What began with two friends, a good horse, and a shared vision has grown into X Performance Horses, founded by JD McGuire and Hunter Koch, which now stands as one of the most talked-about programs in the roping world and a new sponsor of the Solo Select Futurity.
From One Horse to a Program
X Performance Horses began with a simple purchase. McGuire partnered with trainer and lifelong friend Hunter Koch on a young horse that would go on to prove exceptional. The success of that first prospect laid the groundwork for something much bigger.
“The second horse I ever bought actually came out of the Solo Select Sale. His name’s Rockk Star, but we call him Led Zeppelin—one of my best names ever. He’s been phenomenal, placing as a 3-year-old at the Gold Buckle Futurity and going on to be one of our best horses." — JD McGuire
From those beginnings, McGuire and Koch have built a program centered on producing high-level heel horses. What started as two partners trying to make the best horses for themselves has turned into a brand with consistent futurity success, standout jackpot performances, and rodeo credentials. Koch carried the partnership’s first horse_ Crypto_ all the way to the NFR, further cementing X Performance Horses as a name to watch.
The bond between X Performance Horses and Solo Select goes far deeper than this sponsorship. McGuire has purchased multiple horses from Solo, and he’s quick to note that every interaction with Melanie and Ty Smith has been defined by integrity and quality.
“The first horse I ever bought from Solo was actually just for my wife and daughter. I texted Melanie out of the blue, and she couldn’t have been more transparent. The horse was exactly what she said it was and that’s been true every single time since. Whether it’s horses I’ve bought or ones I’ve kept at Solo for training, the experience has always been first-class." — JD McGuire
That trust has made the decision to sponsor the Solo Select Futurity an easy one.
“With this Futurity, Solo is just starting out, but they’re already setting the standard. I couldn’t think of a better event to support and grow with. Honestly, I feel like we’ve been on the same team since the very beginning." — JD McGuire
Building for the Future
For McGuire, sponsorship is more than putting a name on an event—it’s about investing in something that can move the entire industry forward.
“Hunter and I both love this sport, and we want to see it keep building. When you see an event like this—one that’s going to pay strong, highlight the best horses, and give breeders and trainers the right kind of spotlight—you want to be part of it. I think Solo Select is laying a foundation for something that’s going to last for years to come." — JD McGuire
The Solo Select Futurity marks the next chapter for both organizations: one bringing its vision as a leader in sales, bloodlines, and events; the other stepping in as a program that’s already proving its eye for great horses and its commitment to the roping world.
Together, Solo Select and X Performance Horses are more than sponsors and hosts. They are partners in shaping the future of the sport—one young horse, one rope, and one opportunity at a time.
The Solo Select Futurity is a premier event for 4-year-old rope horses, offering big payouts, minimal restrictions, and a straightforward entry process designed to grow the rope horse industry. Owners who have purchased a 2025 Solo Select breeding can enter their horse at the regular $1,000 rate, while those without a breeding can still compete through a $5,000 buy-in per horse, per class. Pre-entries are accepted through September 21, with late entries allowed September 22–28 for an additional $500 per horse. Riders may enter up to five horses per class, and every entry directly contributes to the futurity purse, making the event bigger and more rewarding for everyone. To secure your spot and submit your entries, click here.
