About Phil Rapp

Phil Rapp began his cutting career in 1983, earning a mere $319.20 that year in competition. Things quickly skyrocketed for the young cutter and by 1987 he already had more than $100,000 in earnings. Phil made the NCHA Non Pro Top 15 from 1986-1988 and his first major event championship came at the 1991 NCHA Super Stakes aboard the great mare Playboys Ruby. In 1994, he became the first rider to win both divisions at the NCHA Super Stakes, winning the Non Pro on Miss Skeeto Lena and the Open on the home bred and raised Tap O Lena. After a hugely successful Non Pro career, Phil made the transition to a professional rider and trainer. He was the 2006 NCHA Open Rider of the Year, also winning the NCHA Super Stakes Open on Dual Smart Rey that year. Phil is the #2 NCHA All Time Leading Money Earner, with over $9.4 million in earnings. When not showing, Phil enjoys his down time at Rapp Ranch with his wife Mary Ann, son Ryan, and daughter Emma. Blood runs deep at Rapp Ranch, with the ranch’s stallion Don’t Stopp Believin a result of 5 generations of horses shown by Phil. In fact, Phil has won over $1.9 million on Don’t Stopp Believin, Don’t Look Twice, Tapt Twice, Tap O Lena, and Tapeppyoka Peppy.