WorldWide Slide _ April 15, 2022

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April 15, 2022

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APRIL 15, 2022

THE NRBC CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN THIS ISSUE: • •

GET TO KNOW GRETEL VALDEZ

PICKING THE RIGHT TRAILER FOR YOU •

THE ETERNAL RIDE WITH JASON

• AND MORE!

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The Million Dollar Show Celebrates 25 Years!

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Expanded NRBC Section

News to know about the 2022 NRBC

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Get to Know

Gretel Valdez

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Hauling Help

What to look for in a trailer.

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VHH Training Tip

Todd Sommers shares his tips for teaching the turnaround.

Bits of Advice Pete Kyle

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The Eternal Ride

Jason Vanlandingham

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Industry News

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Upcoming Events

Winning Recipes

Try this Chille Relleno Casserole the next time you’re needing a tasty dinner.

Did You Know?

You can follow WorldWide Slide on Facebook!

Publisher Media Pro Management, Inc. 13181 Hwy 177 Byars, OK 74831 P. (580) 759-2572 E. mteaux@gmail.com www.WorldWideSlide.com

Publisher Cheryl Cody

Associate Editor Stephanie Hightower

Senior Editor Savannah Magoteaux

Contributors Jason Vanlandingham

Managing Editor Stevie White

Administration Cheri Johnson

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IN THIS ISSUE

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SPECIAL NRBC SECTION

THE NRBC CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE The NRBC was born in the fall of 1997 when an elite group of reiners – Tom McCutcheon, Tim McQuay, Colleen McQuay, Pete Kyle, Dick Pieper, Carol Rose, Gary Putman, and Robert Chown - got together and created the National Reining Breeders Cup, now known as the National Reining Breeders Classic.

Other early members of the team were Mike Christian and Cheryl Magoteaux-Cody.

The program and show were created with two purposes in mind; the first was to satisfy the demand for an economically important event for horses after their futurity year, and the second was to make the program easy to both understand and implement.

The NRBC’s format was simple and straightforward, having been modeled after a similar cutting program. Once stallions were enrolled for an annual fee, their get could be enrolled. Enrollment made those foals eligible to compete as 4 and 5-year-olds at the NRBC, which was held with the Ride of Life Reining at the Lazy E Arena. The NRBC Board felt that the solid foundation of the annual Lazy E – Ride of Life Reining, as well as the size of the facilities, prestige of the Lazy E, and its central location all combined to make it an ideal showcase for the new program.

From almost day one, the innovative program was a success.

Response to the program was overwhelming from the beginning, and the list of subscribed stallions read like a “Who’s Who” in the reining industry. NRBC President Tom McCutcheon recalled, “By October of 1997, before the appearance of a single advertisement, word of mouth had resulted in paid enrollment of 60 stallions.”

Within six months, more than 140 stallions were enrolled and the success of the stallion program was assured. By 2000, that number had risen to more than 220. By midyear 1998, people were already calling the NRBC Office for lists of enrolled foals so they could actively seek prospects to buy that are were eligible for the event.

Early on, the program’s growth was phenomenal, and the Board placed it under the direction of Pro Management, Inc., as the century turned. The Byars, Oklahoma-based company has hosted and managed the event ever since.

While the money is impressive, the appeal of the NRBC can’t be explained by dollar signs alone. The show is like no other, with amenities designed by the organizers to make showing a fun experience. Special activities and touches set the show apart, and the NRBC has always boasted an atmosphere of fun.

The NRBC Through the Years The first NRBC, in April of 1998 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, paid over $210,000 and featured a $10,000-added Open NRHA Reining– the largest National Reining Horse Association-approved Open Reining at that time, as well as a $5,000-added Youth Reining.

The first NRBC Open Classic featured nearly 70 entries and the Non Pro just short of 50.

The ambiance of the show helped to mold its eventual identity, with a mariachi band for entertainment, and a live trumpeter to perform the call to the post. In fact, trumpeter Vicki Friedman performed the call to the post at every NRBC until she retired in 2018.

And in a forecast of things to come, as far as trying innovative moves, the NRBC hosted the first Prime Time division.

Later in 1998, the organization’s name was changed to National Reining Breeders Classic to reflect the growing prominence and importance of the event. The NRBC set out to provide a place to show 4-and 5-year-old (and later, 6then 7-year-old) reining horses for lucrative purses that pay deep into the placings.

The NRBC has done just that and more.

In 1999, it paid $345,000 and featured over $200,000 in added money. Also in 1999, the NRBC was chosen as a qualifying show for the first-ever Cosequin $100,000-added United States Equestrian Team Reining presented by Bayer, held in Gladstone, New Jersey, in June.

Both the added money and the designation as a USET qualifier held constant in 2000 when the

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In 1998, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Del Hendricks claimed the very first NRBC Open Championship. He rode Mr Boomerjac (Boomernic x DAM), owned by Rancho Oso Rio, to the win at the Lazy E Arena.

Right: 1998 NRBC Non Pro Champion Rowdy Yankee with owner and rider Keith Crawford. Rowdy Yankee would go on to be one of several NRBC Champions to be Million Dollar Sires or Dams.

Photo from Facebook.com/RowdyYankee

event returned to the Lazy E Arena, with a total payout of $346,494. The innovative event also held the first-ever Prime Time Non Pro class, for the more seasoned competitors, and the first NRBC Media Award recipients, Barb and Dick Waltenberry, were recognized. Renowned Christian music artist Susie Luchsinger was on-hand to present the National anthem and lead Sunday worship.

The show moved to Katy,

Texas, in 2001. It was the first year of maturity for enrolled foals, and the added purse soared to more than $450,000, with a guaranteed $50,000 slated for the Open Champion. Plus, the NRBC payout zoomed past the half-million dollar mark to exceed $646,000! A Lee Greenwood concert was held

SPECIAL NRBC SECTION

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Top: The very first show program for the 1998 National Reining Breeders Cup in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The program listed all the enrolled stallions. The program and show’s name was changed to National Reining Breeders Classic later that year.

Bottom Left: Craig Schmersal accepting his 1st Round check for more than $15,000 at the 2005 Open Finals Draw Party.

Bottom Right: Awards for the Reiners Golf Tournament in 2005.

during the event, and reiners also got to show off their golf skills in the inaugural NRBC Golf Tournament.

In 2002, the show payout exceeded $700,000. New for 2002 were the NRBC Double Time awards and the first-ev-

er NRHA Town Talk meeting was held at the event. Country singer Brian Black entertained owners, exhibitors, and fans, and the younger participants were able to hunt Easter Eggs.

In 2003, the total payout was

more than $820,000, and the Open Championship check was increased to $60,000. The live entertainment provided by rodeo clown and entertainer Bill McEnany added even more fun to the event.

At the 2004 NRBC, the

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payout surpassed $900,000 as foal enrollments soared past 2,000 for the first time.

The event also hosted its first $20,000-Added NRHA Open and created the Curtis Burlin Award for youth competitors.

The show also set a precedent, where the NRBC Finalists were able to select the judges for the finals. A Reiner Look-A-Like Dummy contest was held, and trainer Carolyn Scott and her dancing dog

Top Left:The Reiner Lookalike Dummy Contest was a big hit in 2004.

Top Right: The 2000 NRBC Show Program featured prominent reiners with piles of cash.

Bottom Right: Beginning in 2001, the NRBC published an annual Yearbook to highlight not only the success of the shows, but also the stallions that made the program possible.

