Innovation and excitement go hand-in-hand at the National Reining Breeders Classic, and not just in the main event. In 2018, Paramount Network’s hit show, Yellowstone, became the sponsor of the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout, and in the ensuing years, it has become a favorite of the show. The Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout was created to give Rookie competitors the chance to compete in the big arena during prime time at the NRBC. The Yellowstone Paramount Network Yellowstone Rookie Shootout will return to the NRBC, April 18 – 25, in Katy, Texas, this year.

The top five from both slates of Rookie competition advance to the Shootout round on Friday, April 23, just prior to the Open Classic Challenge. There, the winner of the Shootout will be presented with a custom, one-of-a-kind prize. The first year’s prize was a custom mini golf cart, and a custom-designed tack trunk was the major prize for 2019.

Then things got big in 2020, with a life-sized fiberglass horse as the trophy. “We wanted to continue to present a big trophy for a big win, and that’s what we had in 2020. The horse was a huge hit, with many people stopping for a photo opportunity,” NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Cody shared. She added that details about the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout prize for 2021 will be announced soon.

In addition to the main trophy, all Shootout qualifiers receive custom Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout buckles. There is no additional fee for the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout, but exhibitors must be entered in both slates of Rookie classes, as Shootout qualification is based on the composite scores.

Non-Shootout qualifiers who competed in both slates can enter the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Consolation round on Sunday afternoon, April 25. For more information, visit www.NRBC.com.

The last classes of the 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic finished up on Sunday with Youth classes in the Mustang Arena, and the Non Pro Classic Challenge taking place in the Ford Arena of the Tulsa State Fairgrounds.

The Classic Challenge is for NRBC-enrolled horses who have aged out of the Classic, giving veteran reiners the opportunity to compete for big money later on in life.

Bailey Kolsun & Diamond Studded Guns – NRBC Non Pro Levels 3 & 4 Classic Challenge Champions

An exciting run-off decided the Non Pro Classic Challenge Championship, and in the end, it was Bailey Kolsun and Diamond Studded Guns who emerged victorious. All totaled, Kolsun and the flashy mare won $9,237. “The run-off was fun. It was the last time I was going to show him this year. He’s eight and he doesn’t owe me anything,” Kolsun said.

In their original run, Kolsun and Diamond Studded Guns marked a 219.5. “The first run I had a blast. He stopped huge in this nice arena. In the run-off, I had a little trouble guiding him out of my second lead change, but he ran and stopped better than the first run,” she shared.

Kolsun purchased Diamond Studded Guns, by Gunnatrashya out of Like To Flo, as an unshown three-year-old. “I’ve been riding with Ruben Vandorp ever since. I’ve shown this horse and made the finals everywhere, and now I’m having fun with him as an older horse,” she said. “I thank my parents and brothers back home in Canada for their unconditional support. I also thank Ruben for all his help and encouragement.”

Diamond Studded Guns will get a well-deserved break. “He’ll have a couple of months off and then we will bring him back next spring,” Kolsun said.

Tristan Bagby & Shina Gun – NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge Levels 1 & 2/Ltd. Non Pro [2]/ARC Ltd. Non Pro Champions

Although Tristan Bagby and Shina Gun didn’t win the run-off for the Level 3 and 4 of the Non Pro Classic Challenge, they still won numerous divisions. In addition to the Championship of the Classic Challenge Levels 1 & 2, they also won the second slate of the Limited Non Pro as well as the ARC Limited Non Pro. Because they also placed in the higher levels, the won more than 10 checks totaling $10,150.

Shina Gun is an eight-year-old stallion by Gunner out of Shiner Lite. “He’s a stud we raised, so we have had him his whole life. He is so special to us, and has been so good to me this year,” Bagby said. “It is my first year to show him, and I am so thankful to be able to ride him.”

Bagby and Shina Gun marked a 219.5 in their regular run. “The first run he was really good everywhere, and I was really happy with him. He was kind of tired coming into the run-off, but I couldn’t have asked anymore of him,” she said. “I thank my parents and my grandparents for letting me show him. I thank Bobby Avila and his whole crew, and my farrier who made a good call on changing his shoes for this arena.”

Paul Queen & Outta Dough – NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge Prime Time Champion & Non Pro Prime Time High Point Champion

Outta Dough has been in Paul Queen’s life for a long time, but the flashy stallion was actually a secret in the beginning. “My mom kept him a secret from me when she first bought him years ago. I found out about him when I was going through the registration book. She had him in California with Mike Berg and he did a great job with him. I’ve had some wonderful trainers who have helped me keep him going. Jared Leclair has been awesome lately,” Queen shared. “This horse will always be part of the family.

Queen and Outta Dough had a successful NRBC, winning the Non Pro Classic Challenge Prime Time division and also claiming the Prime Time High Point Championship. In Sunday’s competition alone, the pair won $4,076.

“Today went really well. He likes a big arena like this, and he just got in there and gave me a wonderful feeling. I’m going to give him some time off after this,” Queen said. “I thank my mom, Jared Leclair, Jason, Kristi and Mike Berg – a lot of people.”

Sarah Locker & Snips Shining Gun – ARC Non Pro & Int. Non Pro/Non Pro [2] & Int. Non Pro [2]/Non Pro High Point Champions

When Sarah Locker and Snips Shining Gun didn’t make the Non Pro Classic Finals, Locker was looking for redemption. “I had a really pretty 210 in the preliminaries, and we all know that doesn’t get you into the finals here,” she explained. “This mare is four, and I just started showing her at this show. I needed more time to get with her.”

