Markel Insurance threw one heck of a celebration with the Non Pro Draw Party at the 25th National Reining Breeders Classic.
“The non pros play a huge role in the industry,” said Frank Costantini, director of Western disciplines at Markel Insurance and past NRHA President. “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 are excited to celebrate their accomplishments here at the NRBC.”
There’s extra excitement building around the Non Pro Finals this year with seven contestants qualified to the Finals in all four levels. The last—and only—person in NRBC history to sweep all four levels of the Non Pro Classic was Shaunda Ruckman (now Blinzler) and her black stallion Rufanicki (Lil Ruf Peppy x Chexanicki), accomplishing the incredible feat in 2011.
“For Markel and for me, that’s important for those people to find their way as Level 1 participants to step up to the Level 4,” Costantini said. “It’s important to recognize that as an industry, and especially as a company like Markel, because it’s nice for us to have consistent clients. The repeat clients allow us to be successful in the business and continue to sponsor a lot of these events and support these competitors.”
NRHA $1 Million Owner Bob Santagata of Santa Hill Ranch in New York was also honored with the Markel NRBC Commitment Award for his contributions to the reining industry.
“Bob was a Non Pro back in the day too, and he’s been supporting reining events all around the world. He wants the industry to grow,” Costantini said. “He’s had a show at his place for the Non Pros in his area for probably the last 10 years, and he has sponsored shows in Europe and South America. You can always call Bob Santagata.”