“I Didn’t Know If I’d Ride Again…” | Lee Francois Testimony

Lee Francois didn’t just build a $4 million career in the cutting pen…He nearly walked away from it all.

After years of grinding, winning, and chasing success at the highest level, burnout hit.

Then came the moment that changed everything… he was in a hospital bed, unsure if he’d ever ride again.

In this episode of The 817 Podcast, Lee shares the full, unfiltered story behind his journey, from a young kid who knew he was called to train horses… to becoming one of the most respected names in the cutting horse industry… to facing the reality of losing it all.

From early days watching legends in Augusta…

To working for top trainers and finding his edge…

From the rise of a once-in-a-lifetime horse to winning at the highest level…

To the moment that forced him to slow down, refocus, and rediscover his purpose…

This is deeper than a horse story. It’s about identity, burnout, faith, and realizing success means nothing if it costs you your life.

You’ll hear:

• The moment he knew he was called to be a horse trainer
• Why “great horses make great trainers” is more true than people realize
• The hidden cost of success in the cutting horse industry
• What happened in the hospital that changed his perspective forever
• How faith reshaped his career, family, and future
• The truth about balance, purpose, and longevity in the sport

Lee opens up about pressure, purpose, family, and the reality of chasing greatness — and what it takes to keep going when everything in you wants to quit.

If you’re in the cutting horse world, chasing a dream, battling burnout, or searching for purpose in what you do — this episode is for you.

This is the story of what happens when everything you built is put on the line… and you’re forced to decide what really matters.

#CuttingHorse #CowboyLife #FaithStory