The 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic, being held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the current year, is off to a great start. The Non Pro preliminary round wrapped up Tuesday evening, and the field for Friday’s clean-slate finals is set. The 188 entries were whittled down over two days to the crème de la crème, and in the end, Indy Roper and Spooks Show Time lead the field with an impressive score of 222. In addition to a finals berth, the pair won a go-round check for $7,151.

Roper and Spooks Show Time, by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Dolittle Lena, are coming off of a major victory. They claimed the Non Pro Level 4 Championship at the National Reining Horse Association Derby in June, bringing Spooks Show Time’s lifetime earnings to more than $127,000.

Finishing second in the Level 4 and topping the Level 3 is Tish Fappani and Spooks N Jewels with a 220.5. Prior to the NRBC, Spooks N Jewels, by Smart Spook and out of Whiz Jewels, had lifetime earnings exceeding $164,000. The go-round money will increase those earnings by $5,552. While she had not competed in Tulsa prior to this year’s NRBC, Fappani is already having a banner year. She and her other horse Joes Genes tied for reserve in the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity Level 4 as well as the win of the Level 3 in the first week of competition.

Kyla Thurlow moved to the top stop spot in Level 1 and tied for first in Level 2 with Kachina Olena Tag when the pair posted a big score of 220. They also finished third in the Level 4 and second in the Level 3, for total preliminary round earnings of $4,527. Kachina Olena Tag is by two-time former NRBC Non Pro Champion Whiz N Tag Chex and out of the blue hen mare Kachina Oak Olena.

Young Addisyn Schmersal tied for the lead of the Level 2, second in the Level 3, and third in the Level 4, on Face The Attitude with a 220, winning $3,952. Face The Attitude, by Pale Face Dunnit out of Miss Lil Addy Tude, was the 2017 NRHA Futurity Champion with Addisyn’s father Craig Schmersal. The flashy mare boasts more than $160,000 in lifetime earnings. Schmersal and Face The Attitude also qualified for the Level 3 and 4 finals.

Leading the Prime Time Non Pro preliminary round is Michael Garnett and Sassy Son Ofa Gun with a 221.5 (includes handicap). Garnett and Sassy Son Ofa Gun, by Gunner out of Shining N Sassy, also qualified for the finals of Non Pro Levels 3 and 4. All totaled, Garnett and Sassy Son Ofa Gun won $4,007 in the preliminary round. The top 30 in Non Pro Levels 1 – 4, as well as the top 20 in the Non Pro Prime Time, earned a spot in Friday’s clean-slate finals. It took a score of 215 in the Level 4 to advance to the finals, while in the Level 3, the magic number was 214. Level 2 riders marked a 212.5 or better will advance to Friday’s finals, as will Level 1 riders with a score of 210. In the Prime Time, it took a score of 215 to advance. Finalists will learn their draw positions during the Markel Insurance Virtual Draw Party on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Ryan Humphrey Wins SmartPak Non Pro Futurity at NRBC on Shots R Fired The first week of the 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic culminated with the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity on Saturday. Longtime NRBC and Tulsa Reining Classic sponsor, SmartPak opted for the sponsorship of the $27,000 added SmartPak Non Pro Futurity in this transition year.  It’s a perfect fit for SmartPak at a time when the highly popular “Texas Hold-em” Tournament could not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Ryan Humphrey and Shots R Fired Take SmartPak Non Pro Futurity Level 4 Championship

Ryan Humphrey bred, raised, and trained Shots R Fired, and on Saturday afternoon, he showed the colt to his first futurity win. The pair marked a 219 to claim the Level 4 Championship of the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity.

Shots R Fired is by Humphrey’s stallion Guns R For Shootin, and the colt’s dam, Freckled Whiz, is one of his former show horses. “We did pretty good today. He went in and did everything he was supposed to. I was happy with his circles, turns, and stops. I felt like he was good across the board,” Humphrey shared.

It was the second event for Shots R Fired. He finished second at his first show in Virginia. “He’s obviously going to go to the Futurity in Oklahoma City, but as for between now and then, we need to make some decisions,” Humphrey said. “First and foremost, I have to thank God. I also thank my wife and family, Justin Michels, and everyone else who has helped us with this horse along the way.”

