The 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities showcased an outstanding group of up-and-coming equine athletes, each proving their grit and potential in the arena. As the season unfolded, five standout horses rose to the top, demonstrating the kind of horsepower that shapes the future of the sport.

And when we talk about the future elite, you can rest assured it’s going to be great—because with horses like these coming down the pipe, the next generation is already shaping up to be something special.

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Brought to you by OE Nutraceuticals, we are looking back on the top horses of 2024:

1. Coming in at the top is CR Tuff Pep, a standout 2020 sorrel stallion who has dominated the breakaway and tie down roping scene, earning an impressive $77,900.

CR Tuff Pep – $77,900

• Nick Travaglia – $32,700
• Sarah Angelone – $26,500
• Marissa Boisjoli – $18,700

CR Tuff Pep, a 2020 sorrel stallion sired by Woody Be Tuff (GBF Elite Stallion) and out of ARC Catty Dual, has made significant strides in the breakaway roping arena. In 2024, CR Tuff Pep was recognized as the #1 QData Money-Earning 4-Year-Old Stallion in Breakaway Roping. Owner and rider Nick Travaglia has been instrumental in CR Tuff Pep’s success, guiding him to win the Stallion Incentive and Round 2 at the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Roping where they won a total of $32,700. Reflecting on his journey with CR Tuff Pep, Travaglia shared, “He’s just a flashy horse, and he freaking worked. I thought he scored great, ran hard. He’s physical pulling, but I think it was going to take something really good to get around him.” Additionally, riders Sarah Angelone and Marissa Boisjoli have contributed to his impressive earnings, with $26,500 and $18,700 respectively, showcasing the stallion’s adaptability with different competitors.

2. It is twice as nice in the second-place spot with Aldo The Apache, a gritty 2020 sorrel gelding who has proven himself in both breakaway and tie-down roping, amassing $67,700 in earnings at Gold Buckle Futurities alone.

Aldo The Apache – $67,700

• Beau Cooper – $41,200
• Beau Peterson – $26,500

Aldo The Apache, a 2020 sorrel gelding by Kit Kat Sugar (GBF Elite Stallion) out of DMAC Wise Guy, has rapidly ascended in the breakaway roping scene. Despite standing just under 14 hands, his grit and responsiveness have made him a formidable competitor.  In 2024, Aldo The Apache showcased his versatility by excelling in both breakaway and tie-down roping events. The collaboration between Peterson and Cooper, often dubbed “The Beau Show,” has been instrumental in Aldo’s success. Their combined efforts have led to significant earnings, with Cooper contributing $41,200 and Peterson adding $26,500 to Aldo’s impressive $67,700 total. Under Beau Cooper’s guidance, he clinched the 4 & Under Tie Down Roping Futurity Championship at the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities Spring Roping and the 4 & Under Breakaway Title at the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Roping, piloted by Peterson.

3. Next up is SS Platinum Cat, a 2019 palomino gelding with exceptional talent in the team roping arena, collecting $52,000 under the guidance of world champion Kollin VonAhn.

SS Platinum Cat – $52,000

• Kollin Vonahn – $52,000

SS Platinum Cat, a 2019 palomino gelding by Platinum Vintage (GBF Elite Stallion) out of Cat Can Boom by Boomernic, has emerged as a standout in the team roping arena. Under the guidance of two-time world champion Kollin VonAhn, “Popcorn,” as he’s affectionately known, has demonstrated exceptional talent and consistency. In May 2024, at the Gold Buckle Futurities Spring Event in Ardmore, Oklahoma, SS Platinum Cat showcased his prowess by securing the Heading Maturity title. This victory earned the duo a substantial $30,000, contributing to the gelding’s impressive total earnings of $55,000 by the end of his 5-year-old year. Beyond the competitive arena, SS Platinum Cat plays a significant role in the VonAhn family. Kollin’s 7-year-old daughter, Steele, often rides him, highlighting his gentle disposition and versatility. This unique bond underscores the gelding’s reliability, both as a top-tier performance horse and a trusted family companion.

4. Holding strong in fourth place is Relentless PYC, a 2020 mare whose blend of speed and cow sense has propelled her to $44,800 in earnings at GBF alone.

Relentless PYC – $44,800

• Miles Baker – $44,800

Relentless PYC, affectionately known as “Nala,” is a 2020 mare bred by Flag Ranch, LLC, a distinguished member of the Gold Buckle Futurities Elite Breeders program. Sired by First Prize Diver (GBF Elite Stallion) and out of Chars Gun, a daughter of Playgun, Nala boasts a pedigree that seamlessly blends speed and cow sense. Under the skilled guidance of Miles Baker, she has made a significant impact in the rope horse futurity circuit. In May 2024, at the Spring Gold Buckle Futurities in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Nala secured a third-place finish in the Futurity Heading average with a score of 900.56, earning $3,300. Building on this success, Nala delivered a remarkable performance at the November 2024 Gold Buckle Futurity in Abilene, Texas. She achieved a second-place finish in the Futurity Heading average with a score of 903.89, earning $8,400. Additionally, they racked up money in the Gold Buckle Futurity Stallion Incentive, securing first place and an additional $9,000 in Abilene.

5. Rounding out the top five is SJR Diamond Bond, a powerful 2018 palomino gelding whose dominant performances in the heading maturity competitions have earned him $43,000.

SJR Diamond Bond – $43,000

• Rhen Richard – $43,000

SJR Diamond Bond, a 2018 palomino gelding by CD Diamond (GBF Elite Stallion) out of ARC Its Go Time (by One Time Pepto), has been a standout in the rope horse futurity circuit under the guidance of Rhen Richard. In November 2024, at the Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Event in Abilene, Texas, the duo clinched the 6-&-Under Heading Maturity Championship. They dominated the competition, winning the average by a substantial margin with a score of 919.35, earning $11,000. Additionally, they secured $19,000 for first place in the Elite Stallion Incentive and another $9,000 in the Elite Breeder’s Incentive, bringing their total earnings for the event to $43,000. This victory marked the culmination of SJR Diamond Bond’s aged-event career, with total career earnings surpassing $70,000. As he transitions out of futurity competitions, Richard acknowledges the gelding’s potential for rodeo events, stating, “He has the capability to be a rodeo horse, but it’s hard to say. I’ve got a couple guys that are interested in him, but just if it fits, you know what I mean? He’s one of them horses that, he’s a lot of horse, but he’s a good horse.”

The 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities have highlighted the remarkable talent and potential within the rope horse industry. With strong performances and impressive earnings, the future looks bright for the sport. Looking ahead to 2025, the anticipation is building for what promises to be another competitive year, as these athletes set the stage for the next wave of top contenders. The upcoming events are sure to continue the momentum and offer even more opportunities for these rising competitors to showcase their abilities.