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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magistri, Pastorino, and Lopez top the Green Reiner Classes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Youth Champions Crowned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bertolani Dominates On Wimpys Littlecolonel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Felicia Linner and Samantha Roper Tie in the AQHA Amateur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Archer Wins Intermediate Open on Smart Stepin Lena

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

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

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

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

Chris Dawson and Shiney Outlaw Win Limited Open

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

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

Glen Estival Takes Rookie Professional Win

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

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

Mary Scruggs and HA Lena Olynna Win Limited Non Pro

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

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

Throughout the week the National Reining Breeders Classic has featured some of the toughest competitors and horses alike in both open classes as well as youth and ancillary. Saturday’s champions were crowned in youth, Non Pro, USA Reining, Green Reiner and Novice Horse Open classes.

Madison Rafacz and Owen Deary took top honors in the 10 & Under Short Stirrup, with scores of 71 and 70.5, respectively. Rafacz rode Iboom (Boom Shernic x Bonitas Latin Chic) to the win in Saturday’s class. She received a National Reining Horse Association plaque and other prizes from Nutrena Feeds.

Rafacz has a special bond with the 6-year-old stallion and even though he has his own special quirks, she says he did his best in the show pen. “He’s a little goofy sometimes, but he was really good today,” she said. “Today was the first time I’ve shown him and I marked a 71. My favorite thing about him is that he can turn really big and he can stop really good if you ask him the right way.”

Deary rode Reeboks Rerun (Reeboks Kid x Worksman Fisty) and with his combined scores from yesterday’s short stirrup class, his combined points earned him the overall 10 & Under Short Stirrup championship. He placed second in today’s class and received a prize bucket from Nutrena Feeds and a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle from the overall win.

Deary says he can count on his equine partner to always do his best. “He’s a really good horse and I really like him,” Deary said of his mount. “On this run, I liked the stops the most, and on my last one I liked my spins.” Ribbons were also awarded to first through sixth place and each entry received Cosequin buckets.

In the ancillary action, Shauna Larcombe rode Setting Off Smart to a score of 73.5 to win the Novice Horse Open Levels 1 and 2. Setting Off Smart is a 6-year-old mare by Smart Spook and out of Setting Off Sparks and NRBC only served as the mare’s second competition show.

“She hasn’t had a lot of showing yet, so I’m just trying her out and see how it’s going,” Larcombe said. “I was pretty happy [about her run], like I said I haven’t done a whole lot of riding on her lately. So she’s only been ridden the last couple of weeks properly, and then we came down here and each day she’s gotten a little bit better. Today I thought I would see what she could do and she was really good for me.”

Jared Leclair rode The Dun Gun, who’s by Gunner and out of Fabulous Footwork, to the high point win in the Novice Horse Open Level 1. He also picked up second place in Level 1 and split-second in Level 2 with a score of 73.

“She’s a really nice mare and shows really well. She’s a big stopper and a big turner,” Leclair said. “It’s exciting [to win the high point], it’s really cool and it’s a great horse show and they give away great awards and I was happy to be a part of it.”

Dany Tremblay rode Misters Temptress (Mister Dual Pep x Colonel Pepinic) to the high point Novice Horse Open Level 2, for owners Brad and Amanda Kelly of Adh Mor Big Luck Ranch. In Saturday’s action, Tremblay rode the 5-year-old mare to a score of 73 to tie for second with Leclair in Level 2. Tremblay and Misters Temptress have had a big week in Katy, Texas, and the mare has continued to show up and prove her worth for both her rider and owners.

“All of this is all about a team effort and I think we have such a good team going and that’s why our week has been so successful,” Brad Kelly said. “So, kudos to everyone involved with our team, back home in Canada and here as well.”

The Green Reiner Levels 1 and 2 Champion was Jeff Sizelove with a score of 71 riding Bit Of Magnum. Sizelove and “Chico” have only been partners for eight months, however, he says the well-rounded equine athlete knows his job in the show pen.

