August 14, 2023

Austin Shephard on Bits and Bridles

Looking through the bridle rack at any trainer’s barn can be both exciting and daunting: so many bits, so many different reasons to use each one. We asked 9.8-million-dollar rider,


April 14, 2023

The Long Lasting Impressions of Buster Welch

Buster Welch was not the only talented cutting horse trainer in his day but his knack for young horses was what set him apart. “It’s like cooking a dish. It’s


April 14, 2023

Member Spotlight – Hilaria Gutierrez – Dragoon, AZ

Hilaria Gutierrez and her husband run a ranch of about 300 head of cattle in Arizona. They had a mare that was extremely good at sorting cattle so Gutierrez wanted


September 12, 2022

Member Spotlight – Bobby Kearney – Statesville, NC

You can’t beat that first buckle feeling. Bobby pictured at Right Bobby Kearney grew up in Nevada and was influenced by his grandfather who would tell him how special a


September 12, 2022

Trainer’s Corner – Hayden Upton

Total Earnings: $452,273 An apprenticeship to an equine chiropractor brought Hayden Upton to the United States from Australia 22 years ago. He grew up around horses but it was through


September 12, 2022

Buster Welch – How his Legacy Lives On

Wes (19) with Buster in the chuck wagon tent while they were branding cows at Buster’s ranch 20 years ago. From bits and saddles, to working a cutting horse in


August 9, 2022

Member Spotlight – Dave Afseth – Calgary, AB, Canada

Dave and The Heart of Mic Growing up, Dave Afseth said he rode a horse more than he rode a bicycle. They didn’t have fancy horses, he said. “If it


August 9, 2022

Trainer’s Corner – Michael Cooper – Weatherford, TX

Total Earnings: $4,187,197 Michael Cooper never worked for a cutting horse trainer and literally came from nothing. He is from Missouri originally and learned about cutting when he traveled to


August 9, 2022

Honoring a Legacy: NCHA Australia Celebrates 50 Years

The talented group of Legends that have left their mark on the sport. Milestones are meant to be celebrated! NCHA Australia recently celebrated 50 years of cutting at the 2022