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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valencia Pitzing Takes Prime Time Rookie Championship on RC Fashion Chic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this year of constant changes, the Global Reining Sport Group, which produces the Tulsa Reining Classic, graciously opted to sit out a year and let the National Reining Breeders Classic take place on its dates. That change and the move to Tulsa have given the NRBC the opportunity to host the South Central Regional Affiliate Championships for 2020.

It’s an important component of this year’s NRBC as there are 17 Regional Titles to be earned during the South Central ARC. Plus, anyone who enters and earns a score higher than a zero will qualify for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships held during the NRHA Futurity!

Global Reining Sport Group Treasurer Anne-Marie Burns has been key in the production and support of the South Central ARC and its activities and generously continued her involvement for 2020, working enthusiastically to maintain the ARC sponsorship support with the group known as the Affiliate Corral. This group of sponsors is committed to supporting the championships -especially the youth programs and activities. Burns said, “We appreciate the continued support of the Affiliate Corral at the South Central ARC from our many generous donors. Every year they help make this very important part of the show amazing!”

Along with the championships and the NAAC qualifications, the Youth Team Tournament held during the Affiliate Regional Championship show is one of its most engaging activities! Each team is drawn at random and consists of four youth, with at least one 14-18 rider and one 13 & under rider, along with two other members from either age group. A scoreboard tracks the progress, and the top three scores of each team are combined to calculate each team’s overall score, with the lowest score being dropped.

NRHA provides buckles and medallions for first through fifth place teams in the Youth Team Tournament and the Affiliate Corral funds prizes for every participant! Each YTT competitor is also eligible to complete the NRHA scholarship application and could potentially win a $1,000 scholarship or $800 scholarship based on their leadership skills, sportsmanship, and their community service activity. Thanks to the Affiliate Corral For 2020!

Amy & Kevin Colston

Anne-Marie Burns

Avila Performance Horses

Baruch Reining Horses

Brant Performance Horses

Dean Latimer Reining Horses

Deary Performance Horses

Denise & Terry Martin

Franco Bertolani

Guns R For Shootin

Integra Land Improvement

Just Stitch It

Leclair Performance Horses

Mark Rafacz Reining Horses

Matt Armenta Performance Horses

Pro Management, Inc.

Show Diva Designs

Show Stoppin’

Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses

Tulsa Reining Classic

Oklahoma Reining Horse Association

Southwest Reining Horse Association

West Texas Reining Horse Association

Kansas Reining Horse Association

Texas Reining Horse Association

Southwest Missouri Reining Horse Association Four States Reining Horse Association.

When the curtain fell on the National Reining Breeders Classic Open Finals Saturday night, two outstanding horse and rider teams stood as Co-Champions. It started with draw 25 – Jason Vanlandingham and the 4-year-old reigning National Reining Horse Association Futurity Champion A Vintage Smoke. The talented duo marked a 227.5, which spectators knew would be tough to beat as only 11 horses were left to compete.

Then Nathan Piper and Patriot, another 4-year-old, rode into the Coliseum Arena. As the run progressed, it was clear the score would be a big one, and when another 227.5 was announced, the chatter started. What would they do? When the final horse had left the arena, the announcer broke the news that, for the first time in the NRBC’s history, there would be Open Level 4 Co-Champions, with each taking home $63,000.

Prizes include a year’s use of a custom 3-horse Sundowner trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales/Twin Cities South and Gary Raak, a saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack, an SPH saddle pad, boots from Anderson Bean, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses and Glycoguard Paste, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnology and Back On Track, and numerous prizes from NRBC.

Nathan Piper & Patriot

Nathan Piper is an NRBC veteran, but the Open Championship has proved elusive. Patriot proved to be a game changer. “I think I’m still in shock. Before I ran in, I felt pretty good about it. This horse is such a saint and is so good. He comes out every day and does his job,” he said. “He gives me a lot of confidence because he’s pretty predictable and he was getting better with every ride.”