“We call him ‘The Professor,’ because he knows what to do,” Sizelove said with a laugh. “It’s been a good journey here, an early journey, but it’s been great.” Bit Of Magnum is a 2003 gelding by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Bitsy Bye Remedy and led Sizelove to a score of 71 in Saturday’s class. Sizelove thanked Cedar Ridge Ranch and Casey Hinton for all of the support.

To win the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro ancillary classes, Sandra Martin rode Diamond Dappled, who’s by Shining Spark and out of Sun Dappled, to a score of 146.

Martin and her mount have been long-time partners and the win at the NRBC was extra special for the champ. “I still can’t believe it,” Martin said of her win through tearful eyes. “To come here and win the class, I was hoping just to place well not even win with some of the people who were in the class.”

In the youth classes, two tough riders dominated the competition. Madison Gustin took home multiple championships in the NRHA Youth 13 & Under, the NRBC Youth 13 & Under Classic Challenge, Unrestricted Youth, the American Quarter Horse Association Youth 18 & Under Reining and the USA Reining Youth 13 & Under. Emilia Reutimann was the other multi-time champion of the youth classes taking home the championships in the NRHA Youth 14-18, the NRBC Youth 14-18 Classic Challenge and the USA Reining 14-18.

Gustin rode Guns R Spooky, who’s by Smart Spook and out of Berry Yer Guns to mark a 145.5 for the win. She received an NRHA Trophy, Nutrena Feed gift certificate, Cosequin bucket and NRBC commemorative prizes for each championship. Gustin also took home the youth 13 & Under high point championship, for which she received a Gist Silversmith trophy buckle. The 7-year-old gelding has been in Gustin’s hands for two years and the pair has won several championships together.

Gustin says she will always remember the NRBC, because of the huge personal redemption. “It’s been so much, after coming back from falling off in our run yesterday it was a lot of fun and we did so well,” Gustin said. “This was our highest score ever and I am so proud of him.”

Reutimann rode Black Hails Gold, who’s by Shine Like Hail and out of Dun Its Black Gold, to the score of 145 for the wins. She received an NRHA Trophy, Nutrena Feed gift certificate, Cosequin bucket and NRBC commemorative prizes for each championship. Reutimann also took home the youth 14-18 high point championship, for which she received a Gist Silversmith trophy buckle.

Reutimann said although she and Black Hails Gold have only been partners for a short while they continue to improve in the show pen. She was proud of her mount for leading her to multiple wins, especially the high point award.

“I’ve only had him since October, so this is only my second show with him, so I was really happy with him. He was really honest with me and he was really good,” Reutimann said. “He walked in and he was a little bit looky, which I was nervous about, but we got to the middle and he turned and circled really good. His first stop wasn’t as good as I would have liked it to have been, but he stopped huge on the other two, so I was really happy.”

Each year at the NRBC the highest-scoring competitor in the youth competition is awarded the Curtis Burlin Perpetual Youth Award. This year, Luca Fappani took home the honor. Fappani rode the standout gelding, Custom Spook, who’s by Smart Spook and out of Custom Spinderella to a score of 144.5 in today’s Youth 13 & Under classes, combined with yesterday’s winning score of 72 to win the honor.

Custom Spook is owned by Rancho Oso Rio and was under the direction of his father, Andrea Fappani in his earlier career. Fappani was lucky enough to be given the honor of exercising the gelding on his off days and as such has formed a special connection with the gelding, which made his transition to full-time rider easy.

“I just started showing him this year… his owner, Pat Warren, rode him and showed him after my dad rode him in his derby years, and then she didn’t want to show him anymore, but she didn’t want to sell him, so she let us lease him and I’m really thankful for that,” Fappani said. “When Pat told me I could go show him, I was really excited. He’s really nice to ride. He’s so quiet and just lopes around and he stops huge. “I’ve never shown here, and it feels good to win the first time I’ve been here,” he continued.

For information and complete results from the National Reining Breeders Classic, follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and www.nrbc.com

The long miles, hard work and hours spent putting the finishing touches on some of the toughest reining horses in the country culminated inside the Great Southwest Equestrian Center at The National Reining Breeders Classic with a crowd-raising performance. The focus of the night was the Open Classic Finals where competitors showed up to battle it out for championship prizes, bragging rights, and $75,000. Finishing the night on top of the field was Andrea Fappani riding Chic Dreamin (Magnum Chic Dream x Skeets Red Dunit) to a score of 229 to top Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Open Classic champion.

