Innovation and excitement go hand-in-hand at the National Reining Breeders Classic, and not just in the main event. In 2018, Paramount Network’s hit show, Yellowstone, became the sponsor of the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout, and in the ensuing years, it has become a favorite of the show. The Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout was created to give Rookie competitors the chance to compete in the big arena during prime time at the NRBC. The Yellowstone Paramount Network Yellowstone Rookie Shootout will return to the NRBC, April 18 – 25, in Katy, Texas, this year.

The top five from both slates of Rookie competition advance to the Shootout round on Friday, April 23, just prior to the Open Classic Challenge. There, the winner of the Shootout will be presented with a custom, one-of-a-kind prize. The first year’s prize was a custom mini golf cart, and a custom-designed tack trunk was the major prize for 2019.

Then things got big in 2020, with a life-sized fiberglass horse as the trophy. “We wanted to continue to present a big trophy for a big win, and that’s what we had in 2020. The horse was a huge hit, with many people stopping for a photo opportunity,” NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Cody shared. She added that details about the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout prize for 2021 will be announced soon.

In addition to the main trophy, all Shootout qualifiers receive custom Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout buckles. There is no additional fee for the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout, but exhibitors must be entered in both slates of Rookie classes, as Shootout qualification is based on the composite scores.

Non-Shootout qualifiers who competed in both slates can enter the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Consolation round on Sunday afternoon, April 25. For more information, visit www.NRBC.com.

The last classes of the 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic finished up on Sunday with Youth classes in the Mustang Arena, and the Non Pro Classic Challenge taking place in the Ford Arena of the Tulsa State Fairgrounds.

The Classic Challenge is for NRBC-enrolled horses who have aged out of the Classic, giving veteran reiners the opportunity to compete for big money later on in life.

Bailey Kolsun & Diamond Studded Guns – NRBC Non Pro Levels 3 & 4 Classic Challenge Champions

An exciting run-off decided the Non Pro Classic Challenge Championship, and in the end, it was Bailey Kolsun and Diamond Studded Guns who emerged victorious. All totaled, Kolsun and the flashy mare won $9,237. “The run-off was fun. It was the last time I was going to show him this year. He’s eight and he doesn’t owe me anything,” Kolsun said.

In their original run, Kolsun and Diamond Studded Guns marked a 219.5. “The first run I had a blast. He stopped huge in this nice arena. In the run-off, I had a little trouble guiding him out of my second lead change, but he ran and stopped better than the first run,” she shared.

Kolsun purchased Diamond Studded Guns, by Gunnatrashya out of Like To Flo, as an unshown three-year-old. “I’ve been riding with Ruben Vandorp ever since. I’ve shown this horse and made the finals everywhere, and now I’m having fun with him as an older horse,” she said. “I thank my parents and brothers back home in Canada for their unconditional support. I also thank Ruben for all his help and encouragement.”

Diamond Studded Guns will get a well-deserved break. “He’ll have a couple of months off and then we will bring him back next spring,” Kolsun said.

Tristan Bagby & Shina Gun – NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge Levels 1 & 2/Ltd. Non Pro [2]/ARC Ltd. Non Pro Champions

Although Tristan Bagby and Shina Gun didn’t win the run-off for the Level 3 and 4 of the Non Pro Classic Challenge, they still won numerous divisions. In addition to the Championship of the Classic Challenge Levels 1 & 2, they also won the second slate of the Limited Non Pro as well as the ARC Limited Non Pro. Because they also placed in the higher levels, the won more than 10 checks totaling $10,150.

Shina Gun is an eight-year-old stallion by Gunner out of Shiner Lite. “He’s a stud we raised, so we have had him his whole life. He is so special to us, and has been so good to me this year,” Bagby said. “It is my first year to show him, and I am so thankful to be able to ride him.”

Bagby and Shina Gun marked a 219.5 in their regular run. “The first run he was really good everywhere, and I was really happy with him. He was kind of tired coming into the run-off, but I couldn’t have asked anymore of him,” she said. “I thank my parents and my grandparents for letting me show him. I thank Bobby Avila and his whole crew, and my farrier who made a good call on changing his shoes for this arena.”

Paul Queen & Outta Dough – NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge Prime Time Champion & Non Pro Prime Time High Point Champion

Outta Dough has been in Paul Queen’s life for a long time, but the flashy stallion was actually a secret in the beginning. “My mom kept him a secret from me when she first bought him years ago. I found out about him when I was going through the registration book. She had him in California with Mike Berg and he did a great job with him. I’ve had some wonderful trainers who have helped me keep him going. Jared Leclair has been awesome lately,” Queen shared. “This horse will always be part of the family.

Queen and Outta Dough had a successful NRBC, winning the Non Pro Classic Challenge Prime Time division and also claiming the Prime Time High Point Championship. In Sunday’s competition alone, the pair won $4,076.

“Today went really well. He likes a big arena like this, and he just got in there and gave me a wonderful feeling. I’m going to give him some time off after this,” Queen said. “I thank my mom, Jared Leclair, Jason, Kristi and Mike Berg – a lot of people.”

Sarah Locker & Snips Shining Gun – ARC Non Pro & Int. Non Pro/Non Pro [2] & Int. Non Pro [2]/Non Pro High Point Champions

When Sarah Locker and Snips Shining Gun didn’t make the Non Pro Classic Finals, Locker was looking for redemption. “I had a really pretty 210 in the preliminaries, and we all know that doesn’t get you into the finals here,” she explained. “This mare is four, and I just started showing her at this show. I needed more time to get with her.”

Locker entered the mare in both slates of Non Pro classes. During the classes on Thursday, the pair knocked out an impressive 145. They followed that up with an even better score in Sunday’s round – a 221.5!

“She was great in the first slate, and then today she came back and fired everywhere, and was with me every step of the way. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how she did today,” Locker shared. Not only did Locker and Snips Shining Gun win the second slate of the Non Pro and Int. Non Pro, they also won the ARC division for those classes as well, earning more than $3,500.

“This is a big, big-strided mare, so I felt confident running her harder in this bigger pen. I’m looking forward to showing her more this year after she gets some rest,” she said. “I give a huge thank you to Casey Deary. After he was done taking his awards photos last night, he was ready to coach me, and he stayed today to help me. I thank him and his whole team. I also thank my mom who raised this great mare and has given me the opportunity, and my husband who is here to drive me home after a long two weeks of horse showing. I also thank my sister who has been here all week supporting me.”

Raeanna Thayne & Coded N Karma – NRBC Youth 14 – 18 Classic Challenge Champions

Raeanna Thayne and Coded N Karma had a busy day, competing in both the Ford and Mustang Arenas. The duo pulled off a win in the Youth 14-18 Classic Challenge. “He was really good. I just took him in and loped around, and he was really good and solid,” Thayne shared.

She was using the Youth classes as a warmup for the Non Pro classes. “I just wanted to have a pretty run and see where I was because I was also showing in the non pro right after that,” she said.

In addition to showing at reining events, Thayne and Coded N Karma have started a new venture. “I’ve been showing him in the reined cow horse a little this year. It’s fun, and he really likes it. It’s something fun for him to do,” she said. “I thank my parents and Dell Hendricks and Logan Cotten, as well as everyone else who has helped me this year.”

Carlee McCutcheon & The Wizster – Youth 14 – 18 High Point Champions

Carlee McCutcheon and The Wizster made two impressive runs in the Youth 14 – 18 classes held at the NRBC to win the High Point Championship. They won the first slate of the competition and finished second in the second slate.

“Yesterday my horse was a little more ready for me. He wasn’t as bright as he was in here in the air-conditioning,” McCutcheon shared. “Still, I was really happy with him both days. He has taught me a lot and I am so excited to show him.”

McCutcheon has only been riding The Wizster, who she leases from Turnabout Farm, for a few weeks. “He’s older, so he has done this a lot more than I have,” she said. “I thank my mom and dad, my grandparents Tim and Colleen McQuay, and Debbie Brown. I also give a huge thank you to Sarah Willeman for leasing us her horse. He is teaching me so much and I am very grateful to her.”

Rita Clausen & Kansas City Whiz – NRBC Youth 13 & Under Classic Challenge Champions

With a score of 143, Rita Clausen and Kansas City Whiz took home top honors in the NRBC Youth 13 & Under Classic Challenge. “It was a good run today. He turned really well and circled great. He was right there with me and listening very well,” Clausen shared. “He was a bit lazy, but it’s the end of the horse show. The run was good.”

Clausen has been riding 13-year-old Kansas City Whiz for four years, showing him in youth and green reiner classes. She trains with Patrick Flaherty. “Patrick told me to get him turned good and circle him easy,” she said. “I like riding with Patrick because he pushes me to be better. I thank him and my parents.”

Madison Rafacz & Whizzenboonsmal – ARC Youth 13 & Under Champions

Madison Rafacz and Whizzenboonsmal are always a team to watch, and on the last day of competition, as the very last draw in the class, the pair marked a 145 to win the ARC Youth as well as the second slate of the ancillary 13 & Under.

