The Best of Western Horseman Awards are finally here.
From icons and storytellers to trainers and photographers, these people keep Western life alive. Their work demonstrates our values and way of life.
Best of Colt-Starter Winner: Justin Collins
When someone has a passion and a talent for something, not much can stand in their way. That’s the story for Justin Collins, who grew up in the renowned rodeo town of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. His parents weren’t “horse people,” but they supported his ambitions, and the horse industry is better for it.
Gleaning information from area ranchers, breeders and trainers helped Collins become a state champion team rodeo, which took him to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, on a rodeo scholarship. This is where Collins worked for Phil Haugen, who refined the cowboy’s horsemanship abilities and uncovered a talent for starting and training young horses.
Operating J. Collins Horsemanship out of Spruce Hill Ranch in Ludlow, South Dakota, Collins focuses on starting and preparing 2-year-old prospects for future careers in barrel racing and roping events. The one-man operation leans into the little details of caring for and handling each horse as an individual. Dedicated to developing soft and supple horses that ride off collection and confidence, Collins has put those critical first rides on many top futurity and professional rodeo winners.
Best of Colt-Starter Runner-Up: Buster McLaury
Born and raised in Guthrie, Texas, Buster McLaury has spent more than 30 years cowboying on several large ranches throughout West Texas. His approach to horsemanship shifted in 1985 when Ray Hunt was hired by the Four Sixes Ranch to start colts. Skeptical at first, McLaury was quickly captivated by Hunt’s ability to connect with horses. Hunt became a friend and mentor, later introducing McLaury to Tom Dorrance, whose teachings further shaped his philosophy.
Continuing to manage and cowboy on multiple ranches allowed McLaury to be horseback daily, refining the principles Hunt and Dorrance introduced. In 1997, he was called to help someone struggling with a horse. More calls followed, and his reputation as a skilled horseman grew.
By 1999, McLaury and his wife, Sheryl, began operating a custom colt starting business, managing 20-70 colts at a time. Today, from Paducah, Texas, McLaury and his wife continue colt starting and offer horsemanship camps and clinics across the U.S. and internationally.
Best of Colt-Starter Honorable Mention: Ken McNabb
A lifelong cowboy, Ken McNabb built his horsemanship program on faith, family values and mentorship from John Lyons. Through clinics, colt-starting and his TV show, “Discovering the Horseman Within,” he helps riders gain confidence and connection.
Best of Western Media Winner: Katy Lucas
Rodeo runs deep in the Lucas family, and that’s evident every time Katy Lucas steps in front of the camera for The Cowboy Channel. Rodeo sports reporting on air didn’t exist until one day, it did, and nobody was more excited about that than Katy. The daughter of Canadian Rodeo Hall of Famer Joe Lucas, she went to her first rodeo when she was only 11 days old. The years passed, and Katy worked through the rodeo ranks herself. However, her love for rodeo went far beyond the arena, leading her to become Miss Rodeo Canada in 2015.
Armed with a tape recorder, Katy did interviews and wrote stories about rodeos when she was still in high school. Her love for rodeo is eclipsed only by her knowledge of the sport and an innate fascination for the statistics behind every competitor. Katy credits her education at Lethbridge College with her success as a rodeo journalist. Telling the stories that make the rodeo world go round to an international audience is a joy and honor for Katy.
Best of Western Media Runner-Up: Kendra Santos
Kendra Santos has dedicated her career to being a respected rodeo journalist. For decades, she has written day and night about cowboys, cowgirls and her rodeo and ranching family with unwavering ethics and integrity. She’s earned the trust of generations of rodeo athletes, and no voice rings more authentic than hers.
Born in Davis, California, Santos grew up in a five-generation ranch and rodeo family. She roped through college at Cal Poly while earning a journalism degree and later an MBA. As a teen, she sold her first rodeo story to Ropers Sports News, launching a career that would take her to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as Director of Communications and to Professional Bull Riders as Editor-in-Chief.
She helped start American Cowboy and Spin to Win magazines, later serving as senior editor of The Team Roping Journal. An award-winning journalist, Santos has also co-authored books and mentored the next generation of Western communicators.
“It is one of the great honors of my life to be trusted with the stories of my rodeo and ranching family.” — Kendra Santos
Best of Western Media Honorable Mention: Luke Branquinho
“Rodeo gave me everything — my career, friendships and the lessons that shaped who I am,” Luke Branquinho says. “With The Luke Branquinho Show, I give back by sharing the real stories of the people who make this sport and lifestyle so special.”
