietro Valeri (29) •••••••••••••••••••••••• (LD) Life Director (EC) Executive Committee (RX) Designated Region Term Expires: (27) 2027 (28) 2028 (29) 2029

202 6-202 7 NCHA Standing Committees

All standing committee members appointed for 2026-2027 will begin their three-year term of service immediately following the 2026 NCHA Convention through the annual convention in 2029. Below is a list of NCHA Standing Committee Members effective June 22, 2026.

Affiliate Officers/Secretaries Laney Bell (29) R7 Cheryl Callis (27) R7 – NVEO

Tim Dobyns (28) R4

Marcea DeGregorio (28) R1

Lauren Kimble (29) R4

James Eakin (29) R7 Billy Emerson (28) R6 Eric Field (27) R4 *

Clay Johnson (29) R8 Skip Jones (27) R7 Seth Kirchner (28) R3

John Kratzer (29) R8 Ty Moore (27) R8 Todd Quirk (27) R6 **

Austria Gerhardy (29) R6 Theresa Gillock (27) R8

Chase Lackey (27) R5 John P. Lavelle (27) R4

Madison Smith (29) R8 * Kelley Tammen (28) R7

Jim Haworth (27) R3 Chad Jackson (29) R5 Skip Jones (27) R7 - NVEO

Ricky Lewis (29) R6 Phil Rapp (29) R8 * Ben Roberson (27) R8

Michael Wood (29) R8

Brooke Manion (28) R5 Scott McKinsey (29) R8 Dee McLauchlin (29) R8 * Susie Reed (29) R3 Jessy Vandiver (28) R8

Craig Morris (28) R1 Ronnie Smith (27) R6 ** Jim Wesson (28) R2

Jaime Snider (29) R8 Wendy Warne (29) R5 **

Rebecca Waters (28) R3 Deb Watts (28) R3

Growth and Development

Kathy Cardon (29) R2 ** David Costello (27) R6 Kelly Fraser (28) R1 Vicki Green (29) R4 Patti Lund (29) R2

Amateur Dawn Brehm (29) R5 Sherryl Byars (28) R7 Andy Bylo (29) R3 William Cole (28) R6 ** Bob Cooley (28) R2 Thad Cox (27) R8 Steve Duff (27) R4 Jan Gandy (29) R6 Joey Jingoli (28) R8 Sandra Lines (29) R5 Brooke Manion (27) R5 * Peri Suenram (29) R1 Kelley Tammen (27) R8 Michelle Van Dyke (29) R1 Brad Weiss (28) R8 Finance & Audit Sharon Beach (28) R8 Denise Bendele (29) R7 ** Frank Diehl (27) R5 James Eakin (27) R7 - NVEO Jeff Fehrman (29) R5 Jim Haworth (27) R3 - NVEO Drew Knowles (28) Garry Merritt (27) R5 * David Pilcher (27) R4 - NVEO Elizabeth Quirk (27) R6 Phil Rapp (29) R8 Dean Rebhuhn (27) R1 - NVEO Mark Senn (28) R5 Madison Smith (27) R8 Buddy Westphal (29) R1 Governance Dan Agnew (29) R4 Joel Carson (29) R7 Audra Crouse (28) R1

Brian Cottrell (29) R3 Ora Diehl (29) R5 Mary Freeborn (28) R1 ** Mary Garbett (29) R7 Austria Gerhard (29) R6 John Hulsey (28) R5 Jade Lackey (28) R5 * Lauren Kimble (27) R4 Jane Mancuso (27) R7 Shelly Mowery (29) R8 Chad Newton (28) R5 Matt Robinson (27) R6 Buddy Westphal (29) R1 Stan Williams, Jr. (29) R2 Judges Rules Jaime Beamer (29) R8 Monty Buntin (27) R2 Joe Cameron (27) R5 – NVEO Tim Castilaw (28) R2 - NVEO Bradey Davis (29) R6 Tyler Delange (28) R4 Walt Erwin (28) R5 Jody Galyean (27) R8 Rock Hedlund (27) R2 Gavin Jordan (29) R8 - NVEO Josh King (28) R7 Ken Mock (29) R8 Sarah Morine (29) R8 **

Jason Whitaker (28) R5 Michael Wood (29) R8 Non-Professional

Weekend Show Roy Bauer (27) R4 - NVEO Sherryl Byars (28) R7 Casey Crouch (29) R6 Jason Diaz (29) R2 John Fay (27) R2

