DT Horses
Scottsdale, Arizona
480-471-4348

DT Horses, led by Dean and Leslie Tuftin, entered 2025 with a season that reflects exactly what their program stands for. Hickory Holly Time crossed $4 million in progeny earnings, becoming the leading sire in the American Rope Horse Futurity Association, the Riata Stallion Incentive and the Gold Buckle Futurities. His foals backed that up in the arena, with Jeremy Buhler winning the ARHFA World Show on DT Hickorys Angus, the Gold Buckle Futurities 4 and Under on DT Hickorys Stinger, and the 6 and Under on SLR Swinging Hickory. Buhler also rode SLR Swinging Hickory to the Old West Futurity title for $100,000, another highlight for the mare owned by Stump Lake Ranch. These wins speak to the consistency DT Horses works toward every day.

Hickory Holly Time offspring won $1 million in trackable earnings through the AQHA’s QData system in 2025 alone—the first rope horse sire to ever cross that milestone in a single year.  

But results alone do not define the program. DT Horses is built on a clear purpose: raise and train horses the right way, invest in people who want to grow, and elevate the standard of what a rope horse program can be.

Everything starts with the horses. DT focuses on proven crosses and disciplined training that builds confidence, feel and longevity. The same care goes into the people inside the program. Dean takes pride in helping young trainers become true horsemen and horsewomen, and in guiding team ropers looking for a horse that will match their goals. The success of the program is rooted in that shared work and shared mindset. 

The 2016 PRCA World Champion Buhler fit right into DT Horses with a calm intensity and sharp instincts that mirror the program’s values. Dean also added Canadian header Stran Pollitt, completing a crew that works toward one goal: build good horses, stand behind them and let the results take care of themselves.

“We’re all on the same page,” Tuftin said. “We want to make a good horse first. If that horse fits the futurities, great. If it shines as a 4 or 5, that matters just as much. We are building horses you can enjoy, horses you can trust. Put your hand down and go have fun. That is the point.”

To thank the people who believe in the program, Tuftin continues the Hickory Holly Time Incentive at the Riata, adding $50,000 for riders who choose the stallion and invest in what DT Horses is building.

“We want to pay the owners for supporting Hickory Holly Time,” Tuftin said. “They are raising these horses with us. The least we can do is give back.”

Dean keeps DT Horses open to anyone eager to learn the process, because he believes that strong horsemanship across the industry benefits everyone.

“My mission statement is to build champion horses with solid training techniques while developing the mind of a horse positively,” Dean said. “It is not just about winning a futurity. It is about shaping great horses and helping the industry grow. Our doors are open to anyone who wants to learn.”