NRHA - March 2021

The Official Publication of the National Reining Horse Association / March 2021

2020 NRHA Open World Champions Jacs Electric Girl & Arnaud Girinon Power to Victory

MARCH 2021

2021 NRHA Board of Directors The Official Publication of the NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION 3021 W. Reno Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (405) 946-7400 nrha.com

March 2021 • Vol. 42, Issue 3

CORPORATE RELATIONS • MARKETING & OUTREACH • REINING HORSE FOUNDATION Sammi Miller Senior Director of Corporate Relations & Communications

ext. 208

Haley Carmen Director of Digital Marketing & Communications

ext. 102

Leslie Baker RHF Executive Director

ext. 106

Sara Honegger Manager of Youth & Professional Programs

ext. 204

Lindsay Humphrey Manager of Public Relations & Communications

ext. 136

COMPETITION & EDUCATION • EVENTS • MEMBER & SHOW SERVICES Christa Morris-Stone Assistant Commisioner

ext. 105

Samantha Oldfield Director of Competition & Education

ext. 110

Kristen Liesman Senior Manager of Competition & Education

ext. 113

Ashley Frizzell Administrative Coordinator

ext. 100

Cheyenne Lindsey Member & Show Services Representative

ext. 118

Emily Rush Member & Show Services Representative

ext. 133

Sierra Canfield Member & Show Services Representative

ext. 115

EXECUTIVE Gary Carpenter Commissioner

ext. 108

ACCOUNTING John Foy Chief Financial Officer

ext. 109

Chris Mossman Senior Director of Accounting

ext. 104

Debbie Shupe Senior Accounting Supervisor

ext. 107

Executive Committee Rick Clark President (606) 232-7423 rick.clark@clarkspns.com

Mark Blake Vice President (612) 386-7465 mab1944@msn.com

Paulus Beurskens Director-At-Large 31-621880067 paulus.beurskens@gmail.com

Shane Brown Director-At-Large (719) 661-9209 shanebrownperformancehorses@gmail.com

Rosanne Sternberg Director-At-Large (940) 206-0770 usreiner@aol.com

John Tague Director-At-Large (847) 736-7514 jptague@yahoo.com

Board of Directors Ann Salmon-Anderman South Central (940) 300-5022 annsalmonrh@gmail.com

Drake Johnson Mountain (970) 597-0117 drakejjohnson@gmail.com

Rob Lawson Oceania (044) 898-4621 quickspin@bigpond.com

Ginger Schmersal Southwest (580) 222-9561 ginger@schmersalranch.com

Brett Walters East Central (574) 498-6722 bwreining@yahoo.com

João Marcos South America (407) 953-5353 joaomarcos@ arrudapires.com.br

Karen Shedlauskas Southeast (330) 565-0762 ksheds63@gmail.com

Tim Anderson RHF President (605) 880-5336 timanders59@gmail.com

Larry Handley North Central (515) 984-6414 ljh@handleylawfirm.net

Paulus Beurskens Europe 31-621880067 paulus.beurskens@gmail.com

Ed Bricker Northeast (724) 822-7102 hootbricker@hotmail.com

Rosanne Sternberg Europe (940) 206-0770 usreiner@aol.com

Dallas Schwerdt Western Canada (780) 596-2295 swartzyhorses@outlook.com Carol Ivey Eastern Canada (705) 345-5220 carolivey1@gmail.com Ruben Pacheco Mexico 52-17351608115 lic.rubenpacheco@gmail.com

Jeanine Kern Northwest (206) 276-6009 jeaninereins@gmail.com

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Dan Dobbs Senior Director of Information & Technology

ext. 205

Angie Honeywell Senior Manager of ReinerSuite & Futurity Sales

ext. 123

NRHA REINER PUBLISHED BY MORRIS EQUINE GROUP, A DIVISION OF MORRIS MEDIA NETWORK Kelsey Pecsek Hruska Editor

(817) 569-7170

Holly Tarquinio Art Director Shawn McCoy Account Executive

(817) 929-8597

Diana Buettner Sales Customer Service Manager

(817) 569-7114

John Lunn Morris Enthusiast Group Vice President

(817) 569-7116

Sherry Brown Director of Manufacturing & Production

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The NRHA REINER is published by the National Reining Horse Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the sport of reining. The NRHA REINER is the copyrighted property of the National Reining Horse Association. No information may be reproduced or used without the express written permission of the National Reining Horse Association. We welcome manuscripts pertaining to the reining horse, relevant to the performance horse industry and of interest to reiners. Manuscripts and pictures sent to the above address will be handled with care. Please enclose a SASE. The NRHA REINER is not responsible for incorrect information that may appear in any vendor advertisement.

Persons or entities suspended for any reason are denied advertising privileges in the NRHA REINER magazine until suspension is lifted.

The NRHA REINER (ISSN0199-6762) is published monthly by the National Reining Horse Association, 3021 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6125. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107 and at additional mailing offices.

Canada Post International Publications Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 40028657 POSTMASTER: Send change of address to NRHA REINER, 3021 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6125.

Please mail all advertising copy to NRHA REINER, 3021 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6125.

MARCH 2021

Table of Contents

MARCH SPOTLIGHT

44 2020 NRHA Open World Champions 40

48

44

52

Open

Novice Horse Open Level 1 WALTENBERRY

Intermediate Open, Limited Open & Rookie Professional

Novice Horse Open Levels 3 & 2

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MARCH 2021

ON THE COVER NRHA Open World Champions Jacs Electric Girl & Arnaud Girinon Photo by Andrea Bonaga Communications

FEATURES 32

Getting to Know Rick

NRHA President Rick Clark has decades of experience and one presidency under his belt, so he’s more than prepared to lead the association during his second term.

By Kelsey Pecsek Hruska

58

Feeding For Immunity

Your reiner is a hardworking athlete.

These simple feeding strategies can help support the immune system so it can fight back against hidden health threats.

By Barb Crabbe, DVM

90

102

It’s no secret reining is dominated by Quarter Horses and a kaleidoscope of splashy Paints, but with each passing year, a different pattern of spots is becoming more prevalent.

Cashing In

By Lindsay Humphrey

By Larri Jo Starkey

Reiners of a Different Color

98 FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR

What is A. General?

MILLIONDOLLAR MILESTONES

2011 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Champion Lil Joe Cash’s offspring have cashed in to the tune of more than $1 million with NRHA.

108 FIT REINER

You’ve heard it mentioned many times, but why is the A. General section of the NRHA Handbook so important?

Nutrition on the Go

By Megan Arszman

By Kelly Altschwager, with Alexis Bennett

Fuel your performance, no matter where you stop to eat.

68

2020 NRHA Top 20

Take a look at NRHA’s Top 20 professionals, non pros and owners from last year.

By Kelsey Pecsek Hruska

72 MILLIONDOLLAR MILESTONES

Family Style

Generations of quality horses have helped elevate Hilldale Farm to become an NRHA Million Dollar Owner.

By Larri Jo Starkey

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 120 From the Commissioner A Magic Number!

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When put in place, these insurance policies from NRHA Million Dollar Rider Brian Bell help you make sure your horse stops — every time.

Thanks to the Givers

By Abigail Boatwright

Now is the time to join the Varsity Reining Club!

Securing the Stop

86 MILLIONDOLLAR MILESTONES

Style, Substance & Shine

Shine Chic Shine’s ability to upgrade his offspring has ushered him in as an NRHA Million Dollar Sire.

Reining Horse Foundation

20

NRHyA

28

Member News

Affiliate Listings

123

NRHA Event Calendar

126

Advertiser’s Index

127

Stallion Index

128

In Our Tracks

By Kelsey Pecsek Hruska

NRHA.COM |

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PAUL EAVES

2X WORLD CHAMPION

CINCHJEANS.COM

PHOTO: EARS UP

MARCH 2021

From the Commissioner

A Magic Number!

Y

ou look like a million bucks!

You’re one in a million!

When I grow up, I want to be a millionaire!

“Million” has found a way to embed itself into our culture, maybe more than any other number. The four-minute mile? The 100-yard (or meter) dash? The 94foot length of a basketball court?

Not even close! So, when NRHA celebrates a number, million has meaning. And, it comes up a lot.

For example, it was recently announced that Gunner hit $12 million. Yes, that’s $12 million in progeny earnings — an impressive feat by any standard. The last few months have been peppered with numerous new million-dollar milestones. Joining NRHA's elite club are riders Matt Mills and Martin Muehlstaetter, sires Lil Joe Cash and Shine Chic Shine, owners Hilldale Farm and Tish Fappani, and dams Princess In Diamonds and Wimpys Little Chic.

We can also look back fondly to The Run For A Million, which boasted a more than $1 million purse in 2019. That figure generated huge interest and, as you may recall, its fair share of controversy. If it had been any number besides $1 million, it might not have raised as many eyebrows.

Of course, the “cool million” was part of the marketing genius of that event, and the boost it gave our sport is still reverberating.

When NRHA Hall of Famer Bill Horn became the first reiner to surpass more than $1 million in earnings in 1995, the Open Futurity paid $100,000 to Todd 10

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Bergen (now a Two Million Dollar Rider), who won it that year aboard Todaysmyluckyday. The NRHA Futurity first-place check reached $100,000 in 1983, when Lucky Bay Glo carried Craig Johnson (now a Million Dollar Rider) to the win.

That’s a stark contrast to the $250,000 Level 4 Open paycheck NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani and All Bettss Are Off claimed for Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA in 2020. At that one event, they won a quarter-million dollars.

As you read about in your last issue of the NRHA Reiner in February, our industry now boasts five mares who have produced offspring with more than $1 million in cumulative earnings. These include Ebony Shines, Dun It For Chex, Snip O Gun, Princess In Diamonds and Wimpys Little Chic.

I’m sure any of us would be proud to tuck these gals in at night.

To continue in the million-dollar vein, I doubt any of you need to be told that Cade McCutcheon is both the youngest NRHA Million Dollar Rider and the youngest NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity winner. I wonder what the over/under bet would be on when Cade reaches $2 million in earnings?

The total of purses awarded worldwide at NRHA events in 2020 was some $7 million less than it was in 2019. This statistic is a clear and tangible result of the pandemic’s impact on our sport.

Through purses, we can document growth in our industry; however, the number is data, and only data. Data is just a small piece

of the puzzle because it does not give you the whole picture.

We can still celebrate the riders, owners, sires and dams who have reached sought-after milestones.

Their accomplishments are, in part, data, and also demonstrate reining’s resilience, even during these unprecedented times.

Those of you who were at the first NRHA Futurity can recall how astonishing the thought of a $10,000 purse was at the time. How truly rewarding it is to look back and see how far we’ve come.

What each of you understands in heartfelt depth is the hard work, dedication and determination it takes to get there. Let’s cheer for all of our reiners — for all of those who have gotten there, and all of you still striving. You are what makes our sport better and our aspirations loftier.

Gary Carpenter

NRHA Commissioner We want to hear from you! Please send your feedback on this issue to reiner@nrha.com.

GUNNER X ICING REQUIRED (SMART CHIC OLENA)

LTE: $497,000+ Owned By

THORSPORT FARM & SCHMERSAL RANCH Standing at Toyon Ranch 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION Ginger Schmersal at 580.222.9561 or John Tague at 847.736.7514 toyonstallions@gmail.com www.nosmokingrequired.com

MARCH 2021

Reining Horse Foundation

Thanks to the Givers

T

his is the second year NRHA Professionals have the choice to donate to the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) when they complete their membership renewal. In 2020, the first year for this option, the group raised $6,000 for the RHF Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund.

NRHA Professionals are an important part of RHF fundraising and have been for years. They have instructed at Reining Boot Camps, which are mini clinics for NRHA members and potential members that also help provide financial support for the Crisis Fund.

In 2019, the NRHA Professionals introduced dummy roping fundraisers, which launched an enormous amount of fun. Last year, dummy ropings were on hold because of social distancing requirements, but I would be remiss if I didn’t thank show manager Cheryl Cody for her great support helping our pros organize the Reiners Rope dummy roping at the 2019 NRHA Derby. Cheryl has been instrumental in other Foundation fundraising, as well.

The Buy-A-Pro Auction is an important annual fundraising event organized by NRHyA in cooperation with many NRHA Professionals.

Buy-A-Pro gives members an opportunity to bid on two private lessons with one of many trainers.

The lessons are fun learning opportunities that otherwise would be difficult to experience.

Money raised from the BuyA-Pro Auction goes to support NRHyA programs. And, beginning in 2020, a portion of the proceeds also benefit each professional’s designated affiliate. This program represents another generous

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donation of time from our NRHA Professionals, and the RHF and NRHyA express their appreciation.

We are also seeing increased giving from our international members, and we thank you! It’s a great time to remind our reining community that the Foundation’s programs are international.

Crisis Fund grants and RHF scholarships are made to international members. We honor NRHA Hall of Fame inductees from around the globe. The RHF also has international representation on our Board of Directors, including João Marcos from Brazil, a member of the RHF Executive Committee, and Andrea Stillo, originally from Italy.

It is my hope that by the time you read this, we are about to start a busy derby season. I wish all of you the best of luck. I kindly invite you to participate in our Show-Entry Donation program at events you attend. $10 at a time, the RHF received $19,820 through this program in 2020, and it has become a very important part of our fundraising. We appreciate every show that offers it and every person who participates.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TIM ANDERSON, PRESIDENT 605-880-5336 timanders59@gmail.com

LOREN BOOTH, VICE PRESIDENT 559-240-7601 mareland@aol.com

CHLOE LAWRENCE, SECRETARY/TREASURER

682-229-0876 chloe@lawrenceranch.com

JOÃO MARCOS, OFFICER

407-953-5353 joaomarcos@arrudapires.com.br

NANCY TAGUE, OFFICER

847-840-4325 toyonranch15@gmail.com

BEN BALOW

602-989-2098 skullvalleyranch@gmail.com

MARK BLAKE

612-386-7465 mab1944@msn.com

RICK CLARK

606-739-4661 rick.clark@clarkspns.com

MIKE DEER

970-963-6969 mdeer@nrha.com

PATRICK FLAHERTY

480-220-6025 flaherty.performance@gmail.com

JENNIFER GREENLEAF

540-454-5278 jennifersgreenleaf@msn.com

MIKE HANCOCK

252-443-0424 mhh@boddienoell.com

BRUCE KOEFOOT

308-380-8368 bkoefoot@hotmail.com

TERRI MAINEY

919-623-6054 gameangel65@aol.com

ANDREA STILLO

817-403-1630 andreastillo@hotmail.com

JAMIE WALTERS

Tim Anderson

617-823-2240 jamiewalt@aol.com

RHF President

BROOKE WHARTON

To donate, visit reiningfoundation.com, email rhf@nrha.com or contact RHF Director Leslie Baker at 405-946-7400, ext. 106. You can also donate by texting “RHF” to 405-300-5919.

BILLY WILLIAMS

940-357-1998 bmw@cedartopcapital.com 503-887-7171 billwilliams1330@gmail.com

MARCH 2021

NRHyA

Now is the time to join the Varsity Reining Club!

The Varsity Reining Club allows NRHyA members to earn points for activities they are already doing, then earn prizes and scholarships for their efforts.

D

on’t forget to sign up for the Varsity Reining Club at varsityreining.com so you can start earning points for activities you’re already doing!

You can turn accomplishments — such as earning good grades,

taking photos, writing and helping at a horse show — into prizes and/or scholarship money.

As a Varsity Reining Club (VRC) member, you can turn your efforts into cool attire, a belt buckle, a free stall at the

2021 NRHA Futurity and more!

Then, at the end of the year, points are calculated for each age division — 13 & Under and 14-18 — and scholarships are awarded to the leaders based on the point totals.

Congratulations to the 2020 VRC Scholarship winners!

VARSITY (14-18):

1st - $1000 2nd - $800 3rd - $600 4th - $400 5th - $200 6th - $200 7th - $200 8th - $100

Talia Bertrand-Meadows Madison Wigen Natalie Mauzerall Casey Abbo Taylor Banks Gracie Mae Stingle Reis Novaro Jayme Baker

1st - $500 2nd - $400 3rd - $300 4th - $200 5th - $100

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Reed Selner Kennedy Williams Cassie Hacking Brooke Banks Alessa Gall

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Casey Abbo used her photography skills to earn VRC points with this photo in 2020.

CASEY ABBO

JUNIOR VARSITY (13 & UNDER):

MARCH 2021

NRHyA

Signing up is easy!

LEFT: ARTWORK BY MADISON WIGEN; RIGHT: KYLIE BAKER

Any NRHyA member can visit varsityreining.com to register with their email and a password. Once your account is approved, you will get a confirmation email and you are ready to start submitting your activities!

All activities must be submitted within one month of their completion, and all points are due by Dec. 15. All prize requests should be made before Dec. 20. ❖

Madison Wigen submitted this drawing last year. She not only earned a scholarship for her VRC involvement, she also earned a belt buckle!

It isn’t too early to start submitting activities for points! Kylie Baker already kicked off her point-earning in 2021 with this beautiful photo.

NRHA.COM |

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MARCH 2021

News

New 2020 NRHA European Futurity Dates Announced

T

he NRHA European Executive Board made the difficult decision to move the already postponed 2020 NRHA European Futurity from March to April 17-24 in Cremona, Italy.

The event will run concurrently with the 2020 Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA)/Italian Reining Horse Breeders Association (IRHBA) Futurity and Italian Championship finals.

As COVID-19 spread across the globe in 2020, changes and accommodations were necessary.

As with every other industry, individuals involved with reining learned to evolve and adapt, evidenced by canceled and postponed shows. While many hoped the pandemic would slow in 2021, the risk of infection still exists, making travel to certain areas unsafe.

“The European Executive Board and NRHA staff feel this is the best decision to move forward at this time,” noted Sam Oldfield, NRHA director of competition and education, and European liaison. “Our management team for the event monitored the situation closely and was prepared with dates should the March dates not prove possible. With the pandemic continuing worldwide, we felt it would be difficult for our European riders to [safely] travel across borders for the Futurity.”

While Oldfield is optimistic about the upcoming Futurity in April, noting there will be extensive COVID-19 protocols in place at the event, she cautioned that the situation is still a fluid one.

“As the pandemic is still prevalent in many areas, these new dates could still change,” she said. “We will do our best to make decisions and notify our members as soon as possible should that be the case.”

The 2021 European Futurity is currently scheduled for Nov. 13-20 in Cremona during the 2021 IRHA/IRHBA Futurity and Italian Championship finals.

To get the latest news about the European Futurity, visit nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com. ❖

NRHA Professional Trevor Dare on In Our Tracks NRHA Professional Trevor Dare trick-rode his way into the spotlight at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and his horsemanship, training and showmanship continue to grow as he develops into a perennial contender at major NRHA events.

On this episode of In Our Tracks, Dare discusses the influence his family’s legacy has on his training philosophy, how his participation in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and other youth organizations formed his horsemanship, and the role his experiences as a successful wrestler play into keeping his competitive edge sharp.

Download this and other episodes of In Our Tracks wherever you listen to podcasts or at nrha.com/podcast. Be sure to leave a review! ❖

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Owned by: Schmersal Reining Horses & Silver spurs equine

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWEST

colonels smoking gun x lena dun it

TWO MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

Pale face dunnit

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MARCH 2021

News

NRBC Boosts Non Pro Classic Added Money

T

he National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Board of Directors voted on Feb. 8 to increase the show’s added money in the Non Pro Classic by $50,000. It’s a move sure to attract attention from aged-event reiners across the country.

According to NRBC President Tom McCutcheon, the NRBC Board and staff are excited to make the change.

“We have always been proud for the NRBC to be a leader in the reining industry and to stay ahead of trends,” the NRHA Million Dollar Rider said in a statement released by NRBC officials. “We were committed to increasing

of the industry we want to continue to support!

“The NRBC Level 4 Non Pro already has an incredible payout, and pays high in the go-round and in the finals,” he added. “This $50,000 will be added to Levels 3, 2, 1 and the Prime Time Non Pro to encourage participation and reward the exhibitors in those divisions.”

The extra $50,000 in added money will take effect this year at the Levels 3, 2 and 1 Non Pro riders, as well as those competing in the Prime Time Non Pro division, will get to run at an extra upcoming NRBC, set for $50,000 in the NRBC Non Pro Classic this year.

April 18-25 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. the added money for the Non Pro division, as we know this is an More information about the 2021 important and rapidly growing part NRBC can be found at nrbc.com. ❖

Event Deadline Extension Through May 31 Announced

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• The secretary’s membership must be current, not needing to be renewed.

