The Horses Cutting it up at The Run for a Million

The top cutting horses and riders will go head-to-head in a battle of cow sense, precision, and style—vying for their share of $200,000 in the Run for a Million Cutting Horse Challenge.

All eyes are on Las Vegas as the sport’s sharpest cutting horses and savviest riders gear up for the $200,000 Cutting Horse Challenge at The Run for a Million. The South Point Arena will come alive with the grit, cow sense, and lightning-fast moves that define the sport of cutting. From seasoned world champions to rising stars, these competitors are ready to put their skills to the test.

Here’s a look at the horses your favorite cutting riders are bringing with them to The Run for a Million.

Michael Cooper and his stand-out mare Bella Louella will be back in action in the Cutting Horse Challenge. | Horse&Rider

How to watch the $200K Cutting Horse Challenge

The event will be livestreamed from The Run For A Million website.

When: Thursday Aug. 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. local
How: Various buy-in options are available, including cutting-specific access for $25

Cutting Horses

Michael Cooper

Bella Louella: 2020 mare (Metallic Rebel x Catty Louella)
owned by Jennifer Cooper

Beau Galyean

Mui Fuego: 2019 stallion (Hottish x Cat O Connor)
owned by Fults/Jackpot Partnership

Cody Hedlund

Konna: 2018 mare (High Brow Cat x Sofie Rey)
owned by OO Ranch LLC

Matt Miller

Metallic Smart Cat: 2013 stallion (Metallic Cat x Smart Jerri Lee)
owned by Matt Miller

Tosten Peterson

Special Nu Boon: 2014 gelding (Boon Too Suen x Special Nu Kitty)
Bitterroot Ranch, LLC

Grant Setnicka

Princesses Rule: 2017 mare (Docs Stylish Oak x Little Bow Peepto)
owned by Rio Roca Land and Cattle Co

Austin Shepard

Kittennish: 2016 mare (Kit Kat Sugar x Sweet Lil Gal)
owned by Billy Lee Wolf

Cade Shepard

Countess Catrina: 2016 mare (Im Countin Checks x Catrina Starlight)
owned by Rhein and Amanda Standish

Kenny Platt

Roasting: 2019 stallion (Hottish x Betty Greyble)
owned by Linda Holmes

Adan Banuelos

Reyzin The Limit: 2021 stallion (Reyzin The Cash x Metallistic)
owned by Katie Gaughan Banuelos

@4cyteusa Raisin’ the bar and takin’ the title! 🏆 Congratulations to Reyzin The Limit and Adan Banuelos on dominating the Open Derby at the West Texas Futurity with a 221.5! Powered by performance, backed by 4CYTE™ — because champions deserve the best in joint care🦾 #4CYTEEquine #ReyzinTheLimit #AdanBanuelos #WestTexasFuturity #JointCareThatPerforms ♬ original sound – 4 CYTE USA

— H&R —