Rafacz had been going back and forth between the Ford and Mustang Arenas to compete in both the Youth and Non Pro classes. “I wasn’t feeling too much pressure as the last draw because I had to be moved. I just came in and was thinking I just needed to show the horse I have under me,” she said.

Rafacz has been showing Whizzenboonsmal about three years. “He’s pretty trustworthy,” she said. “I love his personality. He is always in your pockets. I ride him almost every day.”

Next up? “We will go to Memphis. I thank my parents for always helping me and doing so much for me. I thank them and everyone who is home cheering for me, and all my friends,” she said.

Faith Horner & Lil Red Dreamer – USA Reining 13 & Under Champions

Faith Horner and Lil Red Dreamer not only won the USA Reining 13 & Under Championship, they also finished second in the ARC and the second ancillary slate of the class.

The new 2020 South Central Delegate for the NRHyA has only shown Lil Red Dreamer twice. “He was my mom’s horse before me, and he’s super special. I just wanted to go in and do our best, and it was pretty good,” she said.

Horner rides with Casey Hinton, who gave her some simple, yet sage, advice. “He helped me warm up and told me to go in and do my best,” she said.

 Horner and the horse she calls Scooter will likely show next at the SWRHA Futurity in Ardmore before traveling to Oklahoma City for the NRHA Futurity. “I thank Casey Hinton and my mom. They have been so helpful throughout my journey here. Thank you also to my grandma who couldn’t be here due to COVID. She is one of my biggest supporters,” Horner said.

Chase McInteer & I Am Magnificent – Youth 13 & Under High Point Champions

Chase McInteer put together two solid runs in the Youth 13 & Under classes to win the High Point Championship. McInteer, a newly elected 2021 South Central Delegate for the NRHyA, rode I Am Magnificent to win the title.

“She’s seven years old and is amazing. I just started showing her this year, so I’m pretty excited,” he said. “We bought her from Bobby Avila, and he is my trainer.” In comparing the two runs, McInteer noted that the first was a trial run. “We haven’t shown a lot, but I was happy with my score. Today I really went for it, and it paid off well,” he said. “I thank Bobby Avila and my parents for supporting me in doing this, as well as my brother and everyone else who has helped me get here.”

Colt Mitchell & Playgun Chic Olena – ARC Short Stirrup and Short Stirrup High Point Champions

Over the past several years, Colt Mitchell has accumulated Short Stirrup wins at numerous major events. On Sunday, he added even more titles to that list when he won the ARC Short Stirrup, the second slate of the ancillary Short Stirrup, and the Short Stirrup High Point buckle.

Mitchell competed with his longtime partner, Playgun Chic Olena, to win Sunday’s classes. “This was the best run I have had on him in a long time. He spun, stopped, and circled great. I could not have asked for him to work any better today,” Mitchell said.

Playgun Chic Olena, by Smart Chic Olena out of Mamas Packin, is owned by Colt’s sister Molly. “He’s 15 years old and is just the greatest horse ever. We have had him for forever, and he’s actually the second reining horse we ever bought,” Mitchell said. “My mom is going to start showing him since we sold the horse she was riding.”

Colt added, “I thank the Good Lord for keeping me safe and giving me such a good horse to ride. I also thank my family for always being there to support me.”

Casey Deary’s career sky-rocketed when he won the National Reining Horse Association Futurity on Americasnextgunmodel. Deary and the incredible mare accumulated nearly $300,000 in earnings, so it was a poignant moment for the Weatherford, Texas, trainer when he rode one of her colts, Americasnexttopgun, owned by Jody Puno of Puno Performance Horses, to win the National Reining Breeders Classic Open Championship on Saturday evening.

The crowd was with Deary and Americasnexttopgun, by Walla Walla Whiz, from the first flawlessly executed stop. When the score was announced – a 226.5 – the crowd erupted. “I knew I had enough horse to win it, so I showed him for what I knew he could do and made sure to not overdo it,” Deary shared. “I loved his mother. She’s the one who changed my career. This horse is amazing and is maybe the most athletic thing I have ever ridden. There is not a weak spot on him, so I’m grateful to finally put it all together.”

While elated about the win, and accompanying check of $75,000, Deary admitted he was exhausted as well. Understandable, of course, because he was riding three horses in the finals, and his friend, Jordan Larson, had catch rode another of his horses. With Americasnexttopgun’s full sibling, Americas Supermodel, Deary tied for the Reserve Championship. His third entry, Gunnabeabrightstar, finished twelfth, while Larson and Lonely At The Top tied for eighth.

“It was a very busy evening,” Deary said. “I have an exceptional group of people I work with, from my vets and my farrier. My wife is incredibly supportive. My owners are amazing. I thank Jordan for riding my other horse. I don’t think there is anyone better in the business than him to step on one and immediately figure out how to ride it.”

Deary added that the Ford Arena and the entire Tulsa facility is a great place to show a horse. “I love that pen. I love to have a horse that can really run, and I like the opportunity to show it off. Tulsa is amazing, the ground is great. The guys who take care of the ground take such good care of us,” he said. “I also can’t say enough good things about Cheryl Cody and her team. To even dream of putting on that many big horse shows together would give anyone a headache, and they have far exceeded our expectations.”

Deary and Americas Supermodel, owned by Whitmarsh Arcese Partnership, marked a 224.5 to tie for Reserve, worth $41,000. Also tying for reserve were Jason Vanlandingham and A Vintage Smoke, who are former NRBC Champions and coming off of a big win at the NRHA Derby. A Vintage Smoke, by A Sparkling Vintage out of Lady Smoke Peppy, is owned by Diane Mesmer.

Ruben Vandorp Wins NRBC Open Level 3 Championship with Spooks Gotta Crush

Competing as the last rider in a finals as tough as the NRBC Open can be rather nerve-wracking. That’s why Ruben Vandorp only watched one other run. “I tried not to follow any of the class. I knew what was winning it, but I didn’t know how deep it was. I watched the very first horse go, and that’s the only one I watched all night,” he shared.

It must have been the right strategy, as Vandorp and his horse Spooks Gotta Crush gave it their all. The result? A score of 224 which secured the Level 3 Championship and tied for fourth in the Level 4. All totaled, the night’s earnings came to $46,321.

“I was tickled pink with my horse,” Vandorp said. “I cannot really believe this just happened. You always hope it does, but a buddy of mine explained it to me once. He said the reason winning is so much fun is because it is so damn hard to do, so when it works it is absolutely amazing.”

Vandorp purchased Spooks Gotta Crush, by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Megas Sugar Baby, from Trey Poole as a two-year-old. “I made the Futurity finals on him and won Tulsa on him. He’s just been a blast. Last year I had some health issues and Jason Vanlandingham was kind enough to show him for me and they made the Open Derby finals and were second in the Shootout at the Run for a Million reining,” Vandorp said. “He’s just been a great horse and is part of the family. We love him.”

Inundated with texts of encouragement prior to his run, Vandorp credited his friends. “I can’t narrow down my thanks to just a few people. It takes a village with me. I got so many texts from people encouraging me and saying they were praying for me and lifting me up. I had zero worries or reservations when I went into the pen,” he said.

Dalton Vanlandingham Wins NRBC Open Levels 1 & 2 on Ruff Little Whiz

Reining fans likely remember watching Not Ruf At All and Jason Vanlandingham compete at the major events, always donning a signature red shirt and saddle pad. During the first section of the NRBC Open Finals on Saturday, another Vanlandingham entered the pen wearing the same color scheme.

Dalton Vanlandingham piloted Ruff Little Whiz, a colt by the memorable stallion and owned by his father, to a score of 220.5 to win the Championship of Levels 1 and 2. “It’s actually the same shirt and pad,” the 21-year-old shared. The ensemble apparently retained some of the good luck, as Dalton and Ruff Little Whiz earned checks totaling $11,402.

“When I ran in there, I could tell he was locked in from the time I ran into the gate. He’s a little trickier horse to get locked in, but he definitely showed up for the finals,” Vanlandingham shared. “He was super in the preliminary round. I had a little late lead change, and that kept us from making the Level 4 finals, but it is what it is.”

Dalton has ridden Ruff Little Whiz off and on since the colt was two years old. “I started him as a two-year-old, and he was a little, tiny thing. We actually nicknamed him ‘Little Man.’ Ever since the beginning he has been a nice, fun horse to ride. Dad thought he was a superstar going into his three-year-old year, but he got hurt so he sat out from the NRHA Futurity and Derby,” Dalton shared. “So this is his first major event.”

The two Vanlandinghams work well together. “We have some similarities, but also some differences. I like to go ahead and pitch it to them, and he likes to make sure everything is perfect. When I can get on one after him, though, it’s easy to pitch it away and let them do their thing,” Dalton said with a smile. “I thank my mom and dad for sure. They have always been right behind me no matter what I did. They have been there every step of the way.”

Ann Salmon-Anderman and Ruf Lil Joe Take Open Prime Time Championship

Ann Salmon-Anderman and her homegrown mare Ruf Lil Joe took home the Open Prime Time Championship of this year’s NRBC. Anderson and the mare, by Lil Joe Cash out of Dunit A Lil Ruf, marked a 221.5 (includes handicap) in the finals to take the title. They also finished tied for fourth in the Level 2, bringing total earnings for the night to $5,061.

