The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Markel Futurity Sales cast off the cold weather, attracting enthusiastic buyers to a crowded sale ring, with bidding reflecting a still-hot market for the sport. The 2022 sale featured 195 horses, up from 168 in 2021, racking up total ring sales of $5,520,900 and an average of $30,231 overall.
The sale kicked off at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds December 1 with the annual breakfast sponsored by Q Stallions, followed by the National Youth Reining Horse Association (NRHyA) Stallion Breeding auction, netting the group nearly $30,000 for its coffers. A breeding to Spooks Gotta Whiz, owned by Michelle Anne Kimball, was the high seller with a bid of $5,800 from Frank Shumate and Kelsie Beal.
Hip no. 250, Chex N The Trash, a 2021 palomino colt by Gunnatrashya and out of the Nu Chex To Cash mare, Snip O Chex, scored the highest overall selling price of the day when he sold for $130,000 in the Elite Yearling Sale. Consigned by Cooper Smith of Whitesboro, Texas, he sold to Anne Tournay of Belgium. The Elite Yearling Sale saw 72 horses presented to buyers, ringing up total sales of $2,985,500 with a ring average of nearly $41,000. Sixty-six head were sold for a total of $2,790,500, bringing a sold average of $42,280.
Bringing the top price in the Preferred Breeders Sale was Hip No 328, A Gal With A Gun. By Gunner and out Roxanne Winder by Docs Sidewinder, the 2006 bay mare was consigned by Shelli Ries and sold to Jim Pirtle of Florida for $110,000. The Preferred Breeders Sale showed an increase in consignments from 29 in 2021 to 47 in 2022, for total ring sales of $1,243,000 and an average of $26,447. Unofficially, 44 horses sold for $1,159,500, averaging $26,352.
In the Premier Sale, B&K Leasing gained the advantage over the buying field, placing a winning bid of $87,000 on Hip no. 405 Spooks Buckaroo. By Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Wanda On Line by Shine On Line, the 2021 dun colt was consigned by Deleu Ranch. A total of 63 horses brought a final figure of $1,390,300, for a ring average of $22,068, while 59 head sold for a total of $1,296,600, with a sold overage of $21,976.
In the Performance Horse Sale, which replaced the Prospect Sale, Gotta Turn It Up, another son of Spooks Gotta Whiz, brought the top price. A 2020 APHA/AQHA colt of Blazed Commander by Commanders Nic, the bay consigned by Alan and Allison Chappell captured a bid of $80,000 from buyer Donald Schanche. The Performance Horse Sale prices totaled $266,700 with an average of $24,245.
Prices and totals reflected above are unofficial. Final prices will be posted at nrha.com.
The Jim Norick Coliseum was rocking on Friday, Dec., for the Finals of the 2022 National Reining Horse Association CINCH Non Pro Futurity. The night was filled with all the emotions one could want in a finals, and the roar of the crowd indicated its approval.
CINCH Non Pro Level 4 Co-Champion, Levels 3, 2, & 1 Champion – William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom
William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom put on a show on Friday night in the Jim Norick Coliseum, marking a 222.5 to tie for the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Championship and take sole ownership of the wins in Levels 1, 2, and 3. All totaled, the pair won $119,895, with $5,994 going to nominator Alicia Rapp.
While Clutter was the man at the reins, he was adamant he wasn’t the only one in the arena.
“Kelle Smith and I have worked together all year, every day. I ride six days a week with Kelle and Sam,” Clutter said, speaking of two-time NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion Kelle Smith, who passed away earlier this week but not before qualifying for yet another Non Pro Finals. “Kelle told me all year long that we’re Team Smith and that if I stumbled, she would pick me up, and if she stumbled, I would help her up.”
He took a pause and collected his thoughts. “Tonight, we helped each other. There is no doubt that Kelle took care of me tonight. It wasn’t easy seeing her horse in the arena tonight during the memorial. She earned it, and she deserved that, so it meant the world to me to be there for Sam. This wasn’t about me. This was for my friends, Sam and Kelle,” he said. “I’m just honored to be the guy that got to go in there and do this for them.”
Clutter and the flashy mare, by Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Green Smokin Jacket, ran into the arena with authority.
“I wanted to get in that gate, and I wanted to let the judges know I came to play. This mare was a 21 in the first round, and I knew there was a little more in the tank, and I needed every bit of it. I also needed some luck and some help,” he said. “And I definitely had luck and help tonight.”
Clutter and his father, Jay, purchased Smokinintheboyzroom a year ago, the Sunday after the Open Futurity Finals, from Max Morin. “We watched her work for five minutes, and it was a no-brainer,” he recalled. “I think now she’s going to get a little time off to eat some grass, and we’re going to try to get some embryos out of her. Her heart is so big, and I know what she’s going to produce. We’ll get these babies and get her ready later on in the year, but right now, we’re just going take her home, pet on her, love on her, and get a couple babies.”
Clutter made sure to thank the people closest to him. “My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. I thank my wife, my kids…and, like I said, Sam and Kelle mean the world to me. She and Sam pushed me, and didn’t take any less. Also, Max did an awesome job with this mare as a two-year-old. He told me ‘You did amazing,’ but I said, ‘No, we did amazing. You put the first year on her. We finished her up and I got her shown. It was a team effort all the way.”
