WorldWide Slide - March 15, 2023

MARCH 15, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE:

• NRBC TOP 10 ALL TIME RIDERS

• COLLECTION, PART 3

• INDUSTRY NEWS AND MORE!

On the Cover:: NRBC All Time Leading Rider Andrea Fappani and Chic Dreamin.

TOC Photo: NRBC All Time Leading Non Pro Mandy McCutcheon on JLosa. Photos by Waltenberry, provided courtesy of NRBC.

Publisher Cheryl Cody

Senior Editor

Savannah Magoteaux

Managing Editor

Stevie White

Contributors

Kathy Gould

Jason Vanlandingham

Administration

Cheri Johnson

Publisher Media Pro Management, Inc. 13181 Hwy 177 Byars, OK 74831

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E. mteaux@gmail.com www.WorldWideSlide.com

TOP 10 WINNING AT THE NRBC IS A BOON FOR ANY RIDER, AND THESE ARE THE ONES CONSISTENTLY AT THE TOP

The pomp and circumstance, the cheers and the whistles, the royal blue backdrops, the spectacular ambiance, and of course, the slotmachine type payouts are what have made the National Reining Breeders Classic the premier stallion program and event in the reining industry.

When the program was introduced in 1997, it quickly garnered the attention of the western performance horse world, and, when the first event was held at the historic Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., in 1998, reining fans knew that winning the Classic was a laurel to strive for.

With 25 NRBCs in the books, the event has paid out more than $26 million to competitors from across the United States and around the world. In early March, the organizers of the event released the All Time Leading Rider Lists. With this year’s NRBC promised to payout even bigger guaranteed money, the already impressive earnings will only expand by the end of April.

NRBC All Time Leading Open Riders #1 - Andrea Fappani

The All-Time Leading Rider of the National Reining Horse Association, Andrea Fappani, also holds the top spot of the leaderboard for NRBC’s All-Time Leading Riders.

Fappani, of Scottsdale, Ariz., has lifetime earnings of $7,649,889 for NRHA, with $1,201,294 coming directly from the NRBC Classic. Fappani has won an additional $85,000 in ancillary competition at the Million Dollar Show.

He first competed at the NRBC in 2002 with RR Star (Like A Diamond).

What might be one of the most memorable performances, ever, came just a few years later at the 2007 NRBC. To set the stage, Fappani and Custom Legend (Custom Crome), owned by Steve Simon, had twice finished as the Reserve Champions of the event, earning more than $106,000 inside the pen at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center.

In the Saturday night Finals, Fappani and Custom Legend competed as Draw 10, and

Andrea Fappani and Custom Legend. (Waltenberry Photo)

rocked the house with an incredible 232.

Shortly after, the 2006 Champion, Einstein Revolution (Great Resolve), was ridden into the arena by his owner, Ruben Vandorp. With another electrifying run, the crowd went wild when the score – another 232 – was announced.

Then, it was time for the runoff. The large pen of the GSEC Coliseum had many wondering if the two stallions would have enough juice left for another run; but those concerns were quickly assuaged. Fappani and Custom Legend went first, executing another – and even more impressive –run, resulting in a 236.5!

Vandorp, who had been walking Einsteins Revolution outside, would go next. When he heard Fappani’s score, he thought, “Wow! That’s so high – I wish I could have seen it!”

Vandorp and Einsteins Revolution powered through another run, and while great, the pair couldn’t quite surpass the 236.5 – one of the highest scores in reining history!

Fappani has now won the NRBC an impressive four times; with Chic Dreamin (Magnum Chic Dream) in 2017, with SG Frozen Enterprize (Frozen Sailor) in 2015, in 2009 on Cromed Out Mercedes (Custom Crome), and in 2007 on Custom Legend. He’s also earned the Reserve Championship four times; in 2018 on Epic Titan (Gunner), in 2012 on Tinker With Guns (Gunner), and in 2005 and 2006 on Custom Legend.

#2 – Shawn Flarida

TTaking the second spot on NRBC’s All Time Leading Open Rider List with $1,145,746 in earnings, is Shawn Flarida, who, along with Fappani, is only the second rider to ever surpass $7 million in NRHA competition.

Flarida, of Springfield, Ohio, won his first NRBC in 2006 on Einsteins Revolution. In 2008, he went 1-2 in the event, winning the

Championship on future Hall of Fame mare Wimpys Little Chic (Wimpys Little Step) and Reserve on RC Fancy Step (Wimpys Little Step).

Flarida and Wimpys Little Chic returned to the GSEC the next two years, finishing as Reserve Champions twice.

In 2011, Flarida was back on top, winning the Championship on Shine Chic Shine (Smart Chic Olena). The following year he captured the title on another future Hall of Famer, Spooks Gotta Whiz (Spooks Gotta Gun).

Rounding out the Top 5 – Craig Schmersal, Duane Latimer, & Casey Deary

Craig Schmersal, of Scottsdale, Ariz., has won $922,001 in aged event earnings alone at the NRBC, with an additional $60,000 earned in ancillary competition. That means that the former NRBC Champion, who boasts more than $4.9 million in NRHA earnings, is poised to surpass several milestones next month in Tulsa.

Schmersal won his first NRBC Reserve Championship in 2001 on Tidal Wave Jack (Hollywood Macho Jack). In 2010, he and Boom Shernic (Boomernic) won the event. It came full circle a few years later, in 2014, when Schmersal took another Reserve title, this time on What A Wave, by his first NRBC Champion Tidal Wave Jack.

