Eric Stevenson may not have grown up on a ranch, but he’s now dominating one of the toughest disciplines in the Western performance horse world. Currently ranked the No. 1 All Legendary Horse Owner and Rider, Stevenson holds more than $30,000 on the Legendary Stakes leaderboard with his standout horse SDP Best of Friends (by Sannman). He has competed in eight Non-Pro Reined Cow Horse events this season—and with weeks left in the year, he’s holding the top spot, while the competition pushes hard behind him.
"This Sannman gelding is the best-bred horse I’ve ever owned—super cowy, athletic, and built to do the job."
Raised in Ohio, Stevenson’s passion for horses began far from the West Texas ranch he now calls home. “My family had nothing to do with horses,” he said. “I got my start cleaning stalls at a Thoroughbred farm, then guided trail rides as a teenager. Eventually, I came to Texas for college and never left.” After years as a team roper, he discovered cow horse competition while attending the World’s Greatest Horseman event in Stephenville. That moment changed everything.
His advice to young riders is simple: start early and learn from the best. “Go work for somebody for at least five years,” he said. “Learn how their program works—it’s a grind, but it’s rewarding.”
"We usually get to ride every day. I enjoy showing, but I really enjoy the training part of it the most."
As a non-pro, Stevenson trains his own horses while balancing ranch life in Crosby and Garza counties. He credits his success to both horsemanship and bloodlines. “Horse flesh is very important,” he said. “This Sannman gelding is the best-bred horse I’ve ever owned—super cowy, athletic, and built to do the job.”
His show horses double as ranch partners, checking cattle and doctoring calves. The combination keeps his horses balanced and sharp, ready for competition in any condition. “We don’t have a covered arena,” Stevenson said. “But it’s pretty dry out here in West Texas, so we usually get to ride every day. I enjoy showing, but I really enjoy the training part of it the most.”
"Legendary’s been great because nearly every event we go to is already part of it. And for non-pros, the added money makes a huge difference. Most years you’re lucky to break even, but now you can actually come out ahead."
When it comes to Legendary Stakes, Stevenson says the program has expanded opportunities for riders like him. “Legendary’s been great because nearly every event we go to is already part of it,” he explained. “And for non-pros, the added money makes a huge difference. Most years you’re lucky to break even, but now you can actually come out ahead.”
If his current trajectory holds, Stevenson will finish the year as one of the highest-earning non-pros in Legendary Stakes history—and he’s already looking ahead. “Winning this money means we can go to more majors next year,” he said. “It’s opened a lot of doors.”