MARCH 15, 2025
• TAPH EXPANDS AS A STANDALONE EVENT
• SIRES PASS NEW MILESTONES
• INDUSTRY NEWS AND MORE!
IN THIS ISSUE
Administration
Cover: Casey Deary at the 2024 The American Performance Horseman. (Photo courtesy of TAPH)
TOC: Shawn Flarida and Shine Chic Shine, who recently reached another major sire milestone. (Photo courtesy of NRHA Media)
COLONELS SHINING GUN, SHINE CHIC SHINE, AND SHINERS VOODOO DOCTOR REACH NEW MILESTONES
In 2007, three exceptional stallions were born, and each recently crossed a new milestone as a sire. Colonels Shining Gun, Shine Chic Shine, and Shiners Voodoo Dr have all made a lasting impact on the sport of reining.
Colonels Shining Gun
Known affectionately as “Jojo,” Colonels Shining Gun has captured the hearts of many in the reining community. Sired by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunner and out of Shining Little Peach, the 2007 stallion boasts NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) of nearly $113,000. Owned by Katarzyna Roleska and bred by Trend Horses LLC, Jojo crossed the $2 million mark in the summer of 2024 and achieved his latest milestone after the 2024 Italian Reining Horse Futurity (IRHA) where he was the event’s highest money-earning sire.
Jojo’s offspring have consistently made their mark in the reining arena. Among them is CSG Berlin, ridden by NRHA Professional Lukasz Czechowics. This talented duo earned Level 4 Open Reserve Champion honors at the IRHA Futurity with a score of 225, adding $42,185 to Jojo’s record. Bred by Katarzyna Roleska and owned by Dor Cohen, CSG Berlin exemplifies the excellence that defines Colonels Shining Gun’s lineage.
nominated by Loren Booth, owned by Nancy Wheeler and Jimmy Nichols, $169,114 NRHA LTE
Wish I Was Yours (out of Whizzen For Chex), bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Tamarack Ranch, nominated by Tish Fappani, owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owners Tish and Andrea Fappani, $147,877 NRHA LTE
Jojo’s top-earning offspring include:
Plus Me Im Shiny (out of Plus One Chex), bred by Upstream Inc., nominated by Layla Choate, and owned by 2Star Investments LLC, $171,387 NRHA LTE
Hosss (out of Brennas Dream), bred and
HS Marshal (out of Dun Its Dirty Secret), bred and nominated by Gerardo Arturo Fernandez Sanchez, owned by Hacienda Sonador LLC, $116,178 NRHA LTE
CSG Wisemanfear (out of Tejana Chic), bred by Brent Loseke, nominated by Katarzyna Roleska, owned by Dor Cohen, NRHA LTE $101,592
Photo and press release courtesy of NRHA
Shine Chic Shine
The NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Graduate “Shine” has risen to prominence as one of reining’s elite sires. By NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Chic Olena and out of NRHA Hall of Famer Ebony Shines, Shine Chic Shine combines pedigree and performance with NRHA LTE of $148,714. Owned by Amabile & Strusiner and bred by Manntana LLC, the stallion crossed the $3 million milestone thanks to outstanding contributions from his 257 money-earning offspring.
Among these is Best Shine, Shine Chic Shine’s highest earner whose 2024 successes included adding $53,861 to Shine’s record. Ridden by NRHA $4 Million Rider Jason Vanlandingham, Best Shine excelled at the National Reining Breeders Classic, earning over $31,000 in the Level 4 Open. Bred by Wagman Ranch Inc. and owned by NRHA $2 Million Owner Robert Santagata, Best Shine’s achievements reflect the enduring legacy of Shine Chic Shine.
Shiners Voodoo Dr
Shine’s top-earning offspring include:
Best Shine (out of Best Stop), bred and nominated by Wagman Ranch Inc., owned by Robert Santagata, $739.897 NRHA LTE
PS Mega Shine Chic (out of Megas Sugar Baby), bred and nominated by Patsy Schutz, owned by Adh-Mor Ranch, $239,655 NRHA LTE
Shine Colt Shine (out of Gunners Miss Oak), bred by Amabile & Strusiner, nominated by Sally Amabile, owned by Brian and Debra Carsey, $136,948 NRHA LTE
Shineoncrazydiamond (out of Cashing In Diamonds), bred and nominated by Stefano Calcagnini, owned by Kristen Cantacuzene, $112,336 NRHA LTE
Slide Me Sum Shine (out of Wimpys Woman), bred and nominated by Daniel Beale, owned by Michael Garnett, $97,744 NRHA LTE
“Voodoo,” a 2007 stallion owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Silver Spurs Equine and bred by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, has reached an extraordinary milestone as an NRHA $5 Million Sire. By NRHA Hall of Famer Shining Spark and out of Voodoo Chic, Voodoo’s NRHA LTE of $85,910 is overshadowed only by his breeding career through the collective accomplishments of his 394 money-earning offspring.
