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The Official Publication of the National Reining Horse Association | September 2026

2025 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships Carter Downey and Big Cheese

The Oﬃ cial Publication of the NATIONAL REINING HORSE ASSOCIATION

September 2026 Vol. 53, Issue 7

nrha.com

EXECUTIVE

Billy Smith Commissioner Alisson Antunez Executive Assistant

ext. 108 ext. 129

ACCOUNTING

John Foy Chief Financial Officer Chris Mossman Senior Director of Accounting Debbie Shupe Accounts Payable Coordinator Casey Lofton Accounting Supervisor

ext. 109 ext. 104 ext. 107 ext. 133

CORPORATE RELATIONS

Christy Landwehr Senior Director of Corporate Relations

ext. 122

EDUCATION & OFFICIALS

Patti Carter Senior Director of Education & Officials

ext. 103

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Angie Honeywell Senior Director of ReinerSuite & Sales

ext. 123

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Maddie Weber Senior Director of Marketing Haley Carmen Senior Director of Communications

ext. 204 ext. 102

MEMBER & SHOW SERVICES

Christa Morris-Stone Assistant Commissioner Samantha Oldfi eld Senior Director of International Affairs & Development Kristen Liesman Senior Manager of Award & Show Services Krissy Colbath Senior Director of Member & Show Services Hannah Hughes Membership & Licensing Representativea Kiely Larson Member & Show Services Coordinator Lauren Dushay Manager of Affiliate & Events Katera McCurdy Administrative Office Coordinator

ext. 105 ext. 110 ext. 113 ext. 117 ext. 118 ext. 119 ext. 115 ext. 100

2026 NRHA Board of Directors Executive Committee Mike Hancock President (252) 903-3516 mikehancock@boddienoell.com

Casey Hinton Vice President (903) 821-9742 hintonreining@gmail.com

Karen Shedlauskas Director-At-Large (330) 565-0762 ksheds63@gmail.com

John Tague Director-At-Large (903) 821-9742 jptague@yahoo.com

Tom McCutcheon Director-At-Large (940) 390-7433 TMRHoffice@gmail.com

Ed Bricker Director-At-Large 412-551-7943 hootbricker@hotmail.com

Andrea Stillo Director-At-Large (817) 403-1630 andreastillo@hotmail.com

Board of Directors Jenny Ricotta Southwest (903) 267-5224 ricottaperformancehorses@ gmail.com Bundy Lane Southeast (252) 938-7705 bundylane68@gmail.com Mike Davis North Central (319) 404-2270 mdreiners@gmail.com Matt Murphy Northeast (703) 930-2760 safetymurph13@aol.com Kylie Warn Northwest (503) 703-8587 kyliewarn@yahoo.com

Travis Chapman Mountain (303) 518-3163 tmmedic@yahoo.com

Rudi Kronsteiner Europe 43-676-745-476-0 info@kronsteiner.de

Margaret Fuchs East Central (330) 717-8193 magmfuchs@aol.com

João Marcos South America 55-011-468-800-05 joaomarcos@arrudapires.com.br

Andre De Bellefeuille Canada (514) 578-5757 andre@versapro.ca

Jose Soto Soberanes Mexico 524-423-143-026 jsoto@cnn-law.com.mx

Rick Clark RHF (606) 232-7423 rick.clark@clarkspns.com

Pam Watson Oceania 61-042-422-949-7

Maik Bartmann Europe 49-172-624-801-6 info@vineyardranch.com

Andrea Stillo South Central (817) 403-1630 andreastillo@hotmail.com

pamela_watson17@hotmail.com

REINING HORSE FOUNDATION

Leslie Baker RHF Executive Director

ext. 106

Lisé Bulik RHF Sr. Coordinator of Development & NRHyA

ext. 138

NRHA REINER PUBLISHED BY 614 MEDIA GROUP Jack McLaughlin Editor-In-Chief

jack@614mediagroup.com

Maggie Valentine Associate Editor

maggie@614mediagroup.com

Mary McCarthy Associate Editor

mary@614mediagroup.com

andrew@614mediagroup.com Andrew Thomas Creative Director Dan Sileargy (614) 886-1320 National Sales Director anna@614mediagroup.com Anna Gerhard 614 Media Group Account Representative Lindsay Press lindsay@614mediagroup.com CEO, 614 Media Group

4 | NRHA REINER

The NRHA REINER is published by the National Reining Horse Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the sport of reining. The NRHA REINER is the copyrighted property of the National Reining Horse Association. No information may be reproduced or used without the express written permission of the National Reining Horse Association. We welcome manuscripts pertaining to the reining horse, relevant to the performance horse industry and of interest to reiners. Manuscripts and pictures sent to the address below will be handled with care. Please enclose a SASE. The NRHA REINER is not responsible for incorrect information that may appear in any vendor advertisement. Persons or entities suspended for any reason are denied advertising privileges in the NRHA REINER until suspension is lifted. The NRHA REINER (ISSN0199-6762) is published by the National Reining Horse Association, 3021 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6125. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK 73107 and at additional mailing offices. Canada Post International Publications Mail Product (Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 40028657 POSTMASTER: Send change of address to NRHA REINER, 3021 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6125. Please mail all advertising copy to NRHA REINER, 3021 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73107-6125.

SEPTEMBER 2026

Table of Contents

September Spotlight 2025 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships Despite being rescheduled, the best and brightest showed out during the NRHA Derby® to earn their NAAC titles

NON PRO 70 OPEN 72 ROOKIE 74 NOVICE 75

Features

INTERMEDIATE 80 32 CALGARY STAMPEDE REINING SHOWCASE YOUTH 83 44, 56, 100 MILLION DOLLAR MILESTONES WHAT’S IN A NAME?

REINER INSIGHTS: LIGHTING THE FIRE

In Every Issue

WHY I REIN

From the President

CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: ANDERSON BEAN

TOP 25 IN NRHA

120

Reining Horse Foundation

Event Coverage

NRHyA

NRHA Event Calendar

133

REINING WORLDWIDE: NRHA EUROPEAN Advertiser/ AFFILIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 36

Stallion Indexes

136

NORTH AMERICAN REINING STAKES EAST COAST DERBY AND FUTURITY 108 ON THE COVER: 2025 NAAC Rookie of the Year Carter Downey rides Big Cheese. Photo courtesy of Waltenberry.

6 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

Valerie Sturgeon &

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FEES DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING, VISIT US ONLINE FOR FULL INFORMATION ICSI Breeding - pay ICSI fee and pay balance of breeding fee when first foal is born FROZEN & COOLED - pay booking fee and pay balance of breeding fees when mare confirmed in-foal

HOME OF THE GREATS A SPARKLING VINTAGE I BIG CHEX TO CASH I BOOMERNIC I CONQUISTADOR WHIZ CROMED OUT MERCEDES I CUSTOM CASH ADVANCE I EINSTEINS REVOLUTION I NIC IT IN THE BUD SMART SHINERS SPOOK I SPOOKS GOTTA GUN I TRASHADEOUS I WIMPYS LITTLE STEP

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Silver Spurs is proud to compensate our trainers and owners for all of their hard work and dedication to our fabulous sport

Whether you are shopping for a great prospect or selecting a great sire for your next foal you will find exactly what you are looking for at Silver Spurs Equine, and now with the MIllion Dollar Challenge incentive that will add extra value to your investment! SALE HORSE CONTACTS I BRETT: 602-386-6189 I SARAH: 405.600.1990

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Congratulations

NRHA Million Dollar Sire AQHA 2010 Palomino Stallion - LTE: $390,828 A SPARKLING VINTAGE x STARJAC MISS by HOLLYWOOD JAC 86 AQHA 6 panel N/N, Stallion height: 14.3 Hands

Offspring: $1,272,000+ 1

PALE FACE VINTAGE - $125,030 CHAMPION 100X Reining Classic Futurity L3 Open

RESERVE CHAMPION N/AMER Reining Stakes East COAST Derby L4 Open

VINTAGE COUTURE - $118,273 CHAMPION N/AMER Reining Stakes East Coast Derby L4 Open

4 5

SS PLATINUM CAT - $112,449 CHAMPION Gold Buckle Spring JDGD 6Y- Heeling Maturity Open

REDHOT VINTAGE - $85,611 CHAMPION NRBC Reining GRN Derby L4 Open

MISS MODERN VINTAGE - $56,908

Photo by EarsUp

CHAMPION AZ RHA Best Of The West Futurity L3 Open

HOME OF MULTIPLE MILLION DOLLAR PLUS SIRES MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

5 MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

8 MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

MILLION DOLLAR SIRE

HF MOBSTER

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SG FROZEN ENTERPRIZE

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ARIZONA 14445 E Quail Track Road, Scottsdale, Arizona Office: 480.563.1966 • FAX: 480.513.3753 Email: AZoffice@SilverSpursEquine.com

OKLAHOMA

www.SilverSpursEquine.com

24589 210th Street, Purcell, Oklahoma Office: 405.600.1990 • FAX: 405.428.4074 Email: OKoffice@SilverSpursEquine.com

From the President

Seasons of Reining

s horsemen and horsewomen, we naturally think about the changing seasons. But in reining, our calendar is often defined by a different set of seasons. Some might even argue there are only three distinct seasons of reining— breeding, derby, and futurity. One thing is certain: each season brings its own excitement, challenges, and opportunities, and each plays an important role in shaping the future of our sport. Breeding season is filled with hope and possibility as we make decisions that will shape the next generation of reining horses and eagerly await the arrival of a new foal crop. It is a season built on vision, planning, and the belief that the next great champion is still to come. Derby season is where those dreams begin to take shape. It showcases years of dedication as talented older horses continue their development and fulfill the promise we first saw in them. Watching these horses mature, gain confidence, and compete at the highest levels is a testament to the commitment of those who have invested so much in their success. And now, as summer begins to wind down, we find ourselves entering one of the most exciting times of the year—Futurity season. Futurity season has always been one of my favorites. There is something truly special about this time of year. As cooler temperatures begin to arrive and the leaves start to change, the excitement and anticipation throughout our industry become almost palpable. Trainers are putting the finishing touches on talented young horses, owners are making travel plans, and exhibitors are preparing to showcase the results of years of careful breeding, training, and dedication. Every futurity represents a new beginning. For many horses, it will be their very first opportunity to step into the show pen and demonstrate their talent on one of the biggest stages of their young careers. For the people behind them, it

10 | NRHA REINER

is the culmination of countless early mornings, late nights, and unwavering commitment. Every run reflects the partnership between horse and rider, the confidence built through months of preparation, and the pursuit of excellence that defines our sport. Of course, Futurity season is also about much more than the competition in the show pen. It is a celebration of the future of reining. Each young horse that enters the arena represents the continued strength of our breeding programs, the dedication of our exhibitors and professionals, and the passion of those who make this industry thrive. Every horse, every run, and every new milestone reminds us that the future of NRHA is bright. Every season contributes to the success of NRHA, and together we continue building an even brighter future for the sport we all love. I wish each of you a successful and rewarding Futurity season, and I look forward to seeing many of you in Oklahoma City this November!

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

SEPTEMBER 2026

Reining Horse Foundation

Why I Chose to Serve

he RHF mission reminds us that while championships are celebrated, people are what truly sustain our industry. This year marks my rookie season on the Reining Horse Foundation Board of Directors, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization whose mission so closely reflects the values that have shaped my life. While my family’s businesses became involved in the reining industry in 2019, my own journey with horses began long before that. I grew up riding Tennessee Walking Horses, eventually spending more than 30 weeks each year on the road competing across the country. Those experiences led to more than 1,000 blue ribbons and over 90 world championships, but the greatest victories weren’t measured by ribbons or trophies. Alongside my hardworking and supportive parents, horses helped raise me. They taught me discipline, responsibility, humility, perseverance, and respect. More importantly, they taught me that success isn’t simply about what you achieve—it’s about what you give back. Whether caring for the horses, helping prepare a facility, supporting fellow exhibitors, or stepping in wherever help was needed, I learned early that everyone has a role in keeping our industry strong. When we entered the reining community, we immediately recognized those same values. Beyond the incredible competition, we found a community committed to preserving our sport, investing in its future, and supporting its people. That is exactly what the Reining Horse Foundation does every day. From providing youth scholarships and educational opportunities to offering assistance for NRHA members facing hardship, preserving our sport’s history, and supporting those in times of crisis, the Foundation serves as the heart of our reining community. The RHF mission reminds us that while championships are celebrated, people are what truly sustain our industry. Serving on the RHF Board allows me to contribute to something much bigger than myself or my family’s businesses. It’s an opportunity to invest in the future of reining and help ensure that the same opportunities, friendships, and life lessons this sport has given me remain available for generations to come. No matter where your journey in reining begins—as a competitor, owner, breeder, volunteer, fan, or supporter—we all can make a difference. I encourage everyone to find a way to get involved. Together, we can strengthen our community, support one another, and leave our industry even better than we found it.

Allison Thorson RHF Board Member To donate, visit reiningfoundation.com or contact RHF at (405) 946-7400, ext. 106, rhf@nrha.com.

14 | NRHA REINER

Board of Directors RICK CLARK, PRESIDENT (606) 232—7423 rick.clark@clarkspns.com ANDREA STILLO, VICE PRESIDENT (817) 403—1630 andreastillo@hotmail.com DEBBIE CONWAY, SECRETARY/ TREASURER (281) 687-0724 debbiejconway14@gmail.com TERRI MAINEY, OFFICER (919) 623-6054 gameangel65@aol.com MIKE MCFARLIN, OFFICER (615) 293-4044 mmcfarlin@mwlginc.com JESSE BOYD (281) 979-9632 jesse.boy@icloud.com DIANA DUFFEY (970) 710-1244 diana.trftgllc@gmail.com PATRICK FLAHERTY (480) 220-6025 Flaherty.performance@gmail.com MIKE HANCOCK, EX OFFICIO (252) 903-3516 mhh@boddienoell.com AMY KIRBY (614) 203-0643 abkirby15@gmail.com JANICE LANEY (205) 639-7878 janiceflaney@gmail.com MORGAN MCCLURE (480) 789-9337 morgan@holdfast.me.uk ALLISON THORSON (419) 357-1488 athorson@thorsportfarm.com CHRISTY TRAUTMAN (608) 215-9542 cmtrautman@gmail.com BROOKE WHARTON (940) 357-1998 bmw@bmwquarterhorses.com BILLY WILLIAMS (503) 887-7171 billwilliams1330@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

Andrea Fappani

Come experience the captivating blend of history, charm and wonder that deﬁnes Oklahoma City. And while you’re there, ﬁnd new perspectives, unforgettable experiences and the most authentic people you will ever meet.

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Reining Horse Foundation

RHF Scholars RHF Merit Scholarship recipients are continuing their education while staying connected to the reining community

ducation has long been part of the Reining Horse Foundation’s commitment to the reining community. In 2026, the Foundation will award nearly $90,000 in scholarships to students pursuing college and trade school opportunities. Among those awards are three $3,000 RHF Merit Scholarships, recognizing current

college and trade school students who were active NRHyA members but had not previously received Foundation scholarship support. This year’s recipients credit reining with helping shape the person they are becoming—through education, hard work, leadership, and connection to the sport.

Sophia Cheslock Kelso, Washington

Before Sophia Cheslock ever held the reins herself, she was watching sliding stops from the rail while her mother competed at NRHA events. Some of her earliest memories are playing around the warm-up pen, captivated by the horses spinning and sliding through their patterns. By age 7, she was showing her own horse and had discovered a passion that continues today. Now an honors student majoring in animal sciences at Oregon State University, Cheslock balances academics with collegiate competition through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. She serves as her team’s treasurer and has competed at the IHSA national championships. Outside the classroom, she volunteers in her community and at reining events.

22 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

Reining Horse Foundation

Eemil Porola Kempele, Finland

Growing up in northern Finland, Eemil Porola had never seen anything quite like reining until he attended an NRHA Finland youth camp at 10 years old. One sliding stop was all it took. “Whooahh,” he recalled. “That was the thing that hooked me.” Today, Porola is studying to become an equestrian service instructor while gaining hands-on experience at ranches in Finland, Italy, and Poland. He also remains active with NRHA Finland, helping organize youth gatherings at local ranch shows.

Abigail Tibbits

Colorado Springs, Colorado Abigail Tibbits’ path to reining began with a family willing to make sacrifices. Growing up in Colorado, her parents relocated towns so they could keep horses at home, after realizing their small mountain town offered few equestrian opportunities. Those early years led her through 4-H, horse judging, hippology, and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, where learning to compete on unfamiliar horses taught adaptability and confidence. That foundation eventually earned Tibbits a spot on the NCAA Division I equestrian team at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she studies meteorology while serving on the team’s leadership committee, and volunteering throughout the community. She credits reining not only for opening doors, but for teaching resilience—a lesson she carries into every classroom, practice, and competition.

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 23

Youth Reining (NRHyA)

Six Leaders One Purpose: Serving Youth Reiners

he National Reining Horse Youth Association's 2026–2027 Executive Committee brings together six young leaders with a shared passion for helping other youth members find their place in the sport. From welcoming first-time members to planning memorable events, strengthening affiliate connections, and sharing NRHyA's story, this year's officers are ready to lead by example. Get to know the team representing youth members throughout the coming year.

MK Hardin President | Mesa, Colorado For MK Hardin, leadership has always been about creating opportunities for others. She’s stepping into the presidency with a vision of strengthening youth involvement where many reining journeys begin—at the affiliate level. Growing up on her family's ranch has taught MK the value of hard work, teamwork, and the lifelong connections horses create. She believes today's youth are tomorrow's leaders and wants every young member to feel they have a place to learn, contribute, and grow. She hopes to build stronger pathways for youth leadership while inspiring more young reiners to become involved in their affiliates and the sport they love.

JG Codell Vice President | Lexington, Kentucky JG Codell brings a unique perspective to the officer team, combining success in the show pen with experience behind the scenes as a show office and event volunteer. After representing NRHyA on the international stage and serving in several youth leadership roles, JG understands the value of listening, learning, and leading by example. He believes youth voices deserve a meaningful place in shaping the future of the association. JG’s focus is on making NRHyA more accessible through stronger affiliate programs, greater visibility, and opportunities that help every young member feel they belong. He is committed to encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new opportunities, and discover their own leadership potential.

Thinking About Leadership? Here’s How to Begin Interested in becoming an NRHyA officer? Start with your NRHA affiliate. This fall, many Affiliate Regional Championships will elect Regional Delegates, while affiliates select or appoint Liaisons. Attend your Youth Gathering to learn how to get involved. Serving as a Delegate or Liaison is required to run for the NRHyA Executive Committee—so start early and grow your leadership experience. For more information, contact youth@nrha.com

24 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

Emily Justice Secretary/Treasurer | Paris, Texas Emily Justice understands that great leadership often happens behind the scenes. Organized, dependable, and thoughtful, she enjoys helping teams work together and turning good ideas into action. She believes the strongest organizations are built on communication, accountability, and teamwork, she wants every youth member to know their voice matters. Whether she’s taking notes during meetings or encouraging members at events, Emily is committed to helping the officer team succeed so NRHyA can grow and continue to serve the next generation of reiners.

Presley Timmerman International Liaison | Indianola, Nebraska Presley Timmerman knows that reining brings young people together from around the world. As NRHyA’s international liaison, she looks forward to strengthening connections between youth members while celebrating the friendships that make the reining community unique. An active competitor and leader, Presley believes some of life’s greatest opportunities come from meeting people with different backgrounds who share the same passion for horses. She is committed to encouraging participation and building relationships across the global reining community. She believes these connections inspire youth to explore new cultures, build lasting friendships, and discover just how global the sport of reining has become.

Jetsen Minter Event Coordinator | Saugatuck, Michigan Creating memorable experiences comes naturally to Jetsen Minter. Whether helping organize youth activities through her affiliate or working alongside her family’s film festival and hospitality businesses, she enjoys bringing people together. As event coordinator, Jetsen plans to introduce fresh ideas while making NRHyA activities welcoming, organized, and fun. She wants youth reiners— from first-time attendees to longtime competitors—to leave events with new friendships and memories that keep them coming back.

Ireland Lawler Historian | Whitesboro, Texas Ireland Lawler believes every youth member has a story worth sharing. As historian, she looks forward to capturing the moments that make NRHyA special—from leadership meetings and competitions to friendships that last well beyond the show pen. Ireland brings hands-on storytelling experience to the role after serving as editor of her high school yearbook for four years. Through photos, videos, and social media, Ireland will showcase the people and moments that bring NRHyA to life, helping members feel connected, celebrated, and inspired to become more involved.

