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NCHA ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF LEGENDARY MEMBER GARY BELLENFANT

Mar 22, 2025, 12:36 PM by National Cutting Horse Association

The NCHA mourns the loss of Gary Bellenfant, a beloved trainer and competitor in the cutting horse community.

FORT WORTH, TX - It is with great sadness that the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) announces the passing of Gary Bellenfant, who left us on March 22, 2025. Bellenfant was an influential figure in the cutting horse community, known for his dedication to the sport and his unwavering support for fellow competitors.

Bellenfant discovered his passion for cutting horses at a young age and throughout his life participated in numerous competitions and quickly became a respected competitor within the NCHA. His skill in the arena was matched only by his sportsmanship and camaraderie with others in the industry. Over his career, he was a Futurity finalist 12 times, winning the Futurity in 2019 and 1995. He also won the 1998 Super Stakes Classic, 1996 Super Stakes, 1989 Super Stakes and 1989 Summer Spectacular. Horses he trained on included Bayou Shorty (DNA), Peptoboonsmal, MNY Peppy Star Rio, Gins Solano, and Metallic Rey Mink.

Beyond his own accomplishments as a competitor, Bellenfant was a tireless advocate for the growth and development of the sport. He touched the lives of many through his mentorship and enthusiasm for the sport, building enduring friendships both in and out of the arena.

Gary Bellenfant will be missed dearly by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the cutting horse community he so deeply cherished.

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[Reprinting all or part of this press release is permitted, so long as credit is given to the National Cutting Horse Association and a link is provided back to nchacutting.com.]

Media Contact:
Jessica Gryder
Marketing Manager
817-244-6188
marketing@nchacutting.com