The American Paint Horse Association and the National Reining Breeders Classic are continuing their partnership for the third consecutive year! Once again custom Gist Silversmith buckles will be awarded to top APHA registered horses at the event in Katy, Texas, this year slated for April 16-23.

With a new design in place this year, these award buckles will be offered to the highest-scoring or high-point Paints in the following aged event and ancillary classes:

• Non Pro Classic – Level 4
• Non Pro Classic – Level 3
• Non Pro Classic – Level 2
• Non Pro Classic – Level 1
• Open Classic – Level 4
• Open Classic – Level 3
• Open Classic – Level 2
• Open Classic – Level 1
• Non Pro Classic Challenge
• Open Classic Challenge
• Open
• Non Pro
• Rookie
• Youth

APHA Senior Director of Business Development Kalyn Sanders says that the NRBC is the perfect venue for this awards program. “This year, the NRBC is celebrating its twentieth year, and it is known as one of the largest and most popular NRHA-approved events among reining owners and exhibitors.

APHA is always excited to provide added recognition to Paint reiners at such a significant event,” she noted.

“We are honored to have the American Paint Horse Association coming back to the NRBC,” said NRBC Secretary-Treasurer, Cheryl Magoteaux Cody. “We are so excited to see the new buckle design – and know that they will be a treasured award for the winners. We appreciate APHA’s commitment to our show, and love having this additional opportunity for our exhibitors.”

Sanders added, “The NRBC is also one of the NRHA approved events for APHA World Show qualification. For more information, visit apha.com/reining.” APHA will also be awarding high point Paint Horse buckles at the Tulsa Reining Classic, High Roller Reining Classic and Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity. To register your Regular or Solid Paint-Bred Horse today to be eligible for APHA’s awards and incentives, visit aphaonline.com.

Equo has come on board with the National Reining Breeders Classic as a Platinum sponsor and presenter of the Non Pro Finals Reception. The mobile app for both android and iOS devices connects horse owners, trainers and riders with shippers all around the US.

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody said, “Equo is a progressive and intelligent company that creates solutions for getting horses hauled. We are thrilled to partner with this innovative group and to have them at the NRBC throughout the show April 16-23. The owners and management are horse people who understand the challenges involved in arranging for safe shipping.”

Indeed, two of the owners are time Olympian rider, Daniel Bluman, and his brother Steven Bluman, CEO of Equo. He said, “Horses have been an integral part of all our lives. Equo began almost three years ago after numerous bad experiences when trying to ship our horses with reliable, safe and fair pricing. This is something that all horse owners have lived and probably currently still live on their daily basis. So, the only options available were to ship your horse and hope for the best or buy yourself a truck and trailer and drive them yourself. But, neither of the two options satisfied our needs; one was too risky and the other one too expensive. That’s when Equo was born.”

Using cutting edge technology, Equo lets users request a ride from any starting point to any destination within the US and Canada and get an instant free quote for their trip. Once the trip is requested, the Equo team connects the user with the most appropriate driver for their needs. Payment is done by credit card using a cutting-edge payment system through the app so there is no hassle for the user to wait for the driver to give them a check or cash and it guarantees payment to the driver. Once the trip has begun, the app has a live tracking feature that allows users to know the exact location of their horse at all times. You can also contact the driver at any time through the app and the driver can contact the user if necessary. When the trip is done, you will receive a notification from the app. It’s that easy and simple!

Palacio is excited to present Equo to the reining world. “Reining is a discipline that has always intrigued us. In our opinion, horsemanship is the most important quality a horse person must have – the path to success in any discipline – and reining riders have horsemanship within them since day one. This is why we believe that reining riders, owners and trainers will enjoy and understand the importance of Equo. We guarantee excellent service for all equine shipping needs as Equo was founded by horsemen and women.”

He adds that NRBC is the perfect entrance point for Equo into the reining world. “It is one of the biggest reining shows in the world with an unbelievable amount of prestige associated with it. Being part of such an event gives Equo important brand recognition and introduces this cutting-edge service to the reining world.”

