MacCallum Performance Horses has concluded an exceptional 2026 NCHA Futurity campaign, highlighted by a career-defining achievement when Lynda MacCallum and Hillbilly Hippie claimed the Open Futurity Reserve Championship.
Bred and trained by MacCallum Performance Horses, Hillbilly Hippie marked an outstanding 223-point run in the Open Futurity Final, finishing just one point behind the championship-winning score. The performance secured the Reserve Championship and capped off a remarkable Futurity campaign for the home-bred mare.
To see a horse developed entirely within the MacCallum program compete at the highest level and finish within a single point of the title is a significant achievement, reflecting years of dedication to breeding, training and developing elite cutting horses.
The Futurity campaign also showcased the depth of the MacCallum Performance Horses program, with multiple finalists and placings across the Open, Non-Pro and Youth divisions.
The standout result of the event came through Lynda MacCallum and Hillbilly Hippie, whose impressive 223-point performance earned the pair the 2026 NCHA Open Futurity Reserve Championship.
Finishing just one point behind the winning score in one of Australia’s most competitive cutting horse events, Hillbilly Hippie demonstrated exceptional ability, consistency and composure under pressure.
As a horse bred and trained within the MacCallum Performance Horses program, the achievement is particularly rewarding and highlights the strength of the operation’s breeding and training program.
Success continued throughout the Open divisions.
Lynda MacCallum and Babes My Style qualified for the Open Classic Challenge Final, while Peter MacCallum and Showbiz Maverick produced a strong performance in the Open Limited Futurity.
The Non-Pro divisions delivered several highlights for the team.
Olivia MacCallum and Tuff Kitty Cat earned a place in the Non-Pro Futurity Final, while Olivia also qualified for the Non-Pro Derby Final aboard Steelin Looks.
Olivia also rode Babes My Style advancing to the Non-Pro Classic Final, demonstrating the mare’s consistency across multiple divisions and riders.
Mark Heath and Smack Talk qualified for the Non-Pro Classic Challenge Final, adding another finalist appearance to the team’s impressive campaign.
The future of the sport was also well represented, with Lilly Heath and Smack Talk securing 4th place in the Junior Youth, showcasing the partnership’s talent and dedication. Indi Best also showed well with See A Hawk
While the results in the arena were memorable, MacCallum Performance Horses was quick to acknowledge the team behind the scenes that made the campaign possible.
“When we say it takes a team, it is almost an understatement.”
The operation extended its gratitude to Peter, Sav, Liv, Jim, Chloe, Paddy and Jo, whose tireless efforts throughout the Futurity ensured every horse was cared for and prepared to the highest standard.
From feeding, watering and stable management to loping horses, turning back, transporting cattle, feed and equipment, and maintaining morale through long days and late nights, every contribution played an important role in the team’s success.
The 2026 NCHA Futurity will be remembered as one of the most successful campaigns for MacCallum Performance Horses, highlighted by an Open Futurity Reserve Championship with a home-bred horse and supported by finalist performances across multiple divisions.
MacCallum Performance Horses congratulates all owners, riders, horses and team members involved in the campaign and looks forward to building on this momentum throughout the remainder of the season.
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MacCallum Performance Horses has concluded an exceptional 2026 NCHA Futurity campaign, highlighted by a career-defining achievement when Lynda MacCallum and Hillbilly Hippie claimed the Open Futurity Reserve Championship.
