NRHA Owner Casey Hinton Crosses Million Dollar Milestone

NRHA Million Dollar Owner Casey Hinton.

With a career that has spanned disciplines, decades, states and roles, it’s fitting that Casey Hinton of Whitesboro, Texas, has achieved a career milestone that few have. The National Reining Horse Association Professional, who has also had an impressive career in the show pen, became a Million Dollar Owner in April.

Just a few thousand dollars away from that milestone, the success of Hinton’s horses at the National Reining Breeders Classic clinched the achievement.

“I think this is a major accomplishment in your career, but when I started out, this wasn’t my goal. You start out with a love of horses and training, owning, and showing them,” Hinton explained. “To reach a milestone that few have accomplished is very exciting.”

Growing up in Ohio, Hinton began showing horses in 4H. The All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, provided plenty of inspiration to the budding trainer. “It is such a big influence on every part of the horse industry. It gets you thinking that the horse business is something to be a part of,” he said.

While at Findlay College, Hinton was able to work with Dale Wilkinson. “He was the grandfather of reining, so with that exposure in college, the NRHA Futurity and the Congress both being held in Ohio, I wanted to direct myself towards a more advanced level of training,” Hinton recalled. “I saw what the successful horsemen were doing and wanted to emulate that.”

Hinton later worked for professional horse trainer Doug Lilly, and when Lilly made the move to Arizona, Hinton followed as his assistant. Soon after he began working for renowned horseman Al Dunning. “At that time, the horse training world hadn’t reached the point of specialization yet, so we trained cutters, cow horses, reiners, western riding horses, and more, because the all-around titles were the thing to win,” he explained.

Hinton soon went into business for himself, taking numerous youth and adult riders to all-around titles. His barn, however, began to evolve, transitioning from having a few reining horses to a specialized reining facility.

It was when Hinton and his wife Kathy moved to Texas that his business and career really flourished. The couple created Cedar Ridge Stallion Station, and began to diversify, not only with a training and competition division, but also breeding and selling. “We have been entrepreneurs and invested in ourselves by buying or raising our own prospects. We’ve had success with that, and are fortunate it has worked out,” he said. Cedar Ridge Stallion Station is home to NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream, NRHA Triple Crown winner Not Ruf At All, and two-time AQHA World Champion and earner of $188,000 In Like Flinn.

Hinton has owned several standout athletes, including Smarty Starlight, Lil Magnum Jessie, Black Hails Gold, Guaranteed A Magnum, and Mega Mag. It was on Lil Magnum Jessie, by NRHA $7 Million Sire Magnum Chic Dream, that Hinton won the 2009 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve Championship. Hinton won the NRHA Level 3 Open Futurity Championship in 2013 on Black Hails Gold (by Shine Like Hail), and in 2017 on Mega Mag (by Magnum Chic Dream).

While Hinton initially competed on Guaranteed A Magnum (by Magnum With A Dream), he passed the reins to his assistant Jimmy van der Hoeven, who piloted the gelding to back-to-back NRHA Derby Championships in 2018 and 2019 (owned by Chad and Molly Cherry).

Hinton was adamant that his success as both an owner and showman is due to help from people surrounding him. “You can’t accomplish something like that without a team. We have had many great assistants help us over the years, and we have been a real team. I don’t think this is an individual honor for me by any means,” he said. Hinton shared that Kathy, who has owned NRHA earners of more than $720,000, has been the driving force behind the couple’s success.

The current team at Casey Hinton Reining Horses includes Casey and Kathy, along with NRHA Professional Jimmy van der Hoeven, Abby Kampman, Mateo Argentero and Rodrigo Nieves.

While achieving Million Dollar Owner status is a huge accomplishment, Hinton is not resting on his laurels and is less than $115,000 away from becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Rider. “We still have some more goals, and we hope we have the endurance to reach them. The fact that we can do what we love, which is raising, training, and showing reining horses makes us fortunate. It’s fulfilling, so we hope to continue for a long time,” he said. 