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 25

News

Celebrating Two Exceptional Sires R

eaching $5 million in offspring earnings represents more than a financial milestone— it reflects years of consistent excellence by the stallions and the breeders, owners, nominators, riders, and trainers who have developed and showcased their offspring. Together, Pale Face Dunnit and SG Frozen

Enterprize continue to shape the future of reining through generations of exceptional horses. NRHA congratulates Schmersal Reining Horses, Silver Spurs Equine, Rancho Oso Rio LLC, Marco Franchini, and all the connections behind both stallions on this remarkable accomplishment.

Pale Face Dunnit: A Legacy Built on Consistency

y NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Gunner and out of Lena Dun It, Pale Face Dunnit was bred by Rancho Oso Rio LLC. Owned by Schmersal Reining Horses and Silver Spurs Equine, he earned $70,838 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings before beginning a breeding career that has established him among the industry’s elite sires. Since his first foal crop arrived in 2012, Pale Face Dunnit has produced more than 340 NRHA moneyearning offspring known for their talent, trainability, and consistency.

Leading his earners is NRHA Futurity® Champion Face The Attitude (out of Miss Lil Addy Tude), owned by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC, bred by KC Performance Horses LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal, with $228,352 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings. Close behind is Phantom Face (out of Gorgeous Like A Star), owned by nominator Maria Cecilia Fiorucci and bred by Greg Hill, with $182,235 NRHA LTE.

Additional leading earners include: •

•

↑ Pale face Dunnit. Photo by John Brasseaux.

28 | NRHA REINER

Pale Dun Star (out of Get Ya Some Stars) – $153,315 LTE - owned by Oliver Ray, bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal Pale Face Gunslinger (out of Lost In Tinseltown) – $152,898 LTE - owned, bred and nominated by Tim Anderson TA Dunit Redhot (out of Redhot Walla) – $147,150 LTE - owned by Shoreline One LLC, bred by Tamarack Ranch LLC, and nominated by Tim Anderson Pale Light (out of Luz Del Conquistador) – $142,308 LTE - owned by Thorsport, bred and nominated by Ginger Schmersal - Pale Light’s recent success with Allison Thorson at the reins at the 2026 NRHA Derby® in the 8 & Up Non Pro Maturity pushed the sire over the pushed him into $5 Million Sire territory

From futurity standouts to proven derby performers, Pale Face Dunnit’s offspring continue to demonstrate the athleticism, trainability, and consistency that have become hallmarks of his legacy. SEPTEMBER 2026

News

SG Frozen Enterprize: Excellence Across the Globe

wned by Silver Spurs Equine and bred and nominated by Marco Franchini, SG Frozen Enterprize (Frozen Sailor x RS Rose SJ) has quickly become one of the sport’s most influential modern sires. His offspring have consistently excelled in premier NRHA competition around the world. Known for producing horses with exceptional athleticism, style, and heart, SG Frozen Enterprize has developed elite performers capable of succeeding on the sport’s biggest stages. His leading earners include Ice Face (out of Dun Painting My Face), owned by Haras Bellini INC, bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC, nominated by Ginger Schmersal, with $204,546 in NRHA LTE, and Savage Love (out of Miss Whizzletown), owned by Jenny and Marco Ricotta, bred and nominated by Jenny Ricotta, with $199,168 in NRHA LTE.

Additional leading earners include: •

•

Frozen Sven (out of Ladymaster) - $198,590 LTE - owned by 7 Heaven Reining Horses, bred and nominated (EU) by Impresa Agricola Cuoghi. Whizsicle (out of Miss Whizzletown) $195,229 LTE - owned by Diane Yoder, bred and nominated by Jenny Ricotta. Frozen Starburst (out of Hollywood Starburst) - $194,673 LTE - owned and nominated by Janice Laney, bred by Ubere Agropecuaria Eireli.

SEPTEMBER 2026

↑ SG Frozen Enterprize. Photo by Bee Silva.

•

Icecube (out of Taris Designer Genes) - $176,759 LTE - owned by Teton Ridge Ranch, bred by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, nominated by Andrea Fappani. His offspring continue to make their mark in futurities, derbies, and major international competitions, reinforcing his reputation as one of reining’s premier breeding stallions.

NRHA REINER | 29

News

NRHA Elections OPENS — Noon CDT on Sept. 1 | ENDS — Noon CDT on Sept. 15

Maik Bartmann

or this year’s NRHA elections, members worldwide will elect one Director-At-Large to serve on the NRHA Executive Committee. Biographies of the candidates and more details can be found at nrha.com/elections.

Osthofen, Germany

Paulus Beurskens Heide, Netherlands

THE VOTING. Instructions will be emailed to voting members prior to the election. The email will include a unique access key which can only be used to vote once.

John Tague Pilot Point, Texas

WHAT IF YOU DON’T GET THE EMAIL? Be sure to check your spam folder in case it was diverted there. The email will come from invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com. If you have a ReinerSuite username, this is the email used to send credentials. If you do not, then the email address listed in our contact information is used.

NEED MORE ASSISTANCE? Please contact NRHA’s Christa Morris-Stone (cmorris@nrha.com or 405-946-7400, ext. 105). Emails sent during an election weekend will be responded to within 24 hours.

Meet Slider Assist: NRHA’s New AI Assistant

etting answers to your NRHA questions just got faster. NRHA is excited to introduce Slider, a new AI-powered virtual assistant designed to help members, owners, riders, and fans quickly find the information they need—any time of day. Available 24/7 on the NRHA website, Slider Assist can answer questions about NRHA rules, class types, forms, educational resources, programs, events, and general membership information. Whether you’re preparing for your next show, searching for a specific rule, or simply trying to locate the right form, Slider Assist helps point you in the right direction in seconds. It can even communicate in dozens of languages, making NRHA information more accessible to members around the world.

While Slider Assist is a powerful new resource, it is intended to complement—not replace—official NRHA resources. Members should continue to rely on the NRHA Handbook, Bylaws, ReinerSuite tools, and other governing documents for official guidance. When a question requires assistance from an NRHA staff member, Slider Assist will direct users to the appropriate department. As with any new technology, Slider Assist will continue to learn and improve over time. Members are encouraged to provide feedback using the built-in thumbs up and thumbs down features to help make the experience even better. Ready to give it a try? Visit the NRHA website and click Ask Slider to start the conversation. You can also access Slider Assist directly at nrha.com/ask-slider/.

Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase

Northern Exposure The Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase presents the sport to new audiences at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth in Calgary, Alberta, Canada By Blanche Schaefer | Photos courtesy of Chelsea Schneider

↑ The Calgary Reining Stampede brought American stars and top local talent to a Canadian audience on July 7.

rowds of tourists and locals alike bustled through the midway under the summer sun at Stampede Park in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, during the second week of July, all eager to experience the thrill of the Calgary Stampede. Dubbed “the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” the Calgary Stampede is a 10-day celebration centered around its professional rodeo. Calgary is one of the most historic, prestigious, and highestpaying rodeos in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. It’s a bucket-list destination for fans of Western sports and competitors alike. The Stampede has consistently drawn more than 1.4 million attendees each year over the

32 | NRHA REINER

course of its ten days. On July 7, inside the Nutrien Western Event Centre, the atmosphere couldn’t have been more different from the midway just outside. While festivalgoers reveled in the carnival rides, concerts, food vendors, and rodeo fanfare, reining horses loped quietly on draped reins, spinning, and stopping under the precise guidance of the sport’s top U.S. and Canadian riders alongside the next generation of competitors in the Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase. Now in its second year, the Showcase is presenting the beauty and exhilaration of reining to audiences beyond the typical horse show crowd and giving reiners the unique opportunity to compete at one of the most iconic venues in the western sports. SEPTEMBER 2026

Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase Last year’s inaugural Reining Showcase featured Canadian riders competing in a team format. In 2026, David Benard of Canada-based show production company The Xibition Inc. saw an opportunity to expand the Showcase when The American Performance Horseman, slated for July, was cancelled, leaving an open place in the schedule for reining’s elite competitors. To help bring the vision to life, Benard opted for a three-class showcase featuring the Invitational Open, where six of NRHA’s top riders catch-rode Canadian-owned horses; the Canadian Open, featuring eight qualified Canadian professionals; and the Youth Challenge, showcasing six young Canadian riders who earned their spots through qualifying events. “The idea was to find out what this is like for horses and riders to come to such a chaotic place and try to rein. In reining, you want things to be perfect—the warm-up time, the ground, so many other things. None of that is true at the Stampede, so can you actually run a quality reining pattern?” Benard said. “There’s so many variables that just aren’t in place, because there’s so many things happening. It’s a super big challenge, but the riders came and proved it, marking big scores and getting the crowd on their feet.” The unique catch-riding format of the Invitational Open added a layer of complexity for Benard. In this format, riders are paired with horses they do not know, putting their horsemanship and adaptability to the test. That meant finding top-level Canadian horses capable of stepping into the spotlight alongside some of the sport’s best riders. While sourcing horses of that caliber—and owners willing to share them— proved a challenge, those who participated received a rare opportunity: seeing their horses compete on one of the biggest stages in Western sports alongside some of NRHA’s highest lifetime earners. “The handful of Canadian owners who put up their horses, they took a chance, and not a single one of them regrets it. The riders knew this was a high priority of making that experience so special for their owners, and they are very happy with their choice,” Benard said. “These [Open riders] are magicians. The horsemanship they bring is off the charts, and that’s one of the things that got celebrated so much with the catch ride format—it really shows off the horsemanship.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

Haley Franc of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada topped the Canadian Open at the Showcase. She spent several years showing and working under top trainers in Arizona and Texas, and now trains in Madden, Alberta. Franc said one of the most memorable experiences of the Showcase—outside of winning her title—was watching the Invitational Open. Before the competition began, NRHA $5 Million Rider and Invitational Open competitor Jason Vanlandingham stepped into the arena with a microphone to serve as the audience’s guide. Through a live demonstration, he explained the maneuvers, the scoring system, and what judges look for during a reining run— giving spectators the tools to better appreciate the performances about to unfold. “Jason asked the audience, ‘By show of applause, how many of you have seen reining before?’ There was a good amount of applause, but when he said, ‘How many of you have never seen reining before?’ It was overwhelming applause,” Benard recounted. “There was a new audience, and that’s what the Stampede wants, the NRHA wants, and the riders want, too.” Youth Challenge Champion Natalie Draper of Fort Macleod, Alberta, believes the demo was an important part of expanding the reach of reining, especially in Canada. “I love that they put on the demo before the show started and explained what a stop is, what a lead change is, because regular people wouldn’t ever know what that is sitting in the stands,” Draper said. “People know what barrel racing is, they know what rodeo is, and a lot of that comes from events like the Calgary Stampede that put it out there in the world so people can learn. The biggest thing I was happy about is more people getting to learn the sport of reining and see it, especially the Calgary Stampede being one of the biggest events.” Competitors valued that opportunity to show on one of the biggest stages in Western sports, one that was previously not available for reiners. Dany Tremblay won the Invitational Open at the Showcase and is an NRHA $2 Million Rider who has shown and won at the very highest levels of reining. As a native of Montreal, Quebec, Canada who now trains out of Marietta, Oklahoma, showing and winning at the Calgary Stampede is one of his most significant career accomplishments.

NRHA REINER | 33

Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase “I’m not going to say it’s a dream come true, because I didn’t have that dream because I didn’t know we’d have reining there someday. It feels like a privilege for me to go to the Calgary Stampede, especially having a win there. I’m going to remember that forever. I’ve got a Calgary Stampede buckle,” Tremblay graciously said. “That was my first time to go to the Calgary Stampede, and when they say it’s the biggest outdoor rodeo in America, it’s huge. It’s a city. Calgary Stampede is something everybody needs to go to at least once in their lifetime. It was on my bucket list. “Half the people [watching us show] did not know reining, so that made it even better,” he continued. “It’s great for the industry of reining; it’s great for Canada, my country. It’s the beginning of a big thing, and it’s a big win [for everyone] over there.” The success of the Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase has already sparked conversations about what comes next. Benard, his colleagues at The Xibition Inc., and the Calgary Stampede team are

continuing to evaluate feedback, celebrate what worked, and explore opportunities to build on the foundation established in 2026. While the inaugural Showcase was designed to positively impact reining in Canada, its reach extended far beyond the arena in Calgary. The event created memorable moments for owners and breeders who watched their horses compete on one of Western sports’ biggest stages, for riders who added “competed at the Calgary Stampede” to their accomplishments, and for thousands of spectators who experienced a reining pattern for the first time. The response has also highlighted the potential of bringing this type of fan-focused showcase to new audiences and venues in the future—creating opportunities to introduce more people to the excitement, athleticism, and horsemanship that define reining. “There were so many success stories. There were so many winners from the whole experience, and that includes reining in Canada and the Calgary Stampede,” Benard concluded. ■

INVITATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONS Legitness and Dany Tremblay Pedigree: (SG Frozen Enterprize x Whizzen For Chex) Owner: Sunnyside Stables Inc, Lethbridge, AB, CN Breeder: Rancho Oso Rio, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ Score: 150 Invitational Open: $7,300

“I watched videos of the horse, and Shawna Sapergia [who also competed in the Open Invitational] trained him for the last few years. I asked her advice, and she told me what he was going to do in the pen. I trusted the process. I went there to have fun, but I also went there to try to win. I went pretty fast, and the horse stayed with me. His name was Legitness, and he was pretty legit. Every time I show, I do it with a smile, and

34 | NRHA REINER

that’s exactly what I did. I enjoy every moment in the show pen. I’m always nervous before I go in the gate, but I think that’s why I do a good job. I love the pressure. I love the butterflies in my stomach. I was going for the win.” Jeff and Ronda Nielsen are the owners of Legitness, and they were great people to me. I cannot thank them enough for letting me ride their horse. David Benard organized everything up there and did an amazing job.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

Calgary Stampede Reining Showcase

CANADIAN OPEN CHAMPIONS Electric Force and Haley Franc Pedigree: (Electric Snow x Miss Rowdy Nic) Owner: Wayne Bowd, Lacombe, AB, CN Breeder: Wayne Bowd, Lacombe, AB, CN Score: 146 Canadian Open: $1,460

“I just started working for Wayne Bowd of Compass Performance Horses a year ago, and this horse was my favorite after the first ride. He was green and behind, and last year as a 4-year-old was his first year showing. We’ve had a good year so far, and he was really good at the Stampede. I put earplugs in him, which I’ve never done before, so my slowdowns weren’t as good, but I was super happy with the outcome. He’s my barn favorite and a horse I’ve gotten attached to. It was really cool showing at the same time as

all the Million Dollar Riders who came up from [the U.S.]. It was really fun and different to see so many people who aren’t in the industry want to come watch us and see what the sport is about. I can’t thank Dave Benard enough. He puts on three other horse shows up here separate f rom the Stampede, and his end goals for these shows are amazing. He doesn’t even have horses himself, but he puts so much effort into us. His team has done big things for reining in Canada, so I am really thankful for him.”

YOUTH CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS Shooting Off Sparks and Natalie Draper Pedigree: (Tinker With Guns x Spook Off Sparks) Owner: S. Gail Gatto, Fort Macleod, AB, CN Breeder: 4 Lazy J Arizona, LLC, Hinsdale, IL Score: 144

“[Shooting Off Sparks] is a phenomenal horse. He’s super fun to ride and has an amazing personality—he’s such a character and really funny. He is a loving, hard-working horse. He wants to do everything he can to make me happy. He is challenging at times, because he is more of an advanced horse than what I went from and has a lot of power. I don’t know how to put [this win] into words. It didn’t kick in until I got home and was looking at the buckle. It was a huge experience for me, having all the Open riders come up f rom [the

SEPTEMBER 2026

U.S.] and getting to see what they do and how they do it and compete in the same arena as them. It was an honor to be in the pen with lots of people watching and an honor to be represented by the Calgary Stampede and have a show put on by all the amazing people who put it together. I thank my coaches at Smith Training Stables, Kim and Tyrell Smith. A huge thank you to my family—my grandma Gail Gatto for providing the horse, my mom Raylynn Gatto, and my auntie Nicole Sant—who are very much supporters of me.”

NRHA REINER | 35

Reining Worldwide The 2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championships brought together the continent’s biggest names and brightest stars for four days of top-level reining competition By NRHA Media Partner International Horse Press / Marie Klímová Photos courtesy of Claudia Dermois Fotografie

Europe Showcases Reining at Its Best The 2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championships (EAC), held on July 22–25 at Reining Center Meertenhof in Grathem, returned to the Netherlands after 22 years. Managed by the Dutch Reining Horse Association (DRHA), the event welcomed 250 horses and 204 riders representing 14 countries (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom), who made their way to the Dutch town vying for the titles.

“After months of preparation, in one week we were fully booked and that made us all very proud,” said DRHA President Pien Boots. “I would like to thank the EAC committee, our board, all the volunteers, and Reining Center Meertenhof, for their efforts and for working almost around the clock in order to run everything as smoothly as possible. A special thank you to the riders, owners, and reining enthusiasts for an incredible week of reining.” DRHA is now preparing for the 2027 edition, when the EAC will celebrate its 25th anniversary.

$10,000-ADDED MAASRESIDENCE THORN EAC OPEN CHAMPIONS Matyas Gobert and Chex N The Trash “This is such an amazing horse. Every time I ask, he gives me everything. He’s talented, has a huge heart, and is always willing to do his best. Showing here was special because of the atmosphere. Even though the arena is smaller, you could really feel the energy from the crowd. It made the run even more exciting.” The duo also claimed the $500 APHA Chrome Cash EAC incentive check.

EAC OPEN RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

Chex N The Trash

Gunnatrashya x Snip O Chex

Matyas Gobert

AT Reining Dream

Judy Box

229

The Spook Is Dun

Spooks Gotta Whiz x The Bun Is Dun

Arnaud Girinon

FC American Horses Cerantola

Sabine Ehrenreich

225

Dresss Code

Electric Code x Dual Spirit

Bernard Fonck

Golden Paint Ranch

Emma Villa

224

ND Whizkey Ontherock

Dun It For Whizkey x ND Miss Sailor Jac

Bernard Fonck

Anneliese & Hermann Meinert

Nathalie Derua

223

Gunna B A Doctor

Shiners Voodoo Dr x Gunna B A Rockstar

Ann Fonck

Eyal Carmon

222

36 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championship

$4,000-ADDED FONCK PERFORMANCE HORSES EAC INTERMEDIATE OPEN CO-CHAMPIONS Markus Suechting and SS Beastmode “My horse was really good today. He was really listening and gave me everything. I was lucky enough to win the ancillary class earlier in the week, so it was a good show for us. Plus, it’s my son’s birthday today, so I was riding for him. I’m thankful for all the support I have from the owners of the horses to my team and, of course, my wife, who is very supportive of me.”

$4,000-ADDED FONCK PERFORMANCE HORSES EAC INTERMEDIATE OPEN CO-CHAMPIONS Quentin Galliere and LH Shinecowboyshine “I’ve believed in this horse from day one, and he just proved himself in the arena. He can act a little funky at times, but that’s what makes him so special and what I like about him. I’m very thankful to the owner for allowing me to train him and show him. The Affiliate Championships are always fun. I especially like it this year because it’s held at a facility where I come several times a year for shows, so it feels like home to me.” *Winning the $500-Added APHA Chrome Cash Intermediate Open division was Anne Grether riding TR Voodoo Doll.

EAC INTERMEDIATE OPEN RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

SS Beastmode

SG Frozen Enterprize x Maggie Chic Dream

Markus Suechting

Katja Jungfer

Lil Equine LLC

220

LH Shinecowboyshine

Cromeds Cowboy x Lady Santabellum

Quentin Galliere

Anke Hartwig

Gustaf Jerenas

220

TR Voodoo Doll

Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wallawhizagun

Anne Grether

RS Reininghorses BV

Tamarack Ranch LLC

219.5

Walhalla Whiz MS

Walla Walla Whiz x Delilahsdozenroses

Markus Suechting

Caroline Hinsch

Markus Suechting

219.5

Ares Whiz

Remin Whiz x Ares Cody Glo

Markus Suechting

Deanna Carol Rogers

Dario Carmignani

219

Feonalikesthemagic

Smart Like Juice x Magic Feona Jac

Lars Suechting

Lars Suechting, Julia Giacalone

Jasmin Andersdotter

219

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 37

2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championship $500-ADDED AM RISING STAR EAC LIMITED OPEN Jeremy Vandenabeele and Tinseltownssmartest “I’m super happy about our results today. We have shown several times this year, but always with some bobbles. This time, it all came together and it felt great. This win definitely isn’t just mine; behind every success there’s a whole team and I have a great one. I am very thankful to everyone who helps me behind the scenes. We had a great week here and definitely will be back next year.”

EAC LIMITED OPEN RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

Tinseltownssmartest

Hollywoodstinseltown x Smart Chic Badger

Jeremy Vandenabeele

Jasmin Andersdotter

Wolf Hills Farm LLC

217

Gunnerspecialspark

Smart N Sparkin x SG Gunnerspecialwhiz

Wim Vervecken

Joep Kempen

CSG Tinseltownlady

Colonels Shining Gun x Shiney Tinseltown

Jeremy Vandenabeele

Mateusz Nalepka

Katarzyna Roleska

214.5

Tinsel Whizington

Tinsel Jac x Conquistador Sis

June Martinez De Rituerto

Sharon De Groot

213.5

Berly Sun Burst

Great Sun Burst x Surprise Me Jackie

Palden Allon Schooneman

Astrid Bax

216.5

212.5

$500-ADDED 2BE RANCH EAC ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL Leon Jongsma and Ruffly Spooking Off “I started this mare and trained her throughout her entire career. She just keeps getting better and more consistent. I really like her stops. I can just send her down the pen, and I know that she’ll be there for me. I think DRHA has done a tremendous job organizing this show, and because this venue feels like home, it makes me like the show even more.”

EAC ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

Ruffly Spooking Off

Smart Spook x Ruffly Whizin Off

Wimpys Shining Gun

Wimpys Smoking Gun Ashley x Turbos Shining Rose Lindeman

Ashley Lindeman Rieky Young

208

JJ U Whiz U Were Me

Whiz N Tag Chex x Tinseltown Wheel FB

Kristel Bus

J&J Comm V

207.5

Spooks Black Satin

Best Spook x Ruffas Satin

Natasha Kronil Haukrog Jeberg

Poul Haukrog Moller

207.5

Spook Lightning

Best Spook x Olenas Finest Chic

Casper Tsin

Dennis Tsin

207

38 | NRHA REINER

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

Leon Jongsma

Joke Overbeek Fennema

209

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 39

2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championship

$5,000-ADDED GOLDEN PAINT RANCH EAC NON PRO & $500-ADDED ARCESE EAC LIMITED NON PRO Emma Louise Eggen and RC Gun Master Man “The Limited Non Pro was a huge class, I went in early in the draw, so I had to wait for several hours to see if our score would stay on top. In the Non Pro, our run was really good, so I feel great. The atmosphere here is incredible; the cheering during and after our run was such a special moment, and I will never forget it. It took us three days to get here, so it was a long journey, but it was definitely worth it.”

EAC NON PRO RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

RC Gun Master Man

Gunnatrashya x Ladymaster

Emma Louise Eggen

TP Ranch

Impresa Agricola Cuoghi

222

GP A Spook In Town

Hollywoodstinseltown x Spook N Perla

Dries Verschueren

Golden Paint Ranch

219.5

Pretty Whiz Chic

Winnie the Boo x Rey Nic Chic

Georgia Wilk

Jessica Dros

217.5

GI Golden Gun

Colonels Shining Gun x Golden Dream Chic

Tom De Boever

Deboti Bvba

Caroline Channing

215.5

Xtra Gunna Shine

Gunnatrashya x Shine On Sayo

Dries Verschueren

Golden Paint Ranch

David Zimmerman

215.5

EAC LIMITED NON PRO RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

RC Gun Master Man

Gunnatrashya x Ladymaster

Emma Louise Eggen

TP Ranch

Impresa Agricola Cuoghi

220

Great Sun Of A Gun

Great Sun Burst x GVR Gunalicious

Lotte De Boever

Deboti Bvba

Monique Van De Ven

217.5

GP A Spook In Town

Hollywoodstinseltown x Spook N Perla

Wannes Verschueren

Golden Paint Ranch

216

Gonnashowya

Gunnatrashya x JK Vivs Show Tip

Shirley Van De Watering

Arjan van de Watering

Leona Schellekens

215.5

ND Whiz On The Sand

Walla Walla Whiz x Hustle Up A Star

Tom Van Der Vlist

Nathalie Derua

215

40 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championship $3,000-ADDED RH SUPPORT EAC INTERMEDIATE NON PRO Erik Verschueren and GP A Spook In Town “Today, it’s not about me; it’s all about this incredible horse. He was just fantastic. He is nine years old this year and still performs at his best. This is not his first championship; he has successfully competed with both of my sons in the past, and now he has carried me to the title. He truly is a once-in-a-lifetime horse for our family. This is a great show and I have to thank my wife and everyone around me: my two sons, Marie, Dries’s wife, and my friends.”

EAC INTERMEDIATE NON PRO RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

GP A Spook In Town

Hollywoodstinseltown Erik Verschueren x Spook N Perla

RIDER

Golden Paint Ranch

218.5

A Nite In Walla

Walla Walla Whiz x Nitely Eyes

Sophie Overdevest

Lynn De Ras

218

Red Dirt Paleface

Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown

George Sternberg Allen

Francesca Sternberg

Tim Anderson

216.5

Wimpy Special Gun

One Gun x Ruff And Tuff Wimpy

Catharina Johanna Catharina Johanna Maria Smetsers Maria Smetsers

Carlo Sala

215

Justtrickedordunit

Tricked Out Spook x Just Miss Peppydunit

Deley Van Aalderen

Evelien Geerlof

214

A Special Nite Ryder

Gunners Special Nite x Dun It At Starbucks

Julia Giacalone

Shawn Stratman

214

EAC Youth Team Tournament

eam spirit was felt during the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) team meeting that preceded the tournament, where youth riders got to know each other better, network with NRHA representatives, and learn about their opportunities within the association. The 2026 NRHA EAC Youth Team Tournament in Grathem counted seven teams composed of four horse-and-rider combinations, with at least one Youth 13 & Under rider and one Youth 14–18 rider on each team. Riders came from Belgium, the Czech

SEPTEMBER 2026

Republic, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The team with the three highest scores—the low score was dropped—earned the NRHA Montana Silversmiths buckles, and all teams received NRHA medallions. After the last score in the Youth class was announced, the results of the Team Tournament were determined with Team “Check Wimpys Dance,” consisting of Emanuel Gebert (GER), Charlotte van de Ven (NED), Viktor de Boever (BEL), and Lisa Putters (NED), riding to the top step of the podium with a total score of 425.5.

NRHA REINER | 41

2026 NRHA European Affiliate Championship

$200-ADDED DE COOGH EAC ROOKIE Viktor de Boever and Thirty Eight Speshal “This is my first championship with this horse, and he’s been amazing. I’m really happy with how he performed today. I really like his personality; he’s playful, enjoys his job, and is a really nice horse to be around. At the end of the class, it all came down to the last few riders—it was a bit stressful, but thankfully it worked out, and I still can’t believe it.”

EAC ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

Thirty Eight Speshal

Gunners Special Nite x Dun A Lotta Dreamin

Viktor de Boever

Deboti Bvba

Steve Vannietvelt

211

Miss Sparkling Whiz

A Sparkling Vintage & KS Hollywood Twhize

Gil Gerits

Joy Verhaegen

Johan Buijs

210

Betterlatethensorry

Shine Chic Shine x Snap A Lady

Kaat Windmolders

Patrick Gobert

209

Super On The Edge

BA Super Jac x Miss N Sis

Manon Bastin

Jonny Bastin

Yvette Saad

208.5

JJ Pleasedforanite

Gunners Special Nite x Chic Of Florence

Silas Borgen

J&J Comm V

208.5

I Am Peekster

I Am Charlie x Royal Peekster BB

Diane Huijskes

Jacqueline Seger

208.5

By The Numbers

250 Total # of horses

42 | NRHA REINER

204 Total # of riders

271 1,129

Total # of combinations

Total # of entries

SEPTEMBER 2026

$100-ADDED EURO HORSE EAC YOUTH 14-18 Pascalle van de Watering and Gonnashowya “I’m so excited right now; I can’t believe we won. I was a bit nervous going in because [NRHA] Pattern 15 can be a little challenging sometimes for me, but everything felt good in the pen, and I walked out knowing that we had a good run. I love my horse. He is really sweet and also funny; he is the clown of our barn.”

EAC YOUTH 14-18 RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

Gonnashowya

Gunnatrashya x JK Vivs Show Tip

Pascalle Van De Watering

Arjan van de Watering

Leona Schellekens

144

PM Jackson Olena

Spat Olena x ND Jazzy Step On It

Christin Beisel

Celine Biesel

Piet Mestdagh

142.5

Gunna Outgun Ya

Gunnatrashya x Shining Queen Tinia

Melanie Toft Gerdes-Hansen

Gray-Leigh Wilson

140

JJ Pleasedforanite

Gunners Special Nite x Chic Of Florence

Silas Borgen

J&J Comm V

140

Dance Electric Spark

Jacs Electric Spark x Dance Little Spook

Charlotte Van De Ven

139.5

$100-ADDED MARKEL EAC YOUTH 13 & UNDER Emanuel Gebert and Wimpys Wanna Dance “My horse was amazing today. Every run we’ve had together here has been really smooth and relaxed, and I’m so happy with how everything went. This is my third Youth EAC Championship, so that makes it even more special. It has been a great show. I really enjoy being around my friends here and the whole show atmosphere.”

EAC YOUTH 13 & UNDER RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

Wimpys Wanna Dance

Wimpys Little Step x Dance Little Spook

Thirty Eight Speshal

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

Emanuel Gebert

Quarter Dream SRL

146.5

Gunners Special Nite x Dun A Lotta Dreamin

Viktor de Boever

Deboti Bvba

Steve Vannietvelt

141.5

SR Wimpys Littlewhiz

Wimpys Littlecolonel x Holly Dun Conquista

Viktor de Boever

Deboti Bvba

Stefanie Orth

139.5

Spooks Smart Diamond

Smart Spook x Arc Lil Peppy Doc

Elaine Willemse

Joke Overbeek Fennema

133.5

Shine N Booster

Shine N Mister x Joelyn Tabasco Tari

Liz Van Eerd

Gideon Putters

Harting-Den Boer CME

133.5

SEPTEMBER 2026

RIDER

NRHA REINER | 43

Million Dollar Milestones

The Horse Comes First A lifelong commitment to horsemanship has carried Mirko Midili from Italy to the ranks of NRHA Million Dollar Riders By Lindsay Humphrey

↑ Even though his family could not afford to get into reining when Midili was young, he dreamt about it. Photo courtesy of Mirko Midili.

efore there were Million Dollar Milestones or championship celebrations, there were horses. For Mirko Midili, they have always been the reason. Every ride, whether aboard an elite reiner or a young prospect just beginning its journey, carries the same purpose: to understand the horse beneath him. That mindset has defined Midili’s career, earning him not only accolades inside the show pen, but also the respect of fellow horsemen around the world. “Mirko loves the horses above everything else; he’s not like a robot who’s only trying to win money or awards, he understands the horses because he loves them more than the competition,” said Petro Artinghelli, who spent five years training Midili when he was a teenager. “He’s always been special, he started riding with me when he was 15 years old and even at that age he had a very serious work ethic.”

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↑ Mirko Midili riding SG Icetopman in 2019, one of the three times he’s won European Futurity. Photo by Bonaga Communication

Built for the Barn Midili’s education as a horseman began long before reining entered the picture. Raised near Como, Italy, by his father, Gino Midili, he spent his childhood riding barrel horses, competing in gymkhanas and helping start young horses. The miles in the saddle gave him a foundation built on timing, feel and confidence—skills that would later translate seamlessly to reining. “I was lucky because I was born into horses; my father [Gino Midili] trained barrel horses, so I grew up doing barrels and gymkhanas,” Midili said. “My dream was to be a reiner, but we couldn’t afford what it would take to show in the Non Pro so the only way I could get into reining was to be an assistant trainer.” “Barrel racing and gymkhana events are a great way to teach kids how to ride because it helped me learn a lot about timing and feel for

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Million Dollar Milestones a horse,” Midili said. “I remember when I saw my first reiner, in 1998, and there was just something in my gut that told me it was my calling.” Determined to chase that calling, Midili left home at just 14 years old to work for reining trainer Dario Carmignani in Rome, nearly five hours from his family’s home. He traded a typical teenage life for long days in the barn, soaking up every opportunity to learn. A year later, he continued that journey under the guidance of Petro Artinghelli, who quickly recognized Midili’s drive. “When Midili started working for me, at 15, he didn’t just talk about becoming a trainer; he wanted to and was ready to work for it,” Artinghelli said. “He was really motivated and had a lot of try. He was ambitious and even then he talked about his dream of showing horses in the states.”

Making a Name in Europe Before following his dream of showing state side, Midili first established himself as one of Europe’s premier professionals. Along the way, one horse became instrumental in shaping his career: SG Frozen Enterprize (Frozen Sailor x RS Rose SJ) owned by Marco Franchini at the time. “He was just a yearling out in the pasture at the time, but then I started training him and I began to understand he was a very special horse,” Midili said. “He was one of the horses that shaped my career.” The pair captured the 2012 Italian Futurity Open Levels 1–4 with a 227.5, launching a partnership that would leave a lasting mark on Midili’s career. Years later, Midili added another major title to his résumé by winning the 2019 NRHA European Futurity aboard SG Icetopman, a son of SG Frozen Enterprize out of AB Lady Topsailena bred and nominated by Marco Franchini and owned at the time by Matteo Capello. As his list of accomplishments continued to grow, so did his reputation. In 2021, Midili became the first trainer based in Europe to be recognized as an NRHA Top Five Professional—a milestone that confirmed he had established himself among the sport’s elite. “That year [2021], I won every special event I could in Europe, and I still wasn’t satisfied with my success as an open rider,” Midili said. “I decided that my next goal would be to come to the United States and see if I could compete with the best of the best. I was offered a job by Seven Lakes Ranch, but they still needed to build their facilities, so I stayed in Italy for one more year.” When Midili arrived in Purcell, Oklahoma, in early 2023, he brought with him an accomplished résumé and a lifelong dream. What followed

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was the next chapter of a career that had been building toward the world’s biggest stage since he first laid eyes on a reining horse as a teenager.

Seven Lakes Moving to the United States fulfilled one lifelong dream, but it also meant starting over. Midili arrived at Seven Lakes Ranch in Purcell, Oklahoma, in early 2023 with an impressive European résumé, yet he still had to prove himself in the states. “My first year in the states wasn’t super successful, but by the second year I was finding my way,” Midili said. “Janice [Laney] and Thiago [Boechat] are a big part of everything I’ve been able to accomplish. They’ve made sure I’ve had good horses to ride and encouraged me when I’ve doubted myself.” With the support of Seven Lakes Ranch came a string of talented horses, including Maytheforcebewhizyou (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Jac Golden Faith) owned by Janice Laney bred and nominated by Claudia Hahn, Mark My Word (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic) owned by Janice Laney, bred and nominated by Arcese Quarter Horses USA and Luk Skywalker (Maytheforcebewhizyou x RS Athena Jac) owned by US nominator Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat, bred by EU nominator Caracciolo/Lukacs. Each played a role in Midili’s rapid rise in the United States, but Mark My Word proved especially pivotal. “Mark My Word was very important for me because he let me show the people who didn’t know me, what I was capable of,” Midili said. “Together, we won the first go and semifinals at the [2024] NRHA Futurity® and finished in the top five. We were and are competitive.”

↑ Midili is known not just for his talent and passion as a horseman, but also for his fun-loving personality. Photo courtesy of Mirko Midili

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Million Dollar Milestones The momentum continued throughout 2025 as the pair finished in the top five at the NRBC before claiming the Tamarack Ranch Open 4-YearOld Stakes at the NRHA Derby®. By season’s end, Midili and Mark My Word had earned more than $96,000 together, positioning the Italian horseman within striking distance of one of the sport’s most prestigious milestones. “When I started this job, I knew I would reach this goal one day but there have been plenty of times when I was really hard on myself and questioned what I was doing,” Midili said. Entering the 2026 6666 NRHA Derby® presented by Markel, Midili needed less than $18,000 in additional earnings to become an NRHA Million Dollar Rider. He brought three horses to Oklahoma City—Luk Skywalker, Mark My Word and Hesacraftydevil (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Prettywhizprettygun)—knowing the opportunity

was within reach. “I won a go round with Luk with a 227 and then I had two horses back in the finals so I knew I had a chance,” Midili said. “Anything could’ve happened, but I was trying to think positively about it, and I knew if I was in the top five with just one horse, I would become an NRHA Million Dollar Rider.” By the end of the finals, Midili had finished seventh aboard Mark My Word and ninth with Luk Skywalker, pushing his lifetime earnings beyond the Million Dollar mark. It was the realization of a dream he’d carried since he was a teenager in Italy—but not the finish line. “I’ve always known that I would arrive at the destination that I wanted, but I’m not there yet,” Midili said. “I want to be one of the best or even the very best, if I can say that. I will keep on fighting until I am one of the top five guys fighting it out at every show.” ■

Mirko Midili’s Top Accolades ■ 2026 NRHA Derby Go-Round Leader

■ 2021 Top Five NRHA Professional Three-Time Italian

■ 2026 The Run For a Million Qualifier

Futurity Open Champion

■ 2025 NRHA Futurity Open Level 4 Sixth Place Finish

■ 2021: Level 4 Champion & Level 4 Reserve

■ 2025 NRHA Derby Open 4-Year-Old Stakes

Champion

■ 2019: Level 4 Champion

■ 2025 AQHA Senior Reining World Champion

■ 2012: Level 4, 3, 2, 1 Champion

■ 2025 NRBC Open Level 4 Fourth Place Finish ■ 2024 NRHA Futurity First Go-Round & Semi Finals leader, Fifth Place Finish ■ 2024 100X Reining Classic Open Level 4 Futurity Champion ■ 2023 NRHA Futurity Open Level 3 Reserve Champion ■ 2022 European Futurity Open Level 4 Reserve Champion ■ 2021 German Futurity Open Level 4 Champion ■ 2021 European Futurity Open Level 4 Champion ■ 2021 NRHA European Derby Open Level 4 Champion ■ 2021 IRHA Elementa Maturity Open Level 4 Champion

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↑ Midili alongside Maytheforcebewhizyou. Photo by Christina Herzog Media.

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What’s in a Name?

Name of the Game From pedigrees and pop culture to clever loopholes, there’s more to naming a reining horse than meets the registration papers By Asia Atuah

↑ Bring the Smoke was named as a nod to her parents, Snipers Smoking Gun and Shine Chic Shine. Photo courtesy of Anderson Performance Horses.

“I

f you imagine it, it’s probably happened.” Spend enough time around reining horses and you’ll hear names that are clever, sentimental, pedigree-driven, funny—and occasionally leave you wondering how, exactly, that one made it onto a registration certificate. For breeders, naming a foal can be part strategy, part creativity and part inside joke. But before a name ever appears on an entry list or gets called over the loudspeaker, it first has to make it past the breed registry. That means working within rules designed to keep millions of registered horses identifiable while putting at least a few boundaries around breeders’ creativity. “If you imagine it, it’s probably happened,” said American Quarter Horse Association Registrar Tammy Canida. With more than 7 million horses registered worldwide since AQHA’s founding in 1940—and no

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two horses sharing the same name at the same time—Canida and her team have seen just about every naming strategy imaginable. American Quarter Horse names follow the same basic guidelines. Per AQHA’s official rules, names can’t go beyond 20 characters, use punctuation marks, include inappropriate language or use a celebrity name without prior approval. Each name must also be unique. American Paint Horse Association members face their own set of parameters when naming and registering horses, adding another consideration for breeders whose horses may be eligible for registration with both associations. Regardless of the registry, putting rules around names only gives creative horse people a challenge.

Getting Past the Gatekeepers Alternative spellings, strategic spacing and SEPTEMBER 2026

What’s in a Name? carefully constructed turns of phrase can make an otherwise questionable name look perfectly innocent on paper. Catching those attempts requires both technology and a decidedly human sense of humor. Canida acknowledged that names occasionally make it through AQHA’s system that probably shouldn’t. Minimizing those oversights requires an extensive review process, including automated checks for repeat names and irregular spelling, third-party software designed to catch inappropriate language and a “bad name” list filled with hundreds of words and phrases reviewers know to watch for. Then there’s the human element. Questionable names can make their way to an internal management team for a final decision, and sometimes reviewers simply need to say a

proposed name aloud to understand what the applicant is trying to accomplish. Think: Hoof Hearted. “We have to go through a lot of efforts to try to prevent those creative ‘opportunities,’” Canida laughed. On the other side of that review process are breeders like Charlotte Beaulieu, who consider naming a foal part of the fun. Beaulieu, breeding and sales manager at Ontariobased Anderson Performance Horses, has registered more than 50 horses through AQHA, and the creative purpose behind naming each one never wanes. “Every horse kind of has a story behind it, whether it’s something that happened when they were born, or about their personality,” Beaulieu said.

↑ Charlottes Lil Chic (left), named after owner Charlotte Beaulieu, and Bring the Smoke. Photo courtesy of Anderson Performance Horses.

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What’s in a Name? Sometimes the inspiration comes from the horse itself. Other times, it comes from whatever Beaulieu happens to be watching or listening to. There was her Grey’s Anatomy phase, which produced Dark N Twisty Chic (Smart Chic Olena × Spooks Great Kid). Her inner Swiftie inspired names including How U Get the Girl (One Time Up North × Howdy U Get Lucky) and Mr Perfectly Fine (Patroan × Cat Zahir). Then there are names that practically write themselves. A filly born deaf and, fittingly, not easily frightened became Zero Spooks Given (Pale Face Dunnit × Spooks Great Kid). Not every stroke of naming inspiration makes it onto the registration papers, though. Reviewers are constantly trying to keep pace with changing slang, pop culture references and creative wordplay. Sometimes a reference slips through because no one recognizes it. Other times, the intent is a little easier to spot. Years ago, Beaulieu took her chances with a sorrel colt and submitted “Sofa King Smart.” Sound it out. She knew it was a long shot, but she had to try. “The person who does the registration probably read it and was like, ‘Mmh, I see what you did there. No thank you,’” she laughed. The effort to catch inappropriate names goes beyond keeping registration papers clean. A name follows a horse into competition, onto announcers’ scripts, across livestreams and, potentially, onto some of the sport’s biggest stages. “We also try to think of who might be in that show ring. If it’s drug related or sexual related, we’re going to think of that 12-year-old girl that’s in that show ring and not let that go through,” Canida explained. What’s in a Name? Ask 10 horse people how they name their horses, and there’s a good chance you’ll get 10 different answers. “There’s such a wide variety,” Canida explained. “I think you could talk to 10 people and probably get 10 different reasons why they choose the names they do.” For breeders, one of the most common starting points is pedigree. A name can immediately connect a young horse to a recognizable sire, dam or family— something particularly valuable when that horse is eventually marketed for sale or breeding. Richard Anderson, owner of Anderson

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↑ Howdy u Get So Lucky

Performance Horses, is partial to that approach, especially when it comes to descendants of Smart Chic Olena. Anderson-bred horses include Mr Steal Your Chic, No Chics For Wimps, Im EveryChics Dream and Chic Tac Toe, among others. “He has this phrase that he always says. I think I’m too young to know the reference, but everyone seems to get it,” Beaulieu mused. “He always says, ‘Here’s a chic, there’s a chic, everywhere a chic chic.’” A registered name can do more than connect a horse to its pedigree. In the right circumstances, it can eventually become a brand of its own. Of course, some horses become so recognizable that they manage to transcend their registered names entirely. PS Mega Shine Chic (Shine Chic Shine x Megas Sugar Baby) is known throughout the reining industry simply as “Crush.” Colonels Smoking Gun (Colonelfourfreckle x Katie Gun) became so synonymous with “Gunner” that Megan Hansen, owner and operator of Hansen Performance Horses, believes many people hardly recognize him by anything else. SEPTEMBER 2026

What’s in a Name?

↑ Howdy U Get Lucky? Photo courtesy of Anderson Performance Horses.

“That’s, like, iconic level. You got to try to aim for that,” Hansen said. The Name Behind the Name Unlike registered names, barn names don’t come with a rulebook. For Hansen, her husband and their two children, that means nearly anything can become inspiration. Each family member keeps a running list of potential names, waiting for the right one to fit the right horse. Children’s movies and characters have provided plenty of material, resulting in barn names like Fish Legs, inspired by How to Train Your Dragon, along with Minion, Groot and Tarzan. One mythicallooking blue roan naturally became Sasquatch. Other names come from different languages. “Suave” suited a particularly gentle, kind horse, while “Guapo” was reserved for a handsome one. Finding the right fit is part of the reward. “The horses right now are a vehicle to raise really good humans, and so we want to put our time into those horses and make sure that people can feel that and see that,” Hansen said. “And it’s all the details that kind of go into it, and a name is a huge part.” Whether it begins as a pedigree reference, a SEPTEMBER 2026

favorite song, a family joke or simply something about a foal’s personality, a name becomes part of the horse’s identity long before anyone knows what that horse might accomplish. For some breeders, that makes naming sentimental. For others, it’s strategic. And for a select few, getting something particularly clever past the registry is part of the fun. “I don’t think everyone thinks of what that downstream impact could be, but it just makes for good conversation, for sure,” Canida said. “And not all of [the names] are bad—some of them are just funny. So it’s just interesting to watch those dynamics.” Most registered names will ultimately mean the most to the people who bred, own and love the horses carrying them. A select few may someday be called across a major event arena, become recognizable throughout the industry or even give way to a barn nickname that takes on a life of its own. Until then, breeders will keep testing their creativity, and registry staff will keep deciding which ideas are clever enough to make the cut. And for the ones that don’t? Sometimes all they earn from Canida and the AQHA registration team is a chuckle and a simple response: “Cute, but no.” NRHA REINER | 51

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Million Dollar Milestones

The Platinum Standard Sometimes the qualities that make a champion in the show pen are the same ones that create a legacy in the breeding barn. Platinum Vintage’s patience, trainability and talent have carried his influence to the next generation as an NRHA Million Dollar Sire By Lindsay Humphrey

ot every talented horse reaches the breeding barn with the potential to shape the next generation. For Platinum Vintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Starjac Miss), becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Sire was never about one standout offspring—it was about consistently producing horses that people wanted to ride. During the 2026 6666 NRHA Derby® presented by Markel, Platinum Vintage’s offspring surpassed $1 million in NRHA Lifetime Earnings, earning the palomino stallion a place among the National Reining Horse Association’s elite sires. While his own show career included more than $314,000 in earnings and victories at some of reining’s most prestigious events, those closest to him believe the qualities that made him successful in the show pen are the very same traits his foals continue to inherit. Today, owner Michael Miola of Silver Spurs Equine credits Platinum Vintage’s greatest success not to his own accomplishments, but to the consistency of the horses carrying his name.

↑ Named for his shock of platinum-white hair, Platinum Vintage has achieved Million Dollar Sire status. Photo by Barry Hart.

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Million Dollar Milestones

way down, took away my spurs, put him in a very small bridle and just asked him to do little things to build his confidence in me,” Bergen said. “There were a lot of times that he would mess up and panic, that meant he either ran off or threw his head between his legs when he felt like he was under too much pressure. I knew he was a good minded horse; he just needed something different than what he got.” For Bergen, the horse’s willingness always outweighed the mistakes. “These types of horses require a lot of time to build confidence in their rider, and it’s been my experience that they’ve turned out to be the better horses in the long run,” Bergen said about the horse he still considers one of his favorite reiners of all time.That patient foundation would eventually pay dividends in both Platinum Vintage’s own career and, years later, in the horses he would sire.

From Competitor to Cornerstone

↑ Winning the 2015 NRHA Derby® was a testament to the training method NRHA $2 Million Rider Todd Bergen started using with Platinum Vintage two years prior. Photo courtesy of Waltenberry.

“One thing that I’m most proud of with Platinum is that he caters to the non pro riders and when people breed to him, they know that they will get a reliable horse that they are capable of winning on,” Miola said. “I’m sure Platinum’s offspring will win their fair share in the majors in the future, but what’s most important to us is that the non pros win with the horses that we bred.” That reliability was evident long before Platinum Vintage ever entered the breeding shed.

Building Confidence When NRHA Professional Todd Bergen first took over Platinum Vintage in June 2013, the young stallion possessed all the physical tools to become a star. Confidence, however, was another story. The pressure to perform had left the talented horse timid under saddle, forcing Bergen to rethink his entire approach. “I decided to do the complete opposite of what his previous trainer was doing; I slowed things

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Bergen and Platinum Vintage steadily climbed the ranks together, reaching the Open Level 4 Finals at the NRHA Futurity before breaking through with major victories, including the 2015 NRHA Derby Championship. Their partnership helped establish Platinum Vintage as one of the industry’s premier performers, but for Miola, those wins represented something much bigger. “The first time I saw Platinum Vintage and Todd was at the 2014 High Roller Reining Classic in Las Vegas,” Miola said. “I fell in love with him instantly and I just had to have him.” Having recently purchased Platinum Vintage’s sire, A Sparkling Vintage, Miola quickly made another decision. “It was probably the easiest purchase I ever made because the people who owned A Sparkling Vintage when I bought him also owned Platinum Vintage,” Miola explained. “For the first six months I owned half of him with them.” As Platinum Vintage continued to mature, Bergen remained patient. “I had a lot of good runs on him when he was four [2014], but it seemed like something always got me – over spun or fell out of lead,” Bergen said. “I didn’t panic, I just kept going and showing. I could feel that we were getting close and then when he was five, it all started falling together.”

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Million Dollar Milestones

The breakthrough came in 2015. “When Todd and Platinum won the [NRHA] Derby in 2015, I think that solidified that he was going to be a good breeding sire,” Miola said. “He had other wins after that, but I think that was the turning point.” While Platinum Vintage would continue adding accolades with Andrea Fappani and later in the Non Pro pen with Michelle Miola, his Derby victory established the credibility that breeders often seek before committing mares to a young stallion.

Breeding for the Everyday Competitor Once Platinum Vintage entered the breeding barn at Silver Spurs Equine, Miola’s philosophy remained simple: produce horses that owners could enjoy and succeed with. “I typically buy horses to breed them; I don’t show them a whole lot,” Miola said. That philosophy extends well beyond Platinum Vintage.

↑ Platinum Vintage is owned by Harper Conner and Silver Spurs Equine. Photo by Ears Up Photography.

Each year, Silver Spurs Equine raises more than 150 foals, selling each one with the expectation that someone else will write the next chapter of its story. “We don’t hold the best back for anyone to ride because we want our customers to be out there winning in the showpen,” Miola said. “Half of them are usually sold before they’re even born and then they’re all picked up by July or August.” The breeding program also reflects that same customer-first mindset. “We did something different in 2026 – we had people pay the booking fee up front, but they didn’t pay the breeding fee until their mare was confirmed in foal, and that was with all our stallions,” Miola said. “If she didn’t come in foal then they didn’t pay the breeding fee. We were taking the risk with our customers, and I think people appreciated that.”

A Million Dollars, Earned Differently

↑ Platinum Vintage boasts NRHA lifetime earnings of $314, 908. Photo by Ears Up Photography.

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For Miola, Platinum Vintage becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Sire carries special meaning—not simply because of the milestone itself, but because of how it was achieved. Unlike many stallions whose offspring earnings are driven by a handful of major open champions, Platinum Vintage’s record has been built through consistent success across the Non Pro ranks, where riders continue to rely on the trainability and reliability he is known to pass along. ■

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IHP Photo CTanierephotographie - Graphics

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Reiner Insights

Lighting the Fire Motivate any laid-back reiner to stop confidently with tips from NRHA Professional Arno Honstetter By Abigail Boatwright

talented horse with a laidback personality can be a great partner, but getting the most out of one can require a different approach. Horses on the lazier side aren’t likely to run away with you, but creating enough energy through the rundown—and keeping it there into the stop—can be a challenge. Arno Honstetter has had several horses like this in his program and has developed techniques for encouraging more effort without sacrificing the relaxed mindset that makes them so enjoyable to ride.

The Problem With a laid-back horse, Honstetter focuses much of his effort on encouraging forward motion, asking the horse to run hard through the circles and especially down the rundowns leading into the stops. Earlier in his career, though, he found that approach could create an unexpected problem in the show pen. When it came time to stop, he sometimes missed the maneuver. “It was because I never practiced stopping and drawing them into the ground,” Honstetter said. “I never went through the typical stopping process, because all my focus and time was spent encouraging them to run.” ↑ Encouraging forward motion, like running hard through circles, is one way to improve a laid-back horse’s stopping. Photo by Purple Media Group

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Reiner Insights

↑ Incorporate fencing into your work with your quieter horse, which encourages your horse to run freely, and stop without getting anxious. Photo by Abigail Boatwright.

Without enough practice making the transition, those horses could struggle to smoothly shift from running hard to stopping. Rather than gradually drawing into the ground, they might react abruptly, dropping too hard into the stop because they weren’t prepared for what came next. “They didn’t have enough practice drawing into the ground,” Honstetter said. “They would jump into the ground, because they were more worried about running faster than listening to me.” It’s a balancing act Honstetter often encounters with laidback horses. At slower speeds, stopping may come naturally simply because they would rather stop than run. Once asked to build speed, however, that increased pace can create tension or worry. A rider’s natural response may be to add more leg to keep the horse moving forward, but Honstetter has learned that doing so can have the opposite effect, causing the horse to suck back rather than continue moving freely. “I am trying to get them to

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↑ A horse that moves out in the rundown will be better able to execute a credit-earning stop. Photo by Abigail Boatwright.

where they move freely from me sitting quietly,” Honstetter said. “I wave my legs, or use my voice. I still roll my spurs, but I don’t kick with my legs. The more laidback your horse is, the more you have to be creative.” That same balancing act carries into the rundown. When so much attention is devoted to keeping a laid-back horse moving forward, it can be easy to prioritize the run itself over preparing the horse for the stop. Yet spending too much time schooling the transition can quickly dull the forward momentum Honstetter worked to create in the first place. “You’re limited on how much time in practice you spend drawing them into the ground for stops, because when you ask them to run and you draw them to the ground one time, they already don’t want to run anymore,” Honstetter said.

Practice Strategy Honstetter adjusted his training program to better suit these quieter horses, but when it comes to asking for the

stop itself, he uses the same sequence of cues he would with any other horse. The difference is in how he structures the work leading up to it. “I start every day by asking them to run,” Honstetter said. “When I feel like they’re running and breathing well, on both leads running freely, at the end of the session I will ask them to stop.” By putting the emphasis on forward motion first, Honstetter begins to feel a change in the horse’s mindset. Instead of looking for an opportunity to slow down, the horse starts wanting to maintain the forward motion traveling down the pen—the response he’s been working toward. “That’s when I feel like I’m getting somewhere,” Honstetter said. From there, Honstetter varies the exercises he uses throughout a training session. He may fence the horse, running to the fence before stopping, or ask the horse to continue down the arena and around the ends rather than stopping at the end of a typical rundown.

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Reiner Insights

He also changes where he schools the stop. Instead of repeatedly stopping on the straight lines he’ll eventually use in the show pen, Honstetter might run diagonally from one corner of the arena to the opposite corner, stopping somewhere along that track. “If it is a younger horse, I will go from corner to corner, and work on drawing them into the ground and saying ‘whoa’ and practicing that a lot,” Honstetter said. “I try to make a different pattern placement so I don’t ruin my straight lines up and down

the arena, so they’re not thinking about going to the ground when they’re doing that.” Changing the placement allows Honstetter to school the mechanics of the stop without teaching the horse to associate a particular part of the arena with slowing down. Even if the horse begins to anticipate the stop during one of those exercises, Honstetter can ask for a few more strides before saying “whoa,” reinforcing that the horse should wait for his cue rather than make the decision on its own.

“I’m more focused on teaching them to draw into the ground, and listen for my word ‘whoa’ than running, in that situation,” Honstetter said.

Advancing Technique As these quieter horses get older and more experienced, Honstetter gradually brings the stopping exercises back to the center of the pen. At that point, he can work up and down the pen while continuing to reinforce the same response, using his hand and voice to slowly draw the horse into

↑ Regularly practice asking your quieter horse to stop at home from running at speed, to get them accustomed to the maneuver and avoid surprises in the show pen. Rider Brian Bell pictured. Photo by Abigail Boatwright.

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Reiner Insights

↑ Practicing at home until it feels like second nature will make show day stopping feel seamless. Photo by Purple Media Group

the round. The goal is to build enough confidence in the transition that the horse can run down freely without anticipating the stop. “I will do this until they get to where they are very confident doing that,” Honstetter said. “I noticed when I would then go to a show and run a pattern, they were very free running down. And when I pulled the trigger [to stop], they were happy, and they understood what I wanted.”

Stopping At Shows When Honstetter takes a laid-back horse to compete, the stops finally come back to the places the horse will

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encounter them in a pattern. Because he has spent so much time practicing stops in different areas at home, the horse is less likely to anticipate the maneuver simply based on where he is in the arena. “Because they’re laid-back, it’s always going to be a little bit of a struggle, but I don’t spend a lot of time making them go to the ground [at a show],” Honstetter said. By the time Honstetter arrives at a show, he wants the training to already be in place. Rather than trying to teach or correct the horse at the event, his focus shifts to preparing the horse to perform with the same confidence he has built

at home. He still asks for a stop each day, but keeps the schooling to a minimum. “I run down and stop one time, draw them into the ground one time—I don’t do it many times,” Honstetter said. “By the time we go to the show, I should get my horse running up and down, feeling the ground, and confident.” That approach continues into his final warmup before showing. Honstetter asks for just three stops, gradually building the speed without drilling the maneuver. “I stop one time slow, and then two times faster, and then it should be show day,” Honstetter said.

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Reiner Insights

Ultimately, success with a laid-back horse comes from finding the balance between encouraging more effort and allowing the horse to perform without constant help from the rider. Honstetter’s approach is designed to teach these horses to run freely, wait for the cue to stop and confidently transition into the ground when asked. By adjusting where and how often the stop is schooled at home, riders can build the confidence and responsiveness they want when it matters most in the show pen.

Meet The Expert Arno Honstetter grew up in Germany where he learned to ride Western. He worked under Ken Wold in California for four years, then Bram Quarter Horses in the Netherlands and Uwe Gerbig in Germany, where he won the German Futurity in 2004. He returned to the United States and trained at Fappani Performance Horses in Scottsdale, Arizona, for seven years. In 2006, he won the Limited Open Futurity Championship. He worked for Randy Paul, and back at Fappani’s, where he won the Intermediate Open Futurity in 2010, and a Reserve Open Futurity title in 2011. He set out his own shingle in 2012, and his operation is based in Scottsdale. ■

↑ Honstetter’s approach to training stopping seeks a balance between encouraging more effort while allowing your horse to perform without constant rider feedback. Photo by Purple Media Group

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The Big Stage Despite the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships moving to take place alongside the NRHA Derby®, this year’s champions relished the spotlight By Megan Arszman, Abigail Boatwright, Lindsay Humphrey, Jack McLaughlin, Sarah Prather and Blanche Schaefer | Photos courtesy of Waltenberry

OPEN & NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 2 Bringdaddysmoney and Jesse Gentile Pedigree: (Gunners Tinseltown x Great Star Cielo) Owner: Leonard Truck & Trailer, Inc. Breeder: Karen Shedlauskus Open Score: 222.5 Novice Horse Open Level 2 Score: 221 Open: $3,896 Novice Horse Open Level 2: $1,868

Jesse Gentile’s most effective tool used to bring home two titles from the 2025 Adequan® NAACs aboard Bringdaddysmoney was patience. The 7-year-old mare by Gunners Tinseltown was brought to Gentile’s facility in Valley City, Ohio, by Clint and Tiffany Leonard as a 4-year-old. The mare had a bit of a rough start to her career, requiring more patience and less time in the show pen, but that was exactly what Gentile could offer. “She just wasn’t quite ready to show,” he said. “To the Leonards’ credit, they were super patient. They never tried to rush anything or force me to show her. They would call to check in often and be comfortable with me taking my time.” “Clint and Tiffany have always believed in that mare,” he continued. “Clint said early on that he had some people tell him to just get rid of her because she wasn’t going to accomplish what he wanted, and to his credit, he stuck with her. He saw something in her and wanted to give her time. They let me do what I wanted to get the reps in with her and give her the experience she needed. It takes the right owners and the right situation where you’re OK with taking your time, but it’s definitely paid off the last couple of years because she’s been so good.” And the extra time leading up to the NAAC in 70 | NRHA REINER

Oklahoma City didn’t hurt either. Affectionately named “Miley” in the barn, the sorrel mare continued to make strides in the show pen. Competing in Adequan® NAAC classes, two with Gentile and two with Tiffany Leonard, she scored a 221 and a 222.5 to win the Novice Horse Open Level 2 and the Open NAAC. “She’s just gotten stronger and stronger. She’s really started hitting her stride the last few shows,” said Gentile. Since the NAAC, the mare has earned more than $110,000, greatly surpassing the team’s original goal of her having $20,000 in lifetime earnings a few years ago. “I’m a big believer in these horses having long careers and not getting put out after their 3- or 4-year-old years if they haven’t done much,” said Gentile. “I’m lucky that I’ve been able to find success with a few horses and owners who stuck with me after not seeing some success in the early part of the horse’s career. They stuck with it and the horse still turned into a really nice show horse. Miley is the perfect example. I think people would be surprised by what a little patience can bring. There are some nice horses that might not give you the results you want in the Futurities, but they can turn into really nice horses.” SEPTEMBER 2026

2025 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships

INTERMEDIATE OPEN Who Whiz Brandon and Shane Brown Pedigree: (Smart Spook x Who Whiz Doll) Owner: Presley Timmerman Breeder: Stoney Russell Score: 217.5 Intermediate Open: $2,358

“I was really glad we were able to have the NAACs even though they were at the Derby this year and I think NRHA has done a job promoting the NAACs and making them mean something and doing big things for the winners,” said NRHA Professional Shane Brown. “I think it’s important that we support that faction of the industry.” As soon as Brown finishes at the NAACs with Who Whiz Brandon (Smart Spook x Who Whiz

Doll), he’ll be transitioning to a youth horse for his owners, the Timmerman family. “His best attribute is his mind; he does all his maneuvers well and he’s consistent,” Brown added. “He has a great personality, but he doesn’t like to run particularly hard in the big circles which is a limitation for him as an open horse. But that makes him perfect for a youth rider.”

LIMITED OPEN Dream On Whizard and Randall Dooley Pedigree: (Magnum Chic Dream x Miss Poco Whizard) Owner: Jeanne Jackson Breeder: Andre Lauzon Score: 216.5 Limited Open: $450

When Jeanne Jackson had knee surgery and couldn’t ride Dream On Whizard for a time, she told her trainer, NRHA Professional Randall Dooley, to get her horse qualified for the NAAC. That was an easy request for Dooley to honor. “ This is probably one of the best minded horses I’ve ever had; he’s just very kind and very easy to show,” Dooley said about the 2019 stallion. “He’s a stud but has no idea. People will put mares next to him at a show and he stands there like a gelding.”

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When the NAACs moved f rom November to June, that was no issue for Dooley. “The only horses that came to the Derby with me were showing in the NAAC, so it was a low stress show for me,” Dooley said. “I appreciate that the NAAC offers quite a bit of money for these older horses to show and the prizes NRHA gives away are great. A lot of credit and gratitude goes out to Jeanne for letting me ride her horse at this show and we are looking forward to possibly doing it again at the Futurity this year.”

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“AS FOR ME, I JUST WANT TO KEEP WORKING HARD AND BECOME THE BEST RIDER, TRAINER AND SHOWMAN THAT I CAN BE.”

ROOKIE PRO Smart Diamond Whiz and Leonardo Rosicarelli Pedigree: (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Princess N Pearls) Owners: Pannell Enterprises LLC Breeder: Mark Smith Score: 210.5 Rookie Pro: $450

It’s been ten years since Leonardo Rosicarelli declared himself an NRHA Professional. In that time, Rosicarelli has worked hard in a lot of capacities, but it wasn’t until he found himself in Tioga, Texas, under the guidance of NRHA Million Dollar Rider Jared LeClair that he got his big break. “Jared has been the first and only trainer who ever believed in me; he takes the time to teach everyone who works for him and is the one who gave me the opportunity to get in the show pen,” Rosicarelli said. “The team he’s put together is great too. Everyone here feels like family.” That big break resulted in the Rookie

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Professional title aboard Smart Diamond Whiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Princess N Pearls) during the rescheduled NAACs. The pair has only been together for about a year, but they seem to have gotten each other figured out. “This horse is very forgiving, and he’s been a great teacher for me; we have a lot of memories together including our time at the Derby competing in the Adequan® NAACs,” Rosicarelli said. “I’m not certain what’s coming in the near future for this horse, but I do know that his owners will have a lot of fun with him. As for me, I just want to keep working hard and become the best rider, trainer and showman that I can be.”

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“ANY TIME YOU DO WELL, NO MATTER THE HISTORY OF THE HORSE, IT’S PRETTY COOL, BUT IT’S OBVIOUSLY A BONUS WHEN THE SIRE AND DAM HAVE BOTH BEEN AT THE RANCH AND SHOWN HERE.”

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 1 SHR Kids Final Rose and Kyle Shaw Pedigree: (The Kids Gotta Gun x Spooks Sugar Rose) Owner: Robert Santagata Breeder: Robert Santagata Score: 215.5 Novice Horse Open Level 1: $900

Kyle Shaw rode Bob Santagata’s 5-year-old mare SHR Kids Final Rose to a 215.5 to win the NAAC Novice Horse Open Level 1 and finish as reserve champions in the Level 2 for another $1,484. “I messed up my warm-up the morning of and thought I had another half-hour, so when they closed the pen, I’d just circled her. I didn’t get a chance to stop her, and I was the second one in the pen [to show]. Fortunately, she was good,” said the earner of more than $300,000. As head trainer at Santagata’s Santa Hill Ranch, Hall has had the mare since the beginning and ridden her to more than $15,000 in NRHA earnings. She’s by Santagata’s stallion The Kids Gotta Gun

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and out of his mare Spooks Sugar Rose, a top 10 finisher at the 2012 NRHA Futurity® under Shawn Flarida and now a producer of more than $173,000. “When I first started at Santa Hill, I rode [Spooks Sugar Rose] a few times and really liked her. Huge stopper. Bob bred her quite a bit and actually lost her last year,” Shaw said. “The Kids Gotta Gun is another horse Bob is really fond of. Any time you do well, no matter the history of the horse, it’s pretty cool, but it’s obviously a bonus when the sire and dam have both been at the ranch and shown here.” Shaw added special thanks to Bob and Arlene Santagata for the opportunities to show their horses.

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“HE’S PROBABLY THE MOST HONEST HORSE I’VE EVER SHOWN. WE’VE WON A CHECK AT EVERY HORSE SHOW, AND HE’S THE HONEST AND MOST GENTLE HORSE.”

UNBEETABLE FEEDS INTERMEDIATE OPEN SHOWDOWN DC The Master Spark and Victoria Kershaw Pedigree: (Steppin On Sparks x Master Enterprise) Owner: The Master Partnership Breeder: Catemu SA Intermediate Open Showdown Score: 215.5 Intermediate Open Showdown: $5,000

There was an international flair as Canadian Professional Horsewoman Victoria Kershaw piloted DC The Master Spark, an Argentinian Futurity champion, to score a 215.5 to win the Unbeetable Feeds Intermediate Open Showdown Championship. The win has pushed DC The Master Spark closer to $100,000 in lifetime earnings. Kershaw and Martin Padilla have taken turns riding the 9-year-old stallion, who is based in California with Padilla. Padilla helps to keep the son of Steppin On Sparks conditioned and shows when Kershaw can’t make it. “He’s probably the most honest horse I’ve ever shown,” says Kershaw.

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“We’ve won a check at every horse show, and he’s the honest and most gentle horse.” Pattern 8 was a good test of the veteran show horse. “It’s a little tricky of a pattern for an older horse because you go up and down the middle,” says Kershaw. “The second stop we kind of mistimed each other, but he came back to me and he was so honest throughout the rest of the pattern.” Kershaw credits Padilla for helping to keep DC The Master Spark ready for the show pen and his owners, The Master Partnership, for supporting both herself and Padilla as primary pilots for the stallion. “We’re going to start focusing on his stallion career, and that’ll be exciting,” says Kershaw.

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NON PRO Stop like Voodoo and Madison Rafacz Pedigree: (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Got My Own Dream) Owner: Shannon Rafacz Breeder: Redhead Reining LLC Score: 219 Non Pro: $3,346

Madison Rafacz and Stop Like Voodoo are no strangers to the championship circle. Securing the title for the second year in a row, the win carries the same significance for Rafacz. “It means a lot to me—growing up, I would come to the Futurity for the affiliate championship classes,” Rafacz said. “I didn’t show in the aged-event classes for a while, so that was always a big deal to me—that is why I was getting to go to the Futurity.” With the championships moving from the NRHA Futurity® to the NRHA Derby®, Rafacz initially thought she would have to choose between competing in the derby or defending her title.

“I thought I would have to pick between showing in the derby or showing in the championships,” Rafacz said. “I decided to show only in the derby, but then realized there was a four-day break between the classes, so I decided to show in the championships as well.” The decision paid off, however, Rafacz recognizes she isn’t able to do it all herself. “Both of my parents had a huge impact on me winning the title,” Rafacz said. “My dad gets him ready for me, and my mom played a big role by helping me be ready—I am very thankful for them both.”

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO & PRIME TIME NON PRO Ziggy Rocks and Dana Pastorino Pedigree: (Whizkey N Diamonds x Shes Got Good Guns) Owner: Pastorino Hay & Ranch Supply Inc. Breeder: Roxanne Koepsell Score: 217.5 Intermediate Non Pro: $2,048 Prime Time Non Pro: $896 Dana Pastorino has a relationship with Ziggy Rocks that extends past championship titles. Winning the North American Affiliate Championships was the cherry on top, as the gelding aged out of derby events. “After having him all these years showing him, and just being around him, he is just like my buddy,” Pastorino said. “He is super fun to be around in the barn—I can call him down the street and he is looking for me. Riding-wise, he never cheats me, and he puts his heart out there for me every time.” Even though the event was postponed to be held during the NRHA Derby®, the game plan SEPTEMBER 2026

stayed the same for the duo. “I just needed to keep him healthy and happy, and keep myself in shape because at that point he was out of the derby events and I didn’t have a replacement horse. So it was just keeping us all happy and healthy.” After a successful year aboard Ziggy Rocks in 2025, the championship provided a fitting conclusion to their time in Oklahoma City. “The championship was special because he took me there,” she said. “It was a huge year for me so this win is extra special—it is another saddle on him and that is very special to me.” NRHA REINER | 75

LIMITED NON PRO Chexalicious and Sorrel Brooke Schreibvogel Pedigree: (Busy Winin Chex x Gunnalicious) Owner: Judy Shepherd Breeder: Hilldale Farm Score: 214 Limited Non Pro: $395 The gelding has an easygoing personality, but can step up to the plate when needed. Sorrel Brooke Schreibvogel went out with a bang “I love his willingness to do anything and before heading to college, claiming the Limited Non everything you ask,” she said. “When I ask him to Pro Championship at the Adequan® NAACs. step up and show, for me he is like, ‘Ok, yes ma’am, “The win really meant a lot to me since I’m let’s do it.’” going to college this fall,” she said. “It was a good The championship marks her final year of last boost for me.” eligibility in the class. The win was the perfect After selling her horse in 2025, her grandmother way to close out the year before beginning a lent her the 2015 gelding to show in the new chapter on the equestrian team at Southern championships. Having only a month to prepare, the Methodist University in Dallas. duo found their rhythm quickly. “I would like to thank my parents and “I have shown that horse in the past, probably grandparents for allowing me to show and giving about four times,” Schreibvogel said. “I haven’t shown me the opportunities, and my whole family for him much, but we really clicked for this show.” always supporting me throughout everything.”

MASTERS NON PRO Mega Mag and Nancy Murfin-Moxley Pedigree: (Magnum Chic Dream x Big Gold Chex) Owner: Nancy Murfin-Moxley Breeder: Garth Hystad Score: 212 Masters Non Pro: $372

Nancy Murfin-Moxley and Mega Mag rose to the top of the Adequan® NAAC Masters Non Pro, putting together a championship performance to claim the title in Oklahoma City. The Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships bring together qualified riders from across NRHA’s affiliate network, making each championship the culmination of a season spent working toward the opportunity to compete on the national stage. Murfin-Moxley and Mega Mag made the most of that opportunity. The pair delivered when it counted, navigating the pattern with the consistency

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and precision needed to separate themselves from the field and secure the Masters Non Pro Championship. Designed specifically for Non Pro competitors age 50 and older, the Masters division has become an important part of the Adequan® NAAC lineup, showcasing riders who continue to compete at a high level and chase championship titles. For Murfin-Moxley and Mega Mag, their trip to Oklahoma City ended at the top of the leaderboard, adding an Adequan® NAAC Masters Non Pro Championship to their list of accomplishments.

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2025 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships NOVICE HORSE NON PRO L1, YOUTH 14-18 Mann in the Mirror and Madison Rafacz Pedigree: (FM Cottonwood x Mizz Freeze Frame) Owner: Shannon Rafacz Breeder: Alexandro Remierez Novice Horse Non Pro L1 Score: 215 Youth 14-18 Score: 217.5 Novice Horse Non Pro L1: $708 Youth 14-18: $142

Leading up to the derby, talented young rider Madison Rafacz had a choice to make: Focus on just the NAACs, or show in the Derby as well? “I felt good going into the show, we decided to not show him in the actual Derby and stuck to the ancillary classes I had qualified for and it paid off,” she said. As “Icon” was purchased by her mother, and an esteemed rider herself, Shannon Rafacaz, when

he was just a yearling, the two share a deep familiarity that helps them score big on show day. “I think my runs went well. It’s a long and hot horse show and he showed up for me every time and super fun to show,” she said. “I would like to thank my parents for everything they for me, I could not do any of this if it wasn’t for every detail they help me with. I’d also like to thank Adequan and the sponsors of the NAAC classes.”

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO L2 Bringdaddysmoney and Tiffany Leoanrd Pedigree: (Gunners Tinseltown x Great Star Cielo) Owner: Leonard Truck and Trailer, Inc. Breeder: Karen Shedlauskas Score: 214.5 Novice Horse Non Pro L2: $1,527

On one of the largest stages in all of reining, Tiffany Leonard and Bringdaddysmoney didn’t flinch, as the duo took home the Novice Horse Non Pro L2 title after this year’s NAACs were rescheduled to take place during the NRHA Derby®. Leonard began showing “Miley” in 2025 upon recommendation from her trainer, Jesse Gentile, and was optimistic heading into the Derby®. “I was excited going into the show. Jesse has worked hard with Miley to make sure that we have figured out the best preparation for her to keep her happy and willing. She doesn’t take a lot of riding and loves her job, so I knew we were well prepared for the event,” she said. SEPTEMBER 2026

Leonard noted the duo had been working on their turn leading up to the Derby, and their hard work paid off. “Even after a long week in that heat, she was still happy to do her job and gave me her all. We have been working on her turns, and she turned the best she ever has for me. The rest was just fun,” she said. Leonard would like to thank her husband, Clint, “who always makes sure [she has] the nicest horses and the best coaching,” Jesse and Stephanie Gentile, her boys Cash and Cord who keep their farm operational when they’re away at shows, and all the sponsors big and small who allow Leonard to keep doing what she loves.

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“I JUST WENT IN WANTING TO ENJOY IT... IT’S ALWAYS A BLESSING TO GET TO SHOW THIS HORSE, AND I’M SO PROUD OF HER.” UNBEETABLE FEED INTERMEDIATE NON PRO SHOWDOWN Angelina Widmoser and Spooks Golden Tune Pedigree: (Spooks Gotta Whiz x HA Lenas Tune) Owner: Real Cool Ventures, LLC Breeder: Gary Putman Score: 211.5 NAAC Intermediate Non Pro Co-Champion: $3,750

Angelina Widmoser has had “Chanel” since the mare was two and they’ve been the best of partners ever since. Widmoser, of Fairview, Texas, rides Chanel herself, and the mare has proven to be a consistent show horse. Prior to this event, the duo won the NRHA Limited Non Pro World title, and the OKRHA Intermediate Open and Limited Open year-end awards in 2025. Widmoser and Chanel showed twice the day of the Intermediate Non Pro Showdown, so she planned to take on this class without stressing. “I just went in wanting to enjoy it,” Widmoser said.

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The duo put in a strong performance, leading to a score of 211.5 to be named co-champion, and taking home $3,750. “It’s always a blessing to get to show this horse, and I’m so proud of her,” Widmoser said. “I was showing her in both the Open and the Non Pro, so I was super happy with her performance.” This was Widmoser’s first big check, and winning it on Chanel was extra special. She thanks Chanel and her family for helping her win. “I’m so grateful,” Widmoser said. “I ride her myself, so getting to watch all of our hard work pay off means that much more.”

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“I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE WELL FUN TO DO WELL ENOUGH TO HAVE MY PICTURE TAKEN IN THE BIG RING. HE MADE THAT DREAM COME TRUE.” UNBEETABLE FEEDS INTERMEDIATE NON PRO SHOWDOWN Magnum Starlight and Jenny Booth Pedigree: (Magnum Chic Dream x FS Lenas Starlight) Owner: Jenny Booth Breeder: Richard Vernon Score: 211.5 Intermediate Non Pro Co-Champion: $3,750

Jenny Booth’s introduction to reining came through Magnum Starlight three years ago. “Peanut’s” greatest strength is his heart, and she says if he doesn’t understand something, he trusts her enough to try it. The gelding had been turned out for a year and a half prior to competing in this show, so the pair eased back into fitness and the show ring. “He seems happy to be back,” Booth said. Although riding three horses in the same class, in the heat, was tough, Booth and Peanut were on their game. Attributing any problems to “pilot error,” Booth said Peanut ran well, starting with the three stops in the middle.

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“I focused on making the turns clean, as I had struggled earlier in the week,” Booth said. “His circles were good, with his pilot asking for the slowdowns early. He did as I asked! His last stop was great, and he knew he had done well.” Their 211.5 clinched a tie with Angelina Widmoser, and the $3,750 prize. She’s thankful for the team that made the win possible: her husband Patrick, CR Performance horses and Corey and Whitney Rogers. And most of all, Peanut. “He was a superstar,” Booth said. “I thought it would be well fun to do well enough to have my picture taken in the big ring. He made that dream come true.”

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“IT TOOK ME A LOT OF TIME, A LOT OF LESSONS AND A LOT OF SMALL SHOWS GETTING USED TO USING MY LEGS IN THE SHOW PEN. QUESO WAS GOOD FOR THE WHOLE PROCESS.”

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR & ROOKIE LEVEL 2 (TIE) Big Cheese and Carter Downey Pedigree: (Magnum Chic Dream x Dun Its Heidi) Owner: Megan Douthit-Downey Rookie of the Year: $500 Rookie Level 2: $154

When Carter Downey first started riding Big Cheese, his legs barely went past the saddle pad. In fact, “Queso” was the only horse that he had tried that didn’t seem to be bothered by the short stirrups and the short rider. “I was barely five foot tall, and most of the horses we tried had never had a saddle that small on them,” Downey said. Two years and a foot of growth later, the pair slid into the NAAC Rookie of the Year championship, after qualifying in Lincoln, Nebraska. The duo tied for the Rookie Level 2 Championship with a 216 ½, a feat that required Downey to immerse himself in riding technique

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following his growth spurt. “I’m 6-foot-one now, so I had to relearn how to ride Queso using my legs instead of my hands,” said Downey. In fact, Downey had to request extra-long fenders be added to his two NAAC trophy saddles. It was a small but meaningful reminder of how much the 14-year-old has grown since his feet barely reached past the saddle pad—and a pretty cool reward for a ride that almost didn’t happen. “It took me a lot of time, a lot of lessons and a lot of small shows getting used to using my legs in the show pen. Queso was good for the whole process,” he added.

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“SHE’S VERY HONEST IN THE PEN, SO GENERALLY IF SOMETHING DOESN’T GO RIGHT, IT’S BECAUSE I DIDN’T TELL HER TO DO IT RIGHT, BUT WE HAD A REALLY GOOD RUN.”

ROOKIE PRIME TIME & ROOKIE LEVEL 2 (TIE) Nevver Outta Style and Teresa Roller Pedigree: (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Do It Different) Owner: Teresa Roller Breeder: Cathy Kolsun Score: 216.5 Rookie Prime Time: $126 Rookie Level 2: $154

Saving the best for last, Teresa Roller says she felt her ride in the NAAC Rookie Prime Time and Rookie Level 2 was the best she’s ever had in her 10 years of showing reiners. “She did everything I asked her to do and we were right on point with everything,” said the native of Amarillo, Texas. “She’s very honest in the pen, so generally if something doesn’t go right, it’s because I didn’t tell her to do it right, but we had a really good run.” Roller has been riding the 7-year-old Spooks Gotta Whiz mare for almost three years and has been working with NRHA Professional Luke Gagnon for 10 years. “Luke is very patient with me and is always working with me on what I can improve on each time,” she said.

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Roller, who purchased Nevver Out of Style from Bobby Avila, is thankful for how she works with the horse, and everyone who’s helped her reining journey take shape. “We are just the perfect fit, and I have to thank Bobby for working with me all day, when we went to buy her, to make sure we fit together well,” she said. “Luke has been remarkable with me and with my horse. He really is a wonderful trainer, and it goes beyond just his training and coaching.” Roller appreciates every chance she gets to ride and show. “Every show is a learning experience,” she said. “Sometimes when you have those disappointing runs, and I’ve had those, but they make me better.”