David Booth (29) R2 * Stuart Bozeman (29) R7

Sherry Graham (29) R7 Sue Henrichs (28) R1 Holly Jones (29) R1

Ryder Carpenter (29) R8 Julie Clarke (29) R1

Nate Miller (29) R1 ** Sharon Overstreet (28) R5

Michelle Cowan (28) R8 Crystal DeWitt (28) R4 Missy Jean Etheridge (27) R6

Sandra Patton (28) R4 Jason Reed (27) R3 Ted Sokol Jr. (29) R8 *

Alison Howell (29) R5 Chase Lackey (29) R5

Kirby Smith (29) R3 Bill Stein (29) R4

Sarah Morine (29) R8 Regan Plendl (29) R3

Wendy Warne (27) R5

Elizabeth Quirk (29) R6 Mary Ann Rapp (28) R8 Jamie Sokol (27) R5 Cameron Thompson (29) R8 **

Youth Dana Azevedo (29) R2 Mary Crow (29) R7 * Torey Eaves (28) R5

Professional Trainers

Chasity Griffin (27) R6 Barbi Madgwick (29) R1

Tracy Barton (28) R5 Phil Benadum (28) R2 * Thomas Bray (29) R7

Sonny Martin (29) R3 Sabrina Mesalam (27) R4 Jordan Milner-Cook (28) R8

David Costello (28) R8 Josh Deason (28) R5

Glen Nelson (27) R2 Shawna Parsons (29) R3

Casey Green (27) R8 Mason Griffin (28) R6

Kory Pounds (29) R8 ** Nikki Roberson (28) R8

Jesse Lennox (28) R8 Ryan Moore (27) R3 Craig Morris (29) R1

Brent Young (28) R2 •••••••••••••••• * - Chairman ** - Vice Chairman R - Region

Nate Miller (27) R1 * Toddy Pitard (27) R6

Rick Mowery (28) R8 Nick Pilcher (28) R4 Ben Roberson (28) R8 **

Regan Plendl (28) R3 Jonathan Rogers (28) R8

Stallion Owners

NVEO - Non-Voting Ex-Officio (27) Term Expires in 2027

Dana Azevedo (27) R2 Kate Banuelos (29) R2

(28) Term Expires in 2028 (29) Term Expires in 2029

Scott Weis (27) R8 - NVEO Limited Age Events Monty Buntin (27) R2 Bradey Davis (28) R6

Julie Clarke (29) R1 Morgan Cromer (29) R2 Crystal DeWitt (29) R4 Benjie Frost (27) R5

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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 HANSON, CHRIS, Whitesboro, Texas......................................................Rule 4

