Stepping into the 2025 NCHA Futurity from across the world, for only the second time, and with zero NCHA lifetime earnings, Australian rider Matilda Shumack delivered one of the most compelling amateur performances of the show aboard Most Valuable Rey, a mare owned by her sister Jasmine Shumack, and by Metallics MVP.
What began as a simple visit to see her sister turned into a breakout Futurity campaign- They advanced to ALL THREE Amateur finals —
- Intermediate Amateur Finals
- Limited Amateur Finals
- Amateur Finals
What followed was one of the standout amateur performances of the entire Futurity. Matilda and Most Valuable Rey finished as:
- Reserve Champion in the Amateur Finals
- Reserve Champion in the Intermediate Amateur Finals
- Champion of the Metallics MVP Incentive Program
Their finals runs, combined with their semifinals performance, and the Metallics MVP Incentive payout of $30,000, earned an impressive $93,000. With that incredible backdrop, Matilda sat down to share more about her journey, Most Valuable Rey, and what it meant to experience Futurity success on such a special mare.
For readers who may not know your story yet, can you share a bit about your cutting background in Australia and what led you to compete in the United States at the NCHA Futurity this year?
I’ve grown up in the cutting horse world and it really consumes our life. My sister Jasmine and I showed all through the Youth and Rookie classes, which shaped the foundation of our showmanship. I haven’t shown a lot since finishing university and becoming a school teacher, but my Dad and I still work horses together every day.
I originally booked a ticket just to visit my sister and her fiancé, Nick Smith. But when they purchased Most Valuable Rey in October from Justin White’s barn, they offered for me to show her. I only planned to enter the Limited Amateur, hoping Jasmine would advance to the Non Pro Finals. Unfortunately, she had some bad luck in the second round, which led me to enter all divisions of the Amateur.
You stepped into the 2025 NCHA Futurity with $0 in lifetime NCHA earnings, a rare starting point for someone who had such success! What was it like entering such a prestigious event like this for only the second time and having such a great show?
Getting to enter the NCHA Futurity is extremely prestigious. So many Aussies dream of showing over here, and to have the opportunity to do it on such a beautiful mare, alongside Jasmine, Nick and Eddie Flynn was next level amazing.
How different was the experience compared to the cutting scene in Australia? Were there any adjustments you had to make?
My job was the same: cut clean, quit clean and show smart. The biggest difference for me was not having my Dad in my corner. It meant taking more responsibility for my own decisions instead of relying on him. But in saying that, Eddie Flynn was my saving grace and champion cow-picker. I couldn’t have done it without Eddie, Casey Green, Sean Flynn and Clay Johnson.
It was amazing to have so many Aussie there cheering us on. It’s daunting getting to show in a different country, but makes all the difference when you have a cheer squad behind you. Jasmine and Nick work for Eddie and Selina Flynn, and are fortunate to have horses there as well as Eddie’s guidance and expertise
My sister and I have always been a great team, whether it’s helping each other get our horses ready or giving each other pep talks before we show or rope at a jackpot. I definitely took on her pep talks before walking down the timeline.
What qualities do you think allowed Most Valuable Rey to perform so consistently through multiple rounds at the Futurity?
When I was talking to my Dad on the phone, he said, “Well, now you know what it feels like to show a Futurity horse.” But honestly, she felt like a seasoned show horse to me, which is a credit to Justin White’s program and Nick Smith’s training since taking her over. I got to work her on a cow and the flag the day before I showed, and she felt solid, smart and conservative. Most Valuable Rey is a big stopping mare with a huge amount of try and personality. She gave me confidence from the very first time I worked her.
What is the “feel” she gives you when you drop your hand on a cow? What makes her different from other horses you’ve shown?
The feeling and the confidence of knowing your horse is going to cut is incredible. She just felt like a true show horse who kept getting better and better every time I showed her.
With her finals placings, semifinal performance, and the Metallics MVP Incentive payout combined, what was her total earnings for the event?
Most Valuable Rey’s total payout from the three Amateur finals, combined with the Metallics MVP Incentive, is $93,000.