Humphrey also has an entry for the NRBC and will show on Tuesday. For him, the delay of the NRBC due to the COVID-19 pandemic worked out well. “We run a breeding farm, and because it wasn’t breeding season, I am able to show at NRBC. I probably wouldn’t have if it had been in April,” he said.

Sheley Brien Wins Big in SmartPak Non Pro Futurity on Dirty Diamonds

Dirty Diamonds marked some big scores in the Ford Truck Arena at the NRBC during the first week of competition. With Daniel Schloemer at the reins, the flashy colt marked a 219 to finish third in the Level 4 and second in the Level 3 of the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity.

Just two days later, owner Shelley Brien piloted him to another big score – a 218.5 – and racked up several more titles. They tied for second in the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity Level 4, tied for the win of Levels 3 and 2, and won the Level 1 outright, racking up more than $6,747 in earnings.

“I’m pretty ecstatic. I drew up at draw four; nice and early. I had a goal that I wanted to set the stage and show the judges horse much I wanted it. I wanted to show hard and confident,” she said. “I took him to the Denver Summer Slide, and we won the Non Pro Futurity there, too. Then Daniel showed him here and he did well and then we did this today. This horse is just mister consistent.”

Dirty Diamonds, by Whizkey N Diamonds, is out of Brien’s mare Wimpys Cat Step. “I showed this horse’s mom. This is her first foal, and I could not be more thrilled with him. He’s been a dream. He just wants to go in and be good and dependable, and that’s just what his mom was,” she said.

Brien rides with Daniel Schloemer. “Daniel has done a great job with this horse. I thank him and Kari Klingenberg for all their help. They have been amazing. They all care much about us and what we want to accomplish. I’ve never had so much fun and so much confidence. I couldn’t be here without them,” she said.

Brien also said her husband Chris deserves special recognition. “I thank him. He supports me in this. He married into the horses and he didn’t know what he was getting into,” she said. Chris and Sheley have two children; Jax, 10, and Reese, 8. “Reese is going to start showing this horse’s mom. To watch my daughter show her is going to be very special since I’ll be on the baby and she’ll be on the mom.”

George Lawrence Takes Wins in SmartPak Non Pro Futurity on Shes Big Timin

Shes Big Timin caught George Lawrence’s eye when the stunning mare was just a two-year-old, but it wasn’t only her good looks that got his attention. Her breeding also played a major role. “She’s by my stud Wimpys Littlecolonel, so I wanted to help prove the stud,” he said of the mare, who’s out of Plus Her Big Time. “When Wimpys Littlecolonel was in between trainers we would ride him at home, and he had a nice, free stride and was really good in the face. She’s that way, too.” Those traits helped Lawrence and the mare mark a 218.5 in the first event. They took Reserve in the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity Level 4, and tied for the win of Levels 3 and 2, earning a check for $6,145.

“She was good and very calm. I was a little nervous because it was the first time to show her, but she just packed me around,” Lawrence shared. “She didn’t look around or anything; she just did what she was supposed to do.”

Part of the pair’s success could be credited to Lawrence’s new good luck charm – his six-month old daughter Evalyn. “This was the first show with our newborn daughter. Chloe said she’s the good luck charm, so maybe I’ll start doing well if I take her to each show,” he said with a laugh. “I thank my wife and my good luck charm. I also thank Josh and Carri Visser. I bought this mare from Josh as a two-year-old, and have been taking some lessons with him, too.”

Although George is finished showing for this event, Chloe has two horses entered in the NRBC Non Pro, which begins Monday.

Tish Fappani and Joes Genes Claim Co-Reserve Championship in SmartPak Non Pro Futurity

Although Tish Fappani has been to Expo Square in Tulsa numerous times to watch her husband Andrea show, she herself hadn’t shown there. She remedied that on Saturday when she piloted Joes Genes to a score of 218.5 to tie for the Level 4 Co-Reserve Championship of the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity, as well as a tie for the Championship of the Level 3. All totaled, Fappani and Joes Genes won $5,054.

