Buster Welch was a renowned American cutting horse trainer and a Hall of Fame inductee in the NCHA Members, American Quarter Horse, NCHA Rider, and Texas Cowboy Halls of Fame.
If you’ve ever watched Yellowstone, you might recall an old cowboy making a brief yet memorable appearance. Or perhaps you came across his obituary in 2022. Either way, you may be wondering: Who was Buster Welch, and why is he considered a legend in the world of cutting horses?
The short answer? He was a master horse trainer and a multiple-time National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) champion.
Read on to uncover the long answer, along with seven key facts that solidify his legendary status.
Buster Welch: A Quick Bio
Before diving into his achievements, let’s take a look at some essential details about Buster Welch:
- Full Name: Fay Owen Welch
- Date of Birth: May 23, 1928
- Birthplace: Sterling County, Texas
- Date of Death: June 12, 2022
- Partner: Sheila Welch
- Profession: Rancher and cutting horse trainer
- NCHA Lifetime Earnings: Over $1.6 million
7 Facts About Buster Welch, the King of Cutting Horses
Before exploring Welch’s life, it’s important to understand the art of “cutting.” In this discipline, a horse and rider work together to separate a cow from the herd—a skill that requires both intelligence and agility from the horse, as well as patience and precision from the rider.
With that in mind, here are seven must-know facts about Buster Welch:
He Grew Up on a Stock Farm
Born in Sterling County, Texas, Buster Welch was the youngest of eight children. Tragically, his mother, Fay Lucas Welch, passed away shortly after his birth. As a result, Buster and his siblings were sent to live with different relatives.
He ended up in the care of his grandparents, Bud and Sarah Welch, who managed a stock farm. This upbringing ignited his passion for ranching. However, his time with them was cut short when his father remarried and relocated the family to Midland, Texas.
He Knew His Calling from an Early Age
Buster Welch had no interest in city life. He repeatedly ran away from home, determined to follow his dream of becoming a rancher. At just a young age, he took an old horse from his father’s house and set off on his own.
His journey led him to work for Foy and Proctor in Midland, a ranch that managed tens of thousands of cattle. It was there that he honed his skills in bronco-breaking and cutting horsemanship. Over time, he worked for notable ranches, including the Pitchfork, Long X, and the 6666 Ranch. However, his ultimate goal was to own and manage his own ranch.
Marion’s Girl Put Him on the Map
Buster Welch quickly gained recognition in the cutting horse community. One of his earliest successes came when he trained a horse named Marion’s Girl, owned by cattleman Marion Flynt. Under Welch’s guidance, the mare became a two-time NCHA World Champion and was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.
This achievement helped cement Welch’s reputation as one of the finest cutting horse trainers in the country. Over the years, he trained numerous champion horses, including the legendary Mr. San Peppy.
He Was a Pioneer in Futurity Events
In addition to his NCHA successes, Buster Welch made his mark in Futurity events, which are competitions for young, unproven cutting horses.
He saw great potential in these events because they provided a continuous demand for skilled trainers. Unlike seasoned cutting horses that could compete for years, Futurity events required fresh talent annually, keeping trainers like Welch in high demand.
In 1962, Welch won the first-ever NCHA Futurity Open Championship with Money’s Glo. Over the next 15 years, he clinched four more titles with Chickasha Glo, Dry Doc, Rey Jay’s Pete, and Peppy San Badger.
A Bronze Statue Honors Him in Fort Worth
With multiple NCHA championships and Futurity wins under his belt, Welch became an icon in the cutting horse world. His achievements earned him a place in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Hall of Fame, the NCHA Hall of Fame, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
However, Fort Worth wanted to pay further tribute to his legacy. In 2019, the city unveiled a $250,000 bronze statue sculpted by Kelly Graham. The statue, located near Gate 42 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, depicts Welch riding Little Peppy while cutting a cow.
His Wife, Sheila Welch, Was Also a Cutting Horse Trainer
Buster Welch wasn’t the only talented trainer in his family. His wife, Sheila Welch, was an accomplished cutting horse rider and trainer, with over $1 million in Equi-Stat earnings.
Born in Fresno, California, Sheila initially pursued various sports before discovering her passion for horses. She moved to Texas in 1966, where she met Buster. By 1972, they were married and later moved to West Texas to manage their family ranch.
The couple shared more than 40 years together before Sheila’s passing in 2014.
He Made a Cameo in Yellowstone
Buster Welch’s influence extended beyond the rodeo arena. In an episode of the hit TV series Yellowstone, he appeared as himself in a memorable scene.
The moment takes place at the famous 6666 Ranch, where character Jimmy wakes up to find senior ranch hand Ross speaking with an old cowboy—none other than Buster Welch.
For longtime fans of cutting horse competitions, the cameo was a touching nod to Welch’s legacy. For younger viewers, it was an introduction to a real-life legend.
Final Thoughts
Buster Welch’s contributions to the cutting horse world were nothing short of extraordinary. Whether through his championship wins, innovative training techniques, or influence on the Yellowstone series, his impact remains undeniable.
If you could travel back in time to watch Buster Welch train a horse, which one would you choose? My pick would always be Marion’s Girl!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Buster Welch?
Buster Welch was a legendary cutting horse trainer and rancher, known for his multiple NCHA championships and contributions to Futurity events.
What is Buster Welch famous for?
He was famous for training champion cutting horses, winning multiple NCHA and Futurity titles, and helping shape the modern cutting horse industry.
What was Buster Welch’s most famous horse?
Marion’s Girl and Peppy San Badger are among his most notable horses, both of whom achieved Hall of Fame status.
Did Buster Welch appear in Yellowstone?
Yes, he had a cameo in an episode of Yellowstone, appearing alongside Jimmy and Ross at the 6666 Ranch.
Where is the Buster Welch statue located?
His bronze statue is in Fort Worth, Texas, near Gate 42 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center.
Was Buster Welch married?
Yes, he was married to Sheila Welch, who was also a successful cutting horse trainer.
How much did Buster Welch earn in his career?
His NCHA lifetime earnings exceeded $1.6 million, making him one of the most successful cutting horse trainers in history.
Related:
Who is Keiko Fujimoto? All about Ramesh Balwani’s Ex-Wife
Where is Allen Lafferty Now? The Tragic Story and His Life Today
This post was created with our nice and easy submission form. Create your post!
