Buster Welch was a famous horse trainer who was known as the “King of Cutting Horse Cowboys.” He appeared on the TV show Yellowstone where he played himself and taught others about horses. Born in Texas in 1928, he started working with horses when he was just six years old, which is about the same age as a first-grade student.
When Buster was 13 years old, he ran away from home to work at the famous 6666 Ranch because he loved horses so much. He became really good at training cutting horses, which are special horses that can separate one cow from a big group of cows. His most famous horse was named Marion’s Girl, and together they won many big competitions.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Fay Owen “Buster” Welch |
| Nickname | Buster Welch |
| Date of Birth | May 23, 1928 |
| Birthplace | Sterling, Texas |
| Date of Death | June 12, 2022 |
| Profession | Rancher, horse trainer |
| Notable Titles | Multiple National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) championships |
| Lifetime Earnings (NCHA) | Over $1.6 million |
| Famous Horses Trained | Marion’s Girl, Mr. San Peppy, Money’s Glo, Dry Doc, Peppy San Badger |
| Significant Achievements | – NCHA Hall of Fame |
| – AQHA Hall of Fame | |
| – Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame | |
| Legacy in Futurity Events | First NCHA Futurity Open Championship winner; won five Futurity titles overall |
| Spouse | Sheila Welch, also a talented cutting horse trainer |
| Memorial Statue | Bronze statue in Fort Worth, Texas, honoring Welch’s impact on cutting horse competitions |
| Role in Yellowstone | Cameo appearance as himself, depicting an iconic cowboy and cutting horse legend |
| Early Life | Raised on a stock farm by his grandparents, developed passion for ranching |
| Notable Ranches Worked At | Pitchfork Ranch, Long X Ranch, 6666 Ranch |
| Impact on Cutting Horse Training | Pioneered training techniques for cutting horses, especially for young horses in Futurity events |
| Final Years | Recognized as a mentor to new generations of horse trainers and cutting competitors |
| Cultural Impact | Honored as a historical figure in Western cowboy culture, with a cameo that introduced his legacy to Yellowstone fans |
7 Amazing Facts About Buster Welch
When horse riders ” cut off a cow, they separate it from the herd. I know this sounds simple enough, but it requires a ton of intelligence and physical ability from the horse, along with lots of patience on the rider’s part.
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1. Early Life on a Stock Farm
Young Buster grew up on his uncle’s stock farm in Texas. He learned to ride horses when he was just 6 years old. The farm life taught him everything about taking care of animals. He loved watching the cowboys work with horses.
Living on the farm helped Buster understand horses better than most people. He watched how they moved and learned their behavior. This early experience helped him become a great trainer later.
2. Welch Knew What He Wanted in Life Very Early and Chased It
At age 13, Buster ran away from home to work on the 6666 Ranch. He knew he wanted to work with horses his whole life. The ranch owners saw his special talent with horses and gave him chances to learn more.
He started training cutting horses when he was very young. A cutting horse is special because it can separate one cow from a herd. This is a very important skill on a ranch.
3. Marion’s Girl Changed Welch’s Life
Marion’s Girl was a special horse that made Buster famous. Together, they won many NCHA championships. This horse helped show everyone that Buster was an amazing trainer.
In 1954, they won their first big competition. Marion’s Girl became one of the most famous cutting horses ever. She helped make Buster’s name known all over Texas and beyond.
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4. Welch Saw Massive Opportunity in Futurity
Buster saw that the NCHA Futurity was a big opportunity. This competition was for young horses. He won the Futurity five times, which was a huge achievement.
He trained the famous horse Peppy San Badger, who became one of the best-cutting horses ever. This horse helped change how people bred cutting horses.
5. A $250,000 Statue Stands in Welch’s Honor in Fort Worth
In Fort Worth, Texas, there is a bronze statue of Buster Welch. Artist Kelly Graham made this statue that cost $250,000. It shows Buster doing what he loves most – working with horses.
The statue helps people remember how important Buster was to the horse world. Many people visit it to learn about his story.
6. Buster’s Wife Was Also in the Cutting Horse Business
Sheila Welch, Buster’s wife, also loved horses. They worked together in the cutting horse business. Their whole family was involved with horses and competitions.
Together, they helped make cutting horse competitions more popular. They taught many people how to train horses the right way.
7. Buster Welch Had a Cameo in an Episode of Yellowstone
In his last years, Buster appeared on the TV show “Yellowstone“. He played himself and taught the other actors about horses. This helped many new people learn about cutting horses.
His appearance on the show helped younger people learn about the history of horse training. It was a special moment that showed how respected he was.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cutting horse competition?
A sport where a horse and rider separate a cow from its herd and keep it away.
How many championships did Buster Welch win?
He won 4 NCHA World Championships and 5 Futurity Championships.
What is the 6666 Ranch?
A famous Texas ranch where Buster worked and learned about horse training.
When did Buster Welch pass away?
He passed away in June 2022 at the age of 93.
What is Buster Welch’s most famous horse?
Marion’s Girl and Peppy San Badger were his most famous horses.
Conclusion
Buster Welch changed the world of horse training forever. His methods and achievements made him a true Texas legend. From a young boy on a stock farm to becoming the King of Cutting Horse Cowboys, his story shows that following your dreams can lead to amazing things.
His legacy lives on through the many trainers he taught and the bronze statue in Fort Worth. Buster Welch will always be remembered as one of the greatest horsemen in history.
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