Exhibitors at the National Reining Breeders Classic, slated for April 16-23, 2023, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have even more to look forward to. That is because 100X Equine has joined the sponsorship team to bring everyone’s official run videos right into their inboxes.

The videos are produced and emailed out by official show videographer Equine Promotion, but each competitor will get their individual runs delivered directly to their inboxes thanks to the generous support of 100X Equine.

“The NRBC is a leader in the industry, so being able to partner with them is our great honor,” she said. “Allowing exhibitors to receive a copy of their runs allows them to go home and analyze their performances to help then gauge where they can improve and where they are strong. They can keep a catalog of their videos so they can watch their improvements over time.”

“We are glad to welcome 100X Equine,” said NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “This sponsorship provides a real benefit for our exhibitors!”

100X Equine is based in Prosper, Texas, and has grown rapidly since its beginning in 2019. All products are formulated and produced on site. There is an on-site distribution and shipping center as well where all the supplements are shipped across the globe.

“We create the highest quality supplements possible, and we want every horse to feel their absolute best!” said co-founder and principal Carter Smith. “It is so rewarding to read the thousands of 5-star reviews from horse owners. Although it may sound a bit cliche to call the supplements ‘advanced nutrition,’ the formulas truly originate with natural ingredients and are enhanced by modern science.

Through her work with 100X Equine, Smith is wholly dedicated to the well-being of all horses and believes that following the scientific approach to their healthcare needs is the foundation of caring for them. In addition to providing shelter, clean water, and quality forage, she believes that superb supplementation is key to their longevity and happiness.

About 100X Equine

“I’ve NEVER used supplements like these!” “Absolutely Amazing!” “I highly recommend!” These are words that industry professionals are using to describe 100X Equine. With revolutionary supplements such as GutX Digestive Support, Osteo-Max Bone & Tendon Support and NEW Regen-X for muscle building, exercise tolerance and recovery, 100X Equine is different than the rest. For more information, go to 100xequine.com.

About the NRBC

Since its inception, the NRBC has paid out over $26 Million. The 2023 show will be held April 16-23 at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For information on the NRBC program and show, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

As the first horse out in the final set of Saturday night’s adrenaline-charged NRBC Open Classic Finals, Tinker With Dreams and Dany Tremblay held the approval of the crowd from start to finish to secure a dream win. The 7-year-old stallion sired by Tinker With Guns and out of This Chicsdundreamin is owned by Shane and Kalicia Walters of Diamond Dub Quarter Horses and was bred by Rhodes River Ranch.

Tremblay and Tinker With Guns, aka “Cilantro,” were awarded $62,500 to add to the stallion’s NRHA lifetime earnings coming into the NRBC of $194,000. Tremblay says the elite equine athlete absolutely rose to this prestigious occasion. “The last couple of days we really tuned up and he knew what we were here to do. He went into that pen and it was like he knew exactly what we were doing. He knows the sound of the crowd and he’s just a show horse,” said Tremblay.

Tremblay, a two-time NRBC Open Level 3 Champion, who has also won a Level 4 Reserve Championship, says it’s a great feeling to earn the ultimate crown. “I’m glad that I did it with Shane and Kalicia,” he said. “They are great customers. They are awesome.”

Kalicia was on hand to express her mutual appreciation. “We are such big fans of Cilantro and Dany and the team together, so we knew this win was coming. We just didn’t know when, but I’m so glad it’s right now. The crowd was with us, we had our friends, and it was so exciting.”

“He loves the crowd,” said Tremblay. “It’s super fun to show that kind of a horse and I don’t think there are many of those types. They are happy to do it and work harder for you.”

Beyond high praise for Cilantro, Tremblay said, “Thank you to my team here. Thank you to Shane and Kalicia. They trust us with the horses, and they make it easy and fun.”

“Shane and I would like to thank Fred and Dany Tremblay for doing an amazing job,” added Kalicia. “Their program and the whole team is amazing. There is so much support; it’s the best I’ve ever seen, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.”

When the announcement of a 228.5 score was made, Tremblay says that he, like Vanlandingham, was comfortable with opting to accept the co-championship rather than running it off in anticipation of more high-stakes runs in the near future.

Level 4 Open Co-Champion – Jason Vanlandingham & A Vintage Smoke

NRHA Triple Crown winner A Vintage Smoke (A Sparkling Vintage x Lady Smoke Peppy x Mr Dual Pep) entered this evening’s Finals with the chance at becoming a two-time NRBC Open Classic Champion—and pulled it off. Ridden by NRHA $2 Million Dollar Rider Jason Vanlandingham, A Vintage Smoke set the pace at draw No. 26 with a masterful 228.5 performance that held through the 34-horse field.

Making a statement with their run-in entrance and endless sliding stop, A Vintage Smoke and Vanlandingham had the audience on the edge of their seats until the end. “Any time I go through the gate on that horse, the crowd is great,” said Vanlandingham. “And it was no exception tonight. They were behind us the whole way. When you have a special horse—and I heard them with Dany tonight, too—the crowd can really step up and I think the horses feed off of that energy. Definitely the great horses, they step their game another level when the crowd is that involved.”

A Vintage Smoke is owned by Diane Messmer of Colorado and was bred by Karl and Debbie Hapcic. The six-year-old black stallion added $62,500 tonight to his NRHA lifetime earnings coming into NRBC of $393,761.

Of how this win compares with he and A Vintage Smoke’s first NRBC Level 4 Open title, Vanlandingham says there’s a stark contrast. “The first time, he was a four-year-old coming straight off a win at the Futurity and it was the young horse going against the older horses,” he said. “Now it’s the opposite. He’s the older, more mature horse but now I have to keep everything together.”

Vanlandingham takes nothing for granted with respect to the caliber of horsepower underneath him, which in part played into this decision to share the championship with Tremblay rather than to run it off. “He’s all heart and guts and I know what I have,” he said. “We’re both planning on showing these horses more this year, so why waste it? They are both champions right now and we will save that run for the next one.”

Vanlandingham summed up the night with gratitude for the horseflesh and the opportunities that he has to make his livelihood as an elite reiner. “Thank the good Lord and Diane,” he said. “We are blessed to do what we do. For me to be able to it with my family and with my wife by my side, I’m just blessed.”

