2025 Ranch Horse Classic

On November 7, the Ranch Horse Classic, presented by Platinum Performance, returned to the Markel AQHA World Championship Show for the second time. AQHA Professional Horseman Corey Cushing of Weatherford, Texas, wowed the crowd and judges in his class debut aboard Tuff Tobe Woody, who is owned by Katie Fox of Weatherford. Winning all three phases of competition (ranch riding, ranch trail and ranch cow work), the duo claimed $33,000 out of the $75,000 class purse. 

“When I first saw this event last year, I thought it would be a neat one to enter, and this horse was one of the first I thought of because of his size and strength,” Cushing said. “He steals a lot of points in his eye appeal, and he’s just got such a great attitude. His owner, Katie Fox, told me, ‘You have to do this class; it was made for him.’” 

Tuff Tobe Woody, or “Woodrow,” is a 2021 sorrel stallion by Woody Be Tuff and out of the High Brow Cat mare Katies Kitty. Tuff Tobe Woody was bred by Newton White of Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

The reserve Ranch Horse Classic champion was Booneulos, ridden by Jay D McLaughlin of Amarillo, Texas, for owners J.T. and Sandra Neal of Weatherford, Texas. Second place paid $22,000.

Rosie Jonez and Joshua Briggs of Pilot Point, Texas, earned third place and a check for $11,000 for owner Heather Van Hoosier of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

The Ranch Horse Classic is open to 3-,4- and 5-year-old horses piloted by exhibitors of all ages and experience levels, from youth and amateurs to professionals. Only 20 entries can compete, and riders may only enter one horse each. 

Entry priority was given to horses qualified for one of the AQHA world shows or Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals, as well as to horses that are Ranching Heritage-bred. 

A true test of equine versatility, the Ranch Horse Classic challenged exhibitors’ ranching aptitude in three phases: ranch riding, ranch trail and ranch cow work. Through the ranch riding pattern, each of the 20 horses demonstrated essential maneuvers like extended gaits and 360-degree turns, before moving swiftly into the ranch trail stage. There, riders navigated an authentic chuckwagon, hauled a Yeti Camino 35 carryall tote bag across logs, roped and dragged a dummy, all before having the option to collect a shot of Tonto Vodka in a Yeti Rambler tumbler and exiting the arena. 

“I knew he (Woodrow) was capable of all the maneuvers, it was just a matter of me doing them and remembering the pattern,” Cushing said. “I knew if I did my job right and we got a good feel and flow, this horse would stand out and shine.” 

In the final ranch cow work stage, riders could either circle or rope the cow to demonstrate the horse’s ability to handle livestock. 

“I had a hard time getting a feel for the cow early on, and he tried me once really hard, but (Woodrow) was just so smart on both of his turns,” Cushing said. “He ate that cow up on the first turn, and then he had to work hard to get caught back up going the other way. As soon as he got there, though, he just swallowed it. That’s the best he’s ever felt; I couldn’t be prouder of him. We all hope for days like this, and I’m glad it showed up tonight.”

Ranching Heritage-bred horses also competed for an additional $7,500 side pot; AQHA Professional Horseman Bryce Briggs of Pilot Point, Texas, and Bet Hesa Pep finished fourth overall and claimed the side pot for owner Natalie Beight-Hair of Collinsville, Texas. 

New for 2025, amateurs also competed for a side pot; Scott Bagley of Dimmit, Texas, and Droughted Out claimed this prize, earning $7,500 for their efforts. 

Previous winners:

2024     TCR Wild Cat, ridden by Lavert Avent

About AQHA 

The American Quarter Horse Association, headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization. The AQHA’s mission is to record and preserve the pedigree and integrity of the American Quarter Horse, while protecting its welfare, promoting its versatility and encouraging lifelong enjoyment of the breed. The AQHA is the global advocate for the American Quarter Horse, celebrating its legacy, uniting a passionate community and leading the equine industry. 

AQHA news and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information visit www.aqha.com/news or subscribe to our news text "AQHA In the Know" for the latest Association updates. 

About Platinum Performance

At Platinum, we believe the power of nutrition starts within. Founded in veterinary practice nearly 30 years ago, Platinum Performance® has been improving the lives of horses by impacting health at the cellular level through advanced nutrition. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Platinum Performance® supports the health and performance of athletes at all levels. Our products are designed to enhance the well-being and longevity of horses, helping them reach their full potential in competitive and everyday settings. Platinum Performance - It Starts Within. For more information, visit www.platinumperformance.com.