2020 will mark the ninth consecutive year that Markel Insurance has sponsored the National Reining Breeder’s Classic Markel Non Pro Draw Party. This popular party is set for Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m., upstairs in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The party has become an annual highlight for the National Reining Horse Association’s second-largest reining.

The Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party puts non pros on center stage at an event with special touches and special fun! The wine glasses lined up with numbers on the bottoms make for some fun times while each finalist draws a glass one-by-one to determine their running order. Who will get the first run of the finals? Come to the party to find out! Everyone is invited to attend. And thanks to the creative enthusiasm of Makel, there is always something special to remember from the event. From a beautiful dessert display, one year to amazing door prizes the next, the fun factor is definitely a key part of the event.

Markel Director of Western Disciplines and National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame member, Frank Costantini has been a true NRBC fan and supporter for years and an integral part of the reining industry.

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody noted, “Frank’s onsite Markel team includes Non Pro reiners Chloe Lawrence and Karen Schedlauskas, and the combined years of experience as reiners and business people has resulted in a remarkable pool of reining knowledge.” Costantini, with his years of experience a Non Pro, an owner, an NRHA Board member, Committee Member and Chair, donor, President, visionary – has made him a part of NRHA history and culture and has propelled Markel to an unmatched relationship. Cody continued, “We are thrilled that he chooses to support the NRBC, personally and as the leader of the Markel sponsorship team.”

Frank added, “Markel is very fortunate to once again host the Non Pro Draw Party. We have been there for a number of years and we always try to come up with new and innovative ideas – come to the draw party this year to see what we can do to benefit reiners – everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities. Markel and the remarkable board and staff of the NRBC will always put our heads together to create something fun.”

Not only does Markel sponsor the Non Pro Draw Party, but it also awards the Markel Non Pro Commitment Award annually during the festivities. The announcement is always a surprise with only select NRBC staff and the Markel team knowing the new recipient for 2020.

With a long history of supporting the horse world in general and the reining industry in particular, Markel has insurance to fill all of your needs. For information on Markel Insurance, visit the booth at the NRBC and the website at http://www.horseinsurance.com.

The Board of Directors of the National Reining Breeders Classic welcomes Matt Mills Reining Horses back as the naming sponsor of the Matt Mills Victory Party. Set for Saturday, April 20 just after the end of the Level 4 Open Finals, this highly-anticipated event is a fitting climax to the week of intense 4, 5, and 6-year-old competition!

Attendees can enjoy the hospitality that NRBC is known for to the sounds of live music by the County Line Band. Expect heavy hors d’oeuvres, and drinks while visiting with friends. The newly crowned NRBC Champion is always a special guest appearing to celebrate the event with all who attend.

NRHA Professional Matt Mills has sponsored the event since 2017 and is excited to do it again. He said, “We look forward to the NRBC every year! Last year’s Victory Party was so much fun! We hope you can all make it again this year to this great event!”

The County Line Band has performed across Texas, from Corpus to Dallas, Houston to Midland. In the 80’s and early 90’s, County Line was the backing band for Fiddling Frenchie Burke, and the band has opened for many of country music’s top artists, including Garth Brooks, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Van Shelton, John Conlee, Vern Gosdin, Doug Stone, Asleep at the Wheel, and more.

With over $893K in Lifetime Earnings, Matt Mills is currently a Top NRHA Professional. The Southern California native counts winning the 2006 USEF Open Reining Championship on Easy Otie Whiz in Lexington, Kentucky as one of his most memorable accomplishments. With a career-high score of 231.5, that ride qualified him to be a member of the Team USA that proudly brought home the gold medal from the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany. He is regularly a finalist at major NRHA events and has received several titles including NRHA Intermediate Open Futurity Reserve Champion. For more information about Matt Mills, see his website at MattMillsReining.com.

Since it began 22 years ago, Twin Cities Trailer Sales has been with the National Reining Breeders Classic. They have consistently provided the Open and Non Pro Classic Champions with one year’s use of a horse trailer each year. This year will be no different. The Open Champion will get use of a 4-horse trailer and the Non Pro Champion will get to use a 2-horse trailer until next year.

NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody feels like Twin Cities Trailers’ support really adds to the prestige of winning the NRBC. She said, “The trailers have become a symbol of some of the biggest wins in the reining world, thanks to Twin Cities. We appreciate their incredibly long-term support.”

Owner Gary Raak has enjoyed a longtime friendship with NRBC Board Member Tim McQuay who was key in acquiring his support. “Gary and I have been friends forever. He was even friends with my father before me. He jumped in as a sponsor in the beginning when we really needed him and has stayed with us all of these years.” McQuay said, and then added, “It’s been very good for the show because the trailers are so nice that it has kind of become a status symbol to be seen pulling one of them.” Twin Cities Trailer Sales is a full-service operation selling both new and used trailers and providing servicing and financing. Twin Cities is located at 8448 Highway 377, just south of Pilot Point, TX. Contact them at (855) 585-6548 or visit the website at TwinCitiesSouthTrailers.com.