• If an event wishes to order trophies, the completed order with a form of payment must be received no later than 45 days prior to the event. On request, NRHA can wait until approximately 30 days prior to the show to order trophies. In this case, NRHA recommends using a shipping address that is still accessible should the trophies arrive after the event, in case a spike in orders or other issues with shipping channels creates delays. NRHA cannot reimburse additional shipping

expenses for any order placed less than 45 days prior to the event. NRHA will continue to work with events that place an order, but have to cancel later.

Event Calendar Tips for ReinerSuite To search for approved, tentative and pending events in ReinerSuite, click on the “Events” tab on the left sidebar.

To see all events for the year, enter 01/01/2021 in the “Start Date” field and hit search. To search by more detailed criteria, use the fields provided to narrow down the search by date, country, Top 10 events, etc. ❖

WALTENBERRY

A

s COVID-19 remains a concern, NRHA is offering a deadline extension for all events starting now through May 31.

Under the new parameters, any size event received 30 days prior to the start of the event will be considered a Top 10 show.

The approval requirements, which apply to any event submitted thus far for 2021: • An approval request must be submitted with required information, including retainage, fees, patterns, judges and general conditions (ages, equipment, etc.) for aged events.

avanticom.com.br

THANKS ALL

BREEDERS! Looking forward to an excellent 2021 breeding season!

Standing at: CARDINAL RANCH - Aubrey (TX) USA - (940) 382-4400 Giorgia: (817) 403-8610 Sara: (903) 271-3852 Ashley: (928) 460-2241 giorgiacodeluppi@hotmail.it

Getting to Know Rick NRHA President Rick Clark has decades of experience and one presidency under his belt, so he’s more than prepared to lead the association during his second term.

Article by Kelsey Pecsek Hruska

Rick Clark is taking on his second NRHA presidency with enthusiasm and gusto.

D

riven by philanthropy and a love of reining horses, Rick Clark has entered his second term as NRHA president.

The Catlettsburg, Kentucky-based reiner joined NRHA some 26 years ago and has immersed himself in the association ever since.

Between his Clark Reining Horses LLC and individual membership, Clark’s NRHA record reflects lifetime rider earnings of $250,000-plus and more than $600,000 as an owner. While his health prevents him from competing anymore, he continues to invest in the industry as an owner, multiple-event sponsor and Futurity Challenge sponsor.

Clark served his first term as president of NRHA during the 2015-2016 term. The NRHA Reiner caught up with him to ask a few

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NRHA Reiner: How did you first become involved with reining, and what do you enjoy about the industry?

Rick Clark: It was in 1994, and I was a trail rider, believe it or not.

A couple of friends invited me to a reining with the Ohio Valley Reining Horse Association, and it looked fun.

So, I bought my first reiner, and I started practicing and showing in the Green Reiner and Rookie. I showed my first 3-year-old at the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City in 1997.

I’ve had a lot of good horses through the years, and they keep getting better. I like the competition. I’ve played sports all my life, and I like that it’s you and your horse, teaming together.

I also really love the people.

Reiners are just a big family. I’ve made so many great friends around the country, around the world. I look forward to seeing them when I show up at a horse show, and it’s a lot of fun.

I’ve watched a lot of friends’ kids grow up doing this, and turn into super individuals and successful business people, then they come back and show as non pros. It’s really fun.

I wish I was still showing myself.

I’d planned to get back to it after

my last presidency, but I had my left ankle give out on me. I had to have a full replacement, and then the first replacement failed on me.

So, I had to have it done again.

Then, last year, I had my right knee replaced.

I’m probably retired from showing because I could end up crippled. I’ll tell you, I loved to do that, but at least I can walk now.

I’m pretty much just an owner now, and I enjoy giving back to the association.

Reiner: Who is the best horse you’ve ever ridden or owned, and why were they so special?

Clark: I’ve ridden a lot of super nice horses, but the best one was Wimps Chocolate Chip, a Wimpys Little Step gelding. He stood about 15.2, big for a reiner, but he was the best-minded horse.

Shawn Flarida was my trainer at the time, so he showed that horse in the Open. Wimps Chocolate Chip could go to the Open level or he could come down to the Non Pro level. I won the [All American] Quarter Horse Congress Non Pro reining on him two years in a row in 2009 and 2010. I also won a couple derbies on him, and he was just a phenomenal-minded horse.

Wimps Chocolate Chip is now retired. He got navicular, but I’ll never sell him. He’s in my pasture, and he earned the right to retire.

Another great horse I’ve had as an owner was Shine N Spook.

NRHA ARCHIVES

questions about his background and his plans as he takes the reins of the association again.

JEFF KIRKBRIDE

I bought him as a 2-year-old from Rosanne Sternberg. Shawn Flarida rode him, and he was Co-Champion at the 2014 NRHA Futurity. I did show him one time, and I had a blast.

He was a phenomenal athlete, and it was quite the honor to have him do so well in the Futurity. He’s in Brazil now, but he just had great bloodlines. I probably should have kept him because I do think he would have sired some nice horses.

Reiner: Tell NRHA members a little about yourself outside of the reining industry.

Clark: I’m in business with my brother, Brent; we are 50/50 owners in a convenience store business.

Our chain’s called Clark’s Pump-NShop. We also just recently bought my father out because he wanted to retire, so now we have the petroleum side, too.

I’m involved quite a bit in all the communities that [our businesses] are in. I chair the board at our local community college, and I’m on the museum board there. I pretty much get involved in a lot of stuff.

I love college sports — basketball, football — and I’m a huge Kentucky Wildcat fan.

Something else I enjoy a lot is Thoroughbred horse racing. Me and my brother own a couple Thoroughbreds, and I love going to Keeneland. And, though I didn’t get to go last year because of COVID-19, I usually go to the Kentucky Derby every year.

Another thing I’ve got a big passion for is golf. I love to play and watch the Pro Tour, even though I’m not the best golfer in the world.

It’s a lot of fun to play with your friends.

I’m pretty active. I don’t have a lot of grass that grows under my feet.

Clark, who has accumulated more than $250,000 as a rider in NRHA, won back-to-back All American Quarter Horse Congress Non Pro Reining titles in 2009 and 2010 aboard his favorite horse of all time, Wimps Chocolate Chip.

Reiner: What are some strengths you bring to the table for NRHA? Clark: I think I bring a lot to NRHA. No. 1, I bring knowledge, experience and leadership. I’ve learned so much on the NRHA Board from other businesspeople, and I bring the ability to listen to our members and communicate with them.

There are many different personalities from different parts of the world in NRHA. I learned so much my last term as president.

And, I think I’m already better this time than I was then.

Last time, I learned what the Board’s role actually is, and I learned about the staff better — how you work together. It is truly an honor to be the president, but it’s also a great learning experience. It’s helped me in my everyday business, leading my team of people, and it’s been a great experience.

I just get along with people. I can

communicate, and I listen to them.

You might hear 10 terrible ideas, but you’ve got to sit there and listen to them because, at some point, you’re going to find a good idea.

I believe the same old, same old doesn’t work. I always challenge our Board and our committees to think out of the box. Change is sometimes good.

I think one of the strengths I bring is understanding we’re not always all going to agree, but at the end of the day, we’re friends. We’re not going to hold grudges; you can’t operate that way.

Reiner: You previously served as NRHA president during the 2015-2016 term. In what other ways have you been involved in the association’s governance and programs over the years?

Clark: There aren’t very many things I haven’t been involved with.

I’ve served on the NRHA Board of Directors a long time, and I think NRHA.COM |

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Reiner: Tell us a little bit about the changes you took part in during your previous term as NRHA president.

Clark: When I took over in 2015 as president, due to our bylaws, we had 38 Board members from around the country. I was the one that led the charge with the Board to rewrite our bylaws. We knew it was difficult to operate, and it was nearly impossible to get things accomplished. So, we cut back to 20 Board members, and it’s worked really well.

Another thing we worked on was developing our program for drugtesting the horses.

We also used to only have affiliates operating in other countries, like Europe. I was part of the group that decided they needed to have their own councils, such as the European Affiliate Council.

Each affiliate has a representing member on the council, and then depending on how many affiliates there are, they get seats on the NRHA Board. I was a big proponent of setting that up, because we needed to let them solve some of 34

| NRHA REINER

Philanthropy is dear to Clark’s heart. He enjoys serving NRHA in many capacities, including a position on the Reining Horse Foundation Board of Directors.

their own problems.

Those were some challenging times that I led the association through, and I think we’re much better off today than we were.

I was also a big part of when we decided to go with the new IT [information technology] system — ReinerSuite. That still wasn’t even done when I came back as vice president in 2019.

That was a big project, but we’re seeing results from it, and it’s making a difference. It was a huge investment, but it was well worth it.

We had to do it or we couldn’t have kept our records up, and we must do that. It’s our job to keep the history of this sport.

Reiner: What is one lesson you learned during your first presidential term?

Clark: I learned to listen to my Board members. They’re there because they want to make a difference with NRHA. I tell them all the time, you’re working for the national association now, not your local affiliate.

I’ve learned to be a better communicator, not only with the Board members, but the staff and the members, as well. I’ve learned that the Executive Committee should not be overstepping its bounds. You need to refer to the policy and the Board on a lot of stuff. It works better that way.

Being a leader on that Board is common sense — using good common sense and not [being] self-serving. I’ve said that to all my Board members. If you’re there to serve yourself, you probably just need to go home.

I also feel like, even through the COVID-19 challenges last year, we learned a lot, and we learned some things that are going to help us in the future.

Reiner: What are positive changes you feel NRHA has made in the past few years, and how do you intend to continue progressing the association?

Clark: I really believe reining is strong right now in the horse community. The sales have been

BAR H PHOTOGRAPHY

almost all the committees at one time or another. I’ve chaired a lot of the committees, and I’ve chaired task forces. It’s all volunteer work and it takes a lot of time, but it’s not that bad if you make it fun.

This is our 20th year for the Reining Horse Foundation, and I’ve been involved for 18 of those years.

It’s a lot of fun. We’re doing some good things in that for the Crisis Fund and scholarships, and the NRHA Hall of Fame.

I’ve been involved in practically all the NRHA’s programs, the Futurity, the Derby, the Adequan® NAAC [North American Affiliate Championships].

strong, and the purses continue to grow and get bigger.

Probably one of the most exciting things we’ve done was set up the Futurity Challenge program. It didn’t take very long to get a group of us together that agreed to a fiveyear commitment. That gave us the biggest payouts ever in the Open Futurity, Non Pro Futurity and Adequan® NAAC last year.

And, as we add to the Futurity Challenge this year, it’s going to pay more money. That’s what it’s for.

We want to pay more money deeper in the finals, too. I feel like that’s one of the biggest positive changes that’s happened, and we’re going to continue doing that because it helps us market the sport.

Because of COVID[-19], we had no choice but to cut some programs that were costing a lot of money, and we had to adjust the size of the staff. These were changes we probably needed anyway, but the pandemic forced us to make them.

Then as we started back with horse shows, the events were huge; our people were chomping at the bit to go show their horses. And with that, we learned in certain pockets of the world, especially in North America, we’re oversaturated with small horse shows through the affiliates. To help them be successful, we need to encourage them to consider merging. They can work together and make one big horse show, and as long as the reiners go, it’s more financially solid for the future.

Another thing is we reviewed the qualification [requirements] for the Adequan® NAAC last year because of COVID-19. That turned out to be a wonderful thing. A lot of people proved they want to show at that level, and it was the biggest NAAC we’ve ever had. We need to

use what we learned through that when we think about the show in the future.

Then another positive that’s going to continue progressing NRHA is ReinerSuite. There’s a lot more we’re going to be able to provide the members, and it’s going to help our staff. We have to continually invest in our IT. Reiner: What ideas do you have to move NRHA forward during your tenure as president this term?

Clark: My No. 1 goal is to have the Level 4 Open Futurity pay a halfmillion dollars to the winner, and I’d love to have the Non Pro pay $100,000 and continue growing the Adequan® NAAC. And I’ll tell you why — marketing.

I think it can do so much to the value of horses. With inflation, the cost of horses has gone up, and it’s not cheap to get into [reining].

If you look at trying to attract new owners and getting people to invest, you’ve got to be able to show them they can get a return.

We also want to keep getting the 7-year-olds in the derbies. That gives you another year for the horse to hold its value for aged events. All this is going to drive the value of horses up for the sales, too.

It’s like a chain working together.

The more we see people investing in our young horses — breeding better reining horses and paying to have them trained to a high level — it’s going to help the whole industry.

That’s where our horses come from for the people who like showing on the weekends with their local affiliates. I think that’s huge.

Although we’ve got the help of the Futurity Challenge sponsors for the next four years, we have to work with the Finance Committee and NRHA CFO John Foy so we’re

never going backward. NRHA will have to be in a position to sustain the higher payout down the road.

I also want to continue working with “Yellowstone,” which gave us a real shot in the arm with “The Last Cowboy” TV show. It’s time we explore the possibility of putting our Futurity and maybe Derby finals in the Open live on TV somehow. Maybe one day we can make it happen.

Really, I believe that while we’re making progress on the marketing side, we still need to get better.

People want to see stuff real time.

Social media is a big part of that, and I think social media is good if we use it in a positive way.

We were founded because of horse shows and, specifically, the Futurity. That and our Derby are what our focus has to be on, because they’re so important to growing the sport in all these different ways.

Something else I plan to continue working on is educating members and trainers on animal welfare.

Animal welfare is a big issue, and we have to take charge of it, not just react when something bad happens.

We want to be proactive and lead the charge.

Lastly, our judging program has come 1,000 miles in the last five or six years, and it’s just getting better and better. We’ve got to make sure we keep a good group leading it, because they’re doing a really good job. There’s so much money out there [to win], so you want to make sure they get it right. We’ve got some really good judges and a good program that is a leader in the industry, and we’ll continue to focus on that to make NRHA the best it can be. ❖ NRHA.COM |

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2020 NRHA Open World Champions

Open World Champions

Jacs Electric Girl & Arnaud Girinon

DEAD OR ALIVE

Article by Kristin Pitzer

40

| NRHA REINER

2020 NRHA Open World Champions

Kathy Ferguson did not have the World title race on her radar, but she and Colonel Tinseltown picked up the Open Reserve World Championship with $1,319.

I

WALTENBERRY

n previous years, horses and riders that ran for an NRHA Open World Championship planned their seasons out before the race even started. They often racked up checks that equaled tens of thousands of dollars for their piece of glory. But, in accordance with many things that happened last year, the 2020 Open World Champions’ story was different.

Barkstein, Germany-based NRHA Professional Arnaud Girinon and Jacs Electric Girl didn’t intend to go after a World title at the beginning of the year. Instead, Girinon was preparing the then-5-year-old mare for the derbies. COVID-19 quickly shut down much of Europe, though, and they weren’t able to hit the show pen until August.

After missing the finals at the Italian Reining Horse Association Derby in September, Girinon took Jacs Electric Girl (Jacs Electric Spark x Nikita Puro) to the Belgium Futurity to school her a bit in the

ancillary classes.

“She behaved nicely, so we decided to enter her in the Open trophy [class], as well,” Girinon said. “We actually didn’t take her to Belgium to show her, but we ended up winning with a nice run. That made us think about [running for the World title], and after that, we were on the road for about five weeks.”

Girinon and the mare won the Open World Championship with $6,458, an impressive $5,139 more than reserve. The pair collected Open wins at shows in Belgium, Germany, Italy and England over the short time they had to compete to pick up Girinon’s first NRHA World Championship.

“This title is a bit of a dream come true,” Girinon said. “I worked in the past for different trainers that claimed the title, and I always admired it. I think it’s a great addition to the mare’s show record, and for her future offspring.

“For a 5-year-old mare to have

over $30,000 in lifetime earnings in Europe is already a lot,” he added.

Girinon thanked owner Stephanie Blessing of owner Grey Stone Ranch GMBH for all her help with Jacs Electric Girl, whom they affectionately call “Jane.”

“Without her, this amazing experience wouldn’t have happened,” Girinon said. “She stood behind us all the time. She has been a big part of this achievement, from driving to supporting in every possible way. Her beautiful facility in Herbolzheim, Germany, gives us everything possible to make our horses work with the highest comfort.”

Open Reserve World Champions Running for a World title was not on NRHA Professional Kathy Ferguson’s radar when she set her 2020 show goals with Colonel Tinseltown, a 2007 gelding owned

by Susan Flynn of Ashland, Kentucky. In fact, she didn’t even know she was in the Top 10 until a friend notified her in October.

With so many shows canceled due to the global pandemic, Ferguson planned to just make the most of whatever shows she could find.

It was a pleasant surprise when she and “Vegas” (Gunner x Dun It In Tinseltown) ended the season with the Open Reserve World Championship and $1,319 won in the division. The duo also finished third in the year-end race for the Intermediate and Limited Open titles.

“This horse is so much fun because he always shows up. He’s always there,” said Ferguson of Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia. “You can lope him through, you can push him a little bit — it doesn’t matter.

He’s just fun.” ❖

OPEN WORLD STANDINGS PLACE 1 2

HORSE

PEDIGREE

Jacs Electric Girl (Jacs Electric Spark x Nikita Puro) Colonel Tinseltown (Gunner x Dun It In Tinseltown)

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

Arnaud Girinon Kathy Ferguson

Grey Stone Ranch GMBH Susan Flynn

Antonino Cancellieri David Silva

EARNINGS $6,458 $1,319

NRHA REINER |

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2020 NRHA Open World Champions

Intermediate Open, Limited Open & Rookie Professional World Champions John Wayne Tag & Austin Morris

WALTENBERRY

Article by Kristin Pitzer

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| NRHA REINER

2020 NRHA Open World Champions

T

he beginning of 2020 looked bright for NRHA Professional Austin Morris, who planned to make a run at an NRHA World title with John Wayne Tag. The pair was off to a good start in February, but then the country shut down due to the pandemic. In June, NRHA announced the World title race was suspended.

The news disappointed Morris, but his enthusiasm returned in July, when the association reinstated the year-end standings. Morris and the gelding banked a good amount at the NRHA Derby presented by Markel in June, including three wins in the second slate of ancillary classes, which launched them to the top of the rankings in the Intermediate Open, Limited Open and Rookie Professional divisions. The duo stayed in the lead through the rest of the season, landing World Championships in all three.

“The owner, Summerwind Farm, just wanted to see that horse be successful and win a World title,” Morris said. “We ended up winning three, so it was very exciting.

“He’s a good horse; he’s really dynamic in the show pen,” Morris continued. “He can plus his turns, stops and circles, and he’s an easy lead-changer. You pretty much just have to be on your game when you show him.”

“John Wayne” (Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena), a 2012 gelding bred by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Lance Griffin, is a full brother to $234,000-plus earner Blue Collar Tag, among others.

He was shown by multiple people before landing with Morris, and the trainer said because of that, it was a

challenge keeping the horse in the right place mentally throughout the show year.

“Once I figured out how to mesh with him and how to show him, he was a pretty good soldier for me all year long,” Morris said. “I guess the secret was just taking it easy on him and not making his life very stressful. When he got home from the shows, we turned him out a lot.

I didn’t override him; I’d only ride him maybe a couple times right before a show, and he was always good for me.”

With everything tallied at the end of the season, John Wayne finished first in the Intermediate Open with $4,707 earned, besting reserve by a $3,058 margin. The Limited Open and Rookie Professional divisions were much closer, but the gelding clinched the wins with $1,822 and $1,606, respectively.

Morris has ridden for Bob and

Debbie LaPorta, the owners of Summerwind Farm Inc., since November 2019. He said he felt privileged to be part of a program that goes back more than 25 years.

“I am so thankful and blessed to have the opportunities to ride and show nice horses, and work here at Summerwind Farm,” Morris said.

“Everybody at the barn is just so supportive and helpful. We’ve got a great group of customers, staff and teammates that keep the barn going, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Rookie Professional Reserve World Champions In addition to his three World titles, Morris also collected the Rookie Professional Reserve World Championship with Smart Sara Roos, a 2015 mare who picked up a total of $1,010 in the class throughout the season.

In addition to winning three World championships, Austin Morris also picked up the Rookie Professional Reserve World title after piloting Smart Sara Roos to $1,010 in the division.

