The Run For A Million expands the field of riders who advance from the Brazos Bash to the $200K Cutting Horse Challenge from 10 to 15 riders.
At the 2025 The Run For A Million, ten of the country’s top cutting horse trainers went head-to-head for a share of the $200,000-added purse. From the time the first horse entered the herd to the final buzzer, the South Point crowd cheered every move. In the end, it was Michael Cooper and Bella Louella who won the title and accompanying $50,000 check.
“The crowd was amazing, I couldn’t even hear the buzzer,” Cooper shared following his win. “I appreciate TRFAM for giving us the opportunity to show off our sport on a platform like this.”
The enthusiasm of the crowd provided an excellent backdrop for owner Taylor Sheridan’s announcement that the 2026 Cutting Horse Challenge will feature more riders taking the stage in Las Vegas. Now, the top 15 finishers from the Brazos Bash, September 30-October 14, will qualify to advance to the Cutting Horse Challenge.
Sheridan’s vision for The Run For A Million is to showcase the best in Western performance horses, and the Cutting Horse Challenge has delivered. Expanding the Brazos Bash qualifier ensures even more riders have a shot at that stage.
Kim Cox, Secretary of the Brazos Bash and the NCHA’s 2025 Secretary of the Year, echoed the excitement. Cox also serves as the Cattle Event Coordinator for TRFAM. “The Brazos Bash is one of the most fun and exciting events of the year, and the fact that it’s a qualifier for The Run For A Million puts an exclamation point on its importance,” she said.
The Run For A Million
Making its debut in 2019, The Run For A Million has changed the face of elite Western performance events. Held annually in August at the South Point Hotel & Casino, TRFAM now highlights several disciplines in the Western Performance Horse industry, and culminates with the Million Dollar Reining, where more than $1,000,000 is paid out to 16 of the world’s most talented reining trainers.
For more information about The Run For A Million, visit TheRunForAMillion.com
The Brazos Bash
Held annually at the picturesque Bosque Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, the Brazos Bash is one of the most significant added-money events of the National Cutting Horse Association.
For more information about the Brazos Bash, visit BrazosBash.com.
