Few names evoke as much respect in the Western ranching and horse training industry as Buster Welch. His story spans decades of dedication, determination, and remarkable achievements.
Many in the cutting horse world see him as a living legend. In this blog, we will explore his life, from his early beginnings to his rise as a pioneer in horse training.
We’ll also examine his contributions to the ranching world and how he has influenced generations of horse trainers and ranchers.
Let’s jump into the story of a man whose name will forever be inscribed in the history of Western sports.
Who is Buster Welch?
Buster Welch was not just a name in the ranching world; he was an institution. Born Fay Owen Welch on May 23, 1928, in Sterling City, Texas, Buster became a renowned cutting horse trainer.
His expertise working with horses and cattle made him a National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) figurehead.
Welch’s influence extended far beyond the competitive arena, touching the lives of many in the horse-ranching community across the United States and beyond.
Buster Welch’s Early Life and Background
Buster Welch’s expedition began on the vast plains of Texas, where he was born into a family with deep ranching roots.
His mother passed away shortly after his birth, and his grandparents raised Buster on a small farm.
From a young age, Buster was drawn to ranching and horses, running away from home at 13 to start working on various ranches.
In his early years, he learned the essential skills of cattle herding and horse training from seasoned ranchers, an experience that laid the foundation for his remarkable career.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
At 18, Buster began associating with the newly formed National Cutting Horse Association. He quickly gained a reputation for taking a rough horse and molding it into a skilled performer.
His breakthrough came with his work on Chickasha Mike, who helped Buster solidify his reputation as a cutting horse trainer.
By the early 1950s, he was winning competitions and had begun working with some of the most well-known ranches in the country, including the 6666 Ranch and the King Ranch.
Notable Achievements and Records
Buster Welch’s career is filled with numerous accolades and groundbreaking achievements. His influence in the cutting horse industry can be summarized in the table below:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1954 | Won NCHA World Championship on Marion’s Girl |
| 1962 | Won first NCHA World Championship Futurity on Money’s Glo |
| 1966 | Set new records in NCHA Futurity with Rey Jay’s Pete |
| 1977 | Won NCHA Futurity on Peppy San Badger |
| 2012 | Received National Golden Spur Award |
His five NCHA World Championship Futurity wins and four NCHA World Championships made him one of the sport’s most decorated figures.
Personal Life and Relationships
Buster Welch’s personal life was marked by his deep commitment to family and ranching. He married Sheila Dolin Welch, a champion in her own right who earned over $1 million in NCHA earnings.
Together, they ran large ranching operations, including the 25,000-acre Double Mountain River Ranch.
Sheila’s passing in 2014 was a significant loss, but Buster remained active in the horse community, continuing to train and work with cutting horses until his passing in 2022 at 94.
Influence on The Cutting Horse Industry
Buster Welch’s legacy reaches beyond just ranching and competition. He appeared as himself in the popular television series Yellowstone, solidifying his place in Western pop culture.
His techniques and innovations in horse training have been widely adopted by trainers worldwide, and his approach to working with horses has become a standard in the cutting horse industry.
Charitable Work and Social Contributions
Buster Welch was a pioneer in horse training and a philanthropist. He focused on supporting rural communities, particularly in the education sector.
In 2010, he helped raise $13,000 for a rural school district in Kansas. His commitment to assisting others extended to sharing his knowledge with aspiring trainers from across the globe and mentoring countless young ranchers and horse trainers.
Instead of flowers at his passing, donations were requested to be made in his honor to organizations he supported, notably:
- National Ranching Heritage Center: This organization focuses on preserving the ranching way of life and heritage.
- NCHA Foundation: The National Cutting Horse Association Foundation supports the sport of cutting and its practitioners.
Controversies and Challenges Faced
While Buster Welch’s career was mostly characterized by success, it was not without its challenges.
The 1950s drought, which severely impacted Texas ranchers, forced him to focus more on horse training when his cattle business struggled.
Later in life, he suffered a stroke in 1999 but managed to recover and continue his work with horses, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to the industry.
The Bottom Line
Buster Welch’s life was a testament to his unyielding passion for ranching, horses, and the Western lifestyle.
His contributions to the cutting horse industry are unparalleled, and his legacy inspires new generations of horse trainers.
Whether through his relationships, charitable work, or influence on Western culture, Buster Welch has left an unforgettable mark on the world.
His life and career will be remembered as the epitome of dedication and excellence in the ranching world.