Anderman’s blue hen mare Dunit A Lil Ruf has produced earners of more than $406,000, included such standouts as Patriot and Ruf Lil Magnum. Surprisingly though, almost all of her offspring have been colts, so when Ruf Lil Joe was born, Ann and her husband Monte decided to keep her. “We had seven babies, and this was the only filly. I felt it would be terrible if we ever lost Dunit A Lil Ruf and not had one of her babies to continue the line,” she said. “This mare has already had two foals, and I love them.”

Anderman shared that Ruf Lil Joe’s career got off to a slower start; the filly was a bit immature. “She was really nervous and feely, so we decided if she made the Futurity it would be fine, and if not, that would be fine, too. Shortly before the Futurity she started coming around, and now she has really matured into such a fun horse,” Anderman said.

As for their finals run, Anderman had only one goal. “I wanted to do better than I did in the go-rounds, and I wanted to go harder, and she did. I was really happy,” she said. “I thank my husband Monte and my vet Dr. John McCarroll. I also have the greatest crew in the world to ride with daily, and that is Ruben Vandorp and his crew, and Brian Bell and his crew. We’re like a big family. I watch them and strive to be as good as them every day. They are wonderful inspirations to ride with.”

Looking ahead, Ruf Lil Joe will get a well-deserved break. “I think we might pull her shoes and let her have the rest of the year off,” Anderman said. “Then we will go to the derbies as a seven-year-old. I’d love to get her lifetime earnings up a little more, and it’s nice to have one more year to do that.”

Marie Kleiner and This Gun Works Win NRBC Development Division

The Development Division at the NRBC adds another opportunity to win money for those horses who might not have as much show expensive. With $10,000 in added money, the division pays well, and for no additional entry fee.

The Development Division is decided in the preliminary round, and Marie Kleiner and This Gun Works taking first in the division with a 217.5. The win was worth $6,101. “He is a four-year-old, and this was his first major event,” Kleiner said of the colt, by Gunners Tinseltown out of Reminic At Work. “I have been riding him with Craig Schmersal for the last four months. I didn’t really know what to expect going in, but he was super hooked and he turned real nice. We did have an under turn the first direction which was totally my fault, but after that he was really nice.” Kleiner noted that she has been pleased with the colt’s progress.

“We have just been working on making sure the maneuvers are coming along and that everything is coming together. Craig has been watching me constantly and helping and coaching me to where we had him ready for this,” she said. “I thank his owner, Jennifer Greenleaf, for letting me ride and show this horse. I also thank Craig and Ginger and the whole team at Schmersal Reining Horses. They have been super supportive. I also thank everyone else that has been helping me and encouraging me and trying to get me ready for this.”

The Affiliate Regional Championships and ancillary classes continued Saturday at the National Reining Breeders Classic, with several more champions being crowned. The penultimate moment of the day came during the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Finals, which featured the top five rookie riders from the first two rounds of the Shootout competition. All five riders competed in the Ford Truck Arena just prior to the Open Classic Finals.

Madaline Callaway Wins Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Finals

For the past two years, award-winning television drama Yellowstone has sponsored the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout at the NRBC. The Shootout Finals are held just prior to the Open Classic Finals in the main arena, allowing the rookies the opportunity to show in the big pen.

The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout is also known for the incredible and unique prizes for the Champion, and this year was no different. A life-sized horse, emblazoned with Yellowstone signage, might be one of the largest trophies ever. “I think it’s pretty cool. I’m not sure how I’m going to get it home, but we will figure it out,” said Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Champion Madaline Callaway.

Callaway won the Shootout after marking a 214.5 on Electric Coded Trash, an Electric Code gelding out of Got Trashed. Electric Coded Trash is owned by Madeline’s mother Nicol Callaway. “This horse has been super good all week. All my runs were pretty consistent, and he just kept getting better every time,” she said. “I have to stay calm because he can be a pretty nervous horse. I just figured I’d ride whatever horse he was tonight. He felt good, so I just let him do his thing.”

Callaway, a junior studying communications at Baylor University, rides with Jared Leclair. “He just told me to go in there and keep riding and doing what I did in my past runs,” she said. “I have never shown here before, so it was really cool to be in the big pen. I liked it a lot.”

Callaway gave a special thank you, noting, “I thank my mom mostly. She has supported me through everything and has helped me with all the horses.”

Jessicah Keller & Girls Lovin Time – Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 1 & 2 [2] Co-Champions & Level 3 Champions

With a score of 145.5., Jessicah Keller and Girls Lovin Time tied for the win of the Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2, and took sole position of first place in the Level 3.

It was a big day for Keller and the mare, a six-year-old mare by Shine Big Time out of Girls Love Chex. “She has been a project, but I absolutely love her. She is the easiest horse to be around, and she is so fun and easy to show. This is the highest she has ever marked, and I’m just tickled to death,” Keller shared.

The difference? Just a few tweaks and changes. “We had Dr. Bill work on her because she was just a little uncomfortable. Then, I switched her from split reins to romals because my mom told me to,” Keller explained.

Girls Lovin Time was born and raised on Hilldale Farm, so it’s no surprise she was welcomed back. “We got her back in around June or July of last year, but we didn’t show her until this January,” she explained. “My plan is to just keep showing her, although I don’t know where. COVID has messed with the schedule.”

Keller had several people to thank. “I thank Jim Johnson. He made it possible for us to have this mare back after we raised her. I thank my mom for supporting me and letting me show her. I thank my boyfriend Will for watching my son and helping me get ready today, and my brother for riding this mare last week while she was home and I was here,” she said. “It’s a team effort.”

Kathryn Miller & I Got Your Remedy – Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 1 & 2 [2] Co-Champions

When Kathryn Miller didn’t make the Non Pro Classic Finals on I Got Your Remedy, she decided to enter the Novice Horse Non Pro classes. The decision paid off, as she and her horse marked a 144.5 to tie for the win of the second slate of both Levels 1 & 2.

“We didn’t make the finals because of an overspin, and I was pretty upset. I decided to show in this, and he did good today,” Miller said. Miller has owned the seven-year-old gelding, by Very Smart Remedy, since the colt was two. “Brent Wright trained him and showed him in the open and won some money there, and I just started showing him last year,” she said.

She gave credit to both Brent and Todd Wright, noting, “Sometimes we can’t get with Brent, so we will ride with Todd. They both help me so much.” Next stop will be Topeka, Kansas, next weekend. “It wasn’t supposed to work like that, but with all the rescheduling, that’s how it happened,” she said. “Thank you to Todd and Brent. They have helped me so much. TJ my boyfriend – we ride every night and he helps when we’re not at the trainer. There are so many people along the way that I want to thank; I couldn’t name them all.”

Kristin Avila & KR Ima Chic – ARC Nov. Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champions/Level 2 Co-Champions

Kristin Avila & Gunners Specialdream – ARC Nov. Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champions

Kristin Avila showed two different horses to top both levels of the ARC Nov. Horse Non Pro, winning the Level 1 and tying for the win of the Level 2 on KR Ima Chic, and tying for the Level 2 with Gunners Specialdream. Both horses have had a busy weekend. Earlier in the day, Kristin’s husband Bobby Avila Jr. showed KR Ima Chic in the first section of the Open Finals. Kristin had shown Gunners Specialdream in the NRBC Non Pro Finals for Levels 2-4 on Friday.

“My goal for both horses was just to get a qualified ride for the ARC,” Avila said. “I just wanted to bring them back and lope them through the pattern, so I was surprised and happy with the results.”

Avila had actually been riding KR Ima Chic exclusively since Bobby had broken his leg last year. “About a month before the NRBC he took her over to show her here,” Kristin said.

“Gunners Specialdream is one that Bobby was going to show at NRBC when it was originally scheduled, but we did some horse swapping, so both horses are familiar to me.” Avila added, “I thank my husband Bobby Avila Jr, my mom who is watching my son at home, and everyone on our team who makes it possible to have a smooth show.”

Carlee McCutcheon Wins USA Reining Youth 14 – 18 and Youth 14-18 [1] on The Wizster Riding veteran reining horse The Wizster, Carlee McCutcheon earned a personal best the reining pen, marking a 148 to win the Championship of the Youth 14-18 for the USA Reining and ancillary classes at NRBC.

“That’s the highest I’ve ever marked, so I’m really happy today,” McCutcheon shared. The Wizster is a 10-year-old gelding by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Miss Whizard Jac. Over his career he has earned more than $200,000, including an NRBC Reserve Championship with Carlee’s father Tom McCutcheon at the reins.

“I’ve only been riding him a couple of weeks. We will see if he wants to keep doing this. He hasn’t really shown since the WEG trials, so this was good for both of us,” she said. McCutcheon will show again in Sunday’s youth classes. “I thank my mom and dad, my grandparents Tim and Colleen McQuay, and Debbie Brown,” she said.

Becca Schaffhauser & Dun Got My Rest – Youth 13 & Under [1] and USA Reining 13 & Under Champions

Becca Schaffhauser was only planning to use Saturday’s 13 & Under class as a schooling opportunity to prepare for the ARC 13 & Under on Sunday, but she and her horse Gun Got My Rest walked away with the win. “The run went good. I wasn’t actually trying to win because I was just wanting to get ready for tomorrow,” she shared.

