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Sliders’ Night Out Presented by Toyon Ranch Set to Dazzle Again

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma –The hottest night on reining’s social calendar is teed up to welcome guests once again. Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch is scheduled for December 4 in the historic Centennial Building on the OKC Fairgrounds, and the public can secure individual seats or tables with donations to the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF).

The evening kicks off with an energetic reception that allows for socializing and perusing the live auction lots. The 2024 reception will include live painting by artist Josey Butler, Streakin B Art, whose mixed media work will be included in the auction. Five additional lots will comprise the auction offerings that make this an important benefit for RHF. As the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association, NRHA celebrates reining’s history and supports the community through core programs, including the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth leadership programs, and scholarships.

Catering selections for the night include a grilled filet with butter, pecan-crusted salmon, and delicious sides and desserts. While the night will conclude with recognition of new honorees into the NRHA Hall of Fame, the introduction of those inducted in years past is always a sentimental moment. Members of the NRHA Hall of Fame are VIP guests whose attendance is underwritten by the event’s major donors at the presenting, platinum, gold, silver, and hall of fame levels.

The awards portion of the ceremony will honor Markel with the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award and induct NRHA Professional Andrea Fappani and three mares into the NRHA Hall of Fame: Snow Gun, Wind Her Up Shiner, and Wind Her Up Chic.

“The NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships” are marquee events for our sport, and it is a tremendous time to celebrate reining’s history and gather as community,” said Rick Clark, RHF vice president. “We appreciate Toyon Ranch and every donor who makes this annual celebration possible. I cannot overstate how significant it is on so many fronts, and I’m personally proud to be a part of it.”

Besides the artwork by Streakin B Art, the live auction items include a John Deere ZTrak Mower donated by Equine Discounts, an ICSI Services Package donated by GeneTech, a custom luxe mink edition hat donated by Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a Country Cruising 5-night cruise and music festival donated by FDT Cruises, and a NASCAR Truck Racing VIP experience brought to you by ThorSport Racing.

Advance reservations are recommended by November 25. Limited seats may be available closer to the event date. Full details are available at reiningfoundation.com/sno. To make a reservation, contact RHF Development Coordinator Claire Pound at cpound@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400, ext. 138.

For nearly 25 years, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association. With its mission of caring for and honoring the reining community, the RHF has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund providing financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For more information or to give, visit reiningfoundation.com.

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NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Offers New Online Bidding, Sale Incentive, and Exclusive Perks for 2024

The 2024 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Markel Futurity Sales has shattered previous records. With 265 horses in the sale, this is the highest number of consignments since 2012. The sale, which used to run for three days until 2020, has seen exponential growth and now offers more than ever to buyers. Horse enthusiasts, trainers, and prospective buyers can experience the best in reining horse prospects as NRHA introduces exciting updates, including online bidding options, an exclusive sale incentive, and amenities to enhance the buying experience.

Exclusive Sale Incentive: 50% Off Entry Fees

Buyers at this year’s NRHA Markel Futurity Sales will enjoy a significant sale incentive: a 50% discount on entry fees for both the NRHA Futurity and 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. This remarkable benefit allows buyers to save and reinvest in their new reining horse prospects.

New for 2024: Online Bidding through CCi.live

Buyers can participate from anywhere in the world with online bidding powered by CCi.live. Register now at cci.live.com to secure your spot for online bidding and never miss out on your favorite horse, even if you can’t make it to the event in person.

Experience Perks Throughout the Day

Join us for complimentary breakfast and lunch—a perfect opportunity to relax and network with other attendees. There will also be a happy hour courtesy of Smith Ranch and Heritage Farms.

Performance Horse Preview in Arena 6

To give potential buyers a first-hand look at the horses in action, the Performance Horse Preview will take place on Wednesday afternoon in Arena 6 following the competition in the Coliseum.

Start Shopping Now: Save Your Favorites Online

The online catalog is live at auctions.nrha.com, with browsing available both on the website and app. You can save your favorite listings and set up automatic notifications for any updates or changes. This interactive feature makes it easier than ever to stay on top of the horses that catch your eye.

NRHyA Stallion Breeding Auction

Join us to kick off the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales with NRHyA’s largest fundraiser, the NRHyA Stallion Breeding Auction. This year’s donated stallions include Colonels Shining Gun, Down Right Amazing, Dun It For Whizkey, Gunner Dun It Again, Inferno Sixty Six, Masked Gun, Patriot, Spooks Gotta Spark, Spooks Gotta Whiz, Spooks Grand Slam, and Varsity Blu.

These breedings feature the same benefits as the Sire & Dam program, which include:

  • Sire & Dam Offspring are automatically eligible to compete in the NRHA Futurity & 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel– No nomination required
  • Sire & Dam Offspring receive reduced entry fees (up to 50% off) for the NRHA Futurity & 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
  • Sire & Dam Offspring receive later entry deadlines to the NRHA Futurity.

All proceeds from the NRHyA Stallion Breeding Auction will benefit NRHyA scholarships and programs through the RHF.

The NRHA Markel Futurity Sales promise to deliver an unmatched selection of quality horses and an experience filled with excitement, connection, and new opportunities. Whether attending in person or bidding online, this year’s sales are set to showcase the elite of the reining horse industry. Don’t miss out!