Locker entered the mare in both slates of Non Pro classes. During the classes on Thursday, the pair knocked out an impressive 145. They followed that up with an even better score in Sunday’s round – a 221.5!

“She was great in the first slate, and then today she came back and fired everywhere, and was with me every step of the way. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how she did today,” Locker shared. Not only did Locker and Snips Shining Gun win the second slate of the Non Pro and Int. Non Pro, they also won the ARC division for those classes as well, earning more than $3,500.

“This is a big, big-strided mare, so I felt confident running her harder in this bigger pen. I’m looking forward to showing her more this year after she gets some rest,” she said. “I give a huge thank you to Casey Deary. After he was done taking his awards photos last night, he was ready to coach me, and he stayed today to help me. I thank him and his whole team. I also thank my mom who raised this great mare and has given me the opportunity, and my husband who is here to drive me home after a long two weeks of horse showing. I also thank my sister who has been here all week supporting me.”

Raeanna Thayne & Coded N Karma – NRBC Youth 14 – 18 Classic Challenge Champions

Raeanna Thayne and Coded N Karma had a busy day, competing in both the Ford and Mustang Arenas. The duo pulled off a win in the Youth 14-18 Classic Challenge. “He was really good. I just took him in and loped around, and he was really good and solid,” Thayne shared.

She was using the Youth classes as a warmup for the Non Pro classes. “I just wanted to have a pretty run and see where I was because I was also showing in the non pro right after that,” she said.

In addition to showing at reining events, Thayne and Coded N Karma have started a new venture. “I’ve been showing him in the reined cow horse a little this year. It’s fun, and he really likes it. It’s something fun for him to do,” she said. “I thank my parents and Dell Hendricks and Logan Cotten, as well as everyone else who has helped me this year.”

Carlee McCutcheon & The Wizster – Youth 14 – 18 High Point Champions

Carlee McCutcheon and The Wizster made two impressive runs in the Youth 14 – 18 classes held at the NRBC to win the High Point Championship. They won the first slate of the competition and finished second in the second slate.

“Yesterday my horse was a little more ready for me. He wasn’t as bright as he was in here in the air-conditioning,” McCutcheon shared. “Still, I was really happy with him both days. He has taught me a lot and I am so excited to show him.”

McCutcheon has only been riding The Wizster, who she leases from Turnabout Farm, for a few weeks. “He’s older, so he has done this a lot more than I have,” she said. “I thank my mom and dad, my grandparents Tim and Colleen McQuay, and Debbie Brown. I also give a huge thank you to Sarah Willeman for leasing us her horse. He is teaching me so much and I am very grateful to her.”

Rita Clausen & Kansas City Whiz – NRBC Youth 13 & Under Classic Challenge Champions

With a score of 143, Rita Clausen and Kansas City Whiz took home top honors in the NRBC Youth 13 & Under Classic Challenge. “It was a good run today. He turned really well and circled great. He was right there with me and listening very well,” Clausen shared. “He was a bit lazy, but it’s the end of the horse show. The run was good.”

Clausen has been riding 13-year-old Kansas City Whiz for four years, showing him in youth and green reiner classes. She trains with Patrick Flaherty. “Patrick told me to get him turned good and circle him easy,” she said. “I like riding with Patrick because he pushes me to be better. I thank him and my parents.”

Madison Rafacz & Whizzenboonsmal – ARC Youth 13 & Under Champions

Madison Rafacz and Whizzenboonsmal are always a team to watch, and on the last day of competition, as the very last draw in the class, the pair marked a 145 to win the ARC Youth as well as the second slate of the ancillary 13 & Under.

Rafacz had been going back and forth between the Ford and Mustang Arenas to compete in both the Youth and Non Pro classes. “I wasn’t feeling too much pressure as the last draw because I had to be moved. I just came in and was thinking I just needed to show the horse I have under me,” she said.

Rafacz has been showing Whizzenboonsmal about three years. “He’s pretty trustworthy,” she said. “I love his personality. He is always in your pockets. I ride him almost every day.”

Next up? “We will go to Memphis. I thank my parents for always helping me and doing so much for me. I thank them and everyone who is home cheering for me, and all my friends,” she said.

Faith Horner & Lil Red Dreamer – USA Reining 13 & Under Champions

Faith Horner and Lil Red Dreamer not only won the USA Reining 13 & Under Championship, they also finished second in the ARC and the second ancillary slate of the class.

The new 2020 South Central Delegate for the NRHyA has only shown Lil Red Dreamer twice. “He was my mom’s horse before me, and he’s super special. I just wanted to go in and do our best, and it was pretty good,” she said.

Horner rides with Casey Hinton, who gave her some simple, yet sage, advice. “He helped me warm up and told me to go in and do my best,” she said.

 Horner and the horse she calls Scooter will likely show next at the SWRHA Futurity in Ardmore before traveling to Oklahoma City for the NRHA Futurity. “I thank Casey Hinton and my mom. They have been so helpful throughout my journey here. Thank you also to my grandma who couldn’t be here due to COVID. She is one of my biggest supporters,” Horner said.

Chase McInteer & I Am Magnificent – Youth 13 & Under High Point Champions

Chase McInteer put together two solid runs in the Youth 13 & Under classes to win the High Point Championship. McInteer, a newly elected 2021 South Central Delegate for the NRHyA, rode I Am Magnificent to win the title.

