The National Reining Breeders Classic has seen top-shelf competition throughout the week. Reiners from across the country have traveled the miles, put in the hard work and showed up in Katy, Texas, in top form to battle it out for championship prizes and bragging rights.

Friday Jose Vazquez rode Like Shiner (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner) to a score of 223.5 to top Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Non Pro Classic champion and $30,000. Along with his Level 4 win, Vazquez also took home the Prime Time championship. This is Vazquez’ first NRBC Non Pro championship since 2009, which makes today’s win special.

“To come here and win is really difficult, the top horses come here, the top riders come here, but I have to sneak in somewhere sometime,” Vazquez said with a laugh.

Prior to entering the pen, Jose knew Jack Medows and Chicsdreamofdiamonds were leading Level 4 with a 222. Vazquez said he used that as motivation to lay it all on the line.

“There’s pressure every time you go in because if there’s not a 222 [before you] there will be a 222 behind you,” he said, “so the pressure is that it’s not over until it’s over. When I come to a show my hope is to make the finals, but when I make the finals then it changes and I want to step up a little bit, and hopefully, it will be my day.”

Along with the cash Vazquez received one year’s use of a deluxe two-horse Horse Trailer from Gary and Tammy Raak of Twin Cities Trailer Sales, a custom championship saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, a crystal trophy from NRBC, an NRHA bronze trophy, Anderson Bean boots, Whisper Bit from M3 Products, Ultra Cruz Equine Wellness and Joint Care plus other NRBC sponsored products like a custom embroidered cooler, a commemorative champion medal, and a
champion ribbon collar and roses.

Blake Takes Levels 1 and 3 Non Pro Classic Championships
Mark Blake rode Hot Hollywood Whizky to a score of 218 to win the Non Pro Level 3, Level 1, and the reserve championship in the Prime Time. Along with the $8,400 Blake picked up for winning the Level 3, his Level 1 finish garnered him another $1,553 while his Prime Time finish earned him $1,008.

“It truly was awesome,” Blake said of his run. “I could tell he was ready to roll from the get-go. He was listening and he was with me,” Blake said. “Everything just started to click, the whole pattern just got stronger, so it felt great.”

Hot Hollywood Whizky is by Topsail Whiz out of Hot Hollywood Jewels and has been performing well for Blake in several shows they’ve entered together, which Blake admits allowed his nerves to come into play during the Prelims. “I was nervous going in because I felt a lot of pressure from the last two shows that I’ve shown him. We’ve won everything that we entered, so I felt a lot of pressure and it probably showed in the Prelims,” Blake said. “Today that wasn’t there, it just felt great.”

Blake received a custom saddle sponsored NRBC, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, an NRHA bronze trophy,
Whisper Bit from M3 Products, Ultra Cruz Equine Wellness and Joint Care from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology. Plus, other NRBC sponsored products such as a crystal trophy, a commemorative champion medal, a custom embroidered cooler and champion ribbon collar and roses.

Reserve champion in the Level 3 was David McGee riding Knaughtybyknature (Magnum Chic Dream x Princess In Diamonds) with a score of 216. McGee received a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler and commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC, as well as Ultra Cruz Equine Vitamin E Plus from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology.

Opell Wins Non Pro Classic Level 2
Emily Opell rode Spook N Reyn (Smart Spook x Reyn Chex) to a score of 216.5 to win Level 2 as well as the reserve championship in Level 1. Opell had a busy day picking up wins in the youth classes aboard other horses as well, but the Non Pro victory was her favorite,
because it’s her first time to enter the Classic.

“He’s a really, really talented horse,” Opell said of her 6-year-old mount. “I’m so blessed to have a horse and come out here and do this, and the run [felt awesome]. He ran in and stopped and I thought, ‘Man, this is going to be a good run.’”

Opell pocketed $4,000 for the first place win, plus $945 for the second place Level 1 finish. She also received a custom saddle sponsored by Scottsdale Western World, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, Whisper Bit from M3 Products, Ultra Cruz Equine Wellness and Joint Care. Plus, other NRBC sponsored products such as a crystal trophy, a commemorative champion medal, a custom embroidered cooler and champion ribbon collar and roses.

Kathy Thompson rode Bailleys Sidekick (Gunners Special Nite x A Shining Sidekick) to the reserve championship in Level 2 with a score of 215.5. Thompson received a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler and commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC, as well as Ultra Cruz Equine Vitamin E Plus from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology.

The highlight of the NRBC each year is always the Open Classic Finals and this year’s edition was one for the history books as Duane Latimer rode Modern Gun (Gunners Special Nite x Taris Modern Design) to a score of 228 to top the Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Open Classic champion.

