The National Reining Breeders Classic is in full swing, and while the main event, the Classic, holds court in the Coliseum, there are many more championships being awarded. The Tellepsen and Wheless Arena are busy every day with tough National Reining Horse Association-approved classes. There are two slates of every class, and the first circuit championships were awarded on Thursday, with the winners receiving beautiful buckles. Also, the field of five rookies that will compete Friday in the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout, and automatically qualify for the Run for the Million Rookie Challenge in Las Vegas, was finalized.

Novice Horse Open Level 2 (1) Co-Champion Jared LeClair & Lime A Rita

Jared LeClair had never shown Lime A Rita prior to Thursday’s competition, but it didn’t matter as the two circled, spun, and slid their way to a score of 150 – tying for the win of the Novice Horse Open Level 2. Lime A Rita, a 7-year-old mare, is owned by Susan Meyer.

“Arno Honstetter trained this mare, and we bought her last year while in Vegas for Susan to show in the Non Pro. She’s done really well on her. I never showed her before, but I said let’s see if we can win a bronze on her since we’re here,” Leclair explained.

Everything lined up. “She worked really well and showed great for me. She’s a great horse, great-minded, and is the kind of mare that the more you get out of her way and trust her, the better she is,” he said. “This is one of my favorite patterns to run because you can really show your horse off and take your time.”

Meyer showed the mare earlier in the week, placing in her class. “She’ll show her the rest of the week, and I’ll probably show her again in the Novice Horse. We’re going to try to qualify for the affiliate finals in Tulsa.” He added, “I really appreciate Susan and thank her for the opportunity to show this mare.”

Novice Horse Open Level 2 (1) Co-Champion Novice Horse Open Level 1 (1) Champion Colin Fitzpatrick & Chics Love Affair

Colin Fitzpatrick piloted Chics Love Affair to a 150, claiming the Novice Horse Open Level 2 Co-Championship and the Level 1 win as well. The pair also showed earlier in the week in the Intermediate Open, finishing third. “She was good Tuesday, but even better today. I had a game plan of letting her choose the speed. She felt really hooked up, so I went ahead and asked her, and she was a machine. I couldn’t have been prouder of her,” Fitzpatrick said.

Chics Love Affair is a 6-year-old by Shine Chic Shine and out of the blue hen producer Memorable Affair. “She has been a late bloomer because we had to deal with some soundness issues earlier in her career. We got her all put together, and she just gets better and better every run,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick and Chics Love Affair still have a busy week, showing Saturday in the Wheless Arena in the second slate of the Novice Horse, and then in the Coliseum Sunday for the Open ancillary classes.

Limited Open (2) & High Point Champion Patti Brownshadel & Magnetised

Patti Brownshadel and her 8-year-old stallion, Magnetised, tied for the win of both the Intermediate Open (1) and Limited Open (1) on Tuesday in the Tellepsen Arena, then took home a win the Wheless Arena on Thursday in the Limited Open. Not only did the duo win the class with a 72.5, they also claimed the Limited Open High Point Championship.

“This horse never lets me down. He’ll make mistakes like any other horse, but he always tries, and he has a heart of gold, and is with me every step of the way,” Brownshadel said of Magnetised, who’s by Im The Chic Magnet out of Gee Golly Whiz. “Generally, if there’s a mistake, it’s on me.”

Brownshadel noted that Magnetised was “spot on” in the pen, mentioning that her husband said the horse was showing off, especially in his backup. “We might enter one more class this week, but I don’t want to overdo it with him,” Brownshadel said. “I’m trying to build us back up after our time off. I want to get him in better shape so he can hopefully go to some other big shows.”

Ever grateful, Brownshadel added, “I thank God, my family, and my friends. You don’t do this by yourself; it’s a group effort. I’m just the lucky one that gets to train and show this horse.”

Rookie Professional (2) Wade McDonald & Hot Rockin Spook

Wade McDonald had only planned to school Hot Rockin Spook for owner Jamie Walters, who would show the horse later in the day, but he managed to do much more. The pair won the Rookie Professional (2) with a 72.

“Jamie is one of Craig Schmersal’s customers. I was just going to school him to make sure he was good for her, and he was,” McDonald explained. “He waited on me everywhere and was very honest.”

Walters showed Hot Rockin Spook, by Smart Spook out of Hot Rockin Badger, the day before in the Rookie classes. “She’ll show him in the second set of Rookie classes this afternoon. This horse was really good and honest for me today,” McDonald said.