For more information, visit NRHA.com/sales.

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Chexanicki Becomes NRHA Million Dollar Dam

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces Chexanicki is the unprecedented fifth horse to achieve Million Dollar Dam status in 2024. With only 13 Million Dollar Dams in NRHA history, Chexanicki is one of the most influential and consistent producers in the sport, contributing to the advancement and popularity of reining on an international scale.

The 24-year-old mare by Bueno Chexinic and out of Ds Fancy Footwork was bred by Seneca Way Inc. and is owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch LLC. With $86,292 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) garnered with the late Kelle Smith and Rick Ford at the reins, the mare showed great consistency earning titles such as the 2004 NRHA Level (L) 4 Non Pro Derby Champion and National Reining Breeders Classic L4 Non Pro (NRBC) Reserve Champion, both with Smith at the reins.

Chexanicki’s highest-earning offspring, Alpha Jac Sparrow, has earned $298,564 with Katsy Leeman Flarida, NRHA Professional Sam Flarida, and NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida at the reins. The 6-year-old stallion won the 2024 All Star Reining Stakes L4 Open Derby with Shawn at the reins and also took reserve in the L4 Non Pro with Katsy. Additionally, the stallion won the 2022 High Roller Reining Classic L4 Open 4-year-old Stakes and the 2023 NRBC L4 Open and has many additional titles to his name in addition to participating at the 2023 The American Performance Horseman under Shawn.

Known for passing on both talent and a distinctive athleticism, her progeny have displayed a unique blend of skill, style, and durability that continues to excel in the show pen with NRHA Professionals and non pros alike.

Chexanicki’s top-earning offspring:

  • Alpha Jac Sparrow (by Spooks Gotta Whiz), bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC, owned by Fritz Leeman, $298,564 NRHA LTE
  • Chexi Chic (by Wimpy Chic), bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC, owned by Lauren Love, $159,088 NRHA LTE
  • Rufanicki (by Lil Ruf Peppy), bred by Sam Smith, owned by Shaunda Blinzler, $144,656 NRHA LTE
  • Alpha Black (by Wimpy Chic), bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC, owned by Circle Y Ranch, $96,066 NRHA LTE
  • Smokin Something (by Gunner), bred and nominated by Cinder Lakes Ranch, owned by Amy Potts, $58,654 NRHA LTE

Read more about Chexanicki’s journey to becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Dam in the January issue of NRHA Reiner.

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2024 Euro Derby: October 30–November 3 / Lyon, France

Visit nrhaeuropeanderby.com to follow the show!

10.30.24: NRHA European Derby: It’s Show Time at Equita Lyon

10.30.24: The NRHA European Derby Kicks Off at Equita Lyon With De Iulilio Leading the Non Pro Qualifier NRHA European Derby: It’s Show Time at Equita Lyon

10.31.24: Girinon and Flexing Guns N Town Dominate NRHA European Derby Open Qualifier

11.1.24: Giarratano and The Electric Bandit Claim the ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby Non Pro Level 4 Championship on Home Turf

11.2.24: Girinon Triumphs at NRHA European Derby Open and Qualifies for The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Competition

11.3.24: European Non-Pro and Youth Qualifiers Set for 2025 The Run For A Million Competition in Las Vegas as Nico Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun Race Closer to Top 10 Open World Championship Finish Line

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NRHA Introduces Pilot Program for Slide Contests

With the popularity of reining growing both domestically and internationally, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors has approved a pilot program to encourage reining events to offer Slide Contests classes in 2025.

The recent resurgence of classes solely featuring the signature sliding stop is a way for NRHA to increase opportunities and participation for horses, riders, and owners, as well as to pursue wider recognition and value of NRHA events.

Recently, NRHA announced an inaugural Futurity and Military Slides to take centerstage at the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. Starting in 2025, NRHA-approved events also may host these pilot classes using the following guidelines:

  • Results and earnings will not be recorded during the pilot phase.
    • Any individual or horse may compete without membership or licensing restrictions.
  • Can be offered as an Open, Non Pro, or Youth classes as determined by show management.
  • Can be jackpotted or have added money. The added money is not capped.
  • Entry fees cannot exceed 10% of added money.
  • Judge’s fees cannot exceed entry fee.
  • Entry fee retainage (0% to 100%) to be decided by show management.
  • Payback schedule to be decided by show management (e.g., Sched. A, Sched. B, or custom).
  • Standard NRHA rules apply to the class (ex., the number of horses that can be shown by one rider in one class, the number of judges to judge, the 5-judge system to drop the low and high scores, etc.)
  • NRHA Judges may judge the class if it is run according to these guidelines.
  • NRHA Judges will use the following for Maneuver Evaluation & Scoring:
    • Starting with a score of 70.
    • A -3 to +3 scale for each maneuver score (Approach, Stop, Hesitate).
    • Penalties: No marker penalty. All other penalties apply.

“This is an exciting option for NRHA events to engage members with new opportunities and to gain the interest of fans,” said NRHA Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris-Stone. “We are thrilled to see how it takes flight and look forward to it potentially being an NRHA-approved class.” Events hosting these classes are encouraged to send questions and feedback to cmorris@nrha.com.