As the highly anticipated Season 4 of “Yellowstone” premieres, fans are eager to delve back into the dramatic lives of the Dutton family and the breathtaking Montana landscape. For many, the appeal of the show extends beyond the compelling plotlines and stunning scenery; it lies in the spectacular American Quarter Horses that play significant roles throughout the series. This article explores some fascinating facts about the show’s connection to these magnificent animals, celebrating the breed’s integral presence.
A key figure behind the equestrian portrayal in “Yellowstone” is AQHA life member Taylor Sheridan, who serves as the writer, director, and producer. Sheridan’s personal passion for reining and cutting competitions directly influences the show, as he expertly incorporates these sports and their top athletes into the narrative. His dedication to showcasing the American Quarter Horse has not only earned him accolades such as the AQHA Spirit Award but also brought these incredible animals into the spotlight for millions of viewers worldwide. His influence is undeniable, and it’s no surprise that some of your favorite characters might be intertwined with the impressive equines featured. For instance, the talent showcased by figures like Jake Ream Cutting Horses is a testament to the skill involved in these disciplines.
Fact 1: The Visionary Behind the Scenes
Taylor Sheridan’s deep connection to the American Quarter Horse world is the driving force behind the authentic equestrian elements in “Yellowstone.” His active participation in reining and cutting competitions directly informs the storylines, bringing the thrill of these sports to the screen. This commitment was recognized when he received the AQHA Spirit Award, an honor celebrating individuals who exemplify the western lifestyle and heritage of the American Quarter Horse. His induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame further solidifies his significant contributions. The image of Taylor Sheridan aboard Pale Black Gun, with his reining trainer Tom Foran, beautifully illustrates this strong bond.
Fact 2: A Champion Joins the Cast
Season 1 of “Yellowstone” delighted reining enthusiasts with the appearance of Lil Joe Cash, an AQHA reining world champion and National Reining Horse Association Futurity champion. Sharing the screen with NRHA $5 million rider and trainer Andrea Fappani, Lil Joe Cash, a 2008 sorrel stallion, brought a touch of elite reining competition to the show. Owned by Lil Joe Cash Inc., he is a son of Nu Chex To Cash and out of the esteemed AQHA Superhorse RS Lilly Starlight. The photographic evidence from the Journal shows Lil Joe Cash, under Andrea Fappani, securing the 2012 AQHA junior reining world championship, highlighting his impressive career.
Fact 3: The Anticipated Arrival of Metallic Cat
The horse industry keenly awaited the integration of Metallic Cat into “Yellowstone’s” narrative. Bobby Patton, the owner of Metallic Cat, successfully secured the rights for his prized stallion to be written into the show’s script. This significant acquisition, made at a December gala during the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity, saw a winning bid of $165,000, with all proceeds benefiting the NCHA Charities Foundation. Metallic Cat, a former NCHA Futurity champion and NCHA Horse of the Year, has since become a leading sire, renowned for producing top cutting and reined cow horses. The image provided showcases the striking red roan stallion, Metallic Cat, identified as the leading sire in 2019, underscoring his influence in the equestrian world.
Fact 4: Custom Made Gun’s Stellar Performance
Adding to the show’s equestrian prowess, Custom Made Gun, a co-champion of The Run for a Million and a World Equestrian Games medalist, made an appearance in Season 1, Episode 5. Owned by Maria Cecilia Fiorucci of Italy, this 2011 palomino stallion is by the notable sire Colonels Smoking Gun, affectionately known as “Gunner,” and out of Custom Made Dunit, a daughter of Hollywood Dun It. The accompanying photo captures Cade McCutcheon executing a flawless sliding stop on Custom Made Gun during the 2018 World Equestrian Games, an event where he was instrumental in leading Team USA to a gold medal in reining.
Fact 5: The McCutcheon Family Legacy
The talent behind Custom Made Gun’s on-screen performance is closely tied to the esteemed McCutcheon family. While NRHA’s youngest $1 million rider and trainer, Cade McCutcheon, guided Custom Made Gun to significant show-pen success, it was Cade’s grandfather, NRHA $3 million rider and trainer Tim McQuay, who was in the saddle for the horse’s appearance in Season 1. The McCutcheon family’s deep involvement continued into Season 2, Episode 5, where Cade appeared alongside his parents, NRHA $1 million rider and trainer Tom McCutcheon, and NRHA $2 million non-pro rider Mandy McCutcheon.