Rookie Professional High Point Champion Eduardo Maranho Giannasi & Ruf Till The End E

duardo Maranho Giannasi and Ruf Till The End, who won the Rookie Professional (1) on Tuesday, marked another solid score of 71 in the Rookie Professional (2). While it may not have been a high enough score to win the class, it did put the team in solid position to claim the high point buckle.

“Tuesday, we showed in the Tellepsen arena and she was really good, but I felt I had to work on a couple things with her. I was happy with her today and how she showed. I had fun with it,” Giannasi said.

Ruf Till The End, a 6-year-old mare, is by Lil Ruf Peppy out of Remedys Sure Slide. She is owned by Cardinal Hill Training Center. “I think she improves every time we go in the arena. Now I have to focus on helping Franco (Bertolani) in the Classic as well as helping our non pros,” he said.

When the first round of the Open division of the National Reining Breeders Classic concluded on Thursday afternoon, Craig Schmersal had maintained his lead with a 226.5 on No Smoking Required (Colonels Smoking Gun x Icing Required). That win earned $13,839 for owner Wranglen Partnership, and the special oversized check was presented during the Tamarack Ranch Open Draw Party Thursday night.

The night was full of fun, with the announcement of 36 finalists in the Open, with a 220 needed to make the finals where the champion will earn $75,000. In the Open Level 3 Finals, the bubble was at 217.5, with a 214 needed to get a finals berth in the Level 2. The cuts for the Level 1 and Prime Time were 205 and 208.5, respectively.

Topping the Open Level 3 and Open Level 2 was Cade McCutcheon on Shes Got Good Guns with a 223. McCutcheon also qualified for the Level 4 finals, bringing his total preliminary earnings with Shes Got Good Guns, owned by Roxanne Koepsell, to $10,329. Shes Got Good Guns is a 6-year-old mare by Colonels Smoking Gun out of A Bueno Poco Dunit.

Finishing at the top of the Open Level 1 preliminary round was Erik Caddeo and Trashy Spookshow, owned by Koby Kempel. Caddeo and Trashy Spookshow, a 5-year-old stallion by Gunnatrashya out of Spook Off Sparks, also earned a spot in both the Level 2 and Level 3 finals. Their earnings for the preliminary round totaled $1,087.

Leading the field of Prime Time contestants earning a spot in the finals is Dean Brown and Einsteins Little Prize with a 220. The 4-year-old stallion, by Einsteins Revolution out of Smart Little Prize, is owned by Robert Santagata. Total preliminary earnings came to $1,079.

The Tamarack Ranch Open Draw Party was held upstairs in the Coliseum at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center and featured finalists choosing engraved wine glasses to find their finals draw position. Plus, a record-breaking Calcutta was held, with total bids nearing $50,000. The Calcutta benefits Rein In Cancer.

The National Reining Breeders Classic Open Preliminaries began Wednesday, April 17, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The field of 180 will be narrowed to the top thirty at the conclusion of Thursday’s competition.

The toughness of the field was evidenced by the high scores and the current leaders. Holding the top spot at the end of the first day was former NRBC Open Champion Craig Schmersal with a 226.5 on No Smoking Required. No Smoking Required, owned by Wranglin Partnership, is a 6-year-old stallion by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Icing Required.

Currently leading the Open Level 3 and Level 2 is Cade McCutcheon on Roxanne Koepsell’s Shes Got Good Guns with a 223. The 6-year-old mare is by Colonels Smoking Gun out of A Bueno Poco Dunit.

Erik Caddeo piloted Trashy Spookshow, by Gunnatrashya out of Spook Off Sparks, to a 217.5 to lead the Open Level 1. The 5-year-old stallion is owned by Koby Kempel.

Another past NRBC Champion tops the Open Prime Time preliminaries. Tom McCutcheon and Dun With Guns marked a 219.5. Dun With Guns, a 4-year-old stallion by Gunners Special Nite out of Belle Starr Dun It, is owned by Turnabout Farm Inc.

The Developing Division Championship will be awarded to the highest advancing horse, and Fernando Salgado and RSC Ramiro currently top the division with a 219. RSC Ramiro, owned by Miguel Cavazos Guerrero, is a 4-year-old stallion by Gunner out of Shesa Wimpy Lilqueen.