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Top: In 2008, the stallion program produced its first ever NRBC Million Dollar Sire. Topsail Whiz was recognized for producing foals that won more than one million dollars at the NRBC alone.

Bottom: In 2011, the NRBC introduced the new Classic Challenge classes, giving horses seven (now eight) and up a chance to compete for big money.

wowed the crowd.

2005 was the banner year, when the NRBC payout officially passed the $1 million mark. The NRBC was featured for the first time on RFD-TV, and it was the first year that there was a live-feed on the Internet.

Jimmy Pierce sponsored the first-ever Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament, and everyone was able to keep up with the action thanks to the Slide Street Journal, which was available each morning with news from the previous day.

The NRBC also hosted its first Collegiate Judging Contest that year.

The payout continued to grow in 2006 and surpassed $1.1 million. Lightening the mood was the Dressed to the Nines game, where competition moved out of the arena and into the show barns.

Exhibitors’ stall fronts were

judged, with the winners receiving great prizes. The NRBC also introduced the first-ever Rookie Professional class to its ancillary lineup.

The 10th anniversary of the event in 2007 held true to tradition, paying out an impressive $1.2 million, including $75,000 to the Open Champion. “We did not make that change lightly. Our concern was that if we went to an in-

creased amount, we wanted to maintain it in coming years, and we wanted to do this concurrently with increasing the payoff in the lower placings,” McCutcheon said.

More entries qualified for the finals, and the optional Mare Bonus program paid big! The event was expanded to seven days, and the first Short Stirrup class for 10-year-old and under riders debuted,

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SPECIAL NRBC SECTION and it was the first year for NRBC Youth Scholarships.

Contestants received even more perks, with the new Drag Awards and the Concert in the Practice Pen, which featured Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, and Randy Paul. The show was also featured on the award-winning TV show, Wide World of Horses.

In 2008, the NRBC set yet another record, with the unofficial largest Non Pro Limited Age Event in history. The high entry numbers pushed the payout to exceed $1.3 million. Another record was set in 2008, as the stallion program produced its first-ever NRBC Million Dollar Sire.

Topsail Whiz was recognized for producing foals that won over $1 million at the NRBC alone! NRHA Ancillary class participants had even more to compete for, as the NRBC began to award Gist Silversmiths buckles to the champions.

The NRBC showed its support for the fight against cancer in 2008, hosting a “Pink Day” for Rein In Cancer.

In 2009, that support continued with the “Strut Your Mutt” contest, which raised thousands of dollars for Rein In Cancer. With the addition of three more divisions – the Open Prime Time, Level 1 Open, and Level 1 Non Pro – the 2009 event awarded over $1.25 million, and the NRBC’s total payout since the inaugural event in 1998 surpassed $10 million!

In 2010, the NRBC created the Spring Games to support Rein In Cancer. Exhibitors competed in a variety of contests, including a spur race.

The big news though, had to do with the already mon-

Top: The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in 2013 for the new Tellepsen Arena.

Bottom Left: Even serious business can be fun at the NRBC, such as the Doggy Jail, which benefits Rein In Cancer.

Bottom Right: Longtime NRBC Trumpeteer Vickie Friedman congratulates Shawn Flarida after his 2012 Championship.

strous payout, which soared higher, and exceeded $1.4 million!

The NRBC introduced the new Classic Challenge classes in 2011, giving horses seven years of age and older a continued chance at big money.

The new classes again put the total payout just a few thousand short of $1.4 million.

The economic downturn a few years earlier meant fewer foals were enrolled in the NRBC, resulting in a payout

slightly over $1.35 million in 2012.

The Great Southwest Equestrian Center received a facelift prior to the 2013 event with the new Tellepsen Arena, while the East Arena was renamed the Wheless Arena.

With more room and time for competition, the NRBC welcomed USA reining to its lineup. Also new to the NRBC was Reiners U, offering free clinics to new reiners, as well as Green Reiner classes for the

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The NRBC’s signature royal blue decorations make the event easily recognizeable.

newest competitors. The total money at the event exceeded $1.2 million.

Rein In Cancer Ride with a Ribbon debuted at the 2014, where riders created cancer awareness by sporting a number of colored ribbons while showing. Many also chose to donate a percentage of their earnings to the charity. Total payout once again neared $1.2 million.

A new partnership with the American Paint Horse Association in 2015 meant that exhibitors competing on registered paint horses had even more opportunities to win. Special Gist Silversmiths buckles were awarded to the highest placing paints in several of the NRBC divisions, as well as a multitude of ancillary classes. In the past, the NRBC has offered kids’ activities for various special occasions and in 2015, created an expanded program dubbed the Reiner Kids Academy.

The event paid out $1.1 million in both 2015 and 2016.

2016 saw the creation of a new division for Open Horses – the $10,000 Added Develop-

ment Division. Eligible horses that had not won more than $2,000 at any reining competition were automatically entered in the division for no additional fee. Markel Insurance continued its support of the NRBC with the creation of the Non Pro Commitment Award, to be presented annually. And despite a 500-year flood, the show went on!

By 2017, the NRBC had officially enjoyed two decades of success. Along the way, the show grew from a four-day event in one arena to one that has competition spanning seven days with classes going on simultaneously in three separate arenas. There were even more winners, as the top 30 in every Open and Non Pro division advanced to the clean-slate finals. By the time the dust settled in the arena in 2017, this prestigious event had paid out $20 million over the span of 20 years!

Foal enrollments remained strong in 2018 as their total approached 47,000 in the 22 years since the program was born and more than 200 of the most prominent stallions

in reining were enrolled on the roster. The total show payout again exceeded $1.1 million.

In 2019, the show was quite a production, literally. The scenic venue looked a bit unusual as boom mics hung over the heads of some of the industry’s most prominent riders and swarms of film crews worked tirelessly shooting for the first season of the world’s first reining reality show, The Last Cowboy. Avid reiner, Taylor Sheridan produced the television show in which twelve riders were invited to compete for a one-million-dollar purse at the new event, The Run For A Million, while their journeys to the competition were chronicled in video and broadcast across the world on the Paramount Network.

The year 2020 was a show-stopper – in both the best sense and the worst.

Amidst the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic, the show season was looking bleak with events being canceled worldwide.

The NRBC – whose payouts

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SPECIAL NRBC SECTION are pivotal for many – hung in the balance and the outlook seemed dismal as the show had already rescheduled once, and conditions surrounding its second attempt weren’t looking good either.

Recognizing its significance to the reining horse industry, the Tulsa Reining Classic gave its dates to the NRBC, and the show made a monumental move to Tulsa Expo Square in August.

NRBC recognized the importance of futurities at that time of the year, and adopted the wide range of futurities offered at TRC and agreed to take over as host the South Central Affiliate Regional Championships.

Determined to continue the show season, sponsors threw their full support into the show and reiners came from near and far readily acquiescing to social distancing and mask mandates so that the show could go on. Paying out over $1.4 million, the 2020 show shattered records across

The NRBC had a temporary new home in 2020, as the owners of the Tulsa Reining Classic graciously offered thedates for their event to the NRBC.

the board as the largest reining horse show in history in both payouts and entries; however, for the NRBC, breaking records is a tradition.

In 2021, the NRBC returned to its home in Katy. With the world opening back up, The Run For A Million camera crew traveled to south Texas

as well, capturing all the action for the show.