“It never gets old to win anywhere, but especially here,” Fappani said. “It’s a special place. I have a special place in my heart because this is where I marked a 236, which is still today the highest in NRHA history, so it’s a great place where you can really showcase your horse.”

Fappani and the 5-year-old stallion owned by Silver Spurs Equine wowed the crowd with a stellar performance, proving why the NRBC is one of Fappani’s favorite shows and why he had such confidence going into the finals aboard the flashy sorrel. “I was waiting for something to maybe not go as planned,” Fappani said with a laugh. “It kept going as I planned it, everything was just right on. I was having fun to be honest. It was one of those runs where they award a high score, but it’s not like I was trying that hard. I just let it be. A lot of times you get to some of these finals and you know you have to have a big score to win and you almost try too hard then you get into the penalties or you override your horse.

“I knew I had a horse that could really mark in the stops,” he continued. “I had a pattern with four stops so I said as long as I nail my stops and stay out of the penalty box I should be in good shape.”

This year marked the fourth time Fappani has claimed the NRBC Open Finals championship, and he says it’s taken a lot of hard work to get here. “Hard work pays off, that’s what I tell everybody,” Fappani said. “[Some people] think it’s luck and it’s really not. You have to put your head down and work, no matter what you win, the next one’s not going to win itself. You have to go home, go to work and do the best you can.”

Fappani also had success on two other horses in tonight’s finals finishing fourth aboard Smart Shiners Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines) owned by Silver Spurs Equine with a score of 224.5. Aboard Thebettertohearuwith (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Chex Out The Cowgirl) owned by Bill Coburn he marked a 220.5 to split 15th place. For some, the fast change between horses in such a high-pressure situation could be nerve-racking; however, Fappani says the many years of practice has prepared him.

“It’s easier now because I’ve done it enough,” Fappani said of how he prepares mentally for each horse. “I have a plan the day before [I show] and then I separate all the horses and think one horse at a time. When I got on my first horse tonight, I knew what I had to think about with that horse and that’s all I focused on. Then when I get off that horse, I think about the next one and don’t remember the last one I rode. I erase it from my memory pretty much.

“I’ve learned that along the way because you just never know what’s going to happen next,” he continued. “I’ve learned to focus on one horse at a time and just go with it.” Along with the $75,000 for the title, Fappani took home one year’s use of a deluxe two-horse horse trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales, a custom championship saddle sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, a crystal trophy from NRBC, 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 champion ribbon collar and roses.

Brian Bell and Dany Tremblay each marked a 225.5 to share the reserve championship in the Level 4. Bell rode Turn Down For What (Einsteins Revolution x My Way Marla) owned by Crews Reining Horses. Tremblay rode Adh Mor Big Luck Ranch’s PS Mega Shine Chic (Shine Chic Shine x Megas Sugar Baby).

They each received $41,000 for the reserve co-championship, a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler from NRBC, a commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC, and a 30 day supply of Cosequin ASU Plus from Nutramax.

Tremblay also took home the Level 3 championship aboard PS Mega Shine Chic, worth $20,589. Tremblay has had a big week in Katy, Texas, taking home a myriad of awards and championships over the course of the event. “It’s amazing,” Tremblay said of his win.

“We had the lead for a little bit and then Andrea had a great ride and what a great horse (Chic Dreamin), but ‘Crush’ is really special, and he gave me a lot tonight and I’m really proud of him. I think the best of him is coming in the next few years.”

Tremblay also qualified Magnums Guns R Reddy (Magnum Chic Dream x Guns R Reddy), owned by Ruth Hamlin and marked a 217 aboard the mare.

Abby Lengel rode ARC Gunna Mark Ya (Gunnatrashya x Shiney Miss Marker) to a score of 223.5 to win Level 2 as well as second place in Level 3. Making her win even more impressive was the fact Lengel competed with a tack malfunction.