“The run went really well. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the show pen, and I’ve never even shown at this facility, so it was all new to me. It was fun to show here,” she said.

Fappani added that the mare, by Lil Joe Cash out of Electric Genes, was stellar in the Ford Truck Arena. “She’s such a good-minded mare. When I picked up the lope and sent her off, she got a little distracted going past the gate, but then she locked in and did everything I wanted. I probably could have pushed her harder, but it was her first time in the show pen,” she said. “I was able to show her one-handed in the bridle and she was right there with me. She’s such a good girl.”

Tish and Andrea bred, raised and trained the mare. “She’s very special. Her dam was one that Andrea showed who is now owned by Tamarack Ranch. We are really excited about this cross between her and Lil Joe Cash,” she said. The Fappani crew brought several horses to Tulsa, and with the futurity section of the event in the rearview mirror, they’re turning their attention to the NRBC Classic horses.

“I’m showing a Classic horse, too,” she said. “I thank my family – Andrea and my boys. I also thank all the people who are part of it. Everyone here and at home is a huge part of it, and I’m thankful for all of them.”

Kelle Smith Wins SmartPak Non Pro Futurity Prime Time on Exit 21

If you’ve watched Kelle Smith over the last several years, you’ll have noticed she has only been riding offspring of Spooks Gotta Whiz. “That’s the only thing I’ve had for the last five years or so. I must have something that is easy to train, and they’re perfect for me. I love them,” she said.

It looks like Smith has another good one, as she took top honors in the Prime Time division and finished in the Top 10 of the Level 4 on another Spooks Gotta Whiz; her horse Exit 21. The pair won more than $1,800 after marking a 217. “I can’t say enough about how proud I am of this mare,” Smith shared. “I schooled her Wednesday to see if I could show her one-handed, and I really liked how she felt then. Today she was tired, but she obviously did well.”

It was the second event for Exit 21, who also competed in Denver. “We cruised through there and made the finals, but I had a major bobble there. She was still good though,” Smith said.

Smith purchased Exit 21 from Michelle Kimball in October of 2019. “The thing that makes me most proud of this mare is she never had sliders or any reining training until I got her. It’s just a big testimony to her to come here and show so well and be such a good girl,” Smith said. “I thank Michelle for selling her to me. She didn’t want to let her go, and I want to thank her because she did. I also thank Sam Smith and Fred Thomsson for their help.”

For SmartPak, supporting the NRBC just makes sense as it supports the reining discipline through show sponsorships, personal endorsements and special events. The innovative SmartPak team members have been using their smarts to power healthy horses and happy riders since 1999. It began with the SmartPaks supplement feeding system, which has been described as “the best thing to happen to the barn since the wheelbarrow.”

Over the years, SmartPak extended its service from the feed room to the tack room, growing from a one-stop-shop for all horse supplements to the largest online tack store in the U.S. and a #1 Google-rated source for equestrian supplies. With free shipping every day, free return shipping on all sized items, and their 100% Happiness Guarantee, it’s easy to see why more and more riders make SmartPak their first stop for everything from horse products to rider apparel. For information visit the website at SmartPakEquine.com.

The pinnacle of futurity competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic was held Friday, August 28, with the incredible $61,000 added Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity. The 114-entry futurity featured top riders from all over, and when the last horse had left the arena, there was tie for the win. Abby Lengel and Andrea Fappani had both marked a 224. While they could have elected to run-off for the title, they decided to stay co-champions. Fappani and Lengel weren’t the only co-champions crowned, as Arno Honstetter and Kole Price tied for the Open Level 3 win, and Diego Gaona and Julie Roshelli posted identical scores to top the Open Level 1.

Abby Lengel & Thischichasbigdreams Take Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity Level 4 Co-Championship

Prior to the NRBC, Thischichasbigdreams was giving Abby Lengel a lot of confidence. The mare’s style and feel had her convinced she was special and ready to compete. That feeling started to leave, though, when Lengel arrived in Tulsa.

“I felt like she was special early on, and then I got to this horse show and things didn’t feel like they do at home,” Lengel admitted. “It stressed me out a little bit because she didn’t act like herself.”