With just days before the start of the 2022 event, it’s clear that NRBC will once again experience a record-breaking year. Read the pages ahead for even more news about the record-breaking show.

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April 15, 2022

SPECIAL NRBC SECTION

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SPECIAL NRBC SECTION

2022 NRBC OPEN DRAW FILLED WITH FORMER CHAMPIONS For years, the NRBC has awarded its Level 4 Open Champion a check for $75,000. While the money is incredible – the show has paid out more than $24 million in its first 24 years – the prestige of earning an NRBC Championship can bolster a career to new heights.

With that in mind, it’s a given that the event draws the crème de le crème of the reining industry.

In 2021, National Reining Horse Association Two Million Dollar Rider Jason Vanlandingham tied for the L4 Championship with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay.

The two men elected to remain co-champions, with each taking home checks for $63,000. Vanlandingham rode Diane Mesmer’s A Vintage Smoke (A Sparkling Vintage x Lady Smoke Pepper), while Tremblay showed Tinker With Dreams (Tinker With Guns x This Chicsdundreamin) for owner Diamond Dub Quarter Horses.

Both Vanlandingham and Tremblay return to the 2022 NRBC, slated for April 17-24, with three entries each.

Vanlandingham is a threetime NRBC Level 4 Open Champion, having also won it in 2016 on NRHA Million Dollar Sire Not Ruf At All and then tying for the win in 2019 on A Vintage Smoke.

Vanlandingham is entered on Best Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Best Stop), owned

by Robert Santagata, Excessive Rufness (Not Ruf At All x

Casey Deary and Americasnexttopgun won the NRBC Open Championship in 2020, and are vying for another title in 2022.

Smokin Lady Gunner), owned

by Vaughn Zimmerman, and One Ruf Kid (Not Ruf At All x Surprise Easter Kid), owned by Vaughn Zimmerman.

Tremblay will ride Spent It On Mylashes (Pale Face Dunnit x Chex To Cash N Spend), owned by Kelsey Flessner, Pale Faced Whiz (Pale Face Dunnit x Ms Maggie Whiz), owned by Diamond Dub Quarter Horses, and All Guns On Crush (PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck), owned by Adh-Mor Ranch.

Last year’s Level 3 Open Champions, Gunny Mathison

and Shes Reddy Online, will return to the Coliseum Arena. Due to Mathison’s recent success, he and the mare are only eligible to compete for the Level 4 title. Shes Reddy Online (Shine On Line x Guns R Reddy), is owned by Mary Jansma. Mathison, who’s less than $26,000 from passing one million dollars in lifetime earnings, will also show his own horse, Alpha Taris Chic (Wimpy Chic x Taris Attraction).

Another reigning champion that’s moved up in eligibility is Leonardo Kellerman,

who piloted Blazed By Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Blazed By Commander) to the Level 2 Co-Championship in 2021. Kellerman and Blazed

By Magnum, owned by Diane Yoder, look to build on the success they had in the Coliseum arena.

Eduardo Salgado was the second part of the Level 2 Co-Championship, having ridden Isnt She Dreamy (Magnum Chic Dream x Miss Silver Gun) to the title. This year he returns with two horses, Late Night Doll (Late Night Stopper x Walla Walla Doll) and Gunna Electrafiya (Gunnatrashya x Sheza Electric Star), both owned by Marc and Kathy Gordon.

NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida claimed the 2021 Prime Time Championship on Shine Colt Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Gunners Miss Oak), owned by Gaynia Revenberg. He has won the coveted NRBC on four different horses: Spooks Gotta Whiz (2012), Shine Chic Shine (2011), Wimpys Little Chic (2008), and Einsteins Revolution (2006).

Flarida has three horses entered this year, including Gunna Go Bix (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic), owned

by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA, Shiner On My Eye (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Flashy Lil Step), owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Robert Santagata, and Alpha Jac Sparrow (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Chexanicki), owned by Fritz Leeman.

All but three former NRBC Level 4 Open Champions are entered in this year’s Classic, and every single one entered

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Nathan Piper and Patriot tied for the NRBC Open Championship in 2019, and are looking for another chance in Patriot’s final year of eligibility.

has surpassed more than one million dollars in lifetime earnings.

In 2020, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary piloted Americasnexttopgun (Walla Walla Whiz x Americasnextgunmodel) to win the Championship. In 2021, the pair marked a 226 to finish fourth. Deary and Americasnexttopgun, owned by Puno Performance Horses LLC, are giving it a go once again in 2022.

Deary is also entered this year on reigning NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Champion Ten Thirty (Gunnatrashya x Dainty Lil Step), owned by Rancho El Fortin, and Down Right Amazing (Gunner x Shesouttayourleague), owned

by DAG Ventures LLC. NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Rider, Nathan Piper, just has one bullet for this year’s Classic, but it’s a good one. He’s entered on Patriot (Smart Spook x Dunit A Lil Ruf), owned by Shannon and Hershel Reid. In 2019, the duo tied for the Level 4 Open Championship.

NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Duane Latimer won his first NRBC title in 2000 on Conquistador Whiz, and then his second in 2018 on Modern Gun. This year Latimer will show two entries for Roxanne Koepsell, Ziggy Rocks (Whizkey N Diamonds x Shes Got Good Guns), and Hesa Rockin Whiz (Topsail Whiz x A Bueno Poco Dunit).

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SPECIAL NRBC SECTION Continued from P. 15

Andrea Fappani, who holds court as NRHA’s All Time Leading Rider and only Seven Million Dollar Rider, has won the NRBC on four horses: Chic Dreamin (2017), Frozen Enterprize (2015), Cromed Out Mercedes (2009), and Custom Legend (2007). Fappani has three entries this year, including Icecube (SG Frozen Enterprize x Taris Designer Genes), a horse he owns with wife Tish. In 2021, the Fappanis’ son, Luca, piloted Icecube to the NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Reserve Championship.

Fappani is also entered on Whizsicle (SG Frozen Enterprize x Miss Whizzletown), owned by Diane Yoder, and Starjac Vintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Starjac Miss), owned

by Teton Ridge.

In 2014, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Martin Muehlstaetter piloted Blue Collar Tag to the Open Championship. This year Martin has two entries, Alpha Gun Chexy (Spooks Gotta Gun x Chexy Dun It) and Seven On Seven (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Anne Get Your Gunner), both owned by Sleipner LLC. Craig Schmersal, NRHA’s third All Time Leading Rider with nearly five million dollars in lifetime earnings, won the 2010 NRBC on Boom Shernic.

This year he has three entries: Hey Roy (Star Spangled Whiz x Dun It For Chex), owned by Hey Roy Partners, Setting Off To Town (Gunners Tinseltown x Setting Off Smart), owned

by Taylor Sheridan, and Surprizedya (Gunnatrashya x Dun With Surprises), owned by

Schmersal/ThorSport Inc. Tom McCutcheon won the 2001 NRBC on Smartest Chic Olena. McCutcheon, who is less than $30,000 from surpassing two million dollars in lifetime earnings, has three entries this year. McCutcheon is entered on Gunners Rockstar (Gunners Special Nite x Belle Starr Dun It), owned by White River Ag Products Inc., Gunners Nite Train (Gunners Special Nite x Belle Starr Dun It), owned by Tom and his wife, Mandy McCutcheon, and Gonna Outbid U (Wimpys High Bid x Ms Dreamy), owned by Story Book Stables.