The Schaffhausers purchased Dun Got My Rest, by Hollywood Dun It and out of Got My Rest, from Turnabout Farm at last year’s NRBC. “He has been really good and he’s super sweet. I love him a lot,” she said, adding that she rides the horse every day. “When we get back to the stall, he will be getting some treats.”

 After the NRBC, the next show will be the Buckeye reining in Germantown, Tennessee. “It’s only 10 minutes from our house,” Schaffhauser said. “I thank my parents and everyone who helped me get ready.”

Logan Flaherty Wins Short Stirrup [1] on SS Spyderman

At the NRHA Derby earlier this year, Logan Flaherty and SS Spyderman won several classes. He shared that he and the 12-year-old gelding, by Topsail Whiz and out of Chics Velvet Lady, have gotten together even more. He proved it when he won the first slate of the Youth Short Stirrup with a score of 143.5!

“We got him about eight months ago. We call him Spyderman,” Logan shared.

His father, Patrick, added, “We lease him from Jenny Ricotta, and he’s kind of our family horse. Logan’s younger sister Layla showed him in the Walk/Trot last night and won second, so he’s a well-rounded youth horse.”

Logan, who swims and plays football in addition to riding horses, plans to show SS Spyderman again in Sunday’s youth classes. “I thank my dad and mom, and Jenny Ricotta for leasing him to me,” he said.

The competition in the Affiliate Regional Championship and ancillary classes continued at the National Reining Breeders Classic, with several more winners being crowned on Friday. The crown jewel of the day was the NRBC Open Classic Challenge, which ran concurrently with the $25k Open.

Andrea Fappani Sweeps Open and Open Classic Challenge with Modern Gun and Platinum Vintage

Friday night’s Open Classic Challenge and $25k Open featured 17 exemplary horses and riders that had the crowd at the edge of its seat from the beginning. Whoops and hollers emanated from the Ford Truck Arena, with some of the loudest being for Andrea Fappani. Fappani made the most of it, winning the $25k Open on Modern Gun, and taking second in the Open and winning the Open Classic Challenge with Platinum Vintage.

Modern Gun, a former NRBC Open Champion who had lifetime earnings exceeding $213,000 prior to the event, earned $7,166, while Platinum Vintage, with more than $308,000 in lifetime earnings, took home $15,438.

“I feel great. I can’t be asking for much more than what we had tonight. These are two amazing horses,” Fappani said. Platinum Vintage, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, is by A Sparkling Vintage out of Starjac Miss. “Platinum Vintage has been on the top of my list of all-time favorite horses for a long time. Todd Bergen showed him early on, and I’ve loved this horse since I’ve had him,” Fappani said. “The plan this year was to go for the Run for a Million. We finished third last year and that did not settle very well with me. It was one little rider mistake that cost me, so we were so excited to go back. When that went away, we were disappointed, but we decided to bring him to the Open here at NRBC because it’s always one of our favorites.”

Platinum Vintage proved he was a crowd favorite, as there were cheers the entire run. “I loved the fact that the crowd supported him so much. We did some amazing circles. They were probably the best circles I’ve had in a long time,” Fappani shared.

The only bobble on the run came during a rollback, which was reviewed. “They thought it might have been a break of gate, but it wasn’t. It cost us a little there, but other than that he was amazing,” Fappani said. “He will probably be done for the year, but I don’t know. I may want to come back one more time. He’s pretty cool.”

Modern Gun, by Gunners Special Nite out of Taris Modern Design, is owned by MS Stables. For Fappani, the $25k Open was a chance to show for good money one more time. “We had a bobble in the go-round, so we missed the finals. We did the same thing at the Derby, so I just wanted to make it up. I know this is not as big as winning the NRBC Classic, but I wanted another run under our belt. He stepped up, even with having a run in the preliminaries yesterday,” Fappani shared. “It gave me the answer that I had him ready, it was just that bobble that kept him out.”

Fappani noted that he loves to hear the crowd while showing. “It’s a lonely place in the arena, and when the crowd is not behind you, it’s even more so. When you have the crowd, it pushes you to do more. I love the pressure of that. If you make a mistake, they let you know,” he said. “I thank my whole team. I also thank the owners, who are the backbone of our job. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. The owners of these two horses have been especially great. They have always trusted me and my program, and that means so much to me.”

Tara Podkrajsek & Shake Em Down – ARC Nov. Horse Open Levels 1 & 2 Champion

When Tara Podkrajsek got the opportunity to show Shake Em Down, she took full advantage. She and the mare won the ARC and ancillary sections of the Novice Horse Open for Levels 1 and 2 with an impressive score of 147.

“I walked in and this mare felt like she was with me. She was very honest on the circles, and I knew I could push her. She stayed with me. The turns could have been a little bit better, but she stopped great and everything was super nice. I was so happy with her,” she shared.

Podkrajsek typically prepares Shake Em Down, a six-year-old mare by Wimpyneedsacocktail, for owner Addie McNeel. A few bobbles kept McNeel and the mare out of the Non Pro Classic finals, so Podkrajsek got to compete with her. “I thank Addie and her husband Bert for letting me show her,” she said. “I actually showed her in Waco before this, and we marked a 70. I felt like I could trust her and push her a little more the next time I showed her.”

Podkrajsek is likely done showing Shake Em Down. “I think we’re done showing here, and Addie will show her some more and take her home to Utah,” she said. “I thank my boss Mathieu Buton for his coaching and guidance. I thank the whole Buton team. They’re such great supporters and the best cheerleaders. I also thank all my friends and fellow trainers, as well as my family. I thank my family, and everyone behind the scenes.”

Jared LeClair & Lime A Rita – Nov. Horse Open L3 Champions

An exciting run-off decided the championship of the Novice Horse Open Level 3, and in the end it was Jared Leclair and Lime A Rita who came out on top. For Leclair, there was no question about running it off. “We’re in the running for a world title, so we need every dollar we can get,” he shared. “Her runs today were good. It’s a really nice pen, and this mare showed really well for me both times. She’s very consistent.”

Lime A Rita is owned by Susan Meyer. “I’ve shown this mare all year and she’s been really good for me. She’s a great show horse and tries really hard. She goes and gives it her all every time,” he said.

Leclair and Meyers are excited about Lime A Rita’s future, especially as a producer. “We have three foals on the ground and more coming next year,” Jared said. Leclair is finished showing, although he has several non pro riders showing over the weekend, and his assistant trainer competing in the Open finals.

“I have a great team behind me, and I couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

Congratulations to the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Qualifiers

The large field of contenders for the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout has been narrowed down to the top five. The riders with the top five composite scores earned a spot in the Shootout, which will run Saturday night at 5 pm, prior to the Open Level 4 Finals. We wish the following qualifiers the best of luck. Dana Wetherell & Lil Ruf Cash Debbie Conway & Chex Out My Dough Ari Mischo & ARC Electrical Storm Payton Neiberger & Xtra Dun Step Madaline Callaway & Electric Coded Trash Giorgia Medow & Xtra Voodoo Gun.

ARC Rookie Levels 1 & 2 Champion Giorgia Medow and Xtra Voodoo Gun put together a solid run to win the ARC and ancillary Rookie Levels 1 and 2, but the win was bittersweet. “We actually just sold him here. The Pritchett family will be showing him now. I wish them good luck,” she said.

She noted that Xtra Voodoo Gun is the kind of horse everyone wants to be around. “He really is just the sweetest horse. Every single day he comes out and I can trust him to do his job. Today he was perfect everywhere, and he really came through. He is always so dependable, and I have loved being able to show him,” she said.

Medow rides with Kole Price, and shared that the advice he gave her before the run was simply, “Ride him like it’s your last time.”

A college freshman at TCU, Medow is currently a bio major and aspires to be a pediatric dentist. “Horses will always be part of my life. It’s something our whole family does,” she said. “I thank my family, and of course Kole Price and the whole Price Performance Horses crew. I also thank my brother Jack who has done so much helping me prepare this horse and coaching me the whole way.”

Payton Neiberger & Xtra Dun Step – Rookie Levels 1 & 2 High Point Champion

Earlier this week, Payton Neiberger and Xtra Dun Step won the first slate of Rookie Levels 1 and 2, and topped the first round of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout. On Friday, the won the second round of the Shootout, and tied for second in Rookie Levels 1 & 2, easily claiming the high point buckles for both levels.

“My first run I had a penalty, but my run today was pretty clean. It was really good,” she said. “I’ll show again tomorrow in the Shootout round. After this I will probably show at the World Show.” Neiberger rides with Casey Deary and Josh Tishman. “I thank my trainers and the whole Deary barn, as well as my parents,” she said.

Lisa Neiberger & All About Business – ARC Prime Time Rookie Co-Champion

It was a big day for the Neiberger family. In addition to Payton’s high point championship and qualification for the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout, mom Lisa tied for the win of the ARC and ancillary Prime Time Rookie.

