Pilot Point, Texas—The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is honored to bestow a new recognition that memorializes NRCHA Hall of Fame member and Million Dollar Rider, Doug Williamson at the 2025 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, May 28–June 7.
Williamson dedicated his life to reined cow horses. He was a master horseman who died August 14, 2024, having won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® twice and accumulating many other accolades in and out of the arena. Perhaps one of the most recent and memorable of those victories was when he marked a 231 to win the Open Bridle Spectacular at the 2019 NRCHA Derby with ARC Sparkin Chics (Chic Please x Sailing Spark x Shining Spark). It seems fitting to honor his legacy at the 2025 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby by awarding the first-ever Doug Williamson Award to the high-scoring rider in the cow work of the Open Bridle Spectacular.
Williamson’s wife, Carol, identified four core traits Williamson embodied: longevity, work ethic, competitive spirit and bravery. Williamson continued to compete until 2022, at age 80. His longevity applied not only to himself, but his commitment to training his horses through the bridle phase, holding true to vaquero tradition. In regard to his work ethic, the horseman typically worked seven days a week and believed putting in the time created positive results. Carol remembered that Williamson loved competition, especially in the show pen. He learned from his younger counterparts to stay competitive with them. Finally, Williamson was brave in all his endeavors, fearlessly going down the fence and creating a spectacle for all to see. People often said, “It’s not over until Doug goes down the fence.”
“NRCHA is proud to recognize Doug Williamson’s contributions to our sport by presenting this award to the highest-scoring cow work in a class Doug loved competing in—the Open Bridle Spectacular,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “His legacy lives on in the memories we share, the horses he trained and the influence he had on our open and non pro competitors alike.”
The recipient will earn a spot on a perpetual trophy as well as a bit made by Preston Williams, a respected bit maker.
Look for information about the first-ever winner of the Doug Williamson Memorial Award upon the completion of the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby by keeping an eye on NRCHA’s social platforms and in the Reined Cow Horse News official member publication.