Shawn Flarida and Einsteins Revolution. (Waltenberry Photo)

Number Four on the list is NRHA

Two Million Dollar Rider Duane Latimer, who has competed at every NRBC and has garnered paychecks totaling $733,533. Latimer, of Gordonville, Texas, won the 2000 NRBC Championship on Conquistador Whiz (Topsail Whiz), and 18 years later took the same honors on Modern Gun (Gunners Special Nite). He earned the NRBC Reserve Championship in 2004 aboard The Great Whiz (Topsail Whiz).

Finishing up the Top 5 is Casey Deary with $672,890 in NRBC earnings. The NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider won his first NRBC Championship in 2020 with Americasnexttopgun (Walla Walla Whiz).

While he’s only earned the top spot one time, Deary has finished as Reserve Champion four times; in 2022 on Americasnexttopgun and Down Right Amazing (Gunner), in 2020 on Americas Supermodel (Walla Walla Whiz), and in 2015 on ARC Gunna Sparkya (Gunnatrashya).

NRBC All Time Leading Non Pro Riders

#1 – Mandy McCutcheon

Mandy McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Texas, has won more titles at the NRBC than any other rider – Open or Non Pro – in history. The venerable competitor has won the Championship an incredible eight times, and has NRBC earnings of $722,814 – nearly a halfmillion dollars more than the next closest Non Pro competitor.

McCutcheon, an NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider, won her first title in 2002 on Dont Miss This (Missin James). She then won three years in a row, with back-to-back wins on Rawhides Banjo (Dunit Rawhide) in 2006 and 2007, and in 2008 on I Spin For Chics (Tangys Classy Peppy). She won her fifth title in 2012 on Always Gotyer Gunsup (Gunner), her sixth in 2014 on Ms Whiz Dunit (Topsail Whiz), and her seventh in 2019 on Party Nite (Gunners Special Nite). Her most recent title came in 2021 with JLosa (Arlosa Whiz).

McCutcheon has finished in the second position five times; in 2001 on Dont Miss This, in 2007 on I Spin For Chics, in 2008 on Dun It Found A Star (Hollywood Dun It), in 2011 and 2013 on Always Gotyer Gunsup, and in 2012 on Shiney Enterprize (Smart And Shiney).

#2 – Jose Vazquez

NRHA Hall of Famer Jose Vazquez has competed at the NRBC for nearly two decades, and has won the NRBC Non Pro Championship twice. His first victory came in 2009 on Wound By Juice, who is sired by Vazquez’s NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Smart Like Juice. Nine years later, in 2018, Vazquez won his second championship, and once

Top: Mandy McCutcheon and JLosa.

Bottom: Jose Vazquez and Like Shiner (Waltenberry Photo)

again, it was on a foal by Smart Like Juice.

All totaled, Vazquez, who has total NRHA earnings of $1.7 million, has won nearly a quarter-million dollars in the NRBC.

The Rest of the Top Five Rounding out the Top Five are Josh Hattig ($190,799), Lance Griffin ($187,529), and Dr. Jim Morgan ($171,695).

Josh Hattig, Longmont, Colo., won the NRBC Non Pro Championship in 2001 on Steadys Dude (Steady Tradition). He won the Reserve Championship four times, the first in 2002 on Fridays Gold Eclipse, also by Steady Tradition, the second in 2003 on Steadys Dude. Hattig won his third reserve title in 2009 on Dudes Whippersnapper, by his NRBC Champion Steadys Dude, and his fourth in 2015 on

Gunners Snappy Chic (Gunner).

Lance Griffin, Edmond, Okla., competed in his first NRBC in 1999, and won back-to-back titles on Whiz N Tag Chex (Topsail Whiz) in 2003 and 2004. Griffin also finished reserve in 2000 on Peppy Chic Olena (Smart Chic Olena), and in 2011 on The Great Tag, by his NRBC Champion Whiz N Tag Chex.

The invincible Dr. Jim Morgan rounds out the top 5. Morgan took the NRBC Non Pro Championship in 1999 on Hesa Smart Chic (Smart Chic Olena).

Check out the Top 10 Lists for NRBC Riders and Horses.

For more information about the NRBC, visit NRBC.com

Non Pro All Time Leading Riders

All Time Leading Horses

Non Pro All Time Leading Horses

INAUGURAL AMERICAN PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN SEES PROFESSIONALS PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE FOR $1,000,000 AT ONE GROUND-BREAKING EVENT INSIDE

GLOBE LIFE FIELD

CASEY DEARY, ADAN BANUELOS, AND SARAH DAWSON CLAIM CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES WITHIN INDIVIDUAL DISCIPLINES

Debuting during The American Western Weekend at Globe Life Field, The American Performance Horseman inaugural event on Friday, March 10, 2023 featured the top professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) standings putting it all on the line for a $1,000,000 prize.

For the first time ever, the top five year-end money earning professionals from the NRCHA, NCHA and the NRHA came together at the 42,000seat Globe Life Field. The competitive exhibition format fused the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of western performance horse sports.

The evening’s fast-paced exhibition began with the cutting followed by a dynamic performance by legendary singer, songwriter Sheryl Crow. Then moving into the reining pattern the action continued and was then closed out with the reined cow horse athletes and performances from The Ghost Hounds as well as three-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer Darius Rucker.

The unprecedented team concept saw five teams of three athletes, partnered with some of the most well-known and respected Quarter Horses in the industry. Each team consisted of a reiner, reined cow horse professional and cutting professional.