Gunna B A Doctor, ridden by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck, played a pivotal role in securing Voodoo’s latest milestone. Their thirdplace finish in the Level 4 Open at the 2024 IRHA Futurity earned $31,639, contributing significantly to Voodoo’s total and helping push him over this historic milestone. This achievement further underscores Shiners
Voodoo Dr’s influence as a sire whose legacy is defined by excellence and consistency.
Voodoo’s top-earning offspring include:
Shiner On My Eye (out of Flashy Lil Step), bred and nominated by Empire Ranch, owned by Robert Santagata, NRHA LTE $197,068
Warlocks Last Step (out of SDP A Lasting Step), bred and nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch, owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC
Xtra Voodoo Dr (out of Wound Up Wimp), bred and nominated by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Silver Spurs Equine, owned by Mona Bodaness, $104,923 NRHA LTE
Doctor Voodoo (out of Dunit A Lil Ruf), bred and nominated by Ann Salmon Anderman, owned by Mike McFarlin, $97,510 NRHA LTE
Xtra Doo Little (out of Wimpy Little Sinbar), bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, nominated by Silver Spurs Equine (USA) and owner Katharina Schwarz (EU), $91,069 NRHA LTE
A SPARKLING VINTAGE & INFERNO
SIXTY SIX REACH NEW PROGENY MILESTONES
A Sparkling Vintage and Inferno Sixty Six, have crossed the monumental $4 million mark in NRHA offspring earnings. This significant milestone reflects their remarkable influence in the reining industry and the exceptional performances of their progeny on a global stage.
A Sparkling Vintage
Born in 1997, A Sparkling Vintage is a standout sire bred by Jeff Cornelius and NRHA Hall of Famer Carol Rose. Sired by the legendary NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Shining Spark and out of Vintage Badger, this exceptional stallion is owned by Petra Zeitler. Known for his impeccable bloodlines and proven performance, A Sparkling Vintage last reached a major milestone in 2022. His contributions to the reining world have been cemented with his offspring’s success at premier events.
A Sparkling Vintage’s 183 NRHA money-earning offspring have propelled him to the $4 million milestone. A pivotal contribution came from SS Pretty Nifty, ridden by AnnaMaria Zehetbauer to claim the Italian Reining Horse Association Level 4 Non Pro 4-Year-Old Futurity Championship in 2024. The duo added over $100,000 to the sire’s progeny earnings, showcasing the enduring impact of A Sparkling Vintage on the reining industry.
Hall of Famer Vaughn Zimmerman, $456,437 NRHA LTE
A Sparkling Vintage’s top-earning offspring include:
A Vintage Smoke (out of Lady Smoke Peppy), bred and nominated by Karl Hapcic and owned by Diane Mesmer, $540,650 NRHA LTE
Not Ruf At All (out of All Ruffed Up), bred and nominated by Petra Zeitler, owned by NRHA
Platinum Vintage (out of Starjac Miss), bred and nominated by Petra Zeitler, owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Silver Spurs Equine, $314,909 NRHA LTE
Starjac Vintage (out of Starjac Miss); bred by Petra Zeitler, nominated by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Tim Anderson, and owned by Clover Oak Ranch; $228,312 NRHA LTE
Photo and press release courtesy of NRHA
All American Vintage (out of All Ruffed Up), bred by Petra Zeitler, nominated by Harper Conner (USA) and NRHA
Million Dollar Rider Gennaro Lendi (EU), owned by Eyal Carmon, $171,263 NRHA LTE
Inferno Sixty Six
Inferno Sixty Six, a 2012-born stallion, continues to blaze trails in the reining world. Bred by Hilldale Farm and nominated by Domenico Lomuto, this exceptional sire is the result of a legendary pairing between two NRHA Hall of Famers: Gunnatrashya and Snip O Gun. Owned by Slide or Die LLC, Inferno Sixty Six has consistently proven his worth, crossing his last milestone in the summer of 2024.