“Reining today at the highest level has gotten so tough. The horses, the horsemen and women, have reached unparalleled heights in what they are able to accomplish. Consequently, so have our non pros. If the Pros are the soul of our industry, the Non Pros are our heart. Their success, at whatever level they are comfortable, is paramount to the future of our industry. Markel’s support of Non Pro activity is a given, and we don’t ever want to discount their importance. That is why we are honored to be a sponsor, with the NRBC, of a new award!” said Markel Director of Western Disciplines Frank Costantini in reference to when the Markel NRC Non Pro Commitment award was created in 2016.

Now in its fourth year, the Recognition Program will be presented at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas during the Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party set for Wednesday, April 17 at 7 pm. It was created to recognize Non Pros who are constantly seen in the background – or foreground – helping others in any way they can; those who go above and beyond for the benefit of the industry. The announcement of the recipient is always a fun surprise with only a select few Markel team members and NRBC staff members knowing who it will be.

Markel Insurance, with Costantini’s leadership, has a long history of support in the reining industry. Markel Insurance provides financial protection for many of the ranches, trainers, horses, and equipment used in the reining industry. Costantini himself is a long-time breeder, owner, and Non Pro exhibitor of reining horses. Having sponsored NRBC for the past eight years, they have a long-standing reputation for always giving back to the reining world.

The Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party is a fun event to attend. Non Pro Classic Finalists come to the table to choose a wine glass that will hold their draw number. Watch the drama unfold as each realizes his or her place in the finals running order. Expect excitement while enjoying a delicious meal and open bar. Markel has insurance to fill all your needs.

For information on Markel Insurance, visit the booth at NRBC and the website at MarkelInsurance.com.

Canada-based Adh Mor Ranch and its star reining stallion, PS Mega Shine Chic, are owned by Brad and Amanda Kelly, who know that the future of reining rests in the hands of its youth. This is why they are returning to sponsor the NRBC Kid’s Academy in 2019. Beginning Tuesday, April 16 through Saturday, April 20, children 10 years and under will be trusted into the care of veteran teacher, Bess Bouley between the hours of 1 to 4 pm.

Miss Bess, as she is fondly called by the children, will keep them busy with fun and educational activities including crafts, games, and science experiments. It is a special time for the young ones attending the horse show, and the group often attracts friends who just enjoy seeing the kids enjoy themselves so much. Thanks to the Kellys, this program, Bouley’s expertise and all of the activities are free of charge.

The Kellys enjoy stopping by for kid’s time and have given each child a PS Mega Shine stick horse and t-shirt in the past. Brad and Amanda Kelly raise world-class bucking bulls and reining horses at Adh Mor Ranch in Central Alberta, Canada.

PS Mega Shine Chic (also known as “Crush”) is the focus of their reining program. The stunning palomino stallion is a 2016 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Finalist and the 2017 NRBC Open Reserve Champion and Level 3 Champion. For more information about Adh Mor Ranch and PS Mega Shine Chic, look them up on Facebook.

Canada-based Adh Mor Ranch and its star reining stallion, PS Mega Shine Chic, are owned by Brad and Amanda Kelly, who know that the future of reining rests in the hands of its youth. This is why they are returning to sponsor the NRBC Kid’s Academy in 2019. Beginning Tuesday, April 16 through Saturday, April 20, children 10 years and under will be trusted into the care of veteran teacher, Bess Bouley between the hours of 1 to 4 pm.

Miss Bess, as she is fondly called by the children, will keep them busy with fun and educational activities including crafts, games, and science experiments. It is a special time for the young ones attending the horse show, and the group often attracts friends who just enjoy seeing the kids enjoy themselves so much. Thanks to the Kellys, this program, Bouley’s expertise and all of the activities are free of charge.

The Kellys enjoy stopping by for kid’s time and have given each child a PS Mega Shine stick horse and t-shirt in the past. Brad and Amanda Kelly raise world-class bucking bulls and reining horses at Adh Mor Ranch in Central Alberta, Canada.

PS Mega Shine Chic (also known as “Crush”) is the focus of their reining program. The stunning palomino stallion is a 2016 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Finalist and the 2017 NRBC Open Reserve Champion and Level 3 Champion. For more information about Adh Mor Ranch and PS Mega Shine Chic, look them up on Facebook.

The NRBC board of directors is excited to announce the return of Paramount Network’s hit series Yellowstone as sponsor of the Rookie Shootout. The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout will continue a tradition of honoring the grass-roots competitors that help to keep the show going.

The Top 5 composite scores plus ties from Wednesday and Thursday Rookie classes will advance with no additional entry fees. In order to be eligible for the Shootout, exhibitors must enter both slates of Rookie classes. The Yellowstone Shootout final round will be held in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum Friday night prior to the start of the NRBC Open Classic Challenge.

At NRBC, everyone gets a chance to win, and many get more than one chance. On Sunday, everyone who competed in both preliminary rounds of the Shootout except for Friday night’s champion may enter the Rookie Shootout Consolation round where another great prize will be given to the champion!

