There is always a lot of money at stake at the National Reining Breeders Classic, with nearly $1.7 million paid out in 2024. There are also plenty of opportunities to win prizes, even in the preliminaries.

As in the past, that begins early, with someone in the very first and every following drag receiving an award thanks to Tenda Horse Products. At this year’s NRBC slated for April 15-26 at Tulsa’s Expo Square Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex, Tenda Horse Products returns to sponsor the drag awards.

That means that, for the fifth consecutive year, the exhibitor with the highest scoring run of each drag will get to pick up a Tenda bucket containing an assortment of products from Tenda. This bounty is not just available in the Ford Arena, but also in all classes in the Super Duty and Central Park Hall Arenas, so riders of all levels get a chance to share the bounty.

“We appreciate Tenda’s support, from the beginning of the show to the very end. The drag awards provide a welcome reward during what can be intense competition. The gate person at each arena keeps them on hand so drag winners can pick up their prizes as soon as the last person goes,” said NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody.

“Tenda has developed products for championship horses for more than 50 years, so continuing our partnership with the NRBC aligns perfectly with the core of who we are and what we do to support the equine industry,” said Dave Cowan, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing.

“Spotlighting 4- to 7-year-old horses—with amazing pedigrees and advanced skills—draws the best trainers, riders, and horses in reining, and makes for an amazing show. Plus we reward riders of all levels in the ancillary events,” he continued. “Supporting the NRBC is a critical component of advancing the growth and excellence of the sport, and backing that through our partnership is important to us.

 Tenda Horse Products, which has served the performance horse industry more than 50 years, powers equine athletes with nutritional supplements; leg, muscle, hoof, wound, and skin care products; healing salves; and topical therapeutics; along with shampoos, conditioners and grooming products for horses and dogs. tendahorse.com.

The 28^th annual National Reining Breeders Classic is one of the reining industry’s most innovative and historical shows and it has paid out nearly $30 Million in its history. The majority of the prize money comes from its successful stallion and foal enrollment program. For more information, visit nrbc.com.

Toyon Ranch Returns as NRBC Rookie Sponsor  

Rookie riders at the 2025 National Reining Breeders Classic can, once again, enter and compete without paying entry fees, thanks to John and Nancy Tague of Toyon Ranch!

Cheryl Cody, NRBC Secretary-Treasurer said, “The Toyon Ranch support of rookies in recent years has helped bring attention to the class and attract new fans.  “People make an effort to watch the Rookie classes in order to support this entry-level group of reiners because their enthusiasm, determination, and focus appeal to everyone! Plus, they inspire people watching this competition to try it for themselves.”

The Tagues have been committed patrons of the reining industry for years. They serve on various boards and committees and have consistently given back to the industry by supporting multiple facets of the National Reining Horse Association and the Reining Horse Foundation.

Toyon Ranch is located in Pilot Point, Texas.  Its stated focus is on breeding and raising the finest prospects the reining industry has to offer. An exceptional band of broodmares with over 4 million in combined earnings/produce and 30 NRHA Major Event champions has been a big part of this. Crossed on the industry’s top stallions, they produce a high quality and diverse group of prospects each year.  

​In addition to the mare program Toyon Ranch stands some of the industry’s top stallions:  Gunna Stop,  Inferno Sixty Six, Jerseys Baby Driver, Maytheforcebewhizyou, Gunner Dun It Again, Dun It For Whizkey, and Best Shine.  The ranch also represent the following stallions with frozen semen only: Yankee Gun, Shiners Voodoo, Colonels Dancing Gun, Shining In Town and Topsail Whiz (ICSI only).  For information, visit toyonranchllc.com.

The annual National Reining Breeders Classic, slated for April 15-26 at Tulsa’s Expo Square Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex , is one of the reining industry’s most innovative and historic shows and it has paid out nearly $30 Million in its history. The majority of the prize money comes from its successful stallion and foal enrollment program. For more information, visit nrbc.com.

Twenty-twenty-five is shaping up to be a landmark year for the National Reining Breeders Classic. It will be the 28th edition of the show, and by the end of the yearly event, which is slated for April 15-26, 2025, at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the NRBC will reach the milestone of having paid over $31 million since its beginning!

