History was made, fun was had and new CINCH Stallion Stakes Champions were crowned! The 2025 Stallion Stakes wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our title sponsor, CINCH, and all of our incredible sponsors who help bring an event of this caliber to life. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to the owners, breeders, nominators and Markel Equine Insurance for fueling the continued growth of the NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive.
Open Stakes Champion: ARA Rebel King & Corey Cushing
The Vegas odds played out in their favor, and ARA Rebel King (Metallic Rebel x Never Reylinquish x Dual Rey) and Corey Cushing capitalized on their consistency across all events in the CINCH Stallion Stakes to claim the open title with a 662.5 (H: 221/R: 220.5/C: 221). Owned by Aldo Ramon, the win brought a huge payout of $115,000!
This year, while honing in on the strengths ARA Rebel King possesses, Cushing reminded himself of one key component daily: trust. Not trusting his abilities, but rather trusting the horse beneath him.
“I kept having talks with myself,” he explained. “I told myself, ‘Relax, you got him trained, and he knows what to do.’ I’ve got so much belief and trust in that horse that I just needed to remind myself of that.”
Their championship this year wasn’t just a win but a story of redemption. As Cushing reflected on his time with the stallion, one common theme emerged.
“I’ve believed in him since the first day I got on his back,” Cushing said.
As they entered the cow work, this team had the opportunity to make history and secure the largest payout the Stallion Stakes has ever seen.
“The way the board and everyone who has been involved to make this possible is incredible,” Cushing expressed. “Earning $115,000 helps change our life.”
Non Pro Stakes Champion: Hope Mills & SmartLookinMercedes
In a talented group of non pro riders and horses, with only two points separating the top three pairs, Hope Mills and SmartLookinMercedes (Dual Smart Rey x Smooth Play Kit x Smooth As A Cat) reigned supreme with a 651 (H: 215.5/R: 217.5/C: 218) to win the CINCH Stallion Stakes Non Pro and a massive $20,000 payout.
SmartLookinMercedes was purchased from the Western Bloodstock Sale for Mills’ husband, NRCHA professional Dustin Mills. But circumstances changed, so the couple pivoted.
“Dustin got hurt last year, so we had an ‘oh no’ moment,” Mills shared. “We put the horse in training with Abby Mixon. We joke that he’s not my horse–we’re just work partners. But it’s been fun to watch him grow; to see him mature is fun.”
Mills has won the Stallion Stakes before, but this is her first time since becoming a mom.
“It means I can still do it,” she said with a proud smile. “Doing it as a family is special.”
Non Pro Boxing Stakes Champion: Lucinda David & Rebel Wth A Cause
Lucinda David has once again captured the spotlight at the 2025 CINCH NRCHA Stallion Stakes, this time taking the championship in the Non Pro Boxing with her talented mare Rebel Wth A Cause, affectionately known as “Electra.”
David and Electra, a stunning 2020 palomino mare by Metallic Rebel and out of Dainty Little Step by Wimpys Little Step, secured their victory in the cow work yesterday by marking a 216.5. Though her athleticism was seen throughout the week in the reined work, where she scored 217 points, and especially in the herd work where the pair earned a well-deserved 224 points.
“Amazing,” David exclaimed after the win. “It’s a dream come true, and to be able to show a horse like her and have one like her in our program, it’s just the best feeling in the world. She has a lot of heart and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime horse.”
With David’s positive attitude and the unwavering trust and confidence in each other, this team is set for success in the arena. With their talent, the sky is the limit to what they will accomplish.
For complete results of the 2025 CINCH Stallion Stakes, please visit https://www.nrcha.com/scoring/