Tenda Equine Products Sponsor Drag Awards at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

There are numerous opportunities to win prizes at the 6666® National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel, slated for June 19th-27th in Oklahoma City. The prize pool is set to expand in 2021 as contestants with the highest scoring run of each drag during the Open and Non Pro Preliminaries will win prizes from Tenda Equine Products.

The Tenda drag awards are given at the conclusion of each set and each drag award winner can go to the Super Barn paddock stand and pick up a Tenda bucket containing Tenda Giddy Up Shampoo, Tenda Pods, Tenda Sheen, Tenda Original Poultice or Tenda Hoof oil all generously sponsored by Tenda Equine & Pet Care Products and ThorSport Farm.

“We are glad to have this special benefit for our riders, thanks to Tenda,” said NRHA Events Manager Cheryl Cody. “It’s special and fun for our exhibitors to be able to walk out of the arena and get a gift for topping the set.”

NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications Sammi Miller echoed that sentiment. “Tenda Equine Products are a great addition to NRHA’s Derby award program,” she said. “Thank you to Tenda and ThorWorks Industries for coming on board to sponsor the high point leader of each section inside the Jim Norick Arena!”

Tenda Equine and Pet Care Products has been serving the performance horse industry for over 45 years with a primary goal of developing and manufacturing safe and effective products to promote and improve the overall health, soundness, performance, and overall well-being of equine athletes. For more information, visit the website at https://tendahorse.com.

Skyrocketing Entries Necessitate Schedule Changes for 6666® NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

The 2021 6666® NRHA Derby presented by Markel will be the largest in history in terms of Derby entries. That’s great news; however, with 303 Non Pro and 265 Open entries in the draw, the event will present some logistical challenges.

The increased numbers were a last-minute turn-around that it is thought to be the result of the myriad of new incentives for riders that came from soaring sponsor support.  The Four Sixes Ranch’s guaranteed championship payments in all levels are a factor, as are the opportunities presented by the Story Book Stables Amateur Derby, the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes, the Colston Paving Inc. Non Pro Stakes, and the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Non Pro and Open Derbies.

It seems that, for many exhibitors, the decision to enter was made at the eleventh hour. NRHA Events Manager Cheryl Cody explained, “The week before draw, we were substantially down in entries. They were so much lower than expected that I had taken my concerns to NRHA management. We were nearly 50 horses off the 2019 numbers, and even more from the 2020 totals. The deadline to be in the draw was Tuesday, June 1, the day after Memorial Day. From Friday evening, May 28, until midnight on June 1, we received more than 200 late Derby entries, as well as a staggering number of horse show entries!”

In checking the NRHA’s historic records, this volume of last-minute entries is unprecedented. Cody continued, “That increase, along with the anticipated accompanying ancillary entries, will make for long days for exhibitors. We have already taken steps to add a day to the show beginning in 2022. Unfortunately for this year, we will have to manage as best we can, because people have already made travel and vacation arrangements.”

NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter is looking forward to the historic event. “We are thrilled to have incredible sponsors whose support has brought us to this level. The funds they have brought in have been spread across so many divisions, benefiting all our exhibitors,” he said. “The explosive growth in our entry numbers this year have far outpaced the available dates. We have adjusted where we could this year, and plan to add another day to the schedule in 2022. We ask everyone for their patience and flexibility this year as we navigate through a record-setting, extraordinary event.”

The 2021 schedule has been modified with changes in start times and in locations for some classes as well as an amended entry deadline and schedule for the AQHA Open Class. Be sure to check the schedule and entry forms online at NRHADerby.com for complete details.

Horse of the West “Short Stirrup Series” Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

The National Reining Horse Association has long enjoyed the coverage provided by Horse of The West (formerly NRHA Inside Reining), and the 2021 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel will be featured on the popular RFD-TV program.

According to NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications Sammi Miller, the program helps the NRHA Derby reach a much wider audience.

She said, “Horse of the West, has helped the association to reach new people each year and show them all the excitement of reining.” With the program’s change of focus and expansion to covering both reined cow horse and barrel racing, Horse of the West has increased access to people who are already in the horse business. Their understanding of the complexities of training a horse should help draw them to the reining discipline.

