The first day of competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, featured the first section of the Non Pro Classic preliminaries. The day concluded with Indy Roper and Kim Muehlstaetter tied for the high score of the day at 218.5.
Roper was riding Spooks Show Time, a 6-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Dolittle Lena, while Muehlstaetter showed Vintage Galaxy, a 4-year-old mare by A Sparkling Vintage out of Smart Lil Whiz. Both Muehlstaetter and Roper were eligible for the Level 3, but Roper and Spooks Show Time also sit solo atop the Level 2 leaderboard.
Currently topping the Level 1 division is Carlee McCutcheon on A Special Sidekick, a 5-year-old by Gunners Special Nite out of A Shining Sidekick, with a score of 214.5.
Kelle Smith and WF Shez Gotta Whiz are tied with Marcia Cole-Walker and Eclectic Chic for the lead of the Non Pro Prime Time with adjusted scores of 216. WF Shez Gotta Whiz is a 4-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Shesafashionchic, while Eclectic Chic is a 6-year-old mare by Magnum Chic Dream out of Eclectic Spark.
The clean-slate finals will be held Friday, April 19. Draw positions will be picked on Wednesday evening at the Markel Insurance Non Pro Finals Draw Party. Complete results, as well as a link to the live webcast, can be found at www.NRBC.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.
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 Jose Vazquez rode Like Shiner (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner) to a score of 223.5 to top Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Non Pro Classic champion and $30,000. Along with his Level 4 win, Vazquez also took home the Prime Time championship. This is Vazquez’ first NRBC Non Pro championship since 2009, which makes today’s win special.
“To come here and win is really difficult, the top horses come here, the top riders come here, but I have to sneak in somewhere sometime,” Vazquez said with a laugh.
Prior to entering the pen, Jose knew Jack Medows and Chicsdreamofdiamonds were leading Level 4 with a 222. Vazquez said he used that as motivation to lay it all on the line.
“There’s pressure every time you go in because if there’s not a 222 [before you] there will be a 222 behind you,” he said, “so the pressure is that it’s not over until it’s over. When I come to a show my hope is to make the finals, but when I make the finals then it changes and I want to step up a little bit, and hopefully, it will be my day.”
Along with the cash Vazquez received one year’s use of a deluxe two-horse Horse Trailer from Gary and Tammy Raak of Twin Cities Trailer Sales, a custom championship saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, a crystal trophy from NRBC, an NRHA bronze trophy, 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 a champion ribbon collar and roses.
Mark Blake
Blake Takes Levels 1 and 3 Non Pro Classic Championships Mark Blake rode Hot Hollywood Whizky to a score of 218 to win the Non Pro Level 3, Level 1, and the reserve championship in the Prime Time. Along with the $8,400 Blake picked up for winning the Level 3, his Level 1 finish garnered him another $1,553 while his Prime Time finish earned him $1,008.
“It truly was awesome,” Blake said of his run. “I could tell he was ready to roll from the get-go. He was listening and he was with me,” Blake said. “Everything just started to click, the whole pattern just got stronger, so it felt great.”
Hot Hollywood Whizky is by Topsail Whiz out of Hot Hollywood Jewels and has been performing well for Blake in several shows they’ve entered together, which Blake admits allowed his nerves to come into play during the Prelims. “I was nervous going in because I felt a lot of pressure from the last two shows that I’ve shown him. We’ve won everything that we entered, so I felt a lot of pressure and it probably showed in the Prelims,” Blake said. “Today that wasn’t there, it just felt great.”
Blake received a custom saddle sponsored NRBC, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, an NRHA bronze trophy, 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.
Reserve champion in the Level 3 was David McGee riding Knaughtybyknature (Magnum Chic Dream x Princess In Diamonds) with a score of 216. McGee received a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler and commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC, as well as Ultra Cruz Equine Vitamin E Plus from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology.
Emily Opell
Opell Wins Non Pro Classic Level 2 Emily Opell rode Spook N Reyn (Smart Spook x Reyn Chex) to a score of 216.5 to win Level 2 as well as the reserve championship in Level 1. Opell had a busy day picking up wins in the youth classes aboard other horses as well, but the Non Pro victory was her favorite, because it’s her first time to enter the Classic.
“He’s a really, really talented horse,” Opell said of her 6-year-old mount. “I’m so blessed to have a horse and come out here and do this, and the run [felt awesome]. He ran in and stopped and I thought, ‘Man, this is going to be a good run.’”
Opell pocketed $4,000 for the first place win, plus $945 for the second place Level 1 finish. She also received a custom saddle sponsored by Scottsdale Western World, 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.
Kathy Thompson rode Bailleys Sidekick (Gunners Special Nite x A Shining Sidekick) to the reserve championship in Level 2 with a score of 215.5. Thompson received a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler and commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC, as well as Ultra Cruz Equine Vitamin E Plus from San Juan Ranch and Santa Cruz Biotechnology.