WALTENBERRY

INTERMEDIATE OPEN WORLD STANDINGS PLACE 1 2 3

HORSE

PEDIGREE

John Wayne Tag (Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena) Gunna Bea Natural (Gunnatrashya x Bea Maria Jac) Colonel Tinseltown (Gunner x Dun It In Tinseltown)

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

Austin Morris Dan Yarbrough Kathy Ferguson

Summerwind Farm Inc. Judy Yarbrough Realty Susan Flynn

Lance Griffin Sara Johnson David Silva

EARNINGS $4,707 $1,649 $1,028

NRHA REINER |

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2020 NRHA Open World Champions

LIMITED OPEN WORLD STANDINGS 1 2 3 4

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

BREEDER

John Wayne Tag Gunna Bea Natural Colonel Tinseltown Rock On Wimpy

(Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena) (Gunnatrashya x Bea Maria Jac) (Gunner x Dun It In Tinseltown) (Wimpys Little Step x Spot On N Sassy)

Austin Morris Dan Yarbrough Kathy Ferguson S. Adam Johnson; Wesley Wetherell

Summerwind Farm Inc. Judy Yarbrough Realty Susan M. Flynn Dana Wetherell

Lance Griffin Sara Johnson David Silva Roxanne Koepsell

Gunna Bea Natural, who is awaiting his first foal crop in 2022, carried Dan Yarbrough to the Intermediate and Limited Open Reserve World Championships in 2020.

“She’s a little younger, so she wasn’t wise to being shown,” Morris said. “She’s just a doll and a sweetheart to be around. She’s always there for me. She’s a big stopper, big turner, cute circler and has easy lead changes. She’s just an all-around nice mare.”

NRHA Professional Tricia Tillman started “Roo” and showed her as a 3-year-old. When the mare turned 4, she moved into Green Reiner classes with her owner, Michael Riley. Going after a World title was the main goal for her 5-year-old season.

Morris thanked Riley for the opportunity to haul Roo (Smart Lil Roos x Smart Sara).

“He’s a great owner. Whatever

the horse needs, it gets,” Morris said of Riley. “He’s always acting in the best interest of the horse. He’s the kind of owner that you really want to own the horses you’re showing.”

Intermediate & Limited Open Reserve World Champions Dan Yarbrough had no intention of running for a year-end title with Gunna Bea Natural when he started showing in 2020. The 2014 stallion was still eligible for aged events and that was where Yarbrough planned to focus, even though he crossentered into the ancillary classes at the Florida Reining Classic.

When the World title race was reinstated in July, he checked the

EARNINGS $1,822 $1,562 $1,013 $913

standings and discovered “Shooter” (Gunnatrashya x Bea Maria Jac) was sitting second in two divisions.

Even with the news, Yarbrough didn’t deviate much from his show season plans; he only added one extra event to their schedule. By mostly going to the bigger regional shows around his home in Denver, North Carolina, the NRHA Professional managed to end Shooter’s year with the Reserve World title in both the Intermediate and Limited Open divisions, garnering $1,649 and $1,562, respectively.

“That horse is just so special to me because I’ve had him from the beginning. He’s never left me since January of his 2-year-old year,” Yarbrough said. “He’s my all-time favorite. I’m fortunate that my mom [Judy Yarbrough] bought him from Vince McLean, who owned him before, and I got to keep him [in my program].”

Shooter was the first reining horse Judy purchased. Yarbrough intends to keep showing the stallion in 2021 while simultaneously collecting the horse for his first foal crop, planned for 2022.

From being “the best futurity horse I’ve ever had in my life” to a two-time Reserve World Champion with $27,000-plus in NRHA lifetime earnings, Shooter has secured his place with the family. ❖

ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL WORLD STANDINGS PLACE 1 2 3

46

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

John Wayne Tag Smart Sara Roos Whiskey N Juice

(Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak Olena) (Smart Lil Roos x Smart Sara) (Smarty Pep Whiskey x Baby Dolls And Juice)

Austin Morris Austin Morris Taylor VanMalsen

Summerwind Farm Inc. Michael Riley Izah Braswell

Lance Griffin Guenter Bosner Cynthia Rubens

| NRHA REINER

EARNINGS $1,606 $1,010 $462

NATIONAL SPORTS BROADCASTING

PLACE

2020 NRHA Open World Champions

Novice Horse Open Levels 3 & 2 World Champions Lime A Rita & Jared Leclair Article by Megan Arszman Photo by Waltenberry

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2020 NRHA Open World Champions

P

erhaps planning your first run at a World Championship during a pandemic doesn’t seem like the most ideal situation, but when NRHA Professional Jared Leclair hit the road with Lime A Rita to campaign for the Novice Horse Open Levels 3 and 2 titles, no one knew what the future held.

“We had planned to go for the titles in 2020, so we started showing early to get a good head start,” Leclair said. “At first, everyone wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and I had never run for a World title before.”

When Leclair and Lime A Rita’s owner, Susan Meyer, put together their strategic plan for 2020, it included upping the 2012 Cam Essick-bred mare’s NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) and adding World Champion honors to her record before making her a broodmare.

“For her career as a broodmare down the road, having a World title is a big deal,” Leclair explained.

When NRHA initially suspended the 2020 World title race, Leclair jumped into action. He contact-

ed fellow horsemen who were in the running, the NRHA Executive Committee and others to discuss what could be done.

“During that process, the NRHA was great and everyone was receptive; you knew everyone just wanted to get it right,” he said. “In exploring things with other reiners, I’ve learned that the Top 10 is a big deal to the majority.”

Leclair praised the association for reinstating the 2020 World standings, which he understands was not an easy task. He said it is a perfect example of how NRHA listens to its membership.

“I know it wasn’t an easy call for them,” he said, “but I’m so glad they did it, and it worked out well.”

Leclair and Lime A Rita (Custom Legend x She Slides Wright) hitting the circuit early in the year paid off when the mare tore her hamstring in the fall, taking her off the road for about six weeks.

Veterinarian John McCarroll worked with Leclair and the staff of Hidden Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas, to help Lime A Rita recover in a safe but timely manner.

Leclair slowly brought the mare back after a stem cell treatment and attempted to show in Oklahoma City. While it wasn’t a successful outing in December, the pair was ahead by enough money in the standings that it didn’t matter. The duo won the Novice Horse Open Level 3 with $3,182 and Level 2 with $3,371, pushing Lime A Rita’s NRHA LTE to nearly $33,000.

The mare’s next venture is in the breeding shed. Leclair and Meyer are hopeful she will pass along her standout qualities to her foals, including the 2022 baby by Electric Code she’s carrying.

“For me, there’s nothing better than a great mare, and this mare has a lot of grit to her and never quits,” Leclair said. “Arno Honstetter did a great job getting her broke and going before we purchased her, and she’s a lot of horse with the ability to plus-1 every maneuver.

“I’m so thankful to Ron and Susan Meyer for letting me do my job and show the mare,” he continued. “They have been such great customers; I’m happy to earn this award for them.” ❖

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 3 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE 1 2 3

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

Lime A Rita Bazookachic FM Cottonwood

(Custom Legend x She Slides Wright) (Gunnatrashya x One Right Chic) (Gunner x Sonita Lena Chick)

Jared Leclair Gilad Susman Hava Vital

Susan Meyer Ralph Bauwens & Jen Garrett Carlton & Khris Crowe

Cam Essick $3,182 Double Run Farm $1,860 Carlton & Khris Crowe $1,471

EARNINGS

RIDER(S)

OWNER

BREEDER

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 2 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE

HORSE

PEDIGREE

1 2 3

Lime A Rita Maggie Magnum FM Cottonwood

4

Bazookachic

(Custom Legend x She Slides Wright) Jared Leclair (Magnum Chic Dream x Skeets Red Dunit) Jorge Puente (Gunner x Sonita Lena Chick) Hava Vital & Carlton Crowe III (Gunnatrashya x One Right Chic) Gilad Susman

EARNINGS

Susan Meyer Cam Essick SRQ Performance Horses LLC Casey & Kathy Hinton Carlton & Khris Crowe Carlton & Khris Crowe

$3,371 $2,137 $1,949

Ralph Bauwens & Jen Garrett

$1,606

Double Run Farm

NRHA REINER |

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2020 NRHA Open World Champions

Novice Horse Open Level 1 World Champions Maggie Magnum & Jorge Puente

WALTENBERRY

Article by Megan Arszman

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2020 NRHA Open World Champions

NATIONAL SPORTS BROADCASTING

A

little friendly rivalry went a long way for NRHA Professional Jorge Puente in 2020. It helped push him to ride SRQ Performance Horses’ Maggie Magnum to his second Novice Horse Open Level 1 World title in four years.

Puente, who piloted Tattooed

By Daddy (Tattoos Dun It x TAMU Topsail Judy) to the same honor for Jane Cairo in 2016, said Maggie Magnum was the perfect fit to start building a quality broodmare band. SRQ Performance Horses purchased the full sister to $247,273-earner Chic Dreamin after the 2019 NRHA Futurity.

“She’s put together really nice, and she has the bloodlines to be a big-time broodmare,” Puente said.

The 2016 mare (Magnum Chic Dream x Skeets Red Dunit) started out a little green, said Puente, who loaded her in the trailer and took her to shows for more experience and time in the saddle. There were no plans at the time to run for a World title.

“But, she started coming along really nicely and was consistent all year,” he said. “She holds herself together nicely throughout the pattern, and is just so pretty in and out of the arena.”

It wasn’t until after a conversation with friend and fellow NRHA Professional Gilad Susman that his competitive streak sparked.

“Gilad said he was running for the title, and when I looked at the standings, I realized I was in it with my mare, and he didn’t tell me!” Puente said with a laugh. “So, I called him and said, ‘I guess I’m running for the title, too!’”

For the remainder of 2020, the

pair earned a paycheck just about every time they entered the pen.

They finished the season with $1,892, topping Susman and Bazookachic by a narrow $104 margin. Maggie Magnum and Puente also finished as Novice Horse Open Level 2 Reserve World Champions with $2,137 earned.

When shows shut down during mid-2020 due to the pandemic, Puente focused on riding younger horses at home, working one-onone with his clients more and getting in sync with Maggie Magnum.

He didn’t head down the year-end title trail until after NRHA resumed the race.

“She was actually so much better by then, so it made sense,” he said.

Puente said he is looking forward to showing Maggie Magnum in 2021, as they continue to build the mare’s resume by competing in some derby events and in the Open.

“We’re also going to pull some embryos from her, and I’m excited about that,” he added.

“I am so grateful for my owners and the confidence they have in me.

They trust me with their horses,” Puente said. “And, I want to say thank you to my wife, Yanet. She’s always taking care of everybody; she organizes everything and every one. Without her, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.”

Novice Horse Open Levels 1 & 3 Reserve World Champions Consistency was the key for NRHA Professional Gilad Susman when he campaigned Bazookachic (Gunnatrashya x One Right Chic) in the Novice Horse Open classes for year-end titles. The pair’s steady success earned them the Novice

Bazookachic, who has retired to life as a broodmare, finished 2020 on a high note with the Novice Horse Open Levels 1 and 3 Reserve World titles.

Horse Open Levels 1 and 3 Reserve World Championships, as well as a fourth-place standing in the Novice Horse Open Level 2.

“I told the owners that to make sure she lasts longer in the show pen, we needed to show her at a level that didn’t require a lot of pushing,” explained Susman, who is based in Horseshoe, North Carolina. “We wanted to earn money, build her record and enjoy the mare, and that’s what we did. I didn’t even know the World Championship was happening in 2020, so the titles were a surprise.”

Susman and Bazookachic’s owners, Ralph Bauwens and Jen Garrett of Whisper Creek Performance Horses, decided to end on a high note after the Southeast Affiliate Regional Championships rather than haul to Oklahoma at the end of the year. They garnered $1,860 in year-end earnings for second in the Level 3 and $1,787 in Level 2.

“It was a great way to end her career,” Susman said.

With just shy of $10,000 in total NRHA lifetime earnings, Bazookachic was bred to SG Frozen Enterprize for a 2022 foal. ❖

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 1 WORLD STANDINGS PLACE HORSE 1 2 3

Maggie Magnum Bazookachic Symphony Spook

PEDIGREE

RIDER

(Magnum Chic Dream x Skeets Red Dunit) Jorge Puente (Gunnatrashya x One Right Chic) Gilad Susman (Smart Spook x Chex My Royal Booty) Rick Weaver

OWNER

BREEDER

SRQ Performance Horses LLC Ralph Bauwens & Jen Garrett Laura Shea, D.O.

Casey & Kathy Hinton Double Run Farm Laura Shea, D.O.

EARNINGS $1,892 $1,787 $667

NRHA REINER |

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ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

FEEDING FOR IMMUNITY

Your reiner is a hardworking athlete. These simple feeding strategies can help support the immune system so it can fight back against hidden health threats.

Article by Barb Crabbe, DVM

T

here’s no question that the immune system has taken on celebrity status, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Biosecurity measures — such as social distancing, mask wearing and frequent hand-washing — have become a normal part of our everyday lives, and information about the development and distribution of vaccines is at the top of everyone’s news feeds.

But as horse owners, this isn’t the first time we’ve anxiously worked to slow the spread of an infectious disease. In fact, biosecurity and disease control is something we’ve taken seriously for a long time.

After all, a 2007 outbreak of influenza in Australia made international headlines among equine media outlets when it shut down the continent’s entire horse industry for months at an estimated cost of more than $500 million. A little closer to home, a 2011 outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV) started at a single event

in Ogden, Utah, and ultimately impacted 242 different facilities in 19 states.

There’s just no doubt about it — if you are training hard and traveling to events, your horse is at risk of contracting an infectious disease. So, what can you do about it?

Biosecurity and vaccination programs are important topics for disease control, and most reiners follow the recommendations experts make. Newer on the horizon is the topic of nutritional support of the immune system, known as immunonutrition.

Research into immunonutrition in human medicine is widespread, but it has only begun to cross over into the equine realm. The field of equine medicine is still learning about this topic, but read on to find out what we know so far, the different immune system threats your reiner faces and three tried-and-true feeding strategies that may offer protection.

(left) Your reiner gives its all in the show pen. Learn what you can do through your feeding program to help stave off hidden health threats.

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Free radical

Antioxidant

Unpaired electron When a horse exerts energy during a performance, the chemical reactions in its body create excess free radicals. Antioxidants provide an extra oxygen molecule to stabilize the free radicals and counteract the effects of oxidative stress, which can compromise the horse’s immune system.

Threats to Immunity Every horse is at risk for contracting an infectious disease, and every horse depends on its immune system to fight back.

With that said, your equine athlete faces greater risks than those who are less active. Here are a few reasons why.

Oxidative Stress High-intensity exercise requires an increase in energy production from your horse’s body. This energy is produced by chemical reactions that lead to an accumulation of oxygen-containing molecules that carry an electric charge, known as “reactive oxygen species” or “free radicals.”

These molecules are unstable and roam the body in search of oxygen molecules they can steal to stabilize themselves. Antioxidants 60

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are molecules that save the day by donating oxygen molecules without becoming destabilized themselves.

While your horse’s body is capable of producing antioxidants to stabilize free radicals, during bouts of intense exercise, its system may have trouble keeping up. The excess free radicals in the system steal oxygen from important cell components, leaving damage in their wake. These important cell components can include portions of the immune system, meaning oxidative stress compromises the immune system’s ability to carry out its important duties, putting your horse at a higher risk of contracting an infectious disease.

Intense exercise isn’t the only thing that creates oxidative stress.

Other factors, including exercise in conditions with poor air quality, exercise in extreme cold or even a

high-fat diet, can increase the risk of free radicals running rampant in your horse’s body.

Travel Exposure When your horse is safe at home, surrounded by the same group of horses every day, its risks of contracting an infectious disease are minimal. Its immune system has already recognized and responded to most of the potential disease-producing organisms it encounters on a daily basis.

When loaded in a trailer with unfamiliar horses, moved into a strange stall at an event facility or worked around other horses at a show, your horse’s exposure level is much higher. Even if you’re careful, the risk is higher that your reiner could contract an infectious disease.

A common misconception is that

nose-to-nose contact is required for your horse to get sick. In many cases, this is not true. For example, the virus that causes equine influenza can travel more than a mile through the air!

What Can You Do? To reduce the risk of spreading disease, most reiners know they can keep their horses on a regular vaccination program as recommended by their veterinarian, avoid direct contact with strange horses whenever possible, refrain from sharing water buckets and disinfect their stalls before moving into a strange barn. But, what can they do with a horse’s nutrition to help 62

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A minimum of 50% of horses’ diets should be fiber provided by forage, such as hay or pasture.

Forage also contains a positive balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

overcome the challenges of hard work and hauling?

Begin With the Basics Balanced nutrition that provides fuel for basic needs is crucial to proper immune system function in every horse. Before thinking about extra measures for your reiner, put in place a well-crafted basic feeding plan.

Adequate fiber may be one of the most important components of a horse’s diet, as fermentation of fiber in its large intestine is what helps maintain a healthy microbiome. Ideally, its diet will include a minimum of 50% fiber provided by hay or pasture. As a rule of thumb, this can be delivered with 1% to 1.5% of the horse’s total body weight in forage each day.

Protein, another important

nutrient for an equine athlete, should make up approximately 12% of the daily ration. To ensure your horse is getting sufficient protein, consider the protein content of your hay. If in doubt, adding a small amount of alfalfa to the hay ration will generally boost the protein to an adequate level, as alfalfa’s protein content is typically close to 20%.

Finally, ample amounts of critical vitamins and minerals are essential. They can usually be provided with a basic vitamin supplement and access to a mineral block. Discuss with your veterinarian whether or not there are any additional requirements specific to where you live, and if so, seek their recommendation for an appropriate vitamin/mineral formulation.

ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

Gastrointestinal Imbalance When thinking about infectious diseases, people tend to focus on the respiratory tract. It’s important to realize that your horse’s gastrointestinal system may be an even more important part of its immune response.

A healthy intestinal tract depends on a healthy population of normal microorganisms that live in a state of perfect balance, referred to as the gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome not only ensures that the intestines function properly for digestion, it also protects against invasion by unfriendly organisms that might cause disease.

Because your horse is an athlete, the perfect balance of these healthy microorganisms is at risk. Both heavy exercise and transport are shown to affect and alter the gut microbiome.

Make sure the concentrate you choose for your reiner’s diet isn’t high in cereal grains. While they are a source of omega fatty acids, cereal grains have a skewed ratio of more omega-6s than omega-3s.

Supplement Strategies Beyond the basics, the following strategies might help your horse overcome some of the excess stress its immune system faces while in training, working hard and traveling.

Vitamin E: Oxidative stress that occurs during heavy exercise may result in your horse’s immune system being compromised by excess free radicals scavenging its body — especially if it fails to produce enough antioxidants to keep them at bay — so providing additional antioxidants in a daily ration may help mitigate the issue.

Vitamin E is the antioxidant most heavily researched in horses.

Horses are more likely to be deficient in this important vitamin if they don’t have pasture turnout of at least six hours each day, and 64

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additional supplementation can be beneficial for horses performing heavy exercise, or equine athletes with conditions involving either muscular or nervous system function.

A horse’s vitamin E levels can be checked with a simple blood test performed by a veterinarian. When testing for vitamin E, your vet might also recommend a blood test for selenium, as this mineral works together with vitamin E; the soil in some areas of the country, such as the Pacific Northwest, are known to be selenium deficient.

If it’s determined that vitamin E supplementation could be beneficial for your horse, be aware that all supplements aren’t created equally. Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is preferable to the synthetic version

(dl-alpha-tocopherol), and liquid sources of vitamin E have better bioavailability than powdered forms.

Daily supplementation with anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin E may be recommended. Work with your veterinarian to determine how much you should give to your horse based on its test results and lifestyle.

Omega Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are considered essential nutrients for horses, meaning they must be provided in the diet because horses can’t produce them in their bodies.

These nutrients can enhance the function of immune cells and may act as antioxidants. It’s worth mentioning that omega-6 fatty acids have gotten some “bad press” as a potential cause of inflammation; however, that’s not an entirely fair assessment. In fact, they play a role in helping the body mount an inflammatory response when it’s needed, and this can be an important part of an immune response.

In reality, both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play important roles in keeping horses healthy.

Researchers agree that the ratio between omega-3s and omega-6s is what’s most important. Omega 3s should outnumber omega-6s, though the ideal ratio between the two has yet to be definitively

LEFT: ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT; RIGHT: COURTESY OF PLATINUM PERFORMANCE

Utilizing supplements with the right ingredients could be one way to help your reiner avoid contracting an infectious disease. Products that contain antioxidants, prebiotics and omega fatty acids have been shown to help support a healthy immune system in horses.

established for horses.

Forages, including hay and pasture, are the most consistent sources of fatty acids for your horse, with omega-3s naturally outnumbering omega-6s. This is just one more reason to emphasize the importance of including plenty of forage in your horse’s daily ration.

Cereal grains also contain omega fatty acids; however, omega-6s outnumber omega 3s. For this reason, most horse owners should focus on the several options available to provide omega-3s when it comes to additional supplementation.

The two primary omega-3 fatty acids are docosahelaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are provided most directly and efficiently through marine sources, such as fish oil or algae. For a horse with a picky palate, flax seed is a popular alternative. If you choose to supplement with flax, though, be aware that it provides alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which the horse’s body must convert to DHA and EPA for it to have a beneficial effect.

