His flowing white mane is a stark contrast against his shining golden body, making Smart And Shiney one of the easiest stallions to recognize in the reining industry. The stunner recently reached a new career milestone when he became a National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Sire.
Bred by Jack Kelley and born in 2003, the stunning stallion is by NRHA Level 3 Open Derby Champion Smart Shiner and out of Tronas Pearl, who produced multiple winners in the western performance horse industry. The colt was bred to do great things.
NRHA Hall of Famer and Three Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay purchased the colt in 2006 and then partnered with longtime friend and client, Lyle Lovett, later that year.
McQuay trained and showed the colt for most of his career, in which he amassed earnings of more than $151,000. He was an NRHA Futurity Finalist, won the preliminary round of the National Reining Breeders Classic and finished in the Top 10 of the Finals, and was also a Top 10 finisher at the NRHA Derby.
“He was very easy to be around, and just so good-minded all the time that it was easy to train him. He was pretty green when I bought him in March of his 3-year-old year, but he let me teach him and would figure things out,” McQuay recalled. “I was ecstatic when we made the Futurity finals because he had been so behind, but it was because of his attitude that we were able to.”
In 2010, NRHA Professional Marco Ricotta took the reins at the World Equestrian Games, and the pair helped earn a Team Bronze Medal.
That same year, Lovett purchased McQuay’s share of the stallion, and in 2011, showed him in the Non Pro Classic Challenge at the NRBC, placing in the Top 10 or higher in all levels entered. “Lyle’s schedule kept him from being able to come ride much, and then he was still able to do well with him at the shows,” McQuay explained. “That’s a testament to that stallion’s mind that they were still able to be successful.”
Smart And Shiney’s biggest wins in the performance arena are:
2009 NRBC Level 4 Open 9th Place – $26,000 with Tim McQuay
2006 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open 12th Place – $17,079 with Tim McQuay
2009 NRBC USEF Level 4 Open Champion – $12,352 with Tim McQuay
2008 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open 9th Place – $11,375 with Tim McQuay
2007 NRBC Level 4 Open 15th Place – $10,625 with Tim McQuay
Smart And Shiney’s first limited foal crop was born in 2008 and included standout performers Shiney Tinseltown (out of Dun It In Tinseltown), earner of $44,660, and Shiney Enterprise (out of My Royal Enterprise), who has won more than $73,690.
Smart And Shiney’s highest money earner is Shiney Workboots (out of Reminic At Work), who was bred by NRHA Million Dollar Owner David Silva and is owned by Tim and MaryBeth Ruckman. The gelding, whose lifetime earnings top $114,000, has been ridden to wins by several riders, including NRHA Million Dollar Riders Matt Mills and Dr. Jim Morgan, Ginger Schmersal, Addisyn Schmersal, McQuay, and MaryBeth Ruckman.
Just a few hundred dollars behind Shiney Workboots is Designed With Shine (out of Taris Designer Genes). The mare, bred by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Rancho Oso Rio, has won $114,294 with 11 different riders. Most recently, the mare finished as Reserve Champion at The Run For A Million in the Non Pro with McKinnon Larcombe.
McQuay added, “I’ve been able to train and show some of his foals, and the best thing about them is that they were all good-minded like he was. They may not all be superstars, but they’re going to try their best.”
Smart And Shiney now stands at Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses in Aubrey, Texas. He was immortalized as a Breyer Horse in 2014.
Smart And Shiney’s Top Earners:
Shiney Workboots (Reminic At Work) – $114,908
Designed With Shine (Taris Designer Genes) $114,294
Shiney Enterprise (My Royal Enterprise) – $73,690
Got That Iowa Shine (SLJ This Is My Juice) – $63,762
Shiney Little Queen (Tivios Little Queen) – $52,810
Shiney Tinseltown (Dun It In Tinseltown) – $44,660
All About Business (Anne Get Your Gunner) – $41,045
When Casey Deary and Americasnexttopgun won the Level 4 Open Championship at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel, an incredible $75,000 was added to the lifetime earnings of both the horse and rider.
That meant that Deary, already an NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider, was elevated to the fifth position on NRHA’s Leading Rider list. With lifetime earnings of $3,058,233, he is one of only six riders to have won more than three million. That money was won on 161 horses, bringing his average earnings per horse to $18,995.
