The fun continues even after the Open Finals are completed at the 2017 National Reining Breeders Classic, slated for April 16-23 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. That’s because of the annual Victory Party, which is held directly after the finals’ competition. This year, Matt Mills Reining Horses will sponsor the festivities, which feature a live performance from The County Line Band, heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
“This party is a highlight of the show,” noted NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “It’s a great place to visit and celebrate the event – plus the new champion and $75,000 winner is always a special guest! We’re excited to have the County Line Band back, as they have performed at several past NRBCs.”
“When Cheryl Cody approached us to ask if Team Mills would be interested in sponsoring the victory part for the 20th anniversary of the NRBC, we jumped on the opportunity!” Matt said. “We look forward to this event every year and in our opinion, it’s one of the very best!! Let’s celebrate the victory for the 2017 NRBC open champion!”
McCutcheon thanked Mills for sponsoring the event. “We thank Matt, his family, and his customers for supporting the NRBC,” he said. “We are able to make this show enjoyable for exhibitors and owners because of their commitment and the support of other great sponsors.”
The County Line Band has performed all 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.
Born and raised in Southern California, Matt began riding horses at an early age. He enjoyed a successful career as a youth rider, earning multiple championships throughout California in a variety of disciplines including western pleasure, horsemanship and trail. In 1996 he switched his focus to reining and a few years later established his own training operation in Scottsdale, Arizona. He trains and shows futurity and derby horses and also coaches several successful non-pro and youth riders. One of his most memorable accomplishments was winning the 2006 USEF Open Reining Championship on Easy Otie Whiz in Lexington, Kentucky. With a career-high score of 231.5, that ride qualified him to be a member of Team USA that proudly brought home the gold medal from the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany.
Matt is consistently ranked on the NRHA Top Twenty Professionals Riders list and has NRHA lifetime earnings of over $500,000. He is regularly a finalist at major NRHA events and has received several titles including NRHA Intermediate Open Futurity Reserve Champion as well as multiple titles at the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC). He has also earned several large futurity and derby titles including RMRHA Summer Slide, High Roller Reining Classic, SWRHA Futurity and NRHA Cowtown Classic. In addition to his youth, skill and natural riding ability, he is well known for his professionalism, showmanship, and charismatic personality. Consequently, he is in high demand for clinics in the United States, Europe and Mexico.
For more information on Matt Mills visit the website at mattmillsreining.com.