If you’re a Western performance horse fan that loves cutting, reining, fence work and roping, you’re in luck—the upcoming World’s Greatest Horseman gives you a chance to watch all four events in one place. This premier competition, which will be held February 28, 2026 at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, during the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions, spotlights some of the top riders and bridle horses in the industry as they vie for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
“The World’s Greatest Horseman is a really unique competition because it takes everything you would do on the ranch every day and puts it together,” says Callie McCarthy-Boevers, NRCHA Director of Marketing. “It’s the epitome of Western culture and the cowboy lifestyle. It truly embodies what you see on the ranch, and showcases where those roots and traditions come from that reined cow horse folks hold so near and dear to our hearts.”
The bridle horse is considered to be the most elite competitor in the reined cow horse sport—the final stage of training in the evolution of the discipline. These horses often show well into their teens, and the World’s Greatest Horseman gives them a place to compete for big bucks and prestige. The event will offer a remarkable total $300,000 in added money. Thanks to sponsors Ray Shell Ranch and Western Bloodstock, the prelims will also award $80,00 added — including $20,000 added in each preliminary event.
“It’s truly incredible to see the longevity of the reined cow horses in competition,” McCarthy-Boevers says. “I think it’s really a testament to not only the horsemen and women that are preparing these horses, but how these horses love the sport. Being able to have events that have really great payouts and reward those top bridle horses for still being competitive is important, not only for World’s Greatest Horseman, but for the longevity of the reined cow horse sport.”
The World’s Greatest Horseman is just one piece of the Celebration of Champions, which also includes the Tres Osos Cow Horses Derby for limited-age horses and World Champion title competition. In-person attendees will find parties to enjoy, competitions to watch and plenty of Western shopping. Those with high school- and college-aged kids in particular won’t want to miss Careers & Cowtown on Feb. 28, during which NRCHA will team up with Western job platform Of the West to give young members and fans a glimpse at different jobs in the Western industry.
Tickets for the World’s Greatest Horseman went on sale January 22 and will sell out quickly. For those watching from home, there will be a live webcast available at nrcha.com/event/celebration-of-champions. But, if you can make the trek to Fort Worth, McCarthy-Boevers highly recommended joining the fun in person.
“There’s lots of opportunities for people who just love the cow horse and want to experience it firsthand during this event,” McCarthy-Boevers says. “From the wide variety of vendors to the incredible competition, there is something for everyone.”
Further Reading: Reined Cow Horse Overview
This article about the World’s Greatest Horseman appeared in the February 2025 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