Interestingly, it was on Americasnexttopgun (Walla Walla Whiz x Americasnextgunmodel) that Deary surpassed two million dollars in lifetime earnings. That happened when Deary and the stallion, owned by Jody and Jolan Puno, won the 2020 Level 4 Open Championship at the National Reining Breeders Classic.
Deary has won the most money on Ten Thirty (Gunnatrashya x Dainty Little Step), his 2021 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion. The stallion, owned by Rancho El Fortin, and Deary have generated payouts totaling $369,069.
Deary’s fourth-leading earner, Shesouttayourleague (Walla Walla Whiz x Wimpys Little Chic), boasts $252,470 in lifetime earnings. In fact, it was Shesouttayourleague that gave Deary his first NRHA Futurity Open Championship, and that 2015 win was enough to make Deary a Million Dollar Rider for the first time.
One would be hard-pressed to write Deary’s story without including a chapter devoted to Americasnextgunmodel, who holds the third spot of Deary’s all-time leading horses and is the dam of Americasnexttopgun, who sits at second.
The flashy mare was the one who carried Deary to his first major victory – the 2012 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Championship. The talented athlete, owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA, and her offspring have been responsible for more than $900,000 of Deary’s earnings.
Deary’s Top 10 Wins 9 (as of 7/1/2022):
2021 NRHA Futurity Championship – $332,500- Ten Thirty
2016 NRHA Derby Championship – $57,000 – Magnum Starlights
Casey Deary and his wife, Nicole, own and operate Deary Performance Horses in Weatherford, Texas, where they live with their four children. For more information, visit DearyPerformance.com
A 12-day stretch of continuous competition at Oklahoma State Fair Park wrapped up on Sunday, June 26. The final day of the 2022 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel showcased Non Pro and Youth ancillary riders, with several Montana Silversmiths high point buckles being presented.
8 & Up Maturity Levels 4, 3, 2, & 1 Champion/Non Pro (2) & Int. Non Pro (2) Champion – Emma Lane & Gunner Gump
The 2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel competition wrapped up in the Jim Norick Arena Sunday morning, and Emma Lane cleaned house. She won first place in the 8 & Up Maturity Levels 4, 3, 2, 1, Non Pro (2), and Intermediate Non Pro (2). She showed Gunner Gump, a 14-year-old gelding by NRHA 13 Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Little Patrasha Gump, who is well versed in the show ring.
“We went to Switzerland twice on the FEI team, and he’s just been so great for us,” Lane said. “He only gets shown like once a year.”
Gunner Gump makes it count when it is his time to shine, scoring a 216.5 Sunday morning. This year’s Derby might very well be his last show.
“We were late in the draw, so I was trying to find good dirt. He was so good everywhere,” Lane said. “He’s an older gelding, so he’s going to want to set up. It’s been great to be out here all week with him and have fun.”
Gunner Gump is owned by Lane’s dad, Bundy.
“My dad has taught me everything I know,” Lane said. “It’s just me and him here, and we’ve had an amazing time.”
Non Pro, Int. Non Pro High Point – Melissa Wigen & Starlight Escalade
Melissa Wigen wrapped the 2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel on a high note. She scored a 214 on her horse, Starlight Escalade, to win the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro High Point Montana Silversmiths buckle. The eight-year-old gelding is by Starlights Wrangler and out of Escalante Chic.
“He felt awesome,” Wigen said. “I had so much fun, and he was right there with me. We came earlier for the novice horse stuff, and this was a bonus. There was almost a runoff, and I was thankful Emma pulled ahead of us, so he could rest for the long trailer ride back home.”
Wigen and Starlight Escalade will make the trip back home to Joseph, Oregon, where they will enjoy a few weeks of rest before the Summer Slide in Denver, Colorado. Wigen thanked her husband, Travis, traveling partner, Lindsey, and her kids.
“There’s a lot of good people that help me back at home to get here and to be here, and I know they’re picking up the slack for me,” she said. “I have a lot of people to be thankful for, and I appreciate all of them.”
