Category: Futurity

Jennifer Gilliam and Surprizing Sixty Six dominated the National Reining Horse Association CINCH Non Pro Futurity, first topping the preliminary round, and then putting together a 222.5-point run to win the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Championship!

The pair also won the Non Pro Level 3 Championship, bringing their Friday night paycheck to $82,593! “Today, I mean, there are no words. I knew I would have to go for it tonight because everyone else had laid down runs earlier. I knew I had to control my nerves because I knew it was going to be loud,” Gilliam shared. “I credit Jordan McBurney with preparing me and my horse. She told me to be ready for the loud. You know, your friends cheer for you in the go rounds, but in the finals, everyone cheers for you.”

As Gilliam and Surprizing Sixty Six, by Inferno Sixty Six out of Dun With Surprizes, executed an impressive pattern. “I knew I had put a run together, but you never know if it’s enough,” she said. “I knew I had to go for it, and the mare was just there for me.”

Gilliam started the mare, owned by her mother Janiene Borror and nominated by Valentin Rascon, and rode her through October of her 2-year-old year before handing the reins to McBurney. “Jordan kind of brought her along from there,” she said.

Gilliam and Surprizing Sixty Six went to four pre-futurities, winning three and splitting the win at the fourth. “I came in here feeling confident but feeling some pressure. Then, to win the go round was an amazing feeling. I have made the finals, but never even placed in the go round. I always just seem to be the last one in, so that was huge,” she said. “Then last year I missed the finals by a half-point, and then the two years before that I zeroed in the finals.”

So what does it mean to win the CINCH Non Pro Futurity? “Honestly, you look at goals and dreams, and this has always been one, but I don’t know that I actually thought it could happen,” Gilliam admitted. “This was the first time I felt like I actually had enough horse to do it but to actually win it is just an amazing feeling.”

Gilliam plans to flush a few embryos from Suprizing Sixty Six before showing her in derby competition.

Jana Simons and Raisinthebar Win CINCH Non Pro Level 2 Championship

With a score of 216.5, Jana Simons took the CINCH Non Pro Level 2 Championship. Her partner for the event was Raisinthebar, a mare by PS Mega Shine Chic out of Chic In The Bar.

“The run today was awesome. She was super easy to show, and I have no complaints about it at all. It was lots and lots of fun,” Simons said following the finals, where she was presented with a check for $13,488.

Simons purchased Raisinthebar, nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch, as a 2-year-old. “Dany and Fred Tremblay found her for me, and she’s just been a lot of fun. She did well at the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, and she’s just gotten better since then. That’s what you want. She’s matured mentally and takes the pressure and my shenanigans,” she said.

Simons and Raisinthebar marked a 211 in the go round. “She was really good. We had a little bit of a bobble, but she is awesome every time I showed her. She’s a lot of fun,” she explained.

Although she has had plenty of success in the Jim Norick Coliseum, winning the Level 2 twice before, Simons says competing in the Finals never gets old. “I would run into that first stop five more times if I could. It’s so fun,” she said. “The NRHA has done a super job of creating a platform where it’s a lot of fun for the exhibitor and the spectator. It’s great.”

Simons rides with Dany and Fred Tremblay. “Dany and Fred have done a great job for me, and the people who work for Dany and Fred have helped me a ton. Everyone there has just been awesome,” she said. “Also I thank my sister, Sarah, and my mom, Andrea, who are always hanging out with me at horse shows. They’re always up for being at the shows with me.”

Kindel Walter and My Best Friends Girl Win CINCH L1 Non Pro Co-Championship

Weatherford, Texas, competitor Kindel Walter qualified for the CINCH Non Pro Finals in Levels 3-1, tying for the win of the Level 1 and placing in Levels 2 and 3 with a score of 215.5. Walters and her horse, My Best Friends Girl, collected more than $22,229 for their efforts in the Jim Norick Coliseum.

It was Walter’s first time to show at the NRHA Futurity. “It was special. I’ve never really shown in NRHA competition before, and I haven’t really shown horses in more than 10 years. My sister, Kelsey Price, and my husband, Jason, talked me into it, and now I’m kind of hooked,” she said with a laugh.