Yellowstone came on board as a sponsor in 2018, and after a successful season celebrating 5 million viewers per episode and ranking as Second Most-Watched Series in all of Cable television, the show starring Kevin Costner is back for season two and another Yellowstone Rookie Shootout.

Yellowstone is co-created by critically-acclaimed, Oscar®-nominated screenwriter and avid reiner Taylor Sheridan (Wind River, Hell or High Water and Sicario), and John Linson. It returns June 19th to Paramount Network. “Yellowstone” chronicles the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect – the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders – an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. To learn more, visit the online Show Page at ParamountNetwork.com/Press/Shows/Yellowstone/.

The American Paint Horse Association and the National Reining Breeders Classic are continuing their partnership for the fifth consecutive year! Once again custom Gist Silversmith buckles will be awarded to top APHA registered horses at the event in Katy, Texas, slated for April 14-21, 2019.

These award buckles will be offered to the highest-scoring or high-composite Paints in the following aged event and ancillary classes: Non Pro Classic, Open Classic, Youth, Rookie, Non Pro.

“We are honored to have the American Paint Horse Association continue to be part of the NRBC,” said NRBC Secretary-Treasurer, Cheryl Magoteaux Cody. “We know that they will be a treasured award for the winners. We appreciate APHA’s commitment to our show, and love having this additional opportunity for our exhibitors.”

APHA Director of Show Amanda Cormack shared Cody’s enthusiasm, noting, “APHA has really been striving to reach out to the NRHA community. Our involvement at NRBC over the past five years has proven to be successful in that venture. By having an APHA representative attend this event, we’re able to conduct in-person business and reach a wide range of exhibitors, from open to youth

The American Paint Horse Association is reaching out to all of its avid reining competitors through the continuation of its reining buckle program at select NRHA events. Each show counts for a minimum of one show towards qualification. Unless otherwise noted on the APHA show calendar, these shows are approved only for APHA World Show qualification, not APHA points.

To be eligible to compete, the horse and rider must meet the following criteria.

• Exhibitor must be a current APHA member

• Horse must be registered with APHA or have registration paperwork submitted on-site

• Must sign-up prior to showing with an on-site APHA representative

FAQ’s

I have a horse that is eligible but not yet registered with APHA. Can I register my horse on-site? Yes, there will be an APHA representative on-site to assist in registering horses, transferring papers and collecting memberships.

Is there an entry fee? No, the only fee(s) associated with signing up for this program is an APHA membership (if not current) and any fees pertaining to getting your horse registered with APHA (if not already registered).

How are the winners calculated? For aged events, the award will go to the highest-scoring Paint horse from the finals, beginning with the highest level. For ancillary classes, the Paint horse must be shown in both days of the ancillary classes. This will then be calculated like a circuit award, with scores from both runs being added together to determine the award winner.

What is the cut-off to enter? Before your classes’ entry deadline.

If you have any questions contact APHA Director of Shows, Amanda Cormack at (817) 222-6416.

Since its inception, the National Reining Breeders Classic has grown to include over 200 subscribed stallions, and its total payout has now exceeded $21 million. To learn more about the NRBC or to enter your Paint, visit NRBC.com.

Nutrena returns as a part of the National Reining Breeders Classic with a new convenience for exhibitors, owners and friends in the form of the Nutrena Hospitality Lounge. Located on the concourse of the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, the comfortable Nutrena center will provide snacks and drinks throughout the week as well as a comfortable place to visit with friends while watching the arena action.

Sharon Choney, Nutrena Equine Consultant, has attended the NRBC for several years. “Like so many of our sponsors, Sharon has become a friend as well as a representative of Nutrena,” said NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody. “She goes above and beyond in supporting the reining industry and this new hospitality station is a perfect example.”

Choney noted, “Nutrena Is so excited to be part of NRBC again this year. This year we want you to come by the Nutrena Hospitality Lounge located on the concourse next to the Main Arena. It is open to all and we will have free food and beer/wine most nights for all reiners and spectators. Come and hang out and watch the competition and relax and enjoy some refreshments on us!” She continued, “The NRBC is always a fantastic show for Nutrena as it gives us an opportunity to mingle with our clients, customers and friends from across the country while making many more over the week-long event.”

Nutrena works with reining and breeding farms to develop and grow the next champions from birth to the show ring where blue ribbons and consistent maximum performance are the goals. Sharon explains, “Between Premium quality highly research feeds and supplements and Equine Consultants that go home every day to their own horses we understand your business and goals and want to stride side by side with you and your horses to ensure your success. Come by and visit about how we can help you and your business and take you to the top.” Nutrena® is a premium brand of horse feed produced by Cargill, Inc., a worldwide producer of agricultural products. Cargill has 151 years of innovative research and development through its Innovation Center in Elk River Minnesota as well as many long-time Relationships with some of America’s leading universities. Using the highest-quality ingredients and the most up-to-date nutritional technology, Cargill manufactures and markets a complete line of Nutrena® branded feeds and supplements that help horses maintain optimal health throughout all stages of life. To learn more about Nutrena visit the website at NutrenaWorld.com.