The article traces the evolution of cutting horses, highlighting the pivotal role of the King Ranch and legendary trainer Buster Welch in developing the breed. Historically, cowboys used multiple horses for different tasks—long-legged Thoroughbreds for gathering cattle and specialized cutting horses for holding herds. The King Ranch’s breeding program, initiated by Captain Richard King and advanced by Bob Kleberg Jr., focused on Thoroughbred bloodlines, particularly through the influential stallion Old Sorrel and his descendants. This selective breeding emphasized “cow sense,” athleticism, and endurance, traits essential for managing large herds without modern equipment.

By the 1970s, the King Ranch embraced the emerging sport of competitive cutting, recognizing that many top cutting horses descended from their bloodlines. They incorporated stallions like Mr. San Peppy and his son Peppy San Badger to revitalize their breeding program, blending tradition with modern sport demands. While many contemporary cutting horses primarily compete rather than work cattle, their lineage reflects the rugged, hardworking horses that made cattle ranching more efficient and rewarding for cowboys like Buster Welch.