The NRBC Open Preliminaries on Thursday will be followed by the Tamarack Ranch Open Draw Party, which will be held upstairs at 7:30pm. Along with finding out their final’s draw position, the Finalists will also be able to pick up their go-round checks.

The National Reining Breeders Classic, Katy, Texas, is well underway. The third full day of competition featured several National Reining Horse Association approved classes, as well as the first round of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout. The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Finals will be held on Friday, and the Consolation Round will be held on Sunday.

All five qualifiers to the Shootout Finals will qualify for the Run For a Million Rookie Challenge in Las Vegas, Nevada, as will the top five of the Consolation round. In addition, there are two slates of most ancillary classes, and high point buckles will be awarded after the second slate of each class, giving the first slate winners a bit of breathing room.

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 (1) Kristen Avila & Gunnerspecialplayboy

Topping the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 class with a 146 was Kristen Avila and the 6-year-old gelding Gunnerspecialplayboy. “He was good today. We had a little bobble with our spins, and he got a little fast in his rundowns, so we’ll need to work on that before we show again on Saturday, but I can’t complain,” Avila said.

Unfortunately, Gunnerspecialplayboy, by Gunners Special Nite out of Shameless Playgirl, was never nominated for the NRBC. “If so, I’d be showing him in the Derby, so we just brought him down here to show him in the Novice and Non Pro classes, so I’d have something extra to show,” she explained, adding she plans to show the horse Saturday and Sunday. “Last year we ended third in the world standings so this year I wanted to get an earlier start so we could finish higher.”

Kristen and her husband, Bobby Avila Jr., have owned the gelding since August of his four-year-old year. “I like everything about him. He’s always a really happy horse with his ears forward, and he’s quiet and pleasant. You just put your hand forward and he goes right between the reins. He’s a big turner and a big stopper, and he just fits me really well,” Avila said. “Thank you to my husband for taking the time to train him to fit me and always making sure he’s ready.”

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 (1) Kathy Barker & A Lil Dab Will Do

A Lil Dab Will Do might have started his career as a cow horse, but it’s easily apparent he’s equally talented in the reining arena. “He won world championships with Robert Chown. He showed him at the Snaffle Bit Futurity, then we bought him, and he showed him at the NRHA Futurity and made the finals,” owner/rider Kathy Barker explained.

Barker and the 9-year-old gelding, by Cat Man Do out of Dainty Little Step, marked a 143.5 to win the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1. “He was wonderful today. I had some mistakes because I haven’t shown him but two times now. He’s a lot of horse, and I don’t feel I’m a great rider, but he drags me along with him,” she said with a laugh.

Barker and A Lil Dab Will Do aren’t done – they’ll show again on Sunday. “He’s been off for more than a year. I thought maybe I’d bring him down and show him in the Classic Challenge. I figured the Novice Horse would be a good warmup, even though he’s won a lot more than most Novice horses, but that was in the cow horse,” she explained. “Thank you to Sebastian Petroll, Robert Chown, and my husband Larry.”

Rookie Level 2 (1)/Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Round 1 Winner Kyla Thurlow & Kachina Olena Tag Kyla Thurlow topped the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Round 1 and the Rookie Level 2 with a 73.5 on her 6-year-old stallion Kachina Olena Tag. Nicknamed “Facebook” because he was won through a Facebook auction, Kachina Olena Tag is by former NRBC Non Pro Champion Whiz N Tag Chex and out of leading NRHA producing mare Kachina Oak Olena.

“It’s probably a very unhealthy relationship because I’m obsessed with him. I love everything about him,” Thurlow said with a laugh. “He was wonderful today. He’s truly a showhorse and is always looking to do the right thing. He doesn’t like to work very hard, so he always tries to do it right the first time.”

Thurlow has her eyes set on the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Finals and will compete in the second round on Thursday. If she and Facebook finish with one of the top five composite scores from all the Rookie entries, they’ll compete in the Finals on Friday.

Rookie Level 1 (1) Kalena Reynolds & Gun Whiz It

Fifteen-year-old Kalena Reynolds claimed the Rookie Level 1 win with her horse Gun Whiz It. The eight-year-old mare, nicknamed Cecilia, is by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Roll Whiz It. “She’s really good, and super fun, and she thinks she’s human. She’s a little sassy, but if I stay out of her way and go with the flow, she’s really good,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds definitely went with the flow in the Wheless Arena, marking a 72.5. “She was really good. I was a little nervous because I didn’t get a chance to warm her up much this morning, but that’s usually when we do the best. She had a lot of go, but not too much, and was really honest,” she recalled.