In 2021 Sandbur Productions, creator of Horse of the West, is celebrating 20 years of reining coverage with the “Short Stirrup Series.”  At five unique reining events this year, Horse of the West is providing a special sponsorship to the 10 and Under class and will feature the top two finishers in the TV show.

Jenifer Reynolds of Sandbur Productions has long had a passion for reining and for the industry’s youngest riders. She said, “We want to showcase our youngest riders and encourage their involvement with horses. We hope the Short Stirrup Series will encourage families to get their kids out of the house and onto the back of a horse!”

Like many others in the reining world, Jenifer believes in the benefits of being involved with showing reining horses. “We’ve seen first-hand how young kids learn confidence, responsibility, and appreciation for animals through their involvement in reining. We want to show that benefit to our viewers,” she said.

“The sponsorship by Sandbur Productions and Horse of the West of the Short Stirrup classes is new at the 2021 Derby. Supporting the youth is something dear to NRHA and to have our long-time friends, Jenifer Reynolds and Chris Cook at Horse of the West, come along side to sponsor the youth is something we are proud to announce,” Miller said.

6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel coverage on Horse of the West is scheduled for September 13 and September 20. Remember, the show airs on Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET on RFD-TV. For those who don’t have RFD-TV, the shows are posted on the Horse of the West YouTube channel.

Horse of the West is a multiple Telly Award and AHP Equine Media Award winning weekly show presenting coverage of reining, reined cow horse, and barrel racing. In 2020 Horse of the West garnered a record 6 million 18+ views on RFD-TV, rural America’s most important network, and is on target to repeat those viewership numbers again in 2021.

Go to www.horseofthewest.tv for a complete show schedule.

Reining Horse Foundation Expands Scholarship Awards for 20th Anniversary

Traditionally, eight scholarships totaling $13,000 have been given each year to promising young National Reining Horse Youth Association members based on financial need, academic achievement, career plans, NRHA/NRHyA involvement, extracurricular activities, and references. To celebrate the Reining Horse Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2021, the decision was made to award every applicant. This includes four additional scholarships of $500 each.

Longtime RHF Scholarship Committee chairman Mike Hancock was key in this decision. He said, “We are excited that we can provide scholarships for all our 2021 applicants. It is a great way to help them as well as the Reining Horse Foundation as we celebrate our 20th year. This was a great bunch of youth; our world and our sport are in good hands!”

These RHF Scholarships are awarded in addition to NRHyA Affiliate Regional Scholarships, Varsity Reining Club, and special program scholarships such as the CINCH® Speaking Contest. In total, more than $40,000 in academic funds is offered annually by the RHF, financed mostly by private donors and NRHyA fundraisers.

Olivia Klug

Olivia Klug is the 18-year-old daughter of Andrew and Lynette Klug of Columbus, Neb. She received a $2,500 scholarship with which she plans to pursue an Animal Science degree from Oklahoma State University.

Klug has been inspired by many, but one figure in her life stands out, “One person who has really inspired me in the last few years is the NRHA Youth Manager, Sara Honegger. Her passion for the NRHA and the horse industry has inspired me so much. She is a great example of working hard toward what you want. Watching her has really helped me to work harder toward my goals.”

For the past seven years, Klug has been an active member of both the North Central Reining Horse Association and the Central Plains Reining Horse Association. She has held several NRHyA officer positions since 2017 including vice president, treasurer, delegate, and is currently president. She is active in her state 4-H chapter, the American Quarter Horse Association and was also a Nebraska Agriculture Youth Institution delegate.

Klug is grateful for the opportunities she has had through her involvement in NRHyA. She said, “I feel very honored to receive this scholarship. The RHF has been a major supporter in my life through their support of NRHyA, especially since I’ve been on the officer team for the past several years. I really appreciate the opportunity to grow my leadership skill sets, and I have a deep sense of gratitude for the investment that they have made to my future career. It really means a lot to me.”

