The National Reining Breeders Classic never skimps on quality when deciding on awards, so in 2018, when Skyline Silversmith was chosen to provide custom award buckles for NRBC champions, it was a natural progression. Skyline Silversmiths has continued to produce beautiful trophy buckles every year since.
Dave Hammond, who shares ownership of Skyline Silversmiths and Vaquero Trophy & Tack with Ryan Fowler, said, “The NRBC is one of the crown jewels of the Reining Horse industry, and it is a real honor to be the official buckle maker for the million-dollar show. We are proud to be a part of it.”
The custom engraved buckles with signature tooling are given to NRBC Classic, Classic Challenge, and Yellowstone Rookie Shootout champions and reserve champions as well as the high point winners of the double slate of NRHA Classes.
NRBC Secretary Treasurer Cheryl Cody is proud that the show can offer these one-of-a-kind buckles to high-achieving competitors. She said, “The NRBC Board of Directors and Show Management have always tried to give quality awards that exhibitors are proud to earn and use. These buckles are a fitting symbol of accomplishment at the NRBC.”
To be in the running for one of the distinctive high point buckles made by Skyline Silversmiths, exhibitors must enter both slates of qualifying ancillary classes. A point system is used to combine points from the first and second slate to determine the champion.
This year those high point categories are:
Open
Intermediate Open
Limited Open
Rookie Professional
Novice Horse Open L1
Novice Horse Open L2
Novice Horse Open L3
Non Pro
Intermediate Non Pro
Limited Non Pro
Prime Time Non Pro
Novice Horse Non Pro L1
Novice Horse Non Pro L2
Novice Horse Non Pro L3
Rookie Level 1
Rookie Level 2
Rookie Prime Time
Green Reiner Level 1
Green Reiner Level 2
Unrestricted Youth
Youth 14-18
Youth 13 & Under
Short Stirrup
Youth Walk Trot
Located in Marysville, Cali., Skyline Silversmiths and Vaquero Trophy & Tack have been designing and manufacturing custom hand-crafted buckles, jewelry and silver items for over 40 years. Both Dave and Ryan have competed in the rodeo and horse show world and know what winning a trophy buckle means. Hammond said, “We are proud that our buckles will represent the hard work, skill and competitive spirit that it takes for you and your horse to be winners.”
For information on Skyline Silversmiths, visit the website at skylinevaquero.com or call Dave at (916) 801-9465.
In 2020, youth riders at the National Reining Breeders Classic were able to compete in the youth classes for free, thanks to Brad and Amanda Kelly of Adh Mor Ranch. The Kellys, under the name of their stallion PS Mega Shine Chic, known in the industry as Crush, covered all youth horse show entry expenses, including entry, video, drug, and judges’ fees. The sponsorship – Crushing the Fees – will continue at this year’s NRBC, which will be held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center April 19 – 25. The 2021 sponsorship illustrates the Kellys’ commitment to supporting youth in the reining industry. Amanda said, “We love this opportunity to showcase the youth and reward them, especially after last year when so many had to endure disappointment from dealing with COVID. Hopefully, this will help them to feel rewarded for their talent and achievements with reining horses.” NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay noted, “In every industry, it is of utmost importance to support the next generation. The Kellys, with their innovative idea to pay the fees associated with the youth classes, are ensuring that these young riders can come and compete in this great atmosphere. We believe that their sponsorship will help bring more youth to, and keep them in, the reining industry.” Cheryl Cody, NRBC Secretary-Treasurer, added, “Reining can be expensive. This partnership with Brad and Amanda – and Crush – gives the parents a financial break so that the kids can get on their horses and do what they love to do, which is go show!” One of the most successful National Reining Horse Association Markel Futurity Prospect Sale Alumni in history, PS Mega Shine Chic is an 8-year-old AQHA stallion by Shine Chic Shine out of Megas Sugar Baby. He was a 2016 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Finalist and 2017 NRBC Open Reserve Champion. In 2019, Dany Tremblay rode him to win the Level 3 Open NRBC Championship, as well as the $100,000 Open Shootout at the Run For A Million. PS Mega Shine Chic’s first foals will be debut on the futurity scene in 2021.
