The long miles, hard work and hours spent putting the finishing touches on some of the toughest reining horses in the country culminated inside the Great Southwest Equestrian Center at The National Reining Breeders Classic with a crowd-raising performance. The focus of the night was the Open Classic Finals where competitors showed up to battle it out for championship prizes, bragging rights, and $75,000. Finishing the night on top of the field was Andrea Fappani riding Chic Dreamin (Magnum Chic Dream x Skeets Red Dunit) to a score of 229 to top Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Open Classic champion.

“It never gets old to win anywhere, but especially here,” Fappani said. “It’s a special place. I have a special place in my heart because this is where I marked a 236, which is still today the highest in NRHA history, so it’s a great place where you can really showcase your horse.”

Fappani and the 5-year-old stallion owned by Silver Spurs Equine wowed the crowd with a stellar performance, proving why the NRBC is one of Fappani’s favorite shows and why he had such confidence going into the finals aboard the flashy sorrel. “I was waiting for something to maybe not go as planned,” Fappani said with a laugh. “It kept going as I planned it, everything was just right on. I was having fun to be honest. It was one of those runs where they award a high score, but it’s not like I was trying that hard. I just let it be. A lot of times you get to some of these finals and you know you have to have a big score to win and you almost try too hard then you get into the penalties or you override your horse.

“I knew I had a horse that could really mark in the stops,” he continued. “I had a pattern with four stops so I said as long as I nail my stops and stay out of the penalty box I should be in good shape.”

This year marked the fourth time Fappani has claimed the NRBC Open Finals championship, and he says it’s taken a lot of hard work to get here. “Hard work pays off, that’s what I tell everybody,” Fappani said. “[Some people] think it’s luck and it’s really not. You have to put your head down and work, no matter what you win, the next one’s not going to win itself. You have to go home, go to work and do the best you can.”

Fappani also had success on two other horses in tonight’s finals finishing fourth aboard Smart Shiners Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines) owned by Silver Spurs Equine with a score of 224.5. Aboard Thebettertohearuwith (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Chex Out The Cowgirl) owned by Bill Coburn he marked a 220.5 to split 15th place. For some, the fast change between horses in such a high-pressure situation could be nerve-racking; however, Fappani says the many years of practice has prepared him.

“It’s easier now because I’ve done it enough,” Fappani said of how he prepares mentally for each horse. “I have a plan the day before [I show] and then I separate all the horses and think one horse at a time. When I got on my first horse tonight, I knew what I had to think about with that horse and that’s all I focused on. Then when I get off that horse, I think about the next one and don’t remember the last one I rode. I erase it from my memory pretty much.

“I’ve learned that along the way because you just never know what’s going to happen next,” he continued. “I’ve learned to focus on one horse at a time and just go with it.” Along with the $75,000 for the title, Fappani took home one year’s use of a deluxe two-horse horse trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales, a custom championship saddle sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, a crystal trophy from NRBC, 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 champion ribbon collar and roses.

Brian Bell and Dany Tremblay each marked a 225.5 to share the reserve championship in the Level 4. Bell rode Turn Down For What (Einsteins Revolution x My Way Marla) owned by Crews Reining Horses. Tremblay rode Adh Mor Big Luck Ranch’s PS Mega Shine Chic (Shine Chic Shine x Megas Sugar Baby).

They each received $41,000 for the reserve co-championship, a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler from NRBC, a commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC, and a 30 day supply of Cosequin ASU Plus from Nutramax.

Tremblay also took home the Level 3 championship aboard PS Mega Shine Chic, worth $20,589. Tremblay has had a big week in Katy, Texas, taking home a myriad of awards and championships over the course of the event. “It’s amazing,” Tremblay said of his win.

“We had the lead for a little bit and then Andrea had a great ride and what a great horse (Chic Dreamin), but ‘Crush’ is really special, and he gave me a lot tonight and I’m really proud of him. I think the best of him is coming in the next few years.”

Tremblay also qualified Magnums Guns R Reddy (Magnum Chic Dream x Guns R Reddy), owned by Ruth Hamlin and marked a 217 aboard the mare.