That all changed when the two walked into the Ford Truck Arena. “When she went in there she fired, and she was what I thought she was going to be. She can be a little looky, but she was with me. She really fired turning and was fantastic both ways. We had a small under-turn which was my fault, but everywhere she was with me,” Lengel said. “This was the first time to show her and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I couldn’t be any happier with how it went.”

Lengel and Thischichasbigdreams, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Slide By Shiner, marked a 224 to tie for the Open Level 4 Championship, worth $12,720. Although she had the opportunity to run-off for the win, Lengel noted it wasn’t something she would elect to do. “It was her first time being shown and she’s just a baby with a long career ahead of her. I’d take second place before I’d do a run-off. She’s tired and I wouldn’t want to risk giving her a bad experience,” she said.

Lengel’s customers, Krista and Paul Schulman, bought Thischichasbigdreams from the NRHA Futurity Sale. “I picked her out as a yearling, and my great customers who own the ranch that I train out of bought her. I’ve been the only one to ride her at this point,” she shared. “I always thought she was special. This was great to win. You can think you have a nice one, but you don’t really know until you get out there. I believe this mare’s a show horse for sure.”

Lengel gave a special thank you to Paul and Krista. “They believe in me. They own the ranch and they trusted me when I said we should buy this mare. Also, thanks to my whole crew. Thanks to Clint Perkins, Sandy Bentien, my help, Molly, and everyone else who helps me. I couldn’t do this without them,” she said.

Andrea Fappani Wins Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity Level 4 Co-Championship on Thee American Dream

Over the years, Andrea Fappani has developed a distinctive style of riding and showing which has catapulted him to be one of the NRHA’s leading riders with more than $5 million in earnings. It was that style that led NRBC Board Member Pete Kyle to contact him about a yearling colt.

“Pete and Tamara Kyle owned the dam. Pete called me and told me they had one that would fit my style. I’m not sure how they knew, but this horse definitely did. Morris Kulmer, my good friend and client, bought him as a late yearling, and he’s been in my program ever since. He’s been special from the beginning. We knew he was great-minded from the start,” Fappani shared.

That colt was Thee American Dream, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Gunner Git Ya Dun. With Fappani at the reins, the colt performed a picturesque pattern, resulting in a score of 224 to tie for the win of the Open Level 4, worth $12,720. “We didn’t know how tough he was going to be, but this was his first outing and it turned out pretty special,” he said.

Fappani added that Thee American Dream had an almost veteran-like feel in the show pen. “Coming in I felt pretty confident because he felt really solid, like an older horse. The only thing he did was I lost his attention just a bit on the first maneuver because he was looking at the judges and we had a small overturn penalty, but after that, he locked in and was solid all the way through,” he recounted.

He added, “I didn’t go for broke, but I wanted to push him and see what I had and see if it was the same as what I had outside the pen. He was exactly the same horse, and the longer we were in the pen, the more relaxed he got. By the time we were done with the run, he was really hooked up and I was really happy with it.”

For Fappani, the decision to forego a run-off was an easy one. “We need to remember that these are pre-futurities and they are to get the horses ready for Oklahoma City. I think it would be kind of crazy to do a run-off just trying to win some money and a title. What we’re trying to do is build these horses up,” he said.

Fappani made sure to give special thanks to Pete and Tamara Kyle, as well as Morris Kulmer. “I thank Morris. He’s had a few really nice horses with me. He didn’t see this horse before we bought him, but I called him and said, ‘Morris, you told me to keep an eye out for the next one, and this will be it.’ He trusts me and my program, and that’s what makes it all happen,” he said.

Arno Honstetter & Gunnabetopdog Take Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity Level 3 Co-Championship

Arno Honstetter and Gunnabetopdog were the high money earners of the day, tying for the win of the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity Level 3, winning the Open Level 2, and tying for third in the Open Level 4, bringing the day’s earnings to $13,415.

“He was very nice. He looked around when we walked in, so I just stood there until he relaxed. He turned good the first way, and then he settled in. When he loped off, I knew he was with me. He guided for me and I could just let him do his job,” Honstetter explained. “He was very nice. He worked better here on this ground. He’s a big stopper but our ground is not as easy as this. It allowed him to travel much further in his stop. I still have to work on a few things overall, but I was really happy with him and how he worked here.”