Prebiotics & Probiotics: Since the digestive tract plays an important role in your horse’s immune function, it depends on a healthy population of normal bacteria to function properly.

To ensure the microbiome in your horse’s intestinal tract remains healthy, consider adding a supplement that includes both probiotics, a direct source of microorganisms, and prebiotics, substances that support the health

of existing gut microbes.

When it comes to probiotics, research regarding efficacy is lacking, as is solid knowledge of the ideal formulation of microbes.

To be effective, a probiotic must contain adequate amounts of the correct types of organisms, and they must be available in a form that not only survives in the package before you administer it, but also has the ability to survive a trip through the gastrointestinal tract and successfully take up residence in the large intestine. All of this makes supplementing with probiotics a can’t-hurt, might-help option.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, may have more promise. Included in this group of supplements are yeast products, most containing portions of an organism called Saccharomyces cervisiae that has been shown in studies to have wide-ranging positive effects on the existing microbiota.

Other prebiotics can include psyllium, which is often used to help clear sand from the intestinal tract, and large carbohydrate molecules called oligosaccharides.

A number of studies have yielded results suggesting that prebiotics can improve immune function in a variety of circumstances, but there’s still a lot to learn.

Final Words It’s clear that hard work and travel can mean reining horses face a number of threats to their immune systems, putting them more at risk for contracting an infectious disease. Thanks to

research in veterinary science, it’s known that what you put in the feed bucket can help minimize those risks.

A basic feeding plan with an emphasis on plenty of hay or pasture is probably the most important factor. Beyond that, nutritional support of the immune system through supplementation is an area in which researchers are showing increased interest.

There is a lot the world knows about the benefit of immunonutrition supplements, including vitamin E, selenium, omega fatty acids and prebiotics, but there’s also a lot yet to learn. To best serve your horse, stay up-todate on new developments as the field of immunonutrition grows. ❖

Dr. Barb Crabbe is a graduate of the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University. She also did graduate work in biomechanics at UC-Davis, where she studied patterns of locomotion in exercising horses. Crabbe is a private equine practitioner and owner of Pacific Crest Sporthorse in Oregon City.

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2020 NRHA Top 20

Top 20 Professionals “This was definitely a special year for me and my career, and reining in general, especially with the bigger Futurity purse.

It all really fell into place. Everybody looks at the top professional as the top individual, but it’s really a team of owners that give you a chance with horses that really fit you. Since I went out on my own in 2003, I’ve been in the top five professionals every single year.

The consistency’s really what I shoot for. I work hard, and I try to give every single horse in the barn a chance. I think it shows in the end results. I’m showing a lot of horses, and I’m showing a lot of consistent horses.” —Andrea Fappani

2020 TOP 20 NRHA PROFESSIONALS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

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NAME

HOMETOWN

ANDREA FAPPANI CASEY DEARY BRIAN BELL JASON VANLANDINGHAM CRAIG SCHMERSAL KOLE PRICE ARNO HONSTETTER CADE MCCUTCHEON RUBEN VANDORP SHAWN FLARIDA NATHAN PIPER ROBIN SCHOELLER FRANCO BERTOLANI GABRIEL DIANO DANY TREMBLAY BRANDON BRANT SEBASTIAN PETROLL PATRICK FLAHERTY MARTIN MUEHLSTAETTER MATTHEW PALMER

SCOTTSDALE, AZ WEATHERFORD, TX PILOT POINT, TX WHITESBORO, TX SCOTTSDALE, AZ PILOT POINT, TX SCOTTSDALE, AZ AUBREY, TX AUBREY, TX SPRINGFIELD, OH PILOT POINT, TX BLOOMINGBURG, OH AUBREY, TX PURCELL, OK OVERBROOK, OK BELLE CENTER, OH WHITESBORO, TX SCOTTSDALE, AZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ ELVERSON, PA

2020 EARNINGS $609,139 $301,122 $238,623 $212,303 $147,719 $140,656 $137,896 $137,459 $107,719 $106,809 $90,799 $84,894 $82,423 $78,878 $75,592 $75,209 $74,667 $73,011 $72,063 $67,270

CAROLYN SIMANCIK

RANK

MARCH 2021

2020 NRHA Top 20

Top 20 Non Pros “This is what I love to do; it’s what I crave. Each year is always new with different horses, and I always look forward to the challenge. I’m very competitive, but I try to keep my mind on what needs to be done and not worry too much. If it works and I win, that’s just icing on the cake. It’s just a thrill for me to be so lucky to do everything we do with our family and friends. I’m a ‘one horse show, one day at a time’ kind of person. It takes a village to get me where I am, and I couldn’t do any of it without my team. The support I have around me is by far what makes it possible for me to do everything.” —Mandy McCutcheon

2020 TOP 20 NRHA NON PROS

CAROLYN SIMANCIK

RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

NAME

HOMETOWN

MANDY MCCUTCHEON GINA-MARIA SCHUMACHER TISH FAPPANI LANE COLSTON INDY ROPER JOSE VAZQUEZ ADDISYN SCHMERSAL KIM MUEHLSTAETTER SHELEY BRIEN SAMANTHA SMITH KATSY LEEMAN LUCA FAPPANI MICHAEL GARNETT DAVID MCGEE KRISTEN AVILA HANNAH MITCHELL MORRIS KULMER TAYLOR ZIMMERMAN JESSICAH KELLER KELSEY PRICE

AUBREY, TX GIVRINS, SWITZERLAND SCOTTSDALE, AZ FRANKFORT, KY HOBART, IN MARKHAM, IL SCOTTSDALE, AZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ EDMOND, OK MASSILLON, OH SCOTTSDALE, AZ LINCOLN, NE KING, NC ROGERSVILLE, MO CUBA, MO BOUNTIFUL, UT ROGERSVILLE, MO SUMNER, TX PILOT POINT, TX

2020 EARNINGS $126,573 $97,763 $93,946 $84,775 $84,290 $82,005 $74,874 $56,770 $51,973 $42,949 $42,143 $39,160 $38,515 $38,343 $37,842 $35,371 $34,437 $32,008 $31,696 $31,170

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MARCH 2021

2020 NRHA Top 20

Top 20 Owners “This is not the first time; however, [reaching this achievement] always provides our family with a great deal of satisfaction. We are really proud of this accomplishment and all of the people that have helped us reach the top. With Shawn Flarida, Andrea Fappani and Cade McCutcheon at the Futurity, we were super fortunate to have an outstanding team of very experienced, talented riders. We are extremely appreciative of all the trainers, but also their team of assistants, grooms, stall cleaners, vets, farriers, show producers and fans! In our breeding program, which Jeff Oswood manages, we are always trying to raise new champions, and stay on the top with our two sires and with our mares.” —Leonardo Arcese

2020 TOP 20 NRHA OWNERS RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 70

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NAME

HOMETOWN

2020 EARNINGS

ARCESE QUARTER HORSES USA MORRIS KULMER TAMI NELSON ANDREA & TISH FAPPANI SMART LIKE JUICE INC. TOM & MANDY MCCUTCHEON DIANE MESMER TIM ANDERSON GEORGE & CAROL BELL XCS RANCH LLC KEVIN COLSTON VANDORP INC. TIM ROPER DAG VENTURES LLC PUNO PERFORMANCE HORSES/JODY PUNO SHANNON & HERSHEL REID HICKORY CREEK RANCH LLC MARTIN & KIM MUEHLSTAETTER STORY BOOK STABLES ELLEN CUMMINS

WEATHERFORD, TX BOUNTIFUL, UT WHITESBORO, TX SCOTTSDALE, AZ MARKHAM, IL AUBREY, TX COLORADO SPRINGS, CO MILBANK, SD SMITHFIELD, NC GORDONVILLE, TX FRANKFORT, KY AUBREY, TX HOBART, IN CROWLEY, TX WEATHERFORD, TX

$361,820 $150,310 $148,558 $139,516 $128,369 $128,322 $125,081 $110,706 $109,967 $103,259 $89,340 $87,703 $82,603 $82,214 $80,970

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MARCH 2021

Million-Dollar Milestones

Family Style Generations of quality horses have helped elevate Hilldale Farm to become an NRHA Million Dollar Owner.

Article by Larri Jo Starkey

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stallion came home with his first Lawson bronze in the Non Pro and also won Intermediate Non Pro, Novice Horse Non Pro and Limited Open classes.

“There were two men in the stands sitting behind me,” Tammye said. “One said, ‘What is that palomino horse?’ The other man said, ‘He’s just an AQHA horse.’

“After the Open class, the first man said, ‘I want to know what horse that is. That little girl has been showing that horse all day, and her score gets better every time she shows him.’”

Tammye turned to the men and shared that the horse’s name was Nu Chex To Cash, and he had already been shown more than 400 times in reining and reined cow horse.

That year proved to be an important one in putting Hilldale Farm on the map. Nu Chex To Cash

and Keller won NRHA Intermediate and Limited Open World Championships. Tejons Texie Lena (Tejons Peppy Doc x Ima Tex O Lena) earned an NRHA World title in the Novice Horse Non Pro. Nu Chex To Cash also claimed Reserve World Champion honors in the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro. To top off 2002, Wimpys Little Step, a Hilldale Farm-bred son of Chex, won the NRHA Open Futurity with NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida.

Keller has ridden several other Hilldale Farm horses to NRHA World titles over the years, including: See Chex To Cash (2003 Non Pro); Nu Tivio Chex (2004 Non Pro); Night Deposit Chex (2005 Non Pro); Bueno Cash Quixote (2005 Novice Horse Non Pro); Guns Chiquita Chex (2009 Novice Horse Non Pro Levels

WALTENBERRY

T

he Hilldale Farm journey to NRHA Million Dollar Owner status began with family and continues with family today. Hilldale Farm is owned and operated by Tammye Hutton, Doug Gerard, David Hutton and daughters Sarah Goetz and Jessicah Keller.

In November 2020, Keller rode Its Snippin Time (Shine Big Time x Snip O Satellite) to third place in Amateur Reining at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Show. That placing on the 2015 homebred mare tipped Hilldale Farm over the mark to become the 12th million-dollar owner in NRHA history.

It was a fitting full circle; Keller is the one who earned the farm’s first big NRHA checks in 2002, when she won $4,200 at the Illinois State Fair.

“That was the first NRHA show I remember going to,” Tammye said.

“The show was the Mule Congress, and Jessicah wanted to take the mule Cody.”

Then Keller found out there was also an NRHA show at the event and begged to take the family’s 1990 palomino stallion Nu Chex To Cash.

Long story short, “Chex” went to Springfield. The family didn’t know it wasn’t customary to ride horses in several classes at NRHA shows, so Keller entered the Novice Horse, Non Pro and Open divisions. The

Early on, NRHA Million Dollar Owner Hilldale Farm was offered $1 million for NRHA Million Dollar Sire Nu Chex To Cash, who contributed so much to the family’s legacy in reining. They turned it down, and the rest is history.

MARCH 2021

Million-Dollar Milestones

COURTESY OF TAMMYE HUTTON

Much of Hilldale Farm’s success is owed to great broodmares like NRHA Million Dollar Dam Snip O Gun (right), pictured at age 28 with Tammye Hutton and Sally the Dachshund midwife, and Rondas Tio (left), pictured at age 29 with Doug Gerard.

1 and 2); Snip O Satellite (2018 Intermediate Non Pro); Corona Rita Time (2019 Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2); and Girls Lovin Time (2020 Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2).

World championships aren’t the family’s only major accomplishments within NRHA, though. Keller and Goetz have ridden 14 Hilldale-owned horses, most of which were homebreds, to the finals of the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby and National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).

For 23 years, the family has worked toward the $1 million milestone across Categories 1-9 in NRHA. Building a Breeding Farm “I didn’t know what a reining horse was until I met Charlie Hutton,” Tammye said of her former husband. “When we got married, we had all-around horses and halter horses for many years,

and then got involved more with reining and cow horse.”

They traveled every year to Oklahoma City for the AQHA World Championship Show, where they planted themselves in the stands to watch every single reining and cow horse run, educating themselves on style and pedigree.

“We’d watch the trainers show and see what we liked, and look up the pedigrees of the horses,” Tammye said. “We wanted something that was West Coastbred, because we really liked the Bueno Chexes.”

They were looking for a stallion, but money was tight.

“I found [Nu Chex To Cash] in the back of the Quarter Horse Journal in a one-sixth-page buyer’s guide ad,” Tammye said.

“Charlie called and spoke with Todd Crawford about the stallion and discovered they were asking $25,000. We couldn’t afford him.”

Tammye’s father, Don Davis, who

started Hilldale Farm, had been her partner in halter horses in earlier years, and he partnered with the Huttons on Nu Chex To Cash. They liked everything about his pedigree — he was a son of Nu Cash out of the Bueno Chex mare Amarilla Chex. From there, they worked on gathering the right mare power for their stallion.

“We couldn’t afford to buy mares that had records, so we bought mares with the right pedigree and conformation,” Tammye said.

“That’s what Nu Chex had to breed — really good mares with no records. We bought Leolita Step for $3,000 and bred her to Nu Chex to Cash.”

That 1989 mare (Forty Seven x Step Lite) produced Wimpys Little Step, now an NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire.

While Tammye hasn’t always purchased mares with the most current pedigrees, she bought the mares she thought worked best on Hilldale’s stallions. Keller’s ride at the 2020 AQHA World Show was a third-generation homebred for the family. Its Snippin Time is a granddaughter of NRHA Million Dollar Dam Snip O Gun, a mare Tammye found who had exactly the old pedigrees she likes — more specifically, the 1973 stallion One Gun (Mr Gun Smoke x Miss Seventy One).

“We gave $4,500 for ‘Snip,’ who will be 28 this year,” Tammye said.

Snip O Gun (One Gun x Miss Kim O Lena) was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2019, the same year her offspring earnings surpassed $1 million. Hilldale Farm has two of Snip’s daughters — Snips Shining Gun and Snip O Satellite — to continue her legacy in their breeding program. Snips Shining Gun was a 2019 NRHA Non Pro Futurity finalist and is NRHA.COM |

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MARCH 2021

Million-Dollar Milestones

Jessicah Keller — pictured aboard Snips Shining Gun, the leading mare out of the great Snip O Gun — has won hundreds of thousands of dollars for Hilldale Farm on numerous horses dating back to the late 1990 s, when she competed as a youth.

Snip’s leading daughter with NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) of $60,824.

Snip O Satellite is an NRHA World Champion and Snip’s secondhighest-earning daughter with $52,057 in NRHA LTE. Hilldale Farm found another mare that fit the breeding program when Charlie traveled to the 1999 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity.

He went to purchase a Nu Chex To Cash filly that was in the sale, but when he called Tammye, he told her he had also purchased a broodmare named Rondas Tio (Teninolena Badger x Docs Ronda).

“I remember getting that call and asking Charlie, ‘How are we going to pay for her?’ He said, ‘I don’t know, call the bank. This mare has the shortest cannons and lowest hocks I have ever seen.’”

Rondas Tio, who is living her retirement at the farm, turned out to be a good investment. She is the dam of four mares Tammye has in the broodmare pasture today, as well as Hilldale Farm’s top moneyearner, Heavy Duty Chex ($145,709 NRHA LTE).

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“Heavy D” or “D,” as he is affectionately called, has taken his place as the successor to his sire, Nu Chex To Cash.

“I prefer more bone and substance than some horses have today, and something a little bigger,” Tammye said. “I like a horse that’s 14.3 to 15.1.”

Heavy Duty Chex fits the bill.

The stallion was shown by Goetz to back-to-back wins at the NRBC in the Non Pro and was a member of the 2019 gold medal World Equestrian Games (WEG) Reining team with NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary. He has already begun a new legacy for Hilldale, siring an NRHA Levels 3 and 2 Non Pro Futurity finalist from his first foal crop. Heavy Duty Nic (out of Brooksinics Sis) will continue to be shown by Goetz this year.

“Chex just had a big heart,” Tammye said. “If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be where we are today. After ‘Wimpy’ won the Futurity, we got offered $1 million for him. We sat down as a family, and we decided that he didn’t owe us anything and we owed him

everything. When Charlie and I split up, I told him I would take care of Chex until he died. Chex lived here until 2020. He was 30 years old when his old knees finally gave out. He just said, ‘It’s time.’”

While rewarding, becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Owner was never even on Tammye’s radar.

“When Chex became a Million Dollar Sire, and then Snip O Gun became a Million Dollar Dam, that was a big highlight,” Tammye said.

“Jessicah was going through the Million Dollar Owners list, and I said, ‘Well, that’s one we’ll never get to,’ but we did. I was really surprised and amazed that we had actually owned and shown horses that had won that much.

“The girls have won a lot, and we’ve been fortunate and blessed with what we’ve done. I never dreamed in my lifetime that we could be Million Dollar Owners,” she added. “There are a ton of people to thank for this milestone and the other milestones we have been so fortunate to earn. I know if I tried to name them all I would forget someone, but I do want to say a big thank you to all of the trainers, customers, owners, family and friends who have been on this journey to a million with us.” ❖

WALTENBERRY

Now that Nu Chex To Cash is gone, Heavy Duty Chex has stepped in as his sire’s successor for Hilldale Farm. The stallion was predominantly shown by Tammye’s daughter, Sarah Goetz, during his performance career.

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KAYCIE TIMM

Before you can achieve a point-earning stop on a loose rein, you must first teach your horse to stop from other cues.

SECURING THE STOP When put in place, these insurance policies from NRHA Million Dollar Rider Brian Bell help you make sure your horse stops — every time.

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Article & photos by Abigail Boatwright

NRHA.COM |

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A reining horse should recognize the connection between its mouth and its body, so it should soften when the rider applies rein pressure.

R

eining involves a tremendous amount of speed and power, but more importantly, a demonstration of precision and control. The greatest example of these principles is the sliding stop, where the horse runs at speed the length of the arena before burying its hind end into the ground and sliding even farther — all with minimal rider cues.

To stop correctly on a loose rein and slide to a plus maneuver, you must teach your horse how to stop well, and then put insurance policies in place. Here are some tips on how to accomplish this from NRHA Million Dollar Rider Brian Bell, the 2020 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve Champion.

Loose-Rein Stops Bell said before you can focus on stopping a horse on a loose rein, you first need to be able to stop using other cues.

“I like my horses to stop on a loose rein as much as anybody, but I want them to stop three ways,” Bell explained. “I want them to stop when I pull on the reins, when I take my leg off and push my legs in front of me, and when I give a voice command.

“Sometimes when people are trying to stop on a loose rein and the horse doesn’t do it, they don’t ever follow up with other cues, like their reins,” he added.

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If your horse isn’t connecting its mouth with its body, it will push its head down or toss its head up to resist when you run down the arena and pick up the reins. Instead, you want your horse to soften in response to your rein pressure.

“When a horse gives his face, he learns how to use his back, and stops much prettier and stronger than a horse that resists,” Bell said.

The Insurance Policy You can check your horse’s response to your cues while you’re in motion. If you pick up your reins and pull, does your horse stop? If you take away your leg pressure or if you say, “Whoa,” does it stop?

“Ideally, if you’re running down the pen and your horse is broke, you can say, ‘Whoa,’ and he’ll stop

(left) A rider should be able to stop a horse at any time with a soft pull on the reins.

(series below) If your horse doesn’t stop from pressure on the reins, bump with your legs and ask it to back while holding your reins steady.

on a completely loose rein,” Bell said. “But, if you’re running down the arena and you don’t feel like your horse is listening to you, then you have other ways you can help your horse stop.”

Sharpening the following cues can help you get that desired response from your horse.

The Cues Bell works with his horses to teach them to give in response to his reins and legs when he stops.

He checks this communication by asking them first to stop with his reins. If the horse pulls against him, he’ll hold that pressure and 80

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apply leg pressure to encourage the horse to soften and back up.

He also wants his horses to stop when they feel him push his legs forward. He’ll emphasize this body cue by driving the horse forward in the rundown with his legs, squeezing as they go. He’ll then ask for the stop by removing the leg pressure and positioning his legs in front of the cinch.

After the horse stops, Bell will reinforce the move by picking up the reins and asking the horse to back up with leg pressure. When he wants the horse to stop backing, he’ll again position his legs in front of the cinch.

“Before I start down the arena, I want to have my upper body in the position I’ll be stopping in, because I don’t want to throw myself back when I stop,” Bell said. “So, my body is in the proper position, and when I’m ready to stop, I just say, ‘Whoa,’ and push my feet out in front of me.”

A key component to teaching a horse to stop well is the concept of rewarding it with rest, Bell noted.