“She’s seven years old and is amazing. I just started showing her this year, so I’m pretty excited,” he said. “We bought her from Bobby Avila, and he is my trainer.” In comparing the two runs, McInteer noted that the first was a trial run. “We haven’t shown a lot, but I was happy with my score. Today I really went for it, and it paid off well,” he said. “I thank Bobby Avila and my parents for supporting me in doing this, as well as my brother and everyone else who has helped me get here.”

Colt Mitchell & Playgun Chic Olena – ARC Short Stirrup and Short Stirrup High Point Champions

Over the past several years, Colt Mitchell has accumulated Short Stirrup wins at numerous major events. On Sunday, he added even more titles to that list when he won the ARC Short Stirrup, the second slate of the ancillary Short Stirrup, and the Short Stirrup High Point buckle.

Mitchell competed with his longtime partner, Playgun Chic Olena, to win Sunday’s classes. “This was the best run I have had on him in a long time. He spun, stopped, and circled great. I could not have asked for him to work any better today,” Mitchell said.

Playgun Chic Olena, by Smart Chic Olena out of Mamas Packin, is owned by Colt’s sister Molly. “He’s 15 years old and is just the greatest horse ever. We have had him for forever, and he’s actually the second reining horse we ever bought,” Mitchell said. “My mom is going to start showing him since we sold the horse she was riding.”

Colt added, “I thank the Good Lord for keeping me safe and giving me such a good horse to ride. I also thank my family for always being there to support me.”

Casey Deary’s career sky-rocketed when he won the National Reining Horse Association Futurity on Americasnextgunmodel. Deary and the incredible mare accumulated nearly $300,000 in earnings, so it was a poignant moment for the Weatherford, Texas, trainer when he rode one of her colts, Americasnexttopgun, owned by Jody Puno of Puno Performance Horses, to win the National Reining Breeders Classic Open Championship on Saturday evening.

The crowd was with Deary and Americasnexttopgun, by Walla Walla Whiz, from the first flawlessly executed stop. When the score was announced – a 226.5 – the crowd erupted. “I knew I had enough horse to win it, so I showed him for what I knew he could do and made sure to not overdo it,” Deary shared. “I loved his mother. She’s the one who changed my career. This horse is amazing and is maybe the most athletic thing I have ever ridden. There is not a weak spot on him, so I’m grateful to finally put it all together.”

While elated about the win, and accompanying check of $75,000, Deary admitted he was exhausted as well. Understandable, of course, because he was riding three horses in the finals, and his friend, Jordan Larson, had catch rode another of his horses. With Americasnexttopgun’s full sibling, Americas Supermodel, Deary tied for the Reserve Championship. His third entry, Gunnabeabrightstar, finished twelfth, while Larson and Lonely At The Top tied for eighth.

“It was a very busy evening,” Deary said. “I have an exceptional group of people I work with, from my vets and my farrier. My wife is incredibly supportive. My owners are amazing. I thank Jordan for riding my other horse. I don’t think there is anyone better in the business than him to step on one and immediately figure out how to ride it.”

Deary added that the Ford Arena and the entire Tulsa facility is a great place to show a horse. “I love that pen. I love to have a horse that can really run, and I like the opportunity to show it off. Tulsa is amazing, the ground is great. The guys who take care of the ground take such good care of us,” he said. “I also can’t say enough good things about Cheryl Cody and her team. To even dream of putting on that many big horse shows together would give anyone a headache, and they have far exceeded our expectations.”

Deary and Americas Supermodel, owned by Whitmarsh Arcese Partnership, marked a 224.5 to tie for Reserve, worth $41,000. Also tying for reserve were Jason Vanlandingham and A Vintage Smoke, who are former NRBC Champions and coming off of a big win at the NRHA Derby. A Vintage Smoke, by A Sparkling Vintage out of Lady Smoke Peppy, is owned by Diane Mesmer.

Ruben Vandorp Wins NRBC Open Level 3 Championship with Spooks Gotta Crush

Competing as the last rider in a finals as tough as the NRBC Open can be rather nerve-wracking. That’s why Ruben Vandorp only watched one other run. “I tried not to follow any of the class. I knew what was winning it, but I didn’t know how deep it was. I watched the very first horse go, and that’s the only one I watched all night,” he shared.

It must have been the right strategy, as Vandorp and his horse Spooks Gotta Crush gave it their all. The result? A score of 224 which secured the Level 3 Championship and tied for fourth in the Level 4. All totaled, the night’s earnings came to $46,321.

“I was tickled pink with my horse,” Vandorp said. “I cannot really believe this just happened. You always hope it does, but a buddy of mine explained it to me once. He said the reason winning is so much fun is because it is so damn hard to do, so when it works it is absolutely amazing.”

Vandorp purchased Spooks Gotta Crush, by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Megas Sugar Baby, from Trey Poole as a two-year-old. “I made the Futurity finals on him and won Tulsa on him. He’s just been a blast. Last year I had some health issues and Jason Vanlandingham was kind enough to show him for me and they made the Open Derby finals and were second in the Shootout at the Run for a Million reining,” Vandorp said. “He’s just been a great horse and is part of the family. We love him.”

Inundated with texts of encouragement prior to his run, Vandorp credited his friends. “I can’t narrow down my thanks to just a few people. It takes a village with me. I got so many texts from people encouraging me and saying they were praying for me and lifting me up. I had zero worries or reservations when I went into the pen,” he said.

Dalton Vanlandingham Wins NRBC Open Levels 1 & 2 on Ruff Little Whiz

Reining fans likely remember watching Not Ruf At All and Jason Vanlandingham compete at the major events, always donning a signature red shirt and saddle pad. During the first section of the NRBC Open Finals on Saturday, another Vanlandingham entered the pen wearing the same color scheme.