Gunnabetopdog, owned by Frederick Christen, is by Gunnatrashya out of Sparkle On Top, came through the Legacy Sale. “He was with Marco Ricotta when he was working for Storybook Stables, and then he went to Andrea Fappani,” Honstetter shared. “When Andrea decided on his futurity horses, this one came back to the farm, so I got to start riding him. This was my first show with him, and he was a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the year with him.”

With the great showing in Tulsa, Honstetter is looking forward to showing Gunnabetopdog at the NRHA Futurity. “We have a little more work to do, but I think by the end of the year I’ll be able to ask him for everything,” he said. “I thank my wife, as well as my bosses, Brenda Joyce and Rick Christen. They’re great and support me in any way they can.”

Kole Price Wins Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity Level 3 Co-Championship on Gunnastrikeyaout

Kole Price had a great day at the NRBC in the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity. His three entries showed well, with Gunnastrikeyaout tying for the Open Level 3 Championship and finishing tied for third in the Open Level 4 for an $11,170 payday.

Gunnastrikeyaout, nicknamed Yadi after St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, is owned by Todd and Angie Albers. “They’re huge Cardinal fans. I’m a Cubs fan, so I’ve had to adjust to that,” Price laughed. Price started Gunnastrikeyaout, by Gunnatrashya and out of Strike A Star, as a two-year-old. “This was his first time to show. He’s a little lazy, so I was able to chase him out there pretty good. He showed exactly how I was hoping and how I had planned he would,” Price said.

Price noted that the colt’s mind and good looks bode well for his show career. “He’s been very easy in general. He’s great-minded, and I think he has so much eye appeal out in the show ring. I’m excited about him,” he said. “We’ll go home and give him a few weeks off before going to Memphis. After that, we will just tune him up for the Futurity. I think he can be a contender there even if there is a lot of the year left.”

Price’s other entries did well, with Four Oh One K, owned by Jesse Asmussen, finishing fifth in the Level 4 and third in the Level 3 to win $8,036. His third entry, Trendsetter, who he owns with Thomas Moffit, marked a respectable 217 as well. “I was very happy with all three of them. They all showed exactly how I was hoping and thinking they would. So far, it’s been a very great week for us,” he said.

Price added, “I thank Todd and Angie Albers and all my owners. I thank my wife, Kelsey, for all she does so that I don’t have to. I thank my groom, my farrier, my vet, my sponsors, and everyone behind the scenes. I’m the one who gets to show in the spotlight, but I think they’re the ones who deserve the recognition.”

Julia Roshelli Wins Level 1 Open Co-Championship on Cee Mi Diablo

Julia Roshelli’s game plan for showing Cee Mi Diablo in the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity was simple; show him smart. The pair competed at the Mid-Atlantic Reining Horse Association Futurity a few weeks ago. While they had done very well, Roshelli knew there were a few things she could have done differently. In the Ford Truck Arena, Cee Mi Diablo, by Inferno 66 out of Brennas Cee, performed every maneuver asked of him, resulting in a score of 217 which clinched the Open Level 1 Co-Championship and tied for fifth in the Level 2 for a check for $1,549.

“When anyone has asked me how he did today, my answer is ‘perfect,’ because he absolutely was,” Roshelli shared. “The Mid-Atlantic was the only other time he’s ever shown. He was good there and continued on with that here.”

Cee Mi Diablo, owned by J & B Partnership, was started by Roshelli’s boss Brandon Brant as a two-year-old. “We’ve had him ever since. Brandon put a lot of time on him, and I’ve been on him most of his three-year-old year. Brandon helps me every day with this horse. He’s turning out to be a great horse with a great mind,” she said.

Although Roshelli is done showing for the week, she won’t be slowing down. “I had another three-year-old I had shown in the Developing Futurity, and then Brandon will show his two derby horses next week in the Classic. We also have a non pro in the Classic, and then a non pro in the ancillary classes,” she said. “The list of people I need to thank could go on and on, but of course I thank Brandon and Cathy Brant. They’re always so supportive with Brandon helping and teaching me and Cathy is always behind the scenes doing so much for us. I also thank my parents at home, as well as our great group of friends and clients.”