Exceptional payouts have been a hallmark of the NRBC since its early years. It took just seven years for the event’s total purse to exceed a million dollars, and has never dropped below that benchmark since. In fact, the NRBC set another total payout record in 2024 when it awarded $1,708,043!

That’s not all. The NRBC Board recently announced that, for the second year, the 2025 the Million Dollar Show will officially offer one million dollars in added money for the aged event alone.

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody explained that the NRBC has always stayed true to its original formula. “It’s simple really. Foal and stallion enrollment money creates the bulk of the purse. 100 percent of the foal money four years previous (and interest) goes into the purse along with 90 percent of the current year stallion enrollment money.”

That’s been the basis of the program and its growth for nearly three decades, although the board has sometimes added additional money to incentivize different divisions.

Based on the number of 2021 foals in the program and the number of stallions consistently enrolled, the show is guaranteeing a minimum of $1 Million in added money for the 2025 aged event. 

NRBC President Tom McCutcheon noted, “For nearly three decades people in the industry have trusted us and have known how much we pay out, and how deep.”

For more information, visit NRBC.com. 

Since 2007, the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) has annually awarded scholarships to top riders competing in both slates of NRHA Youth Classes. Since the first scholarships were awarded, the NRBC has committed nearly $60,000 in financial assistance to young reiners for post-secondary education.

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody stated, “The Board of the NRBC has long been dedicated to supporting young reiners who are pursuing higher education. This scholarship program is particularly rewarding because it directly benefits the young individuals who are passionate about reining.

“All of the members of the NRBC Board of Directors – Tom McCutcheon, Tim McQuay, Dell Hendricks, and Pete Kyle – feel strongly about easing the burden of educational expenses and encouraging these young men and women to achieve their academic and professional goals. We are incredibly proud of this year’s scholarship recipients and congratulate the winners for 2024.”

The Champions receive $1,000 scholarships, while Reserve Champions earn $500 scholarships. This year, the recipients are:

• 13 & Under Champion: Lilly Walters
  • Co-Reserve Champion: Addisyn Grilli
  • Co-Reserve Champion: Lily Forzani
• 14-18 Champion: Ava Bush
  • Reserve Champion: Bella Beck

Past scholarship recipients include:

• 2007: Emily Winegar, Jordan Donnelly, Bryan Luark, Christy McElreath
• 2008: Jordan Donnelly, Cade McCutcheon, Courtney Kile, Christy McElreath
• 2009: Jose Gonzales, Genevieve Shifrin, Emily Winegar, Devin Spencer
• 2010: Cade McCutcheon (Champion & Reserve), Devin Spencer, Katherine Berg
• 2011: Jayli Garrison, Shelby Reine, Daniele Cohen, Emily Winegar
• 2012: Shelby Reine, Kristi Wiggins, Brooke Kaiser, Jordan Donnelly
• 2013: Taylor Masson, Sidney Perdue, Kaylan Marks, Shelby Reine
• 2014: Stacia Brugger, Amanda Hurt, Skyler Deshotels, Claire Dittrich
• 2015: Analise Granger, Roeanna Thayn, Clair Dittrich, Shelby Reine, Amanda Hurd, Cade McCutcheon
• 2016: Skyler Deshotels, McKinnon Larcombe (won both slates), Bo Van Duys
• 2017: Luca Fappani, Raeanna Thayn, McKinnon Larcombe, Savannah Ostner, Madison Gustin, Emilia Reutimann, Blair Thompson, Quincee Clark (tie)
• 2018: Emma Lane, Emilia Reutimann, Faith Horner, Laina Hanaghan
• 2019: Emma Lane, Lisa Pirtle
• 2020: Carlee McCutcheon, Bo Van Duys, Rita Clausen, Becca Schaffhauser
• 2021: Raeanna Thayn, Lisa Pirtle, Juliana Gonzales, Becca Schaffhauser
• 2022: Bella Beck, Trinity Bell, Faith Horner, Kennedy Buchanan
• 2023: Anna Harris, Mazie Patalski, Allie Jones, Abigail Dooley

For more information on the NRBC, visit www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

The 2024 National Reining Breeders Classic, held April 16-27 at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square, in Tulsa, Okla., boasted its all-time record purse of $1,708,043!