Inferno Sixty Six’s 378 NRHA money-earning offspring have solidified his place among reining’s elite sires. His rise to the $4 million milestone was highlighted by the stellar performance of NRHA Professional Kaci O’Rourke and The Firemen (Redhot Walla) at the 2024 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. Together, they captured the MS Diamonds Level 4 Open Futurity Championship and the Level 3 Open Futurity Championship, earning over $425,000 in 2024 and cementing Inferno Sixty Six’s legacy.
Spangled), bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, nominated by Mary Jansma, owned by Stephen Archer, $284,529 NRHA LTE
Winding Inferno (out of Wind Her Up Chic), bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Teton Ridge Ranch, $218,038 NRHA LTE
Inferno Sixty Six’s top-earning offspring include:
The Firemen (out of Redhot Walla), bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Tamarack Ranch LLC, owned by Peter and Courtney Morgan, $425,078 NRHA LTE Inferno Thirty Five (out of Madeof Pure
Surprizing Sixty Six (out of Dun With Surprizes), bred and nominated by Valentin Rascon; owned by Janiene Borror, $169,534 NRHA LTE
Gangsta Sixtysix (out of Rush N Cat), bred by Lorenzo Lottie, nominated by Slide or Die LLC, owned by Julio Mora Hernandez, $168,344 NRHA LTE
THE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN EXPANDS FOR 2025 WITH ELITE ROSTER AND STANDALONE EVENT
Teton Ridge, the premier brand in Western sports and entertainment, has announced the official lineup of cutting, reined cow horse, and reining athletes set to compete at the highly anticipated 2025 American Performance Horseman. This groundbreaking team-formatted event is making history once again—this time as a standalone spectacle—set to take over Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
Created in 2023, The American Performance Horseman has quickly become the highestattended single-day Western performance horse event in the world, drawing top-tier talent and passionate fans from around the globe. The 2025 edition marks a significant evolution, expanding the competition field from five to eight elite athletes per discipline, further amplifying the stakes and the excitement.
Among those returning to defend their titles are 2024 champions Adan Banuelos (NCHA), and Casey Deary (NRHA), each of whom took home over $100,000 in prize money last year. They will be joined by a star-studded lineup of riders who have dominated their respective disciplines, promising an electrifying night of Western sports like never before.
Full lineup below. Tickets on sale beginning Tuesday, March 18 at 10AM/ET.
“This year’s expansion to eight competitors per discipline and moving to its own night at Dickies Arena is a monumental step forward for The American Performance Horseman and the future of equine sports,” said Josh Valdez, Director of The American Performance Horseman. “By broadening the field, Teton Ridge is providing more elite athletes the
opportunity to compete at the highest level while delivering an unforgettable experience for fans in a world-class setting. The American Performance Horseman remains the only event that brings these three disciplines together in one arena on one night, and we cannot wait to make history in Fort Worth.”
Tickets on sale beginning March 18. Entertainment lineup, and VIP experiences will be revealed soon. Fans eager to be part of this electrifying night are encouraged to check www.theamericanperformancehorseman.com for the latest updates. Don’t miss your chance to witness Western sports history in the making.
The 2025 American Performance Horseman Official Roster
Representing the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA):
Kenneth Platt – 2024 NCHA Futurity Open Champion, LTE $4,250,424.97
Austin Shepard – 2017 NCHA Futurity Open Champion & NCHA Open World Champion, LTE $11,013,335.38
Adan Banuelos – 2023 & 2024 The American Performance Horseman Champion, LTE $7,171,647.31
James Payne – 2024 NCHA Summer Spectacular 4 Yo Open Champion, LTE $5,973,484.98
Michael Cooper – 2025 Ike Derby and Classic 4 Yo Open Champion, LTE $5,361,931.12
Morgan Cromer – 2024 NCHA Futurity Open Finalist, LTE $5,632,943.40
Wes Galyean – 2023 NCHA Futurity Open
Champion, LTE
$6,599,615.00
Tosten Peterson –2024 NCHA Futurity Open Finalist, LTE
$6,599,615.00
Representing the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA):
Chris Dawson –2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion, LTE
$2,517,260
Justin Wright –2024 The American Performance Horseman Reined Cow Horse Reserve Champion, LTE
$3,050,058
Sarah Dawson – 2023 The American Performance Horseman Champion, LTE
$2,342,272
Clayton Edsall – 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Finalist, LTE $1,747,804
Boyd Rice – 2014 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman Champion, LTE $1,909,319
Nick Dowers – 2024 NRCHA Open Western Derby Champion, LTE $1,909,319
Matt Koch – 2024 Tres Osos Open Derby Champion, LTE $1,719,746
Veronica Swales – 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Finalist, LTE $524,339.26
Representing the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA):
Cade McCutcheon – 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Champion, LTE $2,860,279
Casey Deary – 2023 & 2024 The American Performance Horseman Champion, LTE
$4,900,756
Trevor Dare – 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Reserve Champion, $1,777,046
Andrea Fappani – 2023 & 2024 The American Performance Horseman Reserve Champion, LTE $9,104,471
Kaci O’Rourke – 2024 NRHA Futurity Champion, LTE $827,816
Manuel Cortesi – 2024 European Classic Derby Champion, LTE $1,053,105
Fernando Salgado – 2024 Reining Classic Derby Champion, LTE $1,739,670
Jason Vanlandingham – 2024 The Run for a Million Champion, LTE $4,610,903
About The American Performance Horseman
The American Performance Horseman is a premier event in Western equine sports, bringing together the best athletes from the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and horses from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).