Prime Time Non Pro (2) Champion and Highpoint – Nancy Murfin-Moxley & Mega Mag
With a score of 214, Nancy Murfin-Moxley and “sports car” Mega Mag earned the Prime Time Non Pro (2) Championship and High Point Montana Silversmiths buckle, winning $249.
“He’s new to my program this year, I’m just getting with him, and I love him. Every ride I show on him is so fun,” Murfin-Moxley said.
The eight-year-old gelding, by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Big Gold Chex, has earned more than $100,000 in his lifetime. Now with Murfin-Moxley at the reins, he’s taking on the ancillary classes.
“He’s a character. He’s busy, he’s fun. I love his honesty; he’s a little sports car and he takes good care of me,” Murfin-Moxley said. “He’s great in his circles, great in his stops, he’s just wonderful. There are so many things.”
Murfin-Moxley took things a little cautiously in the Jim Norick Arena Sunday morning, June 26, but was pleased with how attentive Mega Mag was with her.
“I thank Casey and Kathy Hinton, everybody in the barn, my husband, family and all of my support,” Murfin-Moxley said.
TRFAM Non Pro Qualifiers
Five riders advanced from the second slate of Non Pro The Run For A Million Qualifier Sunday morning in the Jim Norick Coliseum at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Long rosettes in hand, the riders joined the ranks of non pros vying for the $50,000 TRFAM Non Pro purse, which will be held in August at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kalicia Walters
Marieta, Oklahoma – Pale Faced Whiz (Pale Face Dunnit x Lady Naskiia Whiz)
Kalicia Walters
Marieta, Oklahoma – Raisinthebar (PS Mega Shine Chic x Chic In The Bar)
Lindsay Lee Kovick
New Plymouth, Idaho – The American Colonel (Wimpys Littlecolonel x Miss Sugar Whiz)
Dana Pastorino
Half Moon Bay, California – Shining Like Flinn (In Like Flinn x Lil Shinin Suzana)
Rhea Pole
Gainesville, Texas – Leavetherestspooked (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Leave The Rest)
Qualification for TRFAM is based on rider, not horse. Riders do not have to compete on the horse they qualified on but are required to lease or own their TRFAM the horse based on NRHA rules.
Youth 13 & Under (2) – Logan Flaherty & Story For You
Reining is a family affair for the Flahertys, and Logan Flaherty kept the tradition alive Sunday afternoon by winning the Youth 13 & Under in Slate 2. He scored a 140 on Story For You, a seven-year-old gelding by Wimpyneedsacocktail out of Surpriseinadarkalley.
“We call him Cruise, and I’ve had him for about six months,” Flaherty said.
Flaherty has had a hectic week, flying back home to Scottsdale, Arizona, for football trials and coming back in time to show.
“I have played football and swim competitively since I was five years old,” he said. Flaherty is also a Dallas Cowboys fan, saying his favorite player is Dak Prescott. He also thanked his dad, Patrick Flaherty, and Arno Honstetter.
Unrestricted Youth High Point – Chloe Cannon & Mr Hollywood Cee
The Unrestricted Youth High Point Montana Silversmiths buckle was won by Chloe Cannon on Mr Hollywood Cee. The pair scored a 140 in Slate 2 to wrap up the competition. The eight-year-old gelding is by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodtinseltown and out of Miss Hollywood Cee.
Unrestricted Youth (2) – Mary Riley Cachat & A Smalltown Trick
With a 142.5, Mary Riley Cachat and A Smalltown Trick won the second slate of the Unrestricted Youth, wrapping up their time in Oklahoma City.
A Smalltown Trick is by Tricked Out Spook out of A Smalltown Gal. The 5-year-old gelding, bred by Mark Blackwell, was shown by NRHA Leading Rider Andrea Fappani as a 3-year-old and won the Arizona Best of the West Reining Futurity and qualified for the Level 4 Finals at the NRHA Futurity. Leonardo Kellerman took the reins of the colt as a 4-year-old, and helped bring his lifetime earnings to more than $66,000.
Cachat was unable to stay for the awards; she had to pack up and head south to the American Paint Horse Association World Show.
