A Defining Figure in Reined Cow Horse
Todd Crawford is one of the most accomplished and respected horsemen in the history of the reined cow horse industry. Known for his versatility, horsemanship, and long-term success in both reining and reined cow horse competition, Crawford built a career spanning decades as a trainer, competitor, clinician, and industry leader. His achievements in the National Reined Cow Horse Association helped establish him as one of the sport's defining figures and one of its all-time leading riders.
Crawford developed a passion for horses at an early age and became involved in competitive riding as a youth. He attended Findlay College in Ohio — now known as the University of Findlay — and was part of the first graduating class to earn Bachelor of Science degrees from the equestrian studies program established by legendary horseman Dale Wilkinson. After graduating, Crawford returned to Findlay as an instructor before eventually establishing his own professional horse training business in California.
He later relocated to Blanchard, Oklahoma, where he and his wife Pam built Crawford Performance Horses into one of the most respected training operations in the reined cow horse industry. Their program became known for producing elite horses capable of succeeding at the highest levels of competition.
Versatility Across Two Disciplines
Crawford first gained widespread recognition through his success in both reining and reined cow horse events, a combination that showcased his exceptional versatility as a trainer and rider. During the 1990s and early 2000s, he became one of the few professionals capable of competing successfully at major events in both disciplines — sometimes showing the same horse in NRHA and NRCHA futurities.
One of the defining moments of Crawford's career came in 2006 when he won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship aboard Smart Crackin Chic. That same year, he became an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider. In 2011, he became the first rider in NRCHA history to surpass two million dollars in lifetime earnings.
Throughout his career, Crawford earned multiple AQHA World Championships in reining and working cow horse competition. He also won prestigious events including the NRCHA Stakes and the FEI World Reining Masters. His ability to train horses that excelled in reining, fence work, herd work, and steer stopping made him one of the most versatile horsemen in western performance horse competition.
Landmark Achievements
In 2025, Crawford surpassed three million dollars in NRCHA lifetime earnings, becoming only the third NRCHA professional rider to reach that milestone.
Service Beyond the Arena
Beyond his accomplishments in the show pen, Crawford became respected for his service to the NRCHA and the broader cow horse community. He has been involved in the organization's development over the years — including work on event formats and rules — and is known as a go-to coach and mentor for many of today's top open and non-pro riders. His contributions outside competition earned him widespread respect throughout the industry.
Known for his calm demeanor, thoughtful horsemanship, and ability to develop highly versatile horses, Todd Crawford remains one of the most respected names in western performance horse competition. His career reflects a rare combination of competitive success, educational leadership, and long-term influence on the growth and development of the reined cow horse industry.
Accomplishments
- NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion – 2006 (Smart Crackin Chic)
- NRCHA Million Dollar Rider – 2006
- First NRCHA rider to surpass $2 million in lifetime earnings – 2011
- Third NRCHA rider to surpass $3 million in lifetime earnings – 2025
- NRCHA Hall of Fame Inductee – 2018
- Multiple AQHA World Championships in reining and working cow horse
- NRCHA Stakes winner
- FEI World Reining Masters winner
- Service to the NRCHA and broader cow horse community
- Hickorys Holly Cee — finalist in both NRHA Futurity and NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity
