NRHA Mourns the Loss of Hall of Famer Snip O Gun

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) joins the reining community in mourning the passing of NRHA Hall of Famer Snip O Gun, a legendary broodmare whose legacy transcends the show pen. With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to all who were touched by this exceptional mare.

Snip O Gun was a cornerstone of excellence in the reining world. Owned by Hilldale Farm, the 1993 mare’s impact extended far beyond her own achievements.

Sired by One Gun and out of Miss Kim Olena, Snip O Gun didn’t find her way to the NRHA Hall of Fame through competition but rather through a larger-than-life breeding career. As a broodmare, she shaped the future of reining through her offspring. Her exceptional genetics and temperament were passed down to generations of reining prospects, ensuring that her influence would endure for years to come. Her descendants continue to excel in the arena, a testament to the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

As we reflect on Snip O Gun’s remarkable life and career, let us remember her for the profound impact she had on the reining community as a whole. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

For more information about Snip O Gun and her contributions to the sport of reining, visit reini.ng/SnipOGunHallofFame.

Place Your Bid for the 2024 Buy-A-Pro Auction

Have you been a fan of reining and want to give it a spin for yourself? The 2024 Buy-A-Pro Auction is officially underway and offers an entry point into the reining industry for those who have wanted to participate or polish up on existing skills. The auction offers buyers a chance to purchase a two-lesson package with National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Professionals from all over the United States and benefits the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). This year, the auction runs through 1 p.m. CST on March 19.

From fans to those with reining experience, everyone can benefit from the elite list of NRHA Professionals, including NRHA Futurity Champions, NRHA Million Dollar Riders, stars from The Last Cowboy, NRHA World Champions, NRHA Horsemen and Women of the Year, expert non pro coaches, and other proven professionals.

A winning bid grants riders an opportunity to travel to their chosen professional’s facility and polish their riding skills and their horse’s training or, in some cases, try reining for the first time on a horse provided by the professional. From beginners to accomplished riders, everyone can benefit from these private training packages.

“Josiane Gauthier was an excellent trainer and instructor. I loved that she wants to give her student a firm foundation and understanding of what we are doing and what we are about to do,” said Angela Johnson-Moore, a previous auction participant. “She provided a fabulous training horse that took excellent care of me! She rode alongside me for instruction. Never did I think I would actually spin and do sliding stops on my first lesson. This was an amazing experience and taught me I can have confidence stepping outside my box with the right trainer.”

Each of the participating NRHA Professionals donates two training sessions per package, and 15% of the proceeds benefit their designated NRHA affiliate. The remaining funds are allotted directly to NRHyA to provide scholarships and other opportunities for young reiners.

Along with making reining accessible, the auction has created life-long bonds, allowed people to purchase their first reining horse, and more.

“For [NRHA Professional] Daniel Schloemer to go so above and beyond is incredible—I am living a dream this week,” said Diane Stuart after participating in lessons purchased in 2023. “Sometimes it’s hard not to forget there are incredible people out there in this world, but the NRHA world reminds me daily.”

Historically, this fundraiser has generated significant funding to support NRHyA. With participating professionals located all over the country, there are options to best suit each buyer’s needs. Before bidding, be sure to check if your selected professional offers the amenities you need, such as lesson horses, stalls, or RV hookups.

To view the NRHA Professionals available and to place your bids today, visit 32auctions.com/2024BuyAPro.

In Memory of Ann Admonius

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Ann Admonius of Ocala, Florida, on February 28, 2024.

Ann first found success as an all-around competitor in AQHA and NSBA events. She moved to the sport of reining in 2009. Ann achieved the milestone of more than $50,000 NRHA earnings in 2021. She was a member of the Reining Horse Foundation Board of Directors from 2014–2019.

Read her formal obituary here.

Ann requested a Celebration of Life (in her words, “Party”). It will be held June 8 in Ocala, Florida. Ann’s husband, Tim, is requesting that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the Reining Horse Foundation.

If mailing a check, put “In Memory of Ann Admonius” in the memo section. Donate online via the RHF website.

2023 Professionals of the Year

In the spirit of honoring excellence and commitment within our vibrant community, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly presents the distinguished 2023 Professionals of the Year awards. Since its inception in 2012, these accolades have served as a beacon, spotlighting individuals who epitomize excellence as leaders of reining.

The essence of this honor lies not only in remarkable achievements within the show arena but also in the profound impact these individuals make through their unwavering support and contribution to our association and its members. The recipients of the 2023 awards embody integrity and sincerity, serving as paragons within our industry, tirelessly striving to advance and uphold the cherished ideals of reining.

Nominees for these prestigious awards, including NRHA Professional Horseman of the Year, NRHA Non Pro Coach of the Year, NRHA Youth Coach of the Year, NRHA Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year, and NRHA Up-and-Coming Professional of the Year, are sourced from NRHA affiliates and the discerning eye of the NRHA Professionals Committee. Subsequently, NRHA Professionals cast their votes for those who will join the illustrious ranks of our esteemed honorees.

Horseman of the Year: Brian Bell
Valley View, Texas
NRHA LTE: $2,659,353

Brian Bell started his reining career at 18 years old, winning the NRHA Youth 14–18 World Title. After immersing himself in reining, he became an NRHA Million Dollar Rider in 2013. In 2023, he accomplished his goal of winning the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity on Crystalized Whizkey.

Not only has Bell competed and earned titles at all major NRHA events, but he is also known for his efforts to support the reining community outside of the show pen.

Supporters of his nomination said Bell has always been a strong supporter of grassroots and weekend shows in his region; he also hosts an annual affiliate show in Hamilton, Texas, because he saw a need for it in his region. He is very passionate about helping non pros and increasing inclusivity in reining. He also contributes to reining’s international growth through clinics.