The duo has a busy week. They’ll show again in the Rookie on Thursday, with an eye on the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Finals on Friday. They’ll also show on Sunday in the Non Pro Challenge. “We’re just going to have fun, and I’ll try to keep her happy and not over-ride her,” she said. “Thank you to Dany and Fred Tremblay, my mom, my horse, all the people I ride with, and God for giving me this blessing.”

Prime Time Rookie (1) Nancy Currie & Dun Playin Tag

Nancy Currie and her veteran show horse Dun Playin Tag won the Prime Time Rookie title with a 72.5. Currie has owned the 15-year-old gelding, by Whiz N Tag Chex out of Brennas Dunit Fancy, for about five years. “Someday we will retire him, but every time I think he’s ready he shows us he’s not,” she said with a laugh. “He’s a real testament that if you keep these performance horses going, someone can enjoy them for many years.”

Dun Playin Tag has had a career that’s been successful from Open to Non Pro competition. “He’s kind of a legend. He placed in the Futurity and Derby and here in the Open and Non Pro,” Currie said.

While Curie has shown at the NRBC before, she and Jake were unable to in 2018, because he sustained an injury to his leg on the trip to Katy. “He had 18 stitches in his leg. As I was driving here for the show, I was thinking how blessed I was to be able to ride him this year.” She added, “He was unbelievable. I give all the credit to my trainer Lorenzo Conzarella who has helped us and has him working great.”

Currie and Dun Playin Tag will compete in the Rookie classes again on Thursday, and hopefully in the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout on Friday. She also has her eye on the Non Pro Classic Challenge on Sunday. “It just depends on how he’s feeling at that point,” she said. “I’m just so happy with how he was today. I thank the Lord, my trainer Lorenzo, and my family.”

The 2019 National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Classic Preliminary round wrapped up on Tuesday, April 16. Gina Maria Schumacher topped the field of 152 and earned an early $6,773 for her score of 223. Schumacher was riding the four-year-old mare Oh Starry Nite (Gunners Special Nite x Chic Olena Starbuck), owned by XCS Ranch.

Topping the Non Pro Levels 3-1 was Jennifer Neudorf and Shining In Town with a score of 219.5. The duo also tied for third in the Level 4, bringing their total earnings to $5,193. Shining In Town, a six-year-old stallion, is by Hollywoodstinseltown and out of Shine Ann.

Leading the Non Pro Prime Time division with an adjusted score of 221 is Karen Mills and Pale Faced Dancer, a six-year-old mare by Pale Face Dunnit out of Dancer Nic. Mills is eligible for every division of the Non Pro Classic, bringing her total preliminary round earnings to $3,223.

The top 30 plus ties in the Non Pro Levels 4-1, as well as the top 20 in the Non Pro Prime Time, qualified for the clean-slate finals on Friday, April 19. It took a 214 to earn a spot in the Level 4 finals, and a 213 for the Level 3. 212 was the magic number for the Level 2, and riders in the Level 1 had to mark a 206.5. Prime Time riders must have earned an adjusted score of 212 to make that division’s finals. The Markel Insurance Non Pro Finals Draw Party will be held on Wednesday, where, in addition to the draw, go-round checks will be able to be picked up.

The National Reining Breeders Classic-aged event might be the highlight of the event, but there are several opportunities for riders and horses to win. That includes National Reining Horse Association approved ancillary classes which not only award money and prizes daily but also count towards year-end standings.

Brownshadel and Edgmon Split Int. & Ltd. Open (1)

Wins Patti Brownshadel and Tell Edgmon tied for the Championship of both the Intermediate and Limited Open classes with scores of 144.5. Brownshadel was riding Magnetised, by Im The Chic Magnet out of Gee Golly Whiz, while Edgmon rode Docs Shining Crome, also an 8-year-old stallion, by Custom Crome out of Shining Pearl.

It’s the first major horse show back for Browshadel and Magnetised, who’ve both been sidelined for health issues in recent years. In 2016, the two made the NRHA Derby Open Level 4 finals, but health problems kept them out of competition a couple of years. “I had so much fun today, even before I went in the arena to show. I trained all my life and didn’t realize what I had until I couldn’t do it for a while,” Brownshadel said. “This was Magnetised’s first show back to actually get dolled up, and he was just like he was when I showed him the last time. He was absolutely honest. He wants to please and gives me his heart.”