Tying for second in the Level 3 with scores of 220 were Indy Roper on Pretty Alrightt and Charles Wiederholt on Ima Magnum Survivor.
Roper and Pretty Alrightt, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire WImpys Little Step out of Justanother Dun It, also finished fourth in the Level 4 for total earnings of $44,593. Pretty Alrightt, owned by Tim Roper, was nominated by Lewisville Development, LP, who received $2,229 of the earnings.
Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Golden Survivor, also finished fourth in the Level 4 and won the Non Pro Prime Time for total earnings of $46,784, with $2,229 going to nominator Deana Nell.
Molly Morgenstern took the Level 2 Non Pro Reserve Championship on Aphrodites Gotvoodoo with a 217.5. The pair also finished just outside the top 10 in the Level 4 and fourth in the Level 3, for total earnings of $29,592. Aphrodites Gotvoodoo is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of One Might Aphrodite and was nominated by Double Run Farm, who was awarded $1,479.
There was another tie for Reserve, but this time in the Level 1, between Drew Collins and Chalyce Head, who both marked a 215.
Collins rode Miss Lil Joe, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash out of Custom Tag. Collins and the mare earned $11,918 thanks to additional placings in Levels 3 and 2. The mare was nominated by Darling 888 Ranch, who received $595.
Head teamed up with Whiz I Was A Walla, by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz out of My Tucker Surprize, to not only take the L1 reserve co-title but also place in Levels 2, 3, and 4. All totaled, the pair earned $18,088, with $904 going to nominator Jenna Kellmer.
CINCH Non Pro Futurity Level 4 Co-Champion – Gina Marie Schumacher and Gunnin For The Nite
Gina-Marie Schumacher captured her first NRHA Non-Pro Futurity Title Friday night, Dec. 2, during a high-energy CINC Non Pro Finals. Marking a 222.5, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Schumacher tied with William Clutter for the win. Schumacher earned $60,000 for the feat and an additional $28,707 on her other two horses.
“I just rode,” Schumacher said of Gunnin For The Night. “I didn’t want to push him too much because he decides what he wants to do. I was going to go with what he wanted to do.”
The night before the finals, Schumacher wasn’t pleased with how ‘Bucky’ rode. So, her expectations were up in the air as she ran down the alley in the Jim Norick Arena.
“I was thinking, ‘That [stop] was pretty good.’ And then after his first turn, I thought, ‘Well, that’s OK,’ and after the second turn, I thought, ‘Well, it’s over. I messed up; I’ll keep riding,’” Schumacher said.
Schumacher navigated through the pattern just as she had done on her other two horses, CS O Bingo (Snip O Lution x Bingo Juicy) and CS Face The Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Face Of A Gun Model), but a bobble in her second turn had her thinking she was out of it.
The judges thought otherwise – tying her with Clutter.
Gunnin For The Nite is a gelding bred and nominated by Toyon Ranch, who received a nominating check for $3,000. He’s owned by XCS Ranch LLC and sired by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Dun It Fri Dee Nite.
According to Schumacher, Gunnin For The Night is a special and opinionated horse that gets upset easily. If he gets riled up during a training session, Schumacher shelves training for the next day.
“He has his own way of doing things sometimes. He’s very special, he can get upset about little things you don’t expect a horse to get upset about. Like there is a guy taking out the trash across the arena,” Schumacher said.
Despite his idiosyncrasies, the colt, nicknamed Bucky, surely redeemed himself with a $60,000 check.
“I thank everybody. The whole crew – they’ve been working hard all year,” Schumacher said. “They’ve been exhausted, tired, and they just keep pushing. I thank Ian, my mom, and my dad.”
CINCH Non Pro Prime Time Futurity Champion – Charles Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor
The CINCH Non Pro Prime Time Futurity Championship went to Charles Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor with a score of 221.5. For the win, Wiederholt earned $2,190. The pair also won fourth in the Level 4, for total earnings of $46,784, with $2,229 going to breeder and nominator Deana Nell.
“I got him in August of his 2-year-old year, and he was a really green two-year-old. I gelded him and started training on him, and he’s trained up really well,” Weiderholt said. “He’s good in his mouth, and when they’re good in their mouth, it seems like they’re easy to train.”
Throughout the pattern, Wiederholt said Ima Magnum Survivor, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Golden Survivor, was with him every step of the way.
“I thank Dallas Cunningham and Brandon Freihait,” Wiederholt said.
CINCH Non Pro Youth Champion – Lane Colston and HA Chic
Lane Colston brought home the CINCH Non Pro Youth Championship on HA Chic with a score of 219.5, worth $1,316. The pair finished seventh in the Level 4 as well, worth an additional $19,023 in earnings. Breeder and nominator, Hills Akin Family Partnership, received $951.
“My trainer, Jake Ballard, said, ‘Just put your hand down and go show your horse. It’s either going to go well, or it’s not,’” Colston said.
HA Chic was with Colston every step of the way, loping off with his head down and letting Colston wrap his legs around him.
“My dad bought him as a yearling, and I told him I didn’t know why he bought him,” Colston recalled. “[Later] I told him, ‘I’m glad you bought him because he’s the best 3-year-old this year.’ He’s really talented, and he’s a great horse. When we started him, he was a bit smaller, but he’s growing to be a nice horse.”