The Open Classic Preliminaries kick off at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 20. Find more information about the event, results, draws, and more at www.NRBC.com.

2022 NRBC PREDICTED TO BE ONE OF LARGEST IN HISTORY

The trend of large events looks like it will continue into 2022, as the staff and show management of the NRBC readies for what looks to be one of the largest shows in the event’s 25-year history.

As the deadline to be in the draw passed on April 6, entry numbers for both the Open and Non Pro Classic surpassed those set from the previous year.

According to NRBC Show Secretary Kathy Gould, Open Classic entries currently sit at 219, up from 186 in 2021. The Non Pro divisions also grew, with 212 total entries, up from 191.

So will this year’s NRBC take top spot with the largest

entry numbers in history?

That honor currently belongs to the 2021 event, when 377 horses passed through the gates of the Coliseum Arena to compete in the aged event.

That means this year’s Classic entries will beat the previous record by more than 14 percent!

While the Classic entries are already record-breaking, it’s still to be decided if the event will surpass its previous high total.

Ancillary entries continue to come in; however, many exhibitors elect to enter late while at the event, so preliminary entry numbers are likely to change substantially. The large influx of entries means

that the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, which has been home to the Million Dollar Show since 2000, is bursting at the seams. Despite the addition of nearly 100 more stalls, stabling options are incredibly limited. “This year, we are stretched to the maximum. Unfortunately, that has created inconveniences for many of our sponsors and exhibitors as far as stabling and benefits at the show,” shared NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Cody. “We always appreciate their support and right now, we are grateful for how understanding and gracious they have been. They are truly the backbone of this program and of the NRBC.”

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25TH ANNIVERSARY NATIONAL REINING BREEDERS CLASSIC KATY, TEXAS APRIL 17-24, 2022

1ST NRBC ENTRY DEADLINE

February 15, 2022 2ND NRBC PAYMENT DEADLINE

March 15, 2022 *Ancillary Entries *Paid Warmups *Stalls

INTRODUCING

RETURNING

RETURNING

ROOKIE FREE-FOR-ALL CLASSES

ROOKIE SHOOTOUT

CRUSHING THE FEES FOR YOUTH

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SPECIAL NRBC SECTION

RECORD-SETTING NRBC NON PRO PRELIMS FEATURES NUMEROUS PAST CHAMPIONS It’s just days away from the start of the Non Pro preliminaries, and it’s only fitting that during its 25th Anniversary event, the Million Dollar Show is setting records once again.

Although entries for this year’s Non Pro Classic won’t completely close until noon on April 17, this edition already boasts a record number of entries at 212 (as of 4/14/2022), up from 191 which in 2021. In addition, the added money for this year’s Open and Non Pro Classic is up by more than $65,000.

With so much on the line, it’s no surprise that the heavy hitters have already begun arriving in Katy to prepare for one of the most exciting shows of the year.

Reigning NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Champions Mandy McCutcheon and JLosa (Arlosa Whiz x Spook N Jessie) will return to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center’s Coliseum Arena on the first day of competition. McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Texas, is the National Reining Horse Association’s All Time Leading Non Pro, All Time Leading Female Rider, and boasts more than $3 million in lifetime earnings. She’s won the NRBC eight times with Dont Miss This (2002), Rawhides Banjo (2006 & 2007), I Spin For Chics (2008), Always Gotyer Gunsup (2012), Ms Whiz Dunit (2014), Party Nite (2019), and JLosa (2020).

In addition to JLosa, McCutcheon brings two other mounts to Katy. She’ll also

Mandy McCutcheon and JLosa won the NRBC Non Pro Championship in 2021, and return this year to attempt a repeat.

show her 2020 NRHA L4 Non Pro Futurity Champion Shining At Nite (Gunners Special Nite x A Shining Sidekick), and Bewitchin Bella (In Like Flinn x Boomernic Bewitched).

Another 2021 Champion team, Carlee McCutcheon and Dun With Guns, returns this year. McCutcheon and Dun With Guns (Gunners Special Nite x Belle Starr Dun It) took top spots in last year’s Level 3 and Level 2. Those wins helped push 16-year-old McCutcheon up in eligibility, so she’ll only be vying for a Level 4 title this year.

McCutcheon will also show Starlights Voodoo (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whizen Starlight) and Johnny Loves June (Lil Joe Cash x Whiz N Chexy Chic).

2021 Level 1 Champions Anna Harris and Ready N Willing (Walla Walla Whiz x Dainty Dunit) grace the roster this year, and are eligible for Non Pro Levels 1 – 4.

Reigning Non Pro Prime Time Champions Shaunda Rai Blinzler and Tagin Stiletto Chics (Gunners Special Nite x Stiletto Tag) are once again in the draw. Blinzler, who won

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the 2011 NRBC Level 4 Non Pro Championship on Rufanicki, will also show Smoke In Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Suga Suga) in the Non Pro Classic.

Last year’s Level 3 and Level 2 Reserve Champion Horse, Gotta Connection (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Smart Connection) returns to the GSEC with a new rider, Rylee Butler, and owner, Dawn Butler. Gotta Connection was shown in 2021 by Shelby Clausen.

2021 Level 1 Co-Reserve Champion with Rebecca Asmussen, Four Oh One Kay (Smart Spook x Miss Poco Whizard), now owned by Bur Oak, LLC, will also be competing with new rider Cappy Dryden.

In 2020, Indy Roper claimed the Level 4 title on Spooks Show Time (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dolittle Lena). Roper has entered three horses this year, including Gals Love A Spook (Smart Spook x Wimpys Little Gal), MR Boaz (Not Ruf At All x Juicy Red Berry), and Wally Wonka (Walla Walla Whiz x Wimpys Coco Step).

Two time (2018 on Like Shiner & 2009 on Wound By

Clockwise: Carlee McCutcheon and Dun With Guns, Anna Harris and Ready N Willing, and Shaunda Blinzler and Tagin Stiletto Chics are three 2021 Champion teams returning to the NRBC to defend their title.

Juice) NRBC Non Pro Level 4 Champion, Jose Vazquez, brings three bullets to Katy.

The NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner and recent NRHA Hall of Fame inductee will ride Mr Chexy Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Miss Chexy Lass), Xtra Smart Shiner (Shiners Voodoo Dr x SLJ Smartlikewhinny), and SLJ Corazon Valiente (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner).

Jack Medows won the 2017 NRBC Non Pro title on Chicsdreamofdiamonds, and this year he’s vying for a second title with Tribbiani (Gunnatrashya x Chicsdreamofdiamonds) and Dream On Whiz (Magnum Chic Dream x Ms Sassy Whiz).

Twelve years ago, Kim Muehlstaetter took the NRBC Non Pro title with Country Custom, and in 2022 she’ll be showing Late One Night (Late Night Stopper x Spooked Out Chex) and TR Baby Blues (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Spooks N Sparks).

NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Lance Griffin won back-to-back Non Pro Championships in 2003 and 2004 on Whiz N Tag Chex, now an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire. This year Griffin will be showing Spooks Gotta Tinsel (Spooks Gotta Gun x Tinsel Tiara).

