It was a long way from the walk-trot class she first entered at the 2020 NRBC when Lily Forzani rode into the Limited Non Pro class in 2023. Riding two horses—Annies Custom Pistol (Gunner x Anniegityergun) and Double Loaded Gun (Gunner x KR Anniegityergun)—the 11-year-old competed against exhibitors who have been showing as long as she’s been alive. But that doesn’t deter the youth.
“One day, I started riding around in the pasture and fell in love with it, and I decided to take lessons,” she said of her start at 8 years old. Lily rode with different trainers until she found her niche. “I would help my dad feed, and I fell in love with the horses first. I love going [to shows] and having fun.”
For her first show, Lily aimed at the NRBC, which was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2020 due to COVID. She remembers being nervous before going into the pen.
“My mom wasn’t sure she could get me in the pen! My mare did not want to trot and loped half the pattern, but coming back and showing in the Rookie is more fun. I’m trying to make the Rookie Shootout Finals,” she said.
Lily’s mother, Deborah Forzani, also got into horses around her age, riding everything from jumpers to barrel racing horses. Now, the family stands nine stallions at Forzani Performance Horses in Aubrey, Texas, including Dun It In Platinum, Double Loaded Gun, Gotta Lotta Bud and Greyt Whiz.
After falling in love with reining, Lily has gone all-in with her family’s love of reining. She serves as an NRHA Youth Liaison.
“It is so cool to be back in Tulsa and think that my first walk-trot was four years ago. It is amazing,” she said. “I want to be a Non Pro in the Level 4 and go to the Finals in Non Pro events.”
After a five-year hiatus from the world of reining, Javier Melo has exploded back onto the scene. His reining hobby took a backseat while beginning college in New York and starting a career, but now the Miami-based rider is once again in the saddle.
Two months ago, Melo visited his “second parents,” Mark and Shannon Rafacz, and he jokingly told them to save him one of the “good ones.” Not thinking anything else of the comment, his parents ended up surprising him with the palomino 5-year-old stallion, A Spook Is Shining (Smart Spook X Ebony Shines X Shining Spark).
“My dad is all about the pretty horses, I sent him a picture of him, and a few days later he calls me into his office with my mom, and she told me I had a horseshow in two weeks,” Melo said. “That was the Florida Classic.”
The new team marked a 215.5 at their debut.
“That was my first time in the pen, and it was my seventh ride on a horse in five years,” Melo said, laughing. “He is about as kind as they come, and is like a big gelding. He doesn’t know he is a stud.”
With four weekends to prepare for the National Reining Breeders Classic after the Florida Classic and one schooling show in Tampa, Florida, the plan was to figure out the best way for Melo to show how great the horse can be in the pen.
“A lot of it was getting him ready but also it was getting me ready and having some time since I didn’t know what to expect,” Melo said. “More than anything, I needed to learn my horse.”
The team is getting along well since in the preliminary round here at the NRBC, where they received a score of 218.5. Melo knew he wanted to show here as the NRBC is his favorite event of the year. Since the transition to Tulsa, it is still Melo’s favorite event, and he says the facility is better suited for a horseshow that has the number of entries the NRBC has.
Melo knew he would get back into reining one day, he just wasn’t sure exactly when.
“Like everything in life, it is all about timing,” Melo said.
The next shows for the team include TNRHA Spinning in the Rein, and then onto the National Reining Horse Association Derby in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Davidson family may be new to reining, but their success reads like more of a seasoned exhibitor’s resume. In part, it is due to their shared passion about the sport and enjoyment of showing as a family under trainer Troy Koehl’s experienced eye.
David Davidson, his wife, Casey, and children Deanna, 11, and Will, 8, started showing in the Stock Horse of Texas association competing in all four versatility classes – ranch reining, working cow horse, stock horse pleasure and ranch trail – but quickly, reining became everyone’s favorite event.
“We purchased reining horses that were aged out of Derby events and started putting them on cattle with Troy, and it was a magic combination,” said Casey. “We would look at reining horses with cow bloodlines, and every one we brought home has taken to working a cow fantastically. The most surprising one is ‘Dreamin,’ by Hollywood Tinseltown and out of a Magnum [Chic Dream] mare, and he has the most heart on a cow!”