Level 3 Open Classic Champion – Gunny Mathison & Shes Reddy On Line

Level 3 Open Classic Champions Gunny Mathison and Shes Reddy On Line stepped up in response to the electric atmosphere at this evening’s NRBC Open Classic Finals. Mathison and the 2016 mare, sired by Shine On Line and out of Guns R Reddy, owned and bred by Mary Jansma, were awarded $21,875 and a plethora of first-class awards thanks to their 225 score.

“I saw all the people in the crowd, and it just changes your perspective,” Mathison said of the increased confidence he felt after hitting his first stop on the run-in Finals pattern. “I ran in and stopped, and it felt good because she’s a great stopper. It felt amazing.”

The charismatic horseman, a Houston-area native, stepped up in response to performing in front of a hometown crowd, but says he knew he had to achieve a flawless performance in order to win the ultra-competitive Level 3 Open. He was pleasantly surprised to finish fifth in the Level 4 for $22,500. “I knew I could, but it feels good to pull it off once in a while,” he said. “The hardest part is staying focused enough just to get it done.”

Mathison Reining Horses makes its home in Tioga, Texas, where Mathison says he’s grateful for the support team behind his winning program. “Mary Jansma for breeding this horse, my owners Tom and Cindy at Bozidar Ranch who have been with me literally through thick and thin. I know they always have my back,” he said adding an emotional tip of the hat to his other half. “I’d like to thank my wife, Monica, for all she does for me. All of my employees—Hava Vital and Dakota Guthridge. There are so many people to thank. I don’t think I really deserve the credit for this. It’s all the people that helped me get here and the horse, she deserves it, she didn’t quit.” 

Level 2 Open Classic – Eduardo Salgado & Isnt She Dreamy

Eduardo Salgado and Isnt She Dreamy achieved a score of 219.5 to tie for the Level 2 Limited Open Classic championship. Owned by Renata Lemann, the five-year-old mare is by NRHA $6 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Miss Silver Gun.

“I’m very proud of Eduardo and mare,” said Renata Lemann. “The mare has a very strong heart and gives everything. She is very special. I have known Eduardo since I was in Brazil, and I think he has a gift of knowing the horses and knowing which horse will fit the client best, he knows how to take the best from each horse and make it better.”

“The run, I thought it was perfect,” said Salgado. “She is stopping so good. She gave it all to me tonight. “I have ridden her for two years. The mare wasn’t shown much before this. This is the first show to show hard, and I love her. She was amazing.”

Salgado, who said this is his first major win at NRBC, said, “For me this is the best show in the reining world, the best horses and best trainers.”

Salgado began training reiners in Brazil in 1999 before moving to the United States in 2013. He now trains out of Gainesville, Texas, and said he appreciates the support of his clients, Diane Boeckman and Renata Lemann. “I have some good horses for this year. Thank you for everything to my team and my wife, my kids, my customers Renata and Diane.”

Level 2 Open Classic – Leo Kellerman & Blazed By Magnum

With a solid 219.5 performance in Saturday’s NRBC Open Classic Finals, it was Leo Kellerman and Blazed By Magnum claiming the Level 2 Limited Open win, which paid 6,866.

The NRBC is Kellerman’s second show with the 2016 stallion owned by Diane Yoder and bred by Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas, LLC. After marking a 214.5 in the prelims, Kellerman called harder on the son of NRHA $6 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Blazed By Commander and Blazed By Magnum answered the call. “We didn’t run as fast as in the first go as we did in the second go,” Kellerman said. “He was good both times, we just ran a little faster this time.”

The first-time NRBC Open finalist is enjoying the ride. “I really love it, it’s really fun. He’s a really special horse. He’s a big stopper and really good-minded,” Kellerman said.

Kellerman has been a member of the elite Fappani Performance Horses team for the past two-and-a-half years and began showing in 2020. The native of Brazil says he started riding reining horses at the age of 11 and moved to the United States at age 19. “I really love working at Andrea’s,” he said. “We always have him by our side to teach us and help us through everything. He gives us advice all the time with everything.”

Kellerman thanks God first and foremost, as well as his family and the entire team at Fappani Performance Horses in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is particularly thankful to Andrea for mentoring him. “I thank Diane Yoder, the owner of the horse. We are really happy to have this horse with us.” 

Level 1 Classic Open – Lucio Pontes Casalecchi & Ruffed Up Spooks

Capturing the NRBC Level 1 Open Classic win was Lucio Pontes Casalecchi riding Ruffed Up Spooks for owner Ixtul Quarter Horses, LLC. Ruffed Up Spooks and Casalecchi marked a 217.5 to win the division. Ruffed Up Spooks, sired by NRHA $2 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of All Ruffed Up, is a 2016 stallion that was bred by Silver Spurs Equine.

Casalecchi and Ruffed Up Spooks also made the Level 2 Finals. “[This is] my second time to show here at the NRBC.,” Casalecchi said. “I made the L1 Finals the first time, but this year I made Level 1 and 2.”

“I think he gave me everything he had,” Casalecchi said of the horse’s effort in the Finals. “He stopped really big, and it was all good. Ruffed Up Spooks is a five-year-old now and is a real consistent horse. I love him. I have been riding him for one year.”

Casalecchi, who is 24 and hails from Brazil, has ridden reiners since the age of 12. “My uncle is a horse trainer, so I started to ride with him. I came to the United States two years ago where I work for Thiago Boechat. I thank my boss, Thiago Boechat [in Purcell, Oklahoma], and the owner of the horse, Lorenzo Vargas.”

When asked how he felt about competing at NRBC, Casalecchi replied, “It’s awesome. I love this place!”

Casalecchi is looking forward to the upcoming NRHA Derby and said he plans to stick the same winning strategy he employed here at NRBC. He qualified two horses to the Open Classic Finals; the other is Xtra Voodoolicious owned by Boechat, which he guided to a top 10 finish in the Level 1.

Development Division – Shawn Flarida and Americas Got Talent

Prime Time Open Classic – Shawn Flarida and Shine Colt Shine

Emerging as the winner of the Open Classic Development Division with a score of 221 to earn $9,606 was NRHA $6 Million Rider Shawn Flarida and Americas Got Talent. Americas Got Talent, by NRHA $12 Million Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Americasnextgunmodel, is a 2017 stallion owned by Marie H Whitmarsh and bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA.

Americas Got Talent came to Flarida’s program in January. “He has an enormous amount of talent. This is the first time I’ve ever shown him. He circles amazing. What a fun horse,” said Flarida, adding that he looks forward to gaining more show experience with the feely equine athlete. “I pretty much just treated him like a three-old-old that I’ve never shown before and made sure that he was pretty comfortable.”