The win was Latimer’s first Open Classic title since 2000 when he won the title on Conquistador Whiz. This year he also topped the Prime Time to become the first Level 4 winner to also win the Prime Time.

“It’s been a little while,” Latimer said with a laugh, adding that the 5-year-old stallion performed outstandingly. “He was dialed in really, really good today. I was really happy.”
As is customary in the sport’s camaraderie and the love of the horse shines through above all else and the crowd’s response to Latimer’s run was a prime example of the excitement and appreciation of reining that abounds at NRBC. “[The crowd was really behind me] – it was awesome!” Latimer said.

Latimer has had Modern Gun since he was a 2-year-old and knows his style well. He said Modern Gun had been showing and schooling well all week, which set him up to push his horse to his full potential.

“My strategy is pretty much always the same – you go in thinking you can do it,” he said. “I didn’t warm him up much or do too much outside, just loped him around and worked on some steering and then went down there stopped and did our deal. I thought I had him up to it, but you never know.”

Duane collected $75,000 for owner MS Stables along with one year’s use of a Deluxe four-horse Trailer from Twin Cities South Trailer Sales, a custom saddle sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Santa Cruz products and an array of other awards and NRBC trophies.

Andrea Fappani and Pedro Baiao each marked a 225.5 to share the reserve co-championship in Level 4. Fappani rode Epic Titan (Colonels Smoking Gun x Princess In Diamonds) owned by Clinton Anderson. Baiao rode Michael Garnett’s Spooksgottachicolena (Spooks Gotta Gun x Braz Us). They each received $41,000 for the reserve co-championship.

Baiao Wins Open Classic Level 3
Pedro Baiao earned the Level 3 championship riding Spooksgottachicolena (Spooks Gotta Gun x Braz Us) to win $20,582. Baiao said he got a few words of special instruction from his boss, Martin Muehlstaetter.

“Martin said to me, ‘Pedro, just see how fast he can go,’” Baiao said with a laugh. Baiao didn’t disappoint his employer when he and Spooksgottachicolena marked a 225.5 to ultimately win Level 3 and tie for reserve honors in Level 4.

“He was really good riding out here the whole week and that was my plan,” he said. “I didn’t know it was going to mark that, but my goal was to test his speed.”

The score was Baiao’s highest score of his career, making the NRBC championship an extra special moment. “I knew after my second circle I was doing good,” he said with a laugh. “I could hear the crowd yelling and stuff. He hit the first stop so good and I knew some good score would come – not 225.5, but a good score. When I heard the 25 I was so excited. It was the best run of my life.”

Nicolazzi Wins Open Classic Level 2
Ricky Nicolazzi guided Spooks Show Time (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dolittle Lena) to a score of 219 to win Level 2 and earn $8,128. Nicolazzi has had the 5-year-old gelding, owned by Rancho Oso Rio, since September 2017 and the duo has been progressing well together sharing a highlight win at NRBC.

“I’m very happy about this horse and the winnings, especially for Rancho Oso Rio,” Nicolazzi said. “They always give me good horses to ride, so I’m really happy about it.”
Nicolazzi admits the Texas humidity took a toll on his mount, which resulted in him riding a little more conservatively than he would have liked.

“[My run] felt really good. He was a little tired at the end I couldn’t push him the way I wanted, but he’s not used to the humidity,” he said. “I don’t warm him up a lot, but I could feel I didn’t have as much horse as normal, but he did really good and showed hard.”

Maddox, Dawson and Borges Share Open Classic Level 1 Championship
There was a three-way tie in the Open Classic Level 1 between Benny Maddox, Chris Dawson and Gabriel Borges with scores of 218 to each earn $2,103.

Maddox rode Thebettertohearuwith (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Chex Out The Cowgirl) owned by Bill Coburn. “It’s been a privilege to ride behind Andrea (Fappani) and get to show [Thebettertohearuwith] his 6-year-old year,” Maddox said.

The win at NRBC is Maddox’ first major championship which makes the NRBC a special memory for him. “My goal was just to have a cleaner run,” Maddox said. “We still had an over-turn, but other than it was really good,” I’m super excited it’s my first major win and my
first major finals, so it’s super exciting.”

Dawson rode Shiney Outlaw (Shiners Nickle x Mereyda) owned by Michelle Cannon. Dawson and the 6-year old stallion have had a big week in Katy, Texas, taking home checks from their first entry and they haven’t slowed down. The duo improved on their Open Classic Prelims performances to share the co-championship title.
“We had a few bobbles in the go rounds, but he felt outstanding tonight and showed his little heart out,” Dawson said.

Dawson splits his time between the reining pen and the cow horse arena and says he was pleasantly surprised with the week spent at NRBC.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been back [in reining competition] and I don’t know that this is the show I would have picked, I mean this is the toughest dadgum reining there is so to come out here and hang with these guys it’s an honor and a privilege,” Dawson said.

Borges rode Checksworthy (Big Chex To Cash x Banjoes Shining Star) owned by Terry Leffew. Borges hasn’t had the 4-year-old mare long, having taken over the reins only in January, but the short time hasn’t hindered their performances together.
“Our second show together was here at the NRBC,” Borges said. “She’s pretty solid in her runs and she’s really nice.”
The NRBC was Borges’ first time to compete in the Level 4 finals, which was both a milestone and a learning experience. “I feel I can get a little more out of her. It’s my first Level 4 finals so I got a little nervous in the turns, so I didn’t nail the marks but she can mark better than that,” Borges said with a laugh.

It was a successful week at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, with big stops and smart maneuvers conquering the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. In Sunday’s action The Non Pro Classic Challenge brought tough competition with Greg Hall dominating the event riding Chics Mainattraction to win the titles in all levels including the Prime Time, plus the $5,000-added Non Pro worth a total of $17,137.

Chics Mainattraction is by Conquistador Whiz out of Chictastic and has been with Hall since the now 8-year-old mare was 2. Hall and his mount scored a big 218 to take home the rewards, which included a custom saddle, six NRHA bronze trophies and an array of NRBC commemorative awards.

“She was very good all the way through – she was very nice and very soft,” Hall said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m very happy.”

Hall said one of his favorite things about the mare is her consistency.

“I’ve shown her about six times in a row without schooling her and she just does everything I want her to do,” he said. “She’s a great horse.”

The Intermediate Non Pro champion was Robyn Schiller riding Smart Like Steady (Steady Tradition x Bar S Docs Gay Bar) to a score of 211.5 for the championship. Schiller purchased Smart Like Steady specifically to qualify for the World Equestrian Games and decided to enter the Intermediate Non Pro in the last minute and it paid off.

“He is a very smart 14-year-old that just wants to be good, so we always fight the anticipation, but this arena really suited him because he usually wants to get strong and I just said go ahead,” Schiller said. “I was very happy with him.”

Archer Sweeps Open Ancillary Classes

In the Open Stephen Archer rode Smart Stepin Lena (Wimpys Little Step x Smart Shiney Lena) to a score of 147.5 to win both the Open and Intermediate Open for owner Caolyn Tellepsen. Archer and Tellepsen have a special relationship and enjoy sharing the reining industry together.

“He’s a special horse and a special win for special lady,” Archer said of the day’s success. “He’s a sweet horse and kind and that’s the kind of horses Carolyn deserves.”

After this year of showing under the guidance of Archer, Smart Stepin Lena will go to Tellepsen to ride and enjoy.

Green Reiner Champions Name at NRBC 

Kristi Clark and Jennifer Richards shared the win in the Green Reiner Level 1 with scores of 69.5. Clark rode Living Loving Maid (Starlights Wrangler x Hangten Spanish Lady) while Richards rode Gunna Spook You (Gunnatrashya x Sugarplum Chic).

“It was very calm and quiet, and I was very calm and quiet for once, so it worked out well,” Clark said with a laugh.

Richard said she was proud of her horse for showing so well, especially after the third run of the week.

“Like Kristi said [about her run] mine was also calm and collected,” Richards said. “It was the best run of the week.”

The Green Reiner Level 2 winner was Dana Pastorino riding Jac Bee Whiz (Conquistador Whiz x Cinch Up Cowboy) to a score of 70. Pastorino and Jac Bee Whiz had a successful week at the NRBC taking home the championship in Saturday’s Green Reiner as well. She credited her mental prep before her run and her trainers for her success.

“It was pretty smooth,” Pastorino said of her run. “I had good circles and good stops. I just visualized [what I wanted] I closed my eyes and took myself through the pattern before I ran.”

In the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Jessicah Keller earned the championships with a score of 143.5 riding Snip O Satellite (New Chex Ta Cash x Snippa Gun).

“I’ve been schooling her all week trying to get her ready and she showed exactly how she was supposed to; she was honest,” Keller said. “We raised her, [so it makes the win more special]. I’m really glad everything came together today.”

Jennifer Greenleaf won the USA Reining Amateur class with a score of 142.5 riding Great White Nite. She said, “I just went in to have fun and try to be correct. This is a new horse for me. We just got him about a month ago. He is just the most fun, sweet, and talented horse!”

Jared Leclair and Mark Rafacz shared the win in the Novice Horse Open Level 1 with scores of 72.5.