“On my way to my first stop, I felt my stirrup break. My Blevins buckle came undone and I lost my stirrup and so I just held my right leg in there really hard and she’s a nice enough horse and broke enough that she just took me through it. It wasn’t a good feeling when it happened, but after the first stop I thought maybe I can do this,” she said with a laugh.

Lengel has been working hard to claim a title at this show and this year, all her hard work paid off. “It feels fantastic [to win the NRBC Level 2],” she said. “I’ve been wanting to do well at this show for a long time. It’s kind of been a long process getting [ARC Gunna Mark Ya] ready for this show, but she finally started feeling locked in here and she did really, really well. I’ve wanted to put a run down here for a while and I’ve been praying about it and God said yes tonight.”

Lengel pocketed $8,128 for the first place win, plus $12,533 for the second place Level 3 finish. She also received a custom saddle sponsored by Deshotels and Luke Gagnon, 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.

A tie in the Level 1 saw Alejandro Ortiz Vazquez and Barak Gibori share the co-championship each with a score of 217.5. Ortiz Vazquez rode She Is A Chexinic (Smart Like Juice x Muskegs Chexinic) for owner Smart Like Juice Inc., and Gibori rode Pearl Haggard (Hollywoodstinseltown x Gunners Pearl) for owner David Silva Sr.

Ortiz Vazquez has had a long journey getting to this point and She Is A Chexinic’s owner, Jose Vazquez said he expects even bigger things for his future. Originally from Mexico, Ortiz Vazquez tried coming to work for Vazquez in the United State as a trainer, however, the long process of getting a work Visa made the transition difficult. Therefore, Vazquez sent six 3-year-olds to Ortiz Vazquez in Mexico to train, She Is A Chexinix being one of them. When he was finally granted his Visa, he moved to the United States and started working for Vazquez full-time.

“[The win] is great as an owner, but for Alejandro, he’s been working really hard and put in a lot of effort and I think he has a bright future as a trainer,” Jose Vazquez said. “He’s been working for me two and a half years and day one he stepped up and he’s getting better and better in the show pen. He has a lot of talent and a lot of respect for the sport.” Ortiz Vazquez pocketed $2,457 for the win.

Gibori and Pearl Haggard had a great showing in Katy, Texas, with the 4-year-old, who has led him to other wins such as the 2016 Tulsa Reining Classic Level 1 futurity champion. Stamina in the show pen continued to shine tonight in the Open Classic Finals.

“I feel great,” Gibori said. “He’s a great horse and he showed really well for me. This is a great show and some of the best horses come here, so it’s nice to get a win here.” Gibori also finished 16th in the Level 3 to tie with Mathieu Buton, Ortiz Vazquez and Matthew Armenta to pick up an extra $750. All totaled Gibori banked $3,207.

Martin Larcombe rode Hang Ten And Shine, who’s by Hang Ten Surprize and out of Ebony Shines to a score of 224 for owner Christine Brazeau to top the Open Prime Time, worth $1,950. “There’s an advantage to being old sometimes I guess,” Larcombe said with a laugh. “It’s good though. [During my run] I was thinking I needed to do as good as I could, to go as hard as I could, and the horse stayed with me pretty well. We just had one little problem coming around a loop where we popped out of lead and that hurt us quite a bit. Other than that, he was very good.” The 6-year-old has been with Larcombe since he was three and has continued to do well for Larcombe qualifying for the Level 4 finals at many shows over the course of his career. This year, Larcombe admits the stallion stepped up his game, which made the NRBC even more special for the pair. “Tonight was the best run I’ve probably ever had on him, just that little bobble that cost us,” he said. “This event here is where the best horses come and the best competitors and if you can just be in amongst it somewhere it’s something to feel great about.”

Tom McCutcheon and Martin Muehlstaetter took home big wins in Friday night’s NRBC Open Reining Night presented by Kimmel Reining Horses. McCutcheon and Muehlstaetter each turned in big scores of 224.5, which wowed the crowd with the big stops and flawless circles to split the win in the National Reining Horse Association $25,000-added Open, as well as the NRBC Open Classic Challenge.

