Amarillo, Texas – In a display of exceptional horsemanship and strategic precision, Hunter Koch and the esteemed gelding Rockk Star, affectionately known as "LZ," clinched the prestigious 2026 Old West Futurity Heeling title. Their remarkable aggregate score of 917.23 on four head not only secured a significant $20,240 championship prize but also added another illustrious chapter to the already impressive resume of an X Performance Horses equine athlete renowned for its adaptability and consistent winning capability across various riders and high-stakes environments. The victory, achieved on October 17th at the Old West World Championships held in Amarillo, Texas, underscored a season of dedicated preparation and flawless execution, particularly for the 6-and-Under age category.
The Old West World Championships, a marquee event in the professional team roping calendar, serves as a crucial proving ground for both seasoned competitors and burgeoning equine talent. The Futurity Heeling, specifically designed for horses six years old and younger, highlights the potential of future champions, focusing on their foundational training, athletic prowess, and ability to perform under pressure. This year’s competition drew an elite field, making Koch and LZ’s triumph all the more significant.
A Dominant Performance from Start to Finish
Hunter Koch and Rockk Star entered the short round of the Open Futurity Heeling finals as the high-call team, having already amassed an impressive 686.16 points on three head. Their consistent performance through the preliminary rounds set a formidable standard for the competition. In the decisive final round, the duo delivered a breathtaking 231.07-point run, further solidifying their lead and widening the margin of victory to a commanding 8.48 points. Their final aggregate score of 917.23 on four head showcased a remarkable blend of speed, accuracy, and seamless teamwork.
The path to the championship was paved with a series of strong performances. Koch and LZ initiated their campaign in the Futurity Heeling with a solid 228.21 in Round 1. They then escalated their game, winning Round 2 with an outstanding 230.21, which not only earned them a $2,000 bonus but also signaled their serious intent. A subsequent 227.74 in the third round ensured they maintained their dominant position, granting them the coveted high-call advantage heading into the finals. This consistent excellence through multiple rounds is a hallmark of true championship caliber, demonstrating both the rider’s skill and the horse’s unwavering focus.
The fiercely competitive nature of the event was evident in the caliber of the runners-up. Paul Eaves, a highly respected name in team roping, alongside Smart Frisky Pepto, secured the second-place position with a commendable 908.75 points, earning $16,192. Close on their heels, Dakota Kirchenschlager and Miss Peppys Rebel finished third with a score of 908.48, taking home $12,144. The narrow margins between the top three underscored the intense competition and the high level of skill displayed by all participants.
Rockk Star: A Pedigree of Excellence and a Reputation for Versatility
At the heart of this victory is Rockk Star, a 2020 sorrel gelding whose lineage speaks volumes about his inherent talent. Sired by the legendary Peptoboonsmal and out of Aristocratic Star, LZ carries bloodlines renowned for producing exceptional cutting and reining horses, traits that translate seamlessly into the dynamic demands of team roping. Peptoboonsmal, a National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Open Futurity Champion, is one of the all-time leading sires in the Western performance horse industry, known for his progeny’s athleticism, cow sense, and trainability. Aristocratic Star further solidifies this strong foundation, contributing to LZ’s natural ability and composure.
Bred by Star C Land and Cattle, Rockk Star is owned by X Performance Horses, an organization celebrated for its strategic approach to developing elite performance horses. What sets LZ apart, and what has been a key factor in his success, is his unique training trajectory. He has spent much of his life "moving between operators," a testament to his incredible adaptability. This multi-faceted approach to his development has allowed him to mature into a horse capable of handling the diverse pressures found in the sport, from the intense atmosphere of major rodeos and high-stakes jackpots to the precise demands of futurity competitions. This journey, beginning with his early training at Solo and transitioning through various hands including Ty Daniel Haller, has cultivated a horse that truly can "win for just about anybody."
Hunter Koch: A Year of Dedication Culminates in Championship Glory
For Hunter Koch, the victory at the Old West Futurity Heeling was the culmination of a year-long commitment to refining his craft and his horses. "I’m feeling just thankful and happy," Koch expressed post-win, reflecting on the arduous journey. "We work all year round for deals like this and for it to go our way. We know it doesn’t always go that way, and these guys are so good and these horses they train are amazing. To come out on top, it just makes you proud and happy and feel blessed."
Koch openly acknowledged that his rodeo season had not unfolded precisely as he had hoped, prompting him to dedicate significant time to self-improvement upon returning home. This period of introspection and focused practice proved invaluable. Rather than succumbing to the immense pressure of entering the short round as the high-call, Koch maintained a disciplined mental approach. His strategy was to "just trying to be in the moment and not worry about nothing or think about anything," allowing him to react instinctively and effectively.