She went on to thank her parents for allowing her to be involved in the horse industry, her trainer Serena Siebrandt for helping her become the rider she is and for inspiring her to keep showing, and NRHyA for helping her develop leadership skills to expand her horizons.

Morgan Ritz

Nineteen-year-old Morgan Ritz is studying Secondary English Education at Colorado Christian University and plans to be a middle school English teacher. She lives in Comstock, Neb. with her parents, Sterling and Deborah Ritz.

Ritz’s inspiration came from her father’s role during the coronavirus pandemic. “He had to sit down and teach me math a lot, and although math is not my favorite subject, he was very patient with me. He also taught me other things in life, like seeing the value of teachers and teaching others by example. I want to follow in his footsteps because even though he is not in the education field, he is still a great teacher.” She added, “It was a struggle at first, but in the long run it helped me appreciate all that I had and all I was blessed with.”

With this $2,500, Ritz is now a two-time RHF Scholarship recipient, having claimed her first in 2020. “Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me. I feel blessed for the opportunity to apply for it and to be chosen as a recipient. I appreciate the support I have always had in my youth career in NRHA, and they still care about my future. That means a lot to me. It again shows me how blessed I am to be part of this organization,” Ritz said.

During high school, she was involved in FFA, 4-H, AQHYA, and NRHyA. She was also in the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Science Olympiad. In addition to academic activities, she competed in cross country and track and field events. In her spare time, Ritz volunteered at the church nursery, youth group, FFA trash pickup, and the 4-H Community Garden, among others.

Penelope Jae (P.J.) Tubaugh

Seventeen-year-old Penelope Jae (P.J.) Tubaugh earned a $2,500 scholarship that she plans to use at the University of Montana Western. In April, she completed a spring semester internship at Tamarack Ranch in Joseph, Oregon, for college credit.

Tubaugh resides in Livingston, Mont. with her mother, Jordan Aller. She said, “While the reining industry as a whole inspires me, I am most inspired by the professionals and individuals who are working to change it for the better, and who hold the industry to a high standard. After working at Tamarack Ranch, I am also very inspired by Gabe and Susi Hutchins. They have shown me an amazing example of how things should be run and how to always keep the horse’s best interest in mind.”

Tubaugh plans to major in Business Administration and minor in Equine Management with the hope of managing the breeding at an equine facility. She said, “My mom was a single mother and raised me with no financial support from my father, so this scholarship means less money for her to have to pitch in to help me, hopefully, get my dream job after the large amount she has already contributed to help me chase my dreams all these years.” She is an active member of the Yellowstone Reining Horse Association and the Montana Reining Horse Association and was a 4-H Club president having won multiple grand and reserve championships with various projects.

Tubaugh had a long list of people to thank for her success. She said, “First, I would like to thank my family. They have supported and backed me up no matter what and have always been there to keep me motivated. My grandpa, Steve Aller, has been my biggest supporter when it comes to my reining horse and showing. I would also like to thank all of my reining horse family including the Anderson family, Kreistal, Ryan, Jay Dee and Jan. Lastly, I would like to thank Tamarack Ranch for helping to make this scholarship possible. Gabe and Susi were vital in this process, and I could not have done it without them and their breeding manager, Stephanie Compton.”

Olivia Badgley

After sustaining an injury after a stirrup broke while jumping, 17-year-old Olivia Badgley spent a lot of time with an orthopedic surgeon who inspired her to become an orthopedic physician’s assistant. She also had a biology teacher whom she credits with instilling a love for biochemistry and biology.

Badgley lives in Hillard, Ohio, with her mother, Rene Badgley, and plans to use her $1,500 scholarship to major in Biology. She said “It is a huge honor to be considered for this scholarship, as I have only been a NRHA member for a few years now. I am honored to have been selected to receive one of the scholarships. While doing the essay, and from what I have read, I value everything that the association is built on.”

Badgley is the Western Representative for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Western National Youth Board where she has twice won the IEA Sportsmanship award. She is also a member of the Young Riders 4-H Club, and the Dare Equestrian IEA Team. In school, she was a member of the National Honor Society and Hillard Darby Key Club. Having played the violin since the 5th grade, she was also a musician in the Symphonic and Concert Orchestra.