HA Chic, owned by Lane’s father, Kevin, is sired by HF Mobster and out of HA Chic A Tune. The colt is a graduate of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales.
“I thank my parents and Jake Ballard, our trainer. And everyone else who has helped along the way,” Colston said.
The Adequan® Arena at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City has been bustling with activity all week as riders from across North America compete in the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. It was a full day of classes in the Adequan® Arena, with the remainder of the Rookie classes wrapping up Friday afternoon. Making the classes even more exciting was that the Top 10, plus ties, in both NAAC Rookie Levels 1 (Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year) and 2 earned a spot in Saturday’s Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown or Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Level 2 Showdown.
NAAC Rookie Level 2 Co-Champion – Cassandra Hacking and Shiners Hot Cash
At the age of 15, Cassandra Hacking is an entrepreneur, buying her own champions. On Dec. 1, Hacking and Shiners Hot Cash captured the NAAC Rookie and ancillary Level 2 Co-Championships with a 213.
“He taught me a lot because he was a little hot at first,” Hacking said. “He helped me because he went from a Level 4 rider to me. He taught me to be more patient and not depend on the horse. Because I had been babysat with my previous horses, and he helped me become more independent.”
Hacking funded the purchase of Shiners Hot Cash (Little Joe Cash x Shiners Hot Flash) by flipping ranch horses. She’d purchase horses, take new photos of them and market them to her network of buyers.
“Rick Keele helped me grow [my flipping business] and helped me learn the ropes, take good photos and advertise the horse for what it was,” Hacking said.
With a loan from her mother, Hacking purchased Shiners Hot Cash at the NRHA Futurity in 2021 when she was 14 years old. She paid her mother back in four months.
“I thank my entire barn, my past trainers, plus Franco [Bertolani], Gloria, and Giorgia,” Hacking said.
Hacking will be competing in the Bob’s Custom Saddle Rookie Showdown Saturday, Dec. 3.
NAAC Rookie Level 2 Co-Champion – Matthew Dooley and Magnifisent
Matthew Dooley and Magnifisent have only been working together for two months but have already found the winner’s circle together, marking a 213 in the NAAC Rookie Level 2. Owned by Misty Steinhauer, Magnifisent (Magnum Chic Dream x Heavenly Rooster) is a 6-year-old gelding that Dooley describes as “sweet and wants to be your buddy.”
“The run went pretty smooth. He was good,” Dooley said. “I was a little concerned because I’m so new with the horse. But he was right there with me the whole way, so I was happy.”
The gelding was bred by Chet Gregg and is owned by Steinhauer.
“I want to thank my parents, Randy and Jessica Dooley, the owner Missy Steinhauer for letting me show him, and everyone around me,” Dooley said.
Dooley will be competing in the Bobs Custom Saddles Rookie Showdown Saturday, Dec. 3.
“It’s a great thing and pretty exciting. I’ve never shown in the Coliseum,” Dooley said.
NAAC Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year – Karly Kopp and Sugaway Spooks
Runoff! Karly Kopp and Sugaway Spooks dug deep for the NAAC Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year victory, marking a 212 in the round and a 214 in the runoff against Reserve Champion Madalyn Werner.
“My first run, I didn’t know I was competing for the Rookie of the Year,” Kopp said. “In the runoff, it was crazy. The whole entire time I was in the pen, I was [thinking] ‘I am glad to be here.’”
With the victory, Kopp earned a ticket to the Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown Saturday, Dec. 3.
Sugaway Spooks (Spooks Gotta Whix x Graceful Getaway) was bred and nominated by Timothy Taylor and is owned by Kopp.
“’Sug’ is always in your pocket, and she loves treats. She welcomes everyone into her stall – she loves rubs,” Kopp said. “We clicked instantly. She’s been amazing for me the entire time. Her personality, her looks, just everything is amazing about her.”
Kopp thanked her mom, dad, brother, George, and Chloe Lawrence, and Yonathan Baruch.
NAAC Prime Time Rookie Champion – Jerry Douglas and Xtra Dun Step
Jerry Douglas has come a long way – from being terrified of horses to winning the NAAC Prime Time Rookie Championship at the NRHA Futurity. Marking a 209.5, the self-proclaimed “baby reiner” has come a long way.
“Xtra Dun Step gave me the confidence,” Douglas said. “He knows his job, and there are never any hidden agendas or crazy acts. I just became confident with him. When I went in that pen yesterday, I said, ‘You’ve got this, Angelo. You’ve got it, and I’m going to do the best I can.’”
Xtra Dun Step is an 8-year-old gelding sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of All Thats Dun. Douglass got into reining with the help of fiancé Jennifer Groen, and was paired up with Xtra Dun Step with the help of NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary.
“The one I really have to thank is God because I don’t think I would have won last night without him,” Douglas said.
Douglas thanked Casey Deary, Josh Tishman, the Rafaczs, Trevor Dare, Keith Ceddia, and fiancé Jennifer for their part in his journey to success in reining.
Douglas will be competing in the Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown Saturday, Dec. 3.
