The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly celebrates Cade McCutcheon of Aubrey, Texas, as the newest NRHA Professional to cross the prestigious $3 million milestone in lifetime earnings.
McCutcheon surpassed the mark at the 2025 Run For A Million in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a 6th-place finish in the Million Dollar Competition aboard All Nite Partier. The duo earned $60,000, pushing McCutcheon’s career earnings past $3 million.
Since his debut as a professional in 2019—when he became the youngest NRHA Open Futurity Champion aboard Super Marioo and simultaneously crossed the $1 million threshold—McCutcheon has continued to carve an extraordinary path in the sport.
Recent highlights of his career include:
2025 The American Performance Horseman – 5th in the Individual Reining competition aboard Finals Bound (FB Brazil Partners owner, Arcese Quarter Horses LLC breeder/nominator), earning $20,000
2024 NRHA Futurity – 4th on Outta Yur League ($95,710.45) and 10th on Americassecretweapon (Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC owner, Arcese Quarter Horses LLC breeder/nominator) ($33,781.64)
All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity & All Star Reining Stakes Futurity – Champion on Outta Yur League (Frank L. Costantini, Jr., Tim J Anderson, Clark Reining Horses LLC, Richard M Vernon owners, Curtis Performance Horses LLC breeder/nominator), bringing home a combined $100,000
2024 NRHA Derby – Champion on All Nite Partier (Sotol Investments, LLC owner, Deanna Nell breeder.nominator), earning $100,000
2024 The American Performance Horseman – 3rd in the Individual Reining and 2nd in the Team competition on Finals Bound, totaling $58,333.33
These accomplishments add to an already decorated career, showcasing McCutcheon’s consistency and talent at the sport’s highest levels.
“Thank you to the horses and owners that have given me the opportunity to achieve this milestone,” said McCutcheon.
McCutcheon now joins an elite list of NRHA Professionals who have reached this milestone, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Honoring Joe Carter’s Legacy at the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® NAAC
The National Horse Judging Team Coaches’ Association (NHJTCA) and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) are proud to announce the return of the Collegiate and Youth Reining Judging Contest at the 2025 NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC), taking place December 2–3 in Oklahoma City.
This unique contest challenges collegiate and youth competitors to judge live reining runs, complete a written test, and take a penalty clip test—mirroring the rigorous evaluation process NRHA judges undergo. Participants will compete as youth teams, junior college teams, university teams, or individuals, gaining valuable insight into the skills and standards required of professional reining judges.
New in 2025, champion and reserve champion teams and individuals in all divisions will be awarded trophies or plaques, generously provided in honor of the late Joe Carter.
“Joe Carter was a true advocate for helping people become better judges, and he had a genuine love for kids,” said Patti Carter, NRHA Sr. Director of Education & Officials. “The Carter family could not think of a better way to honor his career and his passion for reining horses and youth than by supporting this incredible contest in his memory. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue his legacy in this way.”
Beyond the competition, the event offers an invaluable opportunity for students to expand their judging skills, build professional connections, and explore potential career paths in the equine industry.
For more information about the 2025 Collegiate and Youth Reining Judging Contest, including full contest details and to submit your entry, visit www.nhjtca.org/calendar or go directly to the contest entry page.
The National Reining Horse Association welcomes Carol Bell of Smithfield, North Carolina, as the newest NRHA Million Dollar Owner. Her path to this remarkable achievement reflects a deep dedication to the sport of reining and a commitment shared with her family.
A member of NRHA since 2009, Carol has amassed more than $65,000 in personal lifetime earnings. Yet, her legacy in the reining community has been defined by the horses she has owned and the success they’ve brought to the pen. With 130 horses on her NRHA owner record—many co-owned with her husband, NRHA Million Dollar Owner George Bell—Carol’s contributions have left a lasting mark on the sport.
The Bell family’s impact is truly a collective effort, with the majority of Carol’s ownership earnings coming through horses she’s ridden and those piloted by George and her stepson, NRHA $3 Million Rider Brian Bell. Together, they have developed a powerhouse program that has produced consistent performers on reining’s biggest stages.
