From Ranch Roots to World Finals: The Rise of José Antonio Sigala Peña in Cutting
This young rider from a centuries-old ranching family rose through Texas futurities, NCHA circuits, and AQHA world stages to become one of cutting’s brightest new talents. Read on for the full story.
Photo by EM Photography
For José Antonio Sigala Peña, horses have never been just a passion—they are part of his DNA. Born into a ranching family with more than two centuries of equine breeding history, José Antonio grew up surrounded by horses, cattle, and the daily rhythms of ranch life. From his earliest memories, the barn was his playground and the saddle his second home.
As a child, he explored a variety of western sports, but his life took a defining turn in December 2006 when his father introduced the family to the NCHA Futurity in Texas. Though he didn’t yet understand the nuances of cutting, the sport’s intensity and athleticism sparked a fascination. By 2008, after his father purchased a ranch in Weatherford, Texas, and began building a broodmare program, José Antonio found himself drawn deeper into the discipline.
His early years in the show pen were marked by steady progress and determination. By 2013, after finishing high school, he committed to a summer season of competition in the United States. In just six months, he entered 11 events, made the finals in all, and earned notable top-five finishes at both the Summer Spectacular and the Waco Cutting Futurity. That year, he was named Rookie of the Year, cementing his place as a rising talent.
Photo by EM Photography
Though university studies in Spain temporarily pulled him away, José Antonio’s competitive fire never dimmed. Whenever he returned to visit his family in Texas, he found opportunities to compete—earning a string of top-three finishes in 2010, 2017, and 2019 that proved his consistency even with limited preparation.
Breaking into the U.S. Cutting Elite
In late 2021, José Antonio was granted his P-1 visa, allowing him to base his career in the United States. By early 2022, he had launched a focused training program, not only refining his own skills but also developing promising cutting horses.
Photo by Seth Petit Photography
Since the start of his full professional campaign in 2024, his record has been nothing short of impressive:
- NCHA World Finals: Competing in the $5,000 Novice Non-Pro class, José Antonio attended 51 sanctioned shows, earning nearly $15,000 and finishing the season ranked #13 in the world. He was also named Reserve Champion of the Red River Circuit, one of the sport’s most competitive regions.
- AQHA World Show: Earning 5 qualification points, he secured spots in both Amateur Level 2 and Level 3—the latter reserved for the sport’s elite. He closed the season as the Top High Point Amateur and ranked #9 worldwide in his division.
- NCHA Limited Age Events (LAE): Despite splitting time with the World Finals circuit, José Antonio left his mark with podium finishes at some of the sport’s most prestigious showcases. His highlights include 4th place at the NCHA Super Stakes, 4th place at the NCHA Summer Spectacular, and Champion titles at both the Breeder Invitational and the Non-Pro Class in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He also collected 2nd and 3rd places at the West Texas Show in Amarillo.
Photo courtesy of Sigala Ranch, LLC
A Competitor with Staying Power
What sets José Antonio apart is more than talent—it’s resilience and commitment. In just his first year on the professional circuit, he demonstrated the ability to balance consistency with breakthrough wins, all while managing the demands of horse development in one of the most competitive disciplines in equestrian sport.
From the ranch life of his childhood to the bright lights of the NCHA World Finals, José Antonio Sigala Peña has proven that his path is defined by grit, heritage, and a deep connection to the horse. With momentum on his side, he is poised to continue his ascent among the elite ranks of cutting.
Photo by Emily Coffeen Photography