Leclair was aboard Lil Coded Jac (Jacs Electic Spark x Hot Coded Candy) owned by Susan Meyer.

“We’ve had Lil Coded Jac for about 8 months now. He’s really talented and he really started to trust me at this show,” Leclair said.

Mark Rafacz rode I Can Beat The Boys (Colonels Smoking Gun x Taris Little Whiz) to the co-championship.

“She’s really a nice mare and I’m thankful for the opportunity to show her,” Rafacz said. “She’s been a good girl since the entire time she’s been here.”

Becky Shelton steered Taris Little Steps (Cromed Out Mercedes x Skeets Dot Tari) to the Novice Horse Open Level 2 championship with a score of 73.

“My run felt really good. I showed him in the Classic on Thursday and we didn’t make the Finals, so this was kind of my pretend finals run,” she said. “I improved on some things and I’m really happy I got the chance to improve on them.”

Magistri, Pastorino, and Lopez top the Green Reiner Classes

Shelda Magistri won the Green Reiner Level 1 riding Smart Von Reminic (Von Reminic x Smart Rose) to a score of 70. Magistri said the 16-year-old has been a great partner leading her to her first-ever 70 in the show pen in today’s class. She hopes for continued success in the pen.

“I just tried to be consistent,” Magistri said. “I’ve worked really hard on my stops and I was honestly just really happy that I got my stops down today, it’s been a work in progress.”

Dana Pastorino shared the Green Reiner Level 2 co-championship with Malena Lopez with a score of 70.5.

“We’ve been prepping all week and it all came together today,” Pastorino said. “I’ve had [Jac Bee Whiz] for about three years, which is about how long I’ve been reining.”

Pastorino rode Jac Bee Whiz (Conquistador Whiz x Cinch Up Cowboy) while Lopez rode Heza Pretty Ruf (Lil Ruf Peppy x Sheza Bonita Whiz).

Cade McCutcheon won the USA Reining Open riding Custom Made Gun with a score of 71.5.

“I was just loping him through trying to get him ready,” McCutcheon said. “I’ve shown him since he was 4, and he’s been really good to me.”

Mathieu Buton won the Equo CRI 3 on Gunna Sassya (Colonels Smoking Gun x Shining N Sassy) with a score of 74.5. Buton entered the CRI class at NRBC in preparation for the WEG test event to be held in two weeks.

“This is my first CRI this year and I have one more tomorrow,” Buton said. “I wanted to do WEG really bad last year, but I couldn’t find the right horse. I kept searching and I wasn’t about to give up.”

Buton ended up with the 2010 stallion, and he has big hopes for their success at the World Equestrian Games.

Youth Champions Crowned

In the 10 and Under Short Stirrup Becca Schaffhauser rode Dunnitwithasmokingun (Colonels Smoking Gun x Dun It Doll) to the win with a score of 71. This combined with her other Short Stirrup win, also earned her the High Point Buckle.

“They were probably some of the best runs I’ve ever had!” Becca said of both Short Stirrup runs.

Madison Rafacz won the Youth 13 & Under and the Youth 13 & Under Challenge riding Better Not Rest (Custom Crome x Rest Stop) and she said she takes special care of the 18-year-old gelding. Rafacz scored a 141 to win the class.

“I wasn’t trying to go too fast, because the score wasn’t too high, so I was taking it easy on him,” Rafacz said of her run.

Emilia Reutimann won the Youth 14-18 Challenge, shared the championships in the USA Reining Youth 14-18 and the Unrestricted Youth with Caleb Sturgeon, and shared the win in the Youth 14-18 with Sturgeon and Chalyce Head. Reutimann rode Black Hails Gold (Shine Like Hail x Dun Its Black Gold) to a score of 144.5 for the co-championships.

“I showed him yesterday in the CRI and he was really good there for me too, but I missed a mark so that kind of messed me up,” Reutimann said. “Today he was really good.”

In the Youth 14-18 Caleb Sturgeon riding Hollywoodsmokee (Hollywoodstinseltown x Gun Smoke) also shared the co-championship with a score of 144.5. In addition, he shared the co-championship in the USA Reining 14-18 with Reutimann and  Chalyce Head and the Unrestricted Youth with Reutimann.

“I felt really good going in,” Sturgeon said. “This is my third time to show him and ever since the first time showing him I felt an immediate connection with him.”

In the USA Reining 13 & Under Ava Bush won the title riding Shes A Shining Gun (Hes A Loaded Gun x Shining Suzanna) with a score of 138.

“I started off just school showing for the Futurity and she did tried really hard,” Bush said.

Chalyce Head and Chic Is A Steppin (Wimpys Little Step x Sanger Chic) turned in a score of 144.5 to share the co-championship in the Youth 14-18 with Reutimann and Sturgeon.