The Royal Blue Team, as drafted in early Feb-

ruary, of cutter Adan Banuelos, reiner Fernando Salgado and reined cow horse professional Sarah Dawson swept the night in first place.

For more information on The American Performance Horseman or the excitement throughout The American Western Weekend please visit www.americanrodeo.com.

Photo and Press Release Courtesy of Teton Ridge

VHH TRAINING TIP

by. Stevie White

YONATHAN BARUCH – COLLECTION - PART 3

Born in Israel, NRHA Professional Yonathan Baruch’s parents put him in riding lessons at just 7 years old. He grew to become a riding instructor at sixteen, then managed a riding school as a young adult before making the move to the U.S. to work under NRHA $4 Million Rider Craig Schmersal where he stayed for over six years.

Since striking out on his own, Baruch has built a successful business of his own in Whitesboro, Texas. He has amassed earnings of more than $479,000. Known for his attention to detail and desire for perfection, Baruch has helped multiple Non Pros reach great successes of their own.

In this three-part series, Baruch explains his steps to collection with the same affinity for breaking things down into steps that both horses and riders can easily achieve. He defines collection as “the ability to control the horse’s legs and the position of its body by eliminating any resistance from the neck and face of the horse.”

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 two years.

Find prior episodes at WorldWideSlide.com

NRHA Para Reining Championships to be held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is honored to host the 2023 Para Reining Championships. The event will be held in Norick Arena on the last day of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel on June 25, 2023, just before the Non Pro competition. Classes for this event include Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5.

USA Para Reining, a branch of the United States Equestrian Federation, created the grade level system. This program gives riders with varying physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in reining. World Para Reining celebrated its inaugural year in 2015, and since then, it has worked to incorporate approved Para Reining classes into existing shows and host independent events and classes.

“With the inception of first the rookie class followed by prime time and then the Entry Level Green classes, NRHA has always strived to live up to its ‘A place for all’ motto,” said NRHA Professional, USA Para Reining board member Jennifer Hoyt. “In 2015, NRHA approved the first rules for Para Reining, letting even more reining enthusiasts compete and enjoy the thrill of riding a truly exceptional equine athlete. The inclusion of this Championship in the NRHA illustrates more than ever how the NRHA has a place for everyone.”

NRHA is excited to have an additional Para Reining Championship sponsor, Dechra Veterinary Products, located in Overland Park, Kansas. Dechra will provide added money to all classes and is the U.S. sales and marketing division of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a UK-based company dedicated to the animal healthcare market.

Hart Trailers, NRHA’s Official Trailer and Para Reining Sponsor, will award halters to all championship participants. Additional awards will also be given. The overall Championship

will be decided from the high scores of all para exhibitors’ rides regardless of grade.

To gain more insight about para reining, follow USA Reining Para-Reining on Facebook. For more details about the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, visit nrhaderby.com.

Dechra Veterinary Products:

Dechra’s equine product line includes Osphos® (clodronate injection), Orthokine® vet irap 10 and 60, Osteokine® (PRP), Equidone® (domperidone) Gel, the Vetivex® line of parenteral fluids, Phycox® EQ, and a comprehensive line of topical dermatologic products. The recent additions of ProVet APC™ (Autologous Platelet Concentrate) system, Zimeta® (dipyrone injection), Rompun® (xylazine injection), Butorphanol Tartrate Injection, Isoflurane, USP Inhalant Anesthetic, and SucroMate® Equine (deslorelin acetate) further expand Dechra’s equine offerings.

NRHA Begins Search for New Commissioner

Following the announcement of NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter’s impending retirement at the end of the year, the search for his replacement is officially underway.

A subcommittee tasked with interviewing different executive search firms recently hired Jim Harlan, President & CEO of MJM Global Search, Inc.

“We wanted to ensure we did our due diligence since this will be one of the hardest positions NRHA has ever had to fill, and we are confident in Jim’s ability to find the best candidate for the association,” said NRHA President Mark Blake, who led the subcommittee.

“Jim was who we utilized when we hired Gary, and his expertise and experience within the equine industry is unparalleled. We also used his services last year to fill two positions, and they have been outstanding hires,” Blake added.

Harlan, an avid horseman in his own right, is responsible for the strategic leadership necessary to ensure the achievement of MJM Global Search’s performance goals and preservation of the core values established more than 25 years ago.

MJM Global Search, Inc. and its executive search specialists have decades of hands-

on experience as senior managers, ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small, fastgrowing start-up companies. The firm has completed placements with more than 12 equine industry associations.

“Our goal is to have a hire made by this Summer to allow for the new individual to begin working alongside Gary for the remainder of the year,” Blake continued. “This will allow for a smooth transition of power and to allow them to hit the ground running in 2024”

The NRHA Commissioner’s primary role is to serve as the Chief Executive Officer responsible for leading the NRHA Office while reporting to and working with the NRHA Executive Committee and Board of Directors to ensure the association’s needs, goals, and objectives are met.

A detailed position description can be found here

Qualified candidates who are interested in the position will need to contact Jim Harlan directly at:

MJM Global Search, Inc.

P.O. Box 883

Franktown, CO 80116 (303) 660-0766

jim@mjmglobalsearch.com

Reining Horse Foundation Seeks Development Coordinator

Are you a development professional who can support the Reining Horse Foundation and its mission? The charitable arm of the NRHA is searching for a qualified, full-time Development Coordinator. Interested or know someone who would be a good fit? Check out the full job description at nrha.com/careers

Empty Saddles - Jeff Petska

The reining community lost Jeff Petska after a long battle with cancer on March 5. Petska was a past National Reining Horse Association Board member, avid reining supporter, chef d’equipe for the United States Reining Team, and most of all, a friend and mentor to many.