“When the horse does stop well, I make sure to sit there and take a break,” he said. “That’s the only way they understand that they’ve done it right, and then they associate a good stop with that reward.”

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(left) If your horse doesn’t stop well, follow up by asking it to back up with energy.

(series below) Once your horse views stopping as a reward, it’ll soon recognize your legs-off cue as a request to stop.

Teaching the Stop Bell asks his 2- and 3-year-old horses to stop by first pulling on the reins as the sole cue, because he wants them to learn to give with their face in response to rein pressure.

“Once I can get them to stop every time by pulling and having them give to that pressure, then I’ll start relying on body cues and my voice more,” Bell said. “But always, whether they stop well or not, I 82

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always [use my reins to] ask them to back up a couple of steps.”

Bell said if the horse doesn’t stop well, he may ask it to back with more energy by bumping with his legs; if it stops correctly, he’ll ask for just a few steps.

“When they’re backing, I want to feel them pick their shoulders up, give their face, lower their head and get soft in my hand,” Bell said.

“Then, I’ll release them.”

Bell works specifically on stopping

a couple of times a week, but incorporates the cues into training during just about every ride.

“If I’m loping a slow circle or traveling along and I ask them to stop, I expect them to stop, give their face and back up from the time they’re 2 years old,” Bell said. “I’m not expecting them to necessarily dive into a stop, but I want them to know we want them to stop with their butt under them from the time they’re young. As

Your body position is an additional stop cue for your horse, but be careful not to throw yourself back when you stop. Keep the same position from your waist up.

they get older, we start to expect a little more out of them.”

The most important thing is consistency, Bell noted.

“They need to know that every time you say, ‘Whoa,’ you expect them to stop and take a couple of steps backward,” he said. “The horse learns by repetition, and if they have that ingrained in them, they’ll push harder in their stop.”

But, he cautioned against working hard on stops every day.

“You don’t want them to get to where they don’t like to stop,” he said. “You want them to desire to stop, not think that it’s a chore.”

If a horse stops well, even if it’s only stopped a couple times during that session, Bell will let it be done with the maneuver for the day.

“You don’t want to drill it so much to where they get sick of it; you want it to be something they look forward to, because they’ve learned they get a break afterward,” Bell said.

Your goal is progress, not perfection, Bell explained.

“I always try to get them to be just a little bit better than they were the day before.”

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In return for a quality stop, let your horse take a break. Ending on a good note will help your horse look forward to the rest that comes after performing a stop well.

consistently in response to all three cues: voice, legs, reins — in that order — you can gradually begin stopping with a looser rein.

“I don’t expect them to stop all of a sudden on a loose rein,” Bell said. “[As their training progresses] I’ll start to expect them to do it a little more on their own, without me helping them [with a rein cue].

I give them the rein cue last, and eventually, I can throw the reins away completely when I ask them to stop.”

If your horse doesn’t stop on a loose rein, avoid punishing it with your reins, Bell cautioned. That will ultimately hinder its soft response to your cues.

“You want the horse to desire to stop and take a break,” Bell reiterated. “If you do it wrong, it can make your horse afraid, to where they don’t want to stop. They don’t see it as a reward to get to stop and take a break.”

Final Thoughts The stop is a fan-favorite maneuver. It holds an important place in a reining pattern because it’s a potential way to gain crucial maneuver points. For that reason,

it’s worth the time and effort to make your stop the best it can be on a consistent basis.

“In every pattern, you get to stop three or four times,” Bell said.

“There’s nothing else in the pattern that we get to do that many times.

“So, if you’ve got a big stopper and you get to stop four times in a pattern,” he added, “you’ll have an advantage over a horse that is not a big stopper.” ❖

Brian Bell, an NRHA Professional since 1995, is a Million Dollar Rider with six NRHA World titles and one American Quarter Horse Association World Championship. He’s also a two-time NRHA Futurity reserve champion and two-time National Reining Breeders Classic Champion. Bell, whose NRHA lifetime earnings total $1.8 million-plus, trains in Valley View, Texas.

MARCH 2021

Million-Dollar Milestones

Style, Substance & Shine Shine Chic Shine’s ability to upgrade his offspring has ushered him in as an NRHA Million Dollar Sire.

Article by Kelsey Pecsek Hruska

Shine Chic Shine’s ability to sire offspring with his trademark style and stop helped him reach NRHA Million Dollar Sire status in late 2020.

Show Pen Shine Amabile first noticed Shine Chic Shine while flipping through the catalog for the 2008 NRHA Breeders Showcase Sale. The yearling colt, by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena and out of a then-unproven Ebony Shines (by Shining Spark), was a full brother to Shiners Chic, a 3-year-old Amabile had just watched compete in the Jim Norick 86

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Arena with Brad Giesbrecht.

“Shiners Chic was sitting fourth going into the finals of that year’s Futurity, and if it wasn’t for a few little things, he could have been leading,” Amabile recalled. “Now, Shiners Chic is 16, has won over $300,000 and shows no signs of slowing down. If that’s not a great horse, I don’t know what is.”

Decades of experience told Amabile that Shine Chic Shine could be something special. He trusted his instincts and gave $40,000 for the colt, who was consigned to the sale by Giesbrecht as an agent for breeder Howard

Mann of Manntana LLC. Amabile, an NRHA Professional from Grandview, Texas, who was in his mid-60s at the time, rode Shine Chic Shine through August of the colt’s 3-year-old season. After talking it over with his wife, Sally, he decided it was best to hand the reins over to a younger competitor.

“I was very happy with him, and my wife said, ‘Boy, this is an awful good horse,’” Amabile remembered.

“As somebody that didn’t show that much and at around 65 years old, I didn’t think I had the right to show that horse.”

Determined to give Shine Chic

JOHN BRASSEAUX

I

t was never a question of if, but merely when. John Amabile knew his stallion Shine Chic Shine was destined to become an NRHA Million Dollar Sire, it was just a matter of time.

The 2007 stallion sailed past the mark late last year after four of his offspring excelled in the Open finals at the NRHA Futurity. With 127 total money-earners in NRHA, Shine Chic Shine’s offspring record stood at $1,048,054 as 2020 came to a close.

“He was going to make it.

There was no ‘all of a sudden’ feeling,” said Amabile, who owns “Shine” with non pro reiner Monte Strusiner. “He went to the Futurity just under the mark, then went flying on by it.”

MARCH 2021

Million-Dollar Milestones

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After tough luck in the finals at the 2010 NRHA Futurity, Shine Chic Shine closed the deal on the Level 4 Open Classic Championship after a thrilling 231 runoff at the 2011 National Reining Breeders Classic with Shawn Flarida.

Shine the best possible shot at success, in September 2010, Amabile sent the colt to reining’s No. 1 rider, Shawn Flarida.

“John Amabile called and asked if I’d ride a horse for him. I was fortunate enough that horse turned out to be Shine Chic Shine, and we just hit it off,” Flarida said. “He was a strong colt, and he just fit me. He’s beautiful, and he’s such a natural stopper. It didn’t matter where you sat or how you moved your hand, if you said the word, ‘Whoa,’ he’d stop.”

Flarida clicked with the stallion from the beginning. After showing the horse to the Level 4 Open Futurity Championship at the Carolina Fall Classic, he made the decision to add Shine Chic Shine to his string for the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City.

Amabile watched all his dreams with his stallion begin to come to fruition when Shine Chic Shine slid his way to a first go-round win with a 227.5 in OKC. A second go 226.5

left him with an incredible 454 composite score, leading the pack into the finals by a 5-point margin.

“There wasn’t anybody who didn’t think he was going to win,” Amabile said. “Then, it just exploded, and that changed everything.”

Shine Chic Shine slipped and popped out of lead in one of his large, fast circles during the finals, and the stallion finished near the bottom of the class. Though he was frustrated with the tough luck, Amabile said he obliged when Flarida asked for one more chance to prove the horse.

Flarida didn’t waste that opportunity.

At the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) the next spring, Shine Chic Shine sent spectators to their feet when he tied for the Level 4 Open lead with a 229.5, then blew away the competition with a 231 runoff score for the Championship.

That momentum continued at the 2011 NRHA Derby, where

Flarida piloted Shine Chic Shine to a 226.5 for the Level 4 Open Co-Reserve title. At the 2012 NRBC, the team hit another patch of tough luck when the stallion pulled a sliding plate during his finals performance, though they still finished fifth after the horse powered through his remaining stops to mark a 229.5. Then, at the NRHA Derby later that year, an upper respiratory infection kept Shine Chic Shine from a top finish.

After being shown only six times, Shine Chic Shine was retired with NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) of $148,714 — a total that helped push Ebony Shines to NRHA Million Dollar Dam status in 2018.

“But, it’s not important whether Shine won a show or never won a show,” Amabile insisted. “What’s important is that he is a true breeding horse.”

Shining in the Breeding Shed Once a stallion moves from the show pen to the breeding shed, the significance of what happened in the arena pales in comparison to what he’s able to pass on to his offspring. Shine Chic Shine answered that tall order with ease.

“Shine is a breeding horse,” Amabile said proudly, noting the stallion’s offspring typically have their sire’s trademark style and stop. “To me, a breeding horse is not about how many babies a stallion has or even how much his babies have won. He’s got to improve on the mare to be a breeding horse. The test is being able to take a 70 horse and get a 72 baby, or breeding a 72 horse and getting a 75 baby.

“Simply put, for a stallion to be classified as a breeding horse, he should be able to upgrade and improve your mare. Shine has proven he can do that time and NRHA.COM |

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stallion’s genetics will be time again, and a true breeding horse like that when coupled with some comes along once in a of the industry’s more lifetime.” elite producers.

Shine Chic Shine’s In January 2021, first limited crop of foals Amabile moved Shine arrived in 2012. His top Chic Shine to Toyon performer, PS Mega Ranch in Pilot Point, Shine Chic, was born the Texas, where he will get next year. the opportunity to breed An earner of nearly more high-profile mares, $220,000 in NRHA, PS as well as be closer to Mega Shine Chic (out Stillo, who is a resident of Megas Sugar Baby) trainer there. was the highest seller at “It would be hard to the 2015 Markel NRHA find a stallion that’s Futurity Prospect better bred with the Sale with a final bid of strength of Ebony $280,000. The stallion Shines and Smart Chic boasts many accolades Olena,” said John Tague, with NRHA Professional owner of Toyon Ranch.

Dany Tremblay, “Shine is extraordinarily including The Run For A well-bred. I think he Million $100,000 Open has demonstrated Shootout Championship himself as a proven PS Mega Shine Chic, the No. 1 offspring on Shine Chic Shine’s NRHA in 2019 and several top sire, particularly by sire record, has accumulated nearly $220,000 in the show pen with finishes at the NRBC. NRHA Professional Dany Tremblay. often siring the first big Shine Colt Shine, the winner from a number No. 2 performer on Shine helped push Shine Chic Shine of mares.

Chic Shine’s sire record, made past $1 million, often trains the “He’s achieved a lot on young headlines in 2018 when he topped stallion’s offspring for Amabile. mares or mares who had not yet NRHA’s Futurity Prospect Sale She said they are some of the most had a significant winner,” Tague with a $220,000 bid. The 5-year-old trainable horses she’s ridden. continued. “Over the next few stallion out of Gunners Miss Oak “Shine is an extraordinary horse, years, he’s going to become an even went on to tie for the 2019 NRHA and he’s going to sire a lot more better investment choice for mare Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve great horses,” Stillo said.

“Over the owners because we’ll be breeding Championship with Flarida. last three years, I’ve probably had high-quality mares to him.”

His NRHA LTE total more than access to some of Shine’s highestThose who love Shine Chic Shine $113,000. quality 2-year-olds and prospects. most are confident his brightest “[Megas Sugar Baby] only had His babies are talented enough for moments as a sire remain to be about $9,000 in earnings, and the Open and definitely have that seen.

As the stallion works toward PS Mega Shine Chic was her first great stop that’s going to help non the next million-dollar milestone, money-earner,” Amabile said. pros have a shot at winning.

That’s his owners will forge ahead with a “Gunners Miss Oak, we owned why they’ve been successful here in clear goal in mind. and bred her. She didn’t have any the States and in Europe.”

“We’d like for him to sire an earnings, and she had less than In Amabile’s eyes, Shine Chic NRHA Futurity winner,” Amabile $5,300 in produce earnings before Shine is just getting started. Many said. “We came close with Shine Shine Colt Shine.” of his early breedings were to Colt Shine, but that’s what we hope NRHA Professional Mirjam unproven mares, so Amabile is for him in the future, and we think Stillo, who showed one of the four excited to see how powerful the he can do it.” ❖ 2020 Open Futurity finalists that 88

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WALTENBERRY

Million-Dollar Milestones

REINERS OF A DIFFERENT COLOR Article by Lindsay Humphrey

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VERONIKA EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

As the sport continues to grow and expand, reining enthusiasts are taking notice of the opportunities they have with Appaloosas.

It’s no secret reining is dominated by Quarter Horses and a kaleidoscope of splashy Paints, but with each passing year, a different pattern of spots is becoming more prevalent.

D

ecades ago, reining classes were made up of the cast-off horses who couldn’t quite cut it in other disciplines. It’s hard to imagine how far the sport has come, with today’s polished athletes boasting refined, specialized talent and generations of champions in their methodically planned pedigrees.

Modern reining, in which American Quarter Horses and American Paint Horses are most prevalent, could have something new on the horizon once again.

Not long ago, finding a quality Appaloosa reining horse was nearly impossible. But, that’s beginning to change as a few of the breed’s enthusiasts begin to leave their mark on the Western performance horse industry in the form of vibrant spots.

NRHA and Appaloosa Horse

Club (ApHC) Halls of Fame inductee Terry Thompson, as well as Wade Smith and his mother, Jimmie Miller Smith, of Geary, Oklahoma, and Canadians Jim Dobler and Heather McLevin, are considered pioneers of reining genetics in the breed.

These individuals saw a need in the horse industry and laid the foundation for filling it, subsequently changing the trajectory of reining for Appaloosas.

“I think the only ones exclusively breeding Appaloosas for reining about 15 years ago were probably Jim and Heather in Canada,” Granbury, Texas-based NRHA Professional Leslie Temple said. “You really just couldn’t find any reining-bred Appaloosas to buy, and that’s what got me started.”

The Catalysts “When you’re a kid, whatever horse you grew up around tends to be the breed you continue to follow through life,” Thompson said. “As a kid, we had an Appaloosa breeder up the road.

My dad and I bought one, and we advanced from there.”

Early in Thompson’s career, he was known for his accomplishments as an allaround rider in various breed associations. He’s won more than 200 ApHC World and National championships in his lifetime, and coached many clients to the same feat.

Thompson, who was instrumental in developing reining’s current system for judging, holds cards as a judge in many breed associations.

With experience judging all of

“When you’re a kid, whatever horse you grew up around tends to be the breed you continue to follow through life.”

—NRHA Hall of Famer Terry Thompson NRHA.COM |

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At his first reining show in 1977, NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Terry Thompson became the first person to win the All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Reining on an Appaloosa — Charger-Charmer. He has spent decades as an ambassador for the breed in NRHA and working to improve the bloodlines of reining Appaloosas.

those Appaloosas specifically for the sport of reining.

Wade Smith approached Thompson because he was also interested in creating a breeding program that revolved around reining genetics. Hopeful Justa Nugget O Lena (High Sign Nugget x Justa Doc O’Lena) would one day be an ideal broodmare for their program, he recommended the homebred mare as a potential reining prospect for Thompson.

Smith and Thompson showed the 2005 bay Appaloosa mare to build her record while they searched for the perfect stallion cross. They later found out Justa Nugget O Lena harbored powerful genes when 100% of her offspring were born with color.

The mare, who has four NRHAlicensed offspring, is now viewed

as one of the cornerstones of Appaloosa reining genetics.

“The next generation needed to be better than the previous, and that’s what we were seeking with these mares,” Thompson explained. “Our goal was to leave a mark on the industry.”

Thompson and Smith dispersed their program in 2017, but they’re still accomplishing their primary goal. Their tenacity for improving the genetics in Appaloosa reiners laid the groundwork for those who purchased their stock to carry on the legacy.

Labor of Love “Wade and Terry revolutionized reining for Appaloosas,” Leslie Temple said. “Before that, nobody was breeding for reining, so there just wasn’t anything to buy.”

HAROLD CAMPTON

NRHA’s major events, he said he’s probably used his NRHA card the most over the years.

Even after around a halfcentury in the horse industry, Thompson still remembers what reining horses were like in 1966, when NRHA was formed.

“That was the era of just trying to have a reining horse; they weren’t bred up for it,” he explained. “They were just horses [that were] too hot for Western pleasure, so we made them reiners.”

Always a student of the horse business, Thompson progressed his training program while simultaneously doing his best to improve the industry in his own way. Among his many accomplishments, in 1977, he became the first person to win the All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Reining on an Appaloosa — 1969 mare ChargerCharmer (Rustler Charger x Greenwoods Tigrees Ty Ty). He also finished third at the event aboard the 1973 Appaloosa mare Two Eyed Jackie (Two Eyed Jack x Snowcaps Startoo).

“The Appaloosa breed was good to me,” Thompson said. “A lot of people make fun of them, but I was able to make a living breeding and training them, and they helped me pay for two college educations for my girls.”

Thompson continued crossing Appaloosa mares with Quarter Horse stallions to improve the allaround quality of the foals hitting the ground. About 15 years ago, he shifted his attention to breeding

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Hobbys Spotted Chex, pictured with owner Gillian Galligan, helped prove in the early 2000 s that Appaloosas could be consistently competitive in NRHA, as well as the ApHC. He also started NRHA Professional Leslie Temple, who joined NRHA in the early 1990s, down a unique path as a reining trainer and breeder.

Temple called the stallion a “war horse,” recalling that he marked a 73 almost every time he showed, and yet he never needed his hocks injected.

“He was a loud-colored Appaloosa, and I got teased for riding him in the reining,” Temple admitted. “But, he was probably the best reining horse I’d ridden up to that point. He was the bestminded, and he stayed sound until he died.”

In addition to carrying Temple to the pay window, Hobbys Spotted Chex also got Temple started breeding Appaloosas to rein. She even has a few babies by him. But, she said, her pride and joy is Justa Chics Dream, a 4-yearold stallion by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream

and out of Justa Nugget O Lena who came from Terry Thompson and Wade Smith’s program.

Though the name Justa Chics Dream may not be as easily recognizable as many others in the reining industry, Temple said the practice of breeding Appaloosas for the sport is still in the early stages. Right now, the focus is on quality, not quantity.

“You can go to [some programs], and they’re breeding 50 Quarter Horse mares a year. Then you have people like me, who breed five to six a year,” she said. “There are no big ranches breeding lots of Appaloosas all at once. I will hopefully have six babies hit the ground this year, and that’s my largest crop so far. They are hard to come by, even still.”

As reining has become more

JOHN O’HARA, COURTESY OF THE APHC

A California native, Temple first started reining in 1993, and she mostly rode Paint and Quarter Horses. That is, until Gillian Baxter Galligan of Petaluma, California, gave her a ring. “[Gillian] had called all over California and couldn’t find anybody to ride her 2-year-old Appaloosa stallion, Hobbys Spotted Chex,” Temple recalled of the pivotal moment in her life.

“He was my only Appaloosa at the time, and he turned out to be really great.”

Hobbys Spotted Chex (Como Chex Hobby x Bandits Nutmeg), bred by James and Sharon Harper, finished second in an early Non Pro and Limited Non Pro Futurity with Galligan the next year, kicking off his reining career with $1,859 won as a 3-year-old. That number only continued to grow.

The 1995 stallion, who competed in both the Open and Non Pro, was “practically unbeatable” in the NRHA Novice Horse division, Temple said.

She and the horse won ancillary classes at major events such as the Reining By The Bay and the West Coast Reining Horse Association Best in the West, and also amassed a long list of accolades with the ApHC, now an alliance partner of NRHA. Hobbys Spotted Chex was the 1999 and 2000 Junior Reining World Champion, 2002 Senior Reining World Champion and 2011 Freestyle Reining World Champion in the ApHC, as well as a five-time Reserve World Champion between the Open and Non Pro.

Thanks to Terry Thompson and Wade Smith’s efforts, among others, Appaloosa reiners are beginning to gain a foothold in the industry. Save for their color, horses like Leslie Temple’s Appaloosa stallion Justa Chics Dream are nearly indistinguishable from their Quarter and Paint Horse counterparts.

VERONIKA EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

popular in the Appaloosa industry, it has spurred the right people into action. Those involved feel confident change is coming for the breed and the Appaloosa Reining Horse Association (ApRHA).