“It was definitely a good day,” Lisa shared. Lisa rode All About Business, a five-year-old mare by Smart And Shiney out of Anne Get Your Gunner. “I ride with Casey Deary and Josh Tishman, and they told me to be brave today,” she said. “I thank Casey and Josh, and for sure my husband who has been such a huge supporter of mine.”

Neiberger is looking forward to showing at the AQHA World Show, as well as the NAAC Finals in Oklahoma City.

Karen Lawrence & Steppin Up Haidas – ARC Prime Time Rookie Co-Champion

Karen Lawrence purchased Steppin Up Haidas about 18 months ago, and in that time the two have been forging a new partnership. “Thankfully, Sebastian and Melanie Petroll have been helping us become a team and today is our team high,” she said following her co-championship in the ARC and ancillary Prime Time Rookie classes. “I’m extremely excited. Today was a lot of fun.”

Steppin Up Haidas is a nine-year-old mare by Wimpys Little Step out of Haidas Cowgirl. “She came from California, and she had some history, and I had my own ways and stuff, but now she’s a really good one,” Lawrence said. “Today she walked in the pen really good and was nice and quiet. She just showed really easy and was a lot of fun.” Lawrence is looking forward to competing at the SWRHA Futurity in October. “I thank Sebastian and Melanie, and I have an amazing group of friends and family who are very supportive.”

Indy Roper is still glowing from her big win just months ago in Oklahoma City when she won the National Reining Horse Association Derby Non Pro Level 4 Championship on her horse Spooks Show Time. The pair are on a role because on Friday afternoon, they added another line to their resume with the NRBC Non Pro Level 4 title. “I’m over the moon,” she said following the awards ceremony.

Roper and Spooks Show Time marked a 221.5 in the finals but had drawn up early and had to wait through many more runs. “I just got out of everyone’s way and went back to the trailer and just took a breath. There were so many nice horses in the finals, there was no way to know what could happen,” she said.

The score held, and Roper received several great prizes, including a year’s use of a two-horse trailer from Twin Cities South, a saddle from Kyle Tack, and numerous other awards. She also was presented with a check for $30,000. Roper was quick to give credit to her trainer Marco Ricotta. “I’m so appreciative of him. He worked very, very hard, and had my horse so prepared,” she said.

For Ricotta, watching Roper show was even more nerve-wracking than competing himself. “I get really nervous. My hands start sweating because it’s a lot of pressure on me, too,” he shared. “I was very proud. Indy is a dream Non Pro rider. She’s super talented and has a lot of feel and is very determined when she is going into the show pen.”

 Spooks Show Time is a seven-year-old by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Dolittle Lena. “This was definitely a bonus year for us,” Roper said, referring to the recent rule change that allows seven-year-olds to show in Derby competition. “He had some injuries last year and we gave him the time off he needed. He came back this year with vengeance, so having this year is a blessing.”

Ricotta added that Spooks Show Time’s demeanor is one of the qualities that makes him a winner. “He is really good-minded, plus he doesn’t require a lot of tuning. It’s easy for me because he is super talented. We just keep him healthy and happy,” he said.

Next up is the Best of the West. “We will give him a little more time off and then show him there,” Roper said. “Eventually this horse is going to home to Roper Farms, and there is a whole line of girls ready for him. We’re pretty excited to have him back home soon.” Ricotta added, “It will be a fight. Everyone wants him.”

Roper said the win was made even more special because her mother was able to be in Tulsa to watch. “She made the trip here this year. It was special to have her. I thank her and all my family. I also thank Marco and Jenny Ricotta and their whole team,” she said.

Addisyn Schmersal Takes NRBC Non Pro Level 4 Reserve Championship on Face The Attitude

When a Schmersal shows Face The Attitude, big things happen. Three years ago, with Craig Schmersal at the reins, the mare won the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Championship. After a three-year hiatus, the great mare returned to the show pen, this time with Addisyn Schmersal. They may not have been a team long, but they executed an awesome run to mark a 221 and win not only the NRBC Non Pro Level 4 Reserve Championship, but also the Championship of Levels 2 and 3. All totaled, Schmersal won $29,500 in the finals.

“I’m pretty excited. It was my third time showing her. She stayed with me and was really good,” Schmersal said. “I felt a lot of pressure because of how much she’s won, and it was a little more stressful with her because I haven’t ridden her as much. I didn’t really know what was going to happen, but she was really good, and I’m excited I get to show her.”

Face The Attitude, by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Miss Lil Addy Tude, returned to the Schmersal’s barn following the NRHA Derby. “I had no idea we were bringing her back. She showed up at the Derby. I saw her get out of the trailer and asked what we were doing with her,” 14-year-old Schmersal explained. “I showed her in Denver and then we brought her here.”

Schmersal and Face The Attitude had a great NRBC from beginning to end, marking a 220 in the preliminary round, pocketing close to $4,000. “I thank my parents for allowing me to show this mare and helping me get to where I am today. I also thank my brothers for supporting me,” she said.

Caroline Buchanan Wins Non Pro Level 1 Championship with Smokin Paleface

Caroline Buchanan had never competed at the NRBC prior to this year, but if Friday’s Non Pro finals are any indication, she’s already a fan. She and her horse Smokin Paleface qualified for the finals of Non Pro Levels 1, 2, and 3, and when the day was done, had finished as the NRBC Non Pro Level 1 Champions. Their score of 214.5 was also good enough to place them in a tie for second in the Level 2, as well as part of a tie for third in the Level 3. All totaled, they won $7,077.

“I’m pretty excited. The run felt really good. He’s been working well for me this past month. Today my game plan was just to be clean and try to make the same run I did in the preliminaries, but fix my mistakes,” she said, referring to the moment in the preliminary round where her horse fell out of stride. “In the finals we fixed that, but I did have an overspin.”

Buchanan and Smokin Paleface, by Pale Face Dunnit out of Lost In Tinseltown, are coming off of another big win, having won the Youth World Reining Championship. “When I ran at the Youth World I went in a little slow, so this time I ran in fast and he felt really good,” she said. “This horse is really easy, and he takes care of me really well. He is such a sweet horse.” Buchanan, a 16-year-old who is about to begin her junior year of high school, also rides with Craig Schmersal. “It’s awesome that Addisyn and I both won today,” she said.

David McGee and Knaughtybyknature Win NRBC Non Pro Prime Time With a score of 215.5

David McGee and Knaughtybyknature won not only the NRBC Non Pro Prime Time title, they also finished reserve in the Level 3, taking home $9,312. “He ran through the gate really strong. He felt really good and relaxed, and stopped and backed up well. Our first two turns felt like plus halves,” McGee recalled of the run. “The best thing he did was he stayed on the circles, and then he just fell in and did that small slow. It’s a tricky move, but he did it.”

McGee likely knows all there is to know about Knaughtybyknature, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Princess In Diamonds. “We’ve had him since he was a baby, and he’s seven years old now,” McGee shared. “I have to give a huge thank you to Andrea Fappani, who helped me with him a couple of nights ago. He didn’t have to help me, but I asked him if he had a few minutes. He got on my horse, rode him around, and showed me some stuff to do. I can tell you it wouldn’t have worked out if he hadn’t done that.”

Friday’s finals was the last hoorah for David McGee and Knaughtybyknature. “This was his last big Derby and my last ride on him. My wife has been wanting to ride him, so she’s going to start showing him in Memphis,” McGee shared. “She’s very excited.”

Thursday at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, saw a very full day of horse show classes. The entry numbers were so high, that the decision was made to open up a fourth arena to accommodate all the runs! Thursday also marked the first Affiliate Regional Championship classes, with many exhibitors earning a spot at the North American Affiliate Championships that will be held with the National Reining Horse Association Futurity in Oklahoma City later this year.

Dan Huss & Smart Voodoo Brother – ARC Open and Open [1] Champion

Dan Huss brought Smart Voodoo Brother to the NRBC to gain some experience in the show pen. It looks like the four-year-old stallion, by Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Smart As Sister, is also getting some experience in the winner’s circle. Huss and Smart Voodoo Brother laid down a smooth run, earning a score of 146 to win both the ARC Open and the ancillary Open.

“We brought him here to get some good show experience, and we were hoping along the way we could win a bit, too, so it was a pretty good day,” Huss said. “The first maneuver he spun really well but had a little overspin, but then we stayed out of the penalty box the rest of the way.”

Owner Patrizio Fumagalli purchased the colt as a two-year-old. Patrizio showed him in the Non Pro Futurity, but the colt wasn’t quite ready. “He wasn’t seasoned enough, so I took over, and he’s been coming around rather good. He’s a really athletic horse. He just is a little busy minded,” he said. “Pat is going to start taking over the reins at the Best of the West.”

Huss will show Smart Voodoo Brother again in Friday’s Novice Horse Open classes. “I thank Pat for allowing me to show this horse. I also thank my wife who is my biggest fan and is the reason I am still competitive,” he said.

Fredrick Thomsson & Gunna Cash Out – ARC Int. Open/Int. Open [1] Champion and ARC Ltd. Open/Ltd. Open [1] Co-Champion

Fredrick Thomsson and Gunna Cash Out took home numerous wins in Thursday’s Super Duty Arena classes. Not only did they win the ARC for the Int. Open, as well as the ancillary class, they also tied for the win of the ARC and ancillary Ltd. Open.

