AQHA World Championship Show – 2025 Select Cutting World Champion
Malissa Costanza has claimed the title of 2025 AQHA Select Cutting World Champion
AQHA World Championship Show – 2025 Select Cutting World Champion
Malissa Costanza has claimed the title of 2025 AQHA Select Cutting World Champion, marking a powerful return to the show pen and a continuation of a family legacy deeply rooted in the cutting horse industry.
Riding her 2018 mare, “Yo Adrienne,” by the legendary sire Metallic Cat and out of Tangnilla, Costanza delivered a standout performance at the AQHA World Show — her first time ever qualifying and competing at this prestigious event.
A Legacy Built on Horse Power
Cutting runs deep in the Costanza family. In 1989, Malissa earned the title of AJQHA Reserve World Champion aboard a home-raised gelding, Docs Sheik. Her father, Louis Costanza, was a respected cutting horse trainer for more than 50 years before his passing in 2018. Known throughout the industry for his integrity and horsemanship, he helped build a family program centered on raising high-quality performance horses — a tradition Malissa proudly continues today.
“This win means more than just a title,” Costanza shares. “It’s carrying forward what my dad and mom started.”
Back in the Saddle
After stepping away from competition to support her children’s competitive baseball, softball, and collegiate athletics careers, Costanza returned to the show pen just four years ago. Weekends once spent at the ballfield have now transitioned back to the arena — a season she describes as finally reclaiming “me time.”
When she resumed competing, she sought guidance outside her family program for the first time. She initially worked with Bruce Colclasure in Bristow, someone she has known most of her life. Most recently, her World Championship success was shaped under the direction of Ed Dufurrena of Dufurrena Cutting Horses in Gainesville, Texas.
Though the travel to Texas isn’t always convenient, Costanza credits Dufurrena’s program as instrumental in her AQHA World victory. Looking ahead to 2026, she plans to spend more time in Gainesville, increase her show schedule, and continue sharpening her showmanship skills.
Understanding Cutting
Cutting is one of the most exciting and technically demanding events in western performance competitions. Governed by the National Cutting Horse Association, founded in 1946, the sport evolved directly from ranch work in the American West.
A cutting horse — typically an American Quarter Horse — must separate a single cow from a herd and prevent it from returning, relying heavily on instinct and athleticism.
What Makes a Great Cutting Horse?
Cow Sense:
An innate ability to anticipate a cow’s movement. Once the rider drops the reins, the horse works largely on instinct.
Athleticism:
Quick reflexes, power, agility, and mental focus are essential. Horses are highly conditioned and carefully trained, often beginning with mechanical cows before working live cattle.
Competition Format:
- Each run lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds
- Riders must make at least two cuts, including one deep cut from the center
- Judges score runs from 60 to 80 points, with 70 considered average
- Penalties are assessed for losing the cow, excessive assistance, or improper use of the arena
For Malissa Costanza, the 2025 AQHA Select Cutting World Championship is more than a personal milestone — it is the continuation of a respected family legacy, carried forward with grit, gratitude, and a mare aptly named Yo Adrienne.
As she sets her sights on 2026, one thing is clear: this champion is just getting started.
Malissa Will appear on this weeks Morning with Missy on March 3 @ 10AM
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