This preparation paid dividends in the final moments of the competition. When LZ expertly positioned him for a fast shot on their last steer, Koch seized the opportunity without hesitation. "I just was telling myself over and over, when you see the shot, take the shot," he recounted. "I seen it coming up—LZ was in a great spot, and I just pulled the trigger, and it worked out." This decisive action, born from intense focus and trust in his equine partner, sealed their championship win.
The X Performance Horses Philosophy: Crafting Adaptable Champions
J.D. McGuire of X Performance Horses has been an integral part of LZ’s journey since the gelding was two years old. McGuire’s perspective sheds light on the deliberate and successful training philosophy that defines X Performance Horses. He recounted Rockk Star’s early days: "We bought him from Solo when he was two and left him there. They were kind of two-handing him, snaffle-bit style." This foundational training was crucial before LZ eventually integrated into the X Performance Horses rotation, where a unique and highly effective arrangement took shape: McGuire would ride him during the summers, while Koch would take the reins during the winters.
This alternating training dynamic has proven to be a cornerstone of the program’s success. Hunter Koch elaborated on its benefits: "It’s been so good for our horses bouncing back and forth between JD and I, because I’m pretty fiery, and JD gives these horses so much confidence and they enjoy their job. And then I can get on them and kind of do my thing." This complementary approach ensures that the horses develop both a strong, confident foundation under McGuire’s guidance and the competitive edge and sharpness required for high-level performance under Koch.
The result is horses that are not only highly skilled but also remarkably adaptable, capable of performing consistently for different ropers and in varied scenarios without losing confidence in their role. McGuire emphasized LZ’s particular talent in this regard: "The amount of people that won on him is a crazy amount of people. It just doesn’t matter who rides him. The horse is just a winner, and we’re lucky to have him for sure." This versatility is not an accidental outcome but an intentional ideal within the X Performance Horses program, aimed at producing horses that can thrive in any competitive environment.
Beyond the Futurity Pen: LZ’s Broad Success
Rockk Star’s exceptional capabilities are not confined to the futurity arena. His impressive track record extends to some of the most challenging and prestigious events in professional rodeo. At just five years old, LZ helped Koch place at the legendary Bob Feist Invitational (BFI), a testament to his early maturity and ability to perform under immense pressure. He has also demonstrated significant success in the demanding Texas winter rodeo circuit.
"I made the finals at San Antonio this year on him, the short round," Koch proudly stated, highlighting LZ’s consistent performance at top-tier events. "Made the semifinals on him at Fort Worth. I just feel real lucky to be a part of his journey." These achievements underscore the gelding’s versatility and his capacity to excel in environments where split-second decisions and unflappable temperament are paramount. The ability to transition seamlessly from the precise, technical demands of a futurity to the speed and intensity of a ProRodeo is a rare and valuable trait, making Rockk Star a truly exceptional equine athlete.
This ideal of creating broadly capable horses is central to the X Performance Horses ethos. Koch articulated this philosophy: "These horses have to be able to, just like us, handle pressure and just same thing day in, day out and be confident in what they’re doing." When the horses cycle back to Koch after their time with McGuire, he focuses on sharpening their skills and preparing them for the next challenge, building upon the solid foundation laid by his partner. This systematic approach ensures a continuous cycle of development and success.
Broader Impact and Implications
The triumph of Hunter Koch and Rockk Star at the 2026 Old West Futurity Heeling is more than just a single event victory; it represents a significant validation of the X Performance Horses breeding and training program. The fact that X Performance Horses concluded the 2026 Old West World Championships as the No. 1 money-earning owner, amassing an impressive $91,343, speaks volumes about the overall strength and effectiveness of their operation. This financial success is a direct reflection of their consistent ability to produce top-tier equine athletes capable of winning at the highest levels.
For Hunter Koch, this championship solidifies his standing as a premier team roper and a highly effective trainer of young horses. His ability to guide Rockk Star to such a significant victory, especially after a challenging rodeo season, highlights his mental fortitude and dedication. The win is likely to further elevate his profile within the sport, opening doors for future opportunities and partnerships.
For Rockk Star, the "winner" reputation, as McGuire so aptly put it, will only grow. His demonstrated versatility across futurities, jackpots, and ProRodeos makes him an invaluable asset and a testament to the X Performance Horses program. Such a horse embodies the pinnacle of equine athleticism and training, capable of adapting to diverse riders and intense competitive scenarios.
The Old West Futurity Heeling victory serves as a powerful testament to the synergy between a skilled rider, a supremely talented horse, and a meticulously crafted training program. It underscores the profound impact of thoughtful breeding, consistent development, and a collaborative approach to horsemanship. As the team roping world looks ahead, Hunter Koch and Rockk Star, along with X Performance Horses, have firmly established themselves as forces to be reckoned with, promising even more thrilling performances in the seasons to come. The credit, as McGuire humbly offered, ultimately belongs to the remarkable gelding himself: "To dominate winning like that, and like I said, everybody’s won on him. I think it’s just all the credit to him."