Flarida kept his win streak running hot when he topped the Prime Time Open Classic aboard Shine Colt Shine with a 222. The five-year-old stallion is sired by Shine Chic Shine out of Gunners Miss Oak and is owned by Gaynia Revenberg and bred by Amabile & Strusiner. “This is a great horse and I’m just happy to be in this position,” Flarida said. “I was second in the reining futurity on him, this has been an awesome horse for me.”

Coming back with three Level 4 finalists was right in line with the leading rider’s passion for competition. “I love to compete,” he said. “This is obviously my life. This is the toughest event there is and it’s an honor to get three back.”

Flarida said the huge-stopping colt did not disappoint on Finals’ night. “He’s a tremendous athlete, obviously his stop is his best deal and he’s big and gorgeous. He’s out of a Chic mare on the bottom with a Gunner so that just helps him with his maneuvers. He’ll go from here to the NRHA Derby.”

“There are so many people I need to thank,” added Flarida. “All my sponsors. The owner of Americas Got Talent, Marie Whitmarsh, she’s been awesome and so supportive. The owners of Shine Colt Shine, Gus and Gaynia Revenberg, have been tremendous supporters for my entire career. My wife, my two sons and daughter; my family is the backbone of my business, and all of my help. It wouldn’t be possible without all of them.”

When the curtain closed on the Level 4 Non Pro Classic Finals, it was NRHA $2 Million Rider Mandy McCutcheon and JLosa scoring a 224.5 to cinch the championship and $30,000. JLosa, by Arlosa Whiz and out Spook N Jessie, is owned by Mandy and her husband Tom McCutcheon.

“I bought her last fall from Fred Thommson and Josefine Spangfors,” Mandy said. “They did all the work on her; I’m just getting to enjoy the glory. I tried for a long time to buy her.”

JLosa made a special first impression on Mandy. “Her stop is what caught my eye and I just watched her the whole time Josefine had her. I loved the look in her eye. It looked like the thoughts in her mind would be good thoughts.”

After showing JLosa at the Cactus Classic in the Open, Mandy said she gained valuable experience and adjusted a few things accordingly. “I used that run really to learn how to show her,” she said. Her changes paid big dividends by the time they arrived at NRBC. 

Unofficially, McCutcheon is nearing NRBC earnings of $700,000. This year marks her eighth NRBC Non Pro Classic championship, but Mandy said it’s especially meaningful considering her daughter Carlee’s success in the Finals. “That part was amazing. That put it right over the top for me,” she said of Carlee earning dual Non Pro championships.

In the time leading up to NRBC there was some horse-swapping amongst the McCutcheon ladies, but the final decisions regarding horse and rider pairings were good ones. “Cade said, ‘Mom, you’ve got to give her Dununzio [Dun With Guns].’ Her big brother was looking out for her,” Mandy said. “She had three horses in the finals today and she showed every single one of them so smart. She showed each horse to its ability and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

While a little horse trading is customary among the McCutcheons, Mandy said with a smile, “I’m not sharing JLosa. For now, momma’s keeping her. That’s the plan anyway.”

Mandy expressed her gratitude to the team behind her on her journey to the NRBC winner’s circle. “My parents, my husband, Cade, Carlee, the crew at the barn, my crew that stays home and makes it so we can be away showing. They make it possible for us to do what we do.”

NRBC Level 3 & Level 2 Classic Champion – Carlee McCutcheon & Dun With Guns

Keeping the winning trend going strong in her family was Carlee McCutcheon, 15, of Aubrey, Texas, who won the Level 3 and Level 2 Non Pro Classic championships. Carlee rode Dun With Guns to a 218.5 to earn a combined $18,500. By NRHA $4 Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Belle Star Dunn It, Dun With Guns is owned by Carlee’s parents, Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, and was bred by Turnabout Farm, Inc.

McCutcheon, who has been in Katy, Texas, since January attending the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show with her hunter/jumpers, shifted gears into reining with ease as she prepared in the week leading up to NRBC. “Pin Oak started in January, so I haven’t ridden many reiners since then. I just have to focus as much as I can and switch over,” she said.

Of her performance in the Finals, Carlee said her parents told her to go have fun, and that is exactly what she did. “It was a lot of fun. My horse was with me every step. He’s super smart and honest, and I just trust him.”

Carlee thanked her parents and grandparents, Tim and Colleen McQuay, as well as her brother Cade for all their help and support, along with Sara Willeman of Turnabout Farms for breeding Dun With Guns.

NRBC Level 1 Non Pro Classic Champion – Anna Harris

Sixteen-year-old Anna Layne Harris from Sheridan, Arkansas, made her first NRBC count when she captured the Level 1 Non Pro Classic Championship riding Ready N Willing with a 215.5 in the Finals. The 2015 gelding sired by NRHA $3 Million Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Dainty Dunit is owned by Delaina Harris and was bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA.

“I didn’t know what to think coming in, but I was really excited that everything went smooth. Overall, I was just happy that he performed,” Harris said.

Harris, who rides with Yonathan Baruch, invested a lot of time and miles into preparing for the NRBC. “We drive every weekend to Texas, it’s about four hours [one way] so we drive about eight hours to go ride. We went to Tulsa not long ago and cruised him through and it was really smooth. We watched the videos and saw what we could fix and just went in thinking of how to avoid any mistakes.”

Ready N Willing, aka “Red,” qualified with Baruch to the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Finals before Harris and her family acquired him. “I tried him in December, and we ended up buying him then. He rides a lot like my old horse, so it was very easy to step on him and adjust. He’s very quirky, he likes scratches and anything he can eat.”

Harris said her horse handled the run-in pattern for the NRBC Finals with confidence. “I had run very few run-in patterns, so I was very excited to get to do that. He was really free and his circles were really good. I was nervous about the turns, but he got through it good.”

Harris thanked her parents, Delaina and Shane Harris, the entire crew at Baruch Reining Horses, and “I have to thank God for the talent He has given me.”

NRBC Prime Time Non Pro Classic Champion – Shaunda Rai Blinzler & Tagin Stiletto Chics

The Champions of the Prime Time Non Pro was Shaunda Rai Blinzler and Tagin Stiletto Chics with a 219. By NRHA $4 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of the mare Stiletto Tag, Tagin Stiletto Chics was bred by Jennifer Marley.