McCutcheon rode the standout mount, The Wizster, who’s by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Miss Whizard Jac and owned by Turnabout Farm Inc. Aboard the 2010 gelding McCutcheon also won the USA Reining Open, and the CRI Reining.

“I feel great,” McCutcheon said of his wins. “It is really a humbling experience to be able to show a horse like this; it’s really a sigh of relief to be able to show him in a way that he is well represented because with this caliber of a horse, you’re just along for the ride.”

Although the big check was a welcomed reward McCutcheon said being able to represent the United States is always a noble and humbling moment. “It’s always an awesome feeling to be on that podium and sing along to the National Anthem,” McCutcheon said.

Muehlstaetter shared the co-championship aboard Michael Garnett’s Blo Gun. Muehlstaetter says he enjoyed showing the 2010 stallion by Colonels Smoking Gun and out of The Hot Jewel and hopes to show him again in the future.

“I was really excited, it’s the first time I’ve shown the horse,” Muehlstaetter said.”[Michael] is a long-time client of mine and I [asked] if I could ride the horse and he told me ‘go for it,’ so here we are,” Muehlstaetter said with a smile.

In youth action, the kids of reining were turning in their own sharp maneuvers. Bo Van Duys riding Aim Your Pistol, and Emilia Reutimann riding Black Hails Gold, shared the win in the CRI Junior with scores of 69.5. Aim Your Pistol is by Custom Pistol and out of Topnotch Melody and Black Hails Gold is by Shine Like Hail and out of Dun Its Black Gold.

McKinnon Larcombe rode My Nu Mercedes Rox (Cromed Out Mercedes x Roxana Chex) to a score of 71.5 to win the Youth 14-18. She also split the win in the Unrestricted Youth and the American Quarter Horse Association Youth 18 & Under with Raeanna Thayn.

Larcombe took over the reins of My Nu Mercedes Rox from her mom about a year ago and has had a lot of success in the show pen. She’s taken home wins at the Southwest Reining Horse Association as well as the Tulsa Reining Classic. “I’ve been showing him here, there, everywhere and recently, we were a 215 at the derby in Tulsa, so that was a good confidence booster,” Larcombe said. “He showed really well today, he’s getting better and better and so am I showing him.”

Thayn has a special bond with her mount and a few of her favorite things are his mane and his heart.

Thayn has already earned titles on him this week in the Limited Non Pro and hopes to continue her winning streak in tomorrow’s youth classes. “He tries really hard,” Thayn said. “Our run was really good today and he stayed with me in the pen.”

Luca Fappani rode Custom Spook (Smart Spook x Custom Spinderella) to a score of 72 to top the Youth 13 & Under.

For information and complete results from the National Reining Breeders Classic, follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and 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, Jack Medows rode Chicsdreamofdiamonds (Magnum Chic Dream x Princess In Diamonds) to a score of 223.5 to top the Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Non Pro Classic champion. Medows has had a lot of success with the mare having won the 2016 National Reining Horse Association Non Pro Futurity championship along with other big wins, but Medows says the $30,000 NRBC win is special.

“Between the prelims and here she really stepped up her turns. She’s a really good turner, but for some reason she goes in the show pen and she’s so relaxed that she almost dulls up a little bit, but today she really sparked in her turns, and when I loped her off, she was so slow and so collected it was a really cool feeling,” Medows said. “[The win here at the NRBC] is so special and she deserves it, she’s such a good mare. I’m glad I stayed out of her way and let her do it.”

Although Medows’ win in the Level 4 was his most special moment, he rode two other great mounts to top finishes today making the day even more special. The 19-year-old rode Frame Draggin (Einsteins Revolution x Coronas Major) to fifth place in the Level 4 Non Pro, worth $8,500 with a score of 219.5. He also rode Wimpys Show Stopper (Wimpys Little Step x Pinesail) to the CRI Youth Reining win with a score of 72.5. “It was a really, really good day. All three of my horses were good, so I’m very lucky,” Medows said.