AARON, CHRISTOPHER, Walker, Louisiana.............................................Rule 40* ADJUSTO OF TEXAS, Weatherford, Texas. ............................................ Rule 40* ADKINS, RL (ROB), Sweetwater, Texas.................................................... Rule 40* AIR RIDE HITCH, Beach Island, South Carolina. ..................................... Rule 40* ALLEN, CHRISTEN, Creswell, Oregon. ................................................... Rule 40* AMERICAN MASTERCRAFT, Boca Raton, Florida. ................................. Rule 40* AERIAL LIGHTING, Watseka, Illinois ....................................................... Rule 40* ASHLEY, SHELLY, Sayre, Oklahoma. ........................................................ Rule 40* AUBIN, CAMERON, Houston, Texas........................................................Rule 40* AUBIN, GEORGE, dba WICHITA LAND AND CATTLE CO., WHC, SIGMA CORP, et al, Houston, Texas. .................................... Rule 40* BARRETT, BRIDGETT, Liberty, Utah......................................................... Rule 40* BARRON, GRANT, Stephenville, Texas. .................................................. Rule 40* BENDING B TRADING LLC, Collierville, Tennessee ............................... Rule 40* BERGER, BENJAMIN, Brenham, Texas ................................................... Rule 40* BENGSTON, BEN, Ogden, Iowa. ........................................................... Rule 40* BETTER BUILT ARENA CONSTRUCTION, Okarche, Oklahoma............. 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* BOEVERS, AUSTIN, Kingston, Oklahoma................................................Rule 40* BOGARD, BO, Eagles Nest, New Mexico. ............................................. Rule 40* BOHANON, BERNADETTE, Heber Cith, Utah. ...................................... Rule 40* BOOTH, KRISTEN, Temecula, California. ............................................... Rule 40* BOSTWICK, DAVID, CREATIVE CHARACTERS, Oblong, Illinois ............ Rule 40* BOUGET, BOB, Branch, Louisiana .......................................................... Rule 40* BOWLES, CHIRA, Portland Tennessee.....................................................Rule 40* BOWLES, DEAN, Portland, Tennessee. .................................................. Rule 40* BUCKLE T HORSES, Pattison, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* CAPRON, TENAYA, Fort Worth, Texas.................................................... Rule 40* CARROLL, TOMMIE, Weatherford, Texas. .............................................. Rule 40* CATAWBA RANCH, Lancing, Tennessee. ............................................... Rule 40* CATENA WATCHES/BILL KRAFT, Tioga, Texas....................................... Rule 40* CHAMBERLAIN, CONNER, Davis, Oklahoma.. ...................................... Rule 40* CHISHOLM TRAIL BOOT CO., Fort Worth, Texas. ................................. Rule 40* CHRISTENSEN, JULIE, Burbank, California............................................Rule 50.d.4 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* COPENHAVER, TODD, Valley View, Texas. ............................................ Rule 40* COWHORSE SUPPLY, Winter Haven ...................................................... Rule 40* CREASEY, JUDY BROWNING, Montgomery, Texas. ............................... Rule 40* CROSS, JACKIE, Poolville, Texas. ...........................................................Rule 40* CROSS, JOHN, Poolville, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* CROOM, MATHEW, Weatherford, Texas.................................................Rule 40* CUTTER CUSTOM TRUCKS, Grapevine, Texas....................................... Rule 40* D & D HORSE TRANSPORT, Oakdale, California. .................................. Rule 40* DAVIS, BROOKE, Cantonment, Florida .................................................. Rule 40* DAY, TAMRA, Okmulgee, Oklahoma ...................................................... Rule 40* DE BROGGI FARM HORSE TRANSPORTATION, Stockton, California. ......................................................................................... Rule 40* DIAL, JOHN, Fort Worth, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* DIAMOND GROUP, SEAPORT WHOLESALE, Los Angeles, California. ........................................................................................ 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 DUNCAN, TOM, Greenville, Texas. ........................................................ Rule 40* DYER, TONY, Corinth, Texas. .................................................................. Rule 40* EQUIHEALTH, Boulder, Colorado. .......................................................... Rule 40* EVANS, FRED, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ................................................. Rule 40* EVANS, SHERYL, Livermore, California. .................................................. Rule 40* FAITZ, PAT, Polk City, Florida. ................................................................. Rule 40* FARR, DUSTY, Wichita Falls, Texas. ......................................................... Rule 40* FERNANDEZ, FERNANDO, Ocala, Florida............................................. Rule 40* FLETCHER, JERRY, Phoenix, Arizona ...................................................... Rule 40* FOX, BOBBY, Glen Allen, Missouri. ........................................................ Rule 40*