In her free time, Badgley volunteers her time to food preparation for the Manna Café Homeless shelter, the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, 4-H Horse Partnership, Franklin County Fair Cleanup, and Santa’s Visit Pictures.

Olivia thanked her trainer, Patrick Schwartz, by saying, “When we met, he introduced me to reining and made me fall in love with it. He also led me to find my horse. He was a huge part of finding my love for reining.”

Allison Schweller

The youngest of four children, Allison Schweller has her heart set on becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. The 18-year-old daughter of Randall and Nancy Schweller is involved in the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) where she placed in the top 10 at regionals twice in Medical Innovations and once in Medical Photography.

Schweller was Ambassador Leader for a medical summit at Johns Hopkins University. “My inspiration came from my four years of taking a [Project Lead The Way] class for biomedical sciences. We explored all different categories such as heart parts, brain locations and functions. One other deciding factor was when I was nominated to attend the medical summit at Johns Hopkins University. During the summit, we had an activity that stimulated suturing. It came so naturally to me that the doctor insisted that I try a more difficult suture.”

She is also a member of the Midwest Reining Horse Association, the Indiana Reining Horse Association, and the Illinois Reining Horse Association as well as her local 4-H Horse and Pony Club, a drill team and Key Club.

Schweller will make good use of the $1,500 RHF Scholarship as she is currently enrolled at Valparaiso University. She said, “This scholarship puts me one step closer to accomplishing my career goals without the heavy burden of student loan debt. I’m very grateful and honored to receive this scholarship.” She added, “I would like to thank my parents, my grandparents, Dennis and Vicky Schweller, and Juanita and Raymond Bellis, and my trainer, Corey Wilson. The countless hours they’ve dedicated into ensuring my success inside and outside of the arena are never taken for granted. They push me to continuously reach for the stars. I wouldn’t be the rider nor the person I am without any of these lovely people.”

Naomi Allyssa Ornelles

For as long as she can remember, Naomi Allyssa Ornelles has loved horses. The 17-year-old resident of Granbury, Texas, is president of her FFA Chapter and a former secretary. She has enjoyed membership in the Appaloosa Horse Club, American Paint Horse Association, and the American Quarter Horse Association. In her younger years, she competed in 4-H with the Young Riders Club and judging team.

Riding with Temple’s +1 Performance Horses Show Team, she earned ApHC world championships in Ranch Reining and Boxing and two reserve world championships in reining on the first horse she was able to buy with her own money. Recently, her FFA Horse Judging team won the Houston Livestock Show Horse Judging Contest. She keeps her knowledge honed by volunteering as a scribe at local horse shows.

Ornelles’ interest in reining began when she first visited her aunt, Leslie Temple’s, facility. “I saw my aunt riding one of her reiners in the arena and she said, ‘Let me show you something.’ She ran down the fence and stopped, and I fell in love with the sport. She taught me everything I know.” She noted. “Also, my great grandma was one of the first female jockeys back in the day, so I’m definitely driven to be like the people I looked up to.” Ornelles intends to make her love of horses a career by using her $1,000 RHF Scholarship to pursue an Animal Science degree on her way to becoming an equine veterinarian.

“I originally wanted to become an all-around livestock vet until we lost a yearling filly to strangles. Since then, I’ve especially wanted to work with horses. They are amazing, beautiful creatures and I want to do all I can to be sure they are healthy, happy, and comfortable,” she said. “I was beyond excited to receive that letter. I am very grateful for the Reining Horse Foundation’s help in pursuing my dreams. I am also so happy to have a horse foundation step up to help me give back to the horse industry.” She also thanked her parents, Steven & Heidi Ornelles, and her Aunt Leslie.

Riding with Temple’s +1 Performance Horses Show Team, she earned ApHC world championships in Ranch Reining and Boxing and two reserve world championships in reining on the first horse she was able to buy with her own money. Recently, her FFA Horse Judging team won the Houston Livestock Show Horse Judging Contest. She keeps her knowledge honed by volunteering as a scribe at local horse shows.

