Katsy Atkins

The money, the numbers, the politics, the particulars – it’s easy to get bogged down in the adult business of the performance horse business. But in this day of self-preservation and arm’s-length ties, this industry rallies and takes care of its own when it really needs to count.

At the first session of the NCHA Summer Spectacular Sale, a 3-year-old sorrel filly was auctioned. She wasn’t anything fancy or overly impressive. Shottys Makin Cash (Miss N Cash x CDs First Shot x CD Olena) didn’t set records with a $3,000 selling price the first time around, but this filly did represent the very, very best the cutting horse industry has to offer.

You see, Shottys Little Cash was a donated consignment, a horse sold to benefit the Katsy Atkins’ educational fund. Katsy’s dad, Chris, died in June, leaving behind his daughter and devoted wife, Lycrecia. Mike and Robin Haack donated the horse. Western Bloodstock waived the fees and commission. Dr. Jeff Foland agreed to provide veterinary services.

All of it was done to help.

The auctioning began and it was Joel and Lorinda Van Newkirk, Weatherford, Texas, who placed the winning bid for $3,000 on the horse. Then, the Van Newkirks turned around and put Shottys Makin Cash right back in the sale. The filly was re-auctioned, bringing a $3,200 bid from Rex and Renda Tillerson, Bartonville, Texas. In total, $6,200 was raised for Katsy’s educational fund.

The sale of this horse was the latest of many efforts made by cutters to help and console their own. One after another, the industry has lost several cutters before their time. Chris, Bucki James, Bill Freeman and Jim McNulty – their names hung over the NCHA Summer Spectacular like a cloud.

And still, there are kernels of positive in the storm. The industry came together to help friends and fellow cutters in a time of need, like a family. Yes, there is tragedy. That will always be the case, as life is fragile and fleeting. But there is also great caring and authentic concern among cutting horse people. It’s impressive. It’s encouraging. It’s the way it should be.