Blinzler of Scottsdale, Arizona, acquired Tagin Stiletto Chics, aka “Duke,” right before Christmas and has been working to form a partnership that proved to be fruitful at NRBC. “He’s a lot of fun, he’s super honest. I’ve just tried to learn him because I literally haven’t had much time with him. It’s been a crash course in learning,” she laughed.

Of her Finals performance, Blinzler said, “He ran in really good. I’ve been having a little bit of trouble with my spins, but I felt like I got through it good and the rest of the run he was really pure and really honest. There’s just not much more you can ask of them than that.”

Blinzler, a former NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Champion, estimates that she showed at her first NRBC in 2007 but said she hasn’t had a derby horse in several years and is happy to be back with a good one. “It was amazing,” she said. “It feels really good to be back [at NRBC]. It’s fun to be back and to see all of these people again.”

Blinzler thanked her trainer Cade McCutcheon, as well as her husband Ronnie, and the entire McCutcheon team.

The National Reining Breeders Classic, held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, is a must-attend event, not only for the prestigious Classic but also for the two full slates of horse show classes that are held throughout the week.

The ancillary action kicked off Tuesday, April 20, in both the Wheless and Tellepsen Arenas, with more than 117 entries across the classes. Complete results can be found at www.NRBC.com.

Intermediate and Limited Open – Colin Fitzpatrick & Ruf Up My Jersey

In the Tellepsen Arena, Intermediate and Limited Open riders competed with the team of Colin Fitzpatrick and Ruf Up My Jersey winning both divisions. Sired by Yellow Jersey and out of Dunit A Lil Ruf, Ruf Up My Jersey is owned by Teresa Goforth, of Tioga, Texas. A combined paycheck of $1,341 was awarded thanks to Dunit A Lil Ruf’s 144.5.

Originally from Canada, Fitzpatrick lives in Whitesboro, Texas, where he works for Brian Bell at Bell Ranch. “We’ve got a really good group at Bell Ranch,” Fitzpatrick said. “We’ve got a great group of clients and a good team. Everyone supports each other and we have a lot of fun.”

Winning is always fun, and today that certainly proved to be the case for Fitzpatrick, who went into the competition with the goal of making a strong, confidence-building run with Dunit A Lil Ruf. “I showed him here in Katy in order to get some seasoning,” Fitzpatrick said. “I had shown him a little bit in Hamilton [Texas] a couple of weeks ago and found a few things I needed to work on there. When I got here, I had a plan to get him ready and it all worked out.”

Fitzpatrick intends to show Dunit A Lil Ruf more in the future in hopes of adding to the horse’s winning resume. “I’m going to show him a few more times here just to get a few more miles put on him, and the end goal will be to get him ready for his owner, Teresa Goforth, to show him,” he said.

Reserve champion in the Intermediate Open was Spin N Wimp, ridden by Joshua Crawley for owner Denise Ann Severson-Hobbs, with a 144 worth $801. Spin N Wimp is sired by NRHA $12 Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Lil Step and out of the mare Spinning Beauty.

Reserve in the Limited Open was Alpha Trashyanicki, ridden by Jeronimo Leal Lobo for owner Esteban Posada Olarte to a 143 worth $187. Alpha Trashyanicki is sired by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Chexanicki. 

Rookie Pro – Katie Davis and Chicsdundreamin

Chicsdundreamin and Katie Davis had a dream day in Katy, Texas, where they won the Rookie Pro division with a 141.5 to earn $241. The 2007 gelding by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of the mare Goody Goody Gum Drop is owned Nancy Stillwell, of Weatherford, Texas.

Davis, who resides in Weatherford, Texas, where she works for Deary Performance Horses, explained that family ties run deep with the horse she rode to victory today. “Chicsdundreamin belongs to Nancy and Allen Stillwell, who are Casey’s in-laws, and they’ve been very gracious to let me show him,” she said.

Davis, who says she had previously shown Chicsdundreamin mainly at smaller, local shows said that her run today was exhilarating. “He was showing like he was a young boy again,” Davis said. “He’s got a lot of talent; he’s got a lot of earnings and it’s all to the horse’s credit.”

In fact, Chicsdundreamin had NRHA lifetime earnings of $153,742 prior to arriving at the NRBC. Davis says she is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to show such a veteran performer.

“I especially thank Casey and Nicole Deary, and of course Nancy and Allen Stillwell, as well as all of my teammates at Deary Performance Horse because we couldn’t function as a farm without each and every one of us doing our part.”

Reserve in the Rookie Pro was Baileys Not Painted, ridden by Matheus Victor Vieiria for owner Kristen Cantacuzene. Baileys Not Painted is by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Darlins Not Painted.

Limited Non Pro – Tamara Bush & Little Joe Vintage

It’s been five years since Tamara Bush has shown a reining horse. In fact, the last time she competed was at the 2016 NRBC. Unfortunately, an injury caused her to cease competing. “I hurt myself, and right after that NRBC I had a complete neck fusion,” Bush explained. “I stopped riding and got scared, but I got my guts back and decided to go for it, and this is our first show. It was a lot of fun. It’s awesome to be back at the NRBC. It’s the best show.”

What a first outing it was! Bush and Little Joe Vintage marked a 72 to win the Limited Non Pro in the Wheless Arena. “It felt really great. I lifted my hand a bit too much but he’s such a good, solid horse that he took care of me,” Bush said of the gelding, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage out of Snappy N Smart Chic. “I couldn’t believe our score. I was just hoping I wouldn’t fall off and that I could get my lead changes, so I was 100% surprised.”

Bush and Little Joe Vintage will show again Thursday and possibly Sunday. “It all depends how it’s going.” She added, “I thank my guy Harper Conner and also Lorenzo Concarella who has given me some lessons and helped me get my confidence up.”

Tying for second in the Limited Non Pro were Arielle Hacking and Stephanie Stewart, who both marked scores of 71.5.

Hacking rode Alvin McDreamy, by NRHA Six Million Dollar Magnum Chic Dream out of Surely Whiz, while Stewart piloted A West Coast Flash, by West Coast Whiz out of Sheza Flashy Spook.

Prime Time Non Pro – Tamra Kyle & KR Smart Dreamer

With a 72.5, Tamra Kyle and KR Smart Dreamer took the Prime Time Non Pro win in the Wheless Arena. “He was a good boy today. He was really quiet in the center, listened to me, and stayed relaxed,” Kyle said. “We had a couple bobbles in the Classic, and won’t make the finals there, so we thought we would come play in the other pens.”