Abby Lengel rode ARC Gunna Mark Ya (Gunnatrashya x Shiney Miss Marker) to a score of 223.5 to win Level 2 as well as second place in Level 3. Making her win even more impressive was the fact Lengel competed with a tack malfunction.

“On my way to my first stop, I felt my stirrup break. My Blevins buckle came undone and I lost my stirrup and so I just held my right leg in there really hard and she’s a nice enough horse and broke enough that she just took me through it. It wasn’t a good feeling when it happened, but after the first stop I thought maybe I can do this,” she said with a laugh.

Lengel has been working hard to claim a title at this show and this year, all her hard work paid off. “It feels fantastic [to win the NRBC Level 2],” she said. “I’ve been wanting to do well at this show for a long time. It’s kind of been a long process getting [ARC Gunna Mark Ya] ready for this show, but she finally started feeling locked in here and she did really, really well. I’ve wanted to put a run down here for a while and I’ve been praying about it and God said yes tonight.”

Lengel pocketed $8,128 for the first place win, plus $12,533 for the second place Level 3 finish. She also received a custom saddle sponsored by Deshotels and Luke Gagnon, 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.

A tie in the Level 1 saw Alejandro Ortiz Vazquez and Barak Gibori share the co-championship each with a score of 217.5. Ortiz Vazquez rode She Is A Chexinic (Smart Like Juice x Muskegs Chexinic) for owner Smart Like Juice Inc., and Gibori rode Pearl Haggard (Hollywoodstinseltown x Gunners Pearl) for owner David Silva Sr.

Ortiz Vazquez has had a long journey getting to this point and She Is A Chexinic’s owner, Jose Vazquez said he expects even bigger things for his future. Originally from Mexico, Ortiz Vazquez tried coming to work for Vazquez in the United State as a trainer, however, the long process of getting a work Visa made the transition difficult. Therefore, Vazquez sent six 3-year-olds to Ortiz Vazquez in Mexico to train, She Is A Chexinix being one of them. When he was finally granted his Visa, he moved to the United States and started working for Vazquez full-time.

“[The win] is great as an owner, but for Alejandro, he’s been working really hard and put in a lot of effort and I think he has a bright future as a trainer,” Jose Vazquez said. “He’s been working for me two and a half years and day one he stepped up and he’s getting better and better in the show pen. He has a lot of talent and a lot of respect for the sport.” Ortiz Vazquez pocketed $2,457 for the win.

Gibori and Pearl Haggard had a great showing in Katy, Texas, with the 4-year-old, who has led him to other wins such as the 2016 Tulsa Reining Classic Level 1 futurity champion. Stamina in the show pen continued to shine tonight in the Open Classic Finals.

“I feel great,” Gibori said. “He’s a great horse and he showed really well for me. This is a great show and some of the best horses come here, so it’s nice to get a win here.” Gibori also finished 16th in the Level 3 to tie with Mathieu Buton, Ortiz Vazquez and Matthew Armenta to pick up an extra $750. All totaled Gibori banked $3,207.

Martin Larcombe rode Hang Ten And Shine, who’s by Hang Ten Surprize and out of Ebony Shines to a score of 224 for owner Christine Brazeau to top the Open Prime Time, worth $1,950. “There’s an advantage to being old sometimes I guess,” Larcombe said with a laugh. “It’s good though. [During my run] I was thinking I needed to do as good as I could, to go as hard as I could, and the horse stayed with me pretty well. We just had one little problem coming around a loop where we popped out of lead and that hurt us quite a bit. Other than that, he was very good.” The 6-year-old has been with Larcombe since he was three and has continued to do well for Larcombe qualifying for the Level 4 finals at many shows over the course of his career. This year, Larcombe admits the stallion stepped up his game, which made the NRBC even more special for the pair. “Tonight was the best run I’ve probably ever had on him, just that little bobble that cost us,” he said. “This event here is where the best horses come and the best competitors and if you can just be in amongst it somewhere it’s something to feel great about.”