Pattern 10 provides a great opportunity to make a good first impression with the run-in to a sliding stop. “When I ran in, I felt him drop his neck, and I knew he was in a good spot mentally. He gave me it all,” Piper said.

Piper trains out of Toyon Ranch, who bred and raised the young stallion by Smart Spook out of Dunit Lil Ruf. “They bought an embryo from Ann Salmon, and decided to sell him before the futurity. I didn’t want to lose him so I called Shannon and Hershel Reid and they agreed to buy him. It was a blessing; a gift from God, because I knew he would go quick,” Piper said.

The young age of Patriot and A Vintage Smoke made the decision to stay Co-Champions an easy one. “They have had such a hard two weeks that I think it’s good just to count your blessings,” Piper said.

Jason Vanlandingham & A Vintage Smoke

When Jason Vanlandingham and A Vintage Smoke won the NRHA Futurity Championship, owner Diane Mesmer was already eyeing a Triple Crown win. “The NRBC was the one that kind of eluded me on Not Ruf At All until his very last year of eligibility. With the group of horses we have, against the group of trainers we have, it’s still not going to be easy to get that done, but I’m glad to have this one out of the way,” Vanlandingham said.

He added, “This is probably the toughest horse show we go to all year, and for us to come in with a 4-year-old – and Nathan’s horse is 4-years-old as well – and come out on top is a pretty big deal. I’m pretty fired up about how good our horses worked,” Vanlandingham said.

A Vintage Smoke is by A Sparkling Vintage out of Lady Smoke Peppy, and Vanlandingham said he’s a natural show horse. “He’s a very strong stopper. He came through the gate pretty hard and he swallowed the ground up on that first stop. He turned as good as he can for me tonight. He did the same at the Futurity. The best he turned around all week was on Finals night like here,” he said.

Vanlandingham was standing by and watched Piper’s run. “As soon as Nathan walked out, I said, ‘We have something to talk about.’ He said, ‘You’re two thirds of the way to the Triple Crown, and I’d like to leave it and save my horse,’” Vanlandingham recalled.

After a quick visit with Mesmer, the decision was made. “Diane said if we could save the horses, we would, and we would both leave as champions,” he explained.

Dany Tremblay and PS Mega Shine Chic Win Second Open Level 3 Championship

Two years ago, Dany Tremblay and PS Mega Shine Chic won the Open Level 3 and tied for the Open Level 4 Reserve Championship. For Tremblay, this year’s win is just as exciting. “It’s awesome. To do it again with the same horse is awesome. I’m so happy. Last time he was a 4-year-old. I remember it like it was yesterday. He had a great run then, and today he was so honest,” Tremblay recalled. The pair also tied for seventh in the Level 4, bringing total earnings to $36,870.

The win also came with a custom saddle from Superior Saddlery LLC, an SPH saddle pad, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses, and product from M3 Products and Back On Track. Competing as draw three, Tremblay knew he’d have to go for it. “I tried to do everything I could, and he was so good. He’s a great show horse. He wants to be a Champion – he likes pictures,” he said with a laugh.

PS Mega Shine Chic, a 6-year-old stallion by Shine Chic Shine out of Marthas Sugar Baby, is owned by Adh Mor Ranch. “He’s owned by Brad and Amanda Kelly. This is another great moment for them, for me, and for this horse,” he said. “This horse has a great future ahead of him. He has beautiful babies on the ground now. They’re gorgeous. We can’t wait.”

Cade McCutcheon Wins First NRBC Open Title on Shes Got Good Guns

It was Cade McCutcheon’s first time to compete in the NRBC as an Open rider, but he proved he was ready, qualifying two horses to the Level 4 finals and winning the Level 2 on Shes Got Good Guns with a score of 221. The pair also finished second in the Level 3 finals and tied for ninth in the Level 4. “It went as good as I could have imagined,” McCutcheon said following the awards ceremony. Altogether, McCutcheon’s earnings on Shes Got Good Guns for the Open Levels 2 – 4 totaled $35,198.