Dreamin, registered as DreaminInTinseltown, is Will’s show horse that he shares with his trainer. The young man and the tall palomino have become a regular figure in the warm-up pen, partially due to the gelding’s flowing yellow mane.
“Will is about to turn 9 and Dreamin is 9, so they’ll be 9 together,” Casey said.
The family purchased Koehl a Derby-aged reiner, and with the 4-year-old in two, the family hit the road traveling from Nacogdoches, Texas, to their first major National Reining Horse Association event, the Cactus Reining Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona. There, the Davidson’s saw the kind of success many exhibitors hope to achieve after years of practice: David qualified for the Rookie The Run For A Million on Lil Sugar Man, Casey rode to a top 10 finish in the Green reiner aboard Claim Your Cash, and Deanna earned first place in the Rookie Youth riding Shine Man Shine while Will was top five both shows in the Short Stirrup.
It was a huge confidence boost for David to show in a much larger arena with more spectators. Plus, qualifying for such a big event was almost a pie-in-the-sky goal.
“Going into the next one, you’re a little more used to the atmosphere,” David said. “It was the first time I was judged by five judges, and you have to please more than one person. It gives you more confidence going into this next one.”
The family’s initial interest in SHTX was due to the family atmosphere and while it is a businesslike atmosphere at reinings, they’ve found the same welcome at NRHA events. Especially Will, who hasn’t met a stranger yet and has his own growing fan club at the NRBC.
“He is not afraid to walk up to anyone,” David laughed. “Casey Hinton is right behind us, and he’s always encouraging him. People like that who are looking out for your kids make you feel like it’s a place where you don’t worry about your kids here.”
“Casey Deary asked me if I was Will’s mom in the warm-up pen today! He said we should be proud of him,” Casey continued. “[These trainers] have complimented and boosted up Will and it has been a great experience.”
For Koehl, returning to the reining industry after a five-year hiatus has been fun. The Montgomery, Texas-based trainer began his career in reining, then moved to focus on cow horse for the past five years. It’s a juggling act to attend all the events.
“They have two cow horses, and I’ll leave one cow horse show to fly to The Run For A Million to be with David,” Koehl said. “When [they] decided to go to reinings, it was fun to jump back in and see the friends I hadn’t seen in five years.”
In Tulsa, the entire Davidson family is competing. David is in the Non Pro Classic, Casey in the Green and Rookie classes where she’s competing against Will in the Green and he is showing in the Short Stirrup, and Deanna is in the Youth. It’s truly a family affair!
The largest National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro competition ever wrapped up the first section of the preliminary round on Sunday, April 16. The field of 258 will compete across three sections, with the top scorers in the preliminary round advancing to the Finals on Friday, April 21.
Riders advancing to the Finals will learn their draw position during the Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party on Wednesday evening.
There is currently a tie for the Level 4 Lead between Rita Clausen and Xtra Kiss Me Again, and William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom. Each marked a 220, which all but secures a spot in Friday’s Finals.
Current Level Leaders:
L4, L3, & L2 – 220 – Rita Clausen & Xtra Kiss Me Again (Boom Shernic x SS Kiss Me Kate). 2017 gelding owned by Clay Clausen and bred by Silver Spurs Equine.
L4 – 220 – William Clutter & Smokinintheboyzroom (Magnum Chic Dream x Green Smokin Jacket). 2019 mare owned by Jay Clutter and bred by Dennis Carlton.
L1 – 217.5 – Alana Becker & GT Chex (Gunners Tinseltown x USS Nu Chex). 2017 gelding owned by Becker Stables and bred by Franco Olivero.
Prime Time – 220 (adjusted) – Dawn Butler & TR Mic Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Hung Up On The Girl). 2016 gelding owned by Dawn Butler and bred by Tamarack Ranch
There are two titles which will be decided in the Non Pro Preliminary round; the Novice Horse Non Pro and the Non Pro Chrome Cash.
Currently leading the new Novice Horse Non Pro, which will award an impressive $8,086 to the winner, is Steven Borgia and Whatta Special Nite with a 218. Whatta Special Nite, by Gunners Special Nite out of Whatta Royal Vintage, is a 2018 gelding bred by Tom McCutcheon.