Ancillary Prime Time Rookie Co-Champion – Holly Hardin and Wimpys Lil Melody
The Ancillary Prime Time Rookie Co-Championship went to Holly Hardin and her mare Wimpys Lil Melody with a score of 209. The win was extra-special for Hardin, who recovered from a broken back to ride again.
“It’s been a long rehab, but she’s been a great horse. It was super great to be here today,” Hardin said.
Wimpys Lil Melody (Wimpys Little Step x Sweet Nu Melody) was bred by Bret Christensen and is owned by Hardin. She’ll be getting a well-deserved break after the Futurity and headed to the breeding barn.
“I thank Lance Shockley, he’s my trainer. And my entire team because they support me so much and they’re always there cheering me on,” Hardin said.
Ancillary Prime Time Rookie Co-Champion – Rick Massimi and Smartchicatrashya
Rick Massimi has been captivated by reining horses for a lifetime and finally had his chance in the spotlight aboard Smartchicatrashya. Together, the duo earned the Ancillary Prime Time Rookie Co-Championship with a score of 209.
“I started getting into reining horses about a year ago, but I grew up riding horses,” Massimi said. “I saw a palomino reining horse when I was seven or eight years old, and he was doing sliding stops and turnarounds, and I said, ‘I want to do that.’”
According to Massimi, life got in the way of becoming a reiner, but the lockdown that came with COVID-19 realigned his focus.
“I started riding again. I started reading books and watching trainers and thought this was something I could do,” Massimi said. “I could pinch myself because now I’m running at the NRHA Futurity.”
Massimi says he’s worked on his stops with Smartchicatrashya (Gunnatrashya x Lenas Party Chics) all year, and the gelding “knows what to do” in the pen.
“I thank my dad. He passed away when I was 26, and he was the one that got me into horses. And, of course, my wife and my trainers: Brian and Naike Bell and Eduardo,” Massimi said. “Dave Moore and Nikki Temple down in Florida got me started [in reining] down in Florida too.”
The 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships are in full swing, and with the Finals weekend on the horizon, the competition continues to heat up.
Petrol & Rapp Win Thursday’s NRHA Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdowns
The final weekend of the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships started on a high note. The Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open Showdowns were held in the Jim Norick Coliseum Thursday morning, with 21 top riders from the NAAC classes competing for additional cash prizes. Those earnings are on top of what anyone might have already won in the Adequan® Arena.
The top 10 (plus ties) in the classes had the opportunity – with no extra entry fee – to compete in the Showdowns for additional monetary prizes.
Bob’s Custom Saddles sponsored the Showdown rounds for the Intermediate Open, Intermediate Non Pro, as well as the Rookie Level 2, which will run concurrently with the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown Saturday morning.
Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Intermediate Open Showdown – Xtra Miss Wimpy and Sebastian Petrol
Xtra Miss Wimpy added another $5,000 to her resume Thursday morning in the Bob’s Custom Saddle Intermediate Open Showdown. With Sebastian Petrol at the helm, the mare marked a 217.5.
“I am very thankful for Bob’s Custom Saddles for doing this,” Petrol said. “That company does a great job supporting us and supporting the Association. We’re very grateful.”
Bred and nominated by Ixtul Quarter Horses, Xtra Miss Wimpy is described as a “positive, happy, and good horse to be around.” The mare is owned by Ellen Cummins and is sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Little Smart Wimpy.
“She is just a darling. We’ve had her since her 3-year-old year. I showed her as a 3-year-old year and had some terrible luck all year long. Never really felt like I did her justice in her career,” Petrol said. “Now that she’s turned 7, we’re switching gears and looking for different places to show her. She’s still so good in the pen, so we’re looking to rack up some more earnings, and today was a great opportunity here today.”
Petrol thanked Cummins for her continued support and his entire team – including his wife – for their hard work.
Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Intermediate Non Pro Showdown – Alicia Rapp and Spooks Gotta Glo
For Alicia Rapp, the Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdown was the cherry on top of a successful NRHA Futurity. She surpassed her lifetime earnings goal of $100,000 in the ancillary classes and got the chance to run through the Gateway of Champions entrance in the Bobs Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown.
“I think Bob’s doing this is awesome,” Rapp said. “I think it’s absolutely great. It was so much fun to be able to do this and show in the coliseum.”
With a score of 216.5, Rapp earned $5,000 aboard 5-year-old Spooks Gotta Glo.
“It was a really good run,” Rapp said. This pattern is really hard for me – pattern 7 – things happen so fast. But he was really a good boy. Ran in and got stopped huge three times, turned the best today that he has all week, and my slowdowns were [on center].”
According to Rapp, her gelding Spooks Gotta Glo (Spooks Gotta Gun x Look At Her Glo) is a “dork” who loves treats, turnout time, and competing.
“I thank my trainer, Ted Chancey. I’ve been with him for almost 15 years. And Mari Little, who does all of my acupuncture and chiropractic work on my horses. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Rapp said.
Complete results can be found at NRHAFuturity.com
NAAC Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion and Ancillary Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion – Addison Sawyer and Whizkey At Dawn
The competition in the Youth 13 and Under classes was fierce, and in the end, the top place finished in a tie. Scoring a 211, North Carolina’s Addison Sawyer earned a Co-Championship in both the NAAC Youth 13 and Under, as well as the ancillary division in the class. All told, she earned more than $200.