Tamra and her husband Pete Kyle bred and raised KR Smart Dreamer, by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Smart Shiney Lena. They sold the colt but bought him back as a two-year-old. “He’s just a fun horse to ride. He’s super light, comfortable, always right there for you and he tries really hard,” she said. “We’ve done a lot of things with him like ranch riding, horsemanship, and reining. I enjoy showing him, and he enjoys being shown, so that’s what we will keep doing.”

The Kyles are members of the NRBC Board, and so the return to Katy is extra special. “I think when you’re away from some place for a bit, coming back is even more incredible. The facility has done an amazing job getting the grounds prepped and they continue to make improvements, so it is awesome. It’s such a different environment, and it is great to be back,” she said.

Finishing second in the Prime Time Non Pro with a score of 71.5 was Victoria Lambert on Magnums Chexy Dream. Magnums Chexy Dream is by Magnum Chic Dream out of Big Gold Chex.

Rookie L1 Champion, L2 and Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Round 1 Co-Champion – Eric Mendrysa & Scootin Through Town

Wednesday’s Rookie L1 Champion in the Wheless Arena was Eric Mendrysa of Boerne, Texas, riding Scootin Through Town. With a score of 72, Mendrysa also tied for the win in the Rookie L2, the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Round 1, and the Run For A Million Rookie qualifier.

By NRHA $2 Million Sire Hollywoodtinseltown and out of the mare Scoot Lil Bo, Scootin Through Town and Mendrysa teamed up during the 2020 NRHA Futurity. “This is only our third or fourth show together,” said Mendrysa of the seven-year-old gelding. “We are still a pretty new team, but we are figuring things out.”

Mendrysa, who has shown AQHA all-around horses for years, has embraced the new challenge of riding reining horses—particularly here in Katy. “This is my first NRBC, and only my second year showing reining horses,” he said. “My favorite part of this show is getting to watch the open horses here because they have an unreal level of talent and it’s fun to watch. I’m looking forward to watching the finals.”

Despite the fact that the lead-up to today’s run was a bit rushed, Mendrysa appreciates the help he receives from his trainer Arnaud Ferrett in expertly preparing him and his horses. “I was early in the draw today and there were some scratches. I didn’t have much time to warmup, but it actually worked in my favor because I didn’t have time to get nervous. It was just get in and go and he [Scootin Through Town] took care of me. It was really fun,” he said.

Rookie L2 and Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Round 1 Co-Champion – Katharine Cappe & Wallas Corona

Sharing the victory in the Rookie L2, Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Round 1 and the Run For A Million Rookie Qualifier was Katharine Cappe and her 2013 gelding Wallas Corona.

Wallas Corona, by NRHA $3 Million Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Coronas Major, has been partnered with Cappe for close to a year. “I got him right around the time that NRBC was supposed to happen last year. This is my first NRBC and we are off to a good start,” she said.

Of her run in the Wheless, Cappe says she was proud to have put forth the effort to improve upon a few details. “We showed yesterday, and it went really well, so the plan was to just try to improve on a few things from yesterday. Some days they come out here and you just know it is going to be good. That’s how he felt today. He was phenomenal,” Cappe said.

Cappe, a native of Maui, Hawaii, resides in Charleston, South Carolina, and rides with Dave Moore in Florida. “I’m thankful for the entire crew at Dave Moore Reining—Dave, Nicki, Kim and everyone who rides there. We are a big family and we love to travel and show together. Our next big show will be the North American Reining Stakes in July and then I guess we’re going to Vegas [in August]!”

Prime Time Rookie Champion – Valencia Pitzing & Baileys Sidekick

Topping the Prime Time Rookie was Valencia Pitzing aboard Baileys Sidekick, by NRHA $4 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of A Shining Sidekick.

“Today, my turnarounds stood out to me,” Pitzing said of her 71.5-point run. “Overall the run felt good. He’s just a good horse and a good horse for me as a Rookie.”

Baileys Sidekick and Pitzing celebrated their relatively new partnership with the win. “I’ve only owned him for three months and this is just our third show together. This is my second time showing at the NRBC,” she explained.

Pitzing, who lives in Alabama, plans to finish out her year of Rookie eligibility with Baileys Sidekick and acquire a derby horse to show in the future. She appreciates the support and guidance of her trainer, Ruben Vandorp, of Aubrey, Texas. “He has a lot of patience with me,” she said. “We’re really doing well, and things are coming together with Baileys Sidekick.”

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Co-Champion – Kary Key & Cant Spook Me

Kary Key and her horse Cant Spook Me tied for the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 win with a score of 144.

Key enjoys being reunited with Cant Spook Me, a home-raised product of her mother Pat Fletcher’s breeding program. “We bred and raised him, but we actually sold him as a two-year-old and got him back as a seven-year-old. I got to finally start showing him as a seven-and-up, now eight-and-up horse,” she explained.

By NRHA $2 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of the mare Te On The Trashy Side, Cant Spook Me impressed Key in the Tellepsen Arena with his solid performance and strong momentum. “I was really happy to be going forward and running through the middle better because he’s always wanting to slow down, he’s never going to run off. We’re working on that and if I can stay out of his way, we usually do OK,” she said.

Enjoying the beautiful weather and laidback atmosphere, Key, of Millsap, Texas, added thanks to her mother for raising such a standout performer, as well as to trainer Jonathan Gauthier.

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Co-Champion – Sarah Armenta & Gun Smoke Dennis

It was the first show of 2021 for Sarah Armenta and Gun Smoke Dennis, but the pair put together a solid run, marking a 144 and tying for the win of the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3.

Armenta, of Whitesboro, Texas, has been showing Gun Smoke Dennis, by Lil Dry Peppy and out of Gun Smoke Denise, for the past two years. “I first showed him at the Redbud Spectacular in Oklahoma City [Oklahoma], and then I took him to Switzerland for Team USA, and I’ve had him since.”

The college freshman was pleased to lay down a solid performance in her first run back since the NRHA Futurity. “My mom’s been showing him while I’ve been at school, and she has done pretty well. I thought, ‘I have to be better than my mom,’” Armenta joked.

Armenta was particularly proud of the quality of her consistently hard-stopping gelding’s circles during the run, and thanked trainers Casey Hinton and Jimmy van der Hoeven for their assistance. “Recently, with my riding schedule what it is, they’re helping me even more in the mornings when it’s tough for them. And I thank my mom, of course, and Robbie and Julia Berti, who I bought Gun Smoke Dennis from two years ago,” she said.

