Tom McCutcheon's THE SHOW

This week, the guys sit down with Olympian Laura Kraut for a conversation that steps outside the reining pen and into a completely different side of the horse industry.They talk through what makes showjumping unique—from the team aspect at the highest levels to how young horses are developed, how breeding decisions differ, and what separates top riders when it comes to picking a horse. Laura also shares how the industry operates in the U.S. compared to Europe, what it’s like spending summers in Holland, and how the sport has evolved over the years.The conversation covers everything from Thoroughbreds and the development of Warmbloods to safety equipment like air vests, splitting prize money, and the realities behind the price tag of top-level horses. There’s also a lot of discussion around how differently the showjumping and reining industries operate, from training timelines to competition structure.Along the way, the guys mix in plenty of laughs—covering everything from “list your injuries” to Nutella waffles—and even touch on Laura’s connection to Mandy from years ago.Thank you so much to Laura for joining us on this episode!

This week, the guys sit down with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gabriel Borges, fresh off a win at The Run For A Million Qualifier.They break down the qualifier, the level of competition it takes to get it done, and what it means heading into Vegas. Gabriel also shares his story—from getting started in reining in Brazil to making the move to the United States, learning English, and building a career at the highest level of the sport.The conversation dives into his time working for Tom, the trainers who have influenced him along the way, and a broader look at how the horse industry differs between Brazil, Europe, and the U.S. They also touch on non-pro vs. open horses and what it takes to succeed across different programs and environments.Of course, it wouldn’t be a full episode without some laughs—including a conversation about Gabriel’s mate habit—and plenty of real talk about horses, training, and the realities of making it in this industry.A big thank you to Gabriel for coming from Oklahoma and joining us on this week’s episode!

The Run For A Million Qualifier at Bosque Ranch brought together some of the best riders, horses, and runs — and this week, we’re breaking it all down with one of the standout competitors.Fresh off securing the final qualifying spot with a 9th place finish, Ben Beckett of Beckett Performance Horses joins the show to recap his experience at the TRFAM Qualifier. From preparing for the event to stepping into the pen alongside some of the industry’s top riders and trainers, Ben shares what it took to get the job done when it mattered most.The guys dive into the runs, the horses, and the overall atmosphere at Bosque Ranch, while also getting into the bigger picture — horsemanship, mindset, and what it really means to take a shot at an opportunity like this.From behind-the-scenes insight to real conversation about the journey, this episode gives an honest look at competing at one of the biggest stages in the sport — and why sometimes, you just have to go for it.A big thank you to Ben for taking the time to join us and share his experience!

Taylor Sheridan, writer-director behind Yellowstone and owner of Bosque Ranch and part-owner of the historic 6666 Ranch. He discusses building horse-friendly venues, staging Run For A Million qualifiers, preserving western authenticity, expanding ranch businesses, and the logistics of filming and casting to keep the western way of life real.

This week on The Show, the guys dive into several topics currently being discussed across the reining and performance horse industry, including the proposed AQHA rule on frozen semen, conversations about ¼-point scoring in reining, and what these changes could mean for breeders, competitors, and the future of the sport.Although there wasn’t originally a guest scheduled, Dave Williams ended up jumping in to fill the chair, which quickly became a running joke throughout the episode. Dave talks about his business, Nautilus, an equine therapy spa focused on helping horses recover, perform, and feel their best. He also shares the story of riding Wimpys Little Step as a two-year-old, offering a fun look back at the early days of one of reining’s most influential stallions.From there, the conversation shifts to the proposed AQHA semen rule, which would limit the use of a stallion’s frozen semen to two years after his death, with stallions born before 2015 grandfathered in. The guys discuss what a rule like this could mean for breeding programs, stallion owners, and the long-term impact on genetics within the industry.They also talk about the idea that occasionally gets floated around about adding ¼-point increments to the reining judging scale, and whether a change like that could improve accuracy and consistency in scoring.Along the way, the conversation touches on the Run for a Million qualifier coming up next week, thoughts on the broader direction of AQHA, and a brief mention of the new NRHA schooling show dress code rule.With plenty of laughs and honest opinions, this episode covers a wide range of conversations currently happening across the reining, breeding, and performance horse world.•••The Show Podcast | Reining Horses | NRHA | AQHA | Performance Horses | Horse Industry Conversations

The performance horse industry isn’t what it was 10 years ago — and few people have had a front-row seat to that shift like $11M+ rider and NCHA Hall of Fame member Austin Shepard.In this episode of Tom McCutcheon’s The Show, we dive into the rise of million dollar performance horses, the sales that changed the cutting industry, and how major events like The Run For A Million have influenced the broader western performance horse market. Austin shares his perspective on how the game has evolved — from horse values and showmanship to work ethic, mentorship, and what it takes to stay relevant at the highest levels of competition.From million dollar mares to industry growth, leadership, and the next generation of horsemen, this is an inside look at how cutting — and the entire performance horse world — continues to change.Whether you’re involved in cutting, reining, cow horse, or simply follow the western performance industry, this conversation offers insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