High payouts for the venerable program are actually nothing new.  The NRBC’s reputation for lucrative purses began with a boom at the very first event in 1998, when it awarded just shy of a quarter-million dollars – an incredible total in those days.

The NRBC was created to provide a place to show reining horses past their futurity year for lucrative money in an era when there were very few opportunities for derby-aged reiners. In just seven years,  the payout for the 2005 show surpassed one million dollars – a record for any reining derby. Since then, it has never paid less than $1 Million per show. The NRHA Derby would pass the million dollar milestone eight years later and the value of, and market for post futurity horses continued to strengthen.

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody said that the NRBC has always stayed true to its original formula. “It’s simple really. Foal and stallion enrollment money create the bulk of the purse. 100 percent of the foal money four years previous goes into the purse along with 90 percent of the current stallion enrollment money. That’s been the basis of the program and its growth for nearly three decades, although at times the board has added additional money to incentivize different divisions.”

With the conclusion of the 2024 event, the total payout for the past 27 years now exceeds $29.5 million! NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay noted, “What we created back in 1997 with the NRBC is still so relevant today. The NRBC has had an incredible impact on our industry, and each year it continues to affect so many.”

Besides the remarkable payout, the 2024 show featured multiple changes and additions. An extended schedule that saw the show grow from 8 days to 12 days was the most obvious modification. The relaxed schedule and addition of the Central Park Hall Arena guaranteed that there was plenty of time for riders to school their horses and still have time for dinner with friends followed by a good night’s sleep.

The schedule gave plenty of time to enjoy innovative new classes – like the $20,000 added Claiming Class. The new  Rios Family of Brands Green Reiner Shootout, the Blo Gun/Spooks Grand Slam Masters Shootout and the Fappani Performance Horses/Spooks N Jewels Legends  Shootout classes joined the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout. There were fun additional activities like the Nutrena Cornhole Tournament and the kid’s bouncing pony race and lead-line. The church service held on the first Sunday featured Jason Vanlandingham and had nearly 80 attendees.

 According to the NRBC Board and Management, the 2024 schedule will be tweaked going forward. Cody added, “We’ve taken notes of all comments and suggestions and the Board will carefully choose what to modify for 2025.”

$25K Open Champion

Gunna Be First, a 2018 stallion, lived up to his name, when he claimed the championship of the $25K Open while piloted by Andrea Fappani at the NRBC. 

In the Non Pro Classic, Gunna Be First and Jesse Boyd, the stallion’s owner, claimed the championship in the Level 2. 

This kind of set-up is unusual for Fappani, who usually insists on being the only one riding the horses that he shows. 

“He’s not one of my typical ones. I usually don’t share my horses, I am a little bit particular about that,” explained Fappani. “Jesse, the owner, has been doing a lot of the work himself, and I just jumped in at times and helped and rode him, and we pretty soon figured out that he was a little more than just a non pro horse.” 

The stallion, bred by William Newman Jr, is by ARC Gunnabeabigstar and out of ARC Wallas First. 

“We had a really great run tonight,” said Fappani. “He’s a horse that’s got a lot of eye appeal. I really thought that this run would fit him because in a big arena, he has got a lot of presence.” 

Fappani thanked the owners for letting him show the horse, and his team for supporting him as they reach the close of ‘two good, and long, weeks.’ 

Trevor Dare & Spat Toy Boy Gun

Trevor Dare came to the NRBC meaning business– repeatedly laying down high scores in the pen and setting the standard on the leaderboard. 

With a score of 223.5, Dare and Spat Toy Boy Gun claimed the championship of the Level 4 Open Classic Challenge. 

“He has got so much style,” said Dare. “It’s really natural for him. Whether he is being good or bad, if you’re standing at the back gate watching him, he always looks awesome.”

Spat Toy Boy Gun, affectionately called ‘Gino,’ is owned by Dana Wetherell. 

Of the stallion, she said, “He’s a once in a lifetime horse, and I don’t know what I did to deserve him.”

Gino, by Spat Split And White out of Snowy River Gunner, was bred by Chiara Pelosi. 

