ANTHONY, FL (352today.com) – Georgia Hoffman was just three years old when she first sat on a horse. Now, at age 12, she’s on top of the world.
Georgia and her 16-year-old quarter horse gelding Smart Bobby Rey captured the National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) Summer Spectacular, winning the Junior Youth World Finals July 27, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas.
At an early age, she demonstrated a natural aptitude for being around horses, however the thought of her achieving the results she has for the past four years didn’t seem to cross anyone’s mind.
“It was hard for me because I’ve always grown up around horses,” said Ginger Hoffman, Georgia’s mother, who owns 3G Ranch with her husband Grant in Anthony. “I’ve always had a huge love for horses. A big thing for me – when she was growing up and little – it was always a fear of mine that because I loved it so much, I was going to force her into something. She really took to it, even when she was really small. She was always under my feet trying to help me where she could.”
Defining her destiny
However, the more Georgia became involved with horses, the more her passion grew. Four years ago, a change happened that set the Hoffmans on an unexpected journey, with Georgia discovering the equestrian sport that fits her perfectly.
“I had a friend that kind of dabbled in it [cutting] here locally and I knew a little bit,” said Ginger. “I knew it looked really cool, but I didn’t know any of the rules or any of the people.”
Imagine the old west where big groups of cattle enjoy their daily routines, sticking together for companionship and safety. The discipline of cutting is the act of separating a cow from the herd. The horse has to possess a number of qualities to be successful in the sport. Not only does it have to be physically able, but it has to have the necessary intelligence to prevent the cow from returning to the herd, thinking sequentially like a chess master as it counters the cows’ moves. After separating the cow, the horseman can no longer use the reins and must depend on their riding skills.
Then fate stepped in; it seemed like it was meant to be for Georgia. A special gift would transform the Hoffmans’ lives forever.
“My husband decided to surprise me for my birthday and flew us to Texas,” said Ginger. “We had never been to a cutting, and we didn’t know a single person. The three of us flew out to Texas for The Futurity, which is the biggest event the NCHA puts on. Uber dropped us off at Fort Worth, and that’s where we fell in love with the sport.”
When they returned to Marion County, the Hoffmans decided to visit the Florida Horse Park for the winter season to meet local people. There, they met trainer Casey Moore, who became part of their journey, and now they ride with his son, Colby.
Casey discovered the horse that would be the ideal match for Georgia. The first horse the Hoffmans bought was Smart Bobby Rey, which both Ginger and Georgia used at first. Georgia slowly gained her confidence on a horse named Bonnie before taking over from her mother and creating a strong bond with her horse.
“Bonnie took care of Georgia in the show pen,” said Ginger. “Georgia was able to relax a little, learn a little more of the steps, and we kept watching. And we would talk – me, Colby and Grant.”
The perfect partnership
However, those initial experiences paid huge dividends, as both Georgia and Rey, as he’s known around the barn, had an instant chemistry.
“I was a little nervous when I began riding him, it was like the first time I showed him, we just clicked, and after that, I’ve showed him ever since,” said Georgia. “I think he’s very cowey, and he loves to do what he does. I think it helps a lot with a horse in the show pen, if they like what they do, they’re going to excel at it. You can tell that he definitely loves it.”
Georgia is home schooled but has been able to balance her schoolwork with showing, competing 47 weeks out of the year, something she thoroughly enjoys, possessing a competitive edge, something that apparent in the show pen.
“There’ll be times like in Fort Worth where we’ll be gone for weeks,” said Georgia. “But most of the time, we’re just gone for the weekend. If I get my schoolwork done between Monday and Thursday, I’m usually pretty good, and can get that done. There are times when I have to do schoolwork at a show.”
Georgia’s parents, Grant and Ginger Hoffman, have encouraged their daughter as she makes her way through the world of cutting horses and she’s extremely appreciative.
“I definitely couldn’t do it without them, it helps me a lot,” says Georgia. “My mother taught me how to ride; then getting into this journey with her has been amazing. And my dad, I couldn’t do it without him. He gives me all of the advice before I go into the show pen. He tightens my cinch and asks if I’m ready.”
Georgia finished in the top 15 her first three years of showing, but this year she rode at her optimal best, accumulating 102 points and capturing the Junior Youth World Finals title. Smart Bobby Rey has been an ideal partner and is now enjoying a well-deserved break.
“He has hauled her three years in a row,” says Ginger. “This guy has been up and down the road his entire life and puts his absolute all into every run that we ask of him.”