Buster Welch is the recipient of the 2006 Western Horseman Award. In this month’s print feature, author Betsy Lynch explains Welch’s dedication to learning, teaching and enhancing the cutting-horse industry. Here are highlights and sidelights of Welch’s life.
Birthday: May 23,1928.
Family: Wife, Sheila Dolin Welch, born in Wolf Point, Montana; children: Georgia, Greg, Ken and Ruth Ann Welch; stepchildren: Nina Finley and Dolin Morris; grandchildren: Dawson Burns, Charlsi Finley, Jenny LaSeur, Brook Morris, Abby Siebers, Amy Welch King, Katy Welch, Kelly Welch, Lance Welch, Whitney Welch, Kirby Wilson and Sterling Wilson.
Three favorite horses: Peppy San Badger (“Little Peppy”), Marion’s Girl and Haidas Little Pep.
Hall-of-fame inductions: American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame; National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame; National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Fame; Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Championships: Five-time NCHA open futurity champion; four-time NCHA open world champion.
Other accolades: Recipient of the American Cowboy Culture Working Cowboy Award; Charles Goodnight Award; Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman’s Award of Honor; and the Zane Schulte Trainer of the Year; and inducted into the Stephenville, Texas, Walk of Fame.
Favorite book: Charles Goodnight: Cowman and Plainsman, by J. Evetts Haley.
Book that best explains the times he’s seen: The Time It Never Rained, by Elmer Kelton.
Favorite song: “I’d Rather be in Texas for the Round-Up in the Spring,” performed by friend Red Steagall.
Favorite Quotes: “The greatest part of our happiness depends on our disposition and not our circumstances.” – Martha Washington