Cade also won a custom saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, an SPH saddle pad, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses, and product from M3 Products, Nutrena, and Back On Track. The NRBC was only the second show for McCutcheon and Shes Got Good Guns, a 6-year-old mare by Colonels Smoking Gun out of A Bueno Poco Dunit.

She was trained by Duane Latimer, who made the Futurity finals with her, then shown by Todd Bergen at the NRBC, where she also made the finals. “She’s been a good mare for everyone, and she just keeps getting better. Tonight, I knew she wouldn’t do anything wrong, so I let her stay a little more fresh and it worked,” McCutcheon said.

It’s early in McCutcheon’s open career, which makes the opportunity to show Shes Got Good Guns even more special. “Roxanne Koepsell has been a client of ours for as long as I can remember. She’s been awesome. I’m really happy she trusted me with this horse. Not a lot of people would have trusted me with a horse as good as she is this early in my career, but she did, and I’m grateful,” McCutcheon said.

McCutcheon also noted that Shes Got Good Guns would get some much-needed rest before the NRHA Derby.

Josh Tishman and Magnum Style Claim Level 1 Championship

With a score of 217.5, Josh Tishman and Magnum Style claimed the Level 1 Championship, earning $2,968. It was the first time for Tishman to make the finals at the NRBC. “It’s pretty special to win today. This horse was actually my second of the day to show, and I just wanted to go in and be clean,” he explained. “He has tons of talent, so I knew if I was clean he would be good.”

The Level 1 title also came with prizes including a custom saddle from Continental Saddlery, an SPH saddle pad, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses, and product from M3 Products and Back On Track.

The 6-year-old gelding, owned by Mark Hurd, is by Magnum Chic Dream out of Easy Whiz My Money. “Mark’s daughter Elena rides this horse. They’re from the east coast, but she goes to TCU, so we have him at Casey Deary’s place so she could show him. She was actually at the college finals in Waco, so she asked me to show him,” Tishman explained.

While the pair were successful, Elena will likely take the reins back over for the NRHA Derby. “I thank Mark, Elena, Casey and Nicole and the whole Deary crew,” Tishman said.

Marie Kleiner riding Xtra Needs A Drink and Billy Williamson Gunners High Roller tied for Reserve honors with scores of 216.5. Each collected $1,581. Gunners High Roller, owned by Eitan Abu, is a 6-year-old stallion by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Yoplait Light. Xtra Needs A Drink, owned by Thiago Boechat, is a 4-year-old stallion by Wimpyneedsacocktail out of Ruby Chic Olena.

Dean Brown Wins Prime Time and Development Division

Dean Brown qualified three horses to the finals and won the Prime Time division on Gunnatrashtheplace with a score of 219. He also won the Development Division on Einsteins Lil Prize during the preliminary round. Gunnatrashtheplace is a 6-year-old stallion owned by Jeff Levine of Levine Equine Enterprises. “He’s been a very good horse for me. I’ve made the finals at all the major events with him. I’ve had him since he was a 2-year-old. H’e just a very nice horse,” Brown said.

Gunnatrashtheplace is by Gunnatrashya out of All Chic N Shiny. “He did really good tonight. He showed really well,” Brown allowed.

There is no other entry fee to enter the Development Division, but to be eligible, a horse must not have won more than $2,000 prior to March 15. The purse is paid out to the highest advancing horses in the Open preliminaries. Dean Brown and Einsteins Lil Prize marked a 220 in the preliminary round to win the division, collecting $6,000. “He’s a newer horse for me. He got a little stargazed by the crowd tonight, but in the prelims he was focused and easy to show and did everything I wanted him to do,” he said.

Einsteins Lil Prize, a 4-year-old stallion by Einsteins Revolution out of the good producing mare Smart Lil Prize, is owned by Robert Santagata. “I thank both Robert and Jeff for the opportunity,” Brown said.

Fernando Salgado and RSC Ramiro finished second in the Development Division, worth $4,764. RSC Ramiro, by Gunner and out of Shesa Wimpy Lilqueen, is owned by Miguel Cavazos Guerrero.