Founded in 2023, The American Performance Horseman highlights the artistry, athleticism, and heritage of Western performance horse disciplines through cutting-edge competition and entertainment.
For more information, visit www. theamericanperformancehorseman.com
THE ETERNAL RIDE
JASON VANLANDINGHAM - NRHA FOUR MILLION DOLLAR RIDER
Jason Vanlandingham is one of the most respected riders in the reining industry. While his resume for the show pen is impressive, he’s also known for his faith and regularly fills in to share the Word of God during events.
Jason is a regular contributor to WorldWide Slide, and has been sharing a unique devotional each issue for more than two years.
Find prior episodes at WorldWideSlide.com
VHH TRAINING TIP
by. Stevie White
TEACHING THE LEAD CHANGE – NICK VALENTINE
NRHA Professional Nick Valentine has had the opportunity to work for some of the industry’s top pro-fessional. Million Dollar Rider Dell Hendricks is one of those professionals and he has learned a lot from Francois Gautier as well.
He currently serves as Chairman of the NRHA Professionals Committee and has made the finals at every major event. He is equally proud of the coaching and training he has done to help Non Pros and Youth make it to the winners circle. He has taught clinics in various parts of the world and is particularly thank-ful for the chance to build programs for repeat clinic and riders.
When teaching the lead change to young horses, Valentine likes to start early so there is less pressure on them because he has more time to teach them. Before beginning the lead change, though he has some prerequisites to consider: the horse must be able to move with relaxed forward motion, yield softly to the bridle and the rider’s legs, move should each direction, guide in a circle and know their leads.
He also advises to teach them the lead change on a straight line to teach them to keep their shoulders elevated. To watch Valentine demonstrate his technique, watch this video provided by our partner Virtual Horse Help.
RANCH FUEL SPONSORS NEW NRBC TEXT ALERT SYSTEM
The 2025 National Reining Breeders Classic will bring a new level of convenience and communication to participants, thanks to an all-new text alert system sponsored by Ranch Fuel, the energy drink that has been fueling the Western lifestyle. Set for April 15-26 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this year’s NRBC will offer attendees a direct line to real-time updates, keeping them informed throughout the event.
without missing a beat.”
The NRBC text alert system will provide essential notifications, including lunch break and restart times, entry deadlines, schedule changes, special event reminders, and any other urgent updates. Riders, trainers, owners, sponsors, vendors, and general attendees can easily sign up by scanning QR codes located throughout the showgrounds, in the daily Slide Street Journal, and online. Participants can customize their alert preferences and unsubscribe at any time.
Carter Smith, co-founder and president of Ranch Fuel, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are proud to sponsor these text alerts through Ranch Fuel. Just like our energy drink keeps riders and competitors fueled for peak performance, this system will keep them powered up with the latest event updates. At Ranch Fuel, we believe success comes from staying ahead of the game, and that’s exactly what these alerts will help NRBC attendees do.”
Savannah Magoteaux, NRBC Media Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the new system, saying, “Efficiency is key at a major event like NRBC, and this text alert system ensures everyone stays on track
The NRBC invites all attendees to take advantage of this new service to stay informed and engaged throughout the show. With Ranch Fuel powering the alerts, competitors can focus on what they do best - reining at the highest level.
For more information on NRBC and the text alert system, visit NRBC.com or follow NRBC on social media.