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“THIS WILL PROBABLY BE MY LAST YEAR FOR ROOKIE, SO MY GOAL WAS TO MAKE THE SHOOTOUT. I PREPARED FOR IT, AND IT WORKED OUT IN MY FAVOR.” UNBEETABLE FEEDS ROOKIE 1 AND 2 SHOWDOWN No Solution Required and Valerie Fites Sturgeon Pedigree: (Snip O Lution x Icing Required) Owner: Valerie Fites Sturgeon Breeder: Toyon Ranch Score: 214 Rookie of the Year Level 1 Showdown: $5,000 NAAC Rookie Level 2 Showdown: $5,000

Valerie Fites Sturgeon and 4-year-old gelding No Solution Required (“Ted”) won the Rookie of the Year Showdown Level 1 and NAAC Rookie Level 2 for a total of $10,000. “This will probably be my last year for Rookie, so my goal was to make the shootout. I prepared for it, and it worked out in my favor,” said the Beloit, Ohio, preschool teacher who shows under Florida trainers Mark and Shannon Rafacz. “I just bought this horse before NRBC in April, so I hadn’t ridden him a whole lot. This was my first big show to really show him.” Sturgeon says running in for Pattern 10 under the famed Gateway of Champions in the new OG&E Coliseum arena was an unforgettable experience.

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“It was nerve-wracking going into that new big arena, being the first time in that pen and then having to run through the Gateway of Champions. It was quite the experience of going into the bright lights and doing well,” she said. “The last two years have been a rollercoaster—I was in a really bad car accident and laid up for five months, and then I had a knee replacement in December. It’s all worth it when you can enjoy your horses and do well.” She thanked Mark and Shannon Rafacz, her family, Gina Maria Schumacher and Iain Bethke who raised, trained and sold Ted to Sturgeon, and the sponsors and NRHA for their support of the class and flexibility with rescheduling the NAAC.

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“HE IS LITERALLY THE HORSE VERSION OF ME (FUNNY, GOOFY BUT ALWAYS READY TO GET TO WORK), WE GET ALONG SO WELL, AND I THINK THAT WE ARE SUCH A GREAT TEAM, AND I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.”

YOUTH 13-UNDER Flinn Your Dreams and Reese Brien Pedigree: (In Like Flinn x Way to Dream) Owner: Sheley Brien Breeder: Rowena Reid Score: 212 Youth 13-Under: $122

There are riders who are familiar with their horses, and then there’s Reese Brien and Flinn Your Dreams. Brien has—quite literally—grown up on “Georgie,” recalling the first time she rode him when she was a mere two years old. “He is literally the horse version of me (funny, goofy but always ready to get to work), we get along so well, and I think that we are such a great team, and I love him so much.” And that familiarity paid off on show day. “I felt we did a great job, me and Georgie had a really clean run and we fixed the areas from runs earlier in the week. He is really fun in every maneuver but I would say my favorite is stopping. I know when he is running he will always stop,”

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Brien, the VP of the AZRHA Youth Group, said. Brien and Flinn your Dreams scored a 212, which was enough for the Youth 13-Under title. “I would like to thank my mom for getting me into reining when I was very young (now we are competing together in the derbies and I love it), I would like to thank my dad for always teaching me to never give up no matter the circumstances, I would like to thank my coach Ashley Kelkenburg for always teaching me and helping me throughout these years and her assistant Cory Hutchins, and lastly I would like to thank most my horse, Georgie, no word can describe how much I appreciate him, he is the best horse ever and I look forward to more years with him,” Brien said.

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Why I Rein

Triumph and Tragedy The Warren family navigated highs and lows over the last year with their mare reaching the Million Dollar Dam status, while their son, Garrett, battled cancer By Sarah Prather

or Devin and Jolene Warren, Gunna Be Custom (Colonels Smoking Gun x Custom Made Dunit) reaching the Million Dollar Dam milestone is a dream years in the making. The achievement represents decades of hard work and relationships with clients who became family; relationships that would prove invaluable when the Warrens needed their community most, during their son’s battle with cancer. “The reining industry has brought in so many

great friends into our life that we could have never dreamed of,” Jolene said. “There are many people who have been so amazing to us.” Long before Gunna Be Custom became one of the industry’s elite producers, their breeding program began with a $500 mare and a dream. “We had just started buying and selling,” Devin said. “We sold that mare and her foal to lease another—we constantly were building and moving forward.”

↑ The Warren Family on horseback. Photo courtesy of the Warren family.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

Why I Rein

↑ Garret at the 2025 Low Roller Reining Classic. Photo by Elizabeth Knight.

Reining led Devin to work for trainer Troy Heikes, and then later venturing out on his own. Nearly three decades later, Devin and Jolene have built a successful training and breeding operation in Franktown, CO. One decision changed the trajectory of their program forever. Gunna Be Custom came up sore as a 2-year-old, with X-rays revealing fractures in her hock. The injury inadvertently ended her show career and put her in the broodmare band. When there was an opportunity to purchase a mare, the Warrens had their choice between several proven producers with offspring earnings already on the books. Jolene, however, had a gut feeling that Gunna Be Custom was the right choice. “A lot of people thought we were crazy for not choosing one that already had offspring with earnings,” Jolene said. “From the beginning I felt a draw to her. I really feel like it was a God thing for me to pick her.” At the time, Devin wasn’t convinced. “I scratched my head a lot,” he admitted. “We had a mare that had already produced over $100,000, and my wife wanted this one—her oldest

SEPTEMBER 2026

foal had barely turned two.” However, over the years Jolene’s instincts proved to be right. For Jolene, the decision had less to do with pedigrees and earnings and more to do with the mare herself. “She has the mind, and is always willing, kind, and easy,” Jolene said. “I think people get caught up in the papers before actually looking at the animal and their characteristics as an individual.” The mare they chose became the cornerstone of a breeding program that has produced top performers. For the Warrens, Gunna Be Custom’s greatest gift extends beyond the show pen. “We’ve had opportunities to sell her, but we felt like she was a gift that we got for a reason,” Jolene said. “She has continued to bless us in ways we never could have imagined.” The offspring of Gunna Be Custom became a blessing for Garrett as well, a blessing in disguise the Warrens could not have predicted when they first purchased the mare. Garrett looked forward to days off from treatment when he would go to Andrea Fappani’s to visit two full siblings there, Do You Havethe Dream, and Bigg Dreamz.

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Why I Rein

“God has definitely blessed us, but in the last 18 months there have been incredible ups and downs,” Devin said. “The whole time we’re celebrating “William” [Customize My Dream] winning the derby, and the mare going over the Million Dollar mark, we’re fighting my son’s cancer.” Garrett loved the horses and the people who came with them. Friends remember him as someone who could make anyone feel like they’d known him for years. Despite his diagnosis, the talented horseman refused to let cancer take away his place in the reining community. “It was very special that Garrett rode William into the arena for the award ceremony after Casey Deary won the NRHA Derby® in July 2025,” Jolene said. “That is a memory we will cherish forever.” Garrett planned to show at his first NRBC despite the nurses advising against it. Garrett went on to qualify for the Level 1 Non Pro finals. “He went from Green Reiner to Non Pro in a year and a half,” Devin said. “He only started riding two and a half years before that.” His determination and selflessness for helping others were inspirational to everyone who knew him. “He was always telling the boys, ‘Don’t weaken.’” As the Warrens fought alongside their son, the reining community stepped in to fight with them. Clients and employees of Warren Performance Horses rallied around the family. “Since March 2025, when Garrett was diagnosed, even until today, employees have stepped up to help us in the office, and the breeding program—even our middle son, Gavin, helped with training when Devin was with Garrett at doctor appointments,” Jolene said. The Warrens believe the relationships they built through Gunna Be Custom and her offspring’s success became a lifeline when their family needed it most. “We are a part of the horse industry because of the love for the horse, but it’s also about the community,” she said. “The outpouring of support we received for our son is a huge part of why we rein, and love being a part of this community.” More than 400 people gathered to celebrate Garrett’s life, a testament to the impact he made in his short time. “Garrett was an incredible person,” Devin said.

88 | NRHA REINER

“He had the kind of personality where you felt like you had known him forever.” Today, the Warrens’ perspective on why they rein has shifted. The awards matter but they no longer sit at the center of what drives them. “Many clients and employees were more like family to Garrett, and that close bond will continue on, even in Garrett’s passing,” Devin said. For the Warrens it simply isn’t about Million Dollar Mares or championship titles, at the heart of it all sits family, horses that shape lives, and people who show up when life is at its hardest. ■

↑ Garrett’s memorial service, with his brothers and an empty saddle between them. Photo courtesy of the Warren family.

“THE OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT WE RECEIVED FOR OUR SON IS A HUGE PART OF WHY WE REIN, AND LOVE BEING A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY.”

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Corporate Partner Spotlight

A Tradition You Can Ride In For nearly 40 years, Anderson Bean has paired Texas bootmaking tradition with reiner-driven innovation to create honest, hardworking boots—without shortcuts By NRHA Corporate Partner Anderson Bean

nderson Bean was founded in 1989 with one goal in mind: create high-quality, all-leather cowboy boots with the same integrity as their parent brand, Rios of Mercedes, at a more accessible price point. Since then, they have spent nearly 40 years growing into a brand that blends tradition with style, offering unique designs for individual retailers and a wide variety of set styles for men, women, and children. All Anderson Bean boots are handcrafted in Mercedes, Texas. In an age where USA-made products are becoming increasingly uncommon, their commitment to American-sourced materials and not taking shortcuts instills Texas-sized pride. Trainor Evans, co-founder of Anderson Bean, stepped into the boot-making world in 1973, when he was invited by his stepfather to move to South Texas and help him run the Rios of Mercedes factory. Together, they started a separate factory in Mexico, specializing in intricate top-stitching that, at the time, could only be done by hand. The factory was so successful that in 1975, they were able to afford to buy the Rios of Mercedes factory.

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They continued to build the company through the 70s, but began to realize that the market for high-end boots like Rios was limited. By the 1980s, cowboy boots had become a fashion staple. Companies overspent in order to keep up with the demand. As a result, they either folded or sold out. Evans and his team had done the opposite; they had saved every penny they ever made. This allowed them to start Anderson Bean in 1989, right when the market needed it. “We did it because we were careful,” recounted Evans, “not because we were brilliant, and we had that advantage.” Their mission was uncomplicated: create a Made-in-Texas boot that was built on the knowledge and expertise of decades of bootmaking, but streamline the process so that it could be done more affordably. They wanted to make boots that a working cowboy could rely on and offer them to him at a price he could afford. They started by partnering with trusted retailers and building AB boots under these retailers’ private labels. It didn’t take long, however, for Anderson Bean to become a recognized label of its own. SEPTEMBER 2026

Corporate Partner Spotlight

Evans and his wife, Karen, have been married for over 50 years. Their daughter, Jode, and son Clayton are also a part of the company, and in 1999, Evans’ son-in-law, Ryan Vaughan, joined the business. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to us,” Evans recalled. Ryan built out a production team and established a marketing team that took the company to new heights. “We’ve been blessed to have been put out there in front of the crowd,” he adds, “and have been very well treated in the market.” “We want to be able to say that we are the best in that market,” Vaughan said. “What we do is extremely hard, but we are creating, building and employing. Building the very best boot we can at a specific price point is what my challenge was and continues to be.” Anderson Bean really began to gain attention when they found a niche in the reining world. “The professionals are the style setters,” Evans said. “They want a careful, specific look, and they give us clear guidance.” Reiners are considered the real test, serving not only as a great platform to show off the product, but also as a proving ground for new styles. A major catalyst for the brand was when AB boots started getting endorsed and promoted by the NRHA. “The people that know good boots spend most of their time in the saddle with their boots in the stirrup,” Evans noted. “It turned into a really good deal for us. It was a good fit, and a good partnership.” NRHA became instrumental in the company’s product development too, most notably when it came to the sole of a boot. “A leather sole is by far the best you can put on a cowboy boot,” explained Evans, “but we found that when you repeatedly get your boots wet washing horses and cleaning stalls, the sole gives up the tannins you put into it. The leather soles did not last as long or wear as well.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

This feedback pushed them to work with reiners to engineer new soles. The most successful of these soles has been the hybrid sole, made of traditional leather but with a natural rubber insert across the ball of the foot. This improvement allows for longer wear and quicker break-in time. Although open to innovation like the hybrid sole, AB boots are rooted in traditional construction. These boots are built to last a lifetime, and that demands a level of care and precision that can only be achieved the oldfashioned way… by doing it all by hand. Anderson Bean keeps their approach simple, guided by their motto, “We value the tradition of Texas bootmaking, and we build our boots honestly – without any shortcuts or factory tricks.” The commitment to quality runs deep, from the construction details you never see to the bold styles you can’t miss. While other companies might neglect what’s hidden inside, the folks at Anderson Bean believe those unseen details matter just as much as the ones that catch your eye. At their factory in Mercedes, Texas, bootmaking isn’t just a process; it’s an art. Over 170 years of combined expertise go into a pair of boots. Every pair passes through the skilled hands of dedicated craftspeople, each playing a unique role in bringing Anderson Bean boots to life. Every detail reflects the individual behind it. At Anderson Bean, it’s not just that the boots are handmade, it’s about whose hands are making them.

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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Million Dollar Milestones

A Top Shelf Stallion With a Hall of Fame pedigree, Dun It for Whizkey crosses the Million Dollar Sire milestone, with a legacy worth raising a glass to By Megan Arszman

lways bet the gray. It’s not just a saying for horse racing. A gray will bring some flash to the arena, and that’s exactly what Dun It For Whizkey did when he slid into the Futurity arena. He capped a remarkable 3-year-old campaign, winning the Tulsa Reining Classic and Congress Futurities before claiming the 2016 NRHA Open Futurity® Co-Reserve Championship. But it wasn’t his looks that earned the checks and accolades. It was his strength and tenacity under the saddle, paired with his partnership with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Franco Bertolani. Dun It For Whizkey is the product of two legendary Hall of Fame bloodlines. By Topsail Whiz and out of the Hollywood Dun It daughter, Dun It For Chex, he was born on Joao Marcos’ Cardinal Hill Training Center in 2013.

↑ Franco Bertolani and Dun it for Whizkey captured the 2016 Tulsa Reining Classic Futurity Open together. Photo by Waltenberry.

↑ Hailing from legendary bloodlines (Topsail Whiz x Hollywood Dun It), it’s no surprise Dun it for Whizkey crossed the Million Dollar Sire threshold. Photo by Cam Essick Photography. 100 | NRHA REINER

“When he was born on my ranch, I knew he was going to be something special,” Marcos. recalled. “He was a very special horse when he was competing, and he’s a very special horse now that he’s a sire.” Bertolani was just beginning to make his mark on the American reining scene when he took the reins of Dun It For Whizkey for Marcos. The pairing would help establish both horse and rider as names to watch. “Franco was just starting in the States when he was riding him,” Marcos said. “He’ll tell you that his favorite to ride has been Whizkey.” SEPTEMBER 2026

Million Dollar Milestones

“When I started riding him his two-year-old year, he showed me right away that he could learn fast and that he has a lot of power,” said Bertolani. “He was an easy horse to train. But he was an even easier horse to show because he was just on every time. His stamina and power was incredible–you could show him three times in three days and his last stop would be just as powerful as his first.” That consistency carried Dun It For Whizkey well beyond his Futurity year. Throughout a successful aged-event career that included appearances at The Run For The Million and FEI events, he amassed more than $257,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings. His own success had already made an impression, but Whizkey’s greatest opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the industry was just getting started.

Serving Worldwide Following his successful Futurity year, Dun It For Whizkey began his stallion career in 2017, while continuing to win in the arena. With Marcos’ international connections helping expand his reach, “Whizkey” foals began to arrive not only in the United States, but in Brazil, Mexico, Europe, and beyond. “I have so many breeders from all over the world such as Panama, Brazil,” said Marcos. “They all love their foals. I never have people say to me, ‘I have a good Whizkey.’ They all come up to me and say, ‘I have a fantastic Whizkey.’ ‘I have a wonderful Whizkey.’” Like any recognizable top-shelf label, Whizkey has developed a signature of his own. His offspring often carry enough of their sire’s look and characteristics that breeders have come to recognize a “Whizkey baby.”

↑ Bertolani and Dun It for Whizkey have been riding topgether for a decade. Photo by Waltenberry.

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Million Dollar Milestones

“So many of them look like Whizkey. He crosses well with any mare, he’s so easy to deliver a good cross,” Marcos said. “I can’t tell you there’s one particular bloodline he crosses with—he crosses well with any mare.” Just eight foal crops into his breeding career, that consistency has translated into a major milestone: Dun It For Whizkey’s offspring have now earned more than $1 million in NRHA competition. And for Marcos, the first million feels more like a beginning than a finish line. “It’s crazy,” said Marcos. “He’ll be Two, Three …

multiple millions very soon! And it’s all because of the remarkable breeders, owners, and trainers worldwide. “Everything about Whizkey is special. Earning the co-reserve championship at the NRHA Futurity was one of the greatest moments of my life. I want to say thank you to Franco. He’s now riding babies by Whizkey. And thank you to the NRHA for the opportunity to do what we’re doing. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to export internationally more. Thanks to Mr. Billy Smith and Mr. Gary Carpenter, we can grow and we can have more breedings all across the world.” ■

Dun It for Whizkey’s topearning offspring include: ■ Dun It For Whiz (Indians Gunalena) — $180,431 NRHA LTE. Owned by Casey Deary, bred and nominated by Calvin Burger. ■ Silver Whizkey Shot (Wind Her Up Chic) — $69,175 NRHA LTE. Owned by CS Ranch LLC, bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC. ■ Whizkey And Gun (Pretty Miss Smokegun) — $52,784 NRHA LTE. Owned by Barbara Leitner, bred and nominated by Irmgard Brendgens. ■ Diamond Handz (Princess N Pearls) — $42,291 NRHA LTE. Owned by Macie Clare Johnson bred by Mark Smith and nominated (U.S. and Europe) by Jeanette Shirley. ■ Whizkey Solo (Chic Olena Shine) — $38,307 NRHA LTE. Owned by Elena Sgarra, bred and nominated (U.S. and Europe) by Quarter Dream SRL.

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↑ According to João Marcos, Dun It for Whizkey “crosses well with any mare.” Photo by Cam Essick Photography.

SEPTEMBER 2026

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North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

Raising the Stakes The North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity, hosted by the Southeastern Reining Horse Association in Williamston, North Carolina, brought together some of the nation’s best reiners to battle it out on the big stage By Sarah Prather | Photography courtesy of Traci Davenport

LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 4 OPEN DERBY CHAMPIONS Bringdaddysmoney and Jesse Gentile Pedigree: 2019 M (Gunners Tinseltown x Great Star Cielo) Owner: Leonard Truck and Trailer Inc. Breeder: Karen Shedlauskas Score: 225 Level 4 Open Derby: $13,401 Level 3 Open Derby: $8,899

“I’ve had her since she was a 4-year-old. She was a little bit behind and a little bit inexperienced when I first got her. She has chugged along and gotten better and better over the years.” “She ran in and stopped really well and turned really clean. I had a feeling she would be good the rest of the run. That is a pretty telling part of that mare—when she starts the turn clean and then fires, at least to me because I’ve shown her so much, it is a good indication she is ready. After that, it was like a big exhale. The rest of the run was just

108 | NRHA REINER

fun. She is definitely more of a push-type horse, but I was able to put my hand down and say, ‘Let’s see how fast we can make her go.’ “A big thank you to my wife. She is the driver behind the wheel, and keeps me in the right frame of mind when I can get a bit rattled if things aren’t going well. I really want to thank the owners, Clint and Tiffany Leonard. They have supported me, trusted me to prepare her, and trusted the process. They’ve been really great clients and have given me a lot of opportunities.”

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North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity LEVEL 4 OPEN DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Americassecretweapon

[Magnum Chic Dream x Americasnextgunmodel]

Cade McCutcheon

Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC

Arcese Quarter Horses USA

224.5

$9,905

Shine OH Shine

[Shine Chic Shine x Miz Whizconsin]

Robin Schoeller

Ruoff Dietter Reining Horses, Inc.

Ruoff-Dietter 224 Reining Horses, Inc.