Diego Gaona and Custom Made Voodoo Take Level 1 Open Co-Championship

It was only the second time for Custom Made Voodoo to see the show pen, but the colt, by Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Custom Josie, put together a stellar run with Diego Gaona at the reins. The pair scored a 217 to tie for the Open Level 1 and fifth in the Level 2 divisions, collecting $1,549. “I really just wanted this to be a confidence-building run and for us to be penalty-free. I put a little pressure on him in some spots to see how he was going to do, and overall, it worked out alright,” Gaona said. “I had shown him in Denver, and he was good there. He definitely had gotten a little lost in some spots there, but that’s from being green. He stepped up for this show, and I’m happy with him.”

Gaona started the colt as a two-year-old. “I kind of know everything about him. He’s super mellow, and very consistent every day. He’s just one of those horses that you know what to expect when you get out there. He’s a lot of fun to ride, and extremely easy to get along with,” he said.

Gaona has only been showing reining horses for about four years. “I’d ridden some reiners and started a lot of two-year-olds, but I just actively started showing the last four years. I’m trying to get in the show pen more,” he shared. “I have a lot of people to thank. I thank my clients who have been tremendous in supporting me and trusting me with their horses. I thank my family and my wife, Shaley, who is always behind me. Thank you to everyone here at the show and the show staff who is putting it on. It’s been a crazy year so to be able to come horse show is a lot of fun.”

The popular Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity is held annually at the Tulsa Reining Classic, and has long been sponsored by one of the reining industry’s most successful owner teams, Dave and Bonnie Silva. It is named for their late stallion, Hollywoodstinseltown.

Hollywoodstinseltown was sired by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire and Hall of Famer Hollywood Dun It and out of Silva’s NRBC Open Champion and NRHA Leading Dam Miss Tinseltown. The sparkling golden stallion had it all – incredible looks, phenomenal movement, and a great mind – and those attributes earned huge rewards in the show pen.

He was an NRHA Futurity finalist, an NRBC Intermediate Open Champion, NRHA Derby Reserve Champion, and member of the 2010 Gold Medal-Winning World Equestrian Games Team with Tim McQuay. His lifetime earnings exceed $185,000. As his competitive career wound down, it was already evident that Hollywoodstinseltown would leave as dramatic a mark on the breeding world as he had in the arena.

His foals showed promise early, catapulting him past the NRHA Million Dollar Sire mark in 2017, then crossed the $2 million milestone in 2019. His offspring currently have earnings over $2.5 million. For more information on Hollywoodstinseltown and Silva Reining Horses, visit the website at www.SilvaReining.com.

The second day of competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, featured the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity. The Developing Horse Futurity featured $20,000 in added money, with Shawn Flarida, Eduardo Salgado, and Raphael Bourdeau all claimed big chunks of the purse.

Shawn Flarida and PS Whizzen Colonel Claim Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Open Level 4 Championship

It’s not often that Shawn Flarida leaves an event early, but with his son Cody set to get married this weekend, he had to make some changes. “I actually showed all my futurity horses today because I’m jumping on a plane in a few hours to go home for the wedding, so I can’t show tomorrow [in the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity],” Flarida explained with a smile.

Flarida piloted PS Whizzen Colonel to the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity Open Level 4 Championship, and a check for $5,260, with a score of 220.5. “He turned really, really good. I didn’t run him as hard as I could have in the circles, but he stopped great. You can just point him down there, say the word ‘whoa,’ and he stops. He was really good,” Flarida said.

PS Whizzen Colonel holds a unique place in Flarida’s heart. He had ridden the colt’s sire, Wimpys LIttlecolonel, as well as his dam, PS A Whizzen Chic. PS Whizzen Colonel was bred and raised by Patsy Schultz, one of Flarida’s longtime customers. “Patsy passed away in February. I had worked for her forever, and it was incredibly sad,” Flarida shared. “Her horses got sold, and I bought this horse for another client of mine, Joe Bowman, that I’ve worked for for a long time. He’s never won a Futurity before, and he’s going to be so excited when I call and tell him. I’m excited for him, too.”