Rounding out the list of former Champions vying for a title in Katy this year is Marc

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FEATURE STORY

GET TO KNOW GRETEL VALDES by. Stevie White Photcs courtesy of Gretel Valdez

Sixty-nine years ago, in Mexico City, a baby girl was born with a heart for horses and an unconquerable spirit. She wasn’t brought up around horses and had no relatives who owned horses. There wasn’t even a family friend who owned a horse, but not even that could stop her from pursuing her passion. Her name was Gretel Valdes.

From early childhood, Valdes’s parents couldn’t help but notice her mysterious infatuation with horses. She was always trying to find a way to be taken to see a horse. Her first ride was on a pony at the Zoo in Mexico City. The sight of a horse in a distant field as the family passed by in the car would send her into hysterics, so one day, her mother decided to make her dreams come true by taking her to a charreada, but little did she know that fate had much bigger plans for her daughter.

As the family entered the grounds of the event called the Nacional de Charros in Mexico City, the person at the gate told them to keep their tickets because there would be a raffle. Much to her supreme joy, the winning ticket was announced, and 12-yearold Valdes was holding it earning herself a horse and two months of classes at the riding school.

Valdes’s parents indulged her with the prize, always thinking that she would soon tire of it, but as soon as the classes ended, her mother

Top: Gretel Valdez.

Right: Gretel’s first ride was on a pony at a zoo in Mexico City.

sold the horse and presented her with an ultimatum: she would no longer take her to the riding school for lessons, and if Gretel wanted to continue with her lessons, she would have to take a bus alone to the stable and back, 45 minutes one direction.

“I was twelve years old, and she thought that would end my passion,” Valdes mused.

“You see, Mexico is not like in the U.S. The atmosphere was not very pleasant, and it was thought that equestrian sport could not be profitable

enough to live decently by, but I took the bus. It never crossed my mind to stop rid-

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ing.”

The riding school had lesson horses for students that didn’t have their own horses, so Valdes learned on a wide variety. She would often sit and watch the eight person teams practicing their escaramuza routines, but inevitably, a girl would be absent making it difficult for the others to practice. The instructor began to ask Valdes to stand in for whichever girl was missing and she was assigned to that girl’s horse, so she quickly learned the positions of all the riders on all the teams and the nuances of riding each of their horses.

Valdes said, “When you don’t have a horse, and you have to ride any horse in any place, then you get better than the

Top: Charrería is the official national sport of Mexico and is analogous to rodeo in the United States, albeit a much more stylized, artistic version. Focusing on competition between teams of riders, modern charreadas (rodeos) are normally held on Sundays and are a huge event in many smaller communities.

Originating with the arrival of horses from Spain in the 16th century, charrería has roots in the hacienda (ranch) culture of western Mexico in particular, although it enjoys nationwide popularity. In the beginning, charreadas (although they weren’t known as such then) took place between farm workers looking to show off their horse-riding and wrangling skills. However, with the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century came the end of the hacienda and so the informal competitions between charros (riders) developed into formal charreadas and scored contests. By 1921, the National Charro Association had been established and in 1933, the presidential decree that declared charrería the national sport of Mexico was announced.

Modern charreadas feature a total of nine different skills events, known as suertes, and a female rider event called escaramuza, in which the charra rides sidesaddle and demonstrates her graceful equestrian ability. Judging is strict and competition is tough, especially given that both horses and riders often start training to compete in charrerías at the age of three. Speed, style, and precision are the orders of the day at these spectacular, traditional events.

Information from theculturetrip.com

FEATURE STORY

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Top: In February of 1979, when Gretel was 25 years old, the first women’s horse race was organized at the Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City. Gretel won it.

Bottom: During her years in charreria, Valdes made her name known.

other ones, if you want to do it.”

It wasn’t long before she was invited to attend a charreada as part of a team.

Again, Valdes’s mother wouldn’t to take her to the competition, and she didn’t have the ornate, traditional dress to compete in; however, her grandmother made the dress and Valdes, again, took the bus.

“It was the beginning of a predestined life to be. I never thought for a moment about leaving. Everything was growing up and learning in a very difficult world for women, because Mexico, at that time, was a place of very macho men, and even more so in the equestrian world. I had to learn to survive in that environment and make a place

Escaramuza, pictured above, is an important element of the role of Mexican woman. Having begun in 1953, when women began to take part in the all-men’s Charreria competitions. This event, steeped proudly in Mexican history, defies the cultural traditions of gender roles in Mexico.

Women still ride sidesaddle as part of an all-female team, wearing the dazzling, traditional dresses and large sombreros of the time period it first began. The opening of each team’s run features the women running into the arena in formation at full speed. Just like in reining, there are large championships with attractive payouts.

FEATURE STORY

for myself.”

As time went on, Valdes began to work in the industry, and earned the money to buy her own horse; however, her mother never attended an event. “When I was working for a place that puts on charreada’s as a horse trainer, I was to be given one of the biggest prizes in the charro industry for my work. My mother didn’t go because she hated that I was doing that.

I didn’t feel sorry for myself, though. I was used to that.”

Although she may have sometimes felt so, Valdes was not alone. “When I was around 18 years old, Ing. Salvador Jiminez Cano was president of the Quarter Horse Breeders Association in Mexico. His wife and daughter loved horseback riding, so he helped me to be allowed to compete in calas (a bit like reining). When I competed, I was always the only woman who entered.

“The men didn’t want me to go in, but they had to do it. I was competing for the American Quarter Horse Association, and they don’t care if you are a girl or a boy.”

Valdes still rode in the women’s event, escaramuza, and sometimes competed in barrel racing as well. In February of 1979, when she was 25 years old, the first women’s horse race was organized at the Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City. She won it.

During her years in charreria, Valdes made her name

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Right: Gretel had ridden side saddle all of her life before transitioning to the sport of reining.

Bottom: Gretel Valdez

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known. She put together 6 different escaramuza teams, winning four national championships with them. For two years, she traveled with Antonio Aguilar and his teams of horses and mules as he became famous as “El Charro de Mexico” for popularizing the Mexican equestrian sport to international audiences. With him, Valdes was among those invited to the 1993 Europalia Arts Festival in Belgium to demonstrate the charreria style of riding. Every two years, Europalia officials invite

a different country to come for fifteen days to demonstrate and display various elements of its culture: paint-

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Left: Gretel is a top competitor in reining.

ings, sports, performing arts, film, literature etc.

Valdes went many places with her team through the years, but over time, it began to wear on her. “I was tired. I was tired to be always with a team: eight girls.” she admitted. “With the girls, some of them can be very good riders, some of them are not. Some of them are very good sports, and they don’t whine and fight, but some of them just want to go and meet boys.

It was very, very tiring, but suddenly, reining appears in my life!”

Valdes was invited to ride with Javier Alvarez Malo, a well-known charro rider who also was practicing reining.

He began to teach her his reining techniques, and her life was forever changed. She was introduced to NRHA

Judge and bit maker Greg Darnell, and he and Malo trained her in the arts of reining. “I said, ‘That’s what I want to do!’ because I can do it alone. I can do it all day or not,” she said. “At that time, I was 45 years old, and I had been side saddle all of my life.

It was not an easy transition for me!

“Greg Darnall was my angel in Mexico! He has helped me with so much,” Valdes gushed. “I was shocked to know Greg Darnall in that time. He came to my ranch to see my horses, and I was so excited showing them to him that I fell down from my horse. It was so funny, because I was laying down on the floor, and I saw the face of Greg Darnall and Malo staring at me on the floor.

