Are you the photographer? Add your photo credit.Request removal
Katy Jo Zuidema has officially made NSBA history, becoming the first woman to reach $1,000,000 in lifetime NSBA earnings – and just the fourth rider overall to ever cross that line, joining Gil Galyean, Rusty Green, and Jay Starnes.
NSBA says Zuidema reached the milestone after placing fifth in The Madness Three Year Old and Over Maiden Horse Western Pleasure Futurity this past weekend in May of 2026.
The moment carried an extra layer of meaning in the industry: this incredibly special ride, the one that pushed her over the million-dollar mark came aboard Ten Four Good Buddie, a horse owned by none other than her father Wayne Davis and her stepmother Judy Davis.
This milestone is the sum of a career built over decades – one rooted in family, work ethic, and consistency. Katy Jo grew up in the horse industry as the daughter of Wayne Davis, with Judy Davis and her mother Jan Johnson also part of her foundation. Katy Jo began her professional training career in Michigan before later moving her business to Florida with her husband and biggest supporter, Tim.
Along the way, she has built a program known for developing and coaching both Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure horses.
The list of major stages she’s been successful on is long. She's a constant at premier events including the NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity, the AQHA World Championship Show, APHA World Championship Show, Appaloosa World Championship Show, and major circuits like the Reichert Celebration, Tom Powers Triple Challenge, Back To Berrien, The Premier, and the storied Quarter Horse Congress.
The scope of horses she has campaigned through the years is an impressive indicator of both trust from owners and sustained relevance across eras. Among the many horses she has piloted to major wins are A Certifiable Hunter, Ize For You Only, Too Good Is True, Sure Am Hot, Hot N Bothered, Country Blazing, Born Blazed, Diamonds R Hot, A Slow Burn, Beautiful Maiden, HRZ Elegant And Blue, Like A Boss, KM Bit Of The Best, The Drinkz R On Me, Guns N Rosez, Machine Gun Maggie, Frank The Tankk, and Momma Im Comin Home.
Zuidema previously achieved the NSBA Quarter Million Dollar Club milestone in 2010 – making this million-dollar achievement not a sudden leap, but the continuation of a career that has been building strong for years.
She will be formally recognized during the NSBA Honors Banquet at the 2026 NSBA World Championship Show and Breeders Championship Futurity in Tulsa, OK.
Congratulations, Katy Jo – on a truly rare milestone and on reaching the mark in a way that feels especially fitting: in the show pen, in a heartfelt moment, and on a horse owned by family.