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Judging Contest Returns to NRHA Futurity

The National Horse Judging Team Coaches’ Association, National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) collaborated to bring the Collegiate and Youth Reining Judging Contest back to the 2024 NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC).

The contest will be held December 3–4 in Oklahoma City. Collegiate and youth competitors will judge live runs and complete a written test and penalty clip test, similar to how NRHA judges are tested.

Student competitors and coaches are also granted entry to the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals on Friday, December 6th, at no additional cost as part of their registration fees. Students will compete as youth teams, junior college teams, university teams, or individuals.

“Participating in the judging contest is essential for shaping the future of our sport,” said Patti Carter, NRHA Sr. Director of Education & Officials. “It not only helps develop the next generation of NRHA judges but also fosters leadership qualities and hones decision-making skills that are crucial both in the reining arena and in life. These contests offer invaluable hands-on experience, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, fairness, and consistency in judging—the very foundation of the discipline’s integrity.”

This will be the first time since 2019 that the contest will be held in conjunction with the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® NAAC. The contest will provide collegiate and youth competitors an opportunity to gain education, judge reining horses, and create networking and training opportunities that support careers and interests in the equine community.

More information on the contest and entry forms can be found here.

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Fappani Lauded as NRHA’s First $9 Million Rider

Just one year after becoming the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) first-ever $8 Million Rider, Andrea Fappani has etched his name in the history books once again as the first rider to surpass $9 million in earnings. This remarkable accomplishment coincides with his induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame, marking 2024 as another defining year in the career of NRHA’s all-time leading rider.

An NRHA Million Dollar Owner, Fappani has remained at the pinnacle of the reining industry for over two decades, continually enhancing his already remarkable legacy. Raised on a dairy farm in Bergamo, Italy, Fappani’s love for horses began as a shared passion with his father, quickly igniting a lifelong dedication. He moved to the United States to further pursue his reining career and went out on his own in 2003. By 2006, Fappani had made history as the youngest NRHA Million Dollar Rider at that time.

When Fappani entered the arena during the 2024 High Roller Reining Classic Level 4 Open Stakes and Derby, he had $8,996,771 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE). Earlier in the week, he took home the Level 4 Open Futurity on Its Wishful Thinking (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Black Custom Chex), owned by Mary Cachat, and took home fourth and 11th place on two additional mounts. He crossed the $9 million milestone on Vintage Chex (A Sparkling Vintage x Chex Out The Cowgirl) after scoring a 226.5 to take the Open Derby and 4-Year-Old Stakes Championships, adding $30,219 to their record. The stallion is bred, nominated, and owned by Bill Coburn, who has been part of Fappani’s program for 20 years.

Since becoming the first NRHA $8 Million Dollar Rider, Fappani’s highest earning performances on his way to $9 million include:

  • 2024 The Run For A Million’s Million Dollar Competition third place aboard Mic Dropp (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Dun Dry Whiz), owned by Tim Anderson/Clark Reining Horses LLC and bred and nominated by Clark Reining Horses LLC, earning $90,000
  • 2024 The American Performance Horseman Individual Reining Reserve Champion aboard All Bettss Are Off (Gunner x Wimpys Little Chic), bred and nominated by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, earning $75,000
  • 2023 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Reserve Champion aboard Inferno Thirty Five (Inferno Sixty Six x Madeof Pure Spangled), bred by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, nominated by Mary Jansma, owned by Stephen Archer, earning $142,500

Fappani’s latest milestone as NRHA’s first $9 Million Rider is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and profound impact on the reining industry. His achievements continue to inspire the next generation of riders while setting new benchmarks in the sport.

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NRHA Introduces New Leadership Gathering

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) officially unveiled its new Leadership Gathering, held Downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel February 2–3, 2025.

The two-day event is open to all NRHA members and will feature experts on a variety of important topics including financial planning for horse operations, mastering NRHA governance, finding and retaining farm staff, and federal rules impacting horse owners. All the sessions are designed to engage and elevate leaders and those who want to be leaders in NRHA’s committee and governance structure.

“This event will help us achieve one of our strategic goals to help our members become the most qualified and innovative leaders in the horse community,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “If you’ve ever wanted to be engaged in NRHA’s governance, this is where to begin.”

The Leadership Gathering and its new schedule will replace the previous NRHA Winter Meeting, which focused on a traditional meeting format. The new condensed structure, which includes the Annual General Membership meeting set for February 2, will shift its focus to a more innovative design geared toward better equipping members, riders, and trainers to improve their experience with NRHA and their reining businesses.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our members to come together, away from the show pen, and to really engage within our industry,” stated NRHA Director of Governance & Executive Administration Liz Kelsey.

“There will be something for everyone,” Kelsey continued, whether you are a Professional, Non Pro, owner, breeder, you name it. It is a great chance to connect with our leadership and staff and really understand what is going on in NRHA and learn how you can get more involved.”

Registration for the event is free. Learn more at nrha.com/leadershipgathering

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This Chicsdundreamin is NRHA’s Newest Million Dollar Dam

In a year where mare power is more evident than ever, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announces the 12th Million Dollar Dam, This Chicsdundreamin. This is the fourth mare to reach this elite milestone in 2024, which is twice as many as any year in history.