The Nebraska native operated Petska Performance Horses of Whitesboro, Texas for more than 20 years, trained horses for over 35 years, and held a judge’s card with both NRHA and the American Quarter Horse Association along with participating on different Boards.

Days before passing away, Petska took to Facebook with a post that more than 500 people commented on, just a small testament to the many lives he impacted.

“I hope your memory of me is not these final weeks or days of me as my body prepares to meet my maker, I hope my memory is carried on thru the spoken stories of the times we had, thru the following of the dreams we shared,” Petska said. “But mostly I hope my memory is kept alive by all of you continuing to have my family be a part of your lives. For you to share some of the parts of our lives that have made my life so full.”

Petska’s philosophy at Petska Performance Horses was “take a unique approach to the training of our horses. My philosophy is based upon the desire to help each horse to achieve their optimal performance.” This approach proved successful many times throughout his

career, notably while starting NRHA Hall of Famer Shining Spark.

Along with launching careers of four-legged athletes, Petska was pivotal in the careers of many while serving as chef d’equipe for the gold medal-winning teams at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014. The impact he had on the lives of these athletes, and junior teams, lived on far past the Games.

Jeff leaves behind his wife, Lisa, and their children, Tanner and Chelsea.

Memorial services and opportunities to support the Petska family will be updated as information is provided.

NRHA Celebrates Official Alliance with NRCHA

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomes the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) as an official alliance partner of the NRHA. Through this partnership, the NRCHA and NRHA will work together to offer promotional and educational opportunities to their members. In addition, NRHA will donate the coveted Lawson trophy for the high score in the reining at the annual NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.

“NRHA is proud to have an official alliance agreement with the NRCHA,” says NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations Christy Landwehr. “Western performance sports are growing at a terrific rate, and it is so important that NRHA and NRCHA can work together for our members and their horses.”

The NRHA is excited about the possibilities for continued alliance opportunities with the National Reined Cow Horse Association during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel and NRHA Futurity as well as the NRCHA’s Celebration of Champions, World’s Great Horseman and the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat.

“We are already seeing a crossover between the two associations in our competitors and members alike,” said Emily Konkel, NRCHA manager of operations. “The NRCHA is excited to see how this

partnership will continue to help foster that crossover and grow both associations.”

To learn more about the NRCHA and become a fan of the industry, visit nrcha.com.

NRHA Joins Horses in the Morning Podcast

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announced its partnership with the Equine Network owned podcast Horses in the Morning. This podcast is a part of one of the longest-running independent podcasting networks (Horse Radio Network) in the world, and NRHA is enthusiastic to see what opportunities will be produced from the partnership.

The National Reining Horse Association show on Horses in the Morning will be released on the second Thursday of every month. Fans can listen on any podcast player while in their cars, riding, or even grooming their horses. The first show is set to premiere Thursday, April 13, 2023. Search Horses in the Morning on your podcast player.

The podcast will be co-hosted by NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations Christy Landwehr and NRHA Marketing Director Sara Honegger.

“I am thrilled to be a host again on Horses in the Morning in my new role at the National Reining Horse Association,” shares Landwehr. “Our NRHA Marketing Director, Sara Honegger, and I are thrilled to bring you the expertise of our amazing riders, trainers, owners, breeders, and partners who will share our sport and the wonderful horses they work with every day with you!”

The daily show includes entertaining conversation, fun and educational guests, contests, giveaways, and more.

“We are so excited to have the NRHA as part of Horses in the Morning,” said Director of Podcasting Horse Radio Network Glenn Hebert. “Reining is not an area we have covered much on the show, and we are all looking forward to learning more about this amazing sport.”

To learn more about the “Horses In The Morning” podcast, visit horseradionetwork. com/shows/horses-in-the-morning

Equine Network’s membership services are designed to entertain, support, and inform the equine community. They include unique tech-enabled services for horse owners, live equestrian events, innovative content, and engaging digital experiences. For more information, visit equinenetwork.com.

About Horses in the Morning:

Horses in the Morning is the leading daily morning podcast for the horse world, with listeners in over 90 countries. A light, lively, entertaining look at the horse world and the people in it. The show includes entertaining conversation, out-of-the-ordinary guests, numerous regular horse-related segments, training tips, health segments, contests, giveaways, and so much more.

Matt Mills Reining Horses to Return as NRBC Open Draw Party Sponsor

Matt Mills Reining Horses returns to the National Reining Breeders Classic in 2023 as the sponsor of the Open Draw party for the third consecutive year.

National Reining Horse Association Professional and Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills, along with his wife, Karen, are enthusiastic long-time sponsors of the NRBC, supporting the show in varying ways for nearly 20 years.

Matt said, “We look forward to the NRBC every year, and this year is no different! We are excited for the new venue for the NRBC at Tulsa, Oklahoma! We love supporting this event because we appreciate all of the hard work and attention to detail that goes into putting this it on. If you can, come out and watch the best of the best in the reining horse industry, or watch the live feed!”

Matt has been featured on Paramount Network’s “The Last Cowboy” since its inception. He trains and shows futurity and derby horses and is passionate about coaching youth and Non Pro riders as well. Recently, Matt moved to Weatherford, Texas to become a premier horse trainer for Bosque Ranch, owned by Taylor Sheridan. He is in high demand for clinics in the United States, Mexico, and Europe, and is also committed to producing his popular online instructional videos.

