Breakaway Futurity 101 with Cheyanne McCartney on The Breakdown

Diving into the world of breakaway futurity competition can seem daunting, but futurity trainer and competitor Cheyanne McCartney breaks it down in simple terms on the newest episode of The Breakdown Podcast.

McCartney breaks down formats for each futurity association, how horses are scored and the opportunities available for young horses to compete—and win—against horses at the same level of training.

Breakaway Futurity 101 with Cheyanne McCartney

This episode is supported by Purina and their Feed Finder program. Check out Purina’s Feed Finder online here.

What breakaway futurities are available?

While this list isn’t exhaustive, here are some of the places breakaway futurity horses can compete:

• Gold Buckle Futurities
• Riata Buckle
• American Rope Horse Association Futurity – Old West Futurity
• Royal Crown
• Roping Futurities of America (RFA)
• Coming in 2025, Solo Select Futurity

What are the judges looking for?

The judges are looking for a quiet and willing horse in the box that leaves flat and tracks the calf well, adjusting for its speed (rate). Then, a responsive stop that breaks the rope off in a timely fashion. Most futurities have a timed component in addition to scoring.

According to McCartney, a good futurity horse will make the ropers’ job look easy.

What kind of horse do I need for the breakaway futurities?

McCartney says the No. 1 thing she looks for in a breakaway futurity prospect is their eligibility and nominations into futurity programs like the Riata Buckle.

While there are some places that don’t require a horse to be sired by a specific stallion, like the RFA, most programs have enrolled stallions who’s offspring are eligible for the futurity.

The more futurities a horse is eligible for, the more opportunities they have to win money and grow their record.

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