Malo said, ‘the shame!’ So

that was my first contact with Greg Darnall, but now we are best friends for life because we have been traveling all around together.”

Malo organized the first reining competition in Mexico in 2000 with Darnall as the judge; however, all of the competitors had transitioned from Charreria, so they used charro saddles and outfits.

Valdes wore a full-skirted dress, and men dressed in ornately embroidered outfits.

All were topped with large sombreros. Valdes tied to win that show and refused a coin flip. She wanted to run it off which tipped the scale in her own favor. She, the only woman competing, won the class.

“I was always the only woman, everywhere! The males in Mexico are very macho, and they didn’t want to let me go

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FEATURE STORY in. I learned very quickly how to survive with all those guys and having blond hair and blue eyes…I had to fight very hard to survive. I had to be smart,” Valdes, whose father was German, shared. “It was very, very hard in that time, because men were the only ones competing, and they didn’t want women to be competing against them. If you, as a woman, won, they would be very mad!”

After her success at that first show, Valdes stopped competing in escaramuza, but remained in high demand to coach teams of girls in the event. Her program was never the same again, though, because she constantly tried to teach her students the methods she learned in reining.

“I have made so many escaramuza teams, they keep calling me to go with them,” Valdes said. “They started with me when they were little girls, and all of them are now mothers.”

After attending a couple more shows in Mexico, Valdes met Yvonne Mathieu, a Canadian reining trainer who was living in California. She asked him for reining lessons, and he agreed, but she would have to come to him in California.

Excited at the thought, Valdes hastily arranged her stay in California and began her lessons using horses in Mathieu’s barn. “I wasn’t sure who had it worse: them or me!” she said with a laugh.

“He would say, ‘Why do you do that? Why are you doing that with your hands? Why do you hold the horse? Release your legs!’ I said, ‘I can’t! I was always shown to ride like that.’

Gretel Valdes prepares to show in Oklahoma City.

Some days I would just cry so hard!”

Valdes’s indomitable spirit would not allow her to succumb to hardship. Just as in her childhood when she chose to ride the bus rather than consider giving up riding, she persevered without a thought to giving up. Quitting wasn’t in her nature.

While training with Mathieu, Valdes heard about the 2006 World Equestrian Games, hosted in Aachen, Germany, coming up, and set her sights upon it. She was told that she would have to go to two or three international competitions to earn the points for qualification, but because she didn’t have her own reining horse, she showed in the open. “I borrowed a horse there in California, and Yvonne said, ‘I’ll take you to

Oklahoma, but the competition is in two days, and it takes two days to get there.’

We drove 26 hours nonstop to make it there. It was my first time in Oklahoma. It was so cold; I was shaking like crazy!” she remembered.

Valdes’s next international qualifier was held in Katy, Texas. As if by providence, Valdes met Casey Deary at that show and the two became fast friends, united by their love of horses and Deary’s love of her traditional Mexican cooking.

Deary learned of Valdes’s struggles and believed that he had the solution. “He said, ‘I will sell you a horse.’ I saw that horse competing the day we went to Oklahoma, and that horse was great! I was, at that time, in Mexico, training the daughters of Ismael Palacios. I told Casey, ‘I can’t buy a

horse right now, but I will let you know how it is if we need a horse.’

“It was like a miracle! In that moment, Ismael said to me, ‘Hey, Gretel! Let’s buy a horse and compete in reining. So you can show my girls how to do it. If you see something good, buy that horse!’ I said, ‘Hey, Casey, come on, we will do it!’”

Valdes suggested to Palacios that they leave the horse in training with Deary so they would have one there to compete on when they go to the United States. He readily agreed. “In that moment, I left California. I told Casey that since he would have the horse to train, then I should go there for my lessons, too.

That is how we did it. Casey would come to Mexico where he could eat authentic Mexican food, and I would go to Texas and ride horses, clean stalls, and cook.”

Eventually, Valdes had to bring her horses back to Mexico so Palacios’s daughters could learn to rein. Shying from the expense of carting them back to the United States to make her final international qualifier, Valdes teamed up with some other enthusiasts to organize their own qualifier in Mexico.

“We knew we would need to have an international judge.

That wasn’t a problem because we had those. We had several international vets in Mexico, so that was not a problem either. The problem was the steward. We had a gentleman come from the U.S. and he gave classes and taught several men to be stewards, my husband is one, now too. We made a very

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Right: Gretel with AQHBA President Salvado Cano.

good arena and invited Casey to compete. A Brazilian guy also came to compete. And I had my third qualifier.”

With Palacios’s help, Valdes purchased a second horse through Deary and found that she was more confident riding it, so she spoke to Palacios about taking it to Aachen. She shared, “He said, ‘Let’s do it! I’ll pay everything for the horse, and you pay for yourselves.’

“So I went to Aachen, but I went alone, only with my husband. I had no trainer, no chef d’quipe. The Mexican Federation was a little bit supportive of me. They came to watch my show but didn’t give me any money at all. Not one peso!”

“It was a great experience, though, to take the horse by plane and go from Mexico City, to Amersterdam, then to Belgium. I was competing with all the top guys from all over the world. I was by myself, but I don’t think I did so bad. I got a 70 from all of the judges.”

Valdes got back just in time for the FEI World Reining Masters competition in Oklahoma City, and because of

the points she had collected to go to Aachen, she was able to compete there. She found herself, again, the only woman and the only representative of Mexico competing.

“There were 18 competitors, and all of them so young, from the United States. There were others from France, Israel, Canada, from all over the world. It was really exciting.”

While Valdes was traveling the world competing, all of Mexico was watching. By the time another international qualifier was organized in Mexico in 2007, others were vying for the chance to follow in her footsteps. “All the guys were waking up in Mexico, because they were watching me competing everywhere. So they bought very good horses and they started to ride,” Valdes explained. “Greg Darnall started to help everybody to have good horses and good training.”

After tragedy struck for the owner of Valdes’s horses, she found herself afoot and unable to get another reining horse of the caliber she needed to be competitive, but her work was far from done.

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Because she had already mapped the course, she was asked to travel with the reining team to the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, and then again to Normandy, France in 2014 as chef d’equipe. She continues to be highly sought after to train girls in escaramuza competitions. For years, she was the only female charro, and she remains the only female NRHA Professional in Mexico.

“I have always had big angels in my life, and I am very grateful that I was able to make a path for other women in reining competition. Some people are born and die, and don’t leave anything behind.

I have made a path for all the girls in the charro style. I was a beginner in making the regulations for girls in that. Right now, we are making a group for the girls who ride in the charro style. When you really make something in your life, you leave a path for other girls

Gretel with a friend from riding school

to follow so they can grow and compete and do things too. When you have things too easy, you don’t appreciate

it. For me, it is important that the girls have things equal, like the guys, like in reining: Equal,” Valdes shared.

What do you think of the new WorldWide Slide?

Send us an email: stevie@pro-management-inc.com Give us a call and ask for Stephanie, Savannah or Stevie (580) 759-2579 Send us a note!

13250 US Hwy 177, Byars, OK 74831

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BITS OF ADVICE WITH PETE KYLE Ever wonder which bridles the pros would pick if they could only pick one?

Us too! by. Savannah Magoteaux Pete Kyle is a former American Quarter Horse Association Professional of the Year, who’s won in a variety of disciplines at numerous levels. He rode all around horses before specializing in reining, and his lifetime earnings in the National Reining Horse Association exceed $577,000.