FRANK, TROY & AMY, DESIGNSOFSTEEL.COM, Stillwater, Okalahoma....................................................................... Rule 40* FREIGHTLINER, Fontana, California........................................................ Rule 40* FRONTIER HORSE COMPLEX, Pilot Point, Texas. .................................. Rule 40* FUNDERBURG, WILL, Canyon, Texas. .................................................... Rule 40* GARRIOTT, SHAWN WESTERN ELECTRIC, Emporia, Kansas ................ Rule 40* GASS, NICK, Spring Branch, Texas ......................................................... Rule 40* GLOBAL CLASSIC CARS, Brownsboro, Texas......................................... Rule 40* GREEN, RICKY J., Tyler, Texas................................................................. Rule 40* GUSTAFSON, JOHN, Valley Center, California. ..................................... Rule 40* HARDWICK, NANCY, Dallas, Texas......................................................... Rule 40* HARJO, PHILLIP & JEANNETTE, Maud, Oklahoma. .............................. Rule 40* HASTINGS, JOHN., Castle Rock, Colorado............................................ Rule 40* HAYES, JOHN PHILLIP III, Laurinburg, North Carolina. .......................... Rule 40* HEFNER, AMANDA, Chico, CA...............................................................Rule 4 HEINEY, AMY, Meridian, Texas. ............................................................... Rule 40* HENKEL, TEAL, Scottsdale, Arizona. ...................................................... Rule 40* HERTZ, CAROLYN, Happy, Texas. ........................................................... Rule 40* HEYWOOD, WM & BRENDA, Fallon, Nevada. ...................................... Rule 40* HODGES, CHARLES, Fort Worth, Texas. ................................................ Rule 40* HOFFMAN, MARILYN, Mineola, Texas. .................................................. Rule 40* HOLM, JACKSON, Mayerthorpe AB..................................................Rule 50.d.2 HORSEIN’ AROUND INC., Carthage, Tennessee ................................... Rule 40* HOUSTON RANCH, Whitesboro, Texas. ................................................ Rule 40* HOWARD, KELLI, Whitesboro, Texas ...................................................... Rule 40* I DOTCOM PRODUCTS, San Jose, California. ....................................... Rule 40* JACOB, BOYCE, Abilene, Texas. ............................................................ Rule 40* JENSEN, GEORGE, Jacksboro, Texas..................................................... Rule 40* JERRETT, JOSLIN (Wild Mushroom), Weatherford, Texas ...................... Rule 40* JLD PRODUCTS, Fort Worth, Texas. ....................................................... Rule 40* JONES, MR. & MRS. BRAD, Paris, Texas. ............................................... Rule 40* JONES, JACK M., JR., J&J SADDLERY, Marion, Kentucky. .................... Rule 40* KACE INTERNATIONAL, Mesquite, Texas. ............................................. Rule 40* KEITH, LARRY, Sugar Grove, Virginia ...................................................... Rule 40* KING, ED or JUDY, Santa Fe, Texas. ....................................................... Rule 40* KNOX, TONNIE & JAMIE, Yuma, Arizona. ............................................. Rule 40* LANGFORD, RANDY L., Katy, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* LAREDAO CONVERSION TRUCKS, Burleson, Texas.............................. Rule 40* LAYLAND, CRAIG, Lubbock, 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* LIFELINE EQUINE c/o JILL HINDS, Arena, Wisconsin. ........................... Rule 40* LITTLE MONTANA LTD., Vienna, Virginia............................................... Rule 40* LUCAS, BOB, Edmond, Oklahoma. ........................................................ Rule 40* LUMBY KRISTOFFER, Willow Springs, Missouri.......................................Rule 40* MAGNETIC SOLUTIONS, Wichita Falls, Texas ....................................... Rule 40* MARRS, MIKE, Abilene, Texas................................................................. Rule 40* MARSHALL, LINDA, Vero Beach, Florida. ............................................... Rule 40* MARTIN, BRYON, Clyde, NY....................................................................Rule 4 MATTHEWS, MICHELLE, Chino Valley, Arizona ...................................... Rule 40* MAY, LYNN, Monroe, Washington. ......................................................... Rule 40* MAYFIELD, GREGORY SCOTT, Scott, Louisiana..................................... Rule 40* McGUIRE, ARVID, Anderson, Alabama................................................... Rule 40* McKEE, MIKE & VICKIE, Cleveland, Tennessee...................................... Rule 40* McLEOD, MARILYN, Flora, Mississippi. .................................................. 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* MILLER, BRAD/PREFERRED REINERS PRS, Inc. Wilmer, Texas................................................................................................. Rule 40* MILLER, PEGGY, Bunkie, Louisianna....................................................Rule 50.d.4 MILLER, ROBERT GLENN, Houston, Texas............................................. Rule 40* MILLER, TERRY, Bunkie, LA. ................................................................Rule 50.d.4 MILLIGAN, KELLY, Laurinburg, North Carolina ....................................... Rule 40* MILLS, JERRY, Englewood, Colorado...................................................... Rule 40* MOREHOUSE, KIANA, Buckley, Washington.......................................... Rule 40* MOSIER, KARL, Stevensburg, Virginia. ................................................... Rule 40* MOXY PRODUCTS, INC., Torrance, California. ...................................... Rule 40* MUSICK, STAN & SUZI, Fort Smith, Arkansas......................................... Rule 40* NAT’L TEAM ROPING ASSN/DARLENE MILLER, Weatherford, Texas. ......................................................................... Rule 40* OLD HICKORY FURNITURE CO., Roanoke, Texas.................................. Rule 40* OLSON, TRACY, Canada......................................................................... Rule 40* OUT WEST FINE PROPERTIES, SI JARBOE, Dolores, Colorado. ........................................................................... Rule 40* OWEN, SUSAN, Elizabeth, Colorado...................................................... Rule 40* P.J. FINANCIAL, Los Molinos, California................................................. Rule 40* PACE, STEPHANI A., Renton, Washington. ............................................ Rule 40* PARKS, ROBBIE, Stephenville, Texas. ..................................................... Rule 40* PLEASURE ACRES PERFORMANCE HORSE SALE, Arcadia, Indiana .............................................................................................. Rule 40* POLLARD BITS & SPURS/DANNY POLLARD, Merkel, Texas.................. Rule 40* PONS, PHIL, Ocala, Florida..................................................................... Rule 40* PORTER, JEROME & JAMIE, Rogers, Arkansas ...................................... Rule 40* POVERTY KNOB, Waterford, PA..............................................................Rule 4 PRESTIGE TRUCK CONVERSIONS, JOE SLOWIAK, Burleson, Texas. ... Rule 40* PRO WALK MANUFACTURING, Ada, Oklahoma ................................... 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* 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* ROBERTS, JUSTIN D., Graford, Texas......................................................Rule 40* RODDY, DEWEY, Jonesboro, Arkansas. .................................................. Rule 40* ROOT, HEIDI, Red Bluff, California. ........................................................ Rule 40*