“The run today was easy. We had plus maneuvers across the board. She was excellent and super easy to show,” Thomsson said of the 144.5 run. “We ended up only warming up a few horses before we went in, but it seemed to be the formula for her.”

Gunna Cash Out, a five-year-old mare, is by Gunnatrashya out of Little Bitty Spark. “The owners bought her a while ago with the intent to get her shown and then keep her as a future broodmare. This is actually only her second show,” Thomsson shared. “We didn’t enter here in the NRBC because she’s so green. We won some ARC stuff, so most likely we’re going to gear her towards the NAAC at the Futurity.”

Thomsson voiced his appreciation for the mare’s owner Kathleen Ray. “I thank the owners. I have a great group of owners, and they are very supportive. The owners do everything for us. I also have a great team working for me here and at the ranch that do a great job. It’s a team effort and everyone deserves the credit,” he said.

Thomsson will be showing several more horses the rest of the week in the Classic finals as well as in the ARC classes. “We love this show and what the organizers have done. This is super nice, and Tulsa is great with all the riding arenas and wonderful facilities,” he said.

Sumer Opinker & Hermosa Star Dream – ARC Ltd. Open/Ltd. Open [1] Co-Champion and ARC Rookie Pro/Rookie Pro [1] Champion

Sumer Opinker & Lil Joes Hushmoney – Ltd. Open and Rookie Pro. High Point Champion

In just two days of competition, Sumer Opinker has racked up numerous wins on two different horses. She won the Ltd. Open and Rookie Pro. high-point buckles on Lil Joes Hushmoney, thanks to wins in those classes on Wednesday. Lil Joes Hushmoney is owned by James Hobbs. In Thursday’s classes, she tied for the Championship of the ARC and ancillary Ltd. Open, and was the sole winner of the ARC and ancillary Rookie Pro.

This time she won on Hermosa Star Dream. “I have been riding her a couple months. My boss was nice and let me show her this week, so I’m really happy,” Opinker said of the Magnum Chic Dream mare who is out of Hermosa Dun It. “She felt great today. It was a lot of fun.” Hermosa Star Dream is owned by Mirjam and Andrea Stillo.

“I thank Mirjam and Andrea. They have been great and helped me so much with showing and becoming the young professional I am today,” she said.

Sarah Locker & Snips Shining Gun – Non Pro [1] Champion

Snips Shining Gun holds a special place in the hearts of everyone at Hilldale Farm. At the 2019 NRHA Futurity, the talented mare, with Jessicah Keller at the reins, won enough money to catapult her dam, Snip O Gun, over the million-dollar mark for offspring earnings. That made her only the third mare to reach that milestone. The mare is now being ridden by Jessicah’s sister Sarah Locker, and the two put together a polished run in the Mustang Arena to score a 145 and win the Non Pro [1].

“She is very special to our family not only because we bred and raised her, but because she’s the one who put Snip O Gun over one million for Hilldale Farm,” Locker explained.

A two-time NRBC Non Pro Champion, Locker entered Snips Shining Gun in the Non Pro Preliminaries. “This is my first real horse show with her. I showed her in the preliminaries, and she was great, but I wasn’t as great as she was. I wanted to try again in this non pro class. She was great, and I was better today,” Locker shared.

Locker rides with Casey Deary, who made sure to share some sound advice. “My biggest challenge in the Classic was I didn’t run fast enough in my circles. Casey told me that if he was whistling, I needed to go faster. He whistled a few times, so we went a lot faster,” she said. “I was really happy with how she performed today, and happy with myself.”

Locker plans to show Snips Shining Gun in the non pro classes on Sunday. “I want to put together another nice run and keep improving our relationship and getting together so we can show the next several years,” she said. “I thank Casey Deary and the whole Deary team. Without them we wouldn’t have made it this far. Thank you to my mom who raises so many amazing horses for my sister and I to show. Thank you to my husband who is very encouraging. Finally, thank you to everyone here for putting on an amazing show, and for the Tulsa Reining Classic for allowing the NRBC to be here.”

Paul Queen & Outta Dough – Int. Non Pro [1] Champion

Outta Dough has been a part of the Queen family for many years, and the 15-year-old stallion has amassed more than $77,000 in lifetime earnings. On Thursday, he added to that total when he marked a 144 with Paul Queen in the non pro classes. They topped the Int. Non Pro, and finished in the top five of the Non Pro.

“He did really well. He’s one of those old horses that you have to school a little bit because they start to think for you. He’s as true as can be all the time. It’s a partnership we have,” Queen said. Queen and Outta Dough, by Gallo Del Cielo out of Dough Olena, will show again Sunday in the Non Pro Classic Challenge.

“I thank Jared Leclair. He’s made a real impact on me lately and took me to another level. I also thank my mother who has always been there for me, and of course, I thank this horse,” Queen said.

Sarah Armenta & Gun Smoke Dennis – Ltd. Non Pro [1] Co-Champion

Gun Smoke Dennis can lay down some monster stops, so the pattern chosen for the Non Pro classes was made for him. “He really thrives on run-ins since we can hit all four stops,” noted Sarah Armenta, who piloted the gelding to a 143 to tie for the win of the Ltd. Non Pro [1].

Armenta rides with Casey Hinton and Jimmy Van der Hoeven. “They both told me to kick today. I can’t kick to save my life,” the 18-year-old said with a laugh. Gun Smoke Dennis is by Lil Dry Peppy out of Gun Smoke Denise. Armenta noted that the 15-year-old gelding “Loves every type of food under the sun and is really lazy.”

Armenta will be showing again this week. “I’ll show again Sunday in the affiliate on him. Also, my mom made the Non Pro Level 4 finals tomorrow night, so I will be cheering for her,” she said. “I thank the whole barn for helping me. I thank my parents for taking me to all the shows, and Robbie and Julia who gave me the awesome opportunity to buy this horse.”

Kaylene Cunningham & Shiner Joe – Ltd. Non Pro [1] Co-Champion

It was Kaylene Cunningham and Shiner Joe’s first big event together, and the two made it count, putting together a nice run that resulted in a 143. That tied them for the win of the Limited Non Pro.

“The whole time he was with me. When I felt him under me, I thought I could push him a little bit. He stayed with me,” Cunningham shared.

Cunningham bought four-year-old Shiner Joe, by Lil Joe Cash out of Shiners Miss Lena, at the 2019 NRHA Futurity. “We’ve only been to two shows, and this is our third and biggest one,” she said.

Cunningham, a high school junior, rides with Franco Bertolani of Cardinal Reining Horses. “I thank Franco for helping me and of course I thank my horse, Joe,” she said. “We’ll show Saturday and Sunday in the youth and the other slate of non pro classes.”

Bill Fingland & Xtra Step On That – Prime Time Non Pro [1] Champion

Bill Fingland showed Xtra Step On That in the Non Pro Classic preliminary round earlier in the week. Unfortunately, a bobble in the lead changes kept them out of contention. Fingland elected to show the colt in the Prime Time Non Pro [1] in the Mustang Arena, and the pair marked a 145.5 – the highest score of the day.

“I wanted to get the lead change right, and I was pleased we got that. This horse just kept stopping like he always has for me,” he said.

Fingland has owned four-year-old Xtra Step On That, by Wimpys Little Step out of All That’s Dun, for about a year. “Shawn Flarida trained this horse, and he has helped me with him immensely. I thank Shawn and all his crew who have made sure I got what I needed to get,” Fingland said. “I also thank my family who has been very supportive of my craziness and the hours I put in here.”

Nicole Baradat & Spooked Out Chex – Green Reiner Levels 1 & 2 [2] Champion

To say Nicole Baradat is excited is an understatement. On Thursday, she and her horse Spooked Out Chex won both levels of the Green Reiner classes with a 72. “This is a first for me. It’s my first win at a horse show. This was my first year officially showing, and this is only my second show,” she shared.

“Today was fabulous. I have had lots of runs this week, and we’ve been putting it all together. I had a few unfortunate bobbles the other times I showed, so for it to all come together today is really sweet.”

Baradat grew up riding horses in 4H, before transitioning to western pleasure. “I always loved the reiners and had friends who did it. When I grew up and was able to pick what I wanted to do, this was it,” she said.

She noted that a lot of her success was because of her great mare, Spooked Out Chex, by Smart Spook out of Nu Tuf Lil Chex. “She’s fabulous. She has been there and done that. I was lucky to pick her up last year,” Baradat said. “She has taught me everything I know so far.”

Baradat and Spooked Out Chex will show again in Friday’s Rookie classes. “I thank my trainer Jordan Larson. He has gone above and beyond taking me on this year. I also thank everyone at his ranch. Thank you also to my husband, who is not a horse guy, for coming to all these shows. I have a lot of support,” she said.

Kalicia Walters & Lady Gotta Gun – Green Reiner Levels 1 & 2 High Point Champion

She may not have had quite the run she wanted in the second slate of Green Reiner classes, but Kalicia Walters still managed to pull off the high-point championship on Thursday. “We changed arenas, and that was a big change for me and my horse. We hadn’t been in this pen at all, so she was kind of watchy,” Walters explained. “We got it done though. I’m very excited to win the high point.”

