The 2025 Gold Buckle Futurity season wrapped up in Abilene with one of the most dominant performances of the year, courtesy of Cody and Cheyenne McCartneys standout gelding CR Tuff King. The 6-year-old son of Woody Be Tuff, out of Calie Del Rey, and bred by Center Ranch, proved once again why he has become one of the most competitive young rope horses in the business today.
By the end of the weekend in Abilene, the gelding they call Teddy, had carried the McCartneys to winning both the Maturity Tie-Down and Breakaway. This win brought his earnings to more than $93,000.
The momentum in Abilene started with the 6 & Under Tie-Down, where Cody and Teddy dominated. They won the average, the Elite Breeders Incentive, and the Elite Stallion Incentive, stacking up a $35,400 payday.
Their runs were clean, fast, and controlled, exactly the kind of run you want in a judged event like the GBF. These attributes show off a horse that can easily transition into a high-level rodeo career.But Teddy wasnt done for the weekend.
The very next day, Cheyenne rode the same horse to the championship of the 6 & Under Breakaway, winning the average for $10,000 alone there, while also taking home both Elite incentives. Its rare to see a young futurity horse excel in both events at this level, let alone win them back-to-back at the same event.
It was the kind of weekend that definitely cements reputations not only for the talented horse but the trainers, the ropers, and the McCartneys program as a whole.
Cheyenne spoke about what makes Teddy so special from the beginning.
This horse just started off with excellence, she said. He came through Solo Select. He has the breeding, he has the mind, and he tries really hard.
The Woody Be Tuff offspring are known for trainability, intelligence, and heart. Teddy continues to embody all of those traits and more. But bloodlines alone arent enough to win at this caliber. Teddy has been shaped carefully and intentionally by Cody and Cheyenne, two of the most respected trainers and ropers in the sport.
While the futurity world has watched Teddy shine all year, the pro-rodeo world also got a front-row seat to his talent.
Cheyenne explained she rode him at about 13 PRCA rodeos this summer, where he helped her win approximately $35,000, and ultimately punched her ticket to her fourth National Finals Breakaway Roping in Las Vegas.
I love this horse so much, she said. Cody and I have worked really hard on him. He just helped me qualify for my fourth NFR. We are just really blessed to ride him.
Futurity ropings have elevated to an entirely new level over the past two years, something Cheyenne mentioned in her interview with Katy Lucas.
You better not stub your toe and expect to win money at these anymore,they are very tough, she said.Abilene specifically showed the depth of todays rope horse industry with stronger breeding programs, more seasoned and talented trainers, and horses with the maturity and athleticism to handle real pressure.
Success in the arena doesnt tell the whole story of the McCartneys year. Its been a tough year.
A couple of months ago, we lost my father-in-law, and we have lots of events coming up, Cheyenne shared. Its been tough, but Gods with us, and sometimes life is tough and you just have to bear down and keep going.
Those words carried a lot of weight, making each win a little more meaningful. For the McCartneys, Teddys success isnt just about checks or titles that he well deserves, but also about the two of them building a program that will excel in the industry for years to come.
As the 2025 Gold Buckle Futurity season closes, CR Tuff King stands out as one of the most promising young rope horses seen competing this year. Hes proven he can win the futurities, he can win in both events, and he can handle the road and succeed on the professional level too. Most importantly, hes proven that he has the heart and mind of a once in a lifetime horse.