Walter purchased My Best Friends Girl, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Diva Dual, from Diane Beckmann, who had bred and nominated the mare. “I bought her in April this year, and she’s really sweet. I loved her temperament. She was quiet and willing when I tried her,” Walter said.

So what did it feel like to run into the arena for her very first Finals? “Thankfully I was really calm. I had prayed a lot about it, so I wasn’t nervous at all. I was able to enjoy it and it was really awesome. I had never done a run in pattern, ever, so I felt a lot of pressure, but it was still fun,” she said. “I thank my brother-in-law, Kole Price, who trained my horse and put all the hours into her, and my sister, Kelsey, because she was there to push me along the way. I also thank my husband, Jason Walters, because this was his idea.”

Emma Vanlandingham Wins CINCH L1 Non Pro Co-Championship on Ruf Rider

With a 215.5, Emma Vanlandingham and Ruf Rider claimed the CINCH Level 1 Non Pro Co-Championship, as well as third in the Youth Non Pro. All totaled, Vanlandingham is returning to Whitesboro, Texas, $6,112 richer. “My horse was awesome tonight. I had a really big bobble in the go rounds, but I was so happy with him tonight. It was my fault in the go-rounds, so I can’t blame him for anything,” she said.

Ruf Rider is by NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Sire Not Ruf At All and out of Dun Pretty Nifty. The gelding was bred and nominated by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Vaughn Zimmerman, who sold the colt to the Vanlandinghams a few months ago.

Vanlandingham’s father, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Jason Vanlandingham, gave his daughter some sage advice prior to the Finals. “He said, ‘Go show him off and show what you have been working for this whole time,’” she shared.

It’s only the 13-year-old’s second year to show a futurity horse, and her first time to earn a spot in the finals. “I had one last year that I got about two weeks before the finals, and I was really nervous, but this was pretty cool. I was a little disappointed because I knew my horse was good enough to make the Level 4, but my bobbles didn’t let him. I was still really excited, though,” she explained.

Did Vanlandingham feel much pressure as one of the youngest riders in the Futurity? “No, I have been preparing for this since I was very young, so I felt ready,” she said. “I thank my mom and dad, and of course Vaughn Zimmerman who sold us the horse.”

Kelle Smith Takes CINCH Prime Time Non Pro Championship on Spookified

Riding one of the smallest horses in the competition, Kelle Smith marked one of the biggest scores of the finals – a 220.5. That not only topped the Prime Time Non Pro, it was also good enough to take the Level 3 Reserve Championship and tie for third in the Level 4. At the end of the night, Smith, of Marietta, Okla., had won more than $47,000, pushing her lifetime earnings over $925,000.

“This never gets old, but showing in the Finals makes me more nervous now. I had trouble getting ready because I couldn’t focus. Then I went through the gate and she stopped so hard, everyone starting screaming, and I was right where I needed to be,” Smith said.

Spookified, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Spooks Gotta Whiz out of JDS Shining Image, was bred and nominated by Troop Quarter Horses. “We got her from Dr. and Dr. Troop as a yearling, and she’s been with us the whole time. Morgan Moser rode her most of her 2-year-old year, and then I took over this year. It sounds cliché, but she’s always had something special,” Smith said. “I hope I never have to ride anything but a Spooks Gotta Whiz. They’re pretty, great stoppers, and I just bond with them.”

Next up for Smith and Spookified? “I’d love to take her home, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m not ready to talk about that. Right now, I’m just going to enjoy her,” she said. “I have so many people to thank, and I am so sorry if I forget someone. I thank Sam, Morgan Moser, Brian Bell, Patrice St-Onge, Arno Ferret…There is just a plethora of people, and everyone is always so nice to me. It’s greatly appreciated.”

Luca Fappani and Talladega Ice Win CINCH Youth Non Pro Championship

Marking a 219, Luca Fappani and Talladega Ice not only won the CINCH Youth Non Pro Championship, they also finished fourth in the Level 4, winning $26,493.

