Sawyer McWilliams Wins 2026 NCHA Summer Spectacular Amateur Classic Challenge Title

Sawyer McWilliams continued his winning streak in the amateur division at the 2026 NCHA Summer Spectacular by securing the Classic Challenge title riding FS Fine Lil Hashtag with an impressive score of 222. This victory earned him a total of $28,482 and set a new show record for mares in Fort Worth.

A significant portion of McWilliams’ winnings came from Valley Equine’s incentive of $12,216, as FS Fine Lil Hashtag is sired by Hashtags.

Despite his success, McWilliams revealed that his biggest challenge during the run wasn’t the cattle but his own mindset.

“I was focused on staying consistent and keeping my nerves in check,” McWilliams shared. “Nervousness can disrupt your performance, and you can lose control of the cow in just a few seconds.”

Approaching the finals, McWilliams aimed to avoid chasing a specific score.

“I always try to treat it like any other run, aiming for smooth and consistent performance,” McWilliams explained. “Forcing a score never yields good results; it has to come naturally.”

A Slip-Up that Set Up a Bigger Win

FS Fine Lil Hashtag, affectionately known as “Fire,” arrived at the Summer Spectacular with a remarkable track record. At five years old, she and McWilliams clinched the Limited Amateur Classic Challenge at the Super Stakes with a score of 220, a career highlight at the time.

Their success continued as a six-year-old, with the duo winning the Intermediate Amateur Classic Challenge at the Super Stakes.

However, their momentum took a hit at the Summer Spectacular when they lost their cow in the first go-round for the intermediate division. McWilliams opted for a deliberate zero on the run, focusing on the bigger prize—the amateur title.

McWilliams reflected on this setback, stating, “The zero was a valuable lesson for me and a learning experience. This mare has taught me numerous things that I never knew.”

Built to Feel the Feet

Bred for this exact purpose, FS Fine Lil Hashtag is a 2020 red roan mare by Hashtags (Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Tag) and out of Mighty Fine Merada (Cats Merada x Mighty Fine Pepto).

McWilliams emphasized that her breeding shines through in her performance. “She’s incredibly responsive to cattle. When you ride her, she thrives on feeling the cow’s movements. You can confidently push her to a stop, knowing she will give her all,” he remarked.

Second Family in the Show Pen

McWilliams trains under Rodrigo Taboga, whom he credits for more than just riding instruction.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer,” McWilliams praised. “He goes above and beyond for me.”

Assisting McWilliams during his winning run were Shane Carlon at his left, Taboga at his right, and Sean Flynn and Lloyd Cox providing support from above.

McWilliams acknowledged the significance of having a supportive team, especially as he didn’t grow up in a cutting family but chose the sport himself.

“Having the right support system that believes in you makes all the difference. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t born into it,” McWilliams shared.

What’s Next

As Fire’s aged-event career approaches its conclusion, McWilliams is already planning for the future—an upcoming futurity prospect and Fire’s transition to a breeding role.

“We’ll retire her, breed her, and have her produce offspring,” McWilliams revealed.

Although a few weekend shows may still be on the agenda, McWilliams’s focus moving forward will primarily be on the breeding barn, as his passion lies in the limited-age event arena.

2026 NCHA Summer Spectacular Amateur Classic/Challenge Results