“It felt really good. She went in there and she did her job and I did mine,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Emma Lane won the AQHA Youth riding Gunner Gump (Colonels Smokin Gun x Little Patrasha Gump). She also took home the Curtis Berlin Memorial Award for the highest youth score of the week – a 146.

“I just found out that this was even a thing so I’ve very happy and I think it’s awesome that it’s a revolving trophy and you can see how the tradition evolves.” Lane said of the Curtis Berlin Memorial award.

The competition continued with the ancillary classes, plus the start of the youth classes. McKinnon Larcombe rode Taris Dreamer (Magnum Chic Dream x Taris San Cutter) to a score of 145 to top the Limited Non Pro.

“I’ve only had him for four months now, so I’m just getting to know him,” Larcombe said. “This is the biggest show we’ve been to so far and I haven’t really run him super hard yet, so I went out there with a plan to push it a little more and I told myself to trust him and it paid off.”

In second place was Tina Ellis riding Whatacromedmercedes (Cromed Out Mercedes x What A Sunrise) to a score of 142.5.

The Youth classes saw a lot of action with Faith Horner riding Bit Of Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Bitsy Bye Remedy) to the Youth 13 & Under win with a score of 137.5.

“It was really fun, he ran really fast and he did all of his maneuvers very well,” Horner said. “He’s a two-time world champion, so I love him a lot.”

Emma Lane won the Youth 14-18 with a score of 146 riding Gunner Gump, who’s by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Little Patrasha Gump. Lane also won the USA Reining Youth 14-18.  “Grumpy” has been enjoyed by the lane family for some time showing under Emma’s dad and brother before her.

Lane shared some insight about her run, “It was very fun. I was very surprised that I did so well because he doesn’t do well outside. He can see everything and it kind of scares him. So I was very happy with my run.

Emily Opell topped the Unrestricted Youth riding HA Tears Of The Sun (Lena Spark x HA Chic A Tune) with a score of 144.5.

“I just got back from Springfield,” Opell explained.” He got a little sore so I couldn’t show him in the last youth. We had to give him some time off and let him recuperate. I got back here and it just worked out for us. He was good.”

Becca Schaffhauser rode Dunitwithasmokingun (Colonels Smoking Gun x Dun It Doll) to a score of 70.5 to win the 10 and Under Short Stirrup. Becca said that she enjoyed the stops the most .

The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout finalists met Friday night in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum for the finals, where one talented rookie was crowned as the inaugural Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Champion and receive the cash prize and a custom golf cart.

Jennifer Neudorf’s 10-year-old gelding Blue Collar Tag (Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena) has been performing well for Neudorf all week picking up paychecks in the rookie classes to qualify her for the shootout. The pair showed big in the Coliseum to turn in a crowd-pleasing performance and earn a score of 72.5 to top the class and win the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout.

“It was my first time [showing in the Coliseum] and it felt really good. I had a lot of fun,” Neudorf said. “I pushed him more in my circles and I just put my hand down and said ‘whoa’ in his stops and it felt really cool to win [the Shootout] and I’m really happy.”

Rafacz became the reserve champion riding Whizenboonsmal to a score of 72, followed by Bush with a 71 on Shes A Shinging Gun. Neiberger finished fourth with a score of 70.5 on Who Dat Hot Chich, and Brugato finished fifth riding Mister Black Magic.

Taylor Sheridan, writer, director, and producer of Paramount Network’s new series “Yellowstone” – the namesake of the new rookie challenge – and Cole Hauser, one the show’s stars were on hand to present awards to the rookies, including the custom golf cart awarded to Neudorf.

Bertolani Dominates On Wimpys Littlecolonel

Franco Bertolani took home big wins in Friday night’s NRBC Open Reining Night presented by Kimmel Reining Horses. Bertolani was first in the draw and scored a whopping 226 which held up through thirty riders and won the National Reining Horse Association $25,000-added Open, the NRBC Open Classic Challenge and the CRI 3. 

Bertolani rode Wimpys Littlecolonel (Wimpys Little Step x One right Chic) owned by George Lawrence.

“I have a couple of horses that I listed before I started to try to be a part of the Brazilian team and Wimpys Littlecolonel was on my list. I talked to the owners and they were pretty excited,” Bertolani said. “I will decide after NRBC which one I will choose for WEG.

“This is a very big pen, so the judge has a lot of time to look at you, so it’s very important that you stay out of the penalty box,” he continued. “If you want to mark you need to run. If you go slow, or if you go medium speed it looks too slow, because it’s so big. So, I tried to show hard and stay out of the penalty box. He’s a good horse; he has a big heart.”