Tom McCutcheon and Martin Muehlstaetter took home big wins in Friday night’s NRBC Open Reining Night presented by Kimmel Reining Horses. McCutcheon and Muehlstaetter each turned in big scores of 224.5, which wowed the crowd with the big stops and flawless circles to split the win in the National Reining Horse Association $25,000-added Open, as well as the NRBC Open Classic Challenge.

McCutcheon rode the standout mount, The Wizster, who’s by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Miss Whizard Jac and owned by Turnabout Farm Inc. Aboard the 2010 gelding McCutcheon also won the USA Reining Open, and the CRI Reining.

“I feel great,” McCutcheon said of his wins. “It is really a humbling experience to be able to show a horse like this; it’s really a sigh of relief to be able to show him in a way that he is well represented because with this caliber of a horse, you’re just along for the ride.”

Although the big check was a welcomed reward McCutcheon said being able to represent the United States is always a noble and humbling moment. “It’s always an awesome feeling to be on that podium and sing along to the National Anthem,” McCutcheon said.

Muehlstaetter shared the co-championship aboard Michael Garnett’s Blo Gun. Muehlstaetter says he enjoyed showing the 2010 stallion by Colonels Smoking Gun and out of The Hot Jewel and hopes to show him again in the future.

“I was really excited, it’s the first time I’ve shown the horse,” Muehlstaetter said.”[Michael] is a long-time client of mine and I [asked] if I could ride the horse and he told me ‘go for it,’ so here we are,” Muehlstaetter said with a smile.

In youth action, the kids of reining were turning in their own sharp maneuvers. Bo Van Duys riding Aim Your Pistol, and Emilia Reutimann riding Black Hails Gold, shared the win in the CRI Junior with scores of 69.5. Aim Your Pistol is by Custom Pistol and out of Topnotch Melody and Black Hails Gold is by Shine Like Hail and out of Dun Its Black Gold.

McKinnon Larcombe rode My Nu Mercedes Rox (Cromed Out Mercedes x Roxana Chex) to a score of 71.5 to win the Youth 14-18. She also split the win in the Unrestricted Youth and the American Quarter Horse Association Youth 18 & Under with Raeanna Thayn.

Larcombe took over the reins of My Nu Mercedes Rox from her mom about a year ago and has had a lot of success in the show pen. She’s taken home wins at the Southwest Reining Horse Association as well as the Tulsa Reining Classic. “I’ve been showing him here, there, everywhere and recently, we were a 215 at the derby in Tulsa, so that was a good confidence booster,” Larcombe said. “He showed really well today, he’s getting better and better and so am I showing him.”

Thayn has a special bond with her mount and a few of her favorite things are his mane and his heart.

Thayn has already earned titles on him this week in the Limited Non Pro and hopes to continue her winning streak in tomorrow’s youth classes. “He tries really hard,” Thayn said. “Our run was really good today and he stayed with me in the pen.”

Luca Fappani rode Custom Spook (Smart Spook x Custom Spinderella) to a score of 72 to top the Youth 13 & Under.

For information and complete results from the National Reining Breeders Classic, follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and www.nrbc.com.

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, Jack Medows rode Chicsdreamofdiamonds (Magnum Chic Dream x Princess In Diamonds) to a score of 223.5 to top the Level 4 and be crowned the NRBC Non Pro Classic champion. Medows has had a lot of success with the mare having won the 2016 National Reining Horse Association Non Pro Futurity championship along with other big wins, but Medows says the $30,000 NRBC win is special.

“Between the prelims and here she really stepped up her turns. She’s a really good turner, but for some reason she goes in the show pen and she’s so relaxed that she almost dulls up a little bit, but today she really sparked in her turns, and when I loped her off, she was so slow and so collected it was a really cool feeling,” Medows said. “[The win here at the NRBC] is so special and she deserves it, she’s such a good mare. I’m glad I stayed out of her way and let her do it.”

Although Medows’ win in the Level 4 was his most special moment, he rode two other great mounts to top finishes today making the day even more special. The 19-year-old rode Frame Draggin (Einsteins Revolution x Coronas Major) to fifth place in the Level 4 Non Pro, worth $8,500 with a score of 219.5. He also rode Wimpys Show Stopper (Wimpys Little Step x Pinesail) to the CRI Youth Reining win with a score of 72.5. “It was a really, really good day. All three of my horses were good, so I’m very lucky,” Medows said.