“I got in his way everywhere I could yesterday and got a 204,” said Wetherell. “For me to have shown him like that and him to turn around and do this, it’s a testament to his mind. He wasn’t what I was looking for, but God knew what I needed more than I did.” 

Dare thanked Dana and Wes Wetherell for letting him ride the stallion, his team for keeping things running smoothly, and his wife, Laura, for supporting and managing his business. 

The team at Markel has always been there for the reining industry, whether insuring a horse, commiserating with clients, celebrating successes, or supporting the sport at all levels.
The renowned insurance company has long sponsored the National Reining Breeders Classic and has hosted the Non Pro Finals Draw Party to celebrate those riders for the past 13 years.
On Thursday, April 24, during the Open Finals Draw Party, it was announced that Markel is not only continuing to support the NRBC through sponsorship of the Non Pro Draw Party, it is also going to become the naming sponsor of the Open Draw Party.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Frank Costantini and Markel for many years. As Markel’s Senior Director of Western Disciplines, Frank’s passion for reining led him to bring Markel on board as the sponsor of the Non Pro draw party in 2011,” said Cheryl Cody, NRBC Secretary/Treasurer. “Through the years, along with celebrating the finalists, this party became a platform for recognizing all levels of contribution to the industry by Non Pros. We had conversations this week, though, and we talked at length about equal recognition being due to the Open riders and owners. I’m thrilled that, beginning in 2025, Markel will be the naming sponsor of both NRBC Draw Parties.”
Costantini, a staple in the reining industry, explained why Markel decided to invest in the sport this way, stating, “Markel has been supporting the Non Pro Draw Party for a long time now, and with the availability of the open draw party, I thought it was a natural next step for Markel. Throughout my tenure with NRHA, I’ve been supporting open riders, because they set the standards for everyone else to strive for, because in my opinion, without the open riders, there is no Non Pro.”
The Markel Insurance Open Draw Party featured a Calcutta auction, where the 30 Level 4 Open Finalists were divided into teams of three. Party attendees bid based on their best guess of which team would score the highest collectively in the finals.
The Calcutta raised a total of $13,500 in bids, with $3,375 going to benefit Rein In Cancer. The remaining $10,125 will be distributed through four places, so if you bought a team in the Calcutta, keep an eye on the scores coming out of the Open Finals because you could win some money!
After the Calcutta, riders selected commemorative challenge coins from the table, on the back side of which their draw number was revealed.
There was also a memorial to commemorate members of the reining community who recently passed away, including Alan Kirshner and Bill Flarida. Fond memories of these loved ones were shared by those who knew them, and they were recognized for all their contributions to the sport of reining.

In addition to tying for the high score in the Level 4 Open Preliminaries, Fernando Salgado and Spook Lil Whiz won the APHA Chrome Cash Incentive for horses registered with the APHA.
Bred and owned by Renata Lemann, Spook Lil Whiz is a five-year-old son of Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lil Dreamer. Salgado and Spook Lil Whiz scored a 226 in the third second of the preliminaries to tie with Jason Vanlandingham and Best Shine for the top score.
This horse is particularly special to Salgado because the stallion was raised by his late brother, Eduardo. The Chrome Cash Incentive allowed him to add more money to Spook Lil Whiz’s lifetime earnings, which contributed to a very profitable Open Preliminaries for Salgado.
“Between all of my horses I showed in the go-round here, I won $36,000, so that’s a lot more than other shows,” he said. “You can tell it’s a show made by horse people. So adding the APHA incentive to that, it’s a plus.”

Shawn Flarida claimed the NRBC Classic Open Novice Horse Championship during the preliminary round with a score of 223.5.
Flarida piloted CS Voodoo Doll, a 2019 mare bred by XCS Ranch. This win in the Open Novice Horse awarded $11,000, more than double the mare’s previous lifetime earnings.
“She’s a little black mare, and she’s really cool,” said Flarida. “I just love her. She’s so good-minded and tries her little heart out.”
Chantal Kuhn owns the mare, who’s by Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Blazinginmywranglers.
“She just sticks her little head out, and she puts her little ears forward,” said Flarida, referencing how the mare circles. “And she loves to run and stop. I just point her down there and say the word woah, and she does the rest.”
Flarida thanked Kuhn for the opportunity to show the mare, and his family for supporting him.