The 2025 Brazos Bash in Weatherford, Texas, once again proved to be a defining stop on the cutting calendar—this time serving as the official qualifier for the 2026 Run For A Million Cutting Horse Challenge. With only 15 coveted spots available, the competition was fierce as riders delivered standout runs in pursuit of a ticket to Las Vegas.
>>> Results from the Brazos Bash <<<
How to Qualify
The Brazos Bash is the only qualifying event for the 2026 Cutting Horse Challenge. Riders’ first go-round scores in the Open division, regardless of horse age, determined their eligibility. When the dust settled, the 15 riders with the top scores secured their place in next year’s high-stakes event.
The Event
The Run For A Million Cutting Horse Challenge will take place at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, where qualified riders will compete for a $200,000 purse. The event showcases the sport’s elite trainers and horses in one of the most anticipated competitions of the Western performance world.
Qualified Riders
(Names are in alphabetical order)
- Adan Banuelos
- Austin Shepard
- Beau Galyean
- Bradey Davis
- Cade Shepard
- Cullen Chartier
- Geoffrey Sheehan
- Kenny Platt
- Kody Porterfield
- Kory Pounds
- Michael Cooper
- Monty Buntin
- Tarin Rice
- Tosten Peterson
- Wes Galyean