Walters is riding her mare Lady Gotta Gun, by Spooks Gotta Gun out of Ms Kiper Nic. “Tomorrow I will show in the Rookie classes. I’m really hoping my horse Pale Faced Whiz (ridden by Dany Tremblay), makes the Open Finals on Saturday,” noted Walters.

Her other Open Classic entry, Tinker With Dreams, is also ridden by Dany Tremblay, and the pair are currently sitting third in the Open preliminaries. “I thank the entire Tremblay team. They are all here showing, but they stopped what they were doing to come help me and watch me show. The entire team is awesome.”

Day two of the horse show classes at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma saw more than 200 horses compete in the Mustang and Super Duty Arenas. While some exhibitors took advantage of the nice arenas to work their horses, most came to compete, marking great scores and setting themselves up for high point success.

Shauna Larcombe Wins Int. Open [1] on Shiners Chic

Shauna Larcombe and Shiners Chic competed as the final entry in the first slate of the Intermediate Open class in the Mustang Arena. That’s because she was busy showing an Open Classic entry in the Ford Arena. “I has just finished showing in the Ford and I had to quickly saddle this horse and come over here. It was a bit of a quick turnaround,” she said.

It didn’t matter, because Larcombe and Shiners Chic, by Smart Chic Olena out of Ebony Shines, put together an impressive run, resulting in a score of 145. It added an additional $1,100 to the veteran gelding’s lifetime earnings, which are now less than $1,000 away from $300,000.

“He’s 15 years old now, and he’s probably the coolest horse on the planet,” Larcombe said. “This horse is a legend and has been shown by the legends in this business over the years.”

Owned by Rosanne Sternberg, Shiners Chic is now typically shown by her daughter Jessica. Unfortunately, the pandemic has changed that. “This is the first time I showed him. Jessica usually does, but she’s stuck in Europe because of COVID-19, so I got the chance to ride him,” Larcombe said. “He’s easy to show. I just have to sit on his back and stay out of his way. I thank Rosanne for the opportunity to show this horse. I also thank Sean Pulley. He made the Non Pro Finals, so it’s been great.”

Naike Albert & Shesa Tinker Toy Win Ltd. Open [1]

With a score of 143.5, Naike Albert won the first slate of the Limited Open on Shes Tinker Toy. “She was with me the whole time, and a lot of fun to show. I am just very thankful to ride her,” Albert said. Shesa Tinker Toy, owned by Erin Meehan, is a five-year-old mare by Tinker With Guns out of Smartest Sister.

“We bought her at the beginning of the year from Ruben Vandorp,” she recalled. “I started showing her and we have learned to work with each other and she’s doing really good. I placed when I showed her at the Derby, but I had started riding her two weeks before that and I didn’t know her that well. Now I feel we are getting along really well.”

Albert and her husband Brian Bell have a busy week ahead, with non pros and horses in the NRBC Classic. “I thank my husband, the owner, and the whole team behind Brian Bell Performance Horses,” she said.

Wes Wetherell Ties for Win of Rookie Pro. [1] with Rock On Wimpy

It was only the second time for Wes Wetherell to show his wife Dana’s four-year-old reiner Rock On Wimpy, but the duo put together a solid run to tie for the win of the first slate of the Rookie Professional.

“I’m very happy with him. It was fast, but we stayed on pattern, and my wife is happy,” Wetherell said with a laugh.

Rock On Wimpy, by Wimpys Little Step out of Spot On Sassy, is doing double-duty for the Wetherell’s at this event. “She showed him yesterday, and I’ll show him again tomorrow,” Wetherell said. “I’m planning to do the same thing we did today.”

Summer Opinker and Lil Joes Hushmoney Tie for Win of Rookie Pro. [1]

Summer Opinker just began riding Lil Joes Hushmoney a few days before traveling to Tulsa for the NRBC, but that didn’t stop the two from tying for the win of the Rookie Professional class. The pair marked a 141.5.

“She was really good everywhere. It was a run-in pattern and she stopped really big for me,” Opinker said. “She was with me the whole time, and it was a lot of fun.”

Lil Joes Hushmoney, by Lil Joe Cash out of A Silent Affair, is owned by James Bart Hobbs. “This was the first time I showed her. She’s a really nice mare,” Opinker said. “I’ll show her again tomorrow, and I’m just going to stick with what I did today because it worked out pretty well.”

Jessicah Keller Wins Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 2 and 3 [1] on Its Snippin

Time Riding her homebred mare Its Snippin Time, Jessicah Keller won dual classes in the Super Duty Arena. Her score of 145.5 garnered wins in Levels 2 and 3 of the Novice Horse Non Pro. “Everything went exactly as planned.” Keller, who rides with Todd Sommers, laughed and added, “I did exactly as I was told, which is something I struggle with.”

Its Snipping Time is by Shine Big Time and out of Snip O Satellite. “We raised both this mare and her mother. I thank my mother who breeds and raises all these horses and gets them trained and allows us to show them. I thank Todd Sommers for helping me, my boyfriend, Will, for holding down the fort at home, and my sister, who is actually running my trade show booth so I can show,” Keller said.

Keller will show again Saturday in the Affiliate Regional Championships.

Tamra Kyle Pilots KR Smart Dreamer to Nov. Horse Non Pro Level 1 [1] Win

Pete and Tamra Kyle had a plan to show KR Smart Dreamer in several classes during the NRBC, hoping to get the talented four-year-old some more exposure to the show pen. They’re sticking to the plan, and in the meantime, KR Smart Dreamer has accumulated two wins!

During Tuesday’s Novice Horse Open classes, Pete and KR Smart Dreamer won Levels 1 and 2. On Wednesday, Tamra competed with the colt in the Novice Horse Non Pro classes, winning Level 1 with a score of 144. “When they open the gate, we’re going to show him, so he gets to where he knows his job. He was really fun for me today,” Tamra shared. “Pete did good for me. This horse went to the center and was super soft, and it was the best turnaround we’ve had to date.”

KR Smart Dreamer is by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Smart Shiney Lena. “This colt is bred well, and he has a really good bottom side,” she said. “We bred and raised him. He’s been a really fun horse for us.”

It won’t be the last time for Tamra to show KR Smart Dreamer at the NRBC. “I will try to do some of the ARC stuff, and maybe qualify for that. I would like to get that done and go to the NRHA Futurity to compete in the NAAC,” she said. “Of course, I thank Pete. He’s done a great job on this colt. I also thank Casey Hinton who helped me his whole three-year-old year getting me back on a reiner, as well as Dan Huss who helped me out in Arizona.”

Kalicia Walters Sweeps First Slate of Green Reiner Classes on Lady Gotta Gun

In Tuesday’s Rookie classes, Kalicia Walters and Lady Gotta Gun put together a solid run. That confidence boost was all she needed to prepare for Wednesday’s Green Reiner classes. She and the flashy mare executed a seamless run which resulted in a score of 143 to win both levels of the Green Reiner.

“I had a pretty good run yesterday, so I felt good in this pen. We came in and I just knew I wanted to hit my markers and do things precise,” she said.

Walters rides with Dany Tremblay, and shared he gave her some solid advice before she went in the pen. “He told me not to be a chicken.” She laughed, and added, “He also clucked at me as I rode by, and that put a little fire in me.”

Walters has owned Lady Gotta Gun, by Spooks Gotta Gun out of Ms Kiper Nic, for more than a year. “She’s five and I got her from Matt Mills. We started green together and worked our way up, and we’re finally putting it all together,” she said.

Walters and Lady Gotta Gun can’t rest on their laurels; they’re entering more classes this week. “I’m going to show in the Rookie classes again on Friday and we will see what happens. I’d really like to make the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout,” she said. “I have a pretty good fan crew here. My family is all here with me this week, and they help me be positive and keep going.”

The Walters family will have a lot to cheer for on Saturday, as one of Kalicia’s horses, Tinker With Dreams, marked a 223 in the Open Preliminary round with Tremblay at the reins. “It’s so much fun to watch that horse. He is just amazing, and gets better and better the more he shows,” she said.

The National Reining Breeders Classic Open Preliminaries began Wednesday, September 2, at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The field of 194 will be narrowed to the top 30 in each division at the conclusion of Thursday’s competition. A quick perusal of the draw sheets quickly tells of the tough competition in the Ford Truck Arena. Holding the top spot at the end of the first day is Casey Deary on Gunnabeabrightstar with a 225. Gunnabeabrightstar, by ARC Gunnabeabigstar out of Abbie Be Tuff, is owned by Neiberger Performance Horses LLC.

Currently leading the Open Level 3 is Kole Price on Ruf Style Of Play with a 221. Ruf Style Of Play, by Not Ruf At All and out of UB Stylin With Me, is owned by Axel Bouchner.

There’s currently a tie for the lead of the Level 2 between Bobby Avila Jr. and Austin Roush, who both marked a 219. Avila rode Vintage Jewels, owned by Emily Coultrap, is by A Sparkling Vintage and out of Jewels Lil Sparkle, while Roush rode Robert Sutherland’s Special Nite Rider, by Gunners Special Nite and out of Fancy Voodoo.

