Team Sinclair as they are known. We took a moment to sit down with professional cutting horse trainer, Heath Sinclair. Heath has had so much success in the campdraft arena & the cutting pen but his proudest achievement is his family, with his wife Kristie competing alongside him. His son Austin has begun competing too and Peyton sure to follow in her father’s footsteps. Heath also loves giving back to his sports by holding Cutting & Campdraft clinics to help beginners & the younger generation.

Wrangler (WR): How did it all begin for Heath, tell us the story of how you got into Cutting & Campdrafting?

Heath Sinclair (HS): I got started in campdrafting when I was 10 years old. I had to prove to my dad that I could handle my horses and control my horse at speed before I got to have my first start. My first start was at a draft call Tyringham campdraft held at Ebor sports grounds. I rode a mare called Cameo, scored an 18 for cut out and finished 5th. In cutting I started when I was 19 at Robbie Hodgman Cutting Horses crossing over from campdrafting. My first show was at Boonah showing in the Rookies riding a mare called Peppys Little Spinner scoring a 73 and winning the Rookies. This was the only show I got to show as a Non Pro before Robbie made me hand in my Non Pro card.

WR: How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

HS: Competitive, Loyal, Family Orientated, Generous & Funny.

WR: Who have been your biggest influences?

HS: There’s probably not one but a few, my dad (Alan Sinclair), Robbie Hodgman, Tom Williamson & my wife Kristie.

WR: Most memorable moment in Cutting or Campdrafting?

HS: Definitely winning the 2009 NCHA Futurity with my wife Kristie before we had children, then winning the 2022 NCHA Derby with Kristie, Austin & Peyton by my side, which make up Team Sinclair.

WR: Tell us a Fun Fact about you?

HS: I am the first campdrafter to win National titles and Australian Championships to cross over to cutting and win the NCHA Futurity and become a member of the NCHA Hall of Fame.

WR: What advice would you like to give the younger generations starting out in Cutting or Campdraft?

HS: There is so much advice to give but the most important one is to never give up. When it doesn’t seem to be working try, try again.

WR: What is your best fashion tip?

HS: Dress to impress and be humble & kind, that’s a fashion tip in itself.

WR: What’s coming up for the remainder of 2023?

HS: Lots Much of the same, we will try and be as competitive and successful as we can at the remaining shows/sales for the rest of the year. Also, we will uphold the professionalism and standard that we set for ourselves year in and year out.

Photo credit: Tracey Nicholson