Dalton Vanlandingham piloted Ruff Little Whiz, a colt by the memorable stallion and owned by his father, to a score of 220.5 to win the Championship of Levels 1 and 2. “It’s actually the same shirt and pad,” the 21-year-old shared. The ensemble apparently retained some of the good luck, as Dalton and Ruff Little Whiz earned checks totaling $11,402.

“When I ran in there, I could tell he was locked in from the time I ran into the gate. He’s a little trickier horse to get locked in, but he definitely showed up for the finals,” Vanlandingham shared. “He was super in the preliminary round. I had a little late lead change, and that kept us from making the Level 4 finals, but it is what it is.”

Dalton has ridden Ruff Little Whiz off and on since the colt was two years old. “I started him as a two-year-old, and he was a little, tiny thing. We actually nicknamed him ‘Little Man.’ Ever since the beginning he has been a nice, fun horse to ride. Dad thought he was a superstar going into his three-year-old year, but he got hurt so he sat out from the NRHA Futurity and Derby,” Dalton shared. “So this is his first major event.”

The two Vanlandinghams work well together. “We have some similarities, but also some differences. I like to go ahead and pitch it to them, and he likes to make sure everything is perfect. When I can get on one after him, though, it’s easy to pitch it away and let them do their thing,” Dalton said with a smile. “I thank my mom and dad for sure. They have always been right behind me no matter what I did. They have been there every step of the way.”

Ann Salmon-Anderman and Ruf Lil Joe Take Open Prime Time Championship

Ann Salmon-Anderman and her homegrown mare Ruf Lil Joe took home the Open Prime Time Championship of this year’s NRBC. Anderson and the mare, by Lil Joe Cash out of Dunit A Lil Ruf, marked a 221.5 (includes handicap) in the finals to take the title. They also finished tied for fourth in the Level 2, bringing total earnings for the night to $5,061.

Anderman’s blue hen mare Dunit A Lil Ruf has produced earners of more than $406,000, included such standouts as Patriot and Ruf Lil Magnum. Surprisingly though, almost all of her offspring have been colts, so when Ruf Lil Joe was born, Ann and her husband Monte decided to keep her. “We had seven babies, and this was the only filly. I felt it would be terrible if we ever lost Dunit A Lil Ruf and not had one of her babies to continue the line,” she said. “This mare has already had two foals, and I love them.”

Anderman shared that Ruf Lil Joe’s career got off to a slower start; the filly was a bit immature. “She was really nervous and feely, so we decided if she made the Futurity it would be fine, and if not, that would be fine, too. Shortly before the Futurity she started coming around, and now she has really matured into such a fun horse,” Anderman said.

As for their finals run, Anderman had only one goal. “I wanted to do better than I did in the go-rounds, and I wanted to go harder, and she did. I was really happy,” she said. “I thank my husband Monte and my vet Dr. John McCarroll. I also have the greatest crew in the world to ride with daily, and that is Ruben Vandorp and his crew, and Brian Bell and his crew. We’re like a big family. I watch them and strive to be as good as them every day. They are wonderful inspirations to ride with.”

Looking ahead, Ruf Lil Joe will get a well-deserved break. “I think we might pull her shoes and let her have the rest of the year off,” Anderman said. “Then we will go to the derbies as a seven-year-old. I’d love to get her lifetime earnings up a little more, and it’s nice to have one more year to do that.”

Marie Kleiner and This Gun Works Win NRBC Development Division

The Development Division at the NRBC adds another opportunity to win money for those horses who might not have as much show expensive. With $10,000 in added money, the division pays well, and for no additional entry fee.

The Development Division is decided in the preliminary round, and Marie Kleiner and This Gun Works taking first in the division with a 217.5. The win was worth $6,101. “He is a four-year-old, and this was his first major event,” Kleiner said of the colt, by Gunners Tinseltown out of Reminic At Work. “I have been riding him with Craig Schmersal for the last four months. I didn’t really know what to expect going in, but he was super hooked and he turned real nice. We did have an under turn the first direction which was totally my fault, but after that he was really nice.” Kleiner noted that she has been pleased with the colt’s progress.

“We have just been working on making sure the maneuvers are coming along and that everything is coming together. Craig has been watching me constantly and helping and coaching me to where we had him ready for this,” she said. “I thank his owner, Jennifer Greenleaf, for letting me ride and show this horse. I also thank Craig and Ginger and the whole team at Schmersal Reining Horses. They have been super supportive. I also thank everyone else that has been helping me and encouraging me and trying to get me ready for this.”

The Affiliate Regional Championships and ancillary classes continued Saturday at the National Reining Breeders Classic, with several more champions being crowned. The penultimate moment of the day came during the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Finals, which featured the top five rookie riders from the first two rounds of the Shootout competition. All five riders competed in the Ford Truck Arena just prior to the Open Classic Finals.

Madaline Callaway Wins Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Finals

For the past two years, award-winning television drama Yellowstone has sponsored the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout at the NRBC. The Shootout Finals are held just prior to the Open Classic Finals in the main arena, allowing the rookies the opportunity to show in the big pen.

The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout is also known for the incredible and unique prizes for the Champion, and this year was no different. A life-sized horse, emblazoned with Yellowstone signage, might be one of the largest trophies ever. “I think it’s pretty cool. I’m not sure how I’m going to get it home, but we will figure it out,” said Yellowstone Rookie Shootout Champion Madaline Callaway.