When asked what bridles he would choose if he could only use two for the rest of his career, Pete immediately had an answer.

He choked up when he began describing the first of the two, one with a medium mouthpiece and shank.

“I’ve got a real special bridle from a special friend who just passed,” he explained.

The bit was made by Bob Curtiss of New Mexico, who passed away in September 2021. “I have known Bob since I was 15 years old. His son Joe is a famous silversmith and bridle maker, too,” Pete shared. “The whole family is great.”

Pete added that he’s had the bridle since the early 1980s. “I really don’t remember when I first got it, but it was when I was first out on my own training,” he shared. “What I like about this one is that it is good any horse. It has a nice little medium mouthpiece and a medium shank. It has really good leverage, but it’s very soft and has a ton of feel.

Left: This bit was made by Bob Curtiss of Carrizozo, New Mexico. Pete says he has had one of Bob’s bridles since the early 1980s.

Right: This bit was made by Greg Darnall for John Hoyt. John gave it to Pete to be used on Peppy Sol Anson. Pete’s wife, Tamra, won an NRHA World Championship on him that year in this bridle.

Photos courtesy of Pete Kyle.

I don’t know why it does, but it does. I really like it a lot.”

Pete’s second choice was a Greg Darnall with an aluminum shank.

“Greg had actually made that bit for John Hoyt, and then John gave it to me,” Pete recalled. “I had a horse, Peppy Sol Anson, and John told me, ‘Try this bridle on that horse. I think he’ll like it.’”

John was correct, and Pete’s wife, Tamra, piloted Peppy Sol Anson to an NRHA World Championship that year in that very bridle. “John said, just keep it. It’s yours. It’s an aluminum shank with a me-

dium port, and it has a looser shank. The mouth piece tips back a little bit, so when you draw it, it comes up nice and slow,” Pete explained.

Like the Curtiss, the Darnall has proven to be a versatile bridle. “It really fits a lot of horses really well, and is really nice,” Pete said.

He added that the quality of bits is evidenced by their age. “They’re really well-made bridles. I have had the Darnall since the early 1990s, and then Bob’s bridle I would have gotten in the 80s,” Pete said.

“In addition to being great bits, they’re both very special.”

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INSTRUCTIONAL

VHH TRAINING TIP TODD SOMMERS - TEACHING THE TURNAROUND Originally from Indiana, Todd Sommers headed to Texas after graduating from high school with the goal of becoming a horse trainer. He landed his first training job working for the Tommy Manion Ranch in Aubrey. After working with other top professionals, Todd went out on his own in 1988.

Since his first forays into the show pen, Sommers has had a tremendous amount of success as a professional trainer in both the Western Pleasure and Reining industries. His attention to detail and consistent training program have made him one of the top money earners in the business.

Todd’s program for teaching the turnaround begins with a horse following his nose and guiding willingly. After that, he teaches them to move their shoulders both directions and without resistance. He says that teaching a horse to move their shoulders is the beginning of a turnaround and done correctly, it gives the horse a foundation for you to return to if he is

having problems with his turnaround.

Watch this video by our partner Virtual Horse Help to see Todd demonstrating his method.

Find more great training content at virtualhorsehelp.com

by. Stevie White

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LIFESTYLE

CHILE RELLENO CASSEROLE

Compiled by. Stephanie Hightower

Looking for a quick and easy breakfast with bold flavor? Try this Chile Relleno Casserole.

Ingredients • 3 (7 oz) cans whole fire roasted green chiles • 2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese • 6 large eggs • 1 3/4 cups milk • 1/4 cup flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper • Pico de Gallo (optional) • chopped cilantro (optional) • sour cream (optional)

Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 350*. Spray a 9 x 13-inch dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cut chiles open by slicing from top to bottom. Layer half of the cut chiles in the bottom of prepared casserole dish. Layer with half the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Layer with the second half of the cut chiles and the remaining cheese.

3. Whisk together eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour egg mixture over the cheese and green chiles. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges and set in the middle.

4. Cool before slicing. Top with Pico de Gallo, cilantro, and sour cream.

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A Place for Everyone Leadership Opportunities Over $40,000 in Scholarships Per Year Varsity Reining Club Join the fun!

NRHyA.com

Respect the hoRse. Respect the spoRt.

(405) 946-7400 • NRHA.COM

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LIFESTYLE

THE ETERNAL RIDE JASON VANLANDINGHAM - NRHA TWO 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 a year.

Find prior episodes at WorldWideSlide.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NRHYA MEMBERS CAN BECOME WORKING STUDENTS IN 2022 Young riders in the National Reining Horse Youth Association enjoy being part of the reining world. It’s all about competition, camaraderie, and the fun of reining. They develop a love for reining and create friendships and long-lasting ties. Most plan to continue competing as they attend college and embark on their careers. Others dream of reining fulltime as an NRHA professional.

The NRHA Non Pro Committee has worked to provide opportunities for youth riders on a variety of levels. One that began in 2022 was a rule change to allow youth to work for professional reining trainers.

Relaxing the restriction to allow youth riders to work for NRHA Professionals provides multiple benefits. It creates a pathway for young riders who want to hone their horsemanship skills, plus they can offset the financial obstacles of showing or pursuing a career in training while learning more about the industry without sacrificing their Non Pro status. When youths reach the age of 19, they can make the decision to retain their Non Pro status and abide by the Non Pro conditions or become an NRHA Professional.

NRHA Non Pro Committee Chair Ginger Schmersal shared, “Horses and horse shows are expensive, which means that reining might not be an option for some youth. By relaxing these restrictions, we can welcome even more youth into the industry who want to ride or learn to ride without having to worry about losing their Non Pro status.”

The lack of available assistant trainers and barn help is another aspect the Non Pro Committee hopes to address with the change.

Many professionals experience difficulty finding training assistants, especially those with show experience.

It is hoped that this program will create more riders with the skills necessary to go on to that next level and eventually have careers of their own.

Although this rule is new to the reining industry, it is common practice in other disciplines. For example, in the English industry, many people would not be where they are

today if they had not had the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge as working students.

Any rider who is a current youth member of NRHA is eligible to reside with and/or work for any NRHA Professional in good standing.

Remuneration can include housing and food.

Youth riders are allowed to have their personal horse or horses with the trainer, and details of board and training shall be decided between those parties.

Youth riders are allowed to ride any horses both at home and at horse shows while working for the trainer. Youth riders are allowed to compete in the youth and non pro based on current NRHA ownership rules. In classes that do not have ownership restrictions (Rookie 1 & 2, Green Reiner 1 & 2, Youth Rookie, Unrestricted Youth, and all open classes, except Rookie Professional), youth riders may compete on any horse regardless of ownership.

For more information, please contact the NRHA Member & Show Services Department at (405) 946-7400 or cmorris@nrha.com. Complete rules can be found in the NRHA Handbook under the “Non Pro Membership Conditions” in the Allowances section.

JUDGES CHOSEN FOR 2022 6666 NRHA DERBY PRESENTED BY MARKEL As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, the excitement for the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented

by Markel begins to build. Preparations have begun on all fronts and NRHA has announced the officials who will evaluate the performances at the show that will pay out more than one million dollars.

Chosen for the Jim Norick Coliseum classes are Chele McGauly, Kim Myers, Ann Anderman, Kelly Sapp and Terry Thompson, with Ed Cridge serving as equipment judge. In the Adequan® Arena, Brenda Brown, John Tuckey and Pete Kyle will officiate. The Judges Monitors will be Nick Baar and Bob Kail.