Build It & They’ll Come “We kind of had to reinvent the Appaloosa Reining Horse Association,” Temple said. “We needed to create a new market so people would want to breed and train Appaloosa reiners.”

When Robin Broughton became an ApRHA Board member in 2012 along with the late H. Arthur Jurhend, they realized the need to spread the word about the

quality of Appaloosas available for reining. That ultimately led to the creation of a futurity served by an ApRHA stallion auction.

“We decided to make it for 3-year-olds, so the only way people could enter was buying a breeding through our stallion program,” said Broughton, who noted that the most an Appaloosa could win in ApHC competition before the program was around $5,000. “We looked at a lot of stallion and nomination programs to build ours, including the NRHA Sire & Dam Program.”

Broughton and Jurhend decided to up the ante with the Buy, Breed & Win Open Futurity, and they

made their purse $10,000 — winner take all. Launched in 2013, the first set of eligible Appaloosa reiners hit the ground a year later.

“In 2013, I asked Art where we were going to get the $10,000,” Broughton said. “He said, ‘We have four years to figure it out.’”

Broughton, Temple, Galligan and Jurhend were the boots on the ground. They started calling big-name Quarter Horse stallion owners, hoping to inject quality reining bloodlines into Appaloosa pedigrees. They knew an incentive for the owner was key, so they added $2,000 for the Futurity winner’s stallion owner/ nominator.

“It has turned out to be a pretty good gig for everyone involved, and it has caused a lot of excitement,” Broughton said of the event.

Held in conjunction with the ApHC World Championship Show, the Buy, Breed & Win Futurity kicked off in 2017. The ApRHA stallion auction has continued to grow ever since, attracting new faces and convincing veteran reiners to give Appaloosas another look.

“Before this program, we were selling maybe four breedings a year. Now we’re selling 30 to 40 every year,” Broughton said. “It’s helped grow our organization,

“We kind of had to reinvent the Appaloosa Reining Horse Association. We needed to create a new market so people would want to breed and train Appaloosa reiners.” —Leslie Temple NRHA.COM |

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and we’ve attracted some of the younger trainers. It’s a smaller futurity, so the odds of winning are much higher.”

The Buy, Breed & Win Futurity featured 12 entries in 2020. Even with that limited field, it was anyone’s game. Temple, who entered her stallion, said she was impressed by the quality of Appaloosa reiners in the pen.

With the last run complete, the top spot in the Futurity was tied with a pair of 143s marked by 2020 NRHA Novice Horse Open Level 1 World Champion Jorge Puente and Peter DeFreitas, whose NRHA lifetime earnings exceed $600,000. The two NRHA Professionals opted for a runoff, but they tied once again, each scoring a 142.5.

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“The co-champions had to split the money, but the whole event created a lot of excitement for everyone,” Broughton said.

Puente, who rode Meant To B My Jersey (Yellow Jersey x Neon Cola Sign) for Christopher Donato, and DeFrietas, who piloted Shine And Seven (Some Kinda Shine x Pines Seven Up) for Amber Morgan, each took home more than $7,600 total. The stallion nominators — Jimmie Miller Smith and Frank Marley — each pocketed a $1,000 paycheck.

As entries at the ApRHA Futurity continue to rise and those horses begin making appearances at more NRHA events, it’s safe to say a new kind of spotted reiners are making a name for themselves.

“The nice thing about the Appaloosa breed overall, especially in reining, is that they don’t mature [physically] as quickly as Quarter Horses,” Broughton said, describing Appaloosas as “durable.” “They really come into their own as 4- and 5-year-olds. I think that’s part of why they have so much longevity. Appaloosas just keep giving and giving, and they don’t wear out. They have good minds, good bone and a strong work ethic.

“We appreciate everyone who has contributed to this progress, and all the trainers and breeders who are breaking into it with us,” she added. “We [the ApRHA] are still small, but we love the progress we’ve made and the quality we’re turning out.” ❖

LARRY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Meant To B My Jersey and Shine And Seven tied to win the 2020 ApRHA Buy, Breed & Win Futurity at the ApHC World Championship Show.

The horses’ owners split the winner-take-all $10,000 purse, and the stallion nominators each won $1,000.

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MARCH 2021

From the Judge’s Chair

What is A. General?

You’ve heard it mentioned many times, but why is the A. General section of the NRHA Handbook so important?

Article by Megan Arszman

I

f you’ve ever had the chance to visit with an NRHA judge or read “From the Judge’s Chair” in your NRHA Reiner, you’ve probably noticed reiners’ scores are often based, in part, on something called “A. General.”

While the term “A. General” may sound a little ambiguous, it’s actually a clearly defined guideline on which the entire sport of reining is based. It provides a clear picture

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for both riders and judges.

When you open your 2021 NRHA Handbook, it’s right inside the front cover in big, black letters — A. General. It reads: “To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement. The best reined horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely.”

A. General in Depth The A. General standard was set

by NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Jim Willoughby, a founding father of NRHA and the Futurity.

In the “Rules for Judging” section of the Handbook, the full context of the A. General section is explained: “To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but also to control his every movement. The best reined

KELSEY PECSEK HRUSKA

As reiners complete their pattern, judges use the A. General section of the NRHA Handbook as a guideline to evaluate each maneuver set for correctness and credit-earning potential.

MARCH 2021

From the Judge’s Chair

Each maneuver set that receives a single evaluation on a judge’s scorecard — from plus 1.5 to minus 1.5 — is made up of individual parts that can affect the overall score.

horse should be willingly guided or controlled with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely. Any movement on his own must be considered a lack of control. All deviations from the exact written pattern must be considered a lack of/or temporary loss of control, and therefore a fault that must be marked down according to severity of deviation. After deducting all faults, set here within [the NRHA Handbook], against execution of the pattern and the horse’s overall performance, credit should be given for smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority of performing various maneuvers while using controlled speed, which raises the difficulty level, and makes him more exciting and pleasing to watch to an audience.

The official guideline for the application for the rules for judging shall be as specified in the NRHA

Judges Guide.”

“It’s the standard,” NRHA judge Bob Kail said with conviction.

“To have consistency when judging the maneuvers like our industry depends on, you have to have a standard. A. General is the cornerstone of our discipline, and it sets judges up to ask, ‘Is that correct?’ as we watch each maneuver.”

Kail has a close personal connection to the words in the A. General portion of the Handbook.

The 36-year veteran judge grew up in Indiana watching his father’s reining horses be trained by a man named Jim Willoughby, the same person who authored the overall standard for judging reining horses.

“I’ve been [judging in NRHA] a long time, and I can’t remember that rule not being there,” Kail reflected. “I’ve relied on that from the very beginning.”

Using A. General Kail said he utilizes A. General by thinking of correctness throughout the whole pattern. Is a maneuver performed correctly? If the answer is yes, he decides if it’s executed well or not.

A. General is used to provide consistency between judges in a class, no matter how many entries there are or which pattern they run. From major events to affiliate shows, every half-point is important. Judges might sit through hundreds of runs, so this guideline helps them continue to review and score each maneuver of each ride to the best of their abilities.

Prior to walking in an arena and climbing in the chair, NRHA judges review videos to reinforce their skills. These videos provide maneuver examples for scores of minus 1.5, minus 1, minus half, 0, plus half, plus 1 and plus 1.5.

NRHA.COM |

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From the Judge’s Chair

Remembering the components of A. General helps a judge score accurately.

“I use it all day long when I’m judging any NRHA event,” Kail said. “If I’m questioning myself, I feel like [A. General] keeps me in check. I will go back to my rulebook, and I will stick with what’s in the rulebook.”

Every judge’s first priority is to evaluate the correctness of the entire maneuver, then add in “extra credit” for the smoothness, finesse, quickness, positive attitude and authority performed for that maneuver — as it’s outlined in A. General.

Kail offered the following as an example of how observers might not understand where A. General comes into play when scoring a maneuver: “Say a horse is going around the end of the pen for a rundown. When he is loping around, he’s pretty good with a smooth gait, but when he gets to the end where he is supposed to straighten out and gradually build up speed, the horse sticks his head straight into the air. He takes off running, and the rider just goes with it — but it wasn’t the rider’s idea to run down there like that.

That shows a lack of control and a deviation from the pattern. [If] he has a big stop and solid rollback, the judges might give him a minus half or 0 for that maneuver, and the crowd will wonder why.

“Here is why,” Kail continued.

“You have to ask, according to A. General, was the rider in control of the horse? No, the horse was out of control there for a short period of time. Maybe it was a beautiful stop, but that’s what helped him end up with a 0 for the score — the maneuver started badly but ended nicely.”

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Common Questions Understanding exactly what some of the language means in the A. General section of the NRHA Handbook can be challenging for new reiners. Kail took the time to answer a couple of questions riders may have after studying the statement:

maneuver of the pattern is another indication of a horse’s willingness.

“For a lead departure, as an example, [I look for] the horse to lope off and the rider to put his hand down. If the horse moves right up into that transition and goes into the lope and hits the high speed quickly, and the rider never did bump him or touch him, but the horse is staying between the reins, that horse is extremely good at being willingly guided,” Kail explained. “I don’t want to see someone bumping a horse three times before a transition or bumping on him through the maneuver, because that’s going to take away from the maneuver. That doesn’t show a horse that’s willingly guided. To me, if the horse needs to be bumped a few times or the rider has to really work, the horse isn’t paying attention, thus it’s not being guided in a willing manner.”

What indicates to you, as a judge, that a horse is willingly guided in a way that fulfills the A. General section in the NRHA Handbook?

Kail said one of a judge’s first indicators if a horse is willingly guided or not is what happens when the horse and rider first enter the arena.

“We’ve seen exhibitors ride into the middle of the pen, and two or three times, they bump them a little — lightly, but still making contact — keeping them in check,” he explained. “Then here comes one where the rider’s rein hand is down. He walks to the middle of the pen, and the horse is extremely attentive to being guided. It’s waiting to be dictated to and come to attention. We’ve all seen horses that we like, and that’s what they look like to me.”

The departure into the first

The A. General section also mentions a horse and rider should be given credit for showing authority when performing various maneuvers.

What does that mean, and how can a rider strive to exhibit that to a judge?

“One of the definitions of authority is ‘enforced obedience.’

So, when a horse performs a maneuver with authority, there’s no question about that horse loping off and taking the correct lead. He does it with authority, meaning he moves immediately and correctly, and listens to his rider,” Kail said.

“A horse performing with authority is exciting to watch. He’s quick — he doesn’t jump out from under the rider, but he’s quick to do his job. The horse is trying hard and he’s confident. He’s not waiting to be made to do it; he’s guided and goes to do his job.” ❖

common misunderstanding. While each overall maneuver is given one score on a judge’s card, it is made up of several parts that can be executed correctly or incorrectly. A judge must evaluate the correctness of an entire maneuver, from start to finish.

“Judging isn’t rocket science,” Kail said. “Judging is being attentive. I always tell myself to go out there and stick to my standards and don’t miss the penalties. Get the penalties, and then you do a good job of judging.”

MARCH 2021

Million-Dollar Milestones

Cashing In

2011 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Champion Lil Joe Cash’s offspring have cashed in to the tune of more than $1 million with NRHA. Article by Larri Jo Starkey

T

he $7,700 horse has made his way to $1 million.

In December 2020, Lil Joe Cash (Nu Chex To Cash x RS Lilly Starlight) became an NRHA Million Dollar Sire when Tish Fappani rode Joes Genes to the CINCH Level 3 Non Pro Futurity Championship.

But Lil Joe Cash’s journey to million-dollar status began long ago, at the 2009 Legacy Reining

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Breeders Sale, where Russell Giles was looking to buy a son of Nu Chex To Cash.

Giles was from Waco, Texas, and new to reining. Well-meaning advisers warned her about the colt she was interested in purchasing; his dam, RS Lilly Starlight, wasn’t from reining bloodlines. But as a longtime athlete herself, Giles knew the conformation she wanted

in a prospect.

“My thought was, an athlete is an athlete,” she said. “If you can play baseball, you can play basketball.

It’s all the same moves, maybe just a different type of move. You have to be one great horse to be an AQHA Superhorse — the champion of champions [which RS Lilly Starlight was in 2006]. That’s what I thought.”

VERONIKA EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Lil Joe Cash, pictured with longtime owner Russell Giles, is one of NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Sires.

MARCH 2021

WALTENBERRY

Million-Dollar Milestones

So, when the bidding passed $7,000, Giles trusted her gut and raised her hand at $7,700, and Lil Joe Cash became hers.

Giles’ faith in Lil Joe Cash’s abilities led her to different trainers until she found NRHA Professional Brent Loseke, whom she thought could give her an honest evaluation of the stallion.

“He rode ‘Joe’ and said, ‘What do you want to do with him?’ I said, ‘I don’t know,’” Giles recalled. “Brent rode him a second time and said, ‘I can get you a check for $75,000 for this horse if you have about five minutes.’”

Astonished, Giles asked Loseke what he would do if the stallion were his.

“He said, ‘I’d leave him in training with me, and I think I can get $125,000 for him,’” Giles said.

“I sat there thinking, ‘You know, I gave $7,700 for this horse.’”

Loseke rode Lil Joe Cash and got him broke and supple, and Giles came to trust him more. So, when he called her and told her the stallion needed to be in NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani’s barn, she believed him and sent the horse to Scottsdale, Arizona.

“A week later, Andrea texted Brent and said, ‘I really like this horse,’” Giles said. “I thought, ‘OK, I’m glad he likes him.’ I knew not to bother the man because he’s a stellar trainer. You have to find someone you trust, and then trust them.”

That trust proved itself wellplaced. Fappani rode Lil Joe Cash to top-five finishes at a few early futurities to get ready for the big one in Oklahoma City.

“He’s built like a modern reining horse should be,” Fappani said.

“He’s up on his shoulders and deep underneath himself. He was like that even as a yearling in the

When Lil Joe Cash sold for $7,700 at the Legacy Reining Breeders Sale, many thought he wouldn’t be successful in the reining pen. He proved those naysayers wrong in 2011, when he carried Andrea Fappani to the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Championship from the first draw. He continues to make waves in the reining industry today as a sire.

videos. It wasn’t training — it was me teaching him the maneuvers. He naturally wanted to do things the way reining horses should do them.”

At the draw party for the 2011 NRHA Open Futurity finals, Giles pulled the No. 1 position in the second section.

“With my own hand, I might have doomed my horse,” she exclaimed at the time. But, from that first hole, Lil Joe Cash and Fappani nailed down the win with a 227.5 that no other horse matched.

The victory was life-changing for Giles and the stallion.

Fappani continued successfully showing Lil Joe Cash at major aged events through 2014. They won the go-round at the 2012 National Reining Breeders Classic and, in 2014, topped The Challenge Open Derby and the Open Shootout at the NRHA Futurity. The duo also finished in the top 10 at the NRHA

Derby twice. In 2013, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary took his turn on the stallion and secured the Level 4 Open Derby Championship at the Tulsa Reining Classic.

Sandwiched between those accolades was the 2012 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Junior Reining World Championship. That title was important to Giles, who wanted to market her stallion to mare owners who might be interested in other disciplines.

“Not every horse is going to be a reining horse, and if you want your horse to be seen by really big competitors, you have to get that broad focus on him,” she explained, offering as an example the 2014 Lil Joe Cash gelding Crowd Pleaser (out of DA Steady Holiday), who earned the Farnam Level 3 Open bronze for third in Senior Ranch NRHA.COM |

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MARCH 2021

NVR What A Lucky Joe, pictured with owner Morris Kulmer, has accumulated NRHA lifetime earnings of more than $108,000 to become Lil Joe Cash’s No. 1 offspring. The 2014 gelding is still actively competing in both the Open and Non Pro.

Riding at the 2020 AQHA World Championship Show. “What we wanted to do with Joe was give him that ability to cross into other disciplines, because he’s so talented. I have no doubt he would have done well at reined cow horse or anything else. It just happened that reining was the discipline we decided to do.”

In reining, Lil Joe Cash was an undeniable success. During his performance career, he earned $279,268 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE). That includes an $11,165 paycheck he cleared when Fappani pulled the stallion from retirement for The Run For A Million Shootout, in which they placed third with a 226.

“He stayed consistent in his career,” Fappani said. “He marked the same in 2019 that he did in his early career. He was also a very sound horse — we never had to inject, never had shoes up front.

His conformation helped that. He’s naturally collected, and reining is a lot easier for his body.”

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pros, who appreciate how easy his offspring are to train and their goofy personalities.

“You have to baby them around, and they come around. All you have to do to a 2-year-old is ride them, ride them, ride them,” Giles said, pointing out that most of Lil Joe Cash’s offspring earnings have come through non pro efforts.

“Joe’s highest-earning horse — NVR What A Lucky Joe — is owned by Morris Kulmer with over $100,000 in earnings, mostly in the Non Pro.” Joes Genes (out of Electric Genes) — who was ridden by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Tish Fappani to the 2020 Level 4 Non Pro Futurity Co-Reserve Championship — is the secondhighest earner on Lil Joe Cash’s record with $79,000-plus in NRHA LTE from her 3-year-old season alone.

“Lil Joe Cash has always been a special horse to our family. He had an amazing show career,” Tish Fappani said. “It’s amazing to be a part of this achievement of his. My mare’s mind and her trainability

are where I see his influence.”

As Lil Joe Cash continues to rise to stardom as a sire, Giles’ top priority is getting his offspring in the hands of people who will love them. When the pandemic began in March 2020, Giles — now in business as Lil Joe Cash Inc. — dropped the stallion’s breeding fee to just enough to cover her cost.

“Some of [Lil Joe Cash’s] winners came from my friends’ horses. I called them and twisted their arms and said, ‘Breed your horse, breed your horse, breed your horse,’” remembered Giles, who said she plans to keep her stallion’s fee at a price point she thinks any breeder who wants to bring a mare to Lil Joe Cash can afford.

She also plans to hold onto her $7,700 treasure, who reached NRHA Million Dollar Sire status with just four crops of performance-age foals. Giles’ first horse was a $35 Welsh pony, and she understands the true value of her once-in-a-lifetime stallion.

“You know, when I bought Joe — my dad just passed away this last September — I told him about Joe, he said, ‘The best horse I ever owned was less than $3,500. You got taken advantage of,” Giles fondly recalled with a laugh. “I appreciate my family. They let me talk about Joe nonstop.

“This horse was brought into my life as a gift, and you don’t give away your gifts,” Giles said, thanking Loseke and Fappani, among others. “I’ve got to give all the credit [for his success] to the people who gave me the guidance — everyone from the guy that cleans Joe’s stall to the McCutcheons, who are standing him now. You have to go with trusted people. I think I was fortunate enough to find the correct people to help me.” ❖

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Million-Dollar Milestones

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MARCH 2021

Fit Reiner

Nutrition on the Go Fuel your performance, no matter where you stop to eat.

Article by Kelly Altschwager, with Alexis Bennett Photos by Alexis Bennett

Pack a cooler or tote, or stock a mini fridge with healthy options to ensure you have the fuel you need at a show.

T

he show season often brings long days, late nights and early mornings. As you navigate these various time constraints and stressors, your nutrition might fall to the wayside because you’re more concerned that your horse is ready to go.

Unfortunately, this behavior can also inhibit your results in the show ring. You wouldn’t change your horse’s feed at the show, and you should avoid doing it to yourself.

Food is fuel and, like your horse, how you fuel your body is directly related to how you can expect to perform. By learning to find optimal choices in every situation — from the concession stand to the truck stop and your own travel cooler — you can feel prepared and at your best when it’s time to step into the arena.

Here, I’ll share the basics of balanced nutrition and macronutrients, and also provide some food-selection options for each location in which you might find yourself. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to easily optimize your nutrition wherever you go.

Macros 101 All food consists of some amount of three macronutrients: proteins,

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carbohydrates and fat. Each serves a specific purpose in the body.

Protein is used for muscle repair, helps you recover from workouts and riding sessions, and maintains lean mass to improve your metabolism. Carbohydrates are your primary source of energy. Fat supports brain and organ function, cell recovery and hormone balance, and provides energy, as well.

If you don’t already, read nutrition labels; they will help you learn how much of each macronutrient different foods have.

You can typically find the nutrition facts for foods without labels with a quick online search.

Unless you have specific fitness goals, it’s not necessary to have daily macronutrient targets — a

certain number of grams of protein, carbohydrates and fats that you eat each day. If you’re just starting to improve your nutrition, aim to eat a balanced diet with a mix of proteins, fats and carbs, including vegetables. If you’re going to focus on any macronutrient, let it be protein, as it’s the one most people don’t get enough of.

A well-rounded diet, coupled with drinking enough water — a gallon per day if you’re active or in a warm climate — will ensure you feel good and perform well in the saddle. If you’re trying to level up your performance, work with a qualified nutritionist to set specific nutrient targets.