Cody noted, “We look forward to giving everyone an opportunity to get to know the Equo team -both at their booth at the show and during the Non Pro Finals Reception on Friday, April 21 in the Sponsor pavilion. “

With Equo there is a perfect ride for every occasion:

• Equo Rush: Designed for moments that require immediate action, Equo Rush gives you access to on-demand drivers ready to make emergency travel a smooth experience.
• Equo Planned: For the planners who have scheduled events within weeks or months’ time, Equo planned lets you take full control and schedule rides in advance and plan time frames.
• Equo Pool: You can share a ride with others and still make it on time! Equo Pool rides stay within 100 miles of the original route. This is the best way to get your horse around at a lower cost.

Requesting an Equo ride is very easy! Here is how it works:

• Open the app and create a horse’s profile
• Once created, tell Equo where your horse is, where he/she is going, time range of pick up and the number of horses.
• When requested, you will see your trips on the Your Trips tab as pending requests at the top of the screen while Equo assigns a driver to your trip.
• Once Equo assigns your trip a driver you will see you trips on the upcoming trips tab. You go into this tab and will be able to see all the information on your driver and his/her equipment.
• When ready, press on Accept Fare and enter your payment information (you won’t be charged until trip is finished).
• Your driver will be notified that you have accepted the trip and he will then proceed to pick up your horse. Once picked up the driver will start the trip and you will be able to follow your horse’s trip on the Active Trips tab on Your Trips!
• Once the trip is finished, you will be able to rate your experience with the driver. You will be able to do so by going to your Trip History tab where you can find a summary of your horse’s trip.

Driving with Equo is very easy! Here is how It works:

• Register with Equo through the website www.ridewithequo.com
• Once registered the Equo team will enable you as a driver once all your information checks out.
• Get on the app and update your location to let Equo know where you are.
• Receive trip requests assigned to you depending on your location. You can find these on your Trip Request tab.
• Review and accept the trip request and choose the truck and trailer to be used on your trip.
• Wait for the rider to enter his/her payment information. Equo will notify you when that’s done. You can find your confirmed trips on your Confirmed Trips tab.
• Once the rider enters payment information, pick up the horse(s) and start the trip!
• When started, you will see your active trips on your Active Trips tab.
• When finished, you will see the profit made on your trips on the Completed Trips tab where you will also be able to rate the Rider on your experience. Anyone can download the app either on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store by searching for Equo. Learn more atwww.ridewithequo.com.

Markel Insurance returns in 2017 for the sixth consecutive year sponsoring the National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Draw Party. The popular party takes place Wednesday evening, April 19, upstairs in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.

Markel Director of Western Disciplines and National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame member Frank Costantini is a true NRBC fan. “Markel is very pleased to have the opportunity to come back for the 6th year to sponsor the Non Pro Draw Party. The best part of the evening is seeing the interaction among all the exhibitors. From the first-time participant to those who have been around the pen a time or two, there is a lot of good-natured kidding and a tiny hint of nervous energy displayed by almost all the Non-Pros in the room. From Markel’s point of view, these people are critical to our industry. Their importance can’t be overstated. On a personal note, I am very happy to be able to represent a great organization to a great group of people!”

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody noted, “It’s true that the Non Pros are the heart of the reining world and of the NRBC and last year we teamed up with Markel to create a new annual award, the NRBC Markel Distinguished Non Pro trophy. Our first recipient was super-volunteer Rita Reed Harris, and this year, it will again be given to a deserving Non Pro during the Non Pro draw party.

The recipient is chosen by a panel that evaluates all the qualities that make up incredible Non Pros.” Frank said, “The Markel Distinguished Non Pro Award is in its second year and what makes it unique is that it isn’t for the Non Pro who gets all the accolades in the show pen, but for the person that you are always glad to see at an event. It’s that individual who really doesn’t care how good or bad they or you do, but is always ready to help out, give you a pat on the back, or a word of encouragement. It’s this reiner that makes the NRBC and the reining world a better place because they are a part of it!”

