Austin Shepard

Money Won

Titles/Finals

• 2017 NCHA Futurity
  
• 2017 NCHA Open World Champion
  
• 2016 NCHA Futurity Reserve Champion
  
• 2014 NCHA Open Super Stakes Reserve Champion
  
• 2008 NCHA Open Super Stakes Champion on High Brow CD
  
• 2007 NCHA Futurity champion on High Brow CD
  
• 2011 NCHA Open World Champion on Bet Hes a Cat,
  
• Eastern Nationals Open Champion x5

Top Three Horses Trained

• High Brow CD
  
• Widows Intentions
  
• Bamacat

How I got started: My dad Sam Shepard is a trainer. He taught me everything I know.

Biggest mistake I’ve made in cutting: I can’t remember any in particular. I know I’ve made plenty. But I’ve tried to learn from them.

Biggest myth about cutting: That the judges won’t mark me because of who I am or where I’m from. If people would stop using that excuse and try to do better it would be much more beneficial. If a kid from Alabama can win $6 million, anyone can.

Favorite quote: “The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.” – Bear Bryant
“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride and never quit, you will be a winner.”

Most memorable moment in cutting: Most memorable moment! Can’t narrow them down to one. Helping my son Cade win the 2015 Non Pro Super Stakes. Helping Buster Welch at the Champions Cup on Bet Hesa Cat who I won the Open World Championship on in the same year. Winning the 2007 Futurity on High Brow CD.

Training philosophy: I like to have a horse broke enough to correct it on a cow and not disrupt its thought process. I believe if you can make a horse think the cow did it to them, they will understand it better.