The National Cutting Horse Association's Summer Cutting Spectacular has many facets of competition that are unique to this show alone. One of those is the Sean Ryon East/West Shootout, in which the winners of the Eastern and Western National Championships go head-to-head against their challenger from the other region to win a Sean Ryon custom-made saddle.

This is a rare chance for weekend cutters in all divisions to compete in the "hallowed hall of cutting," the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. Limited age event competitors are accustomed to having the opportunity to cut in the Coliseum, as the NCHA's three major limited age events are all hosted there. However, weekend cutters have just two opportunities to compete in the Will Rogers arena during large events, and they both take place in July during the Summer Cutting Spectacular.

In the Sean Ryon East/West Shootout, the champions of all 11 NCHA-approved weekend classes are pitted in a one-shot, head-to-head competition for a custom-made Sean Ryon trophy saddle from Sean Ryon Western Store & Saddle Shop and $700. Reserve champions are awarded a 100X Stetson hat and a check for $400.

The 2002 Sean Ryon East/West Shootout winners from the 2001 cutting season are:

OPEN: Son Of Olena ridden by Brett Davis with 220 points -- East

NON-PRO: Kelle Earnheart riding Arturo Fuente with 219 points -- East

$50,000 AMATEUR: Tina Russell riding Freckles Best Lena with 217 points -- East

$20,000 NON-PRO: Sara Bingham riding Assets Gay Bar with 210 points -- East

$10,000 AMATEUR: Tina Russell riding Freckles Best Lena with 222 points -- East

$10,000 NOVICE: Raked In Satin ridden by Guy Woods with 224 points -- East

$10,000 NOVICE/NON-PRO: Benjie Neely riding Fritzs Doc Finale with 222
points -- East

$3,000 NOVICE: Raked In Satin ridden by Guy Woods with 219 points -- East

$2,000 LIMITED RIDER: Evan Wells riding Lenas Flit Star with 223 points -- East

SENIOR YOUTH: Lee Gandy -- East

JUNIOR YOUTH: Rachel Johnson -- East

The Ryon Family is as deeply rooted in Fort Worth and its heritage as the NCHA. Sean and Jolette Ryon have always supported the NCHA and recently titled the Sean Ryon East/West Shootout, giving the NCHA the ability to award 11 Sean Ryon saddles to the overall champions of the weekend shootout.

Sean Ryon Western Store & Saddle Shop is a family tradition that continues to flourish in the Stockyards of Fort Worth. Sean and Jolette Ryon carry on a tradition that would make great-grandfather Windy Ryon proud. Sean started riding cutting horses in 1992 and goes to some 20 shows a year with the shop and likes to fit in a cutting competition when he can.

Since 1944, the Ryon Family has been supplying local ranchers with handmade boots, the best custom hat creases money can buy, custom saddles, tailored chaps, horse tack, show garments and exclusive jewelry. Sean Ryon Western Store & Saddle Shop can outfit you and your horse.