“I am proud of the roster of outstanding NRHA judges selected for this year’s NRHA Derby. These judges will arrive in Oklahoma City prepared, focused, and will score each run with the utmost professionalism,” Patti Carter, NRHA Sr. Director of Education & Officials, said.

As a former NRHA Derby judge, Carter has first-hand knowledge of how the men and women selected for this year feel. “The NRHA Derby is one of the pinnacle events of the industry. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to officiate the Derby, and a privilege to have the best seat in the house for this great reining,” she said.

The selection process for judges at each major NRHA event begins several months before

the first horse ever enters the pen. Here’s how they are chosen for the NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby: • Each eligible judge is contacted for their availability for the event.

• All available judges are compiled into a list and sent to each member of the Judges Committee.

• Judges Committee members make selections from the list to fill the allotted slots for the event.

• These names are compiled into a shortlist and discussed on a conference call with all members of the Judges Committee. Nominations are allowed to be made on this conference call.

• The committee members, except for the chair, then rank their choices and each ranking equates to a certain number of points.

The points are compiled and submitted to the committee chair.

• The committee chair reviews and makes recommendations based on the outcome of the vote and the needs of NRHA. • The ranked list with the Judges Committee Chair recommendations is submitted for final selection.

This process is set in place to ensure that the Derby will be a well-judged competition with the quality and professionalism of the selected judges.

For more info, visit NRHA.com/judges

NRHA SR. DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS SEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED BY MJM GLOBAL SEARCH

The NRHA Executive Committee has hired Jim Harlan, President and CEO of MJM Global Search, Inc., to support its efforts in filling the full-time position of Sr. Director of Corporate Relations. MJM Global’s search will begin immediately with analysis of the position and identification of candidates. The primary purpose of this hands-on position is to retain current sponsors by supporting their needs while continuously working to enhance the relationship between both parties.

Additionally, they are responsible for culti-

vating new relationships to grow our family of sponsors to ensure NRHA remains a premier partner in the western performance horse industry.

Persons interested in the position may contact: Jim Harlan MJM Global Search, Inc. P.O. Box 883 Franktown, CO 80116 (303) 660-0766 jim@mjmglobalsearch.com

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NRHA APPRENTICE PROGRAM LETS POTENTIAL TRAINERS TEST THE PROFESSIONAL WATERS It’s long been a tough decision for any Non Pro rider who contemplates a career as a horse trainer. In the past, if they tested the waters, so to speak, they would be ineligible to go back to being a Non Pro for three years. The National Reining Horse Association’s Apprentice program was put in place years ago to give reiners the opportunity to be more confident about their choices for the future.

The program allows current NRHA Non Pros who are at least 18 years of age to learn, train, and show under an NRHA Professional as an Open rider. This gives Non Pros the opportunity to decide if becoming an NRHA Professional is a fit. If it turns out to not be the right career path, the Non Pro can return to Non Pro status without facing the three to fiveyear wait.

An apprentice can do so under one or more members of the NRHA Professionals concurrently or consecutively during a 12-month period. All earnings that an individual has on record will be used to determine his or her eligibility while participating in the Apprentice Program. At any time during the 12 months should an individual decide not to continue

with his or her apprenticeship, he or she must continue to sit out of Non Pro competition until the end of the 12 months. At the end of the year of apprenticeship, individuals can do one of two things: • Choose to remain an Open rider and completely relinquish Non Pro status. If this is the case, all previous Non Pro earnings will be backed out and any Open earnings accumulated during the apprenticeship will be used to determine eligibility.

• Re-apply for Non Pro status. In this instance, all earnings accumulated during the apprenticeship will be used to determine eligibility.

During the apprenticeship, individuals may not show in Non Pro classes. For more details about the Apprentice Program, please contact the NRHA Member & Show Services Department at (405)946-7400 or memberships@ nrha.com. Complete rules can be found in the NRHA Handbook under the “NRHA Apprentice Program” section.

2021 6666 NRHA DERBY PRESENTED BY MARKEL IS NAMED AQHA TOP 10 SHOW The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel was recently honored by being named a Top 10 event for 2021 by the AQHA. The Derby ranked first amongst AQHA Alliance shows.

NRHA Events Manager Cheryl Cody said, “We are always proud to partner with the AQHA in presenting AQHA classes to NRHA members who attend the 6666 NRHA Derby presented

by Markel. We feel that this opportunity to earn points at this event, and hopefully qualify for the AQHA World Championship Shows, is an important benefit for NRHA reiners.”

NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter added

his appreciation of the Alliance Partnership between the AQHA and NRHA. He noted, “AQHA has been a great partner to NRHA, and that relationship goes all the way back to the 1960s. We are glad to continue this Alliance Partnership. It is gratifying to see the entire industry enjoy such tremendous growth.”

AQHA competitions showcase the talent and versatility of the American Quarter Horse.

In 2021, AQHA members turned out in multitudes to support shows, circuits and special events across the globe, totaling more than 840,000 entries.

For information, visit aqha.com.

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Thanks to the hundreds of you who participated in 2021 and to these NRHA affiliates and select shows who volunteered to support your Reining Horse Foundation!

• Arizona RHA Shows – Mother's Day Slide Inside Slide Best of the West • 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel • National Reining Breeders Classic • The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge • Tulsa Reining Classic • High Roller Reining Classic • Low Roller Reining Classic and Northwest ARC • SWRHA Futurity • NRHA Futurity & Adequan®North American Affiliate Championship

If every NRHA member would contribute $10 once each year to RHF, it would generate nearly $150,000 !

Subject to change

Contact RHF for related marketing tools, if your affiliate or show is making this commitment

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

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NRHYA ART & PHOTO CONTEST RETURNS IN 2022

National Reining Horse Youth Association members most often show their skills horseback, but many have other special talents.

A showcase for some of those is the annual NRHyA Art & Photo contest.

The contest will be sponsored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum for the third year in a row. This partnership allows the first-place piece in each category to be displayed at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum during the 2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Insurance.

“This contest has grown so much in the last three years due to this incredible partnership,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA Director of Marketing who oversees the Youth and Affiliate programs. “It is so fun for the artists to get to take their families to see their work on a museum wall next to some of the most renowned Western artists.”

Last year there were nearly 50 entries in the contest and organizers expect more growth in 2022.

Already on board as judges for this year’s contest are NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter, Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Other judges

will be announced.

“I encourage all youth members, especially those who submit pieces for Varsity Reining Club, to participate,” said Honegger. “We encourage our youth to ask their friends to participate with them and give it a go!”

The categories for the competition will be Photography and Mixed Media. Due to low numbers of entries, the Graphic Design category was removed, but a new age division, 10 & Under, has been added due to rising interest.

2021 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest Winners: Photography 14-18 – Faith Horner Photography 13 & Under – Kynlee Cohlmia Mixed Medium 14-18 – Alexandra Nicole Mueller Mixed Medium 13 & Under – Cassandra Hacking Graphic Design 14-18 – Raeanna Thayn Graphic Design 13 & Under – Cassandra Hacking The entry forms for the 2022 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest can be found here. Entries will be accepted until May 1.

For information on the NRHyA, visit the website at NRHyA.com or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/nrhya or Instagram @NRHyA

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