Riding “easy” gelding Whizkey At Dawn (Whizkey N Diamonds x Dualin At Dawn x Dualin Gun), Sawyer put together a smooth run.
“He has prepared amazing this week,” Sawyer said. “It was fun today. I started to laugh because he didn’t spin good, but that’s OK. His best maneuver is his circles.”
According to Sawyer, Whizkey At Dawn’s favorite treat is German Horse Muffins. He was bred by Bundy Lane and is owned by Wayne Mizelle.
Sawyer thanked her trainer, Miss Joe, for her help.
NAAC Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion and Ancillary Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion – Hayley Thompson and Fifty Shades Of Roan
Hayley Thompson may have started riding pleasure horses but got to the reining pen as soon as she could. Riding new teammate Fifty Shades Of Roan (Roosters Wrangler x The Roan Whizard), Thompson garnered two Co-Championships in the NAAC Youth 13 and Under and the ancillary division of the class.
Riding to a score of 211, Thompson earned $214.
“I just got him this year in August,” Thompson said of Fifty Shades Of Roan. “He’s really fun, and I love him so much. He’s always happy. He loves apples, and he’ll be getting some.”
According to Thompson, Fifty Shades Of Roan’s best maneuvers are his stops and spins, and she plans on improving her run downs with him. The gelding was bred by Cora Solum and is owned by Clayton Thompson.
“We’ve been riding him a lot, and I rode him in here last night, and he was really good,” Thompson said. “I thank my trainer, Jason Donahue, and my parents.”
Youth Short Stirrup Champion – Rafael Christians and New N Town
The 2022 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion will have competition for the largest entourage… and it comes from Brazilian youth Rafael Christians. Christians marked a massive 219 on New N Town to win the Short Stirrup. The only one more excited about the championship than the entourage was the Champion himself.
With the help of translator Ty Boechat, Christians expressed his gratitude.
“I am very happy, very excited, and have a mix of emotions after marking a 219,” Christians said. “The run went very well. I’ve trained very hard, even before I came to the United States. I trained in Brazil for a long time, and I’m very happy to get to ride.”
Riding Janice Laney’s 5-year-old gelding, New N Town (Gunners Tinseltown x Wimpys New Pal) Christians marked his highest score ever.
“He’s a really good horse, and I’m honored I get to ride him. I’m very glad I got to stay at Eleven Equine to train in preparation,” Christians said.
Christians’ list of people to thank was long and included Janice Laney, Eduardo Christians, Thiago Boechat, Joao Batistella, Joao Felipe Lacerda, Telma Eltink, Lucio Casalecchi, Ricardo Amaral, and the Tripol Ranch.
Riders not advancing to the finals had the option of entering the $1,000 Added Honorable Mention Futurity, and Tyson Randle and SRH Legally Blonde were victorious. The NRHA Professional and the mare, owned by Beth Ann Biber, marked a 215 for the win.
SRH Legally Blond, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit out of Java Light, was bred and nominated by Silver Spurs Equine.
Taking second in the Honorable Mention Futurity was Cody Garrison and Aintnofortunateson with a 213.5. Xtra Voodoo Me is by Colonel Smart Spook out of Custom Sparklolena. The stallion was bred, nominated, and is owned by Brogan Lee.
The stage has been set for the world of reining’s most prestigious night; the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Finals. Held Saturday, Dec. 3, what was a field of 391 has been whittled to 35 Level 4 Open horses and riders.
The Open first go took place Nov. 24-26, and the top horses from each level advanced to the semi-finals. Levels 3, 2, and 1 went through the pen on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and on Wednesday, the L4 Open semi-finals, sponsored by Not Ruf At All, featured the top 75 horses from the first round. From there, the top 30 competitors (plus ties) with the highest composite scores in L4-1, plus the top 10 in the Prime Time, advanced to the clean-slate Finals.
There, in the Jim Norick Coliseum, more than $2 million will be paid out, breaking the previous record by more than $200,000!
In fact, all four Open Level purses are record-breakers in 2022!
This year, the Level 4 Open exhibitors will be competing for an impressive $350,000 1st place prize during the MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals. The Reserve Champion will still win a guaranteed $150,000, and third place will bank $100,000.
That’s huge news, and the guaranteed payouts for all Open Levels are impressive.
Topping the L4 semi-finals and securing their spot in the finals with a composite 453 were Adiamoe and Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn. Leading the field by more than three points, Flarida has shown his poise to the competition headed into the electric clean-slate finals.
The pair marked a 228.5 in the first round and came back for more in the second round with a 224.5. Andiamoe is bred and owned by Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses, sired by Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of NRHA Million Dam Wimpys Little Chic.
Her name is Italian and translates to “Let’s go!”
Flarida is a five-time NRHA Open Futurity Champion and advanced to the Prime Time Open Finals in the top spot, as well.
In the L3 and L2 Open, Rodrigo Nieves and Spook Lil Whiz took the top spot with a composite of 445.5. The stallion is bred and owned by Renata Lemann and was nominated by Eduardo Salgado. Spook Lil Whiz is sired by Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Lil Dreamer.