Although the big check was a welcomed reward, Bertolani said being able to represent Brazil is always a noble and humbling moment.

“It’s always nice, I like the international competition. It’s like you are giving back to your country,” Bertolani said. “The reining isn’t as big in Brazil as it is here in the US, but they follow along and watch on the internet and cheer, so I think the way I represent my country is the way I give back to them also.”

Jordan Larson rode ARC Gunnabeabigstar (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic) an 7-year-old stallion owned by HDC Quarter Horses to a score of 225.5 to take the USA Reining championship, reserve in the Open Challenge, reserve in the NRHA Open, and tied for second in the CRI 3 with Casey Deary.

“He was good; it was kind of like a dress rehearsal for the WEG trials. He turned awesome,” Larson said. “I have some things I want to work on – I didn’t show him full speed, but I was really happy with him. This will be the last thing I do with this horse. He’s been really special to me and my family, so I’ll just go try to do as good as we can and represent the US.”

Casey Deary rode Heavy Duty Chex (Nu Chex To Cash x Rhondas Tio) to a score of 75 for the silver medal in the CRI 3.

The ancillary classes continued with the Limited Open and Rookie Professional classes in the Wheless Arena where Ethan Willey took top honors in the Limited Open and Elisabeth Bourassa won the Rookie Professional.

Ethan Willey rode Slidin Smartly, (Smart Spook x Slidin On Sunshine) to a score of 73. Slidin Smartly is a 4-year-old mare owned by Brad and Amanda Kelly. The partnership with Willey and Slidin Smartly is young but is proving successful.

“I’ve only shown her one time before here and she was really good both times I’ve shown her,” Willey said. “She was really fun [today] I just tried to stay out of her way and let her do her thing. She’s a good mare.”

Bourassa won the Rookie Professional riding RR Gundun, who’s by Colonels Smoking Gun and out of Dun It With Grace, to a score of 72.5. The relationship between Bourassa and her 8-year-old gelding can be seen from across the show pen. Bourassa holds “Bear,” as he’s affectionately known, close to her heart and it’s easy to see why.

“Usually older horses will cheat you somewhere, but he just lets me show him,” Bourassa said. “He was so good. I really love my horse. This was my first show here and the plan was just to come here and get ready and I’m really glad for my first show to have that rhythm.”

Glen Estival won the High Point Rookie Professional buckle riding Thatza Good Question (Wimpys Little Step x Sheza Bonita Whiz), owned by Janine Inmon. Estival and “GQ” won Tuesday’s Rookie Professional and tied for third with Leslie Bingham on two of her horses, in today’s class. 

“I’m really happy, he’s a good horse and he did really good again today,” Estival said. “I was really happy with him.”

In the Novice Horse Open Levels 1 and 2 Sam Smith rode Magnums Lil Hercules (Magnum Chic Dream x Great Black Cody) to a score of 145.5 to take the wins for owner Sherry Sumpter.

“I’m just trying to put him together and get him seasoned,” Smith said of the 4-year-old gelding. “I was thinking more about showing [in the Open Classic Prelims]. I really didn’t do a lot to prepare him. He was real good in the circles, turned really good, and that horse is really a good stopper. He was spot on today, so I was really proud of him for that.”

Rookie Levels 1, 2 and Prime Time, Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Finalists

High stakes in the Rookie classes resulted in top-notch performances from the Rookies competing in the Tellepsen arena. Along with awards going to the Rookie Levels 1, 2 and Prime Time, the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout finalists were named, which was determined by the top five scoring rookies from the two rounds.

Co-champions Madison Rafacz and Isabella Tesmer shared the win in the Rookie Level 1 with scores of 143.5.

Rafacz rode Whizenboonsmal (Peptoleap x She Whiz A Star) and also qualified for the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout with the 2012 gelding earning a composite score of 215.

“I didn’t have any bobbles today like I did yesterday,” Rafacz said. “I had a nice clean run and I made it to the top five [Yellowstone Rookie Shootout].”

Rafacz and Whizenboonsmal topped Wednesday’s Rookie Level 1 class and combined with today’s win she says she’s excited about the shootout. She plans to give it her all in Friday’s finals.

“I’m going to run really fast,” Rafacz said with a laugh of her game plan for the shootout.

Tesmer rode the 2009 stallion Itsa Last Wimpy (Wimpys Little Step x Itsas Last Chic) to the co-championship. Tesmer and Itsa Last Wimpy have been partners for a little over a year. Tesmer is new to the game having only been reining for about a year, but her standout partner makes her job as a rider easy.

“He’s a really good boy. He’s calm and he really does what I ask him to do,” Tesmer said.

