Letter From The President

Member Spotlight

ACHA CONGRATULATES: Zach Harbers
2018 Senior Youth World Champion

    One of the cool things about cutting is the unique manner it brings together a wide variety of people. At the shows, we are all just “cutters” while in “real life” those cutters might be veterinarians, business owners, or students. We may be fierce competitors in the arena and fast friends in the barn. We draw inspiration from one another in so many ways. For example, a cutter like Martha Wilson motivates us by being a formidable competitor well into her 70s and not slowing down one bit. Others impress us by how quickly they master the sport.

    Zach Harbers, son of David and Clancie Harbers, is one of the “newbies” who is making a name for himself faster than a hot-headed heifer can duck into the arena corner. If you do not know Zach, check the warm-up area for a tall, lanky young man with an easy grin. He is quickly becoming a familiar face to many in the ACHA. Harbers is only nineteen years old, but he is already a World Champion, winning the Senior Youth in 2018. He gives much of the credit to John Stewart, his first and only cutting trainer so far.    

    This year Zach is showing in the $50,000 Non Pro on many weekends, but during the week he spends his time at Texas A&M University majoring in animal science. Grades are his top priority now as he focuses on getting into vet school. However, just because Zach progressed from being a youth to being an Aggie does not mean he has quit cutting.

    In fact, he is even more involved than ever. After the first six weeks of shows this year, he was leading the $50,000 Non Pro, and trainer John Stewart was second in the Open class on Zach’s mare Sweet Lil Kit. Raised by Mike and Michelle Mowery, Sweet Lil Kit, better known as “Harley,” is by Sweet Little Pepto and out of Billy the Kit. Harley’s half-sister WH Lil Glamour Girl is currently being shown by Stewart in the $3,000 Novice Horse class. “Indy,” as she is called, is five years old and owned by Zach’s father David Harbers. Zach had started the 2018 year showing a mare named Miss Dual Twist before his dad bought Sweet Lil Kit for Zach to show. Instead of the usual scenario of a father passing his horse on to his son, Miss Dual Twist has now been passed on to Zach’s dad to show.

    Zach says his dad grew up riding and roping but “always wanted to cut.” Zach is thrilled that has father now has his chance to cut in the ACHA. Successful ownership of some Shipley’s Donuts franchises has allowed David Harbers to pursue his long-delayed passion. One of Zach’s goals in 2020 is for his dad to be the Rookie of the Year, and David is off to a very good start. As of this writing, David Harbers was leading both the $1,000 and $2,500 Rider classes on Miss Dual Twist.  

    Cutting is definitely a family activity for the Harbers family. David Harbers sees cutting as a way to keep young people “off their computers for a while.” He believes cutting has given Zach a boost in confidence. Zach’s mother Clancie does not cut, but Zach feels like the whole family supports the sport. Younger brother Steven does ride, but Zach says his brother enjoys high school sports and prefers playing baseball over riding horses.

    As for Zach, his idea of “super fun” was winning the Senior Youth championship. He claims he did not get nervous showing because he had faith in his horse. Trainer John Stewart had matched rider and horse. The very first time Zach had an opportunity to try cutting, it was on Sweet Lil Kit, the mare he eventually rode to win the World Championship race.    

    “I actually struggled with her [Sweet Lil Kit] at first,” he says. “It wasn’t until the end of the year when I got her figured out.” He says many people in the ACHA helped him right from the beginning. “This is one big family. Everyone in cutting was open and friendly, not stuck up, not elitist, not judgmental. Not a problem at all,” according to Harbers. While showing in the Youth, Zach was home schooled but says he did much of the instruction himself because he describes himself as self-disciplined and self-motivated. He finished high school early, but “feels old” now that he is out of the Youth class.

    Zach’s cutting goals for himself include finishing in the top ten in the $50,000 Non Pro class. He also thinks “it would be cool” to win something on the five-year-old mare Indy. In the meantime, he just wants to go have fun cutting. “It is a healthy outlet,” Zach says. “At the end of the day, it is just you and your horse.”

    Zach looks forward to cutting for a long time. He draws his inspiration from someone who certainly sets a good example.

    “I really enjoy this, and I want to keep doing it for many years to come. I want to be another Martha Wilson.”

By:  Raena Wharton