Ep. 78: A Horseman’s Perspective: Winston Hansma on the Cutting Horse Industry

On this episode of the Grit Branded Podcast, Brad sits down with Winston Hansma, a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame trainer. Raised on a ranch in Canada, Hansma made his way to Texas and quickly became one of the sport’s most respected horsemen. His career-defining moment came in 1994 when he won the NCHA Futurity aboard the legendary CD Olena. In this conversation, Hansma reflects on the evolution of the sport from the early 1980s to today—how breeding programs have elevated the quality of horses with every generation, the horsemanship behind training great cutters, and the strategy inside the show pen. From choosing the right help in the herd to understanding the cattle that give you the best chance to win, Hansma shares insights drawn from decades of experience in the cutting horse industry.