About Ranch Fuel
Ranch Fuel Energy Drink is inspired by the spirit of the cowboy. Crafted with precision, Ranch Fuel is designed to provide clean energy, mental focus, and enhanced endurance. With only 5 ingredients, zero sugar and natural caffeine, there are no jitters and no crash.
Ranch Fuel is not just a brand; we're advocates of the western lifestyle, actively supporting western sports across all disciplines with a goal to grow the fanbase and amplify the excitement of cowboy culture. Our commitment to quality and innovation, coupled with distinctive Texan roots, makes Ranch Fuel the perfect companion for those who live by the cowboy code. Experience real cowboy energy with Ranch Fuel – America’s Energy Drink!
SWRHA YEAR-END STANDINGS UPDATED THROUGH WINTER SLIDE & WARM UP 1
The Southwest Reining Horse Association office recently released year-end standings that are updated to reflect points from the first two shows of the 2025 season—the Winter Slide and Warm Up 1. Competitors can now check their rankings and track their progress as the season continues.
As of the latest update, the current leaders in each division are:
Open: Mathieu Buton & Quinns A Tricky Chic
Intermediate Open: Franky Vazquez & In Yur Face
Limited Open (Tied): Kaitlyn Baker & CBK
Shootin Wright, Richard Pokluda & Miss Quick Trick
Rookie Professional: Erica Peterson & Lil Spook In Bueno
Non Pro, Prime Time Non Pro, and Masters: Linda Sawyer & Spooksgottaprettyboy
Intermediate & Limited Non Pro: Lynnette
Payne & Nics Custom Dually
Novice Horse Open Levels 1, 2, & 3: Adam Miller & CCR Whizolena Voodoo
Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 1, 2, & 3 and Rookie Levels 1 & 2: Lexi Laster & KR Dually Dun Gun
Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 (Tied): Jeremy Zangl & My Moonnite Gun Trix
Prime Time Rookie: Linda Lilly & Gunner In The Nite
Ride & Slide Open Level 1: Madisyn Pole & Miz Whizolution
Ride & Slide Open Level 2: Charlotte Del Broccolo & A Ruf Spook
Ride & Slide Non Pro Level 1: Lorelai Del Broccolo & A Ruf Spook
Ride & Slide Non Pro Level 2: Madisyn Pole & Xtra Chickee Step
Youth 14-18: Josey Frerck & Lost In Dreamland
Youth 13 & Under: Millie Piper & Never Outta Dough
Green Reiner Level 1 (Tied): Rusty Grey & Spook Looks To Shine, Julee Evans & Colonels
Custom Gun
Green Reiner Level 2: Kristy Oberg & Crushedcurrency
Short Stirrup (Tied): Charli Timmerman & Annie Whiz Way, Ryder Pole & Lil Joe Tag, William Davidson & What The Fuzz
The complete updated standings are available at swrha.com/standings
Year-end champions will be recognized at the annual SWRHA awards banquet, where great prizes—including saddles in many divisions—are awarded to top competitors. As the season unfolds, the SWRHA Board of Directors remains committed to delivering top-tier reining competition and recognizing the achievements of its members.
For more information on upcoming events, standings, and membership details, visit SWRHA.com.
NRBC NAMED OFFICIAL QUALIFIER FOR WORLD REINING
The National Reining Breeders Classic continues to cement its legacy as a premier reining event, as the Million Dollar Show has officially become a qualifier for the prestigious World Reining Championships. The 2025 NRBC, held April 16-26 at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will provide riders with a highly competitive avenue to secure a coveted spot in the international championship, adding even more opportunities for competitors to win in Tulsa.
at the 2025 event.
“As one of the largest and most influential reining events in the world, the NRBC has long been a gathering place for elite riders from across the globe,” said Tom McCutcheon, NRBC President and NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider. “Year after year, we see top-level international competitors in Tulsa, and this new partnership with World Reining strengthens the NRBC’s tradition of being at the forefront of global reining competition. We look forward to offering this exciting new opportunity to our exhibitors and watching them take their talents to the world stage.”