Callaway won the Shootout after marking a 214.5 on Electric Coded Trash, an Electric Code gelding out of Got Trashed. Electric Coded Trash is owned by Madeline’s mother Nicol Callaway. “This horse has been super good all week. All my runs were pretty consistent, and he just kept getting better every time,” she said. “I have to stay calm because he can be a pretty nervous horse. I just figured I’d ride whatever horse he was tonight. He felt good, so I just let him do his thing.”

Callaway, a junior studying communications at Baylor University, rides with Jared Leclair. “He just told me to go in there and keep riding and doing what I did in my past runs,” she said. “I have never shown here before, so it was really cool to be in the big pen. I liked it a lot.”

Callaway gave a special thank you, noting, “I thank my mom mostly. She has supported me through everything and has helped me with all the horses.”

Jessicah Keller & Girls Lovin Time – Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 1 & 2 [2] Co-Champions & Level 3 Champions

With a score of 145.5., Jessicah Keller and Girls Lovin Time tied for the win of the Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2, and took sole position of first place in the Level 3.

It was a big day for Keller and the mare, a six-year-old mare by Shine Big Time out of Girls Love Chex. “She has been a project, but I absolutely love her. She is the easiest horse to be around, and she is so fun and easy to show. This is the highest she has ever marked, and I’m just tickled to death,” Keller shared.

The difference? Just a few tweaks and changes. “We had Dr. Bill work on her because she was just a little uncomfortable. Then, I switched her from split reins to romals because my mom told me to,” Keller explained.

Girls Lovin Time was born and raised on Hilldale Farm, so it’s no surprise she was welcomed back. “We got her back in around June or July of last year, but we didn’t show her until this January,” she explained. “My plan is to just keep showing her, although I don’t know where. COVID has messed with the schedule.”

Keller had several people to thank. “I thank Jim Johnson. He made it possible for us to have this mare back after we raised her. I thank my mom for supporting me and letting me show her. I thank my boyfriend Will for watching my son and helping me get ready today, and my brother for riding this mare last week while she was home and I was here,” she said. “It’s a team effort.”

Kathryn Miller & I Got Your Remedy – Nov. Horse Non Pro Levels 1 & 2 [2] Co-Champions

When Kathryn Miller didn’t make the Non Pro Classic Finals on I Got Your Remedy, she decided to enter the Novice Horse Non Pro classes. The decision paid off, as she and her horse marked a 144.5 to tie for the win of the second slate of both Levels 1 & 2.

“We didn’t make the finals because of an overspin, and I was pretty upset. I decided to show in this, and he did good today,” Miller said. Miller has owned the seven-year-old gelding, by Very Smart Remedy, since the colt was two. “Brent Wright trained him and showed him in the open and won some money there, and I just started showing him last year,” she said.

She gave credit to both Brent and Todd Wright, noting, “Sometimes we can’t get with Brent, so we will ride with Todd. They both help me so much.” Next stop will be Topeka, Kansas, next weekend. “It wasn’t supposed to work like that, but with all the rescheduling, that’s how it happened,” she said. “Thank you to Todd and Brent. They have helped me so much. TJ my boyfriend – we ride every night and he helps when we’re not at the trainer. There are so many people along the way that I want to thank; I couldn’t name them all.”

Kristin Avila & KR Ima Chic – ARC Nov. Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champions/Level 2 Co-Champions

Kristin Avila & Gunners Specialdream – ARC Nov. Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champions

Kristin Avila showed two different horses to top both levels of the ARC Nov. Horse Non Pro, winning the Level 1 and tying for the win of the Level 2 on KR Ima Chic, and tying for the Level 2 with Gunners Specialdream. Both horses have had a busy weekend. Earlier in the day, Kristin’s husband Bobby Avila Jr. showed KR Ima Chic in the first section of the Open Finals. Kristin had shown Gunners Specialdream in the NRBC Non Pro Finals for Levels 2-4 on Friday.

“My goal for both horses was just to get a qualified ride for the ARC,” Avila said. “I just wanted to bring them back and lope them through the pattern, so I was surprised and happy with the results.”

Avila had actually been riding KR Ima Chic exclusively since Bobby had broken his leg last year. “About a month before the NRBC he took her over to show her here,” Kristin said.

“Gunners Specialdream is one that Bobby was going to show at NRBC when it was originally scheduled, but we did some horse swapping, so both horses are familiar to me.” Avila added, “I thank my husband Bobby Avila Jr, my mom who is watching my son at home, and everyone on our team who makes it possible to have a smooth show.”

Carlee McCutcheon Wins USA Reining Youth 14 – 18 and Youth 14-18 [1] on The Wizster Riding veteran reining horse The Wizster, Carlee McCutcheon earned a personal best the reining pen, marking a 148 to win the Championship of the Youth 14-18 for the USA Reining and ancillary classes at NRBC.

“That’s the highest I’ve ever marked, so I’m really happy today,” McCutcheon shared. The Wizster is a 10-year-old gelding by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Miss Whizard Jac. Over his career he has earned more than $200,000, including an NRBC Reserve Championship with Carlee’s father Tom McCutcheon at the reins.

“I’ve only been riding him a couple of weeks. We will see if he wants to keep doing this. He hasn’t really shown since the WEG trials, so this was good for both of us,” she said. McCutcheon will show again in Sunday’s youth classes. “I thank my mom and dad, my grandparents Tim and Colleen McQuay, and Debbie Brown,” she said.

Becca Schaffhauser & Dun Got My Rest – Youth 13 & Under [1] and USA Reining 13 & Under Champions

Becca Schaffhauser was only planning to use Saturday’s 13 & Under class as a schooling opportunity to prepare for the ARC 13 & Under on Sunday, but she and her horse Gun Got My Rest walked away with the win. “The run went good. I wasn’t actually trying to win because I was just wanting to get ready for tomorrow,” she shared.

