Another Success for Riley Farris and Play Purr View RG at NCHA Eastern Nationals

Marking a 221-point score, Riley Farris and Play Purr View RG (Metallic Cat x Playgiarism x Freckles Playboy) earned the Senior Youth win at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Eastern Nationals presented by the Four Sixes Ranch Sunday, March 3, 2024 at the Ike Hamilton Exposition Center Arena in West Monroe, Louisiana. The 12-year-old sorrel mare is owned by Riley’s father, Mike Farris, and was bred by Mariposa Farms LLP.

Every year that Farris previously competed at the Eastern Nationals, something happened to just barely keep her out of the top spot. Third draw the finals this year, the team did their job and had to wait out their competition and friends to see if their score held up. 

“I’ve been showing at the Eastern Nationals since 2020, and it seems like every time, I’m right on the bubble; or when I get to the finals, something happens. So I guess I really didn’t have very high expectations going into the finals,” Farris said. “Riding in the pen, I knew I was early, so I knew there was a possibility someone could come in and beat me; but I just wanted to make it difficult for them to do that. I thought my first two cows were kind of slow, but my third one was able to get away from me a bit and let my horse really show off what she could do.”

Riding the mare since 2018, the 17-year-old from Midway, Texas trusts her horse to be consistent and try every time. With a strong support system, the show world is a positive environment for her.

“TJ, as we call her, I’ve been riding her since December of 2018. And every single time I’ve walked through the herd on her, she has never failed to give me 110 percent,” Farris said. “She has gotten me to every World Finals I’ve ever made. She’s just incredible, and I could not be more thankful or ask for a better horse. I give all the glory to God, because He’s blessed me with this horse and every weekend of this whole year. And I have the best support crew, from my dad and my sister taking me up and down the road to my friends at home cheering me on.”

Farris began showing at about eight years old, made her first World Finals in 2020 and is hooked on all things horses and cutting. Hauling hard since June of 2023, her competition schedule took nearly every weekend, but she’s ready for another World Finals this summer.

“Ever since my first World Finals, it’s like an addiction. I just can’t stay away from the show. I love what I do, and I love getting to see my friends every single weekend. Especially this whole year, being gone every weekend without fail, it’s been an incredible experience. I’ve learned things that you can’t learn in any other organization,” Farris explained. “I am very fortunate to be hauling in Texas, because I know a lot of the kids on the East and West coasts have to drive seven hours for a weekend show. I’ve been able to stay relatively close to home and stay in public school. Our hauling year ends May 31, so for the next three months, I’m just really looking forward to continuing to show this mare, and I’m very excited for the World Finals in July.”

Following Farris and Play Purr View RG, Lily Erwin and Skeeter Pop (Kit Kat Sugar x MH San Tules Dually x San Tule Freckles) took home second in the Youth Senior class with a 219. Three points behind that duo, Kate Roberson and Tuspot Shakur (Spots Hot x Karma Kat x High Brow Cat) came in third.