Success in the futurity arena doesn’t come easy—it’s earned run by run, horse by horse. The 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities brought together the best in the business, and these five riders rose above the rest. With sharp horsemanship, well-prepared mounts, and the ability to handle the pressure, they proved they belong at the top. Backed by Stephenville Truck & Trailers, they put in the miles, showed up ready, and made every run count. Here’s a look at the riders who defined this season.
From experienced professionals clinching earnings to rising talents making their mark, this year’s top five competitors didn’t just win—they set the bar. With the help of Stephenville Truck & Trailers, we are showcasing the riders who made the biggest impact, along with the standout horses that helped them get there:
*We are featuring only the top five horses per rider.
- Beau Peterson – $148,000
- Rollin On The River – $43,000
- Maci Rey Teles – $32,500
- Aldo The Apache – $26,500
- Metallic Watch – $15,000
- Sheer Can Do – $9,000
Beau Peterson, a 23-year-old from Council Grove, Kansas, has rapidly ascended in the breakaway roping arena, balancing a burgeoning professional rodeo career with her passion for training young horses.
Peterson’s dedication to horse training was prominently displayed at the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities. In the spring event held in Ardmore, she dominated the 6-and-Under Breakaway Roping Maturity, clinching the top three positions. Riding Maci Rey Teles, a 2016 mare by Meteles Cat, she secured first place. She also achieved second place on Sheer Can Do, a 2018 gray mare by Cat Man Do, and third on Rollin On The River, a 2019 gelding by Smooth As A Cat.
Later in the year, at the Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Event in Abilene, Texas, Peterson continued her streak of excellence, amassing $97,000. A significant portion of these earnings came from her 4-year-old gelding, Aldo The Apache, whom she began training in January 2024. Despite his smaller stature, Aldo’s grit and responsiveness have made him a standout in Peterson’s lineup.
- Rhen Richard – $102,250
- SJR Diamond Bond – $43,000SJR Diamond Ombre – $31,000
- Kynis Brookstone – $28,250
Rhen Richard, hailing from Roosevelt, Utah, has distinguished himself as a versatile and accomplished rodeo athlete. His impressive career includes multiple qualifications for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in both team roping and tie-down roping.
Beyond the rodeo arena, Richard has made significant strides in the rope horse futurity circuit. In November 2024, at the Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Event in Abilene, Texas, he showcased his exceptional horsemanship by winning the 6-and-Under Heading Maturity aboard SJR Diamond Bond, a son of CD Diamond out of ARC Its Go Time by One Time Pepto. This victory added a substantial $11,000 to his earnings, with additional incentives bringing the total to $43,000 for this event.
Richard’s success at the Gold Buckle Futurities was further highlighted by his performances on horses such as SJR Diamond Ombre and Kynis Brookstone, contributing to his total earnings.
- Cody McCartney – $91,450
- Tizz – $34,150CR Tuff King – $24,300Reyal Rebel – $12,500Hesa Lucky Sugar – $11,000
- Bar W Roaney 1909 – $8,500
Cody McCartney, hailing from Durant, Oklahoma, has solidified his reputation as a formidable tie-down roper, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication throughout his career. His commitment to the sport is evident in his consistent performances and the development of young horses.
In November 2024, at the Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Event in Abilene, Texas, McCartney delivered a standout performance, accumulating $71,750 in earnings. His success was highlighted by a first-place finish in the Tie-Down Roping Futurity aboard Tizz, a 4-year-old stallion by Metallic Cat. Additionally, McCartney secured significant placements with horses such as CR Tuff King, Hesa Lucky Sugar, and Bar W Roaney 1909, demonstrating his versatility and skill across multiple mounts.
Beyond his individual achievements, McCartney’s partnership with his wife, Cheyanne McCartney—a distinguished breakaway roper and the 2023 National Finals of Breakaway Roping Average Champion—has been a cornerstone of their shared success. Together, they have cultivated and trained several top-tier horses in the rope horse futurity scene.
- Miles Baker – $87,400
- Relentless PYC – $44,800
- Lunchbox – $20,500
- Relentless Honor – $13,700
- Gunners Nite Train – $2,900
- Gunna Wanna – $2,000
Miles Baker, a native of Oklahoma, has emerged as a prominent figure in the rope horse futurity circuit, renowned for his exceptional horsemanship and partnership with the Relentless Remuda—a premier horse program he co-manages with 26-time world champion Trevor Brazile. Baker’s ranch-raised background has been instrumental in developing some of the industry’s top equine athletes, making him a sought-after trainer and competitor.