Along with these efforts, he participates in every aspect of the business, including attending judges’ seminars.

Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year: Josiane Gauthier
Lucama, North Carolina
NRHA LTE: $688,039

Josiane Gauthier and her husband, Russell, had the opportunity to purchase Sunny Pines Farm in 2016 and have been running JG Performance Horses on their ranch since. Along with competing at aged events and making the finals of every NRHA major event, Josiane runs a breeding program and is known for her strong green reiner and non pro programs.

“Josiane is not just a coach. Josiane is ‘THE COACH!’ She doesn’t just preach to you, she leads the way, she guides, she is the way maker,” said the Southeast Reining Horse Association recommendation letter. “She empathizes with you. She shares in your success and your trials. She truly cares! You can always tell a JG horse from a mile away. They just carry themself differently. They have swag. They are healthy. They are confident. They know that they are loved and very well taken care of. Her clients are also this way. We just present different; a good difference. We have the best supportive community. This stems from a great leader and team.”

Non Pro Coach of the Year: Martin Muehlstaetter
Scottsdale, Arizona
NRHA LTE: $1,379,569

Martin Muehlstaetter was born in Villach, Austria. Before heading to the states, Muehlstaetter began riding horses there at a young age. He now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his wife, Kim, own and operate Muehlstaetter Performance Horses.

“Not only is Martin one of the very top professional reining horse trainers in the country, but he is also an excellent non pro coach,” read Muehlstaetter’s recommendation. “He has the top non pros in the country come to ride with him because he prepares their horses properly and then gives each non pro high-quality time to be able to prepare them so they can be competitive at the top level as well.”

Up-And-Coming Trainer of the Year: Luca Fappani
Weatherford, Texas
NRHA LTE: $788,051

Luca Fappani became an NRHyA member in 2015 and competed in the highest ranks as a non pro before becoming an NRHA Professional in 2023. In his first year competing as a pro, Fappani took home the NRHA Level 2 Open Futurity Championship, amassed over $375,000 and was 7th in the list of NRHA Top 20 Professionals.

“Luca always has a good attitude at work and gets along well with his peers. He is a sponge,” said NRHA $4 Million Rider Casey Deary. “He is always asking questions and trying to improve. Many of the questions are about trying to breed a better reining horse to ensure a strong future. Luca takes instruction well and is happy to give instruction to assist his peers. He has a lot of natural feel on a horse that allows him to adapt as needed. He handles the stress of major event finals like someone who has been there many times before. The entire world knows that Andrea and Tish Fappani are incredible horse people, but if a child is a reflection of the people that raised it, they are pretty amazing parents as well.”

Youth Coach of the Year: Matthew Flarida
Purcell, Oklahoma
NRHA LTE $340,152

Matthew Flarida grew up in Western Ohio, where he learned his father, Mike Flarida, a two-time NRHA Open Futurity Champion and an NRHA Hall of Famer. Not only has he made the finals at all major NRHA events, but he is known for helping youth in the show pen and helping them become better horsemen altogether.

“Matt started coaching two sisters, Victoria and Tessa Watchous, when they qualified for The Run For A Million (TRFAM) Rookie class in 2022, and they have come so far since they joined his program,” read Flarida’s recommendation. “Matt has helped them to better prepare their horses to show and achieve a lot of personal milestones. He has gone above and beyond to put the time and effort into the girls getting time in the saddle and improving. They travel several hours each way from either their home in Kansas or from school at OSU [Oklahoma State University] to take multiple lessons each week. They qualified for and competed at TRFAM again, as well as the NAACs [North American Affiliate Championships] in 2023. He not only coaches their riding and showing but has put equal effort into sharing his knowledge of the importance of good horsemanship and caring for their horses.”

Goals set at the 2024 NRHA European Affiliate Summit

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) hosted the annual European Affiliate Summit in Barcelona, Spain, on January 19–20. The meetings held during the Summit included the European Executive Board Meeting, the European Council Meeting, and the European Affiliate Summit. The meetings were a chance to share updates, have conversations about the state of affiliates across Europe, set goals, and allow affiliates to connect and collaborate.

To help facilitate, NRHA representatives included Sr. Director of International Affairs & Development Samantha Oldfield, NRHA Vice President Mike Hancock, and newly appointed NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

On Friday evening, the European Council held a meeting where affiliates with a council seat discussed annual business, such as a review of their bylaws, a 2025 European Affiliate Summit location, and upcoming 2024 reminders and deadlines. The council also connected with the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA), which will host the 2024 NRHA European Futurity in Cremona, Italy, to review the event conditions.

Saturday was dedicated to the European Affiliate Summit, a crucial time for attendees to connect and collaborate with fellow European affiliates and NRHA representatives.  Smith was formally introduced to each European affiliate and was informed about their unique goals and characteristics. Affiliates also had the chance to voice their concerns to NRHA and the other affiliates present to collaborate and problem-solve.

“It is important for NRHA to hear what barriers affiliates are facing so that we can help them remove or work through them,” Oldfield said. “It is also a time for affiliates to work together and share how they overcame certain barriers through different strategies and problem-solving and to learn from one another.”

A highlight of the European Affiliate Summit was the focused conversation and teamwork that occurred. The meeting was a time dedicated to the sport of reining in Europe, and attendees took it as an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments, set goals for 2024, and brainstorm creative solutions to challenges they faced.

“This is the one time a year we can get together, other than at a horse show, and discuss what is happening in each affiliate,” Oldfield said. “It is quite amazing to see what affiliates have done through their own ingenuity to grow members and events and to see relationships form out of the [European Affiliate] Summit.”