Although he’s leaving the NRBC, Flarida won’t be gone long. “I’m super excited for my son Cody and his future bride, Katsy Leeman. We’ll be there to celebrate and then fly back here on Sunday, and then my other son Sam shows Monday in the NRBC,” Flarida said. “I thank all my help. I thank my wife for organizing and getting me here. There are so many people to thank, including all the owners, and of course the man who is going to fly me home.”

Taking second in the Open Level 4 with a 219.5 was Fernando Salgado and Step Out N Rock It, owned by La Sierita. Step Out N Rock It, by Wimpys Little Step out of Miss Whiz Dunit, won $3,302.

Eduardo Salgado Wins Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity Levels 3 and 2 on Theoneyourelookinfor

Theoneyourelookinfor is extra special to Eduardo Salgado. He rode the mare’s sister in Brazil, winning numerous titles. When he moved to the United States, he purchased the mare’s dam, Jameen Olena and bred her to Shiners Voodoo Dr. “It’s special because I have her sister in Brazil, and she’s really similar to her sister. This is my first baby here in the United States,” Salgado shared.

That cross paid off, as Salgado and Theoneyourelookinfor took the Championship of the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity Open Levels 3 and 2 for checks worth $4,790. “Today’s run was really good, and I was really, really happy with her. I pushed her today. She turned really well, and her circles were both plus-halves, I think. She had a little bobble on the last stop, but I think she was so nice,” Eduardo said of the 220-point run. “This was the first time to show her, and my plan is to show her in Vegas next and then the big futurity.”

Salgado isn’t finished showing in Tulsa. He has another horse to show in the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity on Friday, and two horses to show in the NRBC next week. “I thank my family, my wife, my son, my brother, all my helpers and customers, and everyone who helps me. I thank everyone!” he said.

Taking second in the Level 3 was Daniel Schloemer and Dirty Diamonds with a score of 219. Dirty Diamonds, by Whizkey N Diamonds out of Wimpys Cat Step, is owned by Big Dreams Investments. The pair also placed in the Level 4 to win a total of $4,282.

Finishing Reserve in the Open Level 2 was Stefano Calcagnini and PL Trashyasparkler with a score of 218. Owned by Luigi Parise, PL Trashyasparkler also placed in Levels 3 and 4 for total earnings of $3,717. PL Trashyasparkler is by Gunnatrashya out of Custom Sparkler.

Raphael Bourdeau and Chics Dig Sparkles Win Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity Open Level 1

Raphael Bourdeau purchased Chics Dig Sparkles a year ago as a two-year-old. The young mare, by A Sparkling Vintage out of Peppy Chic Finale, impressed him with her physical stops and good mind. Those traits paid off, as the pair earned the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity Open Level 1 Championship.

“It was really special to win this. I moved down here from Canada about five years ago and all I wanted to do is train horses, and it feels like it paid off. It feels really good,” he shared.

Bourdeau and Chics Dig Sparkles also tied for seventh in the Level 2, bringing their total earnings for the day to $1,127. The duo marked a 216 despite a small bobble. “Our first stop she might have hit the track of another horse because she came out of the stop a little bit, but the other two stops were good. She turned and circled really well, and her lead changes were good. She felt really good everywhere. I can’t complain,” he said.

Bourdeau works for Dany and Fred Tremblay in Overbrook, Oklahoma. “I’m going to help Dany get his horses ready, and then after that I’m going to go back to the ranch and ride some two-year-olds,” he shared. “I thank my parents, Dany, Fred, and everyone who works with me.”

Garrett Gentry rode KB Wimpys Gunnrunner, owned by Gary Marsolais, to a score of 215.5 to win the Open Level 1 Reserve title and place in the Top Ten of the Level 2, to win checks totaling more than $853. KB Wimpys Gunnrunner is by Wimpys Little Step and out of Dun Gotta Gunner.

Tamarack Ranch, located in Joseph, Oregon, prides itself on raising reining horse prospects with sound mind and healthy bodies. The clean air, quality forage and pristine environment creates a perfect place to raise incredible athletes. Tamarack Ranch breeds and houses elite reining horses of every age and also serves as the training location for NRHA Professional Gabe Hutchins. Originally from Indiana, Hutchins attended Findlay College in Ohio before working as an intern, then assistant trainer for Shawn Flarida.

