10 MILLION Dollar Man - Matt Gaines (Ep 95)

Episode 95 of Tom McCutcheon’s The Show features one of the biggest names in cutting: NCHA $10 Million Rider Matt Gaines.

Ranked the #3 All Time Leading Open Rider in NCHA history, Matt Gaines is a cornerstone of the cutting horse world. In this episode, Tom, Gunny, Joe, and Matt sit down for a wide-ranging conversation that covers both the unforgettable highlights and the tougher realities of a career at the top.

Matt reflects on some of his greatest performances, including his record-breaking 234 with Special Nu Baby at the El Rancho Futurity & Mercuria World Series, and his 2016 NCHA Futurity Championship win. But the discussion goes beyond the show pen. From navigating the challenges of getting horses truly prepared for the arena, to those moments when a horse shines at home but falls flat under lights, Gaines shares candid insight into the unpredictability and complexity of the sport.

There’s also talk of what it takes to make those split-second decisions on cows during a run, the rare connection that comes with truly special horses, and how financial discipline matters just as much as show success in a career that’s physically demanding and inevitably finite.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an episode of The Show without some humor. From stories about post-run critiques from spouses to needing a ladder to settle a debate, there’s plenty of laughter to go around.

A blend of storytelling, honesty, and expert perspective—this is a must-listen episode for anyone who loves the western performance world.