The highlight of the NRBC each year is always the Open Classic Finals and this year’s edition was one for the history books as Duane Latimer rode Modern Gun (Gunners Special Nite x Taris Modern Design) to a score of 228 to top the Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Open Classic champion.
The win was Latimer’s first Open Classic title since 2000 when he won the title on Conquistador Whiz. This year he also topped the Prime Time to become the first Level 4 winner to also win the Prime Time.
“It’s been a little while,” Latimer said with a laugh, adding that the 5-year-old stallion performed outstandingly. “He was dialed in really, really good today. I was really happy.” As is customary in the sport’s camaraderie and the love of the horse shines through above all else and the crowd’s response to Latimer’s run was a prime example of the excitement and appreciation of reining that abounds at NRBC. “[The crowd was really behind me] – it was awesome!” Latimer said.
Latimer has had Modern Gun since he was a 2-year-old and knows his style well. He said Modern Gun had been showing and schooling well all week, which set him up to push his horse to his full potential.
“My strategy is pretty much always the same – you go in thinking you can do it,” he said. “I didn’t warm him up much or do too much outside, just loped him around and worked on some steering and then went down there stopped and did our deal. I thought I had him up to it, but you never know.”
Duane collected $75,000 for owner MS Stables along with one year’s use of a Deluxe four-horse Trailer from Twin Cities South Trailer Sales, a custom saddle sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Santa Cruz products and an array of other awards and NRBC trophies.
Andrea Fappani and Pedro Baiao each marked a 225.5 to share the reserve co-championship in Level 4. Fappani rode Epic Titan (Colonels Smoking Gun x Princess In Diamonds) owned by Clinton Anderson. Baiao rode Michael Garnett’s Spooksgottachicolena (Spooks Gotta Gun x Braz Us). They each received $41,000 for the reserve co-championship.
Pedro Baiao
Baiao Wins Open Classic Level 3 Pedro Baiao earned the Level 3 championship riding Spooksgottachicolena (Spooks Gotta Gun x Braz Us) to win $20,582. Baiao said he got a few words of special instruction from his boss, Martin Muehlstaetter.
“Martin said to me, ‘Pedro, just see how fast he can go,’” Baiao said with a laugh. Baiao didn’t disappoint his employer when he and Spooksgottachicolena marked a 225.5 to ultimately win Level 3 and tie for reserve honors in Level 4.
“He was really good riding out here the whole week and that was my plan,” he said. “I didn’t know it was going to mark that, but my goal was to test his speed.”
The score was Baiao’s highest score of his career, making the NRBC championship an extra special moment. “I knew after my second circle I was doing good,” he said with a laugh. “I could hear the crowd yelling and stuff. He hit the first stop so good and I knew some good score would come – not 225.5, but a good score. When I heard the 25 I was so excited. It was the best run of my life.”
Ricky Nicolazzi
Nicolazzi Wins Open Classic Level 2 Ricky Nicolazzi guided Spooks Show Time (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dolittle Lena) to a score of 219 to win Level 2 and earn $8,128. Nicolazzi has had the 5-year-old gelding, owned by Rancho Oso Rio, since September 2017 and the duo has been progressing well together sharing a highlight win at NRBC.
“I’m very happy about this horse and the winnings, especially for Rancho Oso Rio,” Nicolazzi said. “They always give me good horses to ride, so I’m really happy about it.” Nicolazzi admits the Texas humidity took a toll on his mount, which resulted in him riding a little more conservatively than he would have liked.
“[My run] felt really good. He was a little tired at the end I couldn’t push him the way I wanted, but he’s not used to the humidity,” he said. “I don’t warm him up a lot, but I could feel I didn’t have as much horse as normal, but he did really good and showed hard.”
Benny Maddox
Maddox, Dawson and Borges Share Open Classic Level 1 Championship There was a three-way tie in the Open Classic Level 1 between Benny Maddox, Chris Dawson and Gabriel Borges with scores of 218 to each earn $2,103.
Maddox rode Thebettertohearuwith (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Chex Out The Cowgirl) owned by Bill Coburn. “It’s been a privilege to ride behind Andrea (Fappani) and get to show [Thebettertohearuwith] his 6-year-old year,” Maddox said.
The win at NRBC is Maddox’ first major championship which makes the NRBC a special memory for him. “My goal was just to have a cleaner run,” Maddox said. “We still had an over-turn, but other than it was really good,” I’m super excited it’s my first major win and my first major finals, so it’s super exciting.”
Chris Dawson
Dawson rode Shiney Outlaw (Shiners Nickle x Mereyda) owned by Michelle Cannon. Dawson and the 6-year old stallion have had a big week in Katy, Texas, taking home checks from their first entry and they haven’t slowed down. The duo improved on their Open Classic Prelims performances to share the co-championship title. “We had a few bobbles in the go rounds, but he felt outstanding tonight and showed his little heart out,” Dawson said.
