The Future Is Here: Rhen Richard Talks Old West, $186K Week, and the Rope Horse Boom

Old West Futurities paid out $1.37 million in Heber City, put some of the best rope horses in the industry on display and backed it all up with a horse sale that proved just how fast this side of the business is growing.

Chelsea Shaffer sat down with Rhen Richard to reminisce on the week in Utah, from Richard winning $186,000 on five different horses to what those results say about his training program, his family’s breeding program and where the rope horse industry is headed next.

Richard breaks down why consistency at home has mattered so much in his program, and how the time spent getting young horses truly broke is starting to show up when it counts. He talks through the horses that stood out in Heber City, including the ones raised out of his family’s mares, and why the best futurity horses now have to be built with more than one job in mind.

The conversation then dives into the crossover between futurity horses, rodeo horses and jackpot horses, and why a strong foundation matters long after a horse leaves the show pen. Richard also explains what he wants judges to reward, from scoring and control to a horse that stays true to the cow and looks like it has a future beyond the futurity world.

They also get into the Old West sale, the $1 million bonus opportunity and what it means as more owners, breeders, trainers and ropers start buying into the system. With millions changing hands and more money on the line than ever, Old West is helping shape what the next era of the rope horse business looks like.

If you want to understand where the rope horse industry is headed, this episode is a good place to start.

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This episode is brought to you by Old West Futurities. Old West isn’t just raising the bar—we’re redefining what’s possible in the rope horse industry. With more than $1.12 million paid out in Guthrie and over $1.37 million paid out in Heber City, Old West has quickly become one of the premier destinations for heading, heeling, and breakaway competition.

With record-setting horse sales, industry-leading payouts, exclusive Sale Graduate incentives, and a $1 Million Bonus opportunity, Old West is where legends are made and records are broken.

Learn more about our futurities and horse sales at OldWest.com.

Related Links

• Rhen Richard Wins Old West Futurity Heading on Sammis Big Gal
• 2026 Old West Futurity by the Numbers: Hickory Holly Time, Rhen Richard Cash In; the Million Goes Unclaimed
• Rhen Richard & His ‘Little Secret Weapon’ Sammis Big Gal Sit High Call in the Old West 6-&-Under Heading
  
  
  
  
  
  

READ: Steer Report: Old West Builds All-Native Herd for Heber City With Border Still Closed