You can get each of the macronutrients while at shows or on the road with a little creativity

MARCH 2021

Fit Reiner

nutrient-dense and easy-to-pack sources. Watch serving sizes, especially with nuts, as they’re easy to overconsume.

Grilled chicken, fruit, vegetables and Greek yogurt are all nutrient-dense options you can order in a pinch at a fast-food or sit-down restaurant.

and some knowledge of what to look for. Maintaining a balanced diet will help you feel and perform your best when it’s time for you and your horse to compete.

Location: Cooler, Mini Fridge or Packed Bag The best way to ensure you’ll be able to stay on track with your nutrition and perform your best is to prepare meals in advance or grocery shop when you arrive at your destination.

Protein can be found in lunchmeat, burger patties or meatballs made with ground, lean beef or turkey. Use these for quick sandwiches, wraps or burgers.

Pre-made tuna packets with mayonnaise or seasoning can also be used in wraps and sandwiches, or eaten alone. Hardboiled eggs are another quick and easy snack.

Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a dipping sauce with seasoning for fruit bowls or as toppings to add flavor to sandwiches and burgers.

Supplements such as protein

shakes and bars are quick options when you’re struggling to consume enough protein. Meal-replacement shakes should be used when you don’t have a lot of time to eat or you can’t stomach a heavy meal before a ride.

Carbohydrates are best from high-fiber and whole food sources, such as whole-wheat bread, wraps and pre-made pasta. Tortillas make quick on-the-go wraps.

If you struggle to eat enough carbohydrates or get enough energy, choose a whole-wheat option.

Carb-balance tortillas are a great substitute for those who don’t get enough fiber from vegetables and fruit. Fruit is also high in fiber and provides quick energy. Vegetables — such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes — are easy to eat, and provide fiber to keep your digestive system functioning and bloat to a minimum.

Fat, including nuts, string cheese and full-fat Greek yogurt, are all

Location: Gas Station It may take some creativity, but you can still find plenty of quality macronutrients on the road.

Choose whole foods rather than packaged, processed options when possible.

Protein sources include turkey and beef jerky. To-go protein packs work well; however, they’re often a combination of protein and fat.

Premixed protein drinks are a helpful supplement to balance your daily intake. Protein bars are more filling options that also provide carbohydrates and fats. You can sometimes even find Greek yogurt, which can be a nice treat.

Carbohydrates such as vegetables and fruits are great snacks, especially for those who tend to snack while driving. They’re lower in calories and carbs, and aren’t going to make you feel sluggish even if you consume a high volume. Pretzels are another carbohydrate option, but be mindful of serving size. Pickles provide some carbs and help avoid muscle cramps on hot, long days.

Fat is easy to find on the road, as it’s in almost every processed food.

Look for good fats, such as nuts and string cheese. Bagged almonds, cashews and peanuts are healthy fat sources, but choose smaller packages to avoid over-snacking.

Location: Fast-Food Restaurant Although fast-food restaurants don’t often have the highestquality ingredients, you can still find foods that meet your macronutrient needs. Dinein restaurants usually have better quality food with some NRHA.COM |

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of the same limitations. Don’t be afraid to ask how foods are prepared. Most places will make accommodations.

Protein in grilled chicken on a sandwich or in a salad is your best restaurant choice. Chili, if it’s an option, is another wholesome choice, and provides a good balance of protein and high-fiber carbohydrates. Meat in street tacos isn’t fried, so it can be a healthier choice, as well.

Carbohydrates in buns, wholewheat bread, beans, rice, quinoa and tortillas are the best options.

Go bunless if you’re worried about your carb intake for the day.

French fries, because of the way they’re prepared, are a lowquality carbohydrate- and fat-heavy option, though baked potatoes by themselves are a good choice. Ask

for the toppings on the side and use only half the provided sour cream and butter.

Salad, while it provides vegetables you’re likely lacking in these circumstances, typically have many high-fat toppings and dressings. Ask for the dressing on the side and only use half of it.

Fat is in everything that you eat at a fast-food restaurant, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to seek it out. Avocado on sandwiches and salads can substitute mayonnaise or dressing, while also providing flavor and a healthy dose of fat.

Try not to sweat it if you eat something on the road that isn’t as wholesome and that leaves you feeling sluggish or foggy-brained.

It happens. The best solution is to remove the guilt, drink water and get back on track. ❖

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Kelly Altschwager, Wellington, Colorado, is an ACE-certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist, PiYo instructor fitness expert at Fitness1 Club Wellington, and certified health and wellness counselor. Her personaltraining service, Western Workouts, is geared toward helping the busy horse person get fit for riding and life. Learn more at westernworkouts.com.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 DONORS Reiners Club Champions $3,000 and up/year

Tim Anderson & Kim Niven Arizona Reining Horse Assn.

Mark & Julie Blake Booth Ranches Rick Clark Frank & Susan Costantini/Markel David & Lisa Dentoni Elite Equine Jennifer Greenleaf Mike & Bryan Hancock Michell Anne Kimball Bruce & Marge Koefoot Joe & Karen Moran National Reining Breeders Classic Pro Management Inc. Sandbur Productions Craig & Ginger Schmersal Southwest Reining Horse Assn.

Toyon Ranch LLC Vanguard Charitable –The Cantacuzene Family Charitable Fund Jamie Walters Everett Wiggins

Reiners Club Partners $2,000-$2,999/year

Bur Oak Veterinary & Podiatry Services Gary & Marian Carpenter Florida Reining Horse Assn.

Low Roller Reining Classic and Northwest ARC MS Diamonds TX

Reiners Club Contributors Derek & Kelli Brummett Mike Carrier André De Bellefeuille Mike Deer & Rita Harrington Facebook Gifts/Network for Good Florida Reining Horse Assn.

Susan Geiger Beth Himes Kentucky Reining Horse Assn.

Jerry & Carmen Kimmel

George & Chloe Lawrence Tim & Colleen McQuay Ed & Parker Minchin Craig & Lisa Murray Pro Management Inc./Cheryl Cody Andrea & Mirjam Stillo David Stroud David & Terri Stroud Diane Yoder

Reiners Club Friends Melissa Abbott George Aldridge AmazonSmile Foundation Aurora Pharmaceutical Robert (Bobby) M. Avila Jr. Leslie Baker Sue Barton Dr. Bonnie Beaver Stéphanie Benetiere Ashley Bland Mona Bodaness Wesley Brown Christy Burch Anne-Marie Burns Eric Carlson Coguaike LLC Lorenzo Concarella Ellen Cummins Rocky & Delise Dare Germaine Davila

$1,000-1,999/year

$100-999/year

Chester Ehnisz Equine Oasis Jeremy Elbert Gary Ferguson Jr. Claire Flaherty Lisa Gatt Gracie Gaudagnolo Melinda Gaw Mark Hurd Cindy Jerger Bob & Linda Kiser Janice Laney Scott Loughridge Terri Mainey Erin McFarland Glenn & Kelly Miller Veronika Miller Stephany Monteleone

Darrel Morris Matt Murphy David Nogle Anne Oakley Rancho Monsivais LLC Ashley Restivo Shawn Reynolds Daniel Rominski Agathe Schmidt Mike Seay Shannon Snyder Leann Spurlock Alan & Shawn Stratman Maureen Underwood Linde von Koeding Brett Walters Kristy Way Rick Weaver Kelly & Theresa Wick *Subject to change

3021 W Reno Ave. • Oklahoma City, OK 73107 • (405) 946-7400 • rhf@nrha.com • reiningfoundation.com

Whatever is in the horse’s best interest is in our best interest.

Respect the Horse. Respect the Sport.

(405) 946-7400 • NRHA.COM

from the American Legends Collection

O F F I C I A L S I LV E R S M I T H S www.montanasilversmiths.com Follow us

Naaonal Reining Breeders Classic April 18-25, 2021 Katy, TX

NRHA Derby

June 19-27, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK

Tulsa Reining Classic

August 29 - September 5, 2021 Tulsa Reining Classic

SWRHA Futurity October 19-24, 2021 Ardmore, OK

NRHA Futurity

November 25 - December 4, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK

Photo by Alden Corrigan Media

VirtualHorseHelp.com



WorldWideSlide.com

MARCH 2021

NRHA Affiliates UNITED STATES

North Central

South Central

East Central

Central Plains RHA Clarkson, Nebraska 402-841-8389 www.cprha.com

Four States RHA Texarkana, Texas 870-904-2130 www.facebook.com/ groups/245024386607

Central Ohio RHA North Olmsted, Ohio 216-214-9 657 centralohioreining.com Illinois RHA East Moline, Illinois 309-737-4773 www.ilrha.org Indiana RHA Lebanon, Indiana 317-440-5248 www.inrha.com

Michigan RHA Coopersville, Michigan 517-548-2052 www.mrha.org

East Coast Reiners Assn Ronkenkoma, New York 631-807-6649 ecraonline.com

Ohio Valley RHA Wooster, Ohio 352-427-8951 www.ovrha.org

Eastern Pennsylvania RHA Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 202-438-1841 www.eprha.com

Tennessee RHA Lebanon, Tennessee 615-400-2404 www.tnrha.org

Tri-State RHA Evans City, Pennsylvania 412-780-1844 www.tsrha.com

Mountain

Yankee RHA Eden, New York 716-725-7950 www.yankeereiners.com

Idaho RHA Idaho Falls , Idaho 208-244-8319 www.idrha1.com Intermountain RHA Draper, Utah 801-599-468 www.irha.com Rocky Mountain RHA Eaton, Colorado 303-518-3163 www.rmrha.com Western Slope RHA Grand Junction, Colorado 970-596-7701 www.wsrha.com

WWW.LHBRANDINGIRONS.COM

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| NRHA REINER

Northeast Central New York RHA Chazy, New York 315-447-4166 www.cnyrha.net

Eastern Plains RHA Kiowa, Colorado 303-885-6713 www.eprha.org

8004378068

North Central RHA Welch, Minnesota 612-599-297 www.ncrha.com

Kentucky RHA Fairdale, Kentucky 502-599-8639 www.krha.info

Cowboy States RHA Big Horn, Wyoming 307-673-1331 www.cowboystatesreiners. com

410 6TH ST. S.E. MANDAN, ND 58554

Midwest RHA Davenport, Iowa 309-255-739 www.mwrha.com

Yellowstone RHA Wilsall, Montana 406-220-1967 www.yellowstone reining.org

Northwest Great Western RHA Idaho Falls, Idaho 208-524-3115 www.lowrollerreining.com Oregon RHA Eagle Point, Oregon 541-840-1579 www.oregonreining.com RHA of the Northwest Spokane, Washington 541-561-4405 www.rhanw.com Snake River Reining Alliance Nampa, Idaho 208-353-8098 www.snakeriverreining.com Washington RHA Monroe, Washington 206-714-1277 www.wrha.net West Coast RHA Elk Grove, California 209-601-1864 www.wcrha.com

Kansas RHA Spring Hill, Kansas 816-536-2148 www.kansasreining.org Oklahoma RHA Owasso, Oklahoma 405-826-6147 www.okrha.com South Texas RHA Pipe Creek, Texas 210-563-1302 www.strha.com Southwest Missouri RHA Republic, Missouri 918-520-9962 www.moreininghorseassc. wixsite.com Southwest RHA Byars, Oklahoma 903-821-7312 www.swrha.com Texas RHA Austin, Texas 810-956-7987 www.trhaonline.com West Texas RHA Dennis, Texas 713-314-6993 www.wtrha.com Southeast Florida RHA Ocala, Florida 352-425-2121 www.frha.com Heart of Dixie RHA Cairo, Georgia 404-391-6612 www.dixiereiners.com South Florida RHA Miami, Florida 813-478-9339 www.sfrha.com Southeastern RHA Selma, North Carolina 252-205-9945 www.serha.org Southwest Arizona RHA Scottsdale, Arizona 903-267-5224 www.azrha.com California RHA Temecula, California 714-608-1688 crhareining.com Southern California RHA San Diego, California 619-823-4422 www.facebook.com/ SouthernCaliforniaReining HorseAssociation

MARCH 2021

NRHA Affiliates CANADA

Finland

OCEANIA

Eastern Canada

NRHA Finland Uusitalo 358-409-615-892 www.nrha.fi

Australia

Assn Quebecoise de Reining (AQR) Ste-Brigide, Quebec 514-946-5215 www.reining.qc.ca Central Canada RHA Winnipeg, Manitoba 204-632-0427 www.ccrha.ca New Brunswick Codiac Reining Assn New Brunswick 506-866-6123 www.facebook.com/ groups/14301985785 Ontario RHA Waterford, Ontario 519-855-6865 www.orha.on.ca Saskatchewan RHA Prince Albert, Saskatchewan 306-731-3369 www.saskreining.com Western Canada Reining Alberta Airdrie, Alberta 403-804-4031 www.reiningalberta.net Reining Canada Sundre, Alberta 403-638-6737 www.reiningcanada.com Western Canadian Reining Assn Williams Lake , British Columbia 250-267-1300 www.wcra.info EUROPE Austria Austrian RHA Sulz, Vorarlberg 432-238-8484 www.arha.atBelgiumNRHA Belgium O.L.V. - Waver , Oost-Vlaanderen 3-249-583-7404 www.nrha.be Czech Republic NRHA Czech Kozlovice nrhaczech.cz Denmark NRHA Denmark Regstrup 452-143-4216 www.nrha.dk

France NRHA France Saussay-Par-Anet 336-087-510-583 nrha-france.com Italy Italian RHA San Polo, Parma 390-521-819-151 www.irha.it Luxembourg NRHA Luxembourg Luxembourg City 352-691-148-062 www.nrhaluxembourg.lu Netherlands Dutch RHA Zwijndrecht, Zuid Holland 031-610-966-81 www.drha.nl/

Calliope Sliders Reining Horse Club Calliope, Queensland 48-819-4803 www.csrhc.com.aua Collie Western Riding Association Collie, Western Australia www.colliewestern.org.au Goulburn Valley RHA Lemnos, Victoria 610-455-500-242 www.gvrha.com New South Wales RHA Bungonia, New South Wales 6-144-898-4621 www.nswrha.com.au Orana Reining Horse Association Mendooran, New South Wales 44-745-6001

Norway

Queensland RHA Caboolture, Queensland 43-996-3007 www.qrha.org.au

NRHA Norway Trøgstad 474-786-9944 www.nrha.no

Southern Cross RHA Manly, New South Wales 6-142-755-4544 www.scrha.com

Spain

Victorian RHA Berwick, Victoria 41-913-9066 www.vrha.com.au

NRHA Spain Concepcion Arenal, Barcelona 3-460-936-6187 www.nrhaspain.com Sweden Swedish RHA Skultuna 4-670-981-4680 www.srha.se Switzerland NRHA Switzerland Hombrechtikon, Zurich 4-178-770-6650 www.nrha.ch

Western Australia Reining Association Hopeland, Western Australia 40-047-8025 www.warha.com Japan Japan RHA Kumanoto 81-805-272-3518 www.facebook.com/jrha reining SOUTH AMERICA

United Kingdom

Brazil

British Reining Sellindge, Kent 004-413-038-148-79 www.britishreining.co.uk

ANCR Brazil Holambra, Sao Paulo www.ancr.org.br

MEXICO Mexico ANECR NRHA Mexico - IAP Guadalupe NL, Nuevo Leon 528-182-5349 www.facebook.com/nrha mexico

All Scholarships Accepted, Grant Programs and Financing Available

OTHER South Africa NRHA South Africa Big Bay, Western Cape 2-782-514-6044 www.facebook.com/nrha southafrica

Don’t See Your Affiliate?

Is your NRHA affiliate missing from this listing, or are you interested in establishing a new NRHA affiliate? For more details or to update an affiliate’s information, contact Sara Honegger at shonegger@nrha.com.

Basic Horseshoeing Course (2 Weeks) $1,800

Professional Farrier Course (8 Weeks) $4,800

Advanced Horseshoeing & Blacksmithing Course (12 Weeks) $6,800

Licensed by Oklahoma Board of Private Vocational Schools and Approved by SSA

26446 Horseshoe Circle

Purcell, OK 73080

405-288-6085 NRHA.COM |

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AZRHA Ranches and Trainers Cordially Invite You To Visit Their Facilities.

1. Schmersal Reining Horses

Specializing in Training, Showing & Selling Futurity Prospects and Derby Horses Ranch address: 31116 N. 136th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Mailing address: 10001 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Craig: 580-222-9565 Ginger: 580-222-9561 www.schmersalranch.com info@schmersalranch.com

1. Schmersal Reining Horses

7. Flaherty Performance Horses

2. Honstetter Performance

7. Ashleysbarn

2. Gordon Quarter Horses

7. Linde Von Koeding Performance Horses

3. Story Book Stables

8. Kari Klingenberg Performance Horses

4. Muehlstaetter Performance Horses

9. Matt Mills Reining Horses

5. Naylor Performance Horses 6. Huss Performance Horses 7. Marco Riccota Performance Horses

2. Honstetter Performance

Arno Honstetter, Trainer 480-254-0734 Specializing in Futurity, Derby and Non Pros Ranch address: 30513 N 144th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 www.arnohonstetter.com honstetterperformance@gmail.com

2. Gordon Quarter Horses

Pedro Baiao, Trainer 405-495-5350 Breeding Quality Performance Horses Ranch address: 28823 N 138th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 baiaoreining@gmail.com

3. Story Book Stables

At Five Bells Ranch StoryBookStables4U@gmail.com Ranch address: 13711 East Peak View Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Trainer: Arno Honstetter 480-254-0734

6. Huss Performance Horses

At Smoking Roosters Ranch Specializing in Quality…Training, Showing, Instruction & Winning Ranch address: 14535 E. Pinnacle Vista Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 708-752-2191 Wendy 708-752-2193 Dan www.hussperformancehorses.com wendy@wendyhuss.com

7. Marco Riccota Performance Horses

At Outwest Stallion Station Ranch address: 15419 E. Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Jenny: 903-267-5224 Marco: 940-206-2561 ricottaperformancehorses@gmail.com

7. Flaherty Performance Horses

4. Muehlstaetter Performance Horses

At Outwest Stallion Station Patrick Flaherty, Trainer Ranch address: 15419 E. Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Mailing address: 15419 E. Rio Verde Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 www.flahertyperformancehorses.com flaherty.performance@gmail.com

5. Naylor Performance Horses

At Outwest Stallion Station 480-510-5365 Ashley Wilson-Hammer, Trainer Ranch address: 15419 E. Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Mailing address: 28150 N. Alma School Pkwy Ste 103 #411, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 www.Ashleysbarn.com ataylorw@gmail.com

Ranch address: 28624 N. 141st St., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Mailing address: 28150 N Alma School Pkwy, Ste 103 #421, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 480-686-2919 or 480-220-6806

Brent 602-568-4104 Specializing in Training Reining Horses Ranch address: 15429 E. Skinner Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Mailing address: 3935 E. Rough Rider #1199, Phoenix, AZ www.naylorperformancehorses.com brentwnaylor@gmail.com

7. Linde Von Koeding Performance Horses At Outwest Stallion Station Ranch address: 15419 E. Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Mailing address: 14009 E. Quail Track Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262 lindevk89@gmail.com 940-445-7629

8. Kari Klingenberg Performance Horses

At Pinacle Ranch Ranch address: 16106 E. Red Bird Circle, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Mailing address: 28150 N Alma School Pkwy, Ste 103 #447, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 kklingenb@yahoo.com www.kariklingenbergph.com 360-202-9008

9. Matt Mills Reining Horses

Specializing In Futurity, Derby, Youth, Non Pro and Clinics 29678 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85266 602-689-3454 www.mattmillsreining.com millstraining@aol.com

7. Ashleysbarn

To Add Your Ranch or Trainer To The AZRHA Best Of The West Page Contact: Ginger Schmersal at Schmersalreining@gmail.com or Jenny Ricotta at ricottaperformancehorses@gmail.com

AzRHA Mothers Day Slide May 18 – 23, 2021 WestWorld of Scottsdale

AzRHA Inside Slide August 17 – 22, 2021 WestWorld of Scottsdale

AzRHA Best of the West Reining & Southwest Affiliate Regional Championship October 5 – 10, 2021 WestWorld of Scottsdale

For more information about AzRHA and upcoming shows, please contact us at AzRHACommunications@gmail.com or visit our website at

www.AZRHA.com

MARCH 2021

NRHA Important Events Calendar Due to frequently changing regulations caused by the spread of COVID-19, please visit nrha.com and ReinerSuite for the most updated information.

Dates to Remember March 1

RHF Scholarship application deadline Applications for 2021 Reining Horse Foundation Scholarships must be postmarked by this date.