$6,992

Rollout The Red Carp

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Shining N Sassy]

Cade McCutcheon

Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC , Ricardo Wagner de Andrade Filho

Alpha Quarter Horses LLC

221.5

$4,661

Pale Faced Yankee

[Pale Face Dunnit x Cashin Yankee Chex]

Jesse Gentile

Bill Maxwell

Nicole Fuller

221.5

$4,661

Conspiracy Theory 66

[Inferno Sixty Six x Mizzens Little Step]

Brian Bell

Candice Davis

Reign Quarter Horses LLC

221.5

$4,661

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Shine OH Shine

[Shine Chic Shine x Miz Whizconsin]

Robin Schoeller

Ruoff Dietter Reining Horses, Inc.

224

$5,417

Pale Faced Yankee

[Pale Face Dunnit x Cashin Yankee Chex]

Jesse Gentile

Bill Maxwell

Nicole Fuller

221.5

$4,063

Ima Magnum Survivor

[Magnum Chic Dream x Golden Survivor]

Josiane Gauthier

PlayMoney Partners LLC

Deana Nell

220.5

$3,482

Vincent Van Whoa

[Spooks Gotta Gun x FM Master Tag Chex]

Bobby Avila, Jr.

Linda Marie Hartsock

Kim Adamic

219.5

$3,095

LEVEL 3 OPEN DERBY RANK

LEVEL 2 OPEN DERBY CHAMPION Josiane Gauthier and Ima Magnum Survivor Pedigree: 2019G (Magnum Chic Dream x Golden Survivor) Owner: PlayMoney Partners, LLC Breeder: Deana Nell Score: 220.5 Level 2 Derby: $5,105

LEVEL 2 OPEN DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Vincent Van Whoa

[Spooks Gotta Gun x FM Master Tag Chex]

Bobby Avila, Jr.

Linda Marie Hartsock

Kim Adamic

219.5

$3,108

Shiner On My Eye

[Shiners Voodoo Dr x Flashy Lil Step]

Kyle Shaw

Robert Santagata

Empire Ranch

218.5

$2,164

Gotta Get The Chex

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Snip O Chex]

Shannon Rafacz

Marjorie Sugarman

Judy Box

218.5

$2,164

CSG Beforetherain

[Colonels Shining Gun x Dun After The Rain]

Justin Michels

White River Ag Products Inc

Katarzyna Roleska

217

$1,776

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 109

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY CO-CHAMPION MCG Eat My Dust and Deon Locke Pedigree: 2021 M (SG Frozen Enterprize x Downunder Diva) Owner: McGee Farms Breeder: McGee Farms Score: 215.5 Level 1 Open Derby: $2,879

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY CO-CHAMPION Johnny Blaze x Romain Ampe Pedigree: 2021 G (Colonels Shining Gun x Duallyshowsdiamonds) Owner: Matt Murphy Breeder: Matt Murphy Score: 215.5 Level 1 Open Derby: $2,878

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Whizout A Question

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dontquestionthischic]

Marie-Eve Bellemare

Equine Plus

Dawn Camp

213

$1,471

SLS Hells Fury

[Inferno Sixty Six x Nu Chex Star]

Sammy Simmons

Slide or Die LLC

213

$1,471

TR Platinum Blonde

[Platinum Vintage x Redhot Walla]

Austin Morris

Emily Schiavi

Tamarack Ranch LLC

212.5

$1,087

TR Hell Of A Year

[Inferno Sixty Six x Whizzen For Chex]

Mark Rafacz

Sofia Roberts

Tamarack Ranch LLC

212.5

$1,087

SHOWN BY AN DREA FAPPAN I

GUN N E RS SMOKI N CH EX

LTE $215,548

proud partn e rs of th e n rha

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 4 NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION Stop Like Voodoo and Madison Rafacz Pedigree: 2019 G (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Got My Own Dream) Owner: Shannon Rafacz, Citra, FL Breeder: Redhead Reining LLC, Tulsa, OK Score: 223.5 Level 4 Non Pro Derby: $11,268

“We sent Sonny home after the derby while my dad and I went to the American Paint Horse World Show. While he was home, my mom, Shannon Rafacz, rode him—which she never does—and schooled him in the paid warm-up at NARS. She told me, ‘Be brave. You don’t have anything to lose.’ That’s exactly what I did. It was a little scary, but it paid off. I was disappointed with how my run went at the NRHA Derby®, so I scratched from the Youth Derby finals to focus on preparing him for the NARS Derby.

He is 7-years-old so he isn’t fresh by any means, but compared to the NRHA Derby®, I showed with a lot more confidence, and he felt like he was really with me. At one point, my reins felt so long in my circles that I was hoping he wouldn’t step on them. Showing in Williamston is very nostalgic for me. I showed in that arena a lot growing up. People don’t realize how big that arena is, and when things go well, it’s a really fun place to show. I always enjoy competing there, it was great to be back.”

LEVEL 4 NON PRO DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

SLJ Shine

[Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner]

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

Shine Like Juice Inc.

220.5

$6,859

Waiting For Tonite

[Gunners Special Nite x Jlosa]

Mandy McCutcheon

Tom & Mandy McCutcheon

Tom McCutcheon

220

$5,144

Smoking Hot Voodoo

[No Smoking Required x Xtra Voodoo Sinbar]

Kristen Avila

219

$4,409

Hollywood Voodoo Dr

[Shiners Voodoo Dr x Hermosa Wimpy]

Carin Valcich

Silver Spurs Equine

218.5

$3,919

LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 2 NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION SLJ Shine x Jose Vazquez Pedigree: 2019 S (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner) Owner: Smart Like Juice, Inc. Breeder: Smart Like Juice Inc. Score: 220.5 Level 3 Non Pro Derby: $6,186 Level 2 Non Pro Derby: $5,499

112 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 3 NON PRO DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Smoking Hot Voodoo

[No Smoking Required x Xtra Voodoo Sinbar]

Kristen Avila

219

$4,035

Hollywood Voodoo Dr

[Shiners Voodoo Dr x Hermosa Wimpy]

Carin Valcich

Silver Spurs Equine

218.5

$2,824

Dreamin Of Agoodtime

[Magnum Chic Dream x Lil Ruf Showgirl]

Paige Vernon

White River Ag Products Inc

Richard Vernon

218

$2,421

SS Coolhand Luke

[SG Frozen Enterprize x Cremes Chic Olena]

Sydney Adler

Silver Spurs Equine

216

$1,883

In It To Flinn It

[In Like Flinn x Who Dat Hot Chic]

Courtney Sustaire

Neiberger Performance 216 Horses, LLC

$1,883

Magnum Survivor

[Magnum Chic Dream x Gunning To Survive]

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

Deana Nell

216

$1,883

LEVEL 2 NON PRO DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Hollywood Voodoo Dr

[Shiners Voodoo Dr x Hermosa Wimpy]

Carin Valcich

Silver Spurs Equine

218.5

$3,347

Dreamin Of Agoodtime

[Magnum Chic Dream x Lil Ruf Showgirl]

Paige Vernon

White River Ag Products Inc

Richard Vernon

218

$2,510

SS Coolhand Luke

[SG Frozen Enterprize x Cremes Chic Olena]

Sydney Adler

Silver Spurs Equine

216

$1,913

In It To Flinn It

[In Like Flinn x Who Dat Hot Chic]

Courtney Sustaire

Neiberger Performance Horses, LLC

216

$1,913

Magnum Survivor

[Magnum Chic Dream x Gunning To Survive]

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

Deana Nell

216

$1,913

LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY CO-CHAMPION SS Coolhand Luke x Sydney Adler Pedigree: 2021 G (SG Frozen Enterprize x Cremes Chic Olena) Owner: Sydney Adler Breeder: Silver Spurs Equine Score: 216 Level 1 Non Pro Derby: $2,809

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 113

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY CO-CHAMPION In It To Flinn It and Courtney Leigh Sustaire Pedigree: 2019 G (In Like Flinn x Who Dat Hot Chic) Owner: Courtney Leigh Sustaire Breeder: Neiberger Performance Horses LLC Score: 216 Level 1 Non Pro Derby: $2,809

LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Olivia Cardi

Paulo Francisco Tripoloni

215.5

$1,595

[Colonels Shining Gun x Wimps Eye Candy]

Olivia Cardi

Sally Tipton

214

$1,367

[Inferno 66 x Jeans N Reeboks]

Kyndall Peeples

Creekside Stables

213.5

$1,215

[Whiz N Tag Chex x Whiz A War Machine Whiz A Machine Gun]

CC Gun Show

Haala At Ya Girl

RIDER

LEVEL 4 OPEN FUTURITY CO-CHAMPION Gunna Run It In Red and Cade McCutcheon Pedigree: 2023 S (Gunnatrashya x Got My Own Dream) Owner: Redhead Reining LLC Breeder: Redhead Reining LLC Score: 220 Level 4 Open Futurity: $9,270

“He is just a steady Eddie horse, and is the same every day—you know what you’re going to get. That’s what he was when I showed him too, a consistent, good horse. “I felt like he had a good chance to win at that show. It was a good spot for him because of where he is mentally this early in the year.” “During the run, it all flowed together pretty easily. I don’t recall any spots where I was nervous about his ability to show. He felt like he was with me the whole time, and it came together. He was as

114 | NRHA REINER

good as I could have hoped for the first time in.” “He was pretty easy to prepare for the futurity. He doesn’t have a lot of moving parts, which makes it easy to put everything together to show. That makes him the right kind for the early futurities.” “I like going out to that show. They do a really good job of running it, and there is good money added to be won. Overall, it’s a great horse show.” “I do want to thank the owner, Tami Sloan of Redhead Reining, for giving me the opportunity to show him.”

SEPTEMBER 2026

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 4 OPEN FUTURITY CO-CHAMPION, LEVEL 3 OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION Smokin Enterprise and Brandon Brant Pedigree: 2023 S (Colonels Shining Gun x Wallys Enterprise) Owner: David Schlabach Breeder: David Schlabach Score: 220 Level 4 Open Futurity: $9,270 Level 3 Open Futurity: $7,155 “I had a lot of confidence on that horse. I knew when I turned the corner he was going to stop. It’s the same with his turns—if I could get him to step forward and get his feet moving he was going to turn well. Overall, I was confident with him. Maneuvers are not difficult for him, it’s just a matter of getting him out in front of me. In the show pen, he felt exactly how he does outside. The NARS futurity is early enough, it’s a great place to put a test run on the 3-year-olds with

added pressure. You don’t have to ask them for all they have, but it is a big pen, the ground is good, and it’s a great place to show. Everyone who puts the show on does a great job. There are a few people I want to thank. The owner, David Schlabach, bred the stallion, and has been a longtime client of mine. They have a great breeding program, and are a great family. I want to thank Marina Fox for the great job she did starting him. I also want to thank my team for all their help.”

LEVEL 4 OPEN FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Spook Got Cash

Spooks Gotta Whiz x Voodoo Autumn

Dany Pelletier

Gene Minton

218

$5,261

SR Gold Fashioned

Spooks Gotta Whiz x Mobstop

Jesse John Chase

Kathryn Smoke

Shenandoah Ranch

217

$4,259

Crush In The Bar

PS Mega Shine Chic x Chic In The Bar

Robin Schoeller

Ruoff Dietter Reining Horses, Inc.

Adh-Mor Ranch

217

$4,259

LEVEL 3 OPEN FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Spook Got Cash

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Voodoo Autumn]

Dany Pelletier

Gene Minton

218

$4,355

SR Gold Fashioned

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Mobstop]

Jesse John Chase

Kathryn Smoke

Shenandoah Ranch

217

$3,033

Crush In The Bar

[PS Mega Shine Chic x Chic In The Bar]

Robin Schoeller

Ruoff Dietter Adh-Mor Reining Horses, Inc. Ranch

217

$3,033

Sippinonflinn Njuice

[In Like Flinn x Dainty Little Spook]

Brandon Brant

Sydney Adler

216.5

$2,489

SEPTEMBER 2026

Sydney Adler

NRHA REINER | 115

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION Spook Got Cash and Danny Pelletier Pedigree: 2023 S (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Voodoo Autumn) Owner: Gene Minton Breeder: Gene Minton Score: 218 Level 2 Open Futurity: $3,856 Level 1 Open Futurity: $1,948

LEVEL 2 OPEN FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

SR Gold Fashioned

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Mobstop]

Jesse John Chase

Kathryn Smoke

Shenandoah Ranch

217

$2,348

MCG Slow Ride

[Lil Joe Cash x Tricked Out Pony]

Deon Locke

McGee Farms LLC

215

$1,635

Americasnextspark

[Americasnexttopgunx Getaway Spark]

Shelby Guthrie

Jaide Elizabeth Friese

Bunkey Latimer

215

$1,635

Italian Ice

[SG Frozen Enterprize x Lil Meericle Whiz]

Taylor Davis

Musacci Performance Horses

214

$1,342

LEVEL 1 OPEN FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

MCG Slow Ride

[Lil Joe Cash x Tricked Out Pony]

Deon Locke

McGee Farms LLC

215

$1,559

Everlasting Magic

[Inferno Sixty Six x Xtra All Thats Magic]

Liam Sykes

Catherine Crandon

211.5

$1,014

Joes Gun Control

[Lil Joe Cash x Gunnersspecialsister]

Palmer Barnett

Creekside Stables

Piedras Quarter Horses

208.5

$779

Lumbre

[Inferno Sixty Six x Waltzing Spook]

Deon Locke

Nicole Ellis

M Christina Riley

207.5

$701

116 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 3 AND LEVEL 4 NON PRO FUTURITY CHAMPION Gotta Be A Voodoo and Kristen Avila Pedigree: 2023 S (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Xtra Voodoo Sinbar) Owner: Kristen Avila Breeder: Kristen Avila Score: 214.5 Level 4 Non Pro Futurity: $7,750 Level 3 Non Pro Futurity: $3,551

“I selected him out of our babies when he was born—even over a full sister to him. They look like twins, both buckskin with a bald face. He was my pick, and fortunately he has turned out well so far. The plan was to cruise through setting us up for the futurities later this fall. I did exactly what the plan called for, winning us the futurity, so I am excited for what the future holds for him. We thought it would be a great show to take the 3-year-olds to early in the season, giving them plenty of time to rest before Tulsa. I wanted to make

sure we went to an early futurity, giving us time to get back, make sure he’s rested and sound, and gear up for the futurity in September. I didn’t want to push him beyond what he’s willing to give and what he’s willing to do. ‘Mork’ is one of those super talented dream horses that is so easy to get along with. He just wants to be good and is really smooth. He is an amazing horse. I certainly want to thank Bobby for the amazing job he’s done training Mork and for letting me show him.”

LEVEL 4 NON PRO FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Helluva Good Tyme

[A Sparkling Vintage x Voodoo Chic]

Sarah Anne McKibben

Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC

214

$5,580

Specially Genuine

[Gunners Special Nite x Genuinely Jo]

Lexi McCutcheon

Cade McCutcheon

Pond Hill Performance Horses

213

$3,255

The Reall Slim Shady

[Walla Walla Whiz x Vintage Glamour]

Madison Rafacz

213

$3,255

Downshift

[Shift N Gears x In Ur Wildest Dreams]

Jessicah Keller

Hilldale Farm

213

$3,255

Hilldale Farm

LEVEL 3 NON PRO FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Spend A Lil

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dream In Gold]

Wayne Mizelle

Scott Equine LLC

213.5

$2,557

Specially Genuine

[Gunners Special Nite x Genuinely Jo]

Lexi McCutcheon

Cade McCutcheon

Pond Hill Performance Horses

213

$1,847

Gunners Gotta Spark

[Spooks Gotta Spark x Gunners Specialdream]

Kristen Avila

212

$1,420

Onee And Onlee

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Wimpys All Jacked Up]

Carin Valcich

Equine Equities LLC

Equine Equities, Inc

209

$1,101

Jersey Number 66

[Inferno Sixty Six x Dunnitinmyjersey]

Kyndall Peeples

Creekside Stables

Kim Marconi

209

$1,101

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 117

North America Reining Stakes East Coast Derby & Futurity

LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 NON PRO FUTURITY CHAMPION Spend a Lil x Wayne Mizelle Pedigree: 2023 M (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dream in Gold) Owner: Wayne Mizelle Breeder: Score: 213.5 Level 2 Non Pro Futurity: $1,884 Level 2 Non Pro Futurity: $960

LEVEL 2 NON PRO FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Onee And Onlee

[Spooks Gotta Whiz x Wimpys All Jacked Up]

Carin Valcich

Equine Equities LLC

Equine Equities, Inc

209

$1,093

Jersey Number 66

[Inferno Sixty Six x Dunnitinmyjersey]

Kyndall Peeples

Creekside Stables

Kim Marconi

209

$1,093

Flinn It To Win It

[In Like Flinn x TW Cracklin Rosie]

Alain Lorenzo

Brash Ranch

208.5

$716

Roses LIL Gun

[Haidas Lil Gun x Wimpys Lil Rosebud]

Rachel Wells

Haseleu Quarter Horses

207

$565

Guncrush

[PS Mega Shine Chic x Ill Be Gun]

Josephine Dammers

Josette Brideau Josette Brideau

207

$565

LEVEL 1 NON PRO FUTURITY RANK

HORSE

PEDIGREE

RIDER

OWNER

BREEDER

SCORE

EARNINGS

Jersey Number 66

[Inferno Sixty Six x Dunnitinmyjersey]

Kyndall Peeples

Creekside Stables

Kim Marconi

209

$768

Flinn It To Win It

[In Like Flinn x TW Cracklin Rosie]

Alain Lorenzo

Brash Ranch

208.5

$499

Roses LIL Gun

[Haidas Lil Gun x Rachel Wells Wimpys Lil Rosebud]

Rachel Wells

Haseleu Quarter Horses

207

$365

GunCrush

[Ps Mega Shine Chic x I’ll Be Gun]

Josette Brideau

207

$365

118 | NRHA REINER

Josephine Dammers

SEPTEMBER 2026

THE VALUE OF A STALLION ISN’T JUST IN HIS PEDIGREE.

North Reining Stakes East Coast Derby and Futurity

Because breeders aren’t just choosing genetics anymore. They’re choosing opportunity.

$1.5 MILLION+ Paid in 2026

5,600+

Nominated Offspring

360+

Subscribed Stallions

MORE COMING IN 2027!

GIVE EVERY ELIGIBLE FOAL AN ADVANTAGE. SUBSCRIBE YOUR STALLION NOW! Visit nrcha.com/nrcha-incentive-program/ to submit your Stallion Subscribions due November 15 Foal Nominations due December 31

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 119

NRHA Top 25

Top 25 in NRHA

RHA’s Top 20 program was designed as a way to highlight the talent of the association’s top riders and owners each year. These leaders in the reining industry serve as ambassadors for the sport, both in and out of the show pen. The following 25 NRHA Professionals, non pros, and owners are leading the standings for the Top 20 race in 2026, based on event results entered in ReinerSuite as of August 14. Earnings f rom Category 13 are not included in these rankings.