Among those standout athletes is Mr Royal Hollywood, a 2012 stallion by NRHA $4 Million Sire Hollywoodstinseltown and out of Cee Miss Hollywood. Bred by Brian, the stallion has earned nearly $175,000 with top 10 finishes at prestigious events including the NRHA Futurity, the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, the National Reining Breeders Classic, and The Run for a Million.
Another star in the Bell program is Vintage Couture, a 2018 gelding by Platinum Vintage and out of Couture Tag, who is also owned by Carol and George. Bred, nominated, and owned by the couple, Vintage Couture surged past the $100,000 mark in 2024 with a banner year. He won the North American Reining Stakes Level 4 Open Derby and competed at The American Performance Horseman, where he and Brian earned more than $75,000 that season alone.
“This wasn’t something I felt I could achieve in the amount of time that I’ve been owning horses and breeding them,” remarked Bell of the accomplishment. “I am thrilled, and of course I feel that to be in that group of [NRHA] Million Dollar Owners is a privilege I don’t take likely. I am very proud of it.”
Carol Bell’s Million Dollar milestone not only highlights her personal success but also celebrates the strength of family in the sport of reining. NRHA congratulates Carol on this well-earned honor and looks forward to the continued success of the Bell family legacy.
The National Reining Horse Association announces the newest members of the NRHA Hall of Fame and Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award honorees.
The NRHA Hall of Fame—reining’s highest honor—recognizes individuals and horses whose extraordinary contributions have shaped the sport.
This year’s inductees include:
Cheryl Cody — With over four decades of dedicated service, Cheryl Cody has been a pivotal force in the growth, promotion, and advancement of reining. A lifetime NRHA member, Cody’s leadership spans serving on committees, chairing special projects, and developing innovative programs benefiting youth, members, and the broader reining community.
Her passion for horses and the western lifestyle led to a prolific career as a writer, photographer, and promoter. As co-founder and president of Rein In Cancer, Cody has helped raise millions to support cancer patients within the horse industry. Through her company, Pro Management Inc., she provides management and marketing services for top reining events, supporting exhibitors and promoting the sport worldwide.
Cody’s commitment extends beyond events to mentoring others and fostering community growth, always emphasizing a people-first philosophy. Her enduring impact on NRHA and reining stands as a testament to her integrity, creativity, and passion.
Best Stop (Owned by Wagman Ranch Inc.) — Best Stop is one of only 13 mares to produce offspring with earnings exceeding $1 million, underscoring her lasting influence on reining. Her legacy includes two The Run For A Million Million Dollar Competition champions: her son Best Shine and grandson Gunnastop. Gunnastop’s dam, Stop Little Sister, is poised to become a million-dollar producer as well.
Best Stop has produced 19 NRHA money earners, including multiple finalists in the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic across various divisions, as well as successful European competitors. Several offspring have earned over $100,000, including Stop Like A Dream, Late Night Stopper, Hey Joe, and Best Shine.
With a pedigree featuring five NRHA Hall of Fame inductees—including her sire Custom Crome and dam Rest Stop—Best Stop’s profound and continuing impact on reining is undeniable.
Chexanicki (Owned by Toyon Ranch LLC) — Chexanicki has earned over $86,000 in NRHA competition, winning multiple Non Pro titles during her career. Previously owned and shown by leading figures in the reining community—Sam Smith, Rick Ford (Cinder Lakes Ranch), and Kelle Smith—the mare now thrives under NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch LLC’s care, who has promoted her extensively over the last decade. Her legacy shines through both her outstanding performances and her success as a prolific producer, with offspring like Alpha Jac Sparrow, Chexi Chic, Rufanicki, Alpha Black, Boujee, and Extra Vodoonicki collectively earning over $1 million. Chexanicki’s lasting impact continues to excite competitors and spectators alike, solidifying her status as one of the most impressive mares in NRHA history.
The NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2007 and named after the “father of modern-day reining,” honors individuals whose lifelong contributions have profoundly shaped the sport. Dale Wilkinson, a founding NRHA member, multiple NRHA Futurity champion, and the Hall of Fame’s first inductee, set the standard for excellence, education, and mentorship within the reining community.
The award recognizes those who have significantly impacted reining through passion, leadership, and dedication to introducing new people to the sport. Recipients’ achievements are celebrated for their lasting, positive influence on NRHA and the sport at large.
This year’s honorees are:
Jeff Petska — A lifelong horseman, Petska began training horses at age 13 and continued riding until shortly before his passing in 2022. Known as the “winningest” Chef d’Equipe of the U.S., he led five consecutive World Equestrian Games gold medal wins and championed junior and young riders on the world stage.
Beyond competition, Petska served on the NRHA Judges Committee, Board of Directors, and Professionals Committee, always upholding the sport’s integrity. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he founded Whitesboro Equine Therapy, dedicating himself to horse care and foundational training. Known for his generosity, humor, and faith, Petska touched countless lives through mentorship and philanthropy. Lisa, his wife, shares:
“Jeff lived his faith and passion fully, inspiring many. His poem ‘On the Backs of Horses’ beautifully captures the heart of reining and his lifelong journey.”
Larry Kasten — With a lifelong dedication to the reining community, Larry Kasten has made an enduring impact through both competitive success and decades of mentorship. After earning his B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota and his M.S. in animal nutrition from Kansas State University, Kasten pursued doctoral research in horse nutrition at Texas A&M University. He taught horsemanship at West Texas State University before joining the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 1973.
In the show pen, Kasten has been a finalist in the NRHA Futurity and won the Limited Open division of the NRHA Super Stakes. Horses he has trained and students he has mentored have gone on to achieve national prominence, reflecting his skill as both a horseman and educator. As an American Quarter Horse Association and NRHA judge, Kasten has shared his expertise on the sport’s biggest stages, leaving a lasting legacy on reining’s growth and excellence.
One admirer shared: “Larry’s lifetime of accolades cannot be overstated, but his true impact lies in the personal mentorship and warmth he extends to everyone he meets. From riding with him as a young adult to sharing life’s milestones, Larry’s guidance has been a grounding force. His horses adore him, and his welcoming spirit ignites passion in new learners. He embodies the spirit of the Dale Wilkinson Award through his lasting impact on the sport and the people in it.”
The Hall of Fame is a special project of the Reining Horse Foundation. All inductees and honorees will be formally recognized at Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch on Wednesday, December 3. Tables and individual tickets are available at reiningfoundation.com/sno.
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce the addition of an all-new Elements of Reining ProAm competition to the 2025 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, designed to energize fans and elevate the event experience. This inaugural class will pair NRHA Professionals with NRHA Non Pros or Youth riders in a unique team format where each rider completes half of a reining pattern. Their combined score will determine team placings, delivering an exciting new dynamic for spectators and participants alike.
The Elements of Reining ProAm is slated for Thursday evening during the Futurity and will serve as a highlight fan night! The event will also include a Military Appreciation component, where participating veterans will be recognized during their run, and attendees will be encouraged to wear red in honor of the day.
NRHA is pleased to announce Spooks Gotta Whiz as the Platinum Sponsor of the event, contributing $25,000 in support.
“Spooks Gotta Whiz is extremely proud to sponsor exciting and innovative events along with the NRHA that both show off our amazing horses and the sport of Reining,” said Michell Anne Kimball, owner of Spooks Gotta Whiz, the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Event Details
Team Format: One NRHA Professional and one NRHA Non Pro or Youth rider per team
Pattern Structure: Each rider completes half of a standard reining pattern on separate horses
Entry Cap: Limited to 20 teams on a first-come, first-served basis
Payout: $20,000+ in added money with a $250 team entry fee
“This is exactly the kind of innovation the sport needs to continue growing our audience and giving new fans another reason to attend,” says Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner.
How to Enter Entries are now open for the 2025 NRHA Futurity ProAm. Teams can download the official ProAm Entry Form here or visit nrhafuturity.com/forms to access all event forms.