Youth 14 – 18 (2) Champion & High Point – Justin Eddy & Xtra Wimpy Voodoo
Class-topping scores earned Justin Eddy and his two geldings the $100 Youth 14 – 18 (2) Championship and High Point Montana Silversmiths buckle.
Riding Xtra Wimpy Voodoo (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wimpys New Pal), Eddy scored a 145.5 in the Adequan® Arena Sunday.
“He’s an older gelding and sometimes older show horses develop some bad habits. My goal today was to go in today and not have any bad habits,” Eddy said.
Some of the improvements Eddy saw in the palomino gelding included waiting for his cue in the rollbacks.
“He did really well for me, and the judged liked and rewarded him,” Eddy said. “He’s a really fun horse to be around. I call him a ‘pretty boy,’ because he is. He has a really long mane, and he likes to be a show horse. When you do watch your run after on the screen, he watches himself.”
Eddy finished Reserve Champion on gelding Not Ruf Nic (Not Ruf At all x Hollynic), marking a 143.
Youth 13 & Under High Point – Addison Coats & Ruf Till The End
In Slate 2 of the Youth 13 & Under, Addison Coats scored a 139.5 to seal the deal on winning the Youth 13 & Under High Point Montana Silversmiths buckle. She rode Ruf Till The End, a nine-year-old mare by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Lil Ruf Peppy out of Remedys Sure Slide.
“Ruffy is a very sweet horse,” Coats said. “You don’t have to ask for much and she gives you a lot.” Coats was awarded several prizes for being high point, including a beautiful buckle, ribbon, bucket and vet wrap. Practice paid off for horse and rider, after spending time working on their spins and stops all week.
“I thank my mom and trainer, Vincinzo Santos,” Coats said.
Short Stirrup High Point – Layla Flaherty & Totally Juiced
After winning the first slate of the 10 & Under Short Stirrup, Layla Flaherty sealed the Montana Silversmiths High Point buckle with a reserve championship Sunday afternoon in Slate Two.
Her partner was twelve-year-old gelding Totally Juiced (Smart Like Juice x Select A Fourty Five).
“Today went really good,” Flaherty said. “He went fast in his stops, and it was fun. Today I kind of just got on, practiced a little and then went to show.”
Flaherty said her goal for the day was to be slow in the corners before her rundowns. While she didn’t feel like she was successful today, it’s still a goal for Flaherty.
“We practice a lot and he’s always ready in the morning when I come to the ranch,” Flaherty said.
Flaherty thanked Scott Pederson for leasing Totally Juiced to her, and her dad/trainer Patrick Flaherty for his help.
Short Stirrup (2) – Lily Forzani & Annies Custom Pistol
In Slate 2 of the Short Stirrup class, Sunday afternoon, Lily Forzani scored a 144.5 to win the championship. She rode Annies Custom Pistol, a 10-year-old gelding by NRHA 13 Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of KR Anniegityergun.
“I like that I can learn a lot, and I get the opportunity to be here,” Forzani said. She enjoys every aspect of the show, even saddling, washing, and grooming Annies Custom Pistol.
“I thank my trainer, Stefano Calcagnini, my mom and dad, and everyone watching.” The Aubrey, Texas, youth will give the gelding a few weeks off before showing at Reining by the Bay in California.
Americasnexttopgun and Casey Deary rode into the danger zone Saturday night during the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby Open Level 4 Finals, posting a 223.5 that could not be touched.
“This horse is so explosive and so talented that he can do things that are hard to sit on. In fact, even changing leads there I lost my stirrup. He’s just so physical,” Deary said.
With the Level 4 Open Championship, the stallion added $75,000 to his bankroll. The win is a second major NRHA title for Americasnexttopgun, who earned the 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic Open Derby Championship. To date, the son of NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz out of Americasnextgunmodel has earned $343,892. The stallion was bred and nominated by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA.
“He ran through the gates really good, and I felt like he nailed that first stop. This horse is such an athlete that I overshot my marker a little bit backing up. He turned around like a top both ways – I don’t know if it gets any better than that,” Deary said.
Following a Reserve Championship in the Level 4 Open at the NRBC in April, Deary knew there was more to be had and reevaluated his preparation methods for “Maverick.”