The World Reining Championships were created to revive and expand international team competition in the sport, allowing for greater participation beyond traditional championship formats. The event, modeled after the World Equestrian Games, includes multiple divisions such as Junior Riders, Young Non Pro and Professional, Senior Non Pro and Professional, and Prime Time (50 years and older) Non Pro. Since its inception in 2023, the WRC has grown rapidly, with 20 nations expected to field teams
The NRBC joins a prestigious lineup of WRC qualifiers held across Europe, China, and South Africa, as well as the Cactus Reining Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona. Each qualifying event provides riders with a chance to earn a minimum score in their division, helping to determine national team selections and wildcard placements. The 2025 WRC will take place July 7-12 at CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland.
Riders can participate in as many World Reining classes as they wish and can also participate in events abroad. Other qualifying events will take place around Europe and in China and South Africa. Each nation will make its final selection of teams and individual riders. Wildcards will be given to 2024’s Top 5 Open and Non Pro National Reining Horse Association riders and to NRHA Million Dollars Riders. All other riders must qualify by achieving the minimum score in their division during their qualifying ride.
More information about the NRBC, including entry details and schedules, can be found at NRBC.com. To learn more about the World Reining Championships and its qualification process, visit WRC2025.com
SHOOTOUT COMPETITION RETURNS TO NRBC FOR ROOKIE, GREEN, MASTERS, AND LEGENDS COMPETITORS
Yellowstone, Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands, Fappani/ Spooks N Jewels, and Blo Gun/Spooks Grand Slam Return as Sponsors
The National Reining Breeders Classic is bringing back its expanded lineup of Shootout classes in 2025, following an overwhelmingly positive response to last year’s additions. Originally introduced in 2019 with the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout, the concept has since grown to include the Green Reiner, Masters Non Pro, and Legends Non Pro Shootouts, providing even more competitors with a chance to step into the spotlight.
launching the additional Shootout classes last year. Their renewed commitment ensures that these highly anticipated competitions will once again provide an exciting platform for riders at all levels.
“The Shootout format offers a clean-slate competition where riders in select divisions can compete for top honors and showcase their skills in the main arena,” said Savannah Magoteaux, NRBC Media Coordinator and Assistant Show Manager. “Expanding this opportunity has been a huge success, and we are thrilled to have the continued support of such incredible sponsors who are passionate about growing the sport.”
Returning sponsors for 2025 include Andrea and Tish Fappani (Spooks N Jewels), Michael and Joanne Garnett (Blo Gun), Kim and Martin Muehlstaetter (Spooks Grand Slam), and Paul Patterson of the Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands, each of whom played a key role in
“These Shootouts bring an extra level of excitement to the NRBC,” Magoteaux added. “The energy, the crowd, and the high-pressure environment make these classes stand out. Whether it’s a rookie proving themselves or a seasoned rider competing in the Masters or Legends divisions, it’s a chance to step up and deliver under the lights.”
2025 NRBC Shootout & Qualifier Schedule
The Shootouts will take place on Thursday, April 24, in the Ford Truck Arena, immediately following the Leadline competition at 5 p.m. Riders qualify for the Shootouts by competing in both slates of their respective classes and finishing with one of the top five scores.
The qualifying rounds for each division are scheduled as follows:
Yellowstone Rookie – Sunday, April 20 / Tuesday, April 22
Rios of Mercedes Family of Brands Green Reiner – Saturday, April 19 / Monday, April 21
Blo Gun/Spooks Grand Slam Masters Non Pro –Sunday, April 20 / Monday, April 21
Fappani/Spooks N Jewels Legends Non Pro –Sunday, April 20 / Monday, April 21
While all Shootout competitions offer great prizes, the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout has built a reputation for going above and beyond. One of its most unique and coveted awards is the custom bench designed by longtime supporter Robert Webb. Years ago, Webb, the owner and founder of My T Coat Commercial Outdoor Furniture, created the first custom bench as a special award for the Rookie Shootout champion. The one-of-a-kind prize quickly became a symbol of achievement, and ever since, riders have worked hard for the chance to take one home.
Webb continues his support of the Yellowstone
Rookie Shootout, returning in 2025 to produce another custom bench for the winner under his new company, Coated Outdoor Furniture. His commitment to recognizing and rewarding riders in this division has helped make the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout one of the most anticipated contests at NRBC.
With strong sponsor support, the Shootouts have become a key part of the NRBC, giving more competitors the chance to test their skills in a high-pressure environment.
About the NRBC
The 2025 National Reining Breeders Classic runs April 15-26 at Tulsa’s Expo Square Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex. Known for its strong payouts and competitive atmosphere, the NRBC has awarded nearly $30 million in prize money since its inception, driven by its successful stallion and foal enrollment program.
For more information, visit nrbc.com.
