The equestrian world turns its gaze to Amarillo, Texas, this Sunday as the Old West World Championships commence, marking the highly anticipated culmination of the Old West Intermediate Trailer Race. Andy Holcomb, a formidable presence in the sport, currently leads Clyde Bolejack by a slim margin of $3,394 in the season-long competition, but a crucial strategic imbalance in their horse entries sets the stage for a thrilling showdown. Holcomb, with $94,942 accumulated in the race presented by Superior Trailer, will contend with only seven of his thirteen entered horses eligible to earn points towards the coveted trailer, as only money won in the Intermediate division counts. Bolejack, in stark contrast, has all eleven of his horses designated for the Intermediate class, positioning him strongly to capitalize on every opportunity at the Tri-State Fairgrounds.
The Race for the Trailer: A High-Stakes Finale
The Old West Intermediate Trailer Race is a season-long accumulation of earnings, designed to test the consistency and strategic acumen of riders and their equine partners across various events. The "trailer" itself, typically a high-value, custom-built horse trailer, represents not just a significant material prize but also immense prestige within the western performance horse industry. The Old West World Championships, running from October 11-17, serve as the fifth and final event of the 2026 season, where the ultimate victor of this intense race will be decided.
Holcomb’s $3,394 lead over Bolejack ($91,548) is precarious, especially given the composition of their respective strings of horses. While Holcomb’s overall talent is undeniable, reflected in his third-place standing on both the 2026 Old West money list ($164,146) and the all-time ARHFA/Old West earnings list ($638,669.90), his strategic entry choices for the trailer race could prove pivotal. His six heading entries lack an Intermediate subclass designation, meaning any earnings from these horses, regardless of their performance, will not contribute to his trailer race total. This effectively means Holcomb is defending his lead with only seven eligible horses, while Bolejack has eleven, creating a compelling narrative of skill versus strategic depth.
Rounding out the top five contenders in the Trailer Race are Cade Rice ($53,480), Britt Williams ($43,910), and Les Oswald ($31,463). Each of these riders brings a strong string of horses and a determined pursuit of the top prize, ensuring that the competition in Amarillo will be fierce and unpredictable.
Season’s Journey: A Path to Amarillo
The 2026 Old West season has been characterized by intense competition and record-breaking payouts, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion in Amarillo. Prior to the World Championships, four major events – Scottsdale, Guthrie, Redbud, and Heber City – served as crucial battlegrounds where riders accumulated their earnings. These events, spread across the country, tested the versatility and endurance of both horses and riders, with each stop contributing to the evolving standings of the Intermediate Trailer Race and the overall money lists. The Old West organization has reported paying out a staggering $3,985,818 to competitors through these four events, signaling a robust and growing landscape for western performance horse sports.
The Amarillo World Championships are poised to further elevate these figures, with an additional $500,000 in guaranteed money allocated. This includes $200,000 directed towards the World Championship payouts and a substantial $300,000 exclusively reserved for Old West Sale Graduates. This significant investment underscores Old West’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing lucrative opportunities for its participants, contributing to its claim of 2026 being its "biggest year to date."
The sheer volume of entries reflects the enthusiasm for the final event. Confirmation lists generated on September 29 indicate a total of 498 entries across eight classes, utilizing 452 individual horses. Futurity Heeling stands as the largest class with 110 entries, closely followed by Futurity Heading (92), Pre-Futurity Heading (90), and Pre-Futurity Heeling (87). The Pro-Am Non Pro divisions also saw strong participation, while the breakaway classes, though smaller, promise intense competition.
The Contenders’ Cavalry: A Strategic Breakdown of Horsepower
The strategic choices made by the top five trailer race leaders regarding their horse entries offer a fascinating glimpse into the competitive nuances of the sport. Collectively, these five riders have entered 56 horses in Amarillo, none of which are in the breakaway or Pro-Am Non Pro classes, underscoring their focused pursuit of the Intermediate Trailer Race.
