Big Stops, Stellar Spins, Cow Sense: The Reined Cow Horses of The American Performance Horseman

Five of the best reined cow horses in the world will be showcased at The American Performance Horseman at Globe Life Field on March 8. Here is an in-depth look at those star equine athletes.

The top five National Reined Cow Horse Association riders will compete head-to-head on March 8 at Globe Life Field. However, it takes much more than a rider to be a champion in this sport.  

The riders have selected the best horses in the world to bring with them, and we have the insight into these incredible four-legged athletes.

Sarah Dawson riding Smart Chic An Tari

Anna Krause Photography via Teton Ridge

The 7-year-old sorrel mare owned by Aaron Ranch has lifetime Equi-stat earnings of $187,199. She is by Smart Chic Elena and out of Shiney Tari (Shining Spark).

Dawson has a history with this bloodline. Shine Smarter, a maternal half-sister to Smart Chic An Tari is who Dawson rode to the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity Limited Open Championship and Intermediate Open Reserve Championship.

Dawson credits the mare with being all business and not really enjoying being loved on or treats. The mare loves to run and stop and pretty much just do her job.

Justin Wright riding Scooter Kat

Anna Krause Photography via Teton Ridge

Scooter Kat is the highest-earning reined cow horse of all time. He is also the first reined cow horse to earn over $500,000, with his lifetime earnings exceeding $524,000.

The 2015 sorrel stallion is by Kit Kat Sugar and out of Scooters Daisy Dukes (Dual Smart Rey). This talented guy has accolades a mile long, including being a 2024 NRCHA Worlds Greatest Horseman Finalist, the 2023 Run for a Million Cow Horse Challenge Qualifier Champion, and the 2023 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Bridle Champion, just to list a few.

Scooter Kat is being ridden by the No. 1 ranked open rider in the NRCHA, with nearly $1 million in winnings over the past three years. This team brings overwhelming talents to the arena and should provide an incredible show.

Matt Koch riding Smart Ladies Sparkles

Anna Krause Photography via Teton Ridge

XIT Ranch owns this 2015 mare by WR This Cats Smart out of Shiners Diamond Lady (Shining Spark). Koch has been fortunate enough to have this horse throughout her entire career. She also carried him over the $1 million earnings mark as a NRCHA rider.

Given the sentimental connection between the two, it isn't surprising to see Koch bring the mare to The American Performance Horseman. After helping him get to the $1 million mark as a rider, she can help him earn his portion of the $1 million prize money up for grabs in the competition on Friday.

Corey Cushing riding SJR Talkin Diamonds

Anna Krause Photography via Teton Ridge

The San Juan Ranch is proud to own and send their Smooth Talkin Style son with Corey Cushing to the American Performance Horseman.  

The horse has lifetime earnings of nearly $100,000 and has been with Cushings for several years. The 2017 stallion was in the top 10 of the 2022 Open horses in Fort Worth, Texas. The pair collected $24,459 for the Open Reserve Championship the same year.  

With a lot of show experience between the two, the palomino and his $3 million rider will be hard to beat.

Clayton Edsall riding Bet He Sparks

Anna Krause Photography via Teton Ridge

The beautiful red road 2104 model named Bet He Sparks commands attention. The stallion has earned more than $248,000 in his lifetime, making him the highest-earning stallion by Bet Hesa Cat.

The maternal side, Sparking Train, is by the great Shining Spark—a common feature among the horses being shown. Bet He Sparks's resume is filled with stats, including a 2023 Run For a Million Cowhorse Challenge fourth-place finisher, a 2023 World's Greatest Horseman finalist, and the 2020 NRCHA Derby Two Rein Spectacular Open Champion.

Edsall has racked up $1.4 million in earnings over his career and is a World's Greatest Horseman Champion. He is proud of his horses and the fact that they go on to have long careers. Bet He Sparks is owned by Kathryn and Layn Phillips.