The 2019 National Reining Breeders Classic welcomed a large group of Non Pro competitors to compete for the coveted NRBC Non Pro Championship. Those hopefuls were reduced to 73 finalists in five divisions with Mandy McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Texas, and Party Nite walking away with the title during the Non Pro Finals competition Friday, April 19.

McCutcheon has now won more NRBC Championships than anyone; her wins total seven. Still, she was quick to point out that each one is special. “It never gets old. Never! I love it,” she said following the awards ceremony where she picked up a check for $30,000.

Prizes also include a year’s use of a Sundowner trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales/Twin Cities South, a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, an SPH saddle pad from SPH Performance Gear, a pair of Rios of Mercedes Boots from Anderson Bean, product from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology, a Whisper Bit from M3 Products, as well as numerous awards from the NRBC.

McCutcheon and Party Nite were draw 21 in the field of 33 and marked a 219.5. “My game plan was to have a nice smooth run. She’s a lot of horse, and I’m just now starting to figure out how to keep it all together,” she said. The 4-year-old mare is by Gunners Special Nite out of Topsail Survivor, and was bred and raised by Sarah Willeman of Turnabout Farm, Inc.

“We bought her as a late 2-year-old or early 3-year-old. We won the Best of the West Futurity, but then we had nine penalty points in the preliminaries of the Futurity, and you don’t get very far doing that,” McCutcheon said.

Despite the bobble at the Futurity, many people were trying to buy the mare; and not for a small amount of money. “Tom said, ‘I hope you made the right decision,’ because it seems like bad karma to turn down money like that, but I just kept feeling like she had more in there. Actually, I still feel like she has more. Today she was very good and showed very well, but she keeps getting better all the time.” She added, “I just think time is what is going to do it for her.”

Luca Fappani & Sharp Dressed Spook Claim Non Pro Level 3 and Level 2 Titles

With a score of 219, Luca Fappani and Sharp Dressed Spook claimed the Championship of the Non Pro Level 3 and Non Pro Level 2, and the Reserve Championship of the Non Pro Level 4. Altogether, his earnings totaled $29,500. Fappani also received two Bob’s Custom Saddles, two SPH saddle pads, product from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology, product from Back on Track, a Whisper Bit from M3 Products, and several other awards from the NRBC.

“It feels really good. To win at such a big event is crazy. It’s mind-boggling,” he said. “This horse was riding great, but I don’t know that I expected him to show as good as he did. He was awesome!”

It was Fappani’s first time to make the finals at the NRBC; his first attempt was in 2018. “Last year I had a bobble in the prelims, but this year both of my horses were really good,” he said, referring to not only Sharp Dressed Spook, a 5-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Dolittle Lena, but also Spooks N Jewels (Smart Spook x Whiz Jewels) who also qualified for the Level 4 finals, winning an additional $2,150.

Fappani only began showing reiners a few years ago. He had been more into riding dirt bikes, but after several injuries, decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. “I decided I really liked the horses, so I started showing a couple of old geldings. At the beginning of last year, I told my parents I was ready to step up to the derbies, and my mom gave me an incredible horse (Spooks N Jewels). Then they bought me this horse in September of last year,” Fappani said. “They support me completely and I can’t thank them enough.”

He smiled and added, “I thank my parents, brother, and all my friends and family who are here to watch me and get in my win pictures.”

Jennifer Neudorf Wins Non Pro Level 1 Championship on Shining In Town

It might have been the first year for Jennifer Neudorf to show in the Derbies, but she managed to qualify for all levels of the Non Pro Finals, excluding the Prime Time. In fact, she would have done that if she’d have been old enough, but she’s only fifteen. “It is unbelievable. I am so happy. I just got this horse at the Futurity and this is my second time to show him,” she said.

With a score of 217.5, Neudorf collected $17,804 for winning the Level 1 and tying for third in Levels 2-4 on her horse Shining In Town, a 6-year-old mare by Hollywoodstinseltown out of Shine Ann. She also took home a saddle from Continental Saddlery, an SPH saddle pad from SPH Performance Gear, and several other awards from the NRBC.