While the Scottsdale, Arizona, Non Pro was happy with his run, he’s sure his horse will have more to give in the future. “I know that he’s an incredible horse, and I think he has a lot more than a 219 in him. We will keep working, and hopefully he reaches his full potential because he’s a big-time horse,” the 17-year-old shared. “I still thought he was really good everywhere, and I was happy with him.”

Luca’s parents, Andrea and Tish Fappani, purchased the colt, by SG Frozen Enterprize out of Skeets Chexy Nic, from nominator Gabrielle Solum. “We’ve had him a long time, and we think he is pretty special,” Fappani said. “Now he’s going to go home, get some time off, and we will do what is best for him. We now have four derby years, so we don’t have to rush. Of course, if he feels good and ready, we will show him.”

Fappani gave much of the credit for his success to his father, NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani. “I thank my dad. He’s my greatest help and my greatest friend, and we have been working on this horse together. He’s ridden him for me some to help me out and put him back where he needs to be when I kind of veer off a little bit,” he said. “He’s the greatest coach.”

It looks like Fappani will eventually be following in his father’s footsteps. “I definitely want to be a horse trainer,” he said.

The Adequan® Arena at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City has been bustling with activity all week, as riders from across North America compete in the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. It was a full day of classes in the Adequan® Arena, with the remainder of the Rookie classes wrapping up Friday morning. Then the youth riders of the National Reining Horse Youth Association took over, with the Adequan® NAAC Youth 13 & Under and the ancillary Short Stirrup class rounding out the day.

Logan Flaherty Wins Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year and NAAC Rookie Level 2

With an impressive 219, Logan Flaherty cleaned house in the Rookie classes in the Adequan® Arena. The number of entries was so large that the class had to be run over two days, and in the end, Flaherty took home the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Championship, the Adequan® NAAC Rookie 2 Championship, and the ancillary titles for both divisions.

All totaled, the young competitor collected more than $1,641 in money, plus two saddles from Bob’s Custom Saddles, two Montana Silversmiths buckles, product from Dr. Joe Carter, Platinum Performance and Classic Equine, and gift certificates for Bluebonnet Feed.

Flaherty also qualified for Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie 2 and Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdowns, which will be held Saturday morning in the Jim Norick Coliseum.

“I was really excited to win this because earlier this year I thought I had a chance to win The Run For A Million Rookie, but I had a couple of bobbles. So I came here and was really prepared, and the hard work paid off,” he said.

Flaherty’s partner for the year has been Cashing Black Chex, by Big Chex To Cash out of Blazing In Black. The 9-year-old gelding is owned by Kim Niven, but the Flaherty’s leased the talented performer for Logan to show. “Kim told me I could show him this year, and I am grateful to have had him. I thank Kim and Tim Anderson for letting me show such a special horse this year,” he said. “I also thank my mom and dad. I thank my dad for training me and my mom for helping me out. I also thank everyone in my dad’s barn for helping me, and the good Lord himself.”

When recounting his run, Flaherty admitted it was a bit nerve-wracking because of all the people there. It was on one of the last rollbacks that it began to dawn on him that he might have won it. “Then we stopped big, backed up, and it was really loud,” he shared.

Flaherty is looking forward to Saturday morning’s Showdown round. “I’m a little nervous because it’s a pattern I usually have trouble on, but we have already had a really good week and this is just extra,” he said.

Mark Hurd Takes NAAC Prime Time Non Pro Title on Im Painted Special

With more than 230 runs in the Rookie classes, finishing in the top 10 is an accomplishment, and winning a division is incredible. Mark Hurd did both of those with his horse Im Painted Special, winning the NAAC Prime Time Rookie Championship and the ancillary Prime Time Rookie, as well as finishing in the top 10 for the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year and NAAC Rookie Level 2.

Hurd won a saddle from Continental Saddlery, a Montana Silversmiths buckle, product from Dr. Joe Carter, Platinum Performance and Classic Equine, and a gift certificate for Bluebonnet Feed.

Im Painted Special, by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite out of Darlins Not Painted, qualified to compete in the NAACs at the last minute. “Sam (Im Painted Special) has just been back to training now for about four weeks because of an injury. Matt Palmer was great enough to take me out to Cloverdale, Indiana, to get qualified, which was our last chance to get qualified,” Hurd explained. “But here we went in, and he was great. He was really pure. I call him Sam, but his registered is Im Painted Special, and he is all that. He is very special.”