Gabe is one of NRHA’S top 20 riders and now has over $636,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings. As his record developed, so did his vision and he has become the perfect visionary and leader for the Tamarack Ranch program.

The overall theme of Tamarack Ranch is investing in the future – both by producing top-level reining horses and by sponsoring events and shows. The NRBC is glad to partner with this forward-thinking team which is also the sponsor of the Open Virtual Draw Party in 2020. For questions or to schedule a visit to Tamarack Ranch, please contact them at tamarackranchreiners@gmail.com or call 260-249-0158 or 260-416-1377. Plus, visit the website at www.TamarackRanchReiners.com.

The 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic kicked off on Wednesday, August 26, with the Toyon Ranch Emerging Horse Futurity. The 56-entry Futurity featured $4,999 in added money, and Champion Daniel Schloemer rode Recoded to a score of 220 to win $2,040. Recoded, owned by Chandler Winard, is by Electric Code and out of Chocolate Lady Chic.

Schloemer has a connection to the colt that began long before the horse was born. “We call him Oliver. Chandler showed his dam as a youth. I was working for Dan Huss and we had the horse there, and that’s why I was kind of familiar with the mom,” he explained. “When they asked me if I wanted to ride this colt, I was glad to be involved. I think it helps you as a trainer or a rider in general if you know the mom or dad of the one you’re riding.”

Schloemer took Recoded to the Rocky Mountain Summer Slide, where they made the Open Level 3 and Level 4 finals, at the end of July. “We took him to Denver before this for a little test run and then decided to bring him here. It all worked out and everyone was happy,” he said.

Schloemer is focusing on his futurity horses while in Tulsa for the NRBC and has two horses for the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity on Friday and another for the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity on Saturday.

“I thank my owners and the owner of our place. They’re all wonderful. I also thank everyone behind the scenes who makes this possible. It’s a team effort,” he said.

Finishing second was Pierre-Luc Phaneuf on Mindy Gray’s Concealed Guns. Phaneuf and Concealed Guns, by Guns R For Shootin out of Sweet Lena Shine, marked a 217 to win $1,241.

The long-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the NRBC, which is annually held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The event has become so important to the reining industry that the Global Reining Sports Group graciously allowed the NRBC to use the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square during the dates of the Tulsa Reining Classic.

Recognizing the needs of riders at this time of the year, the NRBC Board elected to hold a slate of futurities to allow riders the opportunity to show their 3-year-olds. The Toyon Ranch Emerging Horse Futurity debuted at the 2019 Tulsa Reining Classic and was pioneered by the Global Reining Sports Group. This futurity rounds out a tiered menu of options that allows trainers to choose the right level of competition for their horses, with the Emerging Horse Futurity focused towards 3-year-old reining horses who might not be as far along in their training or show career.

“I think it’s awesome. I think we should all be very thankful for sponsors like Toyon Ranch who do so much for the sport. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of them and all the sponsors,” Schloemer said. “I also think the format of this show is great. We have several futurities to fit whatever horse we bring to the best of its abilities.”

Complete results and further event information can be found at www.NRBC.com, and regular updates are posted on the NRBC’s Facebook page.

Toyon Ranch is owned by John and Nancy Tague. Located in Pilot Point, Texas, the ranch focuses on breeding and marketing high-quality reining prospects, pairing a diverse and proven band of mares with leading stallions. It is a formula that is working, landing them on NRHA’s leading owner lists in recent years.

Their partnership with top NRHA professional Nathan Piper has been more than successful and Mirjam Stillo has come on board to train at the ranch, as well. Recently Toyon Ranch announced that, following a land acquisition, they will now offer year-round mare care and breeding management beginning September 1. The service will be limited to mares dedicated to reining programs and preference will be given to multiple mare owners.

For information on Toyon Ranch, visit the Facebook page. For information on the breeding management program, please contact ToyonRanch15@gmail.com or call John Tague at 847-736-7514.