FEBRUARY 1, 2026
RICK CHRISTEN BECOMES MILLION DOLLAR OWNER
• NEW NRHA MILLIONAIRES
• TRFAM NEWS AND MORE!
RICK CHRISTEN BECOMES NRHA’S NEWEST MILLION DOLLAR OWNER
Rick Christen of Whitehouse, Ohio, has reached NRHA Million Dollar Owner status, a milestone built over years of steady involvement, competitive success, and a carefully developed ownership program. Along with his wife, Brenda, Christen co-owns Story Book Stables, an operation that has become a familiar name across the reining industry.
A 25-year NRHA member, Christen also brings nearly $500,000 in lifetime earnings as a Non Pro rider. That experience in the show pen has shaped an ownership program that has found success at every level, from Non Pro to Open competition.
Christen officially crossed the million-dollar mark following the 2025 NRHA Futurity®. Americasnexttopstory (Americasnexttopgun x Miss Mcdreamy), bred, nominated, and owned by Christen and ridden by Fabio Russo, earned $8,400 in the Open Level 2 and Level 3 and Level 2 Challenge. Americasnextsecret (Americasnexttopgun x Who Whiz Baby Blue), bred and nominated by Trent Harvey, owned by Christen, and shown by Venessa Strotmann, added $6,500 in the Open Level 1 and Level 1 Challenge.
The foundation of Christen’s program has been built around several influential mares whose impact has extended beyond their own
Press release photos provided by NRHA
REINING HORSE FOUNDATION MOBILIZES TO SUPPORT REINING COMMUNITY IMPACTED BY WINTER STORM
In response to the widespread winter storm Fern that caused significant hardship across several states, the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is positioned for its Crisis Fund to assist reining community members most severely impacted by weather-related emergencies.
From catastrophic barn damage and power loss to frozen water systems and unsafe conditions for horses, this winter disaster has tested the resilience of horse owners and facilities across multiple regions. The RHF Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund exists for moments exactly like this—when unexpected events place the welfare of horses and the stability of their owners at risk.
“The strength of the reining community has always been rooted in showing up for one another,” said RHF President Rick Clark. “The Crisis Fund allows us to respond thoughtfully when circumstances are beyond an individual’s control, ensuring that horses remain safe and owners are not left to shoulder these challenges alone.”
While the Foundation anticipates a significant number of requests, awards will be made within established parameters to ensure fairness,
accountability, and the ability to help as many people as possible.
RHF is encouraging members, supporters, and industry partners to contribute to the Crisis Fund as relief efforts roll out. Every donation— large or small—helps extend the Foundation’s reach and reinforces the collective commitment to NRHA members during times of crisis.
Funds raised by the Crisis Fund ensure that the Crisis Fund is ready to provide targeted, needsbased assistance to eligible applicants. Gifts help RHF stay ahead of the need, so no one has to be turned away due to lack of funds.
“This is not about replacing insurance or long-term rebuilding,” Clark added. “It’s about helping people bridge the gap during an emergency and helping owners ensure care and safety of horses and for our NRHA professionals—the continuation of business operations.”
Donations to the RHF Crisis Fund are taxdeductible as allowed by law and may be made online through the RHF website. Additional information regarding eligibility and application procedures will be announced as relief efforts
THE ETERNAL RIDE
JASON VANLANDINGHAM - NRHA FIVE MILLION DOLLAR RIDER
Jason Vanlandingham is one of the most respected riders in the reining industry. While his resume for the show pen is impressive, he’s also known for his faith and regularly fills in to share the Word of God during events.
Jason is a regular contributor to WorldWide Slide, and has been sharing a unique devotional each issue for more than four years.
Find prior episodes at WorldWideSlide.com
JUDGES SELECTED FOR THE QUALIFIER
AN ELITE PANEL OVERSEES THE FINAL CHANCE TO QUALIFY FOR THE RUN FOR A MILLION
The management team behind The Run For A Million has announced a highly accomplished and respected panel of judges for The Qualifier. The one-day competition is the final opportunity for riders to earn a place at TRFAM, scheduled for August 15, 2026, at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Qualifier will be held March 21 at Bosque Ranch and features $100,000 in added money. With no margin for error, competitors face a straightforward challenge: deliver under pressure or go home. Only nine riders will advance, earning the final positions in the 2026 The Run For A Million field.
Given the stakes, TRFAM management team prioritized experience, consistency, and credibility when selecting officials for this event. The judging panel chosen for The Qualifier represents more than a century of combined experience judging the most elite and important reinings in the world, along with more than $1 million in combined lifetime earnings in the National Reining Horse Association.
Not just another show, the Qualifier warrants a judging team that understands pressure, precision, and the level of performance required to succeed on the sport’s biggest stage. That means that each judge selected brings
extensive experience as a competitor and judge, ensuring the competition will be judged with fairness and consistency.
Judges for The Qualifier
• Donnie Bricker – Gainesville, Texas
• Ed “Hoot” Bricker – Evans City, Pennsylvania
• Dean Latimer – Marietta, Oklahoma
• Rick Weaver – Fairview, Pennsylvania
• Richard Pokluda – Whitesboro, Texas
• Equipment Judge - Don Flohr – Ada, Oklahoma
• Judges Monitor - Pat Wickenheiser –Agua Dulce, California
The Battle for the Final Nine
No frills. No extras. Just the toughest reiners on the planet battling for the final nine spots in the 2026 The Run For A Million. Every maneuver matters. Every decision counts. When the dust settles in Weatherford, only nine will move on to Las Vegas.
The road to the million runs through Bosque Ranch.
More information on The Qualifier is available at TheRunForAMillion.com/the-qualifier.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE QUALIFIER
The Qualifier is the final gateway to the 2026 The Run For A Million, determining the nine remaining competitors who will earn their place under the bright lights in Las Vegas this August.
The road to the Million runs through Bosque Ranch on March 21.
The current roster of the 2026 TRFAM contestants reads like a who’s who of reining.
Qualified so far:
to compete in 2026, bringing the number of qualifying positions this year to nine.
This is not a traditional horse show.
From the Equita Lyon Western Horse Show –Alessandro Frassa
From the Open Shootout at the 2025 The Run For A Million – Casey Deary, Andrea Fappani, Kole Price, Gina-Maria Schumacher, and Jason Vanlandingham
That leaves just nine remaining spots to be decided at The Qualifier.
In a typical year, The Qualifier advances ten riders. However, after an injury prevented Fernando Salgado from competing in 2025, event organizers made the decision to allow him
One day
High-stakes competition
No prelims, no safety net
No margin for error
We’re still finalizing details and will continue to share updates, but you can find everything you need to know about the Qualifier at TheRunForAMillion.com/the-qualifier
This is where the field is finalized. This is where the pressure peaks. This is The Qualifier.
VHH TRAINING TIP
SAM SMITH - SCHOOLING CIRCLES IN A SMALL PEN
Sam Smith is a NRHA judge and top professional rider, having shown such great horses as Hollywood White, Dox Lucky Starlite, Lil Ruff Peppy Chex, Miss Brim Star, Stun Gun, Good Time Whiz Girl, Chicsdundreamin, and Eyed Be A Royal Chic to just name a few.
He is also known for helping Non Pros achieve their goals in the show pen. When it comes either to competing in the professional arena of the reining horse industry or preparing a horse to help a Non Pro to do their personal best, Smith has over 30 years in the industry.
Watch the video provided by our partner, Virtual Horse Help, to hear Smith explain how to make the most of schooling your circles when you only have a small pen to work in.