Finishing 2022 as one of the National Reining Horse Association’s top five riders, Matt will be featured at the inaugural American

Performance Horseman. The top five year-end money earning professionals from the NRHA, the National Reined Cow Horse Association, and the National Cutting Horse Association, will come together for the first time ever for a one-of-a-kind event. Matt will face off against other top names in the reining industry for his share of the million-dollar purse.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is set for April 16 – 23, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square. The Matt Mills Reining Horse Open Draw Party will be held Thursday, April 20, and everyone is invited to attend.

For more information on Matt Mills visit MattMillsReining.com

For more information on the NRBC visit NRBC.com

Tremblay Reining Horses Pays Youth Fees at NRBC

Horse shows can be expensive, especially for parents with multiple children showing reiners. Most kids need more experience in the show pen to improve their scores, so it can be extra costly to get enough arena time for each child. Tremblay Reining Horses is easing that financial pressure at the 2023 National Reining Breeders Classic, by their sponsorship that pays all Youth Entry fees.

Tremblay Reining Horses is run by Fred and Dany Tremblay. Originally from Canada, they are now based out of Diamond Dub Quarter Horses in Marietta, Oklahoma. The brothers have made a name for themselves through Dany’s abilities in the show pen and Fred’s marketing skills working in the background. Together, they have grown their business into one of the most successful reining horse training, coaching, and marketing programs in the industry.

Dany crossed the National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Rider milestone in 2021 and has claimed multiple NRHA major event titles and American Quarter Horse Association World and Congress Championships on some of the best horses in the industry. He was named NRHA’s Non Pro Coach of the Year in 2020 due, in part, to Fred’s exceptional ability to successfully match riders with the right horses. More information about the Tremblays can be found at tremblayreining.com.

Through their work with Non Pro riders, Fred and Dany feel that encouraging youth participation now will ensure reining’s imminent success. Fred said, “We are very proud to be able to support the kids and their families. It’s fun to see the kids’ smiling faces when they show, and if we can help make that happen, it is a mission accomplished for us; after all, they are the future of our industry so keeping them involved is very important.”

The NRBC has bolstered its youth for years, since celebrating its 10th year with the debut of the first Youth Scholarships, which have been paid out to high-scoring young exhibitors every year since. For more information about the show, go to nrbc.com

Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All Returns to NRBC

Toyon Ranch will continue to sponsor the rookies at the 26th annual NRBC, under the headline Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All. Thanks to Toyon Ranch owners, John and Nancy Tague, Rookie riders can compete at the NRBC this year without having to pay entry fees or judges fees!

The sponsorship is a significant one because the two slates of Rookie Classes at the 2022 NRBC grew to a total of 161 entries.

The Tagues are glad to continue to advocate for the rookies because they realize that boosting this fundamental membership level is good for the growth of the entire industry. “It is always worthwhile to experiment with what might grow our sport and engage new participants. The response has been terrific, and we will know for sure in a few years if it makes a difference,” John said.

“We feel that this promotion is a great way to encourage participation in rookie classes. Of course we hope these rookie members will continue their reining careers as they grow in experience and skill,” said NRBC Secretary/ Treasurer Cheryl Cody. “So many Non Pro members began their careers in the Rookie classes; it is a great place to get new people involved in the sport of reining.”

The Tagues have been committed patrons of the reining industry for years. They have served on various boards and committees, along with strongly backing the grassroots members of the National Reining Horse Association. John added, “I think we, as reiners, should be the most welcoming discipline riders can choose, and this is a tangible way of doing just that. The NRBC has always been one of our very favorite events. We loved Katy, and like the Tulsa facility just as much. The community, itself, just makes it a great place to show no matter where it is held.”

They have long funded the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year North American Affiliate Championship held during the NRHA Futurity. In 2022, they began the Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All at the National Reining Breeders Classic. That was such a hit that they continued it at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Toyon Ranch is located in the heart of horse country in Pilot Point, Texas. Focusing on breeding and raising the finest prospects the reining industry has to offer, they have accumulated an exceptional band of broodmares with over $4 million in combined show and produce earnings along with thirty Big 4 champions. The mares are crossed on the industry’s top stallions in an effort to create the highest quality and most diverse group of reining prospects every year.

In addition to the mare program, Toyon Ranch now stands an array of top-level stallions: No Smoking Required, Gunna Stop, Shine Chic Shine, Inferno Sixty Six, Jerseys Baby Driver, Maytheforcebewhizyou, Gunner Dun It Again, Dun It For Whizkey, Shine N Spook, and Colonels Smart Spook. For more information about Toyon Ranch, visit the website at toyonranchllc.com

Slated for April 16-26, 2023, the NRBC is moving to its new home at the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The innovative and historical show has paid out more than $26 Million in its 25 years. The majority of the prize money comes from its successful stallion and foal enrollment program. For more information, visit nrbc.com.

2023 AQHA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTED

The 2023-2024 AQHA Executive Committee was elected during the 2023 AQHA Convention in Fort Worth, Texas.

The 2023-2024 American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee was elected at the 2023 AQHA Convention in Fort Worth, Texas. Though AQHA operates primarily upon the decisions of its members through the board of directors, the fiveperson Executive Committee is responsible for implementing important decisions and governing AQHA between the annual meetings of the membership and the board. The Executive Committee convenes throughout the year to conduct and manage the business of AQHA.