With scores of 218, Emily Emerson and Debbie Brown are also in a tie, this one for the lead of the Level 1. Emerson teamed up with Penny Whize, owned by Susan Geiger, who is by Shine On Line and out of Easy Whiz My Money. Brown and A Whizard Dream, owned by David Silva, not only lead the Level 1 with the 218, they are also in the top spot of the Open Prime Time with a 221 (includes handicap). A Whizard Dream is by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Miss Poco Whizard.

The Developing Division Championship will be awarded to the highest advancing horse, and Marie Kleiner and This Gun Works currently top the division with a 217.5. This Gun Works, by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Reminic At Work, is owned by Jennifer Greenleaf.

The NRBC Open Preliminaries on Thursday will be followed by the Virtual Open Draw Party at 7 pm. Finalists can tune in to the live webcast page to find out their draw position.

Not only does the National Reining Breeders Classic boast one of the largest aged events in reining, it also hosts a full slate of National Reining Horse Association approved classes. The first of those were held Tuesday, Sept. 1, in the Mustang and Super Duty Arenas.

Pete Kyle Returns to Show Pen to Win Novice Horse Open Classes on KR Smart Dreamer

It’s been six years since Pete Kyle has shown a reiner, but if his run on KR Smart Dreamer is any indication, he hasn’t missed a beat. Kyle and the four-year-old colt, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Smart Shiney Lena, marked a 145.5 to win the Novice Horse Open Level 2 and tie for the win of the Level 1.

“This was really fun today. I have enjoyed getting to ride this summer and being able to get back to what I’ve done all my life. It was great to get in there and be competitive again,” he shared. “This is my wife Tamra’s horse. She’s shown him in some reinings and ranch riding this spring and summer and has done really well in those. I’m just glad she let me show him today. It’s great to be back in the saddle and back in the winner’s circle again.”

Kyle will also be showing the talented gelding in the Int. Open class on Wednesday, then Tamra will take back the reins. “We have taken our time with this horse and brought him along and he has a good foundation on him. He’s stepping up, and I feel he’s going to give us some more solid runs,” he said.

Pete and Tamra bred and raised the colt. “We’ve really enjoyed him. Casey Hinton rode him as a three-year-old for us while I was working, and Dan Huss helped Tamra out this spring with him. Those two guys were big in this horse’s development,” he explained.

Kyle pulls double duty at the NRBC, as both an exhibitor and an NRBC Board member. “The show management here does such a great job, as Board Members, we don’t have to do much except enjoy the show and let things roll along. The staff does a fabulous job, and we don’t have much we have to do with it,” he said.

He voiced his appreciation to the Tulsa Reining Classic owners, noting, “We are extremely fortunate to have been able to have the NRBC here in Tulsa, and the Tulsa Reining Classic enabled us to do that. We offered futurities at the first of the week, and now we are into our normal classes. We really appreciate them letting us do this,” he said.

It’s been a great week for the Kyles’ breeding program already, as another horse they raised, Thee American Dream, tied for the Open Level 4 Championship of the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity. The colt, ridden by Andrea Fappani, is owned by Morris Kulmer.

Mike McEntire Ties for Win of Novice Horse Open Level 1 on Cosmic Vintage

With a score of 145.5, Mike McEntire and Cosmic Vintage tied for the win of the Novice Horse Open Level 1. The talented stallion is by A Sparkling Vintage out of Starjac Miss, making him a full sibling to standout stallion Platinum Vintage.

The colt, now five years old, was purchased by Megan Lindberg as a three-year-old. “I trained on him when we were in California his four-year-old year,” McEntire recalled. “When we left, he actually got hurt in his stall and slipped a disc in his back, so he had a long time off.”

Given time to heal, Cosmic Vintage is once again ready to compete. “He’s sound and we’re legging him back up. We’re trying to get him ready for Megan to show in non pro events,” McEntire said. “This is a really nice horse. He’s so good-minded. He’s a really sweet stallion and we’re looking forward to the future with him.”

McEntire already showed several futurity horses and will also be showing in the NRBC Open. “I thank Megan. She’s a wonderful owner, and I appreciate everything she has done for Natalie and me,” McEntire said.

Rodrigo Nieves and One Mr JJ Tie for Win of Nov. Horse Open Level 3

Rodrigo Nieves has only shown One Mr JJ two times, and both have been at the NRBC. The duo is two for two, as they won the AQHA Jr. Reining earlier in the event, then took the Novice Horse Open Level 3 Co-Championship on Wednesday with a 144.5. Nieves and One Mr JJ also finished in a tie for second in the Level 3, and in a tie for third in the Level 3.

One Mr JJ, by Colonels Shining Gun out of QHR Jamaica Express, is owned by XCS Ranch LLC. “This is a nice stallion. I’ve ridden him maybe 16 days,” he said. “Duane Latimer trained this horse, and Gina Schumacher rode him at the Futurity last year.”

It’s Nieves first NRBC, but he says he’s enjoying the show. His young daughter might be showing in the youth classes on Sunday. “I thank XCS Ranch and Duane Latimer for this opportunity,” he said.

Matt Palmer Ties for Win of Nov. Horse Open Level 3 on Einsteins Lil Prize

Riding Einsteins Lil Prize for Robert Santagata, Matt Palmer marked a 144.5 to tie for the win of the Novice Horse Open Level 3, as well as second in the Level 2. It was only the third time for Einsteins Lil Prize, by Einsteins Revolution out of Smart Little Prize, to be shown.

“I showed him once in Florida and he was good there. Then I showed him once back home and he won that,” Palmer recalled. “This is my first Einsteins Revolution to ride, and he’s out of one of Bob’s really great mares. He’s a really sweet horse and has been really good to me.”

While Palmer was pleased with the day’s run, he admits there were places for improvement. “I cruised him through here. We had a little hiccup on one rollback, but he’s a really nice horse and I’m starting to learn him a bit more,” he said. “It was great to get him here and have another nice ride on him.”

Palmer will be busy the next several days, with three horses to show in the NRBC Open Classic as well as one to show in the Open on Friday evening. “I thank Bob and Arlene Santagata. They have been nothing but amazing to me. I thank all my customers. I’m just fortunate to be the one who gets to ride all these great horses,” he said.

Pierre-Luc Phaneuf Takes Nov. Horse Open Level 3 Co-Championship on Dontmesswhiztexas

The third leg of the three-way tie for the win of the Novice Horse Open Level 3 was Pierre-Luc Phaneuf. Phaneuf rode Dontmesswhiztexas, by NRHA $12 Million Topsail Whiz out of Dolled Up Gunner (who had lifetime earnings exceeding $40,000). Dontmesswhiztexas is owned by Kim Marconi.

Payton Neiberger and Xtra Dun Step Win Round 1 of Yellowstone Rookie Shootout

Payton Neiberger hadn’t planned to enter Xtra Dun Step in the Rookie classes at the NRBC, but after a disappointing showing in the Non Pro Classic preliminaries, an 11th hour decision was made. “I showed yesterday, and it didn’t go as well as I had hoped, and I wanted another class. I decided this would be a good one because I knew there was a big event on Saturday night,” she shared.

That paid off, and she and her six-year-old stallion marked a 142.5 to win Round 1 of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout, as well as Rookie Levels 1 and 2. “Today was good. My turns, circles, stops and rollbacks were all good. I had a change penalty on my first big change, but other than that I was really happy,” she said.

Riders who enter both rounds of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout are eligible to advance to the Shootout Finals, which will be held just prior to the NRBC Open Level 4 Finals on Saturday night. The riders with the top five composite scores from the two rounds will advance.

Neiberger and Xtra Dun Step, by Wimpys Little Step and out of All Thats Dun, are in great position to advance if they decide to enter the second round on Friday. “Josh Tishman is actually going to show him in the Open Classic on Thursday, so it depends on if they make the finals or not. That would be a lot of runs if we did both,” she said. “I thank Josh Tishman and Casey Deary for preparing my horse, and the whole Deary team for being so encouraging. I also thank my parents for getting me here and being so supportive.”

Valencia Pitzing Takes Prime Time Rookie Championship on RC Fashion Chic

Valencia Pitzing has only ridden RC Fashion Chic two times since the NRHA Derby in June, but that didn’t stop her from laying down a winning run in the Prime Time Rookie class. Her score of 141.5 also tied for second in Rookie Levels 1 and 2 and for second in Round 1 of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout.

“I’m very excited. It went really well today. He felt good and did his job, and I did mine. Everything came together and it was a really good run,” she said.

Pitzing has owned RC Fashion Chic, by RC Fancy Step and out of Shesa Fashion Chic, for a couple of years, and gives credit for her success to her trainer. “I thank Ruben Vandorp and his assistant Arno. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be there. They always have my horse ready. I don’t get to ride as often as I need, but the horses are always ready and it’s awesome,” she said.

The second-place finish in round one of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout puts Pitzing in a good position, as the top five in the composite from the first two rounds will advance to the Shootout Round on Saturday night. “I’m excited. I’m going to go for it. This run gave me a lot of confidence. I felt really good, and my horse feels ready,” she said. “I’m just going to do whatever Ruben tells me between now and then.”