Kate Lilley

Hailing from Weatherford, Texas, Kate Lilley has been a member of the South Texas Reining Horse Association since she was about 10 and comes from a reining family; Greg Lilley, her father, is a successful Non Pro. Her mother, Kristen Lilley, is an NRHA and AQHA judge. Lilley competed at the state level in 4-H, in the North Texas High School Rodeo Association, and qualified for the National High School Rodeo Association Finals in reined cow horse.

The 17-year-old senior completed dual classes at Weatherford High School, so she  graduated with a year of college credits already under her belt. She participated on the Student Council, the Sports Medicine Staff, and Health Occupation Students of America. She was active on the archery and high school rodeo teams. She also volunteers for Meals on Wheels, and Rafter J Exceptional Rodeos for Children with Disabilities.

Lilley’s $750 award is designated as the RHF John McQuay Memorial Scholarship. Her plan to major in Biomedical Science was inspired by her veterinarian. “I wanted to be a vet at first, but she told me, ‘Hey, if you are going to be in school the same amount of time, why don’t you become a doctor?’”

Maddisen Schulz

Growing up, Maddisen Schulz would often go on emergencies with her mother, Tracy Schulz, a veterinarian, “She would always have me count pills and get prescriptions ready. It was fun for me so that is what sparked my interest,” Schulz recalled. She will use her $750 RHF Scholarship to pursue a major in Pharm. D.

The 18-year-old from Shelby, Nebraska, is an Honor Roll student at Columbus High School and takes concurrent college courses. She has been captain of her swim team for two years. She is an active member of the Central Plains Reining Horse Association and the North Central Affiliate. She has also been showing horses in 4-H for the last 11 years.

Shultz is thankful to have such supportive people in her life who have helped her with her education. “I’d really like to thank my teacher Mrs. Shannon McDonald. Shannon has really helped me get through school. I also thank my trainer Josie Bonner, because she is always there helping no matter what.”

With full appreciation, Schultz added, “It means a ton to me. It helps me better my future, and it is honestly a blessing because I did not think I would get it. When I got the letter, I was rejoicing. I called up my trainer, first thing, and said ‘We got it!’” 

The other applicants to receive $500 RHF Scholarships are:

Kelsey Cremia

Eighteen-year-old Kelsey Cremia lives in Auburn, Pa., with her parents Bernard and Terri Cremia. She graduated from Blue Mountain High where she participated in the International Club. Kelsey is a member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association. She also volunteers every summer at the local SPCA walking dogs. She plans to major in Business at college.

Emma Dillon

Emma Dillon, from Ventura, Calif. is the 17-year-old daughter of Thomas and Dawn Dillon. She was an honor student at Foothill Technology High School where she played soccer and was a member of the Bioscience Academy. She plans to major in Animal Science to become an equine veterinarian.

Brogan Hill

Brogan Hill lives in Saint Anthony, Idaho, with her parents Randy and Melinda Rumsey. The 18-year-old graduated from Sugar City High where she was the president of the Karaoke Club and a member of the Spirit and Rodeo Clubs. She is also active in the Idaho Reining Horse Association, AQHYA and the AjPHA. She plans to major in Communication and Business to pursue a career as a motivational speaker.

Allyson Nicklous

Eighteen-year-old Allyson Nicklous lives in St. Paul, Ore, with her parents David and Laurie Nicklous. Allyson attended St. Paul and Blanchet Catholic where she was active in basketball, volleyball, band, speech, debate, Reading Club, and the National Honor Society. She is a member of Oregon Reining Horse Association and plans to major in Pre-Med and Biology to become an orthopedic surgeon.

NRHyA is a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is the charitable arm of NRHA. Along with youth leadership development woven throughout NRHyA programs, the Foundation supports scholarships for NRHyA members. Donors are invited to support these programs in a myriad of ways including individual donations, memorials/honorariums, and participation in NRHyA fundraisers. One of the benefits of maintaining NRHyA membership is eligibility for those scholarships.