The AQHA Executive Committee – consisting of a president, first vice president, second vice president and two additional members – is elected each year by the board at the convention. Each member serves a term of one year until the selection of his/her successor. Members are eligible for re-election and may serve on the Executive Committee for up to five years.

President Kenneth Banks

Kenneth Banks is an AQHA life member. He was elected as an AQHA director in 1996 and elevated to director-at-large in 2011. Banks has served on the International, Show and Contest, Nominations and Credentials, Amateur, and Marketing committees. He also served on the Foundation and Show councils. Banks currently serves on the Finance Committee.

Banks graduated with honors from

Southwest Texas University with a bachelor’s degree in soil science and Texas A&M University with a master’s in soil chemistry. After more than 30 years in the business world, he sold his automotive aftermarket companies in 2015 and returned home to ranching, breeding and raising horses and cattle. Banks Ranch, located in central Texas, breeds, raises, trains and shows AQHA Ranching Heritage-bred American Quarter Horses for the show pen and the ranch. The cattle portion of the ranch includes registered Herefords and crossbred cows. The ranch’s artificial insemination program has created one of the best cow herds in Texas.

Banks is a past president of the National Snaffle Bit Association and member of the NSBA Hall of Fame. He has served as the chairman of the NSBA financial committee, treasurer, crisis fund committee, world show committee and Breeders Championship Futurity committee. Banks is also a past president of the Texas Quarter Horse Association.

Currently, one of Banks’ loves is mentoring students at Texas A&M University. He is a member of the Texas A&M University Equine Initiative Development Committee, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Development Committee, and Texas A&M University Beef

Cattle Development Council.

Banks was awarded one of the most prestigious business awards when he received the Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Houston region. Not only was he successful in the business world, but he also received the Texas Philanthropist title for his benevolent, humanitarian efforts throughout Texas by Philanthropy in Texas Magazine. At the request of Texas Gov. George Bush, Banks served on the Texas Governor’s Business Council for eight years.

Banks and his wife, Laina, an AQHA directorat-large and dedicated lover of the American Quarter Horse way of life, reside on the ranch in Schulenburg, Texas, where they spend most of their time breeding and raising American Quarter Horses. They share three children, son Paul and daughter-in-law Heather; daughter Lindsay and son-in-law David Kutac; and son Russell and daughter-in-law Dr. Crystal Banks, and the joy of seven grandchildren.

First Vice President James Hunt

James “Jim” Hunt of Faith, South Dakota, is an AQHA life member and has been an AQHA director since 2013. Hunt has served on the Ranching Council, Stud Book and Registration Committee, Animal Welfare Commission and Hall of Fame Selection Committee. He has also served on the governance and microchipping task forces. Hunt also served as the chairman of the Ranching Committee. He also spearheaded developing the AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder Young Horse Development Program and has personally donated more than 50 foals from his breeding program to this AQHYA program.

Hunt graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and worked for Hulett National Bank in Wyoming as a loan officer and then vice president. He competed as a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association saddle bronc rider, was the event director in the South Dakota Rodeo and Northwest Ranch Cowboy’s associations and was captain of the South Dakota State University College Rodeo Team. Hunt was also an agricultural reporter for radio station KLSC in Watertown,

South Dakota. Hunt currently owns and operates Open Box Rafter Ranch, a working cattle and horse operation that has produced its own annual Quarter Horse production sale since 1994. He is an AQHA 30-year breeder and has bred more than 1,000 registered American Quarter Horses, including an AQHA Champion, Superior and Performance Register of Merit horses, AQHA World Show and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers. Open Box Rafter Ranch was named the 2019 AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year.

Hunt earned the 2009 Sunshine Bible Academy Distinguished Alumnus Award, was named the 2011 Black Hills Stockman of the Year and received the 2020 Black Hills Stock Show Pioneer Award.

Hunt has also served on the Rushmore Plaza Expansion Project Design Committee, Central States Fair Board of Directors, Black Hills Stock Show Horse Committee, Black Hills Stock Show Foundation Board, Sunshine Bible Academy School Board, SBA Foundation Board, Bethel Free Lutheran Church deacon and South Dakota Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors.

Hunt and his wife, Joni, have seven children, all of whom are involved in the family ranching operation: oldest son J. Tom and wife Sage, who have 4-year-old twin girls and 2-year-old boy and girl twins; daughters Jessica and Jimmie Jean; sons Joshua and Jordan; son Justin and wife Erica; and son Jeb and wife Dr. Grace Hunt.

Second Vice President Jeff Tebow

Jeff Tebow is an AQHA life member and has served as an AQHA director since 2011. Tebow currently serves on the AQHA Executive Committee and formerly on the Stud Book and Registration, Hall of Fame Selection, and Grievance committees. He has also served on the Racing Committee and Racing Council.

Tebow graduated with a master of business from Oklahoma City University, bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Central Oklahoma and associate of applied science in business/ accounting from Connors State College. He is

the managing partner and licensed insurance producer at Andreini and Co. of Oklahoma, chief executive officer of Heritage Place Inc., and auctioneer and real estate agent at Buford Resources Inc. Auction and Reality.

Tebow is a life member of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing and Oklahoma Quarter Horse associations. He is a past OQHRA president and currently serves as an OQHRA board of director. He was also the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Association president in 1983. He is a member of the Ranchero Visitadores-Los Bustardos, Southwest Texas Cattleman’s Association, National Auctioneers Association, Oklahoma Auctioneers Association, National Rifle Association and United States Team Roping Championships.