Along with the cash, Medows took home one year’s use of a deluxe two-horse Horse Trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales, a custom championship saddle sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, a crystal trophy from NRBC, 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 champion ribbon collar and roses.

Cade McCutcheon marked a 223 aboard Custom Made Gun (Colonels Smoking Gun x Custom Made Dunit) for McQuay Stables for a reserve championship Level 4 finish, worth $15,750. McCutcheon also received a Gist Silversmiths reserve champion buckle sponsored by NRBC, a custom embroidered cooler from NRBC, a commemorative reserve champion medal from NRBC and a 30-day supply of Cosequin ASU Plus from Nutramax.

Tish Fappani rode Spooks N Jewels to a score of 220 to win the Non Pro Level 3, plus finish fourth in the Level 4. Along with the $8,400 Fappani picked up for winning the Level 3, her Level 4 finish gained her an extra $10,000.

Spooks N Jewels is by Smart Spook and out of Whiz Jewels, who was shown at the end of her career by Fappani’s husband, Andrea Fappani. The family relationship with Spooks N Jewels’ dam has made the connection special for Fappani. “Coming off of the futurity with [Spooks N Jewels], I didn’t have a good futurity, so it felt good to get in there and have him be solid and consistent in both goes,” Fappani said. “He was right there with me. He’s a big stopper, so we hit all of our stops and I made sure I got shut off in my turns, so there were no turn penalties. In the circles he went the speed he can handle right now. After the futurity, he hasn’t been shown, he hasn’t even been schooled or anything, we rested him quite a bit. He’s four, so he’s still got quite a few more years. I feel comfortable on him.”

Fappani received a custom saddle sponsored by Continental Saddlery, a Gist Silversmiths championship buckle sponsored by NRBC, 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.

Veronica Williams rode Singing In The Rein (Master Snapper x Shiners Mistress) to a score of 217.5 to win the Level 2 and well as second place in the Level 3. Up to this point, the NRBC Non Pro Finals had been Williams’ Achilles Hill, having qualified multiple times to the finals to only, admittedly, let the pressure get the best of her nerves.

“It was a personal goal of mine to do better in the finals,” Williams said. “I’ve always come here and made into the finals and then chickened out in the finals and if felt so good to go finally go in there and just trust her and do it and she was just with me every step of the way.”

This year, however, she achieved her goal and claimed her first NRBC championship title. “It feels amazing,” Williams said of her win. “It hasn’t really even sunk in, yet I don’t think. [This win at the NRBC is extra special] because this is a huge horse show, and the best of the best horses are here and the best of the best riders are here. It’s so cool to come here and get to show and then to do well here is just the coolest. The coolest thing of all.”

Williams pocketed $4,000 for the first-place win, plus $5,150 for the second place Level 3 finish. She also received a custom saddle sponsored by Deshotels and Luke Gagnon, 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.

Nancy Murfin-Moxley rode Who Whiz Hot Choclat to a score of 216 to win both the Level 1 and Prime Time, plus finish second in the Level 3. Her success in the show pen was made extra special considering it’s only her first time to show with her mount competitively.

“[Winning this championship] is wonderful,” Murfin-Moxley said. “My run felt great. [Who Whiz Hot Choclat] is so great minded and I just trusted him, and I knew he was prepared and I did the best I could do. He just took great care of me.”

Who Whiz Hot Choclat is by Who Whiz It and out of Choclat Almond Chic and led his rider to a total haul of $5,697. The competition continued with tough competition in the ancillary classes, plus the start of the youth classes.