The top L1 horse and rider were Shineoncrazydiamond with Vanessa Strotmann, who marked a 219.5 and 220 for a 439.5 composite. The stallion was bred and nominated by Stefano Calcagnini and is owned by Strotmann herself. He’s sired by NRHA Million Sire Shine Chic Shine and out of Cashing In Diamonds.
The bubble needed to earn a berth in the L4 Open Finals was a 440. In the L3, it took a 434.5 to advance. L2 riders had to mark at least a 430, while in the L1, it took a 420.5 or more. To make the Top 10 in the Prime Time Open, riders needed to earn at least a 439.
Riders Advance from CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation
Although the preliminary round of the NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity concluded Monday evening, riders who barely missed qualifying for the finals still had a chance to advance.
That’s because the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation round gives entries that last chance needed to secure a spot in the Finals. In the consolation, the top five from each of the four Levels move on to Friday’s competition.
Jesse Asmussen and TR Who N Who topped the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Consolation with a 215.5. TR Who N Who was bred and nominated by Tamarack Ranch and is owned by Jesse Asmussen. TR Who N Who is sired by Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Spooks N Sparks.
Finishing with the top score in Level 3 were Sarah Lynn Locker and Frankie D with a 215. The stallion is nominated, bred, and owned by Hilldale Farm. He’s sired by Heavy Duty Chex and out of CR Kim.
Marking a 212 in Level 2 was Tiffany Bauer and CC Pearl Jam. The mare was bred and nominated by Brent Loseke and is owned by Bauer. She’s sired by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun and out of Jamrock Joe.
Marking the high score in Level 1 was Shelby Reine and Dun Playing Tag. Dun Playing Tag is sired by Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It and out of Thelma Tag. The mare was bred, nominated, and owned by Reine.
Bubble scores to advance to the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals on Friday, Dec. 3, from the Consolation were 213 for Level 4, 211 for Level 3, 183 for Level 2, and 202 for Level 1.
Draw positions for the finals will be decided during the Platinum Performance Draw Party on Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Platinum Zone.
National Reining Horse Association members have turned out in droves for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. Section two of the exceptionally large NAAC Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, and Prime Time Non Pro classes wrapped up Wednesday morning, and the riders who set the pace in the first section held for the win.
Adequan® NAAC Non Pro Non Pro Champion – Paige Vernon and Magnum Starlight
Magnum Starlight has proved himself a steady-Eddy with Paige Vernon at the helm, capturing the NAAC Non Pro and Affiliate Non Pro Championship with a score of 224, earning $6,182.
“He’s been a very steady, easy, fun, good horse to show,” Vernon said. “He’s always confident and always takes care of me in the show pen.”
The 8-year-old gelding, sired by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of FS Lenas Starlight, is owned by White Rive Ag products.
“He turned huge for me, which was surprising. He circled good, and he ran down to the stops, which was great,” Vernon said. “I’ve been working on running down and getting him past the middle cone.”
According to Vernon, Mangum Starlight is great for kids to ride, but his wild hair comes out when it’s time to be caught in the pasture.
“My trainers have helped me a lot, and he worked really good for me. They told me to go have fun and run him because I’m going to have a baby in May, and he’s going to have a little while off,” Vernon said. “Tanner and Christine [Boyes] have done a hell of a job. I thank my husband, Tommy, my cousins, and my family for cheering me on in the show pen. And White Rive Ag for owning the horses we get to show.”
Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Non Pro Champion – Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler
Stephanie Gentile has had the week of a lifetime, earning four North American Affiliate Championships. Her latest victories were in the NAAC Intermediate Non Pro, where a score of 219.5 earned them $4,469 (including ancillary earnings). The pair won an additional $2,822 for placing third in the NAAC and ancillary Non Pro.
“It’s been a phenomenal week,” Gentile said. “Definitely one that’ll go down in the history books. I can’t believe it; I am a little bit speechless still. Today was our highest score, and he was right there, consistent as always.”
To keep Joes Lil Wrangler (Lil Joe Cash x A Chic In Wranglers) on track for the intense week of showing, Gentile and husband Jesse relied on the slow build of schooling they’d done all year.
“We put this trust in all the miles leading up to this and all the work Jesse has put into this horse to make him strong and confident,” Gentile explained. “It’s fun to see him progress because I always knew this horse was really special. He’s started to shine as we’ve pushed him, and he’s shined all week again and again.”
While Gentile says she hopes to renew Joes Lil Wranglers’ lease for the coming year, being able to see him and care for him in the barn is most important to her.
Gentile thanked owner Lori Baker, husband Jesse, her family and friends, sponsors and producers of the show, and most of all, Starlights Lil Wrangler.
Gentile will be showing in the Bobs Custom Saddles NAAC Intermediate Non Pro Showdown on Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Jim Norick Arena.
Adequan® NAAC Prime Time Non Pro Champion – Jose Vasquez and SLJ Corazon Valiente
Riding a son of his late stallion Smart Like Juice, Jose Vasquez rounded up an armful of prizes in the North American Affiliate Championships Prime Time Non Pro, scoring a 223 and earning a total of $1,967 (includes ancillary Prime Time Non Pro earnings).
“He was so good yesterday; I just stay on. If I just stay out of his way, he is easy,” Vasquez said.
