The 2026 NCHA Members Hall of Fame inductees Grady Duncan, Randy Chartier and Ted Sokol represent decades of determination, to not only make cutting their thing but to bring others into the fold of one of the most exhilarating equine sports in the world.
The NCHA Honored the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees at the yearly convention held in Las Vegas, during the Hall of Fame Gala. Horses and riders that met certain points and earnings benchmarks in 2025 were also recognized.
In partnership with the NCHA, Horse&Rider’s Performance Report is proud to share the stories behind some of the most influential members of the NCHA.
Grady Duncan
Grady Duncan’s path into the cutting horse industry began with curiosity and determination. At just 19 years old, he purchased his first cutting horse, a two-year-old filly from a consignment sale in Winchester, Kentucky, despite having little knowledge of the sport. Encouraged by others in the industry, he sought guidance from a local trainer and entered his first competition at an AQHA event. To his surprise, he won, igniting a passion that would shape the rest of his life.
Growing up with access to a cattle farm allowed him to practice consistently and build his skills from the ground up. Throughout his career, Grady and his wife worked tirelessly, moving multiple times before eventually establishing their own ranch.
One of his most fulfilling experiences came while working at a large operation where he trained horses and worked cattle daily. His success extended into breeding, including breeding some mares to the legendary Doc Bar and selling one to a client in Australia for $40,000, in the 1970’s. Thus, helping fund their dream of ranch ownership.
Read the rest of Duncan’s bio in the summer edition of the NCHA Chatter.
Randy Chartier
Randy Chartier’s journey into the cutting horse world began in an unlikely place, near Detroit, Michigan, where his childhood was spent helping his grandfather at a large riding stable. His path took a defining turn in 1965 when his father attended the Dallas State Fair and discovered the sport of cutting. Inspired, the family dove in together, marking the beginning of Randy’s lifelong dedication to the National Cutting Horse Association.
His original 4-digit membership number remains a point of pride, symbolizing decades of commitment. From youth shows alongside his father to competing at the sport’s highest levels, Randy built a career grounded in perseverance and family support. Along the way, he met his wife Kelle, forming a partnership that carried them through the challenges of raising three boys while staying deeply involved in the industry, two of whom followed into equine professions. Among Randy’s many accomplishments, his most cherished moment came in 1979 when he captured the Non-Pro World Title at the World Finals in Amarillo.
Read the rest of Chartier’s bio in the summer edition of the NCHA Chatter.
Ted Sokol
Ted Sokol Jr.’s lifelong dedication to the cutting horse industry has earned him a well-deserved place in the NCHA Members Hall of Fame. A member of the National Cutting Horse Association since 1982, Ted’s journey began in his youth through 4-H and AQHA programs, where he developed a strong foundation in horsemanship and competition.
After attending Tarleton State College, he stepped into the professional ranks as an assistant trainer, gaining experience across multiple disciplines before ultimately focusing on cutting horses. Influential mentors and hands-on experience at premier events like the NCHA Futurity shaped Ted’s early years in the sport. His commitment to excellence led to a successful competitive career, highlighted by Top 10 World standings in 1992 and 1999.
Read the rest of Sokol’s bio in the summer edition of the NCHA Chatter.