The top performance horse athletes in the world are set to make a grand entrance at 2024 The American Performance Horseman, on Friday, March 8 at Globe Life Field, alongside an equally impressive lineup of competition horses.
Find out more about each of these athletes and their teams by clicking the links below:
Team Royal Blue
Team Racing Green
Team Imperial Purple
Team Burnt Orange
Team Regal Red
Comprising some of the industry’s most accomplished riders representing the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), National Reined Cow Horse (NRCHA), and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), The American Performance Horseman will also showcase the world’s best western sport horses, including:
Representing the National Cutting Horse Association:
1. Austin Shepard will bring Kittennish back to Globe Life Field, owned by Wolf Livestock
2. Morgan Cromer on Cool Guitar, owned by Pinwheel Partners
3. Wes Galyean showcasing Nineteen 42, owned by SMF Cutting Horses
4. Defending Champion Adan Bañuelos will ride Storyteler, owned by Double Dove Ranch
5. James Payne astride Summer Time Fun, owned by Ty Moore
Representing the National Reining Horse Association:
1. Andrea Fappani showcasing All Bettss Are Off, owned by Rancho Oso Rio
2. Cade McCutcheon partnering with Finals Bound, owned by Burnett Ranches LLC
3. Jason Vanlandingham competing on Gunnabebigtime, owned by Tami Nelson
4. Brian Bell riding Gunna Whoa, owned by Catherine Crandon and David Maynard
5. Casey Deary astride Down Right Amazing 2023 American Performance Horseman Champion, owned by DAG Ventures LLC
Representing the National Reined Cow Horse Association:
1. Sarah Dawson, the returning champion will ride Smart Chic An Tari, owned by Aaron Ranch
2. Justin Wright returns with Scooter Kat, owned by Scooter Kat Partners
3. Matt Koch competing on Smart Ladies Sparkle, owned by XIT Ranch
4. Corey Cushing showcasing SJR Talkin Diamonds, owned by San Juan Ranch
5. Clayton Edsall aboard Bet He Sparks, owned by Kathryn and Layn Phillips
The American Performance Horseman is an integral part of The American Western Weekend, a celebration of Western heritage, culture, and entertainment, featuring the 11th anniversary of The American Rodeo on Saturday, March 9.
Launched in 2023, The American Performance Horseman brings together top professionals from NRCHA, NCHA, and NRHA for a groundbreaking event at the 42,000-seat Globe Life Field. For the 2024 event, the unprecedented team concept will see five teams competing for a $1 million prize, supported by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), NCHA, NRHA, and NRCHA.
“The American Western Weekend is a true celebration of Western heritage, culture, and entertainment. This event celebrates the rich tradition of precision Western horsemanship and offers an unforgettable experience and insight into the world of performance horse competitions,” Deirdre Lester, CEO of Teton Ridge, stated.