In the ancillary action, Paul Queen rode Outta Dough (Gallo Del Cielo x Dough Olena) to a score of 146.5 to top the Limited Non Pro, plus take home the overall championship. Queen took home a National Reining Horse Association championship trophy, a Nutrena Feed gift certificate and Cosequin Bucket. Queen has had the now-12-year-old stallion for 10 years and over the years they’ve formed a special bond, which reflected their abilities in the show pen during his run at the NRBC. “I look out for him and he looks out for me,” Queen said. “My run felt really good. I know he can do those fast circles and I knew when we got in there we’re going to get them, and I know he can plant it in the ground when it’s time. So, we had a good time.” In second place was Hannah Loverien riding Tom and Mandy McCutcheon’s That Kind Of Nite (Gunners Special Nite x Doc Santa Belle) to a score of 142.5.

Round One Open Champs; Novice Horse Open, Limited Open and Rookie Pro Champs Named

The competition continued at the National Reining Breeders Classic on Thursday with the second section of the Open Classic Prelims. The tough competition featured big stops and smooth maneuvers inside the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The ancillary classes also saw big scores with the Novice Horse Open, Limited Open, Rookie Professional and American Quarter Horse Association classes.

In Thursday’s second section of the Open Classic Prelims, Dany Tremblay scored a 223.5 riding PS Mega Shine Chic (Shine Chic Shine x Megas Sugar Baby), owned by Amanda and Bradley Kelly of Adh Mor Big Luck Ranch to tie the Level 4 high score put in by Tom McCutcheon on Smart Little Dunnit, who’s by Smart Spook and out of Jan Van Bar B Dun It, for owners Turnabout Farms Inc. With his high score, Tremblay bumped himself out of the Level 3 lead and took first and second places in the Level 3. Aboard Magnums Guns R Reddy (Magnum Chic Dream x Guns R Reddy), Tremblay took second with a score of 221.5 for owner Ruth A. Hamlin. Bud Lyon rode Einsteins Top Whiz (Einsteins Revolution x Kr Samantha) to a score of 220 to win the Level 2 first go-round and Alejandro Ortiz Vazquez riding She Is A Chexinic (Smart Like Juice x Muskegs Chexinic) scored a 218 to top the Level 1. The Prime Time go-round winner is Martin Larcombe riding Hang Ten And Shine (Hang Ten Surprize x Ebony Shines) to a score of 223.

The Open Classic Finals will kick off inside the Coliseum Arena Saturday, April 22, and the champion will receive $75,000.

For complete results from the Open Classic Prelims visit www.nrbc.com.

The ancillary competition continued today in Katy, Texas, with the Limited Open and Rookie Professional classes in the Wheless Arena where Josh Tishman took top honors. Tishman rode Chics Love Me Wimpy, who’s by Wimpys Little Step and out of Dream About Magic, to a score of 73. “Duke” is owned by Deborah Good, who wasn’t able to make the NRBC and sent “Duke” for Tishman to show in her place.

Tishman has had a great week with the gelding, winning Tuesday’s Limited Open and Rookie Professional classes as well, for which he became the overall NRBC Limited Open and Rookie Professional champion. “He’s really fun to show. That’s probably the best run we’ve had, he’s just really easy and fun so it just worked out well,” Tishman said. “He followed me right around and went as fast as I asked and as slow as I asked and just did everything as hard as he could.”

Troy Koehl riding A Ruf Master (Lil Ruf Peppy x Shiners Mistress) to a score of 71 took second in the Limited Open while Lindsey Seewaldt riding Katy Dun It (Dun Gotta Gun x Dun Kissed Peaches) took second in the Rookie Professional with a score of 71.5. In the Novice Horse Open Level 2, a tie between Dany Tremblay and Peter DeFreitas took the first-place win, with a score of 147.

Tremblay rode Misters Temptress, who’s by Mister Dual Pep and out of Colonel Pepinic, while DeFreitas rode Colonel Missile, who’s by Hang Ten Surprize and out of Sweet Ginger Chic. Tremblay has been riding and showing Misters Temptress with much success this year and says the mare continues to improve with each ride.

“Every time I show her she scores 73s and 73.5s, so she’s consistent and she likes to go in the show pen now and I love it,” Tremblay said.