Along with the cash, Medows took home one year’s use of a deluxe two-horse Horse Trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales, a custom championship saddle sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, a crystal trophy from NRBC, 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 champion ribbon collar and roses.

Cade McCutcheon marked a 223 aboard Custom Made Gun (Colonels Smoking Gun x Custom Made Dunit) for McQuay Stables for a reserve championship Level 4 finish, worth $15,750. McCutcheon also received a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler from NRBC, a commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC and a 30-day supply of Cosequin ASU Plus from Nutramax.

Tish Fappani rode Spooks N Jewels to a score of 220 to win the Non Pro Level 3, plus finish fourth in the Level 4. Along with the $8,400 Fappani picked up for winning the Level 3, her Level 4 finish gained her an extra $10,000.

Spooks N Jewels is by Smart Spook and out of Whiz Jewels, who was shown at the end of her career by Fappani’s husband, Andrea Fappani. The family relationship with Spooks N Jewels’ dam has made the connection special for Fappani. “Coming off of the futurity with [Spooks N Jewels], I didn’t have a good futurity, so it felt good to get in there and have him be solid and consistent in both goes,” Fappani said. “He was right there with me. He’s a big stopper, so we hit all of our stops and I made sure I got shut off in my turns, so there were no turn penalties. In the circles he went the speed he can handle right now. After the futurity, he hasn’t been shown, he hasn’t even been schooled or anything, we rested him quite a bit. He’s four, so he’s still got quite a few more years. I feel comfortable on him.”

Fappani received a custom saddle sponsored by Continental Saddlery, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, 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.

Veronica Williams rode Singing In The Rein (Master Snapper x Shiners Mistress) to a score of 217.5 to win the Level 2 and well as second place in the Level 3. Up to this point, the NRBC Non Pro Finals had been Williams’ Achilles Hill, having qualified multiple times to the finals to only, admittedly, let the pressure get the best of her nerves.

“It was a personal goal of mine to do better in the finals,” Williams said. “I’ve always come here and made into the finals and then chickened out in the finals and if felt so good to go finally go in there and just trust her and do it and she was just with me every step of the way.”

This year, however, she achieved her goal and claimed her first NRBC championship title. “It feels amazing,” Williams said of her win. “It hasn’t really even sunk in, yet I don’t think. [This win at the NRBC is extra special] because this is a huge horse show, and the best of the best horses are here and the best of the best riders are here. It’s so cool to come here and get to show and then to do well here is just the coolest. The coolest thing of all.”

Williams pocketed $4,000 for the first-place win, plus $5,150 for the second place Level 3 finish. She also received a custom saddle sponsored by Deshotels and Luke Gagnon, 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.

Nancy Murfin-Moxley rode Who Whiz Hot Choclat to a score of 216 to win both the Level 1 and Prime Time, plus finish second in the Level 3. Her success in the show pen was made extra special considering it’s only her first time to show with her mount competitively.

“[Winning this championship] is wonderful,” Murfin-Moxley said. “My run felt great. [Who Whiz Hot Choclat] is so great minded and I just trusted him, and I knew he was prepared and I did the best I could do. He just took great care of me.”

Who Whiz Hot Choclat is by Who Whiz It and out of Choclat Almond Chic and led his rider to a total haul of $5,697. The competition continued with tough competition in the ancillary classes, plus the start of the youth classes.

In the ancillary action, Paul Queen rode Outta Dough (Gallo Del Cielo x Dough Olena) to a score of 146.5 to top the Limited Non Pro, plus take home the overall championship. Queen took home a National Reining Horse Association championship trophy, a Nutrena Feed gift certificate and Cosequin Bucket. Queen has had the now-12-year-old stallion for 10 years and over the years they’ve formed a special bond, which reflected their abilities in the show pen during his run at the NRBC. “I look out for him and he looks out for me,” Queen said. “My run felt really good. I know he can do those fast circles and I knew when we got in there we’re going to get them, and I know he can plant it in the ground when it’s time. So, we had a good time.” In second place was Hannah Loverien riding Tom and Mandy McCutcheon’s That Kind Of Nite (Gunners Special Nite x Doc Santa Belle) to a score of 142.5.