“I needed to adjust to get him shown in this heat and humidity,” Deary said. “I didn’t warm him up nearly as much as I would normally do. He’s so talented that, as long as I can stay out of trouble, he’s a pretty consistent [earner].”
Deary rode Maverick “very little” throughout the two weeks in hot and humid Oklahoma City. To prepare before the finals, Maverick was turned out for a total of four hours in the large round-pens on the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.
“Getting ready to lope off, I was a little nervous that I had left him a little too fresh, but as soon as I loped off and he went to work he hooked right up. I couldn’t ask him to be better,” Deary said.
The list of Deary Performance Horses people to thank is long and includes veterinarians, farriers and help at home.
“There are too many to list here, but [mostly] my number one supporter, Nicole, has been there cheering me on through the whole deal, and Jody and Jolan [Puno] have backed this horse with everything they have,” Deary concluded.
Casey Hinton and personal horse Magnums Custom Dream earned the Level 3 Open Championship under the sparkling lights of the Jim Norick Coliseum Saturday night, much to the delight of the crowd.
“Any time you’re in the finals on Saturday night and the crowd gets behind you, it’s pretty thrilling. All the hours of training and practice [pay off],” Hinton said. “You’ve got to keep those younger guys on their toes and stay competing at the top level.”
Astride five-year-old stallion Magnums Custom Dream, Hinton saw all the pieces fall into place. The team marked a 221, earning $35,000 and besting the Level 3 field. Hinton and Magnums Custom Dream also finished sixth in the Level 4, worth an additional $16,836.
“It’s taken a while, but he really showed this week what we thought his potential was,” Hinton said.
Magnums Custom Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Gunna Be Custom) was bred and nominated by Garth Hystad and is owned by Hinton and wife, Kathy.
“It’s a horse I bought from Devin Warren, and this is the second time that Devin has told me that ‘I really have a horse that’ll fit for you,’” Hinton said. “Personality-wise he’s very consistent. His demeanor is not really stud-y, he’s pretty even-keel that way. He’s super athletic, and I don’t think there is a category he doesn’t excel at.”
Hinton thanked his staff for their hard work and Jesus Christ for the opportunities given to him.
Open Level 2 Champion – My Whizard Dream & Abigayle Mixon
My Whizards Dreams and Abigayle Mixon broke a streak of 72s to earn the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Open Level 2 Championship with a 220.5, earning $20,000.
“He came out of the stall happy and pretty fresh today. He warmed up really good, and I just kind of had a feeling he was going to be good,” Mixon said. “I’ve been stuck this year marking 72s and 72.5s, and I had yet to lay down a run. I was pretty determined to put one together and he was there for me, so it was pretty fun.”
The five-year-old gelding is owned by Michelle George, and Mixon first partnered up with him in 2021.
“We bought him from Fred and Dany Tremblay at the beginning of last year. I showed him a little last year and had some success with him. He’s cool, super sweet, and overall a nice horse,” Mixon said.
My Whizard Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Miss Poco Whizard), or “Tiger,” was bred and nominated by Andre Lauzon. According to Mixon, he is an easygoing individual with clownish tendencies. To keep him sharp in the brutal Oklahoma heat and humidity, Mixon gave him several days off between the open preliminaries and finals.
“I think backing off of him [worked]. I went through everything last night and made sure I didn’t over-ride him. Made sure he had plenty of air and was cool. I think it made a big difference,” Mixon said.
Next for Tiger is the non pro pen with owner George.
“I want to thank our outstanding owners, my husband, Jeff, and my whole family. Jeff helps me all the time at home and with our daughter Logan. [Plus] all my help at home, it literally takes a village to do what we do. We all play a big role,” Mixon said.
Level 1 Open Derby Co-Champion – Jack Daniels & She Whiz Shiney
Saturday night at the 2022 NRHA Derby was one Jack Daniels will remember for a long time. Daniels scored a 214.5 on She Whiz Shiney in the Open Derby Level 1 Finals, tying for first place with Daniel Martins Cruz.
“We’ve had the mare for about seven months. We got her after the Futurity,” Daniels said of the mare, who was nominated by Cinder Lakes Ranch. “She’s a huge stopper, and that’s probably my favorite thing about her. She was really nice all-around tonight.”
