The Legacy of Nancy Cahill
Texas City native Nancy Cahill found her love for horses at a very early age. Nancy’s father was a dentist, and her mother was a housewife. Neither had any riding knowledge. Nancy started out with English riding lessons in the greater Houston area.
In the fourth grade, Nancy’s mom purchased her very first horse and saddle for only $150. At 16, Nancy began giving riding lessons to family and friends and began her showing career.
During her first year at Texas A&M University, Nancy brought 11 head of training horses with her. While at Texas A&M, Nancy rode and showed horses, later meeting her husband, Bubba.
In 1979, Nancy and Bubba purchased land right outside of Madisonville and began their career in the horse industry. For over 50 years, Nancy has climbed her way to the top. She has trained and shown multiple American Quarter Horse Association world and All-American Quarter Horse Congress champions.
For over 25 years, Nancy has volunteered at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Cup and is a member of the AQHA Animal Welfare Commission.
“My dream is to help other people achieve their dreams,” said Nancy Cahill.
Nancy’s children have also had success inside and outside the ring. Nancy’s daughter, Quincy Allen, was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.
Quincy lettered three years in equestrian in the Texas A&M program. She was a two-time AQHA National Champion in reining in 2000 and 2002 and was the first equestrian rider to be inducted. She still holds three Texas A&M career records.
Nancy’s son, Cannon, went to college on a golf scholarship and showed horses himself.
As a board member of the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the AQHA, Nancy knows how important it is for the youth of today to be involved in great programs.
The AQHA and TQHA have many youth programs and events to continue gaining younger generations’ involvement. The American Quarter Horse Youth Association also has great scholarship programs that can help youth who strive to turn their passion into a career.
Being a member of the Animal Welfare Commission, Nancy has had a front-row seat on many issues and topics that are extremely important to all animal owners.
“So many people take such good care of their animals, but one bad apple shines everywhere,” said Cahill.
The Animal Welfare Commission serves as AQHA’s primary body for rules, policies and procedures related to all areas of animal welfare. In addition, the commission oversees the educational processes associated with AQHA officials responsible for animal welfare.
The framework of the AWC is simple: identify negative issues affecting the welfare of the American Quarter Horse, stay current on animal welfare issues and recommend actions that will help protect the American Quarter Horse from inhumane practices.
Nancy is adamant about standing up for the equine industry and showing support for all the good in this industry.
For a lifetime of work, Nancy was named one of four Wrangler Women of Influence for recognition of her game-changing success. Her character, vision, and perseverance impacted the industry and everything around it.
Nancy was featured in The American Quarter Horse Journal and awarded at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City during the AQHA World Championship Show.
“I just want to continue to inspire people in the horse industry, whether that be rodeo, showing, or even cowboying,” said Cahill.
Today, Nancy is still riding, training, and influencing all around her. With constant support from her friends and family, Nancy hopes to continue impacting the equine industry and those around her.