More details are available at nrhya. com/scholarships.

March 10-11

Judges’ Applicant Seminar Oklahoma City, OK This event will be hosted at the NRHA office. For more information, contact Kristen Liesman at kliesman@nrha.com.

March 12-14

Judges’ School Oklahoma City, OK This event will be hosted at the NRHA office. For more information, contact Kristen Liesman at kliesman@nrha.com.

April 1

Second NRHA Futurity payment due

April 2

Good Friday The NRHA office is closed.

April 17-24

2020 NRHA European Futurity Cremona, Italy This event will be open to NRHAnominated horses age 5 in 2021.

May 13-16

2020 NRHA European Derby Wels, Austria This event will be open to NRHAnominated horses ages 6, 7, 8 and 9 in 2021.

May 31

Memorial Day The NRHA office is closed.

June 1

NRHA Hall of Fame nomination deadline Nominations for the 2021 NRHA Hall of Fame must be postmarked by this date. More details on criteria and forms are available at nrha.com/forms.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT Northeast Affiliate Regional Championships

LANE GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY

The incorrect image of the Northeast Affiliate Regional Championships Prime Time Rookie winners — The Spook Next Door and Cris Schmanke (left) — was provided for the January 2021 issue of the NRHA Reiner.

Congratulations again to the team, and sincere apologies from the Reiner staff for any confusion or inconvenience this error has caused.

Princess In Diamonds Princess In Diamonds’ breeder, Gay Lynn Owens, was misidentified as Gay Lynn Collins on page 119 in the January 2021 issue of the NRHA Reiner. The Reiner staff apologizes for any inconvenience or disappointment this error has caused.

NRHA DISCIPLINARY ACTION LIST For a list of individuals on the revoked or suspended list, log into the Members Only section of nrha. com. Members who have been suspended for failure to pay or have had their membership revoked per the NRHA Handbook, General Rules & Regulations F. Section 7. (1) are not included in that list. Please call NRHA if you have a question regarding your membership status.

NRHA.COM |

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MAP INDEX

1. Bob Loomis Reining Horses Pieper Ranch, Inc

BG Reiners

Sam Smith Reining Horses

Metcalf Quarter Horses

2. Troy Koehl Performance Horses

Nathan Piper Reining Horses

3.. Belar Farms Inc

Price Performance Horses

Carol Rose Quarter Horses

11. GPB Ranch Enterprises, LLC

Jim Kiser

12. Brent Loseke Colt Co., Inc.

4. Deary Performance Horses

Brian Bell Performance Horses

5. XCS Ranch LLC

Vandorp Reining Horses 13. Alpha Quarter Horses

Jarvis Anderson Performance Horses

Matt Flarida Reining Horses

Humphrey Quarter Horses

Milholland Training

Scott McCutcheon Reining Horses

Seth Ingram Performance Horses

Sommers Performance Horses

Silver Spurs Equine – Oklahoma

Vanlandingham Reining Horses

Todd Arvidson 14. Todd Crawford Performance Horses

Tallone Reining Horses 7. Hilldale Farm

15. Johnson Performance Horses LLC

8. Just Stitch It, Inc

16. McQuay Stables, Inc.

Leclair Performance Horses

Sterling Ranch

Mathison Reining Horses

Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses

9. Mark Miller Performance Horses

1394 Topsail Lane, Overbrook, OK 73453 Barn: Marietta, OK 73453 Bob’s Cell: 580-276-7498 email: loomisranch@gmail.com website: www.loomisreininghorses.com 8 Times AQHA World Champion 6 Times NRHA Futurity Champion

1. Pieper Ranch, Inc

c/o Brenda Armstrong 13190 Oswalt RoadMarietta, OK 73448Cell: 580-221-4865 email: lilalleycat06@yahoo.com (For PG Heavily Armed Breeding Info)

Valentine Reining Horses, Inc.

Global Equine

6. Casey Hinton

1. Bob Loomis Reining Horses

10. a reiners

1. Sam Smith Reining Horses 13872 Oswalt Rd. Marietta, OK 73448 Sam: 937-441-2204 Kelle: 937-441-3266 www.samsmithreining.com email: info@samsmithreining.com Training – Showing – Sales

2. Troy Koehl Performance Horses

22348 Sharp Rd. Montgomery, TX 77356 Phone: 936-449-4205 home Cell: 936-718-0500 email: tdkoehl@consolidated.com Training - Sales - Lessons

17. Calcagnini Reining Horses

3. Belar Farms Inc

Luke Gagnon • Lynda Weaver 8213 FM 902 Gainesville, TX 76240 Phone: 903-436-2632 email: Lyndaadlof@aol.com Specializing in Quality Futurity and Derby Horses

3. Carol Rose Quarter Horses 4500 N I-35 I-35 North; Exit 501 Gainesville, TX 76240 Phone: 940-665-9304 Fax: 940-665-3070 email: roseranch@carolrose.com www.carolrose.com

3. Global Equine

Southwest Reining Promotions

339 Woodbine Lane Gainesville, TX 76240 Phone: 940-594-5971 or 940-736-3652 email: globalequineus@gmail.com Sales, Exports and Imports

6. Sommers Performance Horses

Todd & Kelly Sommers 48 Diamond Ranch Rd. Whitesboro, Texas 76273 Phone: 903-564-9810 Fax: 903-564-9425

sommersph@aol.com/www.toddsommers.com

Training • Showing • Sales Open & Non Pro Top Quality Horses For Sale At All Times

10. a reiners

Ann Salmon & Monte Anderman PO Box 495 • Pilot Point, TX 76258 Ann: 940-300-5022 Monte: 940-391-7476 www.areiners.com Annsalmonrh@gmail.com Monteanderman@yahoo.com Training • Non Pro Lessons • Sales

3. Kiser Arena Specialist

6. Tallone Reining Horses

4. Deary Performance Horses

6. Vanlandingham Reining Horses 10. Metcalf Quarter Horses

Bob and Jim Kiser 243 County Road 281 Gainesville, TX 76240 Phone: 940-665-8058 Bob Cell: 940-372-0019 Jim Cell: 817-368-1470

Sound Horses, Sound Training, Sound Advice 2515 White Settlement Rd. Weatherford, TX 76087 www.dearyperformance.com 817-929-3816 Casey Deary

5. XCS Ranch LLC

29855 US Hyw 773 P.O. Box 10 Gordonville, TX 76245 (only 12 miles north of Whitesboro) Office: Ky Kinsey, 940-443-3077 or 903-328-6595 Duane Latimer, Cell: 406-471-3501 Horses For Sale International Customers Welcome

6. CedarRidgeStallion Station a division of Casey Hinton Quarter Horses PO Box 495 Whitesboro, TX 76273 Phone: 903-564-7686 Fax: 903-564-4990 email: hintonqh@verizon.net Youth, Non Pro & Futurity Horses

Max Tallone 1643 Roland Road Whitesboro, TX 76273 Cell: 617-717-4282 tallonereininghorses@gmail.com TalloneReining.com Specializing in Showing, Coaching, Training & Sales Jason Vanlandingham PO Box 797, Whitesboro, TX 76273 Cell 940 727 2449 Home 903 564 6091

Specializing in Futurity and Derby Horses Prospects for Sale

7. Hilldale Farm

4398 I-30 West, Brashear, Texas 75420 Tammye: 931-625-9881 David: 931-625-8673 www.hilldalefarm.com hilldalefarm@yahoo.com Reining & Reined Cow Horses Breeding, Training, Sales, Coaching, Year Round Mare Care

8. Just Stitch It, Inc. Monica Hicks 15335 E FM 922 Tioga, TX 76271 940-437-1014 - phone 940-437-5100 - fax www.juststitchit.com

8. Leclair Performance Horses

6. Humphrey Quarter Horses

8. Mathison Reining Horses

Ryan and Megan Humphrey 10912 E. US HWY 82 Whitesboro, TX 76272 humphreyquarterhorses@live.com 940-641-1261

Reproduction Center and Prospects

6. Scott McCutcheon Reining Horses

229 Boneschapel Rd, Whitesboro, TX76273 Scotts Cell: 903-821-0828 Kathy’s Cell:903-821-7312 email: smrh@texoma.net www.scottmccutcheon.com Futurity, Open and Non Pro Horses Standing: Mega Jac, Inwhizable, Mega Watt Shine

Brad Giesbrecht 10181 Zipper Rd. Pilot Point, TX 76258 Brad Cell: 903-818-7505 email: brad@bgreiners.com Find us on Facebook Training – Showing – Lessons – Sales

Steve & Carol Metcalf 9691 St. John Rd. Pilot Point, TX 76258Steve: 940-391-5827 Carol: 940-391-5141

Reining • Reined Cowhorses Training • Showing • Sales

10. Nathan Piper Reining Horses

Nathan & Jean Piper at Toyon Ranch 10875 St. John Road, Pilot Point, TX 76258 Cell (936) 718-7314 www.nathanpiper.com info@nathanpiper.com Training – Showing – Non Pro Instruction

10. Price Performance Horses 9635 Cole Road Pilot Point, TX 76258 Cell: 951-316-7894 email: kolepricereiners.com www.Koleprice.com

For all your embroidery needs!

6. Jarvis Anderson Performance Horses 2492 West Line Road Whitesboro, TX 76273 Jarvis Cell: 940-580-8867 Jareiners@icloud.com

10. BG Reiners

Jared Leclair at Hidden Springs Ranch, Gainesville, TX

PO Box 84, Tioga, TX 76271 Cell: 978-302-5722 jaredtylerleclair@hotmail.com www.leclairreininghorses.com Specializing in Training & Showing Aged Event Horses; Non Pro Instruction; Sales.

Owner of Electric Code Justin "Gunny" Mathison Located at the Legends Ranch 15335 E FM 922, Tioga, TX 76271 713-702-9354 gunny@mathisonreining.com www.mathison-inc.com

10. Valentine Reining Horses, Inc.

Nick Valentine 11000 Saint John Rd, Pilot Point, TX 76258 (252) 205-7771 Nick (252) 292-0113 Alison www.valentinereininghorses.com Email: Nickvrh@yahoo.com Training Showing Coaching Sales Clinics NRHA/AQHA Judge

11. GPB Ranch Enterprises, LC 1461 FM 934 Blum, TX 76627 Gary & Paula Burns 832-285-4785 Website: www.gpb-ranch.com

Training • Showing • Sales

9. Mark Miller Performance Horses

PO Box 249 Dennis, TX 76439 817-565-4656 email: Diamondbarm@sbcglobal.net Reining • Training • Sales NRHA/AQHA Judge

12. The Brent Loseke Colt Company, Inc.

Brent & Paula Loseke 475 Springs Rd Valley View, TX 76272 Phone: 940-727-1910 email: coltcompany1@gmail.com www.coltcompany.com

MARCH 2021

Southwest Reining Promotions

12. Brian Bell Performance Horses 14. Todd Crawford Located at Cinder Lakes Ranch Performance Horses 11828 South FM 372, and Stallion Services Valley View, TX 762272 Cell: 580-276-0132

brianbellperformancehorses@gmail.com www.brianbellreininghorses.com

Specializing in Training & Showing Aged Event Horses, Non Pro Instruction, & Sales

12. Vandorp Reining Horses

Located at Cinder Lakes Ranch Ruben Vandorp 11828 S. FM 372, Valley View, TX 76272 Phone: 214-243-0447 : 77- 7- 79 www.vandorpinc.com

15847 230th St.Blanchard, OK 73010 Office: 40 -344- 9 : 40 -344- 94 e : 40 - 9- 0 3 email: pamcss1@hotmail.com

15. Johnson Performance Horses LLC

Andy and Kim Johnson 638 Valley Ranch Rd, Ardmore, OK 73401 Andy: 580-276-0661 • Kim: 580-276-0662 Fax: 580-223-5867 email: andy@jphorses.com www.jphorses.com Training • Sales • Lessons • NRHA Judge

Training – Showing – Sales

13. Alpha Quarter Horses

16. McQuay Stables, Inc.

Gabriel Diano 20834 Sooner Ave. Purcell, OK 73080 40 - 7-9 00 www.gabrieldiano.com

Home of Wimpy Chic Training • Showing • Sales

13. Matt Flarida Reining Horses

21812 Sooner Ave Purcell, Oklahoma 73080 : 4 9-77 - 03 e i : i y c i c

Training – Showing – Sales – Lessons

13. Milholland Training

Doug and Valerie Milholland Clinics, Judging, and Fine Reining Horses 24537 State Hwy. 74 Purcell, OK 73080 Phone: 405-288-2645 e : 40 - 34- 99 email: dougmilholland@sbcglobal.net www.dougmilholland.com

13. Seth Ingram Performance Horses

25245 Johnson Ave., Purcell, OK 73080 e : - 34- 9 email: info@okitsreining.com www.okitsreining.com Specializing in Reining Training – Lessons – Sales Showing - Non-Pro Instruction

13. Silver Spurs Equine – Oklahoma

4 9 0 ee , ce , OK 730 0 e i : ffice si e s se ine c ne: 40 - 00- 990 : 40 -4 -4074 www.silverspursequine.com

Home of Wimpys Little Step, Shiners Voodoo Dr, Wimpyneedsacocktail, SG Frozen Enterprize, Tinker With Guns, Einsteins Revolution and Ruf Lil Magnum

13. Todd Arvidson Reining Horses

Mailing Address: PO Box 608 Physical Address: 21381 Sooner Ave. Purcell, OK 73080 : 40 - 0 -93 Heidi: 405-826-6147 email: arvidsonreiners@msn.com www.toddarvidsonreiners.com Training — Sales — Instruction

Tim & Colleen McQuay 1450 Forest Hill Dr., ey, 7 7 i : 940-3 7-0073 een: 940-3 7-3030 email: mcquaystables@gmail.com Hollywood Dun It, Yellow Jersey and Colonels Smoking Gun (Gunner) Reiners • Hunters • Jumpers

16. Sterling Ranch

Sean Pulley P.O. Box 770 Aubrey, TX 76227-0770 ne: 9400, nc ne: 940-3 - 999, ce : 940Specializing in Reining & Working Cowhorse Prospects

16.Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses

Tom & Mandy McCutcheon 49 sc n Aubrey, TX 76227 ne: 940-390-7433 : 940-3 -03 0 email: TCutch@gmail.com www.TMcCutcheon.com

17. Calcagnini Reining Horses

Stefano Calcagnini Located at Petska Performance Horses 1461 Hog Town Road Collinsville, TX 76233 e : 97 -333-09 email: Stefano@calcagnini.com www.calcagninireiners.com Training – Showing – Lessons – Sales

SOUTHWEST REINING PROMOTIONS

Visit us online for a complete list of show dates and events

www.SWRHA.com Your Card Could be

Here!!!

To Add Your Card Contact:

Shawn McCoy

(620) 951-4026 shawn.mccoy@cowboypublishing.com

Advertiser’s Index Adm Animal Nutrition ........................................... 61 American Paint Horse Asso.................................. 97 Adequon (American Regent, Inc) ....................... 101 Arcese Quarter Horses ......................................Ifc, 1 Arizona Reining Horse Asso .......................... 75,122 Bluebonnet Feeds ................................................. Bc Brumley Management Group ............................... 71 Cardinal Reining Horses ....................................... 57 Carol Rose Quarter Horses .....................................8 Cinch (Miller International) .....................................6 Cinder Lakes Ranch .........................................24-27 Docs Products Inc ................................................. 67 Electric Cleaner Company .................................. 110 Equine Plus....................................................... 16,17 Foals R Us.............................................................. 56 Gordon Quarter Horses ................................... 36,37 Hdc Quarter Horses .............................................. 19 Hobby Horse Clothing Co ..................................... 79 Horse Of The West ................................................ 85 Humphrey Quarter Horses ...................................Ibc In Like Flinn Holdings ...................................... 54,55 International Horse Press .................................... 89 Jack And Viola Scott ............................................. 15 John Deere ............................................................ 81 Kay Cassell Equine.............................................. 127 Kevin Truax ...................................................... 38,39 Kiser Arena Specialists ........................................ 83 L&H Manufacturing Co ....................................... 120 Lawrence Ranch .................................................... 50 Markel Insurance .....................................................7 Mesmer, Diane.................................................. 42,43 Montana Silversmiths......................................... 117 Ms Stables ...................................................... 22,23 North Central Reining Horse Asso..................... 119 Nrha Reiners Suite.............................................. 110 Oklahoma State Horseshoeing........................... 127 Parma Company.................................................. 121 Platinum Performance.......................................... 93 Purcell Horseshoeing School ............................. 121 Reining Horse Foundation .................................. 114 Rent A Stall Mat .................................................. 127 Rios Of Mercedes .................................................. 66 San Juan Ranch / Santa Cruz Animal Health ... 105 Santa Hill Ranch.................................................. 107 Schmersal Reining Horses ................................... 29 Silver Spurs Equine Llc ..................................... 9,21 Smartpak ............................................................. 111 Southwest Reining Promotions...................125-126 Story Book Stables ............................................... 14 Tamarack Ranch.......................................................3 Tanya Jenkins Performance Horses .................... 51 Thorsport Partnership .......................................... 11 TK 21.................................................................... 113 Tripol Ranch .......................................................... 31 Vista Equine........................................................... 63 Wilkins Insurance ............................................... 120 World Wide Slide & Tom Mccutcheon Virtual H 118 XCS Ranch Llc ....................................................... 47 Zimmerman Performance Horses ................ 12,13

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Stallion Index A Sparkling Vintage................................................. 9

Gunner Dun It Again .............................................. 75

Shine Chic Shine .................................................... 70

A Vintage Smoke .............................................. 42,43

Guns R For Shootin.............................................. IBC

Shiners Voodoo Dr................................................... 9

ARC Gunnabeabigstar ...................................... 19,25

Haboomamatada...................................................... 9

Shining Spark .......................................................... 8

Big Chex To Cash ..................................................... 9

HF Mobster .............................................................. 9

Smart Shiners Spook .............................................. 9

Boom Shernic .......................................................... 9

Ifwhizswereguns ..................................................... 9

Snap Dun The Bases .............................................. 56

Captain Barbossa..................................................... 9

In Like Flinn ...................................................... 54,55

Snip O Lution .................................................... 25,47

Catatomic ................................................................. 9

Jacs Electric Spark ................................................ 25

Spatino ................................................................... 25

Cee Mr Stop ........................................................... 25

Late Night Stopper ........................................... 36,37

Spooks Gotta Crush ............................................... 25

Chic Dreamin ........................................................... 9

Magnum Chic Dream ............................................. 15

Spooks Gotta Gun .................................................... 9

Cromed Out Mercedes ............................................. 9

Mister Montana Nic ................................................. 9

Spooks Gotta Spark .......................................... 38,39

CSR Flash Mob....................................................... 49

Modern Gun ...................................................... 22,23

Spooks Gotta Whiz ......................................25,26,27

Custom Cash Advance ............................................. 9

My Customized Whiz ............................................... 9

Star Spangled Whiz ............................................... 14

Custom Made Dunit ............................................... 65

Nic It In The bud....................................................... 9

Steppin On Sparks ................................................. 19

Da Care Bear............................................................ 9

No Smoking Required............................................ 11

The Kids Gotta Gun .............................................. 117

Docs Soula ............................................................... 9

Not Ruf At All .................................................... 12,13

Tinker With Guns ..................................................... 9

Dun It For Whizkey ................................................ 57

Pale Face Dunnit ................................................. 9,29

Tricked Out Spook ................................................. 51

Einsteins Revolution ................................................ 9

Platinum Vintage ..................................................... 9

Walla Walla Whiz .............................................IFC, 1

Electric Snow .................................................... 16,17

PS Mega Shine Chic............................................... 25

Wimpyneedsacocktail.............................................. 9

Electric Wind............................................................ 9

Ref Black Mamba ................................................... 63

Wimpys Little Step .................................................. 9

Epic Titan ................................................................. 9

Ruf Lil Magnum........................................................ 9

Wimpys Littlecolonel ............................................. 50

Gunnatrashya....................................................IFC, 1

SG Frozen Enterprize .............................................. 9

Xtra New Pal Voodoo ............................................... 9

TOOLS TO REIN BY

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS For all of your advertising needs in the Reiner, please call

Shawn McCoy 817-929-8597

NRHA.COM |

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VERONIKA EQUINE PHOTOGRAPHY

In Our Tracks

New Horizons

Reining has thrived in the last five-plus decades, and today’s reining horses have developed into exceptional athletes who far exceed their predecessors. As the sport continues to grow and expand, it reaches new people in different ways. Appaloosas have long competed in reining, but the breed may be experiencing a renaissance that has them poised for a new level of success. Read more on page 90.

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