Rookie 2 winner was Jennifer Neudorf riding Blue Collar Tag (Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena) with a score of 146.5. Neudorf says she enjoys riding the 10-year-old gelding for many reasons, including his laid-back personality, but she especially enjoys his big stops.

“He’s fun to ride and fun to stop, and I’ve never had a good stopping horse, so it’s really cool to ride him,” Neudorf said. “Today felt way better [than yesterday during the rookie classes], I felt more concentrated today… and our run felt way better.”

Todd Neiberger rode Who Dat Hot Chic (Wimpys Little Step x Smart Chic Aloha) to the Rookie Prime Time win with a score of 142.5. Neiberger and the 2010 mare also qualified for the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout with a composite score of 212.5.

“She’s a wonderful mare, always there and extremely talented,” Neiberger said. “[Today’s run] was good, I have been working on some things and the turns – I didn’t quite get what I wanted, but that’s alright I kind of improve as we go, but it was good.” 

The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout finalists are Neudorf in the No. 1 position with a composite score of 218.5, followed by Rafacz with a 215 in second place. Nancy Brugato riding Mister Black Magic and Ava Bush riding Shes A Shining Gun tied for the third and fourth place qualifications with scores of 213. Neiberger finished fifth with a 212.5.

Morris Kulmer and NVR What A Lucky Joe Sweep the Novice Horse Non Pro

Felicia Linner and Samantha Roper Tie in the AQHA Amateur

In the Tellepsen arena, the Novice Horse Non Pros skillfully piloted the pattern for top honors. Leading both Levels 1 and 2 was Morris Kulmer with a score of 144. Kulmer rode NVR What A Lucky Joe, who’s by Lil Joe Cash out of What A Lucky Hit to the win. Kulmer and his mount also topped the AQHA Select Amateur class with a score of 144.

“Today’s run was good. I was relaxed, he was relaxed; we had a good time,” Kulmer said. “He’s a great horse and a lot of fun.”

Kulmer has had the 4-year-old stallion since the 2017 NRHA Futurity and the pair has found an easy partnership in the show pen. Kulmer’s looking forward to future success and coming back to NRBC next year. 

Following Kulmer in the Level 1 second place position was Laura Muntean-Sumrall riding Guns N Whizes (Gunners Special Nite x Ima Remin Whiz) to a score of 143.5. Laura Fourre rode Lime A Rita (Custom Legend x She Slides Wright) to the second-place finish in Level 2 with a score of 143.

Felicia Linner riding Gunnersshineybrunett (Colonels Smoking Gun x Scats Ebony Shiner) and Samantha Roper riding Lil Whizzer Gun (Lil Gun x Sugar Baby Whiz) tied for the win in the AQHA Amateur with scores of 141.

Neudorf and Rafacz Top the Rookie and Prime Time Rookie Sees a Five-Way Tie for the Win

In the Wheless arena, the first slate of Rookie competition began with fierce competition. Along with ancillary classes, the first round of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout began.

Madison Rafacz topped the Rookie Level 1 with a score of 71.5. Rafacz rode Whizenboonsmal (Peptoleap x She Whiz A Star) to the win and hopes to clean up a few things for tomorrow’s Rookie classes.

“He’s very sweet,” Rafacz said. “Today’s run was really good. I would have gotten a little higher score, but I over-turned and my left set of circles were sloppy, but oh well.”

The duo has only been together since the AQHA Congress. Their early success foreshadows a bright future for the pair to get the kinks worked out and continue winning in the pen.

Another rider boasting early success with a new horse is the Rookie Level 2 winner Jennifer Neudorf riding Blue Collar Tag (Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena) to a score of 72.

Jennifer said, “I’ve only had [Blue Collar Tag] for not even a month yet. He felt really in tune with me, and it just felt like everything really came together.” For winning Level 2 Neudorf earned an NRHA plaque plus an NRBC Cobalt vase.

A five-way tie from a score of 71 took the No. 1 spot in the Rookie Prime Time between Maria Renzi, Nancy Brugato, Linda Jacobs, Denise Pippin and Terry Saxton.

Renzi rode Cat Shiner by Cats Moonshine out of Toulouse Lena, and the 2011 gelding’s original profession was as a cutting horse. He’s transitioned almost flawlessly from the cutting world to the reining industry and continues to impress Renzi in the show pen.

“I’ve been riding him for two years and I love him; he’s very honest,” Renzi said of her mount. “He’s going to end up with me for the rest of his life! He’s a good boy, he’s honest and hopefully, he’ll stay that way.”

Brugato and Mister Black Magic (Mister Dual Pep x Lenas Black Witch) have been partners for two years and Brugato hopes to make the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout. The 2010 stallion performed well for Brugato in Wednesday’s class, even despite a minor hiccup. 