Dawson splits his time between the reining pen and the cow horse arena and says he was pleasantly surprised with the week spent at NRBC. “It’s been a while since I’ve been back [in reining competition] and I don’t know that this is the show I would have picked, I mean this is the toughest dadgum reining there is so to come out here and hang with these guys it’s an honor and a privilege,” Dawson said.
Gabriel Borges
Borges rode Checksworthy (Big Chex To Cash x Banjoes Shining Star) owned by Terry Leffew. Borges hasn’t had the 4-year-old mare long, having taken over the reins only in January, but the short time hasn’t hindered their performances together. “Our second show together was here at the NRBC,” Borges said. “She’s pretty solid in her runs and she’s really nice.” The NRBC was Borges’ first time to compete in the Level 4 finals, which was both a milestone and a learning experience. “I feel I can get a little more out of her. It’s my first Level 4 finals so I got a little nervous in the turns, so I didn’t nail the marks but she can mark better than that,” Borges said with a laugh.
It was a successful week at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, with big stops and smart maneuvers conquering the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. In Sunday’s action The Non Pro Classic Challenge brought tough competition with Greg Hall dominating the event riding Chics Mainattraction to win the titles in all levels including the Prime Time, plus the $5,000-added Non Pro worth a total of $17,137.
Chics Mainattraction is by Conquistador Whiz out of Chictastic and has been with Hall since the now 8-year-old mare was 2. Hall and his mount scored a big 218 to take home the rewards, which included a custom saddle, six NRHA bronze trophies and an array of NRBC commemorative awards.
Robin Schiller
“She was very good all the way through – she was very nice and very soft,” Hall said. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. I’m very happy.”
Hall said one of his favorite things about the mare is her consistency.
“I’ve shown her about six times in a row without schooling her and she just does everything I want her to do,” he said. “She’s a great horse.”
The Intermediate Non Pro champion was Robyn Schiller riding Smart Like Steady (Steady Tradition x Bar S Docs Gay Bar) to a score of 211.5 for the championship. Schiller purchased Smart Like Steady specifically to qualify for the World Equestrian Games and decided to enter the Intermediate Non Pro in the last minute and it paid off.
“He is a very smart 14-year-old that just wants to be good, so we always fight the anticipation, but this arena really suited him because he usually wants to get strong and I just said go ahead,” Schiller said. “I was very happy with him.”
Stephen Archer
Archer Sweeps Open Ancillary Classes
In the Open Stephen Archer rode Smart Stepin Lena (Wimpys Little Step x Smart Shiney Lena) to a score of 147.5 to win both the Open and Intermediate Open for owner Caolyn Tellepsen. Archer and Tellepsen have a special relationship and enjoy sharing the reining industry together.
“He’s a special horse and a special win for special lady,” Archer said of the day’s success. “He’s a sweet horse and kind and that’s the kind of horses Carolyn deserves.”
After this year of showing under the guidance of Archer, Smart Stepin Lena will go to Tellepsen to ride and enjoy.
Kristi Clark & Jennifer Richards
Green Reiner Champions Name at NRBC
Kristi Clark and Jennifer Richards shared the win in the Green Reiner Level 1 with scores of 69.5. Clark rode Living Loving Maid (Starlights Wrangler x Hangten Spanish Lady) while Richards rode Gunna Spook You (Gunnatrashya x Sugarplum Chic).
“It was very calm and quiet, and I was very calm and quiet for once, so it worked out well,” Clark said with a laugh.
Richard said she was proud of her horse for showing so well, especially after the third run of the week.
Dana Pastorino
“Like Kristi said [about her run] mine was also calm and collected,” Richards said. “It was the best run of the week.”
The Green Reiner Level 2 winner was Dana Pastorino riding Jac Bee Whiz (Conquistador Whiz x Cinch Up Cowboy) to a score of 70. Pastorino and Jac Bee Whiz had a successful week at the NRBC taking home the championship in Saturday’s Green Reiner as well. She credited her mental prep before her run and her trainers for her success.
“It was pretty smooth,” Pastorino said of her run. “I had good circles and good stops. I just visualized [what I wanted] I closed my eyes and took myself through the pattern before I ran.”
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.
Jared Leclair & Mark Rafacz
Becky Shelton
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
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.
Dana Pastorino
“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.”
Cade McCutcheon
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.”
Becca Schaffhauser
Buton ended up with the 2010 stallion, and he has big hopes for their success at the World Equestrian Games.
Youth Champions Crowned
Madison Rafacz
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.
Emelia Reutimann
Cale Sturgeon
“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.”
Ava Bush
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.
Chalyce Head
“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
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.
Faith Horner
“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
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.
Emily Opell
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
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 .