Bred by the late Joe Hayes, the 20-year-old mare was owned by George Lawrence and Judy Box before finding her current home at Rhodes River Ranch. She is by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream and out of Hermosa Dun It.

This Chicsdundreamin amassed $124,609 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) while competing simultaneously with George Lawrence in non pro divisions and NRHA $4 Million Rider Casey Deary in open divisions. Although Lawrence owned her at the time, both men would often show her and earn money at the same events. including Reining By The Bay, the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC), and the Wimpys Little Step Derby. The mare’s top finish came with Lawrence during the 2009 NRBC, where the duo won the Level 3 Non Pro and earned 3rd in the Level 4.

The mare now has 20 offspring, with 15 having NRHA LTE. Topping that list with nearly half a million in NRHA LTE is Tinker With Dreams. Bred and nominated by Rhodes River Ranch, Tinker With Dreams is owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Diamond Dub Quarter Horses. The 10-year-old stallion was runner-up at the 2023 The Run For A Million’s Million Dollar Competition with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay at the reins. The duo competed in the competition again this year and earned $35,000 to push the stallion’s dam over the million-dollar mark.

This Chicsdundreamin’s top earning offspring:

  • Tinker With Dreams (by Tinker With Guns), bred and nominated by Rhodes River Ranch, owned by Diamond Dub Quarter Horses, $431,183 NRHA LTE
  • Trashinyurdreams (by Gunnatrashya), bred and nominated by Rhodes River Ranch, owned by Penny Gutschmidt, $196,249 NRHA LTE
  • Take Out The Trash (by Gunnatrashya), bred and nominated by Judy Box, owned by XCS Ranch LLC, $75,883 NRHA LTE
  • Chics Dream About Me (by Wimpys Little Step), bred and nominated by George Lawrence, owned by Day Creek Ranch LLC, $65,903 NRHA LTE
  • Trashy Dreams (by Gunnatrashya), bred by Rhodes River Ranch, nominated and owned by Neiberger Performance Horses LLC, $46,591 NRHA LTE

Read more about This Chicsdundreamin’s journey to the million in the December issue of NRHA Reiner.

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Hang Ten Surprize Joins Elite Ranks of NRHA Million Dollar Sires

Hang Ten Surprize has officially reached the coveted status of National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Million Dollar Sire. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the stallion’s already illustrious career, solidifying his place among the elite sires who have made an enduring impact on the sport of reining.

Born in 2000 and bred by Bob Loomis Quarter Horses Inc., Hang Ten Surprize’s lineage is rooted in excellence. He is sired by Hangten Peppy and out of Mizzen Topsail, a parentage that laid the foundation for his success in both the show pen and as a sire. Over the years, Hang Ten Surprize has been owned by several notable reining enthusiasts, including Bob Loomis Reining Horses, Manntana LLC, and Hang Ten Surprize LLC. In 2015, NRHA Hall of Famer Dell and Terri Hendricks acquired the stallion, continuing his legacy under their ownership.

With $133,059 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE), Hang Ten Surprize was a force to be reckoned with in the reining arena. Ridden exclusively by NRHA $2 Million Rider Duane Latimer, Hang Ten Surprize achieved remarkable victories throughout his career. Among his most notable accomplishments, he claimed the title of Individual Reining title at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, showcasing his talent on the world stage. He also earned the distinction of 2004 American Quarter Horse Association Jr Reining World Champion, further establishing himself as a top competitor in the sport.

While Hang Ten Surprize had a stellar show career, it is his impact as a sire that has now propelled him into the NRHA Million Dollar Sire club. With 129 offspring boasting NRHA earnings, his progeny consistently demonstrate excellence in the arena. His top-earning offspring, Hang Ten And Shine—out of NRHA Hall of Famer Ebony Shines—has earned $117,582 in NRHA LTE. Bred and nominated by NRHA Hall of Famer Rosanne Sternberg and owned by Christine Brazeau, Hang Ten And Shine has achieved impressive finishes at major events, including 12th place at the 2014 NRHA Level (L) 4 Open Futurity, eighth place at the 2017 National Reining Breeders Classic L4 Open and third place at the 2017 NRHA L3 Open Derby. Under the guidance of NRHA Million Dollar Rider Martin Larcombe, Hang Ten And Shine’s performances have contributed significantly to Hang Ten Surprize’s milestone as a Million Dollar Sire.

Hang Ten Surprize’s top-earning progeny are:

  • Hang Ten And Shine (out of Ebony Shines), bred and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, owned by Christine Brazeau, $117,582 NRHA LTE
  • Harley Surprize Lena (out of Yuba Torima Lena), bred and nominated by Raynald Rodrigue, owned by Jackie Redish, $71,472 NRHA LTE
  • CBK Hang A Wright (out of HR Wright On Cash), bred, nominated, and owned by William and Corliss Kellogg, $61,099 NRHA LTE
  • Game Day Surprise (out of Dunit N Continental), bred and nominated by John Deer, owned by Sharee Schwartzenberger
  • Whiz Kid Surprize (out of North East Whiz), bred by Amelie Hamel, nominated by Rene Laquerre, owned by Celine Poirier

Read more about Hang Ten Surprize and his journey to the million in the January issue of NRHA Reiner.