Believing strongly in creating a positive future for the reining industry has long been a hallmark of the leadership of the National Reining Breeders Classic. Throughout its 24-year history, the Board and staff have explored new directions, tested innovative new ideas and adjusted their course with a laser focus on improving reining year by year. Many of the fruits of their labors have become accepted as industry standards. So, it is not surprising that the NRBC leadership team is once again addressing an issue – one that invites strong opinions for and against change. NRBC President Tom McCutcheon explains, “It’s a new stage of history for reining. We are not where we were 20 or even 10 years ago. We feel that it’s time to evolve with the times for the betterment of our industry.” To that end, the NRBC has announced a new protocol for its 2021 event. “All the arenas will be closed at 7 pm each night and will reopen for riding two hours before time to prep the arena the next morning,” Tom noted, then added, “If classes run past 5 PM in a particular arena, it will be open for two hours following the end of the class.” The NRBC Board was unanimous in making this change and the decision was based on two important facets of reining. Paramount in the decision was the welfare of the horse, and the board felt that this new direction was essential to the soundness, health and longevity of reining horses. The second reason for the decision was in consideration of the experience of participating in reining events as trainers, owners and riders. McCutcheon said. “It’s really about taking an opportunity to try to change the culture of our industry – trying to find a balance between the normal 24-hour schedule that can be fatiguing for horses, trainers, assistants, owners and Non Pros. We have to remember that we are competing for the discretionary dollars of today’s horse owners and they have many options both inside and outside the equine industry. It’s really about the NRBC trying to take the opportunity to have an amazing, fun show for exhibitors and owners alike.” NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay noted, “Schooling at night has always been a part of reining. Reiners have felt since day one that they had to get on the ground. It’s time to change that old mindset to today’s needs.” The new policy has already sparked plenty of discussion. Some trainers are glad to hear of the change and others are concerned with getting their horses prepared. NRHA $6 Million Rider Andrea Fappani said, “I’m excited about limiting riding hours at the NRBC. The Derby-aged horses know their jobs and are for the most part very comfortable in a show arena. Once they test out the ground a few times, they should be good to show. I’m looking forward to being able to have a normal schedule for a change and enjoy spending some quality time with my customers.” He continued, “Derby horses don’t need to be ridden hard at the shows. If we have prepared them properly at home, getting them comfortable with the ground is the only thing we have left to do once we get to a show. This new format will be fair for all of us and it will prevent a lot of horses from getting overworked and stressed.” NRHA Professional Kole Price welcomes the chance to try something different. He said, “I’ve been to shows where you don’t get to go out once with your customers. I’m thinking that maybe knowing that the schooling time will be during certain times will also encourage people to watch and enjoy the time to interact with their friends.”He added, “It should allow riders and horses to get a good night’s sleep. So both can perform better.” NRHA Professional Brian Bell said, “There are enough other arenas to ride in so you can get your horse loped around and relaxed. The horses need to be ready to show and getting to ride in the middle of the night when you get there isn’t going to change them if they are not. With paid warmups and schooling classes and the other opportunities where arenas are open, if that doesn’t get you ready, I don’t know what would. My Non Pros just don’t want to come out and ride at three am. The way NRBC gets over early enough in the day, there are plenty of opportunities to ride. I remember the first couple years we went to South Point; they didn’t let anyone ride at night and I think the horses showed just as good.” Former NRBC Open Champion Martin Muehlstaetter said that he, too, would welcome a scenario where the showing experience was not as exhausting. He said, “There are shows that, for different reasons, do not have riding at night. I believe that does not change the outcome of the show. When it’s the same for everyone and there are plenty of places during the day to ride, it could be a good thing to try. If we are not able to ride during the day, though, because of rain or bad weather, there would need to be an adjustment.” That’s exactly what the NRBC’s Board has considered. McQuay added, “We definitely have a Plan B for days when it might rain and, in that case, would adjust the schedule accordingly.” NRHA Professional Matt Palmer was also interested in the change. He said, “For me, anything we can do to improve our industry and culture is good. It’s sure worth giving it a try, and the NRBC has proven to be a great place over the years to test different ideas.” Colleen said, “We want to thank our riders and trainers in advance for their support in taking the next step to ensure the health and welfare of our riders and horses to secure the future of our sport.” The following protocol will be in place for the 2021 NRBC, set for April 18-25 in Katy, Texas. Arenas will be closed two hours after the end of the last event of the day in that arena or at 7 pm, whichever is later. For the ensuing two hours, there will be fencing (stopping) only, and the arena will be worked every 20 minutes. After closing for the night, the arena will reopen two hours before the beginning of ground preparation for that day’s classes. Non-competition arenas will be closed at 7 pm each day and open at 7 the next morning. Adjustment to the schedule will be made in the case of inclement weather. For nearly 25 years, the National Reining Breeders Classic program and show have held a singular place in the reining industry. For information on the NRBC, visit the website at www.nrbc.com, email nrbc@nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.
National Reining Breeders Classic blue will be making room for a new hue at the 2021 show slated for April 18-25 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. During the show, some of the back numbers will be sporting a red stripe, but why?
“The NRBC Board of Directors decided to do this as a service for our exhibitors to allow them to advertise that the horse they are riding is for sale,” said NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “The red stripe can be requested at the show office for a $5 donation to Rein In Cancer and can be added to any back number.”
