In the Arena with Isaac Johnson

At the 2026 NRCHA Celebration of Champions, all that work and dedication came together.

Isaac secured the Limited Open Hackamore World Championship on Wyldcat (Jaguarr x So Desired), owned by Mill Iron Livestock’s Tyson and Del Bieleny, and the Reserve World Champion title on Ima Jackie Rey (Stevie Rey Von x Ima Sixy Chick Anna), owned by Bridget Smith.

Two incredible mares. One incredible program and horseman.

But championships like this are never about just one run in the pen. They are the result of months and years of preparation that most people never see.

Competing at a Highest Level

Reined cow horses operate under a level of physical and mental demand that is hard to overstate.

These horses must execute rapid speed changes with precision, stay calm under pressure, and respond to the unpredictable nature of working live cattle. They embody agility, intelligence, and an innate ability to respond instantly to their rider’s commands.

That kind of responsiveness only comes from hours of thoughtful training and a deep level of trust between horse and rider.

And that trust is something Isaac Johnson prioritizes every day in his program.

The Celebration of Champions is one of the most demanding events of the year.

Five days of competition.
Back to back.

The horses that hold up through that kind of pressure are built on a strong foundation. Not just training but intentionality in every part of their program. 

The Rockin X Difference

Behind these performances is the Rockin X program. A program built around the exceptional skills that Isaac Johnson and his wife Kit Johnson bring to the table. From horse

Both are part of the FullBucket team, but more importantly they are horsemen who put horsemanship above all else.

Their program focuses on developing horses with patience, consistency, and respect for the animal in front of them.

For Isaac, success in the show pen starts long before competition day.

"The most important thing is how the horse feels about you."
— Isaac Johnson, Rockin X

That philosophy shows up in the way his horses perform. Confident and willing. 

It is a reflection of the time and care invested in them long before the spotlight of the show pen.

Mare Power

That philosophy of horsemanship was on full display with the two mares Isaac showed at the Celebration of Champions this year.

Two very different horses. Both exceptional in their own way.

Wyldcat

Wyldcat is a running-bred mare with bloodlines tracing back to Dash Ta Fame and Rosa's Cantina CC by Corona Cartel.

She was originally headed for the barrel pen, but as she continued to show what she could do on the cow horse side, Isaac let her shine.

"When she's showing she just feels so kind. You can do whatever you want to do, and she's so willing to play."
- Isaac Johnson, NRCHA 

All that athleticism, willingness, and heart translates.

She showed five days in a row at the Celebration of Champions and got better every time she stepped into the pen. That speaks volumes to her capabilities, both physically and mentally.

Ima Jackie Rey

This mare has been a standout in the Rockin X program.

She consistently shows up and delivers, and she’s a showstopper to watch (she’s a little easy on the eyes too).

One word to describe her: classy.

Her moves, her effort.… it all looks effortless.