Paisley McGill and TCR A Classic Cutter reigned as the Open 1D and Youth 1D average champions at the NBHA Circle Y Music City Super Show in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from August 30–September 1.
Bringing more than $53,000 in total payout to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the National Barrel Horse Association Circle Y Music City Super Show from August 30–September 1 drew entries from all over the region to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum to vie for prizes and paychecks.
Open 1D Average Champions Paisley McGill and TCR A Classic Cutter
TCR A Classic Cutter and his 12-year-old jockey Paisley McGill owned the NBHA Circle Y Music City Super Show, winning both the Youth and Open 1D averages and a total $1,597 on the weekend.
On Day One, the pair clocked a 15.537 to sneak into the last money-earning spot in the 1D for seventh place and $284. The duo remained consistent to finish seventh again Saturday with a 15.509, worth $381. A 15.350 on Sunday set them up perfectly to win both averages and finish fifth in the 1D for $295.
“I just remember my last run, I knew I had to be a 15.3. It was good; I really didn’t think I would get it, but I got it,” Paisley exclaimed. “When I go in, I have to shape him or he’ll turn his head out and blow off the first. And then I just drive him into my turns and hustle.”
Paisley’s mom, Amanda McGill, recalled the excitement the family felt when Paisley executed to clock exactly the time she needed to win on the final day of the show.
“She had to be in the 15.3s, and she did it, and we were all screaming and yelling. It was a very close race,” Amanda said. “He’s a unicorn for sure. Anybody could get on him and he would go, but him and Paisley really go.”
“Cutter” has been in the Louisville, Tennessee, family for three years after they purchased him from Texas barrel racer Scamper Hill. Cutter and Paisley were a fast fit and have racked up a long resume of accomplishments together, including the fastest time of the Youth age division at the 2024 National Barrel Horse Association Youth World Championship Show to win Round Two of the Youth.
“I’ve qualified with him to the Hooey [Junior Patriot] four times now, gone to the National Junior High Finals Rodeo once, gone to the Little Britches National Finals Rodeo, and won state on him for Tennessee Junior High Rodeo,” Paisley said.
Outside the arena, Cutter is laidback, fun to be around and low maintenance, making him a blessing for the family.
“He just walks in the alleyway. He’s easygoing, quiet, and he’s sound,” Paisley said. “His personality is different every day — he can either walk out of the field or start bucking. He’s just like a puppy.”
Paisley rides with Shana Leach of SM Performance Horses and says her coaching is a crucial part of her success on Cutter.
“I train with Shana, and she helps me train on him. Before Youth World, she tuned him up for me, and at Youth World, we woke up earlier to get on him and practice,” Paisley said.
The young barrel racer has big dreams of rodeoing professionally and qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo someday as well as The American Rodeo. She and her family already know the value of the hard work and hours it takes outside the arena to put together 15 seconds of a winning run.
“We’re the crazies up at 3 a.m. at Youth World riding before everybody is out and about,” Amanda said with a laugh. “She definitely puts in the effort. It’s a full-time job to her. She’s homeschooled because of it. This is a big deal for her.”
Paisley thanked her parents Amanda and Brandon McGill, as well as Shana Leach of SM Performance Horses, Scamper Hill, and MVP.
This article was originally published in the November 2024 issue of Barrel Horse News.