The Schaffhausers purchased Dun Got My Rest, by Hollywood Dun It and out of Got My Rest, from Turnabout Farm at last year’s NRBC. “He has been really good and he’s super sweet. I love him a lot,” she said, adding that she rides the horse every day. “When we get back to the stall, he will be getting some treats.”

 After the NRBC, the next show will be the Buckeye reining in Germantown, Tennessee. “It’s only 10 minutes from our house,” Schaffhauser said. “I thank my parents and everyone who helped me get ready.”

Logan Flaherty Wins Short Stirrup [1] on SS Spyderman

At the NRHA Derby earlier this year, Logan Flaherty and SS Spyderman won several classes. He shared that he and the 12-year-old gelding, by Topsail Whiz and out of Chics Velvet Lady, have gotten together even more. He proved it when he won the first slate of the Youth Short Stirrup with a score of 143.5!

“We got him about eight months ago. We call him Spyderman,” Logan shared.

His father, Patrick, added, “We lease him from Jenny Ricotta, and he’s kind of our family horse. Logan’s younger sister Layla showed him in the Walk/Trot last night and won second, so he’s a well-rounded youth horse.”

Logan, who swims and plays football in addition to riding horses, plans to show SS Spyderman again in Sunday’s youth classes. “I thank my dad and mom, and Jenny Ricotta for leasing him to me,” he said.

The competition in the Affiliate Regional Championship and ancillary classes continued at the National Reining Breeders Classic, with several more winners being crowned on Friday. The crown jewel of the day was the NRBC Open Classic Challenge, which ran concurrently with the $25k Open.

Andrea Fappani Sweeps Open and Open Classic Challenge with Modern Gun and Platinum Vintage

Friday night’s Open Classic Challenge and $25k Open featured 17 exemplary horses and riders that had the crowd at the edge of its seat from the beginning. Whoops and hollers emanated from the Ford Truck Arena, with some of the loudest being for Andrea Fappani. Fappani made the most of it, winning the $25k Open on Modern Gun, and taking second in the Open and winning the Open Classic Challenge with Platinum Vintage.

Modern Gun, a former NRBC Open Champion who had lifetime earnings exceeding $213,000 prior to the event, earned $7,166, while Platinum Vintage, with more than $308,000 in lifetime earnings, took home $15,438.

“I feel great. I can’t be asking for much more than what we had tonight. These are two amazing horses,” Fappani said. Platinum Vintage, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, is by A Sparkling Vintage out of Starjac Miss. “Platinum Vintage has been on the top of my list of all-time favorite horses for a long time. Todd Bergen showed him early on, and I’ve loved this horse since I’ve had him,” Fappani said. “The plan this year was to go for the Run for a Million. We finished third last year and that did not settle very well with me. It was one little rider mistake that cost me, so we were so excited to go back. When that went away, we were disappointed, but we decided to bring him to the Open here at NRBC because it’s always one of our favorites.”

Platinum Vintage proved he was a crowd favorite, as there were cheers the entire run. “I loved the fact that the crowd supported him so much. We did some amazing circles. They were probably the best circles I’ve had in a long time,” Fappani shared.

The only bobble on the run came during a rollback, which was reviewed. “They thought it might have been a break of gate, but it wasn’t. It cost us a little there, but other than that he was amazing,” Fappani said. “He will probably be done for the year, but I don’t know. I may want to come back one more time. He’s pretty cool.”

Modern Gun, by Gunners Special Nite out of Taris Modern Design, is owned by MS Stables. For Fappani, the $25k Open was a chance to show for good money one more time. “We had a bobble in the go-round, so we missed the finals. We did the same thing at the Derby, so I just wanted to make it up. I know this is not as big as winning the NRBC Classic, but I wanted another run under our belt. He stepped up, even with having a run in the preliminaries yesterday,” Fappani shared. “It gave me the answer that I had him ready, it was just that bobble that kept him out.”

Fappani noted that he loves to hear the crowd while showing. “It’s a lonely place in the arena, and when the crowd is not behind you, it’s even more so. When you have the crowd, it pushes you to do more. I love the pressure of that. If you make a mistake, they let you know,” he said. “I thank my whole team. I also thank the owners, who are the backbone of our job. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. The owners of these two horses have been especially great. They have always trusted me and my program, and that means so much to me.”

Tara Podkrajsek & Shake Em Down – ARC Nov. Horse Open Levels 1 & 2 Champion

When Tara Podkrajsek got the opportunity to show Shake Em Down, she took full advantage. She and the mare won the ARC and ancillary sections of the Novice Horse Open for Levels 1 and 2 with an impressive score of 147.

“I walked in and this mare felt like she was with me. She was very honest on the circles, and I knew I could push her. She stayed with me. The turns could have been a little bit better, but she stopped great and everything was super nice. I was so happy with her,” she shared.

Podkrajsek typically prepares Shake Em Down, a six-year-old mare by Wimpyneedsacocktail, for owner Addie McNeel. A few bobbles kept McNeel and the mare out of the Non Pro Classic finals, so Podkrajsek got to compete with her. “I thank Addie and her husband Bert for letting me show her,” she said. “I actually showed her in Waco before this, and we marked a 70. I felt like I could trust her and push her a little more the next time I showed her.”