This week on The Show, we’re joined by team roping standout Joseph Harrison. Over the course of his career, Joseph has competed on some of rodeo’s biggest stages, including six NFR qualifications and a win at The American Rodeo. He has built a reputation for skill, consistency, and a deep respect for the sport. More recently, he’s turned his focus to the futurity world, developing young rope horses and shaping the next generation of competitors.In this episode, Joseph shares how he first got started in roping, what it was like spending a decade working for Bobby Lewis, and the lessons that shaped both his riding and his approach to horses. He also reflects on the evolution of the team roping industry and offers insight into life on the rodeo road versus life training futurity horses—from long miles in the truck to long hours in the arena.The conversation also touches on the similarities and differences between the roping and reining industries, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to succeed in both arenas.With plenty of laughs, honest stories, and practical insight, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it takes to build a lasting career in the rope horse world.Thanks for joining us, Joseph! We really appreciate you sharing your story.

This week on The Show, we’re joined by a true force in breakaway roping—Sarah Angelone.At her young age, Sarah has already built a résumé that puts her among the elite in the sport. With career earnings surpassing 1 Million Dollars and championships on some of rodeo’s biggest stages, she’s no stranger to the winner’s circle.In Episode 118, Tom, Gunny, Joe, and Cade sit down with Sarah to talk about her journey into rodeo, the moments that shaped her career, and what it takes to compete at the highest level in today’s breakaway industry. We dive into how the sport has evolved, where it’s headed, and the differences between breakaway and reining.Of course, things wouldn’t be complete without a little fun. Tom officially challenges Sarah, Trevor Brazile, and Miles Baker to a breakaway roping competition—and to make sure it’s not just talk, Trevor gets a call on air. Let’s just say… accountability was established.Between laughs, real insight, and an impressive story of discipline and drive, this episode is a must-listen. Sarah’s perspective, humility, and passion for the sport shine through, and we’re grateful she joined us to share her story.Thanks for coming on, Sarah—we loved having you.

Sitting down with NRHA Legend Bob Loomis and NRHA $3 Million Rider Tim McQuay is something truly special. These two horsemen have helped shape reining into what it is today — from defining the sport’s patterns to building breeding programs and careers that set the standard for generations.Bob Loomis, a six-time NRHA Open Futurity Champion, former NRHA President, and Hall of Fame inductee, shares insight into how his career began, how influential breeding programs were built, and how selecting the right mares played a key role in long-term success. His impact on the industry spans decades and continues to influence the way reining horses are trained and bred today.Joining him is Tim McQuay, the first rider in NRHA history to surpass $3 million in earnings and a true trailblazer of the sport. Tim has won every major NRHA event, qualified for the Futurity Finals nearly every year since 1978, and earned money on more than 200 horses. From world-level competition to building McQuay Stables, his influence reaches far beyond the show pen.Together, Bob and Tim dive into how today’s patterns were created, how the industry has evolved, and what truly matters when building horses and programs that last. Along the way, they share unforgettable show-pen stories, lessons learned, and perspective that only decades at the top can provide.We are incredibly grateful to Bob Loomis and Tim McQuay for joining us and sharing their knowledge, history, and stories. This episode is a rare opportunity to learn from two men who helped build the industry we all love.

This week on The Show, we’re joined by a true legend of the cow horse world — NRCHA $4 Million Rider Corey Cushing. As the first NRCHA professional to ever reach the four-million-dollar mark, Corey has firmly earned his place as one of the very best to do it. With four NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity wins and three The World’s Greatest Horseman titles, he brings a lifetime of experience, perspective, and success to the table.Corey also brings some big news: Theorem Ranch has just acquired Teton Ridge’s iconic TR9 Ranch & Equestrian Facility, along with the incredible legacy that comes with it. He shares what this exciting new partnership means and what’s ahead for the program — and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.From there, the conversation dives into Corey’s journey — how he got started, making his first Snaffle Bit Futurity Finals, and even the time he fell off in front of Tom McCutcheon. We talk about the riders who inspire him, how he structures his training weeks while juggling three disciplines, and how both the reining and cow horse worlds have evolved over the years.Tom, Gunny, Joe, Cade, and Corey also get into training philosophy, including why it’s important to always finish a pattern even when things don’t go perfectly. The conversation then turns to family life and raising kids around horses — and why it’s actually a good thing for them to have a few hobbies that don’t involve horses. Cade laughs about how, looking back, he now really appreciates those high-school years before horses completely took over, and how important those moments end up being.It’s a fun, insightful, and honest conversation with one of the most respected horsemen in the industry — someone who truly loves the horses, the sport, and the people who make it special.Thank you for joining us, Corey.