Fact 6: Matt Mills’ Reining Expertise
NRHA professional trainer Matt Mills also graced the screen in Season 2, Episode 5 of “Yellowstone.” He participated in a reining competition alongside members of the McCutcheon family, Travis Wheatley (portrayed by Taylor Sheridan), and Yellowstone ranch hand Jimmy Hurdstrom. Mills, who has also featured on the Paramount Network show “The Last Cowboy,” shared valuable insights into improving reining circle scores in a previous AQHA article. The provided image, credited to Shane Rux Photography for AQHA, highlights his expertise, as he appeared in both “Yellowstone” and “The Last Cowboy.”
Fact 7: Walla Walla Starbuck’s Presence
In Season 1, Episode 5, Walla Walla Starbuck, a 2012 red dun stallion with over $50,000 in NRHA earnings, was ridden by reining trainer Tom Foran. This impressive horse is owned by Taylor Sheridan himself, further underscoring his commitment to featuring high-caliber American Quarter Horses in the series.
Fact 8: Additional Notable Equines
The series also features other accomplished American Quarter Horses. Spookernickerin, an NRHA money-earning sorrel gelding, is owned by Jules Stewart. Additionally, Dun It Chexinic, a 2007 bay gelding with more than $32,000 in reining earnings, is both owned and shown by Taylor Sheridan, demonstrating his continued dedication to the breed.
Fact 9: “Cowboy Camp” for Authenticity
To ensure the actors embodied their roles authentically, Taylor Sheridan sent them to “cowboy camp.” This intensive four-day experience in the Utah mountains was coached by Sheridan’s cutting horse trainer, Jake Ream. Participants camped out, practiced herding sheep, and were responsible for their own and the horses’ care. Extensive time spent in the saddle during this camp resulted in the exceptional on-screen riding abilities displayed by each character. The photo of Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom, illustrates this journey. As a newcomer to the equestrian world, “cowboy camp” provided him with essential skills, mirroring his character’s development throughout the series.
Fact 10: Beth Dutton’s Unexpected Equestrian Connection
Although the character Beth Dutton is famously known for her aversion to horses, stemming from a childhood accident, the actress portraying her, Kelly Reilly, has a lifelong passion for riding. Having grown up primarily riding English, Reilly worked with Tom Foran (Taylor Sheridan’s reining trainer) and Sled and Tamara Reynolds of Gentle Jungle, a renowned animal wrangling business, to hone her western riding skills for scenes later in the series. Reilly herself expressed a long-held dream of starring in a Western, as evidenced by the accompanying photo and her quote, highlighting the personal connection she has to the world of horses.
Fact 11: The Iconic Four Sixes Ranch Joins “Yellowstone”
The legendary Four Sixes Ranch, a recipient of the AQHA Best Remuda Award, is set to become a part of the “Yellowstone” narrative. Scenes filmed at this historic ranch in Guthrie, Texas, will be featured in upcoming seasons. Furthermore, a spinoff of “Yellowstone,” aptly named “6666,” will be filmed at the ranch, delving into its rich history and its enduring mission to breed the finest horses and livestock. This legendary establishment is where true cowboys are forged. Reports also indicate that the Four Sixes Ranch has been purchased by the Yellowstone Creators Group, further intertwining its legacy with the show. The provided images showcase the ranch’s heritage through photos courtesy of Chas. S Middleton and Son.
Yellowstone: Season 4 Premiere Anticipation
With the Season 4 premiere of “Yellowstone” on Sunday, November 7, viewers eagerly await revelations about the fates of Beth, John, and the rest of the Dutton family. Equally anticipated are the upcoming scenes featuring the remarkable American Quarter Horses that Taylor Sheridan has so diligently showcased. The show continues to be a powerful platform for celebrating these magnificent animals and their integral role in the western way of life.