At the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Event in Abilene, Texas, Baker continued his impressive run, accumulating $61,500 in earnings. His standout performances included riding Relentless PYC to a second-place finish in the Futurity Heading average. Additionally, Baker showcased his versatility aboard horses throughout the year, like Lunchbox, Relentless Honor, Gunners Nite Train, and Gunna Wanna, each contributing to his total earnings and reinforcing his reputation as a leading horseman in the futurity arena.
Baker’s dedication to training and developing young horses, combined with his competitive achievements, highlights his significant impact on the sport and his commitment to advancing the quality of rope horse prospects.
- Hunter Koch – $83,575
- Rockk Star – $30,500
- Gunna Wanna – $16,500
- Rocko – $15,000
- DF Probablytheticket – $7,575
- Canteburys Cherrey – $6,000
Hunter Koch, originally from Vernon, Texas, has rapidly ascended in the professional team roping circuit, earning multiple qualifications for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). In 2023, he achieved a career-best fifth-place finish in the world standings, with NFR earnings totaling $162,542.
Hunter Koch’s success in the futurity circuit is marked by his exceptional performances with young horses, particularly at the Gold Buckle Futurities events. In the 2024 Spring Event, Koch and his 4-year-old gelding, Rockk Star, dominated the 4-and-Under Futurity Heeling division. The duo achieved a cumulative score of 906.58 over four runs, securing the average win and earning $16,500. They also clinched two round victories, adding $2,000 to their total earnings.
Koch’s success extended beyond Rockk Star. He rode Gunna Wanna, a 4-year-old mare by Gunnatrashya, to a second-place finish in the same event, with a score of 895.74 on four runs, earning $5,500. This performance also secured the Elite Stallion Incentive, bringing an additional $10,000.
In the broader futurity scene, Koch’s partnership with J.D. McGuire has been instrumental in developing top-tier heel horses. Their collaborative efforts have significantly impacted the futurity circuit, with McGuire winning the 2024 Gold Buckle Futurities Fall Futurity Limited Heeling aboard Canteburys Cherrey, also known as “Crypto.”
Ones to Watch in 2025
The Gold Buckle Futurities have proven to be a proving ground for the best in the business, but the competition runs deep. While the top five earned the biggest checks in 2024, several other riders were right on their heels, showing they have the horsepower and skill to make serious moves in 2025.
These riders may not have cracked the top five this year, but they stacked up solid earnings, put together impressive performances, and showed that they’re more than capable of taking home big wins. Whether they’re bringing along standout young horses or making a name for themselves at major events, they’re the ones to watch heading into next season.
Here’s a look at the riders who finished inside the top ten of 2024 and are poised for a hell of a year in 2025:
- Kollin VonAhn: $81,600
A two-time NFR champion heeler, Kollin VonAhn has built a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in the game when it comes to training and competing. His 2024 season in the futurity world showed that his ability to develop young prospects is just as strong as his talent inside the arena. With an $81,600 haul at Gold Buckle, VonAhn is proving that he’s just as dominant in the rope horse industry as he is at the professional level.
- Cheyanne McCartney: $78,175
Already well-respected as a breakaway roper, Cheyanne McCartney has stepped into the futurity world with authority. The 2023 NFBR Average Champion continued to build her résumé in 2024, bringing along young talent and stacking up impressive earnings. Her ability to develop horses alongside her husband, Cody McCartney, has made them a powerhouse duo in both roping and the futurity industry.
- Tate Kirchenschlager: $59,860
Tate Kirchenschlager is no stranger to top-level competition. A 2019 NFR qualifier in the heading, he’s transitioned seamlessly into training and showcasing elite young rope horses. His $59,860 in earnings at Gold Buckle was just a glimpse of what he’s capable of, and with his track record, it’s only a matter of time before he makes an even bigger mark on the futurity scene.
- Andy Holcomb: $59,800
Andy Holcomb has been steadily climbing the ranks, and his 2024 season proved that he’s a serious contender. Just $60 separated him from eighth place on the earnings leaderboard, a testament to how tight the competition was this year. Holcomb’s ability to bring along high-caliber horses is setting him up for an even bigger run in 2025.
- Beau Cooper: $48,100
A name that’s becoming more familiar in both professional calf roping and futurities, Beau Cooper has been turning heads with his ability to train and compete at a high level. His nearly $50,000 in earnings at Gold Buckle Futurities shows he’s got the horsepower and the skill to be a major player in 2025.
Something to Pull For
Gold Buckle Futurities and Stephenville Truck & Trailer aren’t just watching the competition heat up—they’re about to turn up the stakes. Riders who make their mark at both Gold Buckle Futurities events in 2025 will have even more to ride for, and the competitor who stands at the top when the dust settles will be rewarded in a big way. The details are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure—consistency across both events will pay off like never before. Stay tuned, because 2025 is shaping up to be the most exciting season yet.
