Todd Crawford, Chris Dawson Lead 15 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman Finalists

The field of more than 70 of the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s 2026 World’s Greatest Horseman competitors have been whittled to 15, with the $3 million rider Todd Crawford and 2024 Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion Chris Dawson leading the way with composites of 887 to secure their spot in the Finals on Saturday, Feb. 28.

About the World’s Greatest Horseman

Since its inception in 1999, the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman has stood as the crown jewel of reined cow horse competition. Now, the finalists for the 2026 World’s Greatest Horseman are officially set, as the NRCHA prepares to award one of the sport’s most prestigious titles during the NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth.

Held at Will Rogers Coliseum, the $300,000-added event challenges horse and rider combinations across four demanding phases—herd work, reined work, steer stopping and fence work—to determine who truly can do it all.

Fifteen horse-and-rider combinations have secured a spot in this year’s finals, forming a field that reflects the depth and competitiveness of today’s reined cow horse.

With each rider allowed to compete on just one horse—and in the same bridle for every phase—the margin for error narrows quickly. There are no fresh mounts and no time for schooling on finals night. The format demands horses that can stay sharp, honest and physically ready from the first cow in the herd to the final run down the fence. It’s part of what makes the title so respected, and why, once competition begins, it can truly be anyone’s game.

Proven Contenders

Corey Cushing | WR Iceman
Cushing is a three‑time past champion (2015, PRF Spoonful Of Gold; 2019, Sonita Lena Rey; 2022 ,Hott Rod), and returns to the finals riding WR Iceman owned by Eric & Wendy Dunn returns in 2026 riding WR Iceman.

Phillip Ralls | Son of a Mitch
Ralls won the World’s Greatest Horseman title in 2023 aboard Call Me Mitch. In 2026 he rides Son Of A Mitch, a 2017 gelding aptly named for his sire and Ralls’ past champion.

Todd Crawford | CRC 1942
Crawford enters the World’s Greatest Horseman Finals riding Landri Lisac’s gelding CRC 1942. To make the finals berth more special, Crawford and Lisac shared the horse throughout the Celebration of Champions—a testament to the geldings’ stamina and honesty.

The 2026 World’s Greatest Horseman Finals Field

(Unofficial)

2025 Champion: Erin Taormino

Erin Taormino claimed the 2025 World’s Greatest Horseman title aboard Hazardouz Material with an 884.5 composite score, becoming the first woman to win the championship. Her marks included a 219 in the herd work, 223.5 in the reined work, 221.5 in steer stopping and 220.5 in fence work. The performance set a high standard heading into this year’s finals.

Read the full recap of her win here.