SLJ Corazon Valiente (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner) has proven himself a level-headed individual both at home and at the show. If Vasquez was not already keeping several full siblings to the stallion, he might have had a place in the breeding shed.
“He’s a very nice horse, so I’m very proud to own him,” Vasquez said. “He’s always on the same team. He’s a stud, but you’d never know; he doesn’t care. And that’s why he’s a very special animal – I don’t keep many studs.”
Vasquez thanked his family for their support and trainer Alejandro Ortiz Vasquez for his work training the horse.
The National Reining Horse Association’s competitors had even more opportunities to add to their horses’ lifetime earnings, thanks to a partnership with the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash incentive program.
At the NRHA Futurity alone, $5,000 in added money was available to registered Paint Horses. The Chrome Cash classes were offered as a part of the Level 4 Open and Non Pro Futurities, with $3,000 and $2,000 added, respectively.
The incentive paid 14 places in the Open and six places in the Non Pro, rewarding hard-working Paints making their mark in the futurity arena.
In the Open Futurity, Bringnthaheat and Abby Lengel took the top honors with a score of 226 in the first go round. For the effort, the pair earned $2,366. The mare, who is owned by Lengel, is sired by Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and out of Tackie Dreams.
“I’ve had her from the beginning, I’ve done all the riding on her and she’s probably my favorite horse of all time,” Lengel said. “I think the Chrome Cash is another awesome way to get the Paints involved. I got [Bringnthaheat]’s Paint papers early on because I want to get more involved in the APHA.”
Reserve Champion – Customize My Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Gunna Be Custom) $1,440
Ridden by Casey Deary, Owned by Devin Warren, and Nominated by Garth Hystad
3rd Place – CS Especially Moody (Gunners Special Nite x Judys A Little Moody) $1,080
Ridden by Duane Latimer, Owned and Nominated by XCS Ranch LLC
In the Non Pro Futurity, preliminary leader Fire N Rein and Jack Medows secured the Chrome Cash prize with a score of 221.5. The Amy Medows-owned mare added $1,582 to her record before she even set foot in the Finals pen. Fire N Rein is sired by Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chicsdreamofdiamonds.
“I’m really excited as I prep her throughout this week, getting ready for Friday night,” Medows said. “The Chrome Cash is such a cool deal. The opportunity to get some money in the first go is really great for the industry and supporting APHA. It’s fantastic.”
Reserve Champion – Sighted In (Colonels Smoking Gun x Dainty Little Step) $1,088
Ridden by Mandy McCutcheon, Owned by Cade McCutcheon, and Nominated by Brooke Wharton
3rd Place – CS Face The Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Face Of A Gun Model) $939
Ridden by Gina-Marie Schumacher, Owned and Nominated by XCS Ranch LLC
Both solid and regular paint horses are eligible to compete in Chrome Cash classes.
The sixth day of the 2022 National Reining Horse Futurity wrapped up Tuesday, Nov. 29, with the first section of the Open Semi-Finals for Levels 3, 2, and 1. The finalists for all levels of the Open will be determined during Wednesday’s Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All. The top 30 composite scores from the go-round and semi-finals, including ties, will advance to the clean-slate finals on Saturday, Dec. 3. There, more than $2 million will be paid out, breaking the previous record by more than $200,000!
Punching his ticket to the Finals and securing his chance to win a few big checks is NRHA Million Dollar Rider Todd Sommers. As the very last draw of the day, Sommers rode Dont Give A Flinn, by In Like Flinn out of SL Lenas Chic, to a Semi-Finals score of 219 for a 435 composite. That placed them firmly at the top of the lead of Levels 3, 2, and Open Prime Time. The stallion, owned by Stephany Monteleone, was bred and nominated by Methogest, Inc.
Topping the Open L1 Semi-Finals were Diego Gaona on Rush Gotta Whiz and Wade McDonald on Itsmistertou. Both finished the Semi-Finals with a composite score of 433.
Rush Gotta Whiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Rush N Cat), owned by Joseph Paukner, was nominated by Lorenzo Lotti.
Itsmistertou (PS Mega Shine Chic x Misters Temptress), owned by David White, was nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch.
All four Open Level purses are record-breakers in 2022. The L4 increased by more than $20,000, and the L3 Open rose to a new high of $385,499; the previous record was $289,541, set in 2012. The L2 Open purse, which hit its peak in 2021 at $134,868, has climbed once again to $193,924, and the L1 Open, at more than $74,000, beats the previous record from 2019 by nearly $20,000!
While that’s huge news, the guaranteed payouts for all Open Levels are impressive, including the Level 3 Open Championship check for $70,000 and the Level 2 Championship prize of $50,000.
The Open Guaranteed Payouts for Levels 1, 2, and 3 are:
With Monday’s classes in the books, the 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship has passed the halfway point. The Adequan® NAAC titles have grown over the years to be one of the most prestigious awards a reiner can win, with competitors traveling hundreds of miles to compete at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champion, NAAC Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion – Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler
After taking a few months to get acquainted, Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler have hit their stride together. The pair garnered their second, third, fourth, and fifth title of the week in the Adequan® Arena – this time, an NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Championship, an NAAC Non Pro Level 2 Co-Championship, and they finished in the same placings for the ancillary divisions of those classes. The duo also split a reserve title in the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3.
