In the world of high-stakes equestrian sports, few names command as much respect as Gary Gonsalves. For anyone involved in the electrifying discipline of cutting, the mention of this master gary gonsalves cutting horse trainer evokes images of fluid grace, profound horsemanship, and an almost supernatural connection between horse and rider. Though he is no longer with us, his influence is etched into the very fabric of the sport, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and educate new generations of cutters.
Gary Gonsalves was more than just a trainer; he was an artist whose medium was the athletic prowess of a cutting horse. He possessed a rare ability to “float” a horse across the pen, making the intense, gritty work of separating a cow from the herd look like a beautifully choreographed dance. His approach was built on a foundation of deep respect for the horse, an unwavering work ethic, and a philosophy that prioritized confidence and genuine cow sense over mechanical repetition. This article pays tribute to the life, methods, and enduring impact of a true cutting horse icon.
Who Was Gary Gonsalves?
Gary Gonsalves’ journey began not in the heart of Texas, but in California. His passion for horses was cultivated early, heavily influenced by his father who trained cow horses in the 1970s. This early exposure laid the groundwork for a legendary career. Seeking to hone his skills, he went to work for another icon, Bobby Ingersoll, for four years. This apprenticeship was invaluable, providing him with the foundational knowledge and experience that he would later build upon with his own unique style.
After his time with Ingersoll and a significant tenure training horses for the esteemed Hearst Family for over a decade, Gonsalves eventually made the pivotal move to Millsap, Texas. This placed him in the epicenter of the cutting horse universe, where he would rise to become one of its brightest stars. Over his career, he amassed lifetime National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) earnings exceeding an incredible $4 million, a testament to his consistent success at the highest levels of competition.
The Gonsalves Philosophy: A Masterclass in Horsemanship
What truly set Gary Gonsalves apart was not just his impressive earnings, but his profound training philosophy. He was a firm believer in the idea that “there are no short cuts.” In his view, the key to a great cutting horse was not found in endless drills with a mechanical flag, but in working with live cattle. He famously debunked the myth that you could train a cutting horse without cows, stating, “Mechanics only get you so far.”
His entire program was cow-related, designed to build a horse’s confidence and natural instinct. He aimed to create a partner that was not just obedient, but one that understood its job and performed with courage and intelligence. This approach is perfectly encapsulated in a quote he often referenced from the legendary Buster Welch: “A bad cow cut good is better than a good cow cut bad.” It highlights a focus on strategy, position, and control over sheer luck.
As a testament to his methods, fellow trainer and clinician Grant Setnicka, who collaborated with Gonsalves, noted their programs were very similar and “all cow related.” The goal was always to help riders leave with a horse they could confidently walk to the herd with and show.
This philosophy translated into a distinct look in the show pen. Horses trained by Gonsalves moved with a smooth, effortless grace. They were efficient, smart, and responsive, often appearing to be one step ahead of the cow. It was this signature style that made everyone want to ride like him.
A silhouette of legendary cutting horse trainer Gary Gonsalves aboard his champion stallion, Reyzin The Cash, working a cow with intense focus as the sun sets over the arena.
A Legacy of Champions: The Horses That Defined a Career
A great trainer is often defined by the great horses they produce, and Gary Gonsalves’ record is filled with champions. While he trained countless successful horses, his partnership with the stallion Reyzin The Cash was truly the stuff of legend. The dynamic duo was electric in the arena, capturing numerous major titles and the admiration of the entire industry.
Their list of victories is long, but some of the most notable include:
- 2016 NCHA Summer Spectacular Open Classic Champion
- 2016 Idaho Futurity Open Classic Champion
- 2016 El Rancho Open Classic Champion
- 2015 NCHA Summer Spectacular Derby Champion
The win at the 2015 NCHA Derby was particularly special, as it was his first major title in the iconic Will Rogers Coliseum. With Reyzin The Cash, Gonsalves demonstrated the peak of his training program—a horse that was not only physically brilliant but also mentally tough, confident, and a true partner in the pen.
Beyond Reyzin The Cash, his influence was felt through other remarkable athletes. He trained Rockin W, the horse that Tony Piggott rode to win the coveted 2009 NCHA Open Futurity Championship. Other champions from his program included Spookys Cash, Metallic Legacy, and Sally Cats Meow, each one a testament to his ability to identify and nurture top-tier talent.
What made Gary Gonsalves’ training style so unique?
Gary Gonsalves’ training style was unique because he focused on creating a confident, thinking horse rather than a mechanical one. His ability to make horses “float” across the dirt with fluid, efficient movements was his signature. This was achieved by prioritizing live cattle work and developing the horse’s natural cow sense, ensuring the horse was a willing and intelligent partner in the show pen.
The Enduring Impact of a Cutting Horse Icon
The cutting horse world was deeply saddened by Gary Gonsalves’ passing in 2022. He was remembered not only as a phenomenal trainer but as a “cowboy and a gentleman,” a father, and a mentor who was always willing to help others. In 2016, he teamed up with Grant Setnicka to offer a clinic—a rare opportunity for riders to learn directly from two of the best in the business. It was a reflection of his desire to give back to the sport that had given him so much.
Though he is gone, his legacy is far from over. It lives on in the bloodlines of the champions he trained, in the techniques passed down to the assistants he mentored, and in the timeless standard of horsemanship he set. Gary Gonsalves proved that success is a product of hard work, dedication, and a philosophy that puts the horse first. For anyone who loves cutting, his story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent, passion, and integrity come together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were Gary Gonsalves’ biggest accomplishments?
Gary Gonsalves was a multiple NCHA aged event finalist with over $4 million in lifetime earnings. His most significant wins include the 2016 NCHA Summer Spectacular Open Classic and the 2015 NCHA Summer Spectacular Derby, both aboard his famous stallion, Reyzin The Cash.
What was Gary Gonsalves’ most famous horse?
His most famous horse was the stallion Reyzin The Cash. Their partnership resulted in numerous major championships and was widely admired for its display of athleticism and incredible connection between horse and rider.
Where was Gary Gonsalves based?
After starting his career in California, Gary Gonsalves established his renowned training operation in Millsap, Texas, which is considered the heart of the cutting horse industry.
What was Gary Gonsalves’ training philosophy?
His philosophy was centered on hard work with “no short cuts.” He believed in using live cattle to develop a horse’s natural cow sense and confidence, rather than relying solely on mechanical aids. His goal was to create a confident, thinking partner in the show pen.
What is Gary Gonsalves’ total NCHA earnings?
Gary Gonsalves’ official NCHA lifetime earnings are in excess of $4 million, placing him in the elite upper echelon of cutting horse trainers.
Conclusion
The story of a gary gonsalves cutting horse trainer is a story of excellence. He was a horseman of the highest caliber, a fierce competitor, and a respected member of the equestrian community. His name is synonymous with the artistry of cutting, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. He showed the world that with patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the horse, a trainer can achieve a level of harmony that transcends sport and becomes true art. His memory continues to inspire riders to saddle up, ride with purpose, and always, always work the cow.
