| The 2009 President of the PCCHA, Rick Corso was born and raised in the small town of Colma, CA and was first introduced to the sport of cutting by his friend and mentor Joe Putnam. All it took was one ride and Rick was hooked! He has been a member of the PCCHA and NCHA for 26 years, and has been a show producer during those years. Along the way Rick and his wife, Rose, have also owned and shown many great horses. One of their all-time favorites was High Fly Star that Rick purchased from Coy and Nancy Sanders. “The first time I saw Shorty work I knew I had to try and buy him if Coy and Nancy ever decided to sell him,” said Rick. “We bought him in 1987 and I had a chance to haul him a little in 1988. Kenny Pugh Sr. placed him in the top 5 in the open and I placed him in the top 5 in the Non-Pro and Open gelding. That horse was always there for you.” Rick has served on the Board of Directors of PCCHA since 2005. In addition to his current term as President, he has also filled the office of Vice President and President Elect. “It is with great pleasure that I’m able to give something back to the members of the PCCHA, many whom I consider life long friends,” said Corso. “My election to the Member’s Hall of Fame is a great honor that I will always cherish.” |
John Ellis began cutting back in the late 1970’s in the Valley Cutting Horse Association club shows. After several years, he purchased what John considers his first “really good” horse, Good N Holey, thanks to Chubby Turner. In 1982, he purchased Miss Skipper Reed, who he says was the best and smartest horse he has ever owned. With these two horses, John earned many year-end titles and enjoyed many successful years of cutting competition. Since those early years, he has accrued many good horses, including Poco Fancy Pants, who won the 1985 PCCHA Futurity. John became actively involved in the PCCHA and served on the Board of Directors in the 80’s, including the Executive and Finance Committees. He also was an NCHA Director and Judge. He played an active role in moving the PCCHA Futurity to Burbank, CA. He was also largely responsible creating “The Shootout,” designed to revitalize local affiliated associations and restore value to older horses. John also rewrote the PCCHA By-Laws in the 80’s and was an original member of the Platinum Club and has consistently donated to and supported the Youth program. John currently lives in Encino with his wife, Shelby, and his two step-children, Austin and Jesse. “I show my horse, Gaylord, once in a while when the mood strikes me,” he says. “This keeps me in the game. Life is good.”
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