Innovative Competition Returns as a Stand-Alone Event at Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas, on July 19, 2025
Fort Worth, TX – [August 5th, 2024] – Top-ranked professionals in the western equine sports of Cutting, Reining, and Reined Cow Horse are set to ride in the highly anticipated third edition of The American Performance Horseman on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the newly announced venue, Dickies Arena, in Fort Worth, TX.
The American Performance Horseman, now a stand-alone event, will take place at Dickies Arena, marking a significant shift from its previous inclusion in The American Western Weekend. This event celebrates Western heritage, culture, and entertainment, showcasing the elite skills of the top professionals in the field.
Each team comprises a Reiner, Reined Cow Horse, and Cutting professional, delivering a breathtaking display of talent, precision, and horsemanship. With $1,000,000 up for grabs, the 2025 competition promises to be fierce as industry athletes push the boundaries of their disciplines.
Adding to the excitement, the number of competitors has increased from Five to Eight. Eligible competitors for the 2025 event will be the highest money-earning athletes from the NRHA Level 4 LAE, NCHA Open LAE, and NRCHA (All Open Money) of the 2024 show season.
*”Expanding the number of competitors from five to eight marks an exciting evolution for The American Performance Horseman. This change not only intensifies the competition but also highlights more of the incredible talent and dedication within the Western equine sports community. We are thrilled to provide a larger platform for these exceptional athletes to showcase their skills and passion.” – Josh Valdez, Director of The American Performance Horseman.
All the on-the-dirt action will be paired with a live performance, with entertainment details to be announced in the spring of 2025.
Cutting Horse Trainer Adan Banuelos, two-time The American Performance Horseman Cutting Champion, expressed his excitement, “Incredible is an understatement when describing the energy and talent showcased at this event. This was an arena full of talent, and it’s unbelievable to be on a stage like this and have the world see what we do.”
Deirdre Lester, CEO of Teton Ridge, added, “This event celebrates the rich tradition of precision Western horsemanship and offers an unforgettable experience and insight into the world of performance horse competitions.”
Launched in 2023, The American Performance Horseman brought together the top five year-end money-earning professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) for the first time in the history of performance sports. The event has continued to grow, and this year’s competition at the 14,000-seat Dickies Arena is set to be another groundbreaking showcase of equine excellence.
The exhibition format, created by Teton Ridge, combines history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of Western performance horse sports. For the 2025 event, the unprecedented team concept will see teams of three athletes (one from each discipline), paired with some of the most renowned Quarter Horses in the industry, all competing for a $1 million prize.
Supported by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), American Paint Horse Association (APHA), NCHA, NRHA, and NRCHA, The American Performance Horseman is the first event to shine a spotlight on these three Western performance disciplines on the same night at the same venue.
Media Contact:
Teton Ridge/ The American Performance Horseman
Mandi McCary / [email protected]
Holly Royal / [email protected]
About The American Performance Horseman
About Teton Ridge:
Teton Ridge is the first omnichannel Western lifestyle and entertainment company that brings the best the American West has to offer, altogether in one place. Teton Ridge brings audiences and businesses together through content, products, and experiences originating from the great American West. Teton Ridge operates across several business lines including a 24/7 digital media network with www.tetonridgeplus.com at the company’s core; content production and distribution for scripted and non-scripted programming; print publishing through Cowboys & Indians magazine; fantasy gaming with Professional Fantasy Rodeo; apparel and fashion including Hyer Boots; western sports experiences with featured event The American Rodeo, ownership of the Arizona Ridge Riders Professional Bull Riding team, and Rodeo Vegas, the premier after-party of National Finals Rodeo; an exceptional American Quarter Horse breeding and training program informed by technology-leading equine genetics from Etalon Diagnostics; and a dedicated commitment to youth and indigenous-focused initiatives.