The current leader of the American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash Non Pro is Mary Riley Cachat and A Smalltown Trick with a 219. A Smalltown Trick is by Tricked Out Spook out of A Smalltown Gal. The 2017 gelding was bred by Mark Blackwell.
Complete results, draws, schedules, and a link to the live webcast can be found at NRBC.com. Follow the NRBC on social media on Facebook @NationalReiningBreedersClassic and on Instagram @NRBC2023.
The American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash is returning to the National Reining Breeders Classic set for April 16-23 at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The program will feature $5,000 in added money just for Paints.
“We are pleased to welcome the APHA back to the NRBC,” said NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody. “The NRBC Board and staff are always glad to be able to provide our exhibitors with more incentives!”
The Chrome Cash program creates a class within a class exclusively for APHA-registered horses. Exhibitors showing in the NRBC Open or Non Pro event for 4-7-year-olds riding APHA registered horses are eligible to enter. Owners and riders must be APHA members.
APHA Senior Manager of Chrome Cash Sunny Bates said, “The leadership of APHA is excited to expand Chrome Cash to more reining shows in 2023, with the first one of the year being NRBC. At such a premier event, there are sure to be plenty of talented APHA horses competing and we’re honored to offer them this extra recognition.”
Chrome Cash can be added to Classic entries until noon two days before the start of the first go in the Non Pro and in the Open. To enter Chrome Cash, go to nrbc.com/show-forms/, find the Chrome Cash entry form and fill it out and return it. You can also enter in the show office at the NRBC.
There are two ways to qualify for APHA registration:
1. If an AQHA horse has at least one APHA registered parent (sire or dam), then it is eligible for APHA registration (regardless of markings).
2. If an AQHA horse has no APHA parents but has a minimum of 2 inches of solid white hair or pink skin above the hock or knee and behind the eye, then it may be eligible for APHA registration.
Here are a few APHA-registered sires –
Alwaysshineyergunsup
Gunners Indian
Pale Face Dunnit
Americasnexttopgun
Gunners Special Nite
Shift N Gears
ARC Gunnamarkya
Gunners Tinseltown
Smart And Shiney
Big Chex To Cash
Gunners Trashman
Smoking Whiz
Blo Gun
Gunnin For Chicks
Snipers Smoking Gun
Chics Loaded Gun
Gunnys Big Hombre
Spooks Gotta Gun
Colonels Lil Gun
Guns R For Shootin
Spooks Gotta Whiz
Colonels Lone Gun
Hesa Loaded Gun
Steady Smoking Guns
Colonels Shining Gun
HF Mobster
Super Marioo
Colonels Smoken Chex
Hollywood Cool Gun T
he Rey Gun
Colonels Smoking Gun
Ifwhizswereguns
Tinker With Guns
Colonelsmokingpep
Im Gunna Shine
Trashadeous
Dun It Gotta Gun
Inferno Sixty Six
Tres Seis
Epic Titan
My Royal Gun
Tricked Out Spook
Gunnatrashya
No Smoking Required
Volturi
Gunner On Ice
One Gun
Wimpys Snow Gun
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Since its inception, the NRBC has paid out over $26 Million. For information on the NRBC program and show, visit the website at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.
The National Reining Breeders Classic has been partnering with Shapley’s Equine Products to produce the Shapley’s Best Turned Out awards for the past fvie years. This year’s winner will receive a silver engraved plate paired with a bucket of Shapley’s Superior Equine Grooming products. Both will be presented to the groom of the best turned out horse.
To enter, click here or go to nrbc.com, then click on “Show information” and then scroll down to the form.
You only to fill out the simple free entry form and return it to the show office before the start of the Non Pro Finals on Friday, April 23. A panel of judges including staff at all arenas will have the job of choosing the champion and subsequent placings. Winners will be recognized on Friday, April 21 at the conclusion of the Non Pro Classic finals.
For over 75 years, generations of horsemen around the world have placed their trust in Shapley’s Superior Equine Grooming Products. They offer an extensive line of products, all starting with their initial product – Original M-T-G. For information visit www.shapleys.com
There will be an exciting new addition to the awards lineup at the 2023 National Reining Breeders Classic, because the NRBC and Clark’s Pump-N-Shop will recognize the leading sires of the event with the NRBC Top 10 Leading Sire Awards.