Best of Western Icons Winner: Boots O’Neal
It was 1939 when Billy Milton O’Neal started school, and everyone began calling him “Little Boots” after his father, who everyone knew as “Boots.” It was history in the making when Boots O’Neal took on his father’s nickname. The name suited O’Neal, who’s lived his entire life as a cowboy. The only time he wasn’t horseback was during the Korean War when he joined the Army. When he returned in 1955, O’Neal went right back to the range to work for some of the most iconic ranches across Texas and Arizona: RO Ranch, JA Ranch, Waggoner Ranch, Matador Ranch, Babbitt Ranches, and, most recently, the Four Sixes Ranch for the past 36 years.
“I have spent my entire life horseback, and I have no regrets,” says 93-year-old O’Neal, who still throws a saddle and a leg over the back of a horse every single day.
Despite being the recipient of the inaugural Working Cowboy Award from the National Ranching Heritage Association, inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and awarded the Chester A. Reynolds Award by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, all O’Neal has ever wanted is to be a cowboy. He’s certainly accomplished that feat, but he’s done it in a way that makes ranching, roping and riding better than they were before he got there.
Best of Western Icons Runner-Up: Craig Haythorn
While often recognized as one of the most enduring ranching families in the Sandhills, the Haythorn legacy began with humble roots. In the late 1800s, Harry Haythorn left England as a teenager and came to Texas aboard a cattle ship. Drawn north on the Texas Trail, he eventually settled in Nebraska, and began building both a family and a cattle operation.
By the 1940s, Harry’s sons, Harry Jr. and Walt, had expanded the business across Arthur, Keith and Lincoln counties, dividing the operation into what would become Haythorn Land and Cattle and Haythorn Ranch Company. Through drought, blizzards, the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, the family held fast, guided by faith and perseverance.
Today, the ranch is still family-owned and managed by Craig Haythorn alongside his wife, Jody, and their sons Sage and Cord, with the next generation already showing interest. Craig’s sister, Sally, remains involved as well, helping with ranch events and community outreach.
“All I’ve ever wanted to be was a good cowboy and a rancher.” Craig Haythorn
Best of Western Icons Honorable Mention: Bob Tallman
Legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman grew up on a cow-calf operation in Nevada, and now lives in Poolville, Texas. A Hall of Fame rodeo announcer, real estate agent, charity organizer and owner of 3T Angus, Tallman continues a proud family legacy.
Best of Photographers Winner: Cara Taylor Swift
Cara Taylor Swift began her work in photography after stepping away from a career supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to care for her young son. Returning to the roots that grounded her before she was even born, Swift felt a natural pull towards home when she pointed her camera at a horse.
“What started as a new direction in my life grew into something much bigger, and in 2015, I launched Fast Horse Photography with the goal of offering something unique,” Swift says. “Rather than focusing on digital galleries, I wanted to create a full-service experience that ended with something lasting and tangible, artwork that could be seen and touched every day.”
Swift’s work naturally grew beyond the camera as she found her footing in the industry. She’s the co-author of the book “Equine and Equestrian Photography Poses That Sell” with Betsy Bird. Swift also co-hosts the “Cowgirls with Cameras” podcast with photographers Kim Beer and Phyllis Burchett. The trio supports equine photographers by hosting photography events, mentoring, and running a private community designed for connection, education and growth.
Best of Photographers Runner-Up: Rachael Sebastian
Rachael Sebastian is a Western photographer who lives in Kansas and works frequently in Texas. In her work, Sebastian aims to document legacy through land, animals and people, preserving those stories for future generations. Sebastian’s parents raise cattle in the Flint Hills of Kansas, where her family has been based since 1872.
She holds degrees in Spanish and print journalism from the University of Kansas. Since 2009, she’s worked as a writer, photographer and multimedia producer for newspapers and magazines earning Kansas Press Association awards.
Sebastian currently lives in Horace, Kansas, with her husband, Sid, son, Grady, 10, and French bulldog, Lily. Sebastian enjoys riding her mare, Lenas Angel Bee, freelance writing and spending time with family. She is a full-time photographer and shoots as Mira 3 Photography. She also is the official photographer and social media manager for Tongue River Ranch.
A new contributor to Western Horseman, Sebastian’s work has been featured in the magazine’s “Opening Shot” and in stories including recent work highlighting horse trainer Cooper McCleskey and the Bit and Spur program at Guthrie High School.
Best of Photographers Honorable Mention: Crystal Amen
Crystal Amen blends ranch life, rodeo roots and family with a career in photography. A former Miss Redding Rodeo, she earned her PRCA card in 2021 and now photographs prestigious rodeos, state finals, and the Vegas Tuffest Jr. Championship.
I have enjoyed reading Western Horseman for years, since I moved to Texas mid 1980’s..I own my own horses, ride in Fort Worth parades, rodeo events. I am so happy to see Buster McLaury recognized in the Colt Starting event, including overall Runner Up..I have attended his colt clinics at his ranch in Paducah..so many talented and dedicated horse people. Thank you Western Horseman!