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 – Darby Gardner & Chex Golden Tag

Coming out on top of the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 was Houston’s own Darby Gardner and her horse Chex Golden Tag, sired by NRHA $2 Million Sire Whiz N Tag Chex and out of the mare SR Cotton Candy, scoring a 143 to earn $561.

Gardner, who has been teamed with the horse she calls “Corn Pops” since acquiring him in December from the Texas A&M Equestrian Team, said her winning run was validation of her horse’s abilities. “I was surprised and super happy with him and I’m excited to keep moving forward. He was so much more with me today than yesterday; he just felt really good. It was like night and day.”

The recent college graduate thanks her trainer Franky Vazquez for his help and support and looks forward to showing more throughout the week at NRBC in the Limited Non Pro, Non Pro and Novice Horse divisions. 

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 – Molly Morgenstern & Macho In My Dreams

Molly Morgenstern, of Galina, Ohio, and Macho In My Dreams topped the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 with a 142.5 to earn $272.

Sired by NRHA $6 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Ritas San Jo, Macho In My Dreams has been Morgenstern’s trusted equine partner for the past three years.

“We had kind of a rocky ride yesterday in the Derby,” she said. “I was pretty disappointed, but my trainer—and his wife, especially—encouraged me to enter today and give it a try again. I’m glad we did! We had a lot of fun showing, it was a fun afternoon.”

When asked if she was done showing for the week, Morgenstern said that determination has yet to be made. “I guess we’ll find out when we get back to the barn and talk about that,” she laughed, adding thanks to the support team behind her. “I’m super grateful for everything that Robin Schoeller has done for me. He has the patience of a saint and he and Laura have just held my hand through big shows and made sure that I was ready and not scared of anything on the other side of the gate.”

Markel Non Pro Commitment Award Presented to Ann Admonius!

Markel Insurance is a longtime sponsor of the NRBC and a staunch supporter of the reining industry. Several years ago, Markel and NRBC created a new award to recognize the Non Pro riders who go above and beyond to give back to the industry.

The Markel Non Pro Commitment Award recipient is always kept secret until it is presented during the Markel Non Pro Draw Party.

On hand to present this year’s award was Frank Costantini, Markel Director of Western Disciplines. Frank was excited to recognize Ann Admonius as this year’s recipient.

Rookie Level 2 (2), Prime Time Rookie (2), Yellowstone Shootout Round 2 & Rookie Level 2 High Point – Molly Cherry & Guaranteed A Magnum

Molly Cherry and Guaranteed A Magnum marked a score of 144.5 to win Thursday’s Rookie Level 2, Prime Time Rookie, Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Round 2, and the Rookie Level 2 High Point. Cherry is from Guthrie, Oklahoma, and made her first trip to NRBC with Guaranteed A Magnum, which was met with great success.

Guaranteed A Magnum, a 2013 gelding by Magnum With A Dream and out of Guaranteed By Amos, has NRHA lifetime earnings of $303,360 and was a Derby champion for Jimmy van der Hoeven. “He’s had a big Open career and now he’s adapting to me,” Cherry said. “It’s been great.”

Cherry felt that the strongest point of her run today was the precision of Guaranteed A Magnum’s circles. “We’re getting that figured out and gaining more confidence going faster,” she said.

Cherry added thanks for trainer Arnaut Ferret, as well as her friends and supporters. “He’s done amazing getting him adapted to me from that Level 4 type of horse,” she said. “We’ve had a great time and I want to thank him and his girlfriend, Lauren Love. Eric Mendrysa is in the barn and we all have a great time.”

Rookie Level 1 (2) & The Run For A Million Rookie Qualifier (2) – Shelly Woldenberg & All Nite Spook

Winning Thursday’s Rookie Level 1 and the Run For A Million Rookie qualifier with a 143.5 was Shelly Woldenberg, of Miami, Florida, and her 2009 gelding All Nite Spook. Woldenberg has been showing the son of NRHA $6 Million Sire Smart Spook out of Dun It Fri Dee Nite for the past two-and-a-half years.

She says All Nite Spook is a pleasure to show because he always tries and is solid in all his maneuvers. “He always has at least plus-half spins, really nice circles, stops and rollbacks, and he’s always listening to me.”

Woldenberg thanked everyone at Sheridan Oaks Stable for their support and encouragement. “I thank my trainer Nikki Tyndall as well as Dave and Kim Moore,” she said.

The high school sophomore will show again on Friday in the Youth.

Prime Time Rookie High Point – Valencia Pitzing & Baileys Sidekick

Prime Time Rookie High Point champion Valencia Pitzing, of Dothan, Alabama, and her horse Baileys Sidekick performed like veterans at NRBC. Baileys Sidekick, by NRHA $4 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of A Shining Sidekick, made his first trip to the NRBC with Pitzing, who has owned him for just three months.

“We are coming together as a team,” said Pitzing, who has attended NRBC twice. “He’s new and we’re learning together. I bought him from Ann Admonius. He’s takes good care of me as a Rookie level rider.”

Of winning the High Point, Pitzing says she was both surprised and ecstatic. “I wasn’t expecting to win the High Point, it’s awesome. This is a big, prestigious show and I was really surprised to win the High Point award,” she said.

Pitzing added appreciation for the team behind her. “I always thank my trainer, Ruben Vandorp, of Aubrey, Texas,” Pitzing added. “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve been with him now for two years and I’ve really tried to advance from a beginner up the ranks. He always has my horse ready for me.”

Rookie Level 1 High Point – Colt Mitchell & Playgun Chic Olena

The Rookie Level 1 High Point champion was Colt Mitchell riding his sister Molly Mitchell’s gelding Playgun Chic Olena.

Playgun Chic Olena, by Smart Chic Olena and out of Mamas Packin, has carried Mitchell to many victories in the young rider’s career. The reiner from Missouri estimates that he has shown at NRBC since he was 6 years old. “I’m excited and going to try to come back next year and do even better. We’ll see if I can,” he said. “My horse is 17 and still gets it done for me, so I love him.”

Beyond expressing gratitude for his high-caliber horse, Mitchell appreciates the lengths his family goes to in order to help him achieve his goals. “First of all, I’d like to thank the good Lord above for keeping me safe,” Mitchell said. “I’d like to thank my whole family for all the support, and for helping me ride and training for me.”