Along with continuing to award the traditional blue crystal vases to the sires of the champions in all divisions, the foal earnings for each sire will be tracked, and the Top 10 list of sires for the Classic will be tabulated daily. It will be announced each day at all three arenas, published in that day’s Slide Street Journal and on social media, and shown on both the jumbotron and the live internet video feed. At the end of the show, the final Top 10 Sires will be recognized, and the representatives of the stallions will be presented with commemorative crystal trophies.
“We have a lot of great stallions and great owners in our industry, so it’s great to recognize them,” noted Rick Clark, co-owner of Clark’s Pump-N-Shop. “When Cheryl (Cody) approached me with the idea of sponsoring awards, I thought it was a unique way to do so. In our business, awards like these crystal trophies are ones that will be displayed in the barn or kept in the recipients possession forever. We all treasure that recognition.
“The NRBC is such a long-standing show; Cheryl and her team at Pro M do a top-notch job of running it, and it has a great group of people on the Board of Directors and the show staff. I supported it with my stallion when I had him, and I felt it was time to be a part of it again.”
Cheryl Cody, NRBC Secretary and Treasurer, noted “The board members and management team of the NRBC were excited to debut this new stallion recognition program. The sires are so essential to our industry and to the NRBC and it is important to highlight their accomplishments. Having Rick catch this vision and join as the naming sponsor was a verification of the importance of creating a new way to honor these stallions and their owners. His visibility and prominence in the industry make him a perfect partner!”
Clark is well-known to those in the reining horse industry. He recently finished his second term as President of the National Reining Horse Association and has been active in the reining industry for nearly three decades. He has been involved in all aspects of reining, as an owner, breeder, competitor, Board and Committee member for NRHA and the Reining Horse Foundation. He’s also served on the NRHA Sale Committee and as a leader in the Futurity Challenge.
Clark has long sponsored individual events across the country, so stepping up as the sponsor of the NRBC Top 10 Sire Awards was a natural fit for his patronage.
“I’ve always given back to the reining industry, because I believe that when something is good to you, you should be good to it. I showed for many years, until I got hurt, but I call myself a reining lifer,” he said. “We’ve seen plenty of people who come and go over the years, and then they’re out, but I have so many great friends in reining that I look forward to seeing at every event.”
Clark’s Pump-N-Shop, which operates nearly 70 stores in Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Florida, was established in 1976 by John W. Clark. The convenience store chain is now co-owned by John’s sons, Rick Clark and Brent Clark.
For more information about Clark’s Pump – N – Shop, visit myclarkspns.com.
Twin Cities South Trailers has been supporter of the National Reining Breeders Classic since its inception. For the past 25 years, Twin Cities has awarded the winner of the Open and the Non Pro Classic one-year’s use of a trailer, and this year’s show will continue the long-established tradition.
NRBC Co-Founder Tim McQuay and Twin Cities owner, Gary Raak, are longtime friends. When planning the inaugural NRBC McQuay reached out to Raak to ask for his help, and of course he said yes.
Twin Cities has been in business for 4 decades, serving customers throughout the United States, and Canada. Gary and his wife Tammy take pride in the quality of service they provide, and their goal is to be a one-stop shop for all trailer needs.
Twin Cities is a company that provides the following:
Horse, livestock, flatbed, skid-loaders, motorcycle, car haulers, utility, and custom-built trailers
Aluminum trailers to serve every need
A huge inventory of both new and used trailers for easy one-stop shopping
Aggressive trade-in policy
Knowledgeable sales and support staff
Full shop facility for customization and warranty work
Easy financing with approval while customers wait
Trailers delivered anywhere in the 48 states
Twin Cities South Trailers is located just south of Pilot Point, Texas and keeps more than 200 new and used trailers in stock.. They are a full-service operation providing servicing, and financing, new and used trailers. For more information, visit their website at TwinCitiesSouthTrailers.com, or call (855) 585-6548.
The 26th annual NRBC will be held at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 16-23. For more information about the event visit NRBC.com or call (580) 759-3939.
