Toyon Ranch will continue to sponsor the rookies at the 26^th annual NRBC, under the headline Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All. Thanks to Toyon Ranch owners, John and Nancy Tague, Rookie riders can compete at the NRBC this year without having to pay entry fees or judges fees!

The sponsorship is a significant one because the two slates of Rookie Classes at the 2022 NRBC grew to a total of 161 entries.

The Tagues are glad to continue to advocate for the rookies because they realize that boosting this fundamental membership level is good for the growth of the entire industry. “It is always worthwhile to experiment with what might grow our sport and engage new participants. The response has been terrific, and we will know for sure in a few years if it makes a difference,” John said.

“We feel that this promotion is a great way to encourage participation in rookie classes. Of course we hope these rookie members will continue their reining careers as they grow in experience and skill,” said NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Cody. “So many Non Pro members began their careers in the Rookie classes; it is a great place to get new people involved in the sport of reining.”

The Tagues have been committed patrons of the reining industry for years. They have served on various boards and committees, along with strongly backing the grassroots members of the National Reining Horse Association.  John added, “I think we, as reiners, should be the most welcoming discipline riders can choose, and this is a tangible way of doing just that. The NRBC has always been one of our very favorite events. We loved Katy, and like the Tulsa facility just as much. The community, itself, just makes it a great place to show no matter where it is held.”

They have long funded the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year North American Affiliate Championship held during the NRHA Futurity. In 2022, they began the Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All at the National Reining Breeders Classic. That was such a hit that they continued it at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Toyon Ranch is located in the heart of horse country in Pilot Point, Texas. Focusing on breeding and raising the finest prospects the reining industry has to offer, they have accumulated an exceptional band of broodmares with over $4 million in combined show and produce earnings along with thirty Big 4 champions. The mares are crossed on the industry’s top stallions in an effort to create the highest quality and most diverse group of reining prospects every year.

In addition to the mare program, Toyon Ranch now stands an array of top-level stallions: No Smoking Required, Gunna Stop, Shine Chic Shine, Inferno Sixty Six, Jerseys Baby Driver, Maytheforcebewhizyou, Gunner Dun It Again, Dun It For Whizkey, Shine N Spook, and Colonels Smart Spook. For more information about Toyon Ranch, visit the website at toyonranchllc.com.

Slated for April 16-26, 2023, the National Reining Breeders Classic is moving to its new home at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The innovative and historical show has paid out more than $26 Million in its 25 years. The majority of the prize money comes from its successful stallion and foal enrollment program. For more information, visit nrbc.com.