Weren’t able to catch the Western Equine Sports action in the Lone Star State last weekend? Here is what you missed at The American Performance Horseman 2025.
The energy in Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena was electric on July 19 as some of the country’s greatest equine athletes entered the arena for a night of heated competition. Initially a part of The American Rodeo’s Western Weekend, The American Performance Horseman garnered such a following that it officially became its own standalone production last year. Produced by Teton Ridge, this Western Equine Sports event puts the spotlight on Reining, Cutting, and Reined Cow Horse competitions.
This year marked a milestone in Western Equine Sports competition as a $1 million purse sat on the line. History was made by one particular stallion in the Reining category, making for a tear-jerking moment in the arena. Sorrel overo stallion Down Right Amazing stunned attendees with a near perfect run with rider Casey Deary, becoming the first Reining horse in history to surpass $1 million in lifetime earnings. The stallion, who has won this event three times now, was more than ready to reenter the arena after returning from a breeding-focused hiatus and completing a seven-week tune-up. The magic between Down Right Amazing and longtime rider Casey Deary was palpable, placing the cherry on top of the already riveting event.
Topping off the action with a night of music, country duo Brothers Osborne hit the stage for an intimate performance full of classics hits and newer country bops. The iconic brothers hung out with C&I in Fort Worth prior to their performance to discuss their humble beginnings, new music, and favorite aspects of performing in Texas.
Check out all the winners of The American Performance Horseman below, and take a gander at some of the breakout fashion moments from the weekend here.
The American Performance Horseman 2025 Results
Team Competition
Team Purple took the championship home, with Austin Shepard in Cutting, Trevor Dare in Reining, and Veronica Swales in Reined Cow Horse.
Cutting
1. James Payne on Nice Work Babe (229)
2. Austin Shepard on Kittenish (227.5)
3. Adan Banuelos on Reyzin The Limit (221)
4. Michael Cooper on Bella Louella (220.5)
5. Tosten Peterson on Phil N Dangerous (219)
6. Morgan Cromer on Cool Guitar (218)
6. Kenny Platt on LBR Hangem (218)
8. Wes Galyean on Armour (200)
Reining
1. Casey Deary on Down Right Amazing (229)
2. Kaci O’Rourke on Mr Farenheit (223)
3. Trevor Dare on Varsity Blu (222)
4. Manuel Cortesi on July Joe Snap (221.5)
5. Cade McCutcheon on Finals Bound (220.5)
6. Brian Bell on Froze (215)
7. Jason Vanlandingham on Gunnabebigtime (0)
7. Andrea Fappani on Magnums Custom Dream (0)
Cow Horse
1. Boyd Rice on My Boots Are Royal (444 final score)
2. Veronica Swales on Spanish Nights (438 final score)
3. Justin Wright on Scooter Kat (437 final score)
4. Sarah Dawson on You May Be Wright (436.5 final score)
4. Matt Koch on MPH Voodoo Badger (436.5 final score)
6. Chris Dawson on Wanna Be A Pepto (432 final score)
7. Nick Dowers on Smart Shiney Playboy (408.5 final score)
8. Clayton Edsall on Bet He Sparks (408 final score)
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of Teton Ridge