Discussing the NRBC and the people who are part of it brought back some poignant memories for Costantini. “My first trip to Katy, Texas and the NRBC was very special to me personally. When the NRBC Board moved the event to Katy in 2001, I called my uncle, Joe Costantini, who was always called Junior in our family. I told him I was coming to Katy in April for an event. Since very few of his relatives made the trip from Youngstown to Katy, it was very special for him. He was aware that I had been President of the NRHA and was still involved in the industry. When I got to Katy, I just found out how insignificant I really was. My uncle had gotten to know Cheryl Cody, Colleen McQuay and the office staff, was a starter at the course where the Golf Tournament was played and mingled with all the golfers who participated and literally became a one-man welcoming committee for Katy, Texas. From the doughnuts to pizza to the “Boat”, he was part of the show each year and we were able to rekindle a relationship of a lifetime. Right after the show in 2007, Uncle Junior died. The NRBC and Katy, Texas gave my uncle and me an opportunity to spend some great times together.”

Cheryl added, “We all miss Joe Costantini and our memories of him are part of the rich relationship fabric that binds so many to this event! We were blessed to have both the Costantinis and their families become part of NRBC!” Markel Insurance has a long history of supporting the horse world in general and the reining industry in particular. Markel has an unwavering commitment to the entire horse industry. For information on Markel Insurance, visit the booth at the NRBC and the website at www.horseinsurance.com.

The National Reining Breeders Classic has announced that Tamarack Ranch will sponsor the NRBC Open Draw Party slated for 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 20. Always the best-attended, the Open Draw Party is one of the trademark events of the NRBC, but for the 20th show, which runs from April 16-23 in Katy, Texas, it will be even bigger and better.

NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody notes, “We’ve done the draw with special collectible blue finalist wine glasses for years but this year we’re going with a really cool stemless stainless insulated blue and silver glass that can be used for wine or cocktails.” The Tamarack Ranch Open Draw party will be held in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club upstairs in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum.

NRBC President Tom McCutcheon noted, “We are excited to welcome Tamarack Ranch as the sponsor of this special night.”

Tamarack Ranch was established by Pat Simar and his wife Suzy. Located in Oregon’s mountainous northeast corner, it began with a love of horses first in the form of riding and ranch horses. When that progressed to a desire to do something competitive the Simars began with the local trainer, Matt McDowell. Reining had great appeal and goal one was to establish an exceptional set of broodmares. A few years ago, Gabe Hutchins sold some horses to the ranch. From that, a business relationship began and grew to Gabe keeping over a dozen Tamarack Ranch horses in training. Creating a training facility at the ranch in Oregon was the logical next step. Gabe noted, “The facility is definitely growing, and the plan is to have really nice yearlings to sell every fall and keep some to show too. The ranch is just to the point of having enough horses to do that and we are really looking forward to the future.“

For Casey and Nicole Deary, the NRBC is a must-attend event. Casey noted, “The great business leaders at NRBC created the vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision and drive it to completion. Together, the Pro Management Team and NRBC have created a major derby event that the greatest horses in the reining industry attend.”

NRBC Vice President, Colleen McQuay notes, “It is always appreciated to have our top trainers realize the importance of supporting a special event like the NRBC. We thank Casey and Nicole Deary for sponsoring the Open Finals Reception for the second year. I know the evening will be extra special for our twentieth celebration!”

Nicole Deary added, “We enjoy the event – the dinner receptions are incredible and welcoming for competitors and owners. The horse show staff is accommodating and knowledgeable of the horse and rider needs. Deary Performance Horses has proudly supported the NRBC horse show for over 15 years.”

One of the brightest stars of the reining world, Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary is a two-time National Reining Horse Association Futurity Champion, with a host of other prestigious wins and finals qualifications to his credit.

Deary Performance Horses is located in Weatherford, Texas and its mission is to breed, train, show, and sell quality horses for the reining horse industry. Nicole serves as ranch manager and the current staff includes Trent Harvey, Josh Tishman, Abby Lengel, Kaci O’Roarke, Edward Harrison, Oscar Vargas, Benito Ruiz and Nestor Vargas. For more information on Deary Performance Horses, visit the website at www.dearyperormance.com.

Since its inception, the National Reining Breeders Classic has grown to include over 200 subscribed stallions, and in its twentieth year in 2017, the total payout will exceed $20 million. For information on the NRBC, visit the website at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.