Andy Holcomb: 13 Horses (7 Intermediate-Eligible)
Holcomb’s lineup reveals a split focus, with his heeling horses primarily designated as Intermediate. His Futurity Heeling entries include Bandit Joaquin (by Boot Scooting Wood), Pale Liberty and Proof Of Pale Pepto (both by Pale Face Dunnit), and Df Legends Pridenjoy (by Stevie Rey Von). In Pre-Futurity Heeling, Vintage Belair (by One Fine Vintage), Stars In The Nite and Sh Runnindownadream (both by Gunners Special Nite) are also Intermediate. However, his six heading entries, featuring promising stock like Frosted Quinton (by Frosted Sunman) and Wg Smooth Like Kate (by Jw Adobe Guy) in Futurity Heading, and Corona Makes Me Purr (by Cat Man Do) and Tps Hell Ofa Whiskey (by Whoze Your Daddy) in Pre-Futurity Heading, lack the Intermediate subclass. This means Holcomb’s success in the trailer race hinges entirely on his seven heeling horses, a significant strategic handicap compared to his closest rival.
Clyde Bolejack: 11 Horses (11 Intermediate-Eligible)
Bolejack’s unified approach sees all eleven of his horses entered with an Intermediate designation, giving him a considerable advantage in terms of potential earnings. His Futurity Heading string includes Catty Reyz (by Catty Hawk), Loyal Star Glo (by Csr Dual Glo), Reyz A Lil Hell (by Reyz N Hell), and Miss Soda Doll (by Wimpys Royal King). In Futurity Heeling, Bleau (by Hashtags), Dun Jonezing (by Travelin Jonez), and Fancy Like Reyznhell (by Reyz N Hell) are all poised to contribute. His Pre-Futurity entries, Shhhh Im Talking (by Smooth Talkin Style) in heading, and Von Voyage Mate (by Stevie Rey Von), Ca King Rebel (by Metallic Rebel), and Private Equity (by Reyzin The Cash) in heeling, further bolster his chances. This consistent Intermediate entry strategy ensures that every successful run Bolejack makes will directly impact his trailer race total.
Cade Rice: 16 Horses (16 Intermediate-Eligible)
Cade Rice, sitting third in the trailer race and $41,462 behind Holcomb, has the largest contingent of Intermediate-eligible horses among the top five, with all sixteen of his entries carrying the designation. This substantial firepower could enable a significant leap up the standings if his horses perform well. His Futurity Heading entries include Crypto Cash (by Reyzin The Cash) and Jadded N Catty (by Catty Hawk), while his Futurity Heeling boasts an impressive roster with Metallic Blueprint (by Metallic Malice) and Pepto N Rubies (by Mi Peptospoonful). Rice’s depth across both Futurity and Pre-Futurity divisions, including horses like One Hot Toy (by Wranglered) in Pre-Futurity Heading and Lucky Dreams (by Tinker With Dreams) in Pre-Futurity Heeling, positions him as a strong dark horse contender.
Les Oswald: 12 Horses (12 Intermediate-Eligible)
Les Oswald also demonstrates a clear strategic focus, with all twelve of his entries designated as Intermediate. His Futurity Heading entries include Dust Perfect (by Cd Ofa Playboy) and Double Dualin Patron (by Dual Patron). His Futurity Heeling lineup is particularly strong with Stevie Rey Train (by Stevie Rey Von), Dontgiveahoneybadger (by Cr Highlight), and Hashtag Springtime (by Hashtags). In Pre-Futurity, She Be Magistic (by Woody Be Tuff) and Metallic Brandy (by Metallic Malice) lead his heading efforts, while Woodys Girl Time (by Woody Be Tuff) and Faithfullie (by Brother Jackson) are among his heeling prospects. Oswald’s comprehensive Intermediate string ensures he maximizes every earning opportunity.
Britt Williams: 4 Horses (4 Intermediate-Eligible)
Britt Williams, with four Intermediate-eligible horses, has a smaller but highly focused string. His Futurity Heading entries, Go Metallic (by Metallic Malice) and Rollinintowar (by Twist Of Colonel), are complemented by Pre-Futurity Heading entries Diceman (by Shining Spark) and Shining Thru Fire (by Shiners Suduko). While fewer in number, these horses are undoubtedly selected for their potential to perform at the highest level within the Intermediate division.
Dominance and Emergence: The 2026 Money Lists
Beyond the immediate excitement of the Trailer Race, the Old West World Championships will also solidify the final standings for the 2026 Old West money list and contribute to the illustrious all-time career earnings.
2026 Old West Money List: Richard’s Reign
Rhen Richard has commanded the 2026 season, leading the money list with an impressive $200,688, making him the only rider to cross the $200,000 threshold this year. His dominant performance has given him a substantial $36,137 lead over Jeremy Buhler, who sits in second place with $164,551. The battle for the remaining top spots is exceptionally tight, with Andy Holcomb just $405 behind Buhler at $164,146, highlighting the razor-thin margins at the elite level of the sport. Clyde Bolejack ($153,093) and legendary competitor Trevor Brazile ($137,483) complete the top five, underscoring the high caliber of talent vying for supremacy.
