In a city known for its dazzling lights, entertainment spectacles and high-stakes gaming, the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa offers a distinct draw—one rooted not in roulette wheels or celebrity residencies, but in the thundering hooves of world-class equestrian competition.

‍

Behind this unique blend of hospitality and horsemanship stand Paula and Michael Gaughan, a couple whose shared passion and vision gave rise to one of the most celebrated and premier equestrian facilities in the nation: The South Point Arena and Equestrian Center.

‍

From the beginning, the Gaughan’s set out to make the South Point more than just another Las Vegas resort. When the doors opened in 2005, they opened not only a luxury hotel and casino, but also the gates to what would become an equestrian haven. For Paula Gaughan, the project was personal. Before South Point, she had already made her mark with the Rocking K Arena, hosting elite cutting horse competitions in Southern Nevada, as well as the AQHA Silver Dollar Show and the Las Vegas National Hunter Jumper Show which continue on now at the South Point. When the opportunity came to merge her love of horses with the family business, she didn’t hesitate.

‍

“She envisioned a facility where cowboys and cowgirls from all over the world could come, compete, and stay in comfort—and she made it happen,” said Steve Stallworth, general manager of the Arena & Equestrian Center at South Point. “The South Point Arena isn’t just part of the property, it’s part of Paula’s legacy.”

‍

And what a legacy it is. The South Point Arena and Equestrian Center is unlike any other facility in the country. In fact, it was named the Facility of the Year in 2019 by the League of Agricultural and Equine Centers. With 1,200 climate-controlled horse stalls, three indoor arenas and direct access to 2,260 hotel rooms and suites as well as 11 restaurants, it’s the epitome of convenience and class for competitors and their four-legged partners. Thanks to double and triple-wide trailer entrances, the unloading process is simple and efficient. Competitors move directly into the stalls and check into the hotel where a bellman is ready to deliver their luggage to the room—a seamless blend of Western grit and Las Vegas luxury.

The arena’s event calendar reads like a who’s who of the Western sports world. It plays host to major events including the World Series of Team Roping, The Run for a Million, Indian National Finals Rodeo, Women’s National Finals Rodeo Breakaway Roping, Miss Rodeo America Finals, NRCHA Stallion Stakes and the PBR Challenger Series Finals. These top-tier competitions attract elite athletes and spectators from across the globe, firmly establishing South Point as a hub of equestrian excellence.

‍

Beyond competition, the arena also serves the broader community. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s annual K-9 Trials bring working dogs and their handlers to the venue in a thrilling showcase of skill and service. Meanwhile, the Buckles and Barrels for Bailey charity event exemplifies the Gaughan’s commitment to giving back, raising funds for children in medical need.

‍

Paula Gaughan’s influence on the industry has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her lifelong contributions to the equestrian world, she was inducted into the National Cutting Horse Hall of Fame and the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Hall of Fame.

‍

Today, as South Point continues to thrive, the Arena remains a crown jewel—not just for the Gaughan’s, but for Las Vegas itself. It’s a testament to what can happen when business savvy meets personal passion, where guests can compete on horseback and enjoy excellent hospitality in the same weekend.

‍

From a family ranch to a world-class resort, the story of Paula and Michael Gaughan—and their South Point Arena—is one of vision, dedication and an unwavering love for the Western way of life.