An up-and-coming stallion and his owner made some waves in the industry when they gave away free breedings at Art Of The Cowgirl. “The Animal” (Cat Itchi x My Lil Abra) was the Cutting Futurity Reserve Champion in 2017 and went on to win 2018 Super Spec Open Championship. His owner, Cindy Faulk Perez, saw the opportunity to give back to cowgirls in the performance horse industry and took it. Cindy gave away a free breeding to every competitor at Art Of The Cowgirl. 

Photo by: Shella

Cindy has had The Animal since 2019. Before that, she owned and managed Fantastic Cat. "I fell in love with his heart. To me, he is such a unique horse. He is talented beyond measure in the show pen, has crazy athleticism, and is fantastic minded,” says Cindy.

"The Animal is going to be a sire in all events. He is so athletic that there is no reason to limit his exposure," adds Cindy. The Animal has gone on to sponsor events like The Celebration Of Champions for Reined Cowhorse's, cuttings, and they will be venturing into the roping side of things.

Photo by: Shella

Cindy's reason for gifting breedings to The Animal out to the competitors of Art Of The Cowgirl is simple: she backs women. She says, "I could not wait to be able to support it and be a sponsor of such talent! Can't wait for The Animal to have some offspring competing!"

Cindy is a firm believer of hard work and determination. "What is more empowering than a woman on a 1,500-pound horse riding in a group of men? How many women get up, saddle up, and work side by side with some of the toughest men in America? If you ask anyone that works with me, they will tell you that the best way to get me to do something is to tell me that I can’t. Some call it being hardheaded, but I call it being successful. I consider 'cowgirling' to be the same way."

Hard work pays off inside and out the arena. The Animal and Cindy Faulk Perez have a bright future ahead of them with an unstoppable drive. This year, her goal is to start showing and cutting herself, so watch out for Cindy in the show pen!