The top 10 also features Kollin VonAhn ($117,259), Billie Jack Saebens ($111,489), Shay Carroll ($109,752), Paul Eaves ($92,436), and Cade Rice ($81,351). Collectively, the top 25 riders have amassed a remarkable $2,144,164 this season, a testament to the growth and financial rewards available through Old West events.
Notably, several riders are experiencing career-defining years in 2026. Clyde Bolejack’s season earnings account for approximately 40% of his total $380,976.50 in combined ARHFA/Old West career earnings. Similarly, Shay Carroll (44%), Kollin VonAhn (43%), and Paul Eaves (43%) have each earned over two-fifths of their career totals this year, indicating a surge in their performance and strategic success within the Old West framework. The influx of new talent is also evident, with eight riders on the 2026 top 25 list making their debut among the career top 25, including Statton Wittwer ($66,548), Laura Mote ($59,197), Britt Williams ($51,429), Braden Pirrung ($49,650), Reed Boos ($48,958), Luke Atchison ($47,585), Ace Flanagan ($42,373), and Bobby Simmons ($37,943). This signifies a healthy ecosystem with both established stars and emerging contenders pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Career Earnings List: Harrison’s Unrivaled Legacy
Looking at the combined ARHFA/Old West career earnings list, Joseph Harrison stands alone as the sport’s first and only rider to surpass the $1 million mark, with an astounding total of $1,216,632.27. His nearest competitor, Trevor Brazile, holds a significant lead over the rest of the field with $863,917.10, but remains $352,715.17 behind Harrison, solidifying Harrison’s unique place in history. Andy Holcomb ($638,669.90), Rhen Richard ($576,657.05), and Billie Jack Saebens ($562,819.10) complete the top five, showcasing consistent excellence over multiple seasons.
The top 10 career earners also feature Cade Rice, Tate Kirchenschlager, Miles Baker, Dakota Kirchenschlager, and Jeremy Buhler. The collective earnings of the top 25 riders on this list exceed $10.3 million ($10,319,381.84), a testament to the substantial financial opportunities and professionalization of the sport over the years. While Harrison’s 2026 season has been comparatively quieter by his own high standards, ranking 12th on the season list with $69,460, his enduring legacy and consistent performance throughout his career remain unparalleled.
The Future Horizon: Old West Horse Sale and 2027 Program Expansion
Beyond the competition in the arena, the Old West World Championships also host a critical event for the future of the sport: the Old West Horse Sale. Scheduled for Friday, October 16, at 6 p.m. Central at the fairgrounds, this final Old West sale of 2026 will feature a catalog of yearlings through 3-year-olds. The sale is presented not just as an opportunity to acquire top-tier equine talent but as an entry point into Old West’s ambitious Sale Graduate program, which is slated for significant expansion in 2027.
The 2027 program promises substantial incentives for eligible Sale Graduates. These horses will be able to compete for "Guaranteed Sale Graduate Side Pots" during their 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old years, across heading, heeling, and breakaway disciplines. The program will encompass Open, Intermediate, and Limited divisions, with each division paying five places per discipline per event. Old West promotes this expanded opportunity as potentially exceeding $3 million in payouts, a figure that, while impressive, is explicitly tied in the organization’s fine print to the number of horses sold through the official Old West Horse Sale, with sale volume determining the final structure and totals. This transparent approach provides clarity to potential buyers and participants about the program’s mechanics.
Furthermore, eligible Sale Graduates will gain the opportunity to compete at the "Road to the Million" event in Heber City, Utah. This prestigious event offers heading, heeling, and breakaway competitors the chance to chase a life-changing $1,000,000 bonus, further sweetening the appeal of investing in an Old West Sale Graduate. These initiatives collectively underscore Old West’s forward-thinking vision to foster a vibrant, financially rewarding, and sustainable ecosystem for the western performance horse industry, ensuring a continuous pipeline of talent and opportunity for years to come.
As the Old West World Championships unfold, every run, every strategic decision, and every dollar earned will contribute to the legacy of the 2026 season. The stage is set for an unforgettable week in Amarillo, where champions will be crowned, new records will be set, and the future of western performance horse sports will be showcased.