Like so many things, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the buying and selling of horses. Travel has been challenging for many, so this will allow prospective buyers to easily spot horses being offered for sale during the show, even as they are being shown. The red stripe will also be visible to those watching the live feed from home. The horses’ owners’ and riders’ names will be shown on the screen during the run as usual, so making a connection will be simple. If the horse is seen schooling, an interested person can drop by the show office to find out how to contact the owner just by giving the back number.
Rein in Cancer is a 501c3 Non Profit Corporation that, to-date, has raised over a million dollars to support cancer patients. The organization has no employees – only volunteers – and over 98% of donated funds have gone directly to helping cancer patients. To request assistance or for information on how to contribute, how to host a fundraiser at an event, or set up a bequest, visit the Rein In Cancer website at www.reinincancer.com.
For more information about the National Reining Breeders Classic, visit www.nrbc.com.
Known for innovation, the National Reining Breeders Classic is normally a flurry of activities with parties almost every night, a poker tournament, and so much more; however, in 2021 many of those activities won’t be possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Joao Marcos, owner of Cardinal Reining Horses understands that people still need a handy place to unwind during the horse show and that’s why he continues to sponsor the Dun It For Whizkey / Inferno Sixty Six Hospitality Patio named for the ranch’s showcase stallions.
The Dun It For Whizkey / Inferno Sixty Six Hospitality Patio will be conveniently located across from the concession stand during the show slated for April 18-25, 2021 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. It will be a comfortable refuge to enjoy food and beverages, catch up on the day’s events, or unwind after a busy morning. Social distancing and masking requirements will still be in order so everyone can enjoy the Patio safely.
Marcos recognizes the importance of safety as well as the need to unwind all too well as he said, “
With a regal heritage, Dun It For Whizkey is quickly becoming a household name in the reining horse industry. His sire, Topsail Whiz, reigned as the NRHA All Time #1 Reining Sire for twelve years. His offspring have earned over $12 million. His dam, Dun It For Chex, is a 2018 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee who became NRHA’s second Million Dollar Dam in 2019.
Inferno Sixty Six has been turning heads ever since he first walked in the show pen. Sired by NRHA Million Dollar Sire and NRHA Open Futurity Champion Gunnatrashya. His dam, Snip O Gun, is an NRH All-Time Leading Producer, Hall of Fame Inductee and Million Dollar Dam. Inferno Sixty Six showed incredible talent early, ending up as the 2015 Tulsa Reining Classic Futurity Champion and the NRHA Open L4 Futurity Reserve Champion accumulating LTE 208,000+.
Situated on 200 lush acres in Aubrey, Texas, Cardinal Reining Horses is a top reining horse operation quickly moving to the forefront of the performance horse industry. It features the largest private covered arena in the world, a first class show barn, over 200 stalls and a state-of-the-art breeding facility. Cardinal Reining Horses is breeding top-level equine athletes thanks to an outstanding collection of broodmares and stallions. For more information about the ranch and its stallions, visit http://cardinalranchtexas.com/.
Twenty-four years ago, a select group of reiners put their heads together to create one of the most groundbreaking programs in the reining world, the National Reining Breeders Classic. The show, slated for April 18-25 in 2021, is held annually at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.
Eighteen years after the inception of NRBC – in a similar fashion – a group of veterinarians began fulfilling a vision for a probiotic that would effectually improve the gut health of foals and equine athletes. The result was Glycoguard and its key to success are the two strains of bacteria exclusive to this probiotic.
These two innovative entities – the NRBC and Glycoguard – were destined to unite. “Glycoguard’s values reflect the NRBC’s in many ways, but I feel the biggest is that we are both here to support the riders and their horses,” said Glycoguard Senior Sales Representative Caitlyn Caldwell. “So, when choosing who to sponsor and work with, it was very easy to choose NRBC. It’s a great show that brings top riders and horses from across the country and some internationally. Glycoguard strives to support our riders and their equine athletes. The stress of training, hauling, showing puts a huge strain on our equine athletes’ gut and overall health and wellbeing. A healthy gut means a happy healthy horse!”
Glycoguard is a 100 percent drug-free probiotic that supports the equine athlete’s gut for optimal health from the inside out. It is all live active bacteria made in small batches able to colonize in the gut. The unique combination of B. infantis and L. plantarum is designed to improve the balance of healthy microbes and promote the production of important short-chain fatty acids necessary for gut health. For more information about Glycoguard, visit the website at Glycoguard.com or contact Caitlyn Caldwell at 610-246-2073.