DeFreitas also took the win in the Novice Horse Open Level 1 aboard Colonel Missile with a score of 147. DeFreitas showed the now 4-year-old gelding as a 3-year-old and had success then as well. The duo came to the NRBC with intentions of continuing to improve in the show pen as well as find a potential buyer for Colonel Missile. DeFreitas says showing in the Novice Horse Open was a nice change of pace and made the win memorable.

“He’s very simple, he’s always the same every time I show him. He’s a lot of fun to show because he does his thing and it’s easy,” DeFreitas said. “I was happy to come here and get to show in the Novice too, usually, I just show in the Classic part, but it was fun to show in the Novice Horse and to get a win always helps.”

Jared Leclair rode The Dun Gun (Gunner x Fabulous Footwork) to a score of 144.5 to take third place in the Novice Horse Open Level 1 and second place in Level 1. In the AQHA classes, Tremblay and DeFreitas were also co-champions in the AQHA Junior and Senior classes with a score of 147 aboard the same mounts.

Nothing entices a crowd more than free food and Thursday night the Tamarack Ranch Open Draw Party pulled together the Open Classic finalists, their friends and family for an evening of great food and entertainment. Along with the food and camaraderie, the Open finalists were given the chance to draw for their running positions in the Open Classic Finals. For information and complete results from the National Reining Breeders Classic, follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and www.nrbc.com

The competition continued at the National Reining Breeders Classic on Wednesday with the first section of the Open Classic Prelims. The tough competition featured high scores and smooth moves inside the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The ancillary classes also say big scores with the Novice Horse Non Pro, Rookie and the start of the American Quarter Horse Association classes.

Tom McCutcheon riding Smart Little Dunnit (Smart Spook x Jan Van Bar B Dun It) is currently leading the Open Classic preliminary round after the first second with a score of 223.5 in the Level 4. The Level 3 leader is Dany Tremblay riding Magnums Guns R Reddy (Magnum Chic Dream x Guns R Reddy) to a score of 221.5. Bud Lyon rode Einsteins Top Whiz (Einsteins Revolution x Kr Samantha) to a score of 220 to take the lead in the Level 2 and Jeromy Lipps riding Revolutionary Jac (Einsteins Revolution x Kalliope Jac) scored a 217.5 to lead the Level 1. The Prime Time leader is Jamie Bissell riding DP Gunnaoutshinya (Gunnatrashya x Out Shinin Wimpy) to a score of 217.

The second section of the Open Classic Prelims will continue inside the Coliseum Arena Thursday at 8 a.m. After both preliminary sections the qualifiers from the first round will meet Saturday, April 22 inside the Coliseum Arena for the Open Classic Finals where champions will be crowned.

In the ancillary classes action, Jerry Davis topped the Novice Horse Non Pro with a score of 141.5 riding Hot Coded Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Hot Coded Candy). Davis admitted Hot Coded Shine didn’t have the best showing in Tuesday’s Non Pro Classic Prelims and decided to use this as an opportunity to better their previous showing.

“We had a few penalty points and bobbles [yesterday] and today he really seemed to come along,” Davis said. “I think he needed a few days to get into and now he was a little less stressed and felt good with me and everything was smooth.”

Robert Gattuso riding Chics Special Nite (Gunners Special Nite x This Chic Dun It) took second with a 141.

David McGee topped the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 riding Knaughtybyknature with a score of 145. Knaughtybyknature is by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Princess In Diamonds and has been in McGee’s barn since he was a yearling. McGee also felt the gelding need an extra day to work out the kinks and was happy with their showing in the Novice Horse Non Pro.

“He was supposed to have ridden like that in the [Non Pro Classic] yesterday, so we just came over here to try a little different plan getting him ready,” McGee said. “I changed his bridle and put a little smaller bit in and today he rode like he’s supposed to, and we didn’t run him too hard. He’s a nice horse. We were just kind of schooling, playing and showing at the same time.”

The Rookie Level 1 champion was Karla Leclair riding Codes Electric Step to a score of 70.5. Codes Electric Step is by Electric Code out of Nics Wimpy and has been with Leclair for only three months.

“He’s great minded and extremely talented, but he is able to come down to my level,” Leclair said. “I’m not nearly as talented as this horse, but he is great minded and awesome for me in the show pen and stays with me.”

