Zak 34

Powerful, versatile and proven at the highest levels of competition, Zak 34 has established himself as one of the standout sons of legendary sire Woody Be Tuff.

Bred by Center Ranch, the jet-black stallion first commanded attention as a 2-year-old when he sold for $88,500 at the 2020 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales. Originally named CR Tuff Diggin Louie, he was purchased by Missy Fischer and her family during an incredibly difficult chapter in their lives following the loss of Missy's son, Seth. The Fischers renamed the colt Zak 34 in Seth's honor. "Zak" was Seth's nickname, while 34 was the number he carried throughout his life in sports and racing.

A year later, Zak 34 gave the Fischer family a story few could have imagined.

With Justin Wright aboard, Zak captured the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship, marking a 670 composite with a 221 in the herd work, 223 in the rein work and a show-stopping 226 down the fence. The victory earned $125,000 and gave Wright his first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship.

But Zak's career was only beginning.

He went on to prove himself well beyond the futurity pen, becoming a major-event competitor in multiple stages and disciplines. His résumé includes the 2021 SRCHA Open Pre-Futurity Championship, 2022 NRCHA Western Open Derby Reserve Championship, 2023 California RCHA Spring Classic Open Derby Championship, 2025 NRCHA Western Derby Two-Rein Spectacular Open Reserve Championship and success in the heading pen, including a third-place finish at his first Gold Buckle 6-&-Under Heading Maturity.

Then, in 2026, Zak showcased perhaps the greatest testament yet to his versatility. With Chris Dawson aboard, Zak tied for the highest composite score of the World's Greatest Horseman preliminaries at 887, highlighted by a 227 in steer stopping. In the Finals, he again delivered, winning the steer stopping with a 226 and marking a 222 in the rein work on his way to an 881 composite and the 2026 NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman Reserve Championship. From futurity champion to derby horse, two-rein competitor, rope horse and World's Greatest Horseman finalist, Zak 34 has repeatedly demonstrated the size, speed, strength, cow sense and trainability required of a truly versatile Western performance horse.