SACHTLEBEN, TROY J., Antonio, Colorado........................................... Rule 40* SANTA ROSA EQUINE, Vernon, Texas ................................................... Rule 40* SARATOGA STALLS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa ............................................... Rule 40* SCHAEFER, DARLENE, Las Vegas, Nevada. ........................................... Rule 40* SCHILKE, ANDREW, Springtown, TX.......................................................Rule 4 SCHRAEDER, MICHAEL, Tomball, TX......................................................Rule 4 SCHWARZ, SHELDON, Springfield, Georgia. ......................................... Rule 40* SEGO, J.T., Tahlequah, Oklahoma. ......................................................... Rule 40* SIDE SADDLE BOUTIQUE/TAWNI Maughn, Weatherford, Texas. ......... Rule 40* SIMMONS, LUTHER, Florissant, Missouri ............................................... 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* STANLEY, STEVEN, Chillicothe, Texas. ................................................... Rule 40* STAR HORSE PRODUCTIONS, INC., San Diego, California................... Rule 40* STEINMEN, ROBERT & SUSAN, SK, Canada. ........................................ Rule 40* STEPHENS, ROBERT, Rocky Comfort, Missouri. ..................................... Rule 40* STEPHENS, SHA, Weatherford, Texas..................................................... Rule 40* STEVENS, J.C., Canon City, Colorado. ................................................... 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* TETON RANCH CORP. c/o STEVE TUSHA, Emmetsburg, Iowa............. Rule 40* TRIPLE C WELDING, Cleburne, Texas .................................................... Rule 40* TRUCK & LIVESTOCK CONCEPTS, GLEN MILLER, Bleiblerville, Texas. ........................................................................... 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* VAUGHN, DAN, Waxahachie, Texas. ...................................................... Rule 40* VAUGHN, LLOYD, Beeville, Texas. ......................................................... Rule 40* VAUGHN, LLOYD (EMMITT), Kenedy, Texas........................................... Rule 40* WALKER, MILLIE, Opelousas, Louisiana ................................................. Rule 40* WALKER, WES, Opelousas, Louisianna....................................................Rule 40* WALL, TREY, Valley View, Texas. ............................................................. Rule 40* WALLACE, LOUIS N. & LINDA, Belton, Texas. ....................................... Rule 40* WELLS, JULIE, Boyd, Texas ..................................................................... Rule 40* WESTERN CAROLINA HORSE SALES, Central, South Carolina. ................................................................... Rule 40* WESTON, DONNA, Parma, Idaho. ......................................................... Rule 40* WHITE, JEANNE, Pampa, 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*

NCHA Probation List BEVERIDGE, GLEN, Whitesboro, TX July 1, 2026 - July 1, 2028 (Standing Rule 35.C.1) CRUZ, JOSE, Valley View, TX August 25, 2026 - February 25, 2027 (Standing Rule 35.A.1) REAM, JAKE, Palmyra, UT May 15, 2026 - May 26, 2027 (Standing Rule 35A)

RAFTERY, SCOTT, Sontia, AZ May 15, 2026 - May 26, 2027 (Standing Rule 35A)

THE BACK FENCE

Where rules meet reality.