The Rookie Level 2 champion was Jill Pfisthner riding Black N Boom (Boomshernic x Blazin In Black) to a score of 71. The Rookie Prime Time champion was James Belden riding Dun Git A Nicadual (Mister Nicadual x Gotta Git Ya Dun) to a score of 70.

In the AQHA classes, Jessica Sternberg took the win in the Amateur Reining riding Designed With Shine with a score of 72, and Loren Booth riding Taris Little Gunner topped the Amateur Select Reining with a score of 73. Another crowd-pleasing activity was the Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party, where the Non Pro finalists enjoyed an evening of camaraderie while they picked their draw for the finals. For information and complete results from the National Reining Breeders Classic, follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and www.nrbc.com.

Smart maneuvers and smooth moving reining horses were the name of the game Tuesday at the National Reining Breeders Classic. The competition continued at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, beginning the day with the second section of the Non Pro Classic Prelims. The first day of competition inside the Tellepsen and Wheless arenas began Tuesday with the Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Rookie Professional and Limited Non Pro classes.

It was a family affair in the Non Pro Classic Prelims with Cade McCutcheon and Mandy McCutcheon splitting the lead in the Level 4 with a score of 221. Cade rode Vintage Crome, who’s by A Sparkling Vintage and out of Smart Custom Crome. Mandy was aboard Special At Nite, who’s by Gunners Special Nite and out of Royal Chic Solano. They each pocketed $3,168 for the first-round win.

Tish Fappani rode Spooks N Jewels and is leading the Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro Classic after the preliminary round with a score of 220. Spooks N Jewels is by Smart Spook and out of Whiz Jewels. The Level 2 Limited Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro leader is Jennifer Greenleaf riding Survivorman (Colonels Smoking Gun x Shining Survivor) to a score of 218. The Prime Time Non Pro leader is Tamara Schiltz riding Shiners Voodoo Juice to a score of 218.5. Shiners Voodoo Juice is by Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Slj This Is My Juice. The Non Pro Classic qualifiers from the preliminary rounds will meet Friday, April 21 inside the Coliseum Arena for the Non Pro Classic Finals where champions will be crowned.

In the ancillary class action, a tie between Raeanna Thayn and Laura Fourre won the Limited Non Pro with a score of 71.5, worth $100 each. Thayn rode Dun Sneakin Out, who’s by Whiz N Tag Chex and out of Sneaking Out Tonight. She’s only been riding the mare for two years; however, the pair have formed a special bond, which gives them confidence in the show pen.

“My run felt pretty good and she tried really hard,” Thayn said of her 6-year-old mare. Thayn will finish the week with the Novice Horse Non Pro and the Youth 13 & Under classes.

Fourre rode Colonels Splashy Gun, who’s by Colonels Smoking Gun and out of Bh Splash, and the NRBC marked the pair’s first time to show together. As the last draw in the class the duo from Scottsdale, Arizona, turned in the tying score, making their first show a memorable one.

“I just got him a week ago, so it was a learning experience for both of us,” Fourre said. “Hopefully, we’ll have more this week to come. I was pretty happy overall.”

Joe Schmidt riding Highlanders Scandal took the win in the Intermediate Open with a score of 146.5. Highlanders Scandal is by Conquistador Whiz out of HR Short Wheel Base and owned by Sally Berg of Barn 66 LLC.

Normally Berg is the mare’s main rider, however, Schmidt used the Intermediate Open class as an opportunity to prepare the mare for her owner and this showed marked the first time in the show pen for the Schmidt and “Tater” as a team. “She’s a cool little mare,” Schmidt said. “She was really good in there; it was the first time I’ve shown her and I just wanted to get her ready for Sally. [Highlanders Scandal] is a good little trooper, she just cruises around and was pretty easy to prepare.” Berg will compete on Tater in the Non Pro and ancillary classes later this week, while Schmidt will be preparing for his run in the Classic.