He has been an avid competitor at AQHA shows in the past and currently enjoys team roping. He also earned the reserve world champion title in boxing, and was a finalist in ranch riding and heading at the 2017 Adequan® Select World.

Tebow and his wife, Vickie, reside in Piedmont, Oklahoma. Tebow also has two daughters, AQHYA Past President Ann Elizabeth and Meg, who served on the AQHYA board of directors.

Member Jim Brinkman

Jim Brinkman is an AQHA life member and has served as an AQHA director since 2011. Brinkman currently serves on the Stud Book and Registration Committee and Ranching Council. He has also served on the Hall of Fame and Best Remuda selection committees, AQHA World Show Sale committee and the parentage verification task force.

Brinkman is a third-generation rancher on the Pitzer Ranch, which was founded in 1946. He runs commercial cattle and is the owner, manager and trainer overseeing the ranch’s American Quarter Horse program. The ranch

runs over 500 broodmares and hosts two AQHA horse sales a year, one in the spring and one in the fall, selling about 800 head total.

Brinkman is an AQHA Professional Horseman and showed the first-ever AQHA Superhorse, Vickie Lee Pine, for grandfather and owner Howard Pitzer. Brinkman works to continue the traditions of honesty and integrity that built his family’s operation over 75 years ago.

Brinkman and his wife, Tana, a former Miss Rodeo Nebraska, reside in Ericson, Nebraska. They have two children, daughter Sarah and husband Lane; son Sam and his wife, Kendra; and three grandchildren, Kale, Rio and Brooke.

Member Lori Bucholz

Member Lori Bucholz of Waterloo, Nebraska, is an AQHA life member and has been an AQHA director since 2008 and was elevated to director-at-large in 2020. Lori has served as the chairperson of the animal welfare commission and international committee. She currently serves on the affiliate advisory board and animal welfare commission.

Bucholz is professional registered parliamentarian and multiple AQHA world champion and year-end high-point winner. She received her bachelor of science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Bucholz and her husband, Frederick “Rick” S. Bucholz, have three children, Marca Bucholz, Britta Ruoff and Spouse Chad, and Frederick “Buck” Bucholz; and five grandchildren, Sophia Bucholz, Cayson Ruoff, Bristol Ruoff, Lilly Ruoff, and Cooper Ruoff.

For more information on the Association, visit www.aqha.com

AQHA News and information is a service of the American Quarter Horse Association. For more news and information, follow @AQHA on Twitter and visit www.aqha.com/news.

CAREER CORNER NRCHA SEEKS DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP & OUTREACH

The NRCHA, based in Pilot Point, Texas, seeks a motivated and efficient full-time Director of Sponsorship and Outreach.

The Director of Sponsorship and Outreach will report directly to the NRCHA Executive Director. This will be an in-office position which will be located at the NRCHA headquarters in Pilot Point, Texas.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Maintain relationships with current sponsors and handle contract renewal negotiations.

• Attend networking and social events.

• Solicit new potential partners on behalf of the Association.

• Work closely with the Media & Communication department on obtaining marketing assets from sponsors for

NRCHA use.

• Oversee the Awards Sponsorship program.

• Coordinate sponsor deliverables including signage orders and placement for premier events.

• Assist the Trade Show Coordinators at premier events to oversee the tradeshow space and vendor applications.

• Manage premier event seating and ticketing.

• Work with the Media & Communication department on alliance partnerships and community outreach.

• Assist with the premier event production as needed.

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to info@nrcha.com or apply through Of The West. Applications close March 27, 2023.

THE RUN FOR A MILLION EXPANDS COW HORSE EVENTS IN 2023

The NRCHA will partner with The Run For A Million again in 2023 with an expanded slate of cow horse competitions. The Run For A Million returns to the South Point Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas August 16-19.

“NRCHA is excited to partner with The Run For A Million for the third year in a row. This event has truly brought light to the horse industry as a whole and we are so grateful that they include the cow horse family in their vision,” Emily Konkel, operations manager, said. “The collaboration between The Run For A Million and NRCHA has brought on some exciting new classes for this monumental event. We look forward to being a part of the 2023 event.”

New for 2023, the NRCHA will host three qualifiers, each of which will take five qualified riders. The first qualifier will be held at Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas, March 23 – April 1, followed by the Western Derby in Scottsdale,

Arizona, May 31- June 10, and Hackamore Classic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, July 24 – 30. The Run For A Million event will also host the first Youth Cow Horse Challenge. This youth event will invite the nine finalists from the 2023 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ to compete in Las Vegas in August.

“The goal of this event is to showcase the western lifestyle and its traditions. The reined cow horse addition in 2021 brought us closer to achieving this goal. This year we are very excited to expand our partnership with NRCHA to include the Youth Cow Horse Championship. Youth riders are the future of our sport. We are so grateful to be able to showcase them at this event.” Amanda Brumley, Vice President and Producer of The Run For A Million.Full event information regarding The Run For A Million, including room reservations and ticket sales, can be found online at trfam.com

To every donor and participant, THANK YOU for making Sliders’ Night 2022 a success!