“I’ve only been riding this horse since about August, and it’s taken us a while to click, but we’re finally getting there – and it’s perfect timing,” Gentile said.
The pair scored a 218 to garner the titles, earning a total of $4,552. The win comes on the heels of their NAAC Limited Non Pro Championship on Friday.
“He felt really good today. He was with me the whole time, and he’s a very consistent horse. I just trusted him and went with it. We had a couple of tiny little spots that could have been a little better, but he was super solid, and I was very happy with him,” Gentile said.
According to Gentile, Joes Lil Wrangler’s (Lil Joe Cash x A Chic In Wranglers) best maneuver is his spins. But she said the gelding’s stops are hitting a new gear.
“I thank my husband Jesse Gentile, he’s always there to help me, and I thank Lori Baker, who owns [Joes Lil Wrangler], as well as all my family and friends,” Gentile said.
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion, Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Championship and Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Champion – Rebecca Asmussen, TR Hot Dream, and The Crowd Goes Wildd
Family favorite TR Hot Dream brought home the bacon with Rebecca Asmussen in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2, nabbing a Co-Championship with a score of 218. In the ancillary divisions, the pair tied for the win of the L2 and the reserve of the L3.
“We got him as a 3-year-old from Tamarack Ranch, and he’s a super sweet gelding. My husband has shown him and done really well on him,” Asmussen said. “My kids ride him. He’s a great little horse and a lot of fun.”
Adding to the bounty was mare The Crowd Goes Wildd (Not Ruf At All x Check Yer Gun Lady), who won the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Championship with a 218.5.
Asmussen earned $2,663 for the day on TR Hot Dream and an additional $784 for the win on The Crowd Goes Wildd.
“The Crowd Goes Wildd is 15.2 [hands] and 1400 pounds. She’s a big, strong mare who is a lot of fun to run and stop. She’s super aggressive everywhere and just a nice mare to go show,” Asmussen said.
Asmussen thanked her family, husband, children Layne and Owen, Kelsey and Kole Price, as well as their vet and farrier. “Everybody who keeps our horses rolling,” Asmussen said.
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion – Madison Rafacz and Got Twisted In Vegas
Got Twisted In Vegas is often referred to as the little mare that could. Started and trained by Madison Rafacz and her father, Mark, it was initially uncertain if the mare would grow large enough to be a show horse.
Now, the 5-year-old mare has proven herself capable in the reining pen, gathering affiliate and derby titles from across the country. The pair added another two co-championships to their list on Monday, November 28, in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2, as well as the ancillary division of that class, with a score of 218. The pair also tied for reserve in the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro L3, winning $2,663. The win comes after a stressful ride the night before the class, which left Rafacz a “wreck.” Luckily, Got Twisted In Vegas (High Roller Whiz x Wimpys Dun Twistin) came through.
“Today, I went in, and she was there like she always is,” Rafacz said. “I thank my mom and dad, of course. They’re my biggest supporters and allow me to do this. All the people in my barn are super great supporters. They’re like family.”
Over the past several days of competition, the top 3-year-old reining horses and riders from across the country have vied for a spot in the finals of the National Reining Horse Association Futurity. With the conclusion of Monday’s preliminary round, most of the field is set for the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals, which will be held on Friday, December 2.
Topping the Level 4 of the CINCH Non Pro Futurity first round with a 221.5 is Jack Medows and Fire N Rein. The 3-year-old mare is sired by 2022 NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chicsdreamofdiamonds. Earlier this year, Medows and Fire N Rein, who is owned and was nominated by Amy Medows, won the L4 Non Pro Futurity Reserve Championship at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Medows and Fire N Rein also won the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash incentive, which was paid out in the preliminary round.
William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom (Magnum Chic Dream x Green Smokin Jacket) marked a 221, the second-high score of the round. It also topped Levels 3, 2, and 1. Owned by Jay Clutter, Smokinintheboyzroom was nominated by Alicia Rapp.
Marking the high score of the Non Pro Prime Time was Steven Mitchell and Wimpys Voodoo Dr with a 220.5 (includes handicap). The pair also qualified for the CINCH Non Pro Finals in Levels 2, 3, and 4. Wimpys Voodoo Dr, by Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Wimpy Cee Wimpy Do, was nominated by Hannah Layman.
Topping the Youth and tying for sixth in the Level 4 was Samuel Flarida and PS Whiz On Ice with a 218. P Whiz On Ice, by Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize and out of PS A Whizzen Chic, is owned by Flarida’s father, Shawn, and was nominated by Patsy Shelton Schutz.
To secure a spot in the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Futurity, it took a score of 214.5, while a 212 was the magic number for the Level 3. Riders with a 211 or higher earned a place in the Level 2, as did those in the Level 1 with a 207.5 or higher. The bubble for the Prime Time is a 211 (including handicap), while the one for the Youth is 200.
For those not advancing directly to the finals from the first go, hope is still alive. That’s because of the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation Round on Wednesday morning. The next 30 horses (plus ties) in the Level 4, next 12 in the Level 3, and next 10 in Levels 1 and 2, will compete for a spot in the finals. The top five in each of the four Levels will earn a spot in Friday’s finals.