Although Daniels thought he left a point or two in the turns the four-year-old mare by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shine Chic Shine out of Dun Dry Whiz, made up for it in her stops. To prepare for Saturday night’s competition, Daniels said all he had to do was let his wife, Kaci O’ Rourke, ride the mare.
“She gets along with that mare pretty well,” he said. “I bump my legs on her more and Kaci likes hugging her legs on the mare more.”
It always helps to have a supportive spouse behind the scenes. Daniels’ wife worked for Level 4 Derby Champion and new Three Million Dollar Rider, Casey Deary, for five years and then NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal, where Daniels met her. Ever since then, the pair have always been able to bounce ideas off each other in order to get the most out of their horses.
Daniels thanked the owner, Jennifer Anderson, stating they will consider selling the mare or continue showing her.
“She’s been tried once today and will be once after this, so hopefully whoever ends up with her is happy, and we can do it all again,” he said.
The show pen is relatively new to Daniels. He usually starts colts, but after Saturday’s big win, he may want to continue his own show career.
“I’m always so used to being able to fix it on a two-year-old, but you have to just be able to show through it, and that for me has been the hardest part to learn,” he said.
Daniels won $6,492 for his efforts and is quickly making a name for himself in the arena, and with great people in his corner, he is well on his way to more wins in his future.
“I’ve had a lot of help from my wife,” Daniels said. “She’s great and has done so much for me.”
Level 1 Open Derby Co-Champion – Daniel Martins Cruz & Gunners Deja Girl
The Derby Finals was an exciting event to watch Saturday night in the Jim Norick Arena, with two riders tying for first place in the Level 1. Daniel Martins Cruz scored a 214.5 on Gunners Deja Girl to be named co-champion with Jack Daniels. Gunners Deja Girl is owned by Pedro Pastor Hernandez and was nominated by McQuay Stables.
“This is my second show with her,” Cruz said. “She’s amazing and for me just a super horse. Every time she’s ready, she has such a big heart.”
The pair won $6,492.
Cruz hails from Brazil but has made waves in the short amount of time he has lived in the United States. He made the move three years ago and now works for Fernando Salgado. He has 22 years of experience total and used that to his advantage when showing the five-year-old mare by NRHA 13 Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Dun Its Deja Vu.
“When I go very fast in the circles, she’s always constant,” Cruz said. Cruz has made the Open Finals both years he has shown at the Derby.
“I love Brazil, but America has the best shows and the best horses,” he said. “I’m very happy for my boss and the owners, Pedro Pastor Hernandez.”
It takes a special horse and rider to come out on top in the Open Finals, and Cruz is seeing his hard work and dedication pay off.
“For me, reining is my life,” he said.
Open Prime Time Champion – Trash Your Gal & Shawn Flarida
Trash Your Gal and Shawn Flarida turned heads in the Open Derby preliminaries. The strong palomino stallion was sporting a hackamore that Flarida rode one-handed, marking a 222.5, topping the Prime Time division. The pair also made the Open Level 4 Derby Finals, earning an additional $4,176.
“It’s the second time I ever showed him in a hackamore and there are still some learning curves, but that little horse loves [the hackamore],” Flarida said.
With the run, Trash Your Gal (Gunnatrashya x Ima Sailors Gal) earned $5,000 for owner Jodie and Scott McCutcheon.
“He’s really pretty. Just a fun, fun, fun horse to ride,” Flarida said.
With more than $6 million in lifetime earnings, Flarida is attuned to his horses’ performance in the show pen.
“When I put a bit in that horse’s mouth, he plays with it almost like he’s chewing gum. He doesn’t necessarily open his mouth, but in the judge’s eyes they see his little lips moving and they think he’s being bad. He’s really not, so I just put the hackamore on him, and he loves it,” Flarida said.
The six-year-old stallion was bred by Linda Campbell and nominated by Michelle Crowder. According to Flarida, Trash Your Gal is a blue-collar worker who comes to work hard every day.
“Thank you to my family,” Flarida said. They have been unbelievable; they help me get up and down the road and I can’t thank them enough. My kids have been getting up with me in the middle of the night, and I thank my help and my sponsors, I couldn’t do it without them. My owners are amazing [too], they get me here and buy me the horses.”