HORSE IQ – A NEW EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR EVERY NCHA MEMBER One of our primary goals wit hin t he NCHA Judges Department is to provide consistent, high-qual ity educat ion for our judges while promot ing a bet ter understand ing of t he rules t hroughout our associat ion. W it h t hat in mind, we are excited to invite every NCHA member to take advantage of a valuable new educat ional resource.

The NCHA Judges Department has partnered wit h horse IQ to create an onl ine learning plat form t hat is now being used for our judges’ cont inuing educat ion. While complet ion of t he horse IQ coursework is required for NCHA judges, it is available to every NCHA member .

V isit ht tps://www.horseiq.com/ to create your account, pay t he annual subscript ion fee, and open t he NCHA Cut t ing course. This subscript ion al lows members to access t he course content and create an account where al l educat ional updates and new material can be monitored as t hey are added.

The plat form contains a growing l ibrary of educat ional material, includ ing but not l imited to: V ideo reviews of actual cut t ing runs Rule interpretat ions and explanat ions Interact ive learning exercises Pract ice scenarios t hat al low you to test your understand ing of t he rules Regular updates as new educat ional content becomes available Access to horse IQ is provided t hrough an annual subscript ion, and judges are required to complete a cont inuing educat ion course each year. This ensures t hat new material is introduced annual ly, wit h add it ional updates and educat ional content added t hroughout t he year as needed.

Educat ion benefits everyone involved in our sport. The more we al l understand t he rules and t he judging process, t he stronger our associat ion becomes.

We encourage every NCHA member to sign up, explore t he course, and take advantage of t his outstand ing educat ional opportunity.

Warm regards,

Andy Adams Director of Judges National Cutting Horse Association

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:

1.

Have you reviewe d the tap e?

2.

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

3.

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

4.

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

Yes

No

Excellent

Avera g e

Poor

Excellent

Avera g e

Poor

Yes

No

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?

6.

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

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Advertisers Index

A DV E RT I S E R S N A M E

6666 AMERICAN HAT AGUSTA FUTURITY APHA AQHA AREYBE BADBOONARISING BIG SKY INTERNET B-K LIVESTOCK BRUMBAUGHS FURNITURE AND DESIGN CARGILL — NUTRENA CASSELL EQUINE INSURANCE CINCH COUNTIN HOT CHECKS COWBOY TRAILER SALES DEEMAXX BRAKES DENNIS MORELAND DOUBLE DOVE RANCH/ STORYTELER — GAIL HOLMES DUAL REY EE RANCHES ELITE STALL MATS FROST BANK FWSSR GIST GREAT AMERICAN INSURANCE HAY USA HOLY COW PERFORMANCE HORSES ICON GLOBAL JUST REBELLING KISER ARENA DRAGS KUBOTA LIVESTOCK NUTRITION CENTER

PAG E N U M B E R

1 2, 28 10 0 16 4-16 5 168 16 6 34 7 78 130 49 169 1 21 73 10 9 36 B AC K C OVER 16 0 5 41 3 89 72 163 27, 1 29 1 3 6 -1 3 7 1 83 10 8 1 3, 51 113 9 2 117

Advertisers Index A DV E RT I S E R S N A M E

LOVLEI MCALLISTER ASSETS / RCR RAIL CO METALLIC CAT METALLIC REY MINK MW CHAPS NCHA NCHA FOUNDATION ONCE IN A BLU BOON PLATINUM PERFORMANCE PRIEFERT PULSE VET RIO ROCA RANCH RIOS OF MERCEDES RIPP TIDE ROASTING SAN JUAN RANCH | ULTRA CRUZ SHOW PRO INDUSTRIES (PRO CUTTER) SOMBRERO BRANDS TIOGA TERRITORY TRIPLE C PERFORMANCE HORSES ULRICH VP RANCH/ Rio and Frio WESTERN BLOODSTOCK WHISKI SAUER

PAG E N U M B E R

25 56 44, 45 10 116 167, 170-174, 176-177, 180-181 92, 112, 182 58 52 144 21 79 20 93 47 68 82 16 175 101 99 24, 69 61-64 138

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Stopping power.

It's not worth going cheap on.