Buster Welch Death – Buster Welch, a renowned cutting horse trainer and inductee into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame has died. In a statement posted on the 12th of June, The National Cutting Horse Association Foundation announced Buster’s death. According to the Cutting Horse Association, the legendary cutting horse trainer, Buster Welch has passed away. Buster who was inducted into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame was announced dead on Sunday. No cause of death was reported.
National Cutting Horse Association Foundation said it is with great sadness that they share the passing of their legend, Buster Welch who contributed to the NCHA. “As we are truly at a loss for words, we will share his, “Cutting is a contest between a cutting horse and a cow,” according to the page. Buster’s wise words have always been a strong influence on not only how he works but also how he appreciates the Namken Performance Horses family. He was truly one of the greatest horsemen and legends in the industry.
Buster Welch Early Life
Buster Welch was born on May 23, 1928, in Texas. Buster’s family settled in Texas before the Civil War from Tennessee. He was born near the Colorado and Concho Rivers north of Sterling City, Texas. After his mother died, his grandparents raised him on their stock farm. His father remarried and moved the family to Midland, Texas. Buster ran away from home as a child and skipped school to ride broncs in the stockyards. At 13, he left home to work for Foy and Leonard Proctor in Midland, Texas, breaking horses, working cattle, and doing other ranch chores. Buster learned to ride and work cattle as a child.
Buster Welch Career
He worked at the 6666 Ranch, Pitchfork Ranch, King Ranch, Long X, and other ranches after leaving Proctor’s, where he gained experience with rough stock and cattle. Buster was a cutting horse trainer and inductee into the NCHA Members Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Buster was chosen as the recipient of the 2012 National Golden Spur Award for his “outstanding contributions to the ranching and livestock industry”.
Buster Welch Honors and Award
Buster won the NCHA World Championship four times, and the NCHA World Championship Futurity five times. The most notable horses he trained include Marion’s Girl, Chickasha Mike, and Money’s Glo who he trained and in 1962 won the first NCHA World Championship Futurity, in 1963 he won it on Chickasha Glo, in 1966 on Rey Jay’s Pete, in 1971 on Dry Doc, and in 1977 on Peppy San Badger. He won the NCHA World Championship on Marion’s Girl in 1954 and 1956. He trained Mr. San Peppy and won the NCHA World Championship in 1974 and 1976.