TOP 25 PROFESSIONALS

TOP 25 NON PROS

RANK

EARNINGS

RANK

NAME

TOP 25 OWNERS

NAME

EARNINGS

RANK

NAME

EARNINGS

Andrea Fappani

$282,700

Madison Rafacz

$7,627

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$164,079

Cade McCutcheon

$176,574

Angelina Widmoser

$4,961

Coin Toss LLC

$125,252

Casey L. Deary

$156,946

Cameron Halliwell

$4,318

Alpha Quarter Horses, LLC

$113,907

Luca Fappani

$148,381

Jessicah Keller

$4,079

Bosque Ranch

$113,642

Fernando Salgado

$146,324

Guillermo Armendariz

$4,048

Kole Price

$145,558

Rhonas Thomson

$2,902

Bernard Fonck

$134,825

Jake Dahl

$2,779

Manuel Cortesi

$126,015

Jose Vazquez

$2,600

Craig Schmersal

$120,633

Calla Thomas

$2,418

Sebastiano Valtorta

$118,852

Oz Daniel

$2,387

Arno Honstetter

$113,586

Luiz Marques

$2,359

12 13 14

Rigoberto Suarez Dany Tremblay Kaci O'Rourke

$112,140 $105,282 $103,648

12 13 14

Abby Mills Brogan Marie Hill Taylor Roeder

$2,342 $2,076 $1,918

Ruben Vandorp

$100,059

Marilou Paradis

$1,891

Franco Bertolani

$90,739

Emanuel Gebert

$1,634

Matt Mills

$85,403

Shea Graham

$1,447

Nico Sicuro

$85,251

Payton Montgomery Baar

$1,378

Jesse Gentile

$81,650

Becca Schaffhauser

$1,375

Samuel Flarida

$80,646

Douglas Alexandre Villa

$1,343

21 22 23

Matyas Gobert Mirko Midili Jason Vanlandingham

$73,788 $73,013 $71,459

21 22 23

Laura Buckland Peter Ettinger Fabio De Iulio

$1,333 $1,295 $1,286

Brandon Brant

$71,162

Rocco Toscani

$1,263

Nicole Renick Johnson

$68,678

Marcin Czyz

$977

120 | NRHA REINER

Performance Horses LLC

Smith Ranch

$112,909

Courtney Morgan

$111,856

Peter A Morgan

$111,856

Diamond Creek Ranch

$105,785

Vaughn Zimmerman

$103,739

Vargo Quarter Horses LLC

$101,572

Diego Dalla Gassa

$100,000

Mandy McCutcheon

$98,549

Tom McCutcheon

$98,549

Thiago Boechat

$98,152

Stefano Scotti

$97,535

Piergiuseppe Guidetti

$96,551

Janice Laney

$95,453

Alois Kompatscher

$91,731

CS Ranch LLC

$90,869

Laurie Hauck

$81,108

Leonard Truck & Trailer, Inc

$80,860

Quarter Dream SRL

$79,947

AT Reining Dream

$79,839

Cade McCutcheon

$79,543

Janice Dickson

$79,117

SEPTEMBER 2026

Art Sale Weekend SEPTEMBER 25 – 26 On exhibit September 12 – October 18, 2026 Showcasing the best in Saddlemaking, Bit & Spur Making, Silversmithing and Rawhide Braiding

RESERVATI ONS & PROXY SERVIC E thecowboy.org/tcaa Gabe Williams, Saddle, Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale 2026

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 121

NRHA Top 10

Top 10 in NRHA

o qualify for the year-end NRHa standings, horses must have earned money in their respective class in at least seven NRHA-approved shows that count toward Top 10 standings by Dec. 31. Those who have reached the threshold are highlighted below. The competition season runs Jan. 1-Dec. 31 each year. For earnings to count, a minimum of three horses must be shown in each class (excluding Youth). Earnings are awarded to the horse in the Open, and to a one horse/one rider combination in the Non Pro and Youth. The following unofficial Top 10 standings include earnings recorded in ReinerSuite as of August 19.

OPEN RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Spooks Gotta Ice

Gabriel Borges

Kathy Page

$40,844

Perfect On Ice

Casey Deary

Amy Medows

$29,155

Smoking Trash

Francesco Martinotti

Enj@y LLC

$21,754

Smoky Mountain Rein

Martin Muehlstaetter

Rancho Oso Rio LLC

$21,754

All Guns On Crush

Dany Tremblay

Fred Tremblay

$20,894

Voodoo Flo Jo

Gabriel Borges

Dean Raichel

$19,657

Dust Off Ya Gunns

Peter DeFreitas

Double Run Farm

$16,870

Outta Yur League

Cade McCutcheon

Theorem Performance Horses LLC $14,207

Vintage Chex

Luca Fappani

Barbara Phillips

$14,155

Jason Vanlandingham

Vaughn Zimmerman, Robert Santagata

$14,155

GPB Smokinvintagegun

INTERMEDIATE OPEN RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Xtra Needs A Drink

David Hanson

Anne Driscoll

$6,825

Johnny Blaze

Romain Ampe

Matt Murphy

$4,836

A Maracana

Ennzo Perrella

Bradleann Willis

$4,099

Who Whiz Brandon

Shane Brown

Presley Timmerman

$3,092

Walla Goes Electric

Jordan Brechbill

Holly Bray

$2,989

This Flinn Shines

Dany Pelletier

Martha Coutinho

$2,850

Spooks Gotta Whey

Patryk Peszke

Bernice Engel

$2,436

Hard To Forgett

Torri Sims

Jennifer Gilliam

$2,265

Reloaded Gun

Axel Pesek

$1,988

Whiz Blu Sky

Torri Sims

Shelah Kell

$1,941

122 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA Top 10

LIMITED OPEN RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Walla Goes Electric

Jordan Brechbill

Holly Bray

$2,240

Who Whiz Brandon

Shane Brown

Presley Timmerman

$1,692

$871

Chrome Shootin Lady

Cole Sutton

David McBurney, Michaela Jonnie Ralston

Sheza Stoppin Chic

Austin Jewell

Sara Schramm

$849

Cosmic Vintage

Shane Albrecht

Stephanie Mendonca

$727

Hang On Im Juiced

Darby Mailhot

$705

Dreamy Chic Magnet

Kain Emmons

Nancy Kucer

$675

Renda Gunna Shine

Randy Wilson

Warnimont Performance Horses

$654

Gunnerspecialspark

Wim Vervecken

Joep Kempen

$616

A Lil Voodoo For You

Ruben Cuevas

Ricardo Arreola

$614

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

ROOKIE PROFESSIONAL RANK

HORSE

Gata Ruf Snapper

Riley Brown

Denise Santagata

$1,166

Chic N Marzalla

Kada Tillman

Donald Burgy

$955

Gunnin For A Jersey

Kristen Marrow

Alexandra Rowlands

$614

SLS Hells Fury

Sammy Simmons

$537

SS Go Big Or Go Home

Fabian Alvarado

Paula Martinez

$525

Amped Up Whiz

Reece Borgia

Patty Henry

$521

Gunna Make You Proud

Dylan Jordan; Brady Finneran

David Bushee

$516

Just Call Me Mabel

Jordyn Maloy

Gage Holmes

$506

Hellofagoodtime

Leonardo Rosicarelli

James Pirtle

$496

Ruffly Spooking Off

Leon Jongsma

Joke Fennema

$463

NON PRO RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Its All About Ruf

Taylor Zimmerman

$7,220

Xtra Ice Ice Wimpy

Jenna Kellmer

$6,350

Bring The Thunder

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$3,836

Pale Light

Allison Thorson

Thorsport

$3,385

U Can Doo It

Kevin Ball

$3,319

Stop Like Voodoo

Madison Rafacz

Shannon Rafacz

$3,214

Lil Gun Again

Guillermo Armendariz

$2,937

Afrostyliteone

Aldo Ramon

Aldo Ramon, Rancho El Fortin

$2,922

Guns And Juice

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$2,843

FE Gunner Juice Too

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$2,820

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 123

NRHA Top 10

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Waitin On A Diamond

Naudia Gilliam

Loren Booth

$4,849

Gotta Like Juice

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$4,465

Nite Like Shiner

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$2,990

Huckleberry Flin

Katrina Mueller

$2,647

RFR Voodoos Fuego

Adrienne Speidel

MaryBeth & Tim Ruckman

$2,218

Electric Genetics

Brooklyn Hocking

Lorinda Soma

$2,206

SLJ Voodoo Juice

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$1,902

Cruzin Magnum Style

Sarah Cotton

$1,887

Bring The Thunder

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$1,822

Crystal Tejano Chic

Michael Hancock

$1,764

LIMITED NON PRO RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Cruzin Magnum Style

Sarah Cotton

$1,639

Spooks Betty Boop

Robin Filbry

$1,459

Huckleberry Flin

Katrina Mueller

$1,354

Smoke Dun Gunnit

Olivia Thompson

Sherry Thompson

$1,299

Modern Chic Dream

Addison Welman

Ava Welman

$989

Magnum Sixx Shooter

Addison Sawyer

Wayne Mizelle

$953

Dunit With Voodoo

Devan Kittle

$847

Voo Doo Happens Here

Kathy Van Horne

$762

Chocolate Chic Whiz

James Rice Jr

$761

New Leader

Shalawn Gerratt

$752

PT NON PRO RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Gotta Like Juice

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$2,331

New Leader

Shalawn Gerratt

$1,968

Nite Like Shiner

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$1,650

MCG Just Dig

David McGee

McGee Farms, LLC

$1,385

Alpha Coronalastchic

Glen Roach

Kathleen Roach

$1,339

Crystal Tejano Chic

Michael Hancock

$1,296

Little Tommy Magnum

Lucinda Human

$1,289

Recoil

Christopher Hicks

Darlene Deptula-Hicks

$1,241

Chocolate Chic Whiz

James Rice Jr

$1,204

TR Tailor Made

Kjersten Davis

$998

124 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA Top 10

MASTERS NON PRO RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Gotta Like Juice

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$2,282

New Leader

Shalawn Gerratt

$1,756

Nite Like Shiner

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$1,620

MCG Just Dig

David McGee

McGee Farms, LLC

$1,416

Custom Spook Whiz

Jeff Sizelove

Jeff & Janet Sizelove

$1,268

Chocolate Chic Whiz

James Rice Jr

$1,172

Crystal Tejano Chic

Michael Hancock

$1,122

Recoil

Christopher Hicks

Darlene Deptula-Hicks

$1,077

Alpha Coronalastchic

Glen Roach

Kathleen Roach

$1,064

Little Tommy Magnum

Lucinda Human

$1,026

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 1 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

GPB Smart Voodoo

Matthew McDowell

Vicki Or Dennis Turin

$4,734

SS Tite Fittin Jeans

Fernando Salgado

Empire Ranch (TX)

$3,233

Icecreampaintjob

Gabe Davide

Jake Cagle

$2,867

Blazing In Glory

Bud Lyon

Carlton & Khris Crowe

$2,292

Tinseltowns Magnumpi

Joseph Sutherland

Black Rock Ranch, LLC

$1,875

Chicsdigthisbigstar

Daniel Schloemer

Brenda Wood

$1,858

A Maracana

Fernando Salgado

Bradleann Willis

$1,835

HF Tag Ur It

Michael Boyle

Tiffany Peterson

$1,762

Whizardof Tinseltown

Thomas Hoyt

Megan Davison

$1,676

CS Sunlight N Guns

Dany Pelletier

Nancy Buchheimer

$1,598

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 2 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Face The Voodoo

Matt McAuslan

Full Circle Ranch, LLC

$4,176

Top Down On 66

Michael Boyle

Jodie Brixey

$2,367

TR Gorgeousness

Devin Warren

Garth Hystad

$2,117

Blazing In Glory

Bud Lyon

Carlton & Khris Crowe

$2,011

Icecreampaintjob

Gabe Davide

Jake Cagle

$1,809

Spooks Big Chex

Daphne Foran

Loren Booth

$1,775

SRM Blue Thunder

Matt Mills

Savannah Mize

$1,698

SS R U Ready For It

Jordan Brechbill

Holly Bray

$1,695

Pale Faced Yankee

Jesse Gentile

Bill Maxwell

$1,630

Lil Whiz Jewel

Luke Gagnon; Kari Anna Klingenberg

Luke Gagnon

$1,592

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 125

NRHA Top 10

NOVICE HORSE OPEN LEVEL 3 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Face The Voodoo

Matt McAuslan

Full Circle Ranch, LLC

$4,010

Gold Chex Dreams

Devin Warren

$2,252

Top Down On 66

Michael Boyle

Jodie Brixey

$2,180

TR Gorgeousness

Devin Warren

Garth Hystad

$2,086

Icecreampaintjob

Gabe Davide

Jake Cagle

$1,755

Spooks Big Chex

Daphne Foran; Lena Maas

Loren Booth

$1,539

Diggininthestarlight

Jackson Porath

Connie Jo Thompson

$1,518

CS Sunlight N Guns

Dany Pelletier

Nancy Buchheimer

$1,470

Lil Whiz Jewel

Luke Gagnon; Kari Anna Klingenberg

Luke Gagnon

$1,420

SS R U Ready For It

Jordan Brechbill

Holly Bray

$1,321

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO LEVEL 1 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

Tha Real Mccoy

Nici Hanson

$5,528

Good As Hell

Libby Metz

$2,824

Kurb Appeal

Mark Hurd

$2,690

SS Bewitched

Ric Keele

$2,582

The Tulsa King

Luis Blanco

Empire Ranch (TX)

$2,234

Gotta Be Glamorous

Kristen Avila

$2,201

CR Dances With Stars

Audry Henning

$1,943

Dunit Country Smart

Karie Tucker

$1,757

Gunnamakacomeback

Chad Hartmann

$1,641

Chromed Out Night

Charles Stinner

$1,516

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO LEVEL 2 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Hard To Forgett

Jennifer Gilliam

$4,194

Tha Real Mccoy

Nici Hanson

$3,737

Huckleberry Flin

Katrina Mueller

$2,697

Cash In Your Dreams

McKenna Sparrow

$2,234

Cruzin Magnum Style

Sarah Cotton

$1,962

Va Nilla Icce

Hailey Bird

Christopher Bird

$1,826

Kurb Appeal

Mark Hurd

$1,794

Baybrightside

Matthew Liggins

$1,690

Nite Like Shiner

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$1,641

Gotta Be Glamorous

Kristen Avila

$1,556

126 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA Top 10

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO LEVEL 3 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Douvoodoolikeido

Charlee Mabey

Mabey Family Ranch

$4,208

Tha Real Mccoy

Nici Hanson

$3,376

Hard To Forgett

Jennifer Gilliam

$2,367

Baybrightside

Matthew Liggins

$1,628

Shining Inlike Flinn

Lori Bowkett

$1,476

Nite Like Shiner

Jose Vazquez

Smart Like Juice Inc.

$1,437

Huckleberry Flin

Katrina Mueller

$1,402

LC Still Smokin Em

Denise Dunlap

$1,309

Gotta Be Glamorous

Kristen Avila

$1,271

Cruzin Magnum Style

Sarah Cotton

$1,215

YOUTH 13 & UNDER RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Colonels Lil Cash

Ayla Charles

Gail Tomasic

$120

Electric Jersey

Charli Timmerman

$102

Starring Me

Katherine Timmerman

$83

A Star Is Dun

Katherine Timmerman

$77

Game Nite

Mae Sikyta

Leslie Sikyta

$61

Whizkeys Hot Jewel

Evelynn Smith

$55

Quik Little Chromeo

Mae Sikyta

Leslie Sikyta

$51

Spook Messenger

Victoria Mcclure

$49

Electric Ebony Spook

Kathryn Smith

Our Way Farms LLC

$48

Spooks Gotta Boom

Bryndle Sveen

$47

YOUTH 14-18 RANK

HORSE

RIDER(S)

OWNER

EARNINGS

# OF SHOWS

Dunit With Voodoo

Devan Kittle

$148

Lil Short On Cash

Devan Kittle

$104

Mr Walla

Blair Kuehl

$85

Chex Out My Tinsel

Presley Timmerman

$77

Sumac Vintage Tag

Farrah Weldon

Ashley Weldon

$69

Whizsoul

Maggie Meadows

$67

Spooks Gotta Rock

Olivia Thompson

Sherry Thompson

$65

Parkinwithslicwillie

Sophia Arcuri

$65

Frosty Freckls

Olivia Stallings

Bundy Lane

$64

Bulletproof Shiner

Heidi Flint

$61

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 127

ANDERSON BEAN | THE OFFICIAL BOOT OF THE NRHA 128 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 129

THANK YOU

PARTNERS! TITLE PARTNERS

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Join the NRHA Family! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christy Landwehr at clandwehr@nrha.com or (405)946-7400 x 122. 130 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

RANCH PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 131

Dates to Remember September 1-15 Electronic Voting Open Voting opens online at noon for five American directors (one seat each for the Northeast, Northwest, East Central, South Central, and North Central regions). For more information, contact Christa Morris-Stone at cmorris@nrha.com

September 8

Since 1984

Upcoming Show

NRHA Markel Futurity Sale Consignment Deadline for more information visit nrha.com/sales or contact sales@nrha.com

October 1 Deadline for partner/sponsors for Futurity amenities for more information contact Christy Landwehr at clandwehr@nrha.com

Final Foals R Us NRHA Futurity® payment & rider designation due

October 5-7 International Judges School (Japan) Contact Patti Carter at pcarter@nrha.com for more information

October 28-November 1

Oct 5-11, 2026

Southwest Affiliate Regional Championships, Derbies & Futurities More Added Money Two slates of Ancillary Last show to qualify for NAAC Join us! More Exhibitor raffles for fabulous prizes!

NRHA European Derby

Purchase Saddle raffle tickets for the drawing to be held at BOTW!

(Lyon, France) for more information visit nrhaeuropeanderby.com

October 30-November 1

Earn points toward Year End awards and your chance to win a custom Bob’s Saddle at the Banquet!

Judges School (Oklahoma City, OK) Contact Patti Carter at pcarter@nrha.com for more information

Trainers Directory

November 23-December 5

Ben Balow

Foals R Us NRHA Futurity® and Adequan® NAAC

Ph: 602-989-2098 4100 Reining Horse Rd, Skull Valley, AZ balowtraining@gmail.com

November 26

Tucker Clark

RHF Thanksgiving Buffet (Oklahoma City, OK) Advance ticket purchase is recommended. For more information visit nrhafuturity.com/events

Ph: 520-273-8230 2035 N Conestoga Ave, Tucson, AZ tucker270@aol.com

Jim Greendyk

December 2

Ph: 623-225-4846 30644 N 156th St, Scottsdale www.jimgreendykhorses.com www.reiningmasterclass.com

Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch (Oklahoma City, OK) The public is invited to make reservations. For more information

Adam Hendrickson

Ph: 303-834-0000 15828 E Jomax Road, Scottsdale, AZ hph1776@yahoo.com FB:/adam.hendrickson.606134

visit reiningfoundation.com/sno

December 3

Martin Muehlstaetter

NRHA Markel Futurity Sales For more information visit nrha.com/sales or email sales@nrha.com

Ph: 480-686-2919 27101 N 148th St, Scottsdale muehlstaetter@aol.com FB: /muehlstaetterperformancehorses

Marco Ricotta

Ph: 940-206-2561 15419 E Rio Verde Dr, Scottsdale ricottaperformancehorses@gmail.com www.ricottaperformacehorses.com

NRHA Affiliate Championship Schedule September 1-6 Western Canada

September 10-13 Southeast

September 10-13 Northeast

September 24-27 Mountain

October 3-10

Northwest (Nampa, ID)

October 5-11 Southwest

October 9-11 North Central (Lincoln, NE)

Linde Von Koeding

Ph: 940-445-7629 30515 N 144th St, Scottsdale lindevk89@gmail.com IG: lvkperformance

www.AZRHA.com

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 133

134 | NRHA REINER

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 135

Advertiser Index

American Hat Company

Anderson Bean

128

Arcese Quarter Horses

IFC, 3

Arizona Reining Horse Association

133

Capitol Ranch Real Estate

Cassell Equine Insurance

118

Cinch/ Miller International

15, 91

Clark Reining

66-69

Diamond Dub Quarter Horses

Elementa

Empire Ranch

138

Foals R US

13. DeFreitas Performa Performance Horses

Peter DeFreitas 1823 Quail Hill Rd. Whitesboro, TX 76273 Phone: 603-686-0073 Email: defreitasperformancehorses@gmail.com Training · Sales · Showing Located at Humphrey Quarter Horses

12, 13

Gangsta Sixty Six

Genetech

Golden Coins

Hart Trailer

106

Ixtul

103

JBJ Ranch

Markel

Morgan Reiners

Morton Buildings

104

MS Diamonds TX

IBC

Muehlstaetter Performance Horses

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

121

NCRHA

132

No Smoking Required

NRCHA

119

NTRA/ John Deere

Oklahoma Stud

129

Oswood Stallion Station

107

Platinum Performance

105

Priefert

Reining Horse Foundation

Reliance Invitro

84-85

Ron Anderson

Schmersal Reining Horses Silver Spurs Equine SWRHA

21 8, 9 134-135

Tami Nelson

Tim Anderson/ 21 Ranch

111

Toyon Ranch

136 | NRHA REINER

Tenda/ Thorsport

52-55, 90

Truax Investments

Visit OKC

SEPTEMBER 2026

Stallion Index

Stallion Index A Vintage Smoke

Mic Dropp

66-69

Americasnexttopgun 20

Modern Gun

Arc Gunnabeabigstar

Mr Montana Nic

Boom Shernic

No Smoking Required

Chic Dreamin

Pale Face Dunnit

Colonels Dancing Gun

Payaso Rojo Gunner

Electic Wind

Picture Perrfect

Electric Code

Platinum Vintage

Epic Titan

Ruf Lil Magnum

Gansta Sixty Six

13, 65

12 8 13, 47

13, 95

Sg Frozen Enterprise

Golden Coins

Shiners Voodoo Dr

Gunnabe Bigtime

Shining Spark

Gunnatrashya 3

Spooks Gotta Spark

12, 31

Headlinner 13

Spooks Grand Slam

Heart Stoppin

The Firemen

Hf Mobster

Tinker with Dreams

HS Marshal

Tinker With Guns

Ifwhizswereguns 8

Tricked Out Spook

Inferno Sixty Six

Whimpyneedsacocktail 8

Luckie Moonstone

Wimpys Littlecolonel

Magnums Custom Dream

Xtra New Pal Voodoo

SEPTEMBER 2026

NRHA REINER | 137

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