Limited Open [2] & (tie) Limited Open High Point – Nikki Tyndall & Mercedes Shines

Topping the second slate of the Limited Open and tying for the high point buckle was Nikki Tyndall, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, aboard Mercedes Shines. Sired by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes and out of Shining Maid, Mercedes Shines is owned by Deborah Ackley. The team posted a score of 70, which earned $280.

The NRBC is Tyndalll’s first show with Mercedes Shines. “He’s been in our barn for a couple years now,” she said. “This is my first show with him, but I work with him and his owner a lot. It’s super awesome [to win the high point] at a show like this that’s so competitive. I would like to thank the owner of the horse, Deborah Ackley. It has been so much fun to ride him here, and I’m just grateful for the opportunity. Also, I thank my boss Dave Moore and Kim Moore, and the whole team at Sheridan Oaks Stable.”

(tie) Limited Open High Point – Patti Brownshadel & I See Starzz

Co-champions of the Limited Open High Point, Patti Brownshadel and her 6-year-old stallion I See Starzz overcame what some might consider insurmountable odds to achieve success at the NRBC. I See Starzz got a late start to stardom, but for good reason. “This is his fourth show ever,” Brownshadel said. “He broke his shoulder as a 3-year-old and lost a year, but thanks to Dr. McCarroll, who pieced him back together for me, he’s whole now.”

Brownshadel, of Hempstead, Texas, has a deep appreciation of I See Starzz’ bloodline, having ridden his sire Im The Chic Magnet, as well as his grandsire, NRHA $6 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream. “I’ve ridden all three of them, so I’m familiar with the way they feel,” she said. I See Starzz is out of the mare Starzz In Hollywood.

Brownshadel will show once more here at NRBC in the Novice Horse and plans to enter some smaller derbies before returning for the NRBC [Open Classic] next year. Her gratitude for the opportunity to compete successfully runs deep. “Number one, [I thank] God,” she said. “Number two my husband, Elton Brownshadel, who is so incredibly patient and supportive and helpful. He keeps everything going. In these trying times, he’s been right there to help me get through everything.”

Rookie Professional [2] & High Point – Katie Davis and Chicsdundreamin

Chicsdundreamin and Katie Davis are two for two in Katy, having won both slates of the Rookie Pro division. Davis and Chicsdundreamin marked a 71.5 to top Thursday’s class, earn $249, and win the high point buckle. “I’m very thrilled, excited, thankful; it’s my first ever belt buckle I will have won, and I’ll wear it proudly for quite a while,” she said.

The 2007 gelding, by NRHA $6 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Goody Goody Gum Drop, is owned by Nancy Stillwell, of Weatherford, Texas. Davis, who works for Deary Performance Horses, is grateful to Nancy and Allen Stillwell for the opportunity they’ve given her to show Chicsdundreamin. “I also thank Casey and Nicole Deary, the whole Deary Farm, and our farrier Glen Spalding, who is the primary reason that ‘Newt’ can have longevity in the show pen. [I thank] our vets and the whole team at Deary Ranch.”

The week is not quite over for Chicsdundreamin as the next generation at Deary Ranch is gearing up for Friday’s event. “Next up he is going to show in the Short Stirrup [class] for Joy Deary,” Davis said. “She’s very excited and we’ll get him ready for that tomorrow morning.”

Limited Non Pro Slate 2 – Allison Chappell and Trashysara

Trashysara and Allison Chappell, of Collinsville, Texas, took top honors in the second slate of the Limited Non Pro with a score of 144.5.

By NRHA $4 Million Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Sara Goes To Hollywood, Trashysara is a 2014 mare that Chappell and her husband, Alan, recently acquired. “I’ve actually only had a month on her of riding, and I messed it up in the Derby so I wanted to come redeem myself [today],” she said.

Proud of the run she made today, Chappell said she was pleased with the outcome. “She was really good. I had a messy roll-back, but aside from that she did everything I asked. She’s a really good stopper, which is my worst part, so it’s nice that she makes up for me a little bit.”

Chappell credits Gunny Mathison for his guidance as her trainer, as well as thanking her husband for buying the mare. Chappell and “Sara” will be taking a break from the show pen following the NRHA Derby because she is pregnant.

Limited Non Pro High Point – Tamara Bush and Little Joe Vintage

Although it had been five years since Tamara Bush entered the NRBC, in 2021 she’s returned to the show pen in top form. In 2016, the native of Kentucky who now hangs her hat in Hempstead, Texas, sustained an injury which caused her to undergo spinal fusion and a subsequent hiatus from horses.

“This is my first show in five years. In 2016 after this show I had spinal fusion and kind of quit riding, stopped showing, and sold everything except for my hat and my chaps,” she said.

About a month and a half ago, Bush decided it was time to gear up for a comeback, and so far she is thoroughly enjoying the ride. “It’s been fun! It’s surreal,” she said. “I never thought in a million years that I’d do this well but it’s the horse.”

Bush’s equine partner is an 11-year-old gelding by NRHA $2 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage out of Snappy N Smart Chic. “Harper [Connor] raised him and he’s just a cool little dude. ‘The little engine that could’ is what we call him.”

Bush will show again on Sunday in the Non Pro Classic/Challenge and thanked Harper Connor and Lorenzo Concarella.

With an adrenaline-charged performance Matthew Palmer, of Elverson, Pennsylvania, guided Gunnatrashtheplace to a 226.5, which earned the Open Classic Challenge championship and $9,374. The 2013 stallion owned by Levine Equine Enterprises, LLC, is sired by NRHA $4 Million Sire Gunnatrashya and out of the mare All Chic N Shiny.

Palmer describes the horse he calls “Beast” as one in a million. “A ride like that where a horse gives you its soul like that… and that crowd, I mean, it was just raucous! There was one point in my circles his ears went straight up. The people were going nuts. It’s a special horse to check in like that to you. He’s one in a million,” said Palmer. 

Gunnatrashtheplace is described by Palmer as an extremely laid back individual that knows when it’s appropriate to go into beast-mode, which is exactly what he did Friday night at NRBC. “The moment that you ask him for something he just clicks into another gear,” said Palmer.

Palmer and Gunnatrashtheplace joined forces a year and a half ago when Palmer moved to Santa Hill Ranch. “I just clicked with him. It’s been incredible,” said Palmer. “We’ve made the NRBC Level 4 Finals, won the Buckeye and then he goes to Scottsdale and keeps on coming and he’s incredible. I think now everybody knows who Gunnatrashtheplace is and it’s pretty cool because that horse deserves it.”