It’s clear the 8-year-old stallion is special. “He’s by my stud. I raised him, and even though he’s had a short-show career, he’s so honest and easy to train. He makes the job fun, and I knew he was special from the beginning,” she said.

The NRBC is Edgmon and Docs Shining Crome’s first big show together, and if it’s any indication of the future, the pair will be successful. “It went really well. He waited on me the whole time and was really quiet,” Edgmon said. “I probably could have pushed him a little more, but I’m trying to save him for a couple of days down the road, so I just cruised him through.”

Edgmon has only been riding the 8-year-old, who’s owned by Michael Marks, for a few months, but said the horse is making it easy. “He hasn’t been with me very long, but he’s a real nice horse. He’s really getting quiet, and it won’t take much for him to mark big. He’s so easy to turn and stop. No matter how he’s running to his stop, he’s going to do it every time,” Edgmon explained.

Giannasi and Ruf Till The End Win Rookie Professional (1)

Eduardo Maranho Giannasi rode Ruf Till The End to a score of 141.5, clinching the Rookie Professional win. “She was really good today. She turned really good and her circles were ok. She’s a big stopper, and I just trust her every time,” Giannasi, originally of Brazil, said.

 Ruf Till The End, owned by Cardinal Hill Training Center, is by Lil Ruf Peppy and out of Remedys Sure Slide. Giannasi has been riding the six-year-old mare since she was a two-year-old. “We’ve been getting better and better every year. I enjoyed showing her today. I have worked for Cardinal and Franco Bertolani for five years, and I just appreciate all the opportunities.”

Paige Pastorino Wins Limited Non Pro (1) on Taylor Made Magnum

Paige Pastorino claimed the first win at the Wheless arena with her score of 73 on Taylor Made Magnum, a 12-year-old stallion by Magnum Chic Dream out of Beaus Liberty Belle. “My run today was awesome. I think it was the fastest I’ve ever gone in my circles, and it paid off and it looked really nice. I really tried to push myself today because we’ve been working on stepping it up,” Pastorino said following her run.

Pastorino has owned Taylor Made Magnum for a couple of years and credits the horse’s honesty in the show pen for their success. “He’s awesome and everything I could ask for. He’s taught me a lot, never pulls any tricks, and when I take him out of his stall, I know exactly what I have,” she explained.

Although Pastorino lives in California, her trainer, Dany Tremblay, lives in Oklahoma. “We bought a horse from him and Fred (Tremblay) a couple years ago and decided that is where we wanted to be. I have to thank both Dany and Fred. They always have everything worked out, and they’re both awesome,” she said.

Pastorino and Taylor Made Magnum have a big week. They’ll show in both go-rounds of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout as well as the second slate of Limited Non Pro. Complete results, as well as the live webcast, can be found at www.NRBC.com.

The first day of competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, featured the first section of the Non Pro Classic preliminaries. The day concluded with Indy Roper and Kim Muehlstaetter tied for the high score of the day at 218.5.

Roper was riding Spooks Show Time, a 6-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Dolittle Lena, while Muehlstaetter showed Vintage Galaxy, a 4-year-old mare by A Sparkling Vintage out of Smart Lil Whiz. Both Muehlstaetter and Roper were eligible for the Level 3, but Roper and Spooks Show Time also sit solo atop the Level 2 leaderboard.

Currently topping the Level 1 division is Carlee McCutcheon on A Special Sidekick, a 5-year-old by Gunners Special Nite out of A Shining Sidekick, with a score of 214.5.

Kelle Smith and WF Shez Gotta Whiz are tied with Marcia Cole-Walker and Eclectic Chic for the lead of the Non Pro Prime Time with adjusted scores of 216. WF Shez Gotta Whiz is a 4-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Shesafashionchic, while Eclectic Chic is a 6-year-old mare by Magnum Chic Dream out of Eclectic Spark.

The clean-slate finals will be held Friday, April 19. Draw positions will be picked on Wednesday evening at the Markel Insurance Non Pro Finals Draw Party. Complete results, as well as a link to the live webcast, can be found at www.NRBC.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archer Sweeps Open Ancillary Classes

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

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

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

Green Reiner Champions Name at NRBC 

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

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

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

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

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

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