Veteran cutter's wife wins title of her own

Tara Gaines never was too sure about her ability to show cutting horses. Her National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame husband thought differently.

Matt Gaines, a two-time Augusta Futurity winner, saw his wife work up close with horses. He said she always had potential.

"Some people have a very natural gift and talent on a horse," he said. "She possesses that. If she decides she wants to, she can have a great career showing. But it's up to her."

Gaines and Patrick La Dual proved Matt right Sunday when they marked 217.5 to win the $20,000 Non-Pro Any Age finals.

Gaines of Weatherford, Texas, claimed her first Augusta Futurity title and a check for $5,981. Aubrey Pigg of Collinsville, Ala., and A Track Runs Thru It placed second at 214 for $4,842. Kassi Pinion of Stanfield, N.C., and Peppy C Suzie finished third (213.5, $3,702).

Gaines said she was happy to win a "legendary event." Still, she remained critical of herself.

"That 217.5 ended up winning," she said. "That's great. But I want to know every single time what I can do to get better."

Gaines used to work in sales and marketing, spending plenty of time traveling for Equibrand. But when she was married almost two years ago, she quit her job. Gaines soon found a new profession. In April, Matt and Tara purchased Patrick La Dual, an 8-year-old gelding by CD Olena out of Patty La Dual.

"He takes no maintenance," she said. "He's easy to work. He's good to get along with."

Gaines said she receives daily advice from her husband. She calls him and Patrick La Dual the two loves in her life.

"I'm very fortunate my best friend, my husband, is one of the top trainers in the industry," she said. "He told me when we got here to go show my horse, be smart, be smooth and have fun.

"And I did."

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.

From the Monday, January 26, 2009 edition of the Augusta Chronicle