Since its beginning in 1998, the National Reining Breeders Classic has been known for its huge payout, abundant prizes, and unwavering focus on rewarding reiners. So, when the NRBC Board voted on February 8 to increase the show’s added money by a whopping $50,000, the action should not have come as a surprise.
According to NRBC President Tom McCutcheon, the NRBC Board and staff are excited to make this change. He noted, “We have always been proud for the NRBC to be a leader in the reining industry and to stay ahead of trends. We were committed to increasing the added money for the Non Pro division as we know this is an important and rapidly growing part of the industry we want to continue to support!”
The addition of funds makes the NRBC Non Pro the world’s largest added money Non Pro for Derby age horses. McCutcheon added, “The NRBC L4 Non Pro already has an incredible payout and pays high in the go-round and in the finals. This $50,000 will be added to Levels 3, 2, 1 and the Prime Time Non Pro to encourage participation and reward the exhibitors in those divisions.”
The addition of $50,000 to the Non Pro added money will take place right away, at the upcoming NRBC, set for April 18-25, 2021 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas
Entry information for the 2021 NRBC can be found at NRBC.com or by calling 580-759-3939 or emailing info@nrbc.com. The first payment for the 2021 NRBC is due on February 15.
The National Reining Breeders Classic’s longest-standing sponsor, Twin Cities South renewed its sponsorship for the 24th year since the show began. The company began its tradition of providing a year’s use of their trailers for the Open and Non Pro Classic Champions only six years after their company’s inception.
The relationship began with a friendship between owner Gary Raak and NRBC Founder and current Board Member Tim McQuay. Tim said, “I’ve known Gary for at least 50 years. He was in the horse business when I was a kid, and he and my dad were very good friends. Before his business moved to Texas, we were going to Minnesota to buy trailers from him. When I asked him to provide trailers for the first NRBC, he never hesitated and still hasn’t.”
“Whatever Tim does, is usually a good thing to be involved with.” Gary added, “The trailers we offer are pretty deluxe, and they are hauled by the top names in the reining world with our name and lettering on them. Sometimes the winners will go ahead and buy the trailer after a year and sometimes people see the trailers and bring us their business. We support the reining industry, and we hope it will support us, too.”
Twin Cities South prides itself on providing the best customer service with knowledgeable sales and support staff and a huge inventory of new and used trailers to choose from. The company has an aggressive trade-in policy, easy financing options, and will deliver trailers anywhere in the lower 48. For more information, visit twincitiessouthtrailers.com, or stop by 8448 Hwy 377 in Pilot Point. Texas.
The National Reining Breeders Classic, held April 18-25, 2021 in Katy, Texas is known for having something for everyone. The NRBC Developing Horse Division was created to give horses that may have had a limited show career the chance to earn money, and in 2021, the earnings cap has been moved from less than $2K by March 31 of the year it will be shown to less than $5K.
Held annually during the Open Classic prelims, the $10K added side pot that averages about 35 entries, has no additional entry fee, and pays five places. With modern shows paying out more and more, the NRBC Board of Directors chose to extend eligibility to more horses.
NRBC Board Member Dell Hendricks said, “This modification gives horse owners a place to compete for good money with the horses they chose not to show as three-year-olds or those who might have had an injury, or a showing error. We saw a need for the opportunity for these horses to show against other horses in similar situations.”
In order to enter, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-year-old NRBC enrolled horses must also be entered in the Open Classic. More information about the show and the Development Division entry form can be found at NRBC.com.
The National Reining Breeders Classic, held April 18-25, 2021 in Katy, Texas, will be hosting Non Pro and Rookie Qualifiers for the richest event in history. The Run For A Million, held at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nev., is slated for August 17-21, 2021.
In addition to the million-dollar competition, there is a $100K Open Shoot Out, a $50K Invitational Freestyle, a $50K Non Pro Championship, as well as a Rookie Championship.
Qualifiers are being offered across the United States and Canada and the NRBC is proud to be one of them. “The Run For A Million is not your average horse show,” said NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “By televising reining through the Last Cowboy, the sport has reached new accolades in and out of the performance world. The NRBC will support that any day.”
The Rookie and Non Pro Qualifiers will run concurrently with the corresponding Ancillary classes. Those wishing to qualify to compete at The Run For A Million must enter the correlative classes, fill out the TRFAM Qualifier form found on the NRBC website, and pay the $200 fee per slate that they wish to enter. The top five placings plus ties in each slate with a paid qualifier fee will be able to compete in Las Vegas at TRFAM. The Qualifier fee was established to ensure those who want to take part in TRFAM Championships have the opportunity without being knocked out of the top five by someone who has no intentions of participating at TRFAM.
For more information about The Run For A Million, go to trfam.com. To learn about the National Reining Breeders Classic and access the TRFAM Qualifier form, visit nrbc.com.