Podkrajsek is likely done showing Shake Em Down. “I think we’re done showing here, and Addie will show her some more and take her home to Utah,” she said. “I thank my boss Mathieu Buton for his coaching and guidance. I thank the whole Buton team. They’re such great supporters and the best cheerleaders. I also thank all my friends and fellow trainers, as well as my family. I thank my family, and everyone behind the scenes.”

Jared LeClair & Lime A Rita – Nov. Horse Open L3 Champions

An exciting run-off decided the championship of the Novice Horse Open Level 3, and in the end it was Jared Leclair and Lime A Rita who came out on top. For Leclair, there was no question about running it off. “We’re in the running for a world title, so we need every dollar we can get,” he shared. “Her runs today were good. It’s a really nice pen, and this mare showed really well for me both times. She’s very consistent.”

Lime A Rita is owned by Susan Meyer. “I’ve shown this mare all year and she’s been really good for me. She’s a great show horse and tries really hard. She goes and gives it her all every time,” he said.

Leclair and Meyers are excited about Lime A Rita’s future, especially as a producer. “We have three foals on the ground and more coming next year,” Jared said. Leclair is finished showing, although he has several non pro riders showing over the weekend, and his assistant trainer competing in the Open finals.

“I have a great team behind me, and I couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

Congratulations to the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Qualifiers

The large field of contenders for the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout has been narrowed down to the top five. The riders with the top five composite scores earned a spot in the Shootout, which will run Saturday night at 5 pm, prior to the Open Level 4 Finals. We wish the following qualifiers the best of luck. Dana Wetherell & Lil Ruf Cash Debbie Conway & Chex Out My Dough Ari Mischo & ARC Electrical Storm Payton Neiberger & Xtra Dun Step Madaline Callaway & Electric Coded Trash Giorgia Medow & Xtra Voodoo Gun.

ARC Rookie Levels 1 & 2 Champion Giorgia Medow and Xtra Voodoo Gun put together a solid run to win the ARC and ancillary Rookie Levels 1 and 2, but the win was bittersweet. “We actually just sold him here. The Pritchett family will be showing him now. I wish them good luck,” she said.

She noted that Xtra Voodoo Gun is the kind of horse everyone wants to be around. “He really is just the sweetest horse. Every single day he comes out and I can trust him to do his job. Today he was perfect everywhere, and he really came through. He is always so dependable, and I have loved being able to show him,” she said.

Medow rides with Kole Price, and shared that the advice he gave her before the run was simply, “Ride him like it’s your last time.”

A college freshman at TCU, Medow is currently a bio major and aspires to be a pediatric dentist. “Horses will always be part of my life. It’s something our whole family does,” she said. “I thank my family, and of course Kole Price and the whole Price Performance Horses crew. I also thank my brother Jack who has done so much helping me prepare this horse and coaching me the whole way.”

Payton Neiberger & Xtra Dun Step – Rookie Levels 1 & 2 High Point Champion

Earlier this week, Payton Neiberger and Xtra Dun Step won the first slate of Rookie Levels 1 and 2, and topped the first round of the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout. On Friday, the won the second round of the Shootout, and tied for second in Rookie Levels 1 & 2, easily claiming the high point buckles for both levels.

“My first run I had a penalty, but my run today was pretty clean. It was really good,” she said. “I’ll show again tomorrow in the Shootout round. After this I will probably show at the World Show.” Neiberger rides with Casey Deary and Josh Tishman. “I thank my trainers and the whole Deary barn, as well as my parents,” she said.

Lisa Neiberger & All About Business – ARC Prime Time Rookie Co-Champion

It was a big day for the Neiberger family. In addition to Payton’s high point championship and qualification for the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout, mom Lisa tied for the win of the ARC and ancillary Prime Time Rookie.

“It was definitely a good day,” Lisa shared. Lisa rode All About Business, a five-year-old mare by Smart And Shiney out of Anne Get Your Gunner. “I ride with Casey Deary and Josh Tishman, and they told me to be brave today,” she said. “I thank Casey and Josh, and for sure my husband who has been such a huge supporter of mine.”

Neiberger is looking forward to showing at the AQHA World Show, as well as the NAAC Finals in Oklahoma City.

Karen Lawrence & Steppin Up Haidas – ARC Prime Time Rookie Co-Champion

Karen Lawrence purchased Steppin Up Haidas about 18 months ago, and in that time the two have been forging a new partnership. “Thankfully, Sebastian and Melanie Petroll have been helping us become a team and today is our team high,” she said following her co-championship in the ARC and ancillary Prime Time Rookie classes. “I’m extremely excited. Today was a lot of fun.”

Steppin Up Haidas is a nine-year-old mare by Wimpys Little Step out of Haidas Cowgirl. “She came from California, and she had some history, and I had my own ways and stuff, but now she’s a really good one,” Lawrence said. “Today she walked in the pen really good and was nice and quiet. She just showed really easy and was a lot of fun.” Lawrence is looking forward to competing at the SWRHA Futurity in October. “I thank Sebastian and Melanie, and I have an amazing group of friends and family who are very supportive.”

Indy Roper is still glowing from her big win just months ago in Oklahoma City when she won the National Reining Horse Association Derby Non Pro Level 4 Championship on her horse Spooks Show Time. The pair are on a role because on Friday afternoon, they added another line to their resume with the NRBC Non Pro Level 4 title. “I’m over the moon,” she said following the awards ceremony.

Roper and Spooks Show Time marked a 221.5 in the finals but had drawn up early and had to wait through many more runs. “I just got out of everyone’s way and went back to the trailer and just took a breath. There were so many nice horses in the finals, there was no way to know what could happen,” she said.