“It felt great. He tried to cheat me a little bit, but overall he was really good,” Brugato said with a laugh of Mister Black Magic’s run.

Jacobs rode Special Kinda Nite (Gunners Special Nite x Cowgirl In A Benz) a 2012 mare owned by 4 Lazy J Arizona. For sharing the win in the Rookie Prime Time each contestant will receive an NRHA plaque and were each awarded a commemorative NRBC Cobalt trophy.

“I’ve never shown at a major before [NRBC]. I didn’t make the finals for Non Pro, so I entered the Rookie and it was a lot more fun because I finally had a chance to take a breath!” Jacobs said with a smile.

Pippin and Chant For Chics, who’s by Hesa Smart Chic and out of Doc Otoe Chant, have been partners for a short time and have been progressing well together. Pippin has big plans for her 6-year-old mare and was excited about their showing together in NRBC so far.

“It was awesome; lots of good things happened,” Pippin said of her run. “My plan is to take her to the [NRHA] Derby.”

Saxton rode Jacs Electric Whiz (Jacs Electric Spark x Whizards Baby Doll) to the shared win. Saxton has owned the 2011 gelding for two years, and they have found their stride at NRBC. Marking only their fourth show together in the show pen, Wednesday’s win promises a bright future for the pair.

“I really had a blast on him! I had nice slides and everything came together on him,” Saxton said.

The first day of competition inside the Tellepsen and Wheless arenas featured the Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Rookie Professional and Limited Non Pro classes.

Archer Wins Intermediate Open on Smart Stepin Lena

In the Tellepsen arena, Open riders showed off their big stops and clean spins with three champions coming out with top honors. Stephen Archer turned in a 144.5 to take the Intermediate Open win riding Smart Stepin Lena (Wimpys Little Step x Smart Shiney Lena), owned by Carolyn Tellepsen.

“He was really good; pretty much everything was perfect. He can really run and stop. I had a little late lead change, but that was all me,” Archer said with a laugh. “With this horse all you have to do is count and say ‘Whoa’ and you’ll be good.”

Smart Stepin Lena has been with Archer for six months and although he was originally purchased for Tellepsen to ride, she offered the 6-year-old stallion to Archer and he jumped at the opportunity to ride him for the year.

“We bought him for [Carolyn] and I just stole him for the year,” Archer jokingly said. “[After this year] I’ll give him back to her.”

Chris Dawson and Shiney Outlaw Win Limited Open

In the Limited Open, Chris Dawson rode Shiney Outlaw (Shiners Nickle x Mereyda) to the win with a score of 142. Although the duo turned in a great showing Dawson nearly missed his run as he had been at a friend’s house working 3-year-olds on cattle and miscalculated the time. When Dawson pulled into the Great Southwest Equestrian Center and unloaded Shiney Outlaw from the trailer, the pre-check judge was already calling his name.

“I didn’t get to brush him or put my chaps on or anything else,” Dawson said with a laugh adding that it didn’t frazzle the standout stallion. “This horse, we’ve been showing him in the cowhorse and my mom and my wife have really been tearing it up on him. Michelle Cannon was interested in bringing him here and doing the NRBC on him, since she owns him and the derbies are open for 6-year-olds. We were eligible for all the divisions and so we decided to bring him down. I entered him in this class just trying to give him as many good experiences in the show pen as I could before we go show tomorrow (in the derby).”

Glen Estival Takes Rookie Professional Win

Glen Estival rode Thatza Good Question to a score of 142.5 for the win in the Rookie Professional for owner Janine Inmon. Estival has only been riding Thatza Good Question, aka “GQ,” for about six months and the duo are putting together solid runs in the show pen. The 7-year-old gelding is by Wimpys Little Step and out of Sheza Bonita Whiz and his future with Estival looks bright.

 “There were no penalties, so that was good and he was really honest for me,” Estival said of his run. “He’s a really good horse.”

Mary Scruggs and HA Lena Olynna Win Limited Non Pro

Mary Scruggs rode HA Lena Olynna to a score of 72 inside the Wheless arena to top the Limited Non Pro class. Scruggs’ 6-year-old mare by Lena Spark and out of HA Olynnas Chairman and has been with Scruggs since her 3-year-old year. Now in her last derby year the mare is continuing to impress Scruggs with her abilities in the pen.

“My run was really clean, it was a great run, my horse listened to me and I felt like it was one of the best runs we’ve ever had,” Scruggs said. “She was with me the whole time. She did everything I asked her to do. I was pretty surprised, but it was awesome!” Scruggs hopes to use the NRBC not only to continue building on their success and partnership but to also qualify for the American Quarter Horse Association Select World Show.