Josh Tishman riding Chics Love Me Wimpy (Wimpys Little Step x Dream About Magic) took home both the Limited Open and Rookie Professional titles with a score of 144. Chics Love Me Wimpy (“Duke”) is a 7-year-old gelding owned by Deborah Good of DAG Ventures.

Good wasn’t able to make the NRBC this year and instead sent the gelding to Tishman to show. “He’s really easy to show,” Tishman said of Duke. “He’s a real consistent horse and real fun to show and he was pretty good [today]. [Deborah] bought him for her because he’s real consistent and easy to get along with and just real easy going.”

Tuesday was full of excitement even outside of the show pen. PS Mega Shine Chic “Crush” and Adh More Big Luck Ranch sponsored the Kids Academy Stick Horse Race, which brought together the future of the sport for an action-packed afternoon including a keepsake stick horse for each participant. “We sure wanted to be able to do something for the kids, it’s where everything in the industry falls back to is the kids and it’s always fun seeing them have fun with things like this,” said Amanda Kelly with Adh More Big Luck Ranch.

Following the day’s activities, competitors and fans alike met inside the Coliseum for the Platinum Anniversary Welcome Party – sponsored by Gunners Special Nite – NRBC Welcome Reception, Twentieth Anniversary Awards banquet and Welcome Dinner sponsored by Steve and Rita Reed Harris. During the evening’s celebrations, special awards were presented to the past Open and Non Pro NRBC Champions, and contributors and former champions were recognized under the direction announcer of Brian Lookabill.

The competitors, founders, and fans of NRBC mingled and enjoyed a night of camaraderie while celebrating 20 years of NRBC. “We wanted an event that would help our industry by paying more money, by involving more riders in Open and Non Pro, and we talked about what we could do and we threw some ideas around and we decided we would do a stallion program,” McCutcheon said. “In two days, we had about 75 studs and every single person I called said ‘We’ll do it. If you guys want to do it, we’re in.’ That’s what makes this program so fantastic, it’s not the board of directors, it’s not a small group of people; It’s everybody that’s here, it’s everybody that enrolled babies and everybody that had studs, that’s what makes this program so fantastic.”

For information and complete results from the National Reining Breeders Classic, follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and www.nrbc.com.

Leading the Level 4 Non Pro Classic Prelims is Taylor Zimmerman riding Wimpys Dolled Up (Wimpys Little Step x Dolled Up Gunner) with a score of 220. The Levels 1, 2 and 3 leader is Jennifer Greenleaf riding Survivorman (Colonels Smoking Gun x Shining Survivor) with a score of 218. A three-way tie leads the Prime Time between Maurice Robinson riding Chics Nite (Gunners Special Nite x Wind Her Up Chic), Francesca Sternberg riding A Chic Surprize (Hang Ten Surprize x West Coast Chic) and Andre De Bellefeuille riding Little Gun (Rowdy Yankee x Snow Gun) all with a score of 216.5.

The second section of the preliminary round continues tomorrow inside the Coliseum Arena with the second section of the Non Pro Classic Prelims, followed by the Intermediate Open, Limited Open and Rookie Professional in the Tellepsen Arena, and the Rookie Levels 1 and 2 and Prime Time Rookie inside the Wheless Arena.

The Gunners Special Nite Platinum Anniversary Welcome Party is a perfect example of the exciting things offered this year at the NRBC. The party follows the completion of the second section of the Non Pro Classic preliminary round on Tuesday, April 18 and is held in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. The Welcome Party has always been a favorite but this time there’s more on the schedule than ever before.

The Gunners Special Nite Platinum Anniversary celebration begins at 5:30 p.m., with a Twentieth Year Platinum Reception and social hour featuring cocktails, drinks, and a Charcuterie Board furnished by Steve and Rita Harris.At 6:30 p.m., it’s time for a special champagne toast as champions and contributors are recognized, then at 7 p.m., the Platinum Anniversary dinner – also prepared by the Harrises – will be served.

Sarah Willeman, owner of Turnabout Farms and Gunners Special Nite, has been a part of the NRBC for years, as an exhibitor, sponsor and owner. Follow updates from NRBC on Facebook, Twitter and the website www.nrbc.com.