The score held, and Roper received several great prizes, including a year’s use of a two-horse trailer from Twin Cities South, a saddle from Kyle Tack, and numerous other awards. She also was presented with a check for $30,000. Roper was quick to give credit to her trainer Marco Ricotta. “I’m so appreciative of him. He worked very, very hard, and had my horse so prepared,” she said.

For Ricotta, watching Roper show was even more nerve-wracking than competing himself. “I get really nervous. My hands start sweating because it’s a lot of pressure on me, too,” he shared. “I was very proud. Indy is a dream Non Pro rider. She’s super talented and has a lot of feel and is very determined when she is going into the show pen.”

 Spooks Show Time is a seven-year-old by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Dolittle Lena. “This was definitely a bonus year for us,” Roper said, referring to the recent rule change that allows seven-year-olds to show in Derby competition. “He had some injuries last year and we gave him the time off he needed. He came back this year with vengeance, so having this year is a blessing.”

Ricotta added that Spooks Show Time’s demeanor is one of the qualities that makes him a winner. “He is really good-minded, plus he doesn’t require a lot of tuning. It’s easy for me because he is super talented. We just keep him healthy and happy,” he said.

Next up is the Best of the West. “We will give him a little more time off and then show him there,” Roper said. “Eventually this horse is going to home to Roper Farms, and there is a whole line of girls ready for him. We’re pretty excited to have him back home soon.” Ricotta added, “It will be a fight. Everyone wants him.”

Roper said the win was made even more special because her mother was able to be in Tulsa to watch. “She made the trip here this year. It was special to have her. I thank her and all my family. I also thank Marco and Jenny Ricotta and their whole team,” she said.

Addisyn Schmersal Takes NRBC Non Pro Level 4 Reserve Championship on Face The Attitude

When a Schmersal shows Face The Attitude, big things happen. Three years ago, with Craig Schmersal at the reins, the mare won the NRHA Futurity Level 4 Championship. After a three-year hiatus, the great mare returned to the show pen, this time with Addisyn Schmersal. They may not have been a team long, but they executed an awesome run to mark a 221 and win not only the NRBC Non Pro Level 4 Reserve Championship, but also the Championship of Levels 2 and 3. All totaled, Schmersal won $29,500 in the finals.

“I’m pretty excited. It was my third time showing her. She stayed with me and was really good,” Schmersal said. “I felt a lot of pressure because of how much she’s won, and it was a little more stressful with her because I haven’t ridden her as much. I didn’t really know what was going to happen, but she was really good, and I’m excited I get to show her.”

Face The Attitude, by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Miss Lil Addy Tude, returned to the Schmersal’s barn following the NRHA Derby. “I had no idea we were bringing her back. She showed up at the Derby. I saw her get out of the trailer and asked what we were doing with her,” 14-year-old Schmersal explained. “I showed her in Denver and then we brought her here.”

Schmersal and Face The Attitude had a great NRBC from beginning to end, marking a 220 in the preliminary round, pocketing close to $4,000. “I thank my parents for allowing me to show this mare and helping me get to where I am today. I also thank my brothers for supporting me,” she said.

Caroline Buchanan Wins Non Pro Level 1 Championship with Smokin Paleface

Caroline Buchanan had never competed at the NRBC prior to this year, but if Friday’s Non Pro finals are any indication, she’s already a fan. She and her horse Smokin Paleface qualified for the finals of Non Pro Levels 1, 2, and 3, and when the day was done, had finished as the NRBC Non Pro Level 1 Champions. Their score of 214.5 was also good enough to place them in a tie for second in the Level 2, as well as part of a tie for third in the Level 3. All totaled, they won $7,077.

“I’m pretty excited. The run felt really good. He’s been working well for me this past month. Today my game plan was just to be clean and try to make the same run I did in the preliminaries, but fix my mistakes,” she said, referring to the moment in the preliminary round where her horse fell out of stride. “In the finals we fixed that, but I did have an overspin.”

Buchanan and Smokin Paleface, by Pale Face Dunnit out of Lost In Tinseltown, are coming off of another big win, having won the Youth World Reining Championship. “When I ran at the Youth World I went in a little slow, so this time I ran in fast and he felt really good,” she said. “This horse is really easy, and he takes care of me really well. He is such a sweet horse.” Buchanan, a 16-year-old who is about to begin her junior year of high school, also rides with Craig Schmersal. “It’s awesome that Addisyn and I both won today,” she said.

David McGee and Knaughtybyknature Win NRBC Non Pro Prime Time With a score of 215.5

David McGee and Knaughtybyknature won not only the NRBC Non Pro Prime Time title, they also finished reserve in the Level 3, taking home $9,312. “He ran through the gate really strong. He felt really good and relaxed, and stopped and backed up well. Our first two turns felt like plus halves,” McGee recalled of the run. “The best thing he did was he stayed on the circles, and then he just fell in and did that small slow. It’s a tricky move, but he did it.”

McGee likely knows all there is to know about Knaughtybyknature, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Princess In Diamonds. “We’ve had him since he was a baby, and he’s seven years old now,” McGee shared. “I have to give a huge thank you to Andrea Fappani, who helped me with him a couple of nights ago. He didn’t have to help me, but I asked him if he had a few minutes. He got on my horse, rode him around, and showed me some stuff to do. I can tell you it wouldn’t have worked out if he hadn’t done that.”

Friday’s finals was the last hoorah for David McGee and Knaughtybyknature. “This was his last big Derby and my last ride on him. My wife has been wanting to ride him, so she’s going to start showing him in Memphis,” McGee shared. “She’s very excited.”