PRESENTING DONOR Toyon Ranch

PLATINUM DONORS

Tim Anderson & Kim Niven

Cardinal Ranch

Rick Clark

Elementa

100X Equine

Chip & Terri Roberts

Spooks Gotta Spark & Foals-R-Us

Jamie Walters

GOLD DONOR

Jerseys Baby Driver & Maytheforcebewhizyou/ Janice Laney

SILVER DONORS

Allred Performance Horses Anonymous

Arcese Quarter Horses

Booth Ranches

Gary & Debbie Conway

DAG Ventures

Elite Estates AZ/ Sierra Wright Littrell & Sarah Korpela

EquestrianConnect/ Stu & Barb Phillips honoring Jim & Pat Warren

Mike & Bryan Hancock

Markel/Frank & Susan Costantini

Mike & Beth McFarlin

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Santa Hill Ranch

HALL OF FAME TABLE HOSTS

Don Burgy in honor of Dutch

Chapman

Anne-Marie Burns/ Colston Paving Inc.

BMW Quarter Horses

Jennifer Greenleaf/ Ellen Cummins

Shawn & Michele Flarida

Michell Anne Kimball

Terri Grandy Mainey

Paul & Krista Schulman

Smart Like Juice Inc.

Jim & Pat Warren

White River Ag Products

Vaughn Zimmerman

NRCHA ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The NRCHA and the NRCHA Foundation will honor inductees at the Hall of Fame Banquet. The event will be Saturday, March 25, at the South Point Hotel & Casino during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes. Four honorees will be inducted to the Hall of Fame: Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson, and Randy Paul.

As the current Director of Judges for the NRCHA, Bill Enk of Paso Robles, California has over 50 years of experience judging Western performance disciplines. His dedication and passion for the judging program has undoubtably earned his spot into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. Enk was the key player in developing the cow work judge card into what it is today.

Smart Chic Olena has become a house hold name in the Western performance horse industry. Although his show career was primarily in the cutting and reining disciplines, his legacy as a sire in the reined cow horse has impacted the industry tremendously. In the show pen Smart Chic Olena earned over $167,000 in AQHA, NCHA, and NRHA and is the only horse to ever win an AQHA World Championship title in the Senior Reining and Senior Cutting. Smart Chic Olena is an NRCHA Three Million Dollar Sire and his legacy is proudly preserved by Trevor and Tiffiny Bond.

The three-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Champion, Kathy Wilson, has had a life-long passion for reined cow horses. With over 45 years of competing in reined cow horse, Wilson amassed more than $323,000 in the show pen. Wilson has earned multiple NRCHA titles and competed at the industry’s notable events including Cow Palace, Salinas and the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity.

From an incredible show career to his artistic talents of bit making, Randy Paul of Sanger, Calif., is an icon in the Western performance industry. Paul began in the cow horse at a young age before going to work for NRCHA

Hall of Fame trainer Don Dodge and Gary Bellenfant. Throughout his career he has surpassed $500,000 in earnings, and earned multiple AQHA World titles, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider and the title of World’s Greatest Horseman in 2010 aboard Smokeelan.

“The growth and success of the NRCHA is largely due to contributions and passion our members have,” Emily Konkel, manager of operations, said. “Each of these inductees have had a significant impact on our association and we are proud to recognize them in this year’s induction class. We look forward to celebrating Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson and Randy Paul into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. The NRCHA is honored to be a part of their legacy.”

The NRCHA and NRCHA Foundation have partnered with western artist, Shannon Lawlor, to auction off an original painting that was specifically created for the NRCHA. This one-of-a-kind painting, “Jaquima” will be auctioned off live during the banquet in Las Vegas. All proceeds from the auction will benefit youth scholarship and educational opportunities.

The Hall of Fame Banquet will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails followed by the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is produced by the NRCHA Foundation which supports the reined cow horse community and honors the legacy of the reined cow horse sport through the enactment of charitable and educational programs. Tickets are available for purchase through NRCHA or the South Point Box Office.

$100K-ADDED AUSTRIAN REINING FUTURITY IN WIENER NEUSTADT

FIRST DEADLINE: JULY 3, 2023

The $100,000-added Austrian Reining Futurity and NRHA Show 2023 in Wiener Neustadt (AUT) is scheduled for August 16 – 19, 2023. The announcement is online now at www. showmanager.info , and horses can also be entered online http:// www.showmanager. info/login

The Austrian Reining Futurity is open for all 3 and 4 year old horses. Therefore, no prior entry into a Futurity program is necessary. The horse only has to be in possession of a Competition License of the NRHA at the time of entry, and the owner has to be an ARHA and an NRHA member. There are four levels each in Open and in Non Pro. All classes are NRHA approved. In the Futurity classes, both 3 and 4 year old horses may be shown either with two hands on snaffle bit or hackamore , or single handed on bit. Bits can be changed between Go and Final. For the benefit of the Austrian Reining Futurity there will again be a stallion service auction with top-class stallions. The Austrian Reining Futurity will be judged by Enrico

Righetti (ITA), Adam Heaton (GBR), Lara Maiocchi (ITA), Laura E. Faris (USA) and Simon Friedle (AUT). Bit Judge is Gerald Freitag (AUT).

For further information please contact:

Gerda Langer - ARHA Team, ARHA - Austrian Reining Horse Association, A - 2392 Sulz im Wienerwald, Raitlstraße 154, phone. +43-22388484 cell phone +43-664-4534726, Fax +432238-8545, office@nrha.at, www.nrha.at, www. futurity.at

Tulsa Reining Classic Tulsa, OK

August 26 - September 3

SWRHA Futurity

Ardmore, OK

October 24-29

NRHA Futurity

Oklahoma City, OK

November 23 - December 2

More to Be Announced...

Photo by Alden Corrigan Media