From Canada, Neudorf competes in high school rodeos in barrel racing and goat tying but was introduced to reining by a friend. “My friend’s reining horses looked so cool, and all her pictures of her stopping with the dirt flying looked awesome,” she explained.

About a year ago, Neudorf needed a to step up her game, and bought a horse from Craig Schmersal. “I’ve come a long way since I started riding with Craig. He helps me get focused,” she said. “Today he told me if anything bad happens to not focus on that, just keep going. I missed our first stop, but I didn’t focus on that – just the rest of the run.”

Although her horse stays in Arizona with Craig, Neudorf travels south as often as she can. “I thank my mom, dad, Craig, and the whole crew. My mom and dad are so great, and the crew is so supportive. I couldn’t do it without any of them,” she said.

Karen Mills Pilots Pale Faced Dancer to Non Pro Prime Time Championship

It might have been a few years since Karen Mills made the Level 4 finals, but she made the most of it, earning a finals position in every single Non Pro division. Mills and her horse, Pale Faced Dancer, marked a 217 in the finals to win the Prime Time division, place second in the Level 1, fifth in the Level 2, sixth in the Level 3, and tie for sixth in the Level 4. All totaled, Mills collected $13,837 in finals money, as well as many awards from the NRBC and product from San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Biotechnology and Back On Track.

“This horse is so much fun, and I have to say that she dealt with my nerves very well. She’s so honest. You know, there are some things I’d do different, but I couldn’t have asked her to be better. She was really, really good,” Mills said.

Making the wins even more impressive is the fact that Mills has been riding Pale Faced Dancer, a 6-year-old mare by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Dancer Nic, for less than two months. “We bought her six or eight weeks ago from our good friend Tommy Rodden who really loves her,” she said.

The NRBC is only the second show for the pair, who collected Non Pro Level 1 win as well as a Prime Time Reserve Championship at the Cactus Classic. “She was awesome there and earned about $7,000. That was the highest I’d ever marked, so I felt good coming here,” Mills said. “And here she was so good. It’s like she’s right every time. She is so good-minded and a lot of fun. She feels like you can do it over and over again and she’ll be the same.” The next show for Mills and pale Faced Dancer will be the NRHA Derby, but she’ll show in the GSEC Coliseum one more time. “I’m going to try to show her and qualify for Las Vegas, so I’ll show in the Non Pro on Sunday and see what happens,” she said.

It was an exciting Friday evening. The National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, ended the day with the Open Classic Challenge and $25k NRHA Open.

The field of horses was tough, but in the end, Martin Muehlstaetter and the 9-year-old stallion Blo Gun won both classes with a score of 225. Earnings totaled $17,687, and a saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack was also awarded. “This is a great place to bring an older horse. I think this is one of the higher-paying seven and ups there are. It’s great. I’m glad the NRBC Board of Directors keeps promoting it,” Muehlstaetter said.

Muehlstaetter and Blo Gun aren’t strangers to the Classic Challenge competition. In fact, they tied for the win of the class in 2017. “He’s a fantastic horse. He has a huge heart and no quit in him. I took him to WEG last year. He’s pretty special,” he said. Blo Gun, by Colonels Smoking Gun out of The Hot Jewel, is owned by Michael and JoAnne Garnett. “I think he’s going to go to the Select World Show with Joanne, and I don’t know, but hopefully back here next year,” Muehstaetter said. Gennaro Lendi and Colonels Dancing Gun tied Craig Schmersal and Hot Hollywood Whizky for Reserve in the $25k Added Open with scores of 224.5, worth $6,254. Traveling all the way from Italy, Colonels Dancing Gun, by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Dance Little Spook, is owned by Quarter Dream Italy. Schmersal and Hot Hollywood Whizky, by Topsail Whiz out of Hot Hollywood Jewels, also finished second in the Classic Challenge, earning an additional $6,478. Hot Hollywood Whizky is owned by Mark Blake.