Plans for the dynamic team of Palmer and Gunnatrashtheplace include preserving the stallion’s energy until the time is right to go gunning for a million. “Hopefully I can knock the door down and get in [The Run For The Million] and then just save him for that,” said Palmer.

Palmer graciously thanked his entire support team. “My family, my wife who is behind me 100 percent, my mom, my father upstairs—he’s behind me. Bob and Arlene Santagota, everybody that works for me, and all of my customers. I’m just in a blessed situation. I’m proud to be from the east coast. I’m proud to represent us and I’m blessed to have such an amazing group of people surrounding me.”

$25,000 NRHA Open – Andrea Fappani & Starjac Vintage

Starjac Vintage and Andrea Fappani struck gold in Friday night’s star-studded $25,000 Open with a score of 229.5 that earned $9,033. Starjac Vintage, by NRHA $2 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage and out of Starjac Miss, is owned by Tim Anderson. 

“To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting it because it’s the first time I’ve shown him really hard,” Fappani said of the run. “He’s a horse that I’ve had in training for about a year now, but it took me a long time to get together with him. Tim Anderson sent him to me along with some other horses. The other horses I clicked with right away, but this one is a very sensitive horse, and it just took some time to get together with him. That’s why we didn’t enter the derby here.”

When asked about the qualities that make Starjac Vintage exceptional, Fappani said, “You know, I think I just found his particular strength. You can train and train and train, but until you go show them you don’t really know.”

Fappani was pleasantly surprised by Starjac Vintage’s ability to shine brightest on the big stage like he did Friday night in Coliseum Arena. “He’s a full brother to Platinum Vintage and he reminds me a lot of his brother in that he’s a show horse. When you ask for it in the show pen he steps up.”

After consulting with his owners, Fappani says this year’s competition schedule for Starjac Vintage may include major events like the NRHA Derby and Run For The Million, among others.

Fappani was quick to credit his support team for their respective roles in his success. “Of course the owners, Tim Anderson and Kim Niven. They’ve given me the opportunity to ride a lot of nice horses the last 12 months, and I’m looking forward to going forward with that. Also, the whole Fappani team. I’m the one here doing the interviews but there’s a lot of guys behind me—my wife and my kids—there’s a lot of people to thank.”

Madaline Callaway Wins Yellowstone Rookie Shootout on Codes Whizard Merlin

Five qualifiers to the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout finals battled for bragging rights and a one-of-a-kind award on Friday evening in the Coliseum Arena. Winning the Rookie Shootout was Madaline Callaway, of Loveland, Colorado, and Codes Whizard Merlin, a 2015 gelding by Electric Code out of KR Freckledface Whiz. Callaway—a back-to-back winner of the shootout—won a Yellowstone branded sitting bench sponsored by the Paramount Network and Taylor Sheridan.

Callaway said the win was unexpected. “The Shootout run was super good,” she said. “He acted a lot better than I thought he would for sure. I felt great about my stops. He’s a huge stopper. I kind of messed up my turnarounds, but he was a really good boy.”

Callaway acquired Merlin at the NRHA Futurity and hadn’t ridden him much prior to arriving at the NRBC. “I first rode him at the Futurity when I tried him,” she said. “I compete on a college equestrian team at Baylor, so I wasn’t able to ride him or practice before this [show]. It ended on a good note for sure.”

Callaway thanked her parents, as well as trainer Jared Leclair for his advice. “Jared told me to just go in there and ride what I feel,” said Callaway.

With the Short Stirrup and Youth divisions kicking off today in Wheless Arena, it’s only fitting to recognize PS Mega Shine Chic, affectionately known as “Crush,” and owners Brad and Amanda Kelly at Adh Mor Ranch for instituting a program to benefit the next generation or reiners by “Crushing the Fees.” No entry fees are charge to any of our NRBC youth riders because Adh Mor Ranch and Crush pay them all!

Crush, a 6-year-old stallion by Shine Chic Shine and out of Megas Sugar Baby, was the 2017 and 2019 NRBC Level 3 Open Champion and 2017 Level 4 Open Co-Reserve Champion.

14 & Under – Lisa Pirtle & Neon Pepto Sign

Riding her 8-year-old mare Neon Pepto Sign, 17-year-old homeschool student Lisa Pirtle claimed the win in Friday’s Youth 14 & Under and Unrestricted Youth with a score of 72.5.

Pirtle has traveled from her home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the past several years to compete at the NRBC. Neon Pepto Sign, sired by Peptoleap and out of Neon Cola Sign, has been teamed with Pirtle for the past three years as well. Pirtle said their run today was smooth and solid, as is characteristic of her mare. “It was really good, she did everything perfect for me, her rundowns and her circles. She slowed down really nice for me.

“I thank my trainers, Dave [Moore] and Nikki [Tyndall], and my family for supporting me and also the team members at Dave Moore Barn.”

13 & Under – Juliana Gonzales & SS Frankie Blue Eyes

Juliana Gonzales and her 8-year-old gelding SS Frankie Blue Eyes, aka “Frankie,” scored the Youth 13&Under win today with a 71.5. SS Frankie Blue Eyes is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of the mare Tuckachic.

“I’m from Houston, Texas, and I’ve been showing my horse Frankie for about the past two months,” Gonzales said. “I love his stops. I love his blue eyes too.”

Gonzales is 13 years old and enrolled in homeschool, which allows for more time to enjoy her favorite activity, which she says is riding. Gonzales thanked her parents and trainers for their guidance and support. “I want to thank my parents, Tracey and Steven, and my trainers, Thiago Sobral, and Emily.

10 & Under Short Stirrup – Joy Deary & Chicsdundreamin

Winning Friday’s popular 10 & Under Short Stirrup class was Joy Deary, age 9, of Weatherford, Texas, riding Chicsdundreamin. Joy said her favorite part of her crowd-pleasing, class-winning 74-point performance was “The stops. He’s very sweet and he does really big stops,” she said.

Chicsdundreamin is a horse that is beloved by the entire Deary family and everyone at Casey and Nicole Deary’s ranch. The 2007 golden palomino belongs to Nancy Stillwell, who is Nicole’s mother. “I thank my grandma for letting me show him,” Joy said.

The future clearly looks bright for the next generation of reiners coming out of Deary Ranch. “She’s very driven to do well and excited for the opportunity to get to show,” echoed Nancy. “She loves to prepare; she studies the patterns and she’s so excited to get to do this. This is going to be a fun journey.” Chicsdundreamin is by NRHA $6 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of the mare Goody Goody Gum Drop.