By virtue of placing in the top 10 for both Rookie Levels 1 and 2, Hurd and Im Painted Special earned a spot in both the Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch Showdowns on Saturday morning. “I think the Showdowns are an awesome idea. I’m really happy to qualify and give a big thank you to Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch for sponsoring them. I think they are great because you have an opportunity – if you think you messed up – you can go back in and see if you can do even better,” he said. “Sam and I were in the Derby finals this past year, and he was a good boy. He’s been there before, and hopefully, I won’t make any mistakes. My plan is to just ride conservatively and stay out of trouble.”

Hurd, of Wilmington, Delaware, had many people to thank. “First I thank my Lord and Savior. I thank my family, both here and watching remotely, who have been really supportive of a guy who was silly enough to pick up reining when he was already in his 50s. I thank Tom McCutcheon for starting Sam, and Matt Palmer and his mom Joan. I also thank his wife, Hannah, and the whole team that takes such good care of Sam and his legs,” Hurd said.

Clayton Porath Wins Short Stirrup Championship on Gunna Be Expensive

With the hustle and bustle of a full week of showing at the NRHA Futurity & Adequan NAAC, the Porath family has been juggling time in the arena. On Friday, it was Clayton Porath’s time to shine in the arena when he showed for the first time in Oklahoma City.

After a short two months together, Porath and his mare Gunna Be Expensive (Gunnatrashya x Whizen Starlight), stayed focused to score a 216.5 to win the Short Stirrup. It was a large class with 22 fierce exhibitors.

There was no doubt the team had an incredible bond, and Porath was excited to finally have the chance to show the mare. “She is just a really nice horse. I love everything about her. She is really kind and will eat just about anything,” he added. “A potato chip or a fruit snack, she will eat just about anything. That’s a good thing. When I am at the horse show and have pizza, she will stare at me until I share with her and give her the crust.”

Porath plans to thank his horse with a treat of a carrot. He also thanked his mom, his dad, and his Lord.

Madison Rafacz Takes NAAC Youth 13 & Under Championship on Got Twisted In Vegas

The Adequan® NAAC Youth 13 & Under was full of exceptional exhibitors. With a total of 38 riders, the pressure was high, but that didn’t matter to Madison Rafacz, who marked a 216 to take the top spot.

Rafacz rode Got Twisted In Vegas, a 4-year-old mare by High Roller Whiz out of Wimpys Dun Twistin. The win was special for Rafacz, who purchased the mare as a 2-year-old and has been responsible for the majority of her training.

 “It went really well. She was super honest, and I was super happy with her,” Rafacz, of Citra, Florida, shared. “She did everything I asked of her. She was good.”

It takes a team, Rafacz shared. She thanked her parents, especially her dad Mark, for helping her with her mare. She also thanked her entire barn, and Martin, for always supporting her.

Calla Thomas Wins Youth 13 & Under on Great King Jack

A win is a poignant moment, but it is especially special when it is on a horse that you grew up with. Calla Thomas was there the night that Great King Jack (Great King Pine x Great Red Jackie) was born, and the team grew up together. It wasn’t until last year that the duo began showing together, but they performed seamlessly during Friday’s Youth classes in the Adequan® Arena, resulting in a score of 215 that won the ancillary Youth 13 & Under and Reserve in the NAAC Youth 13 & Under.

The smiles were big as Thomas beamed about her run. “He turned really good to the right. We got shut off good, and then we went to the left and I had an underspin. We did circle really good, and stopped great,” Thomas said. “I thank my parents who have trained Jack and me, and everyone who has ever helped get me where I am today, and of course, I thank Jack. He is a really special horse.”

The final weekend of the 2021 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships started on a high note. The inaugural Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open Showdowns were held in the Jim Norick Coliseum Friday morning, with 20 top riders from the NAAC classes competing for additional cash prizes. Those earnings are on top of what anyone might have already won in the Adequan® Arena.

“The top 10 (plus ties) in the three classes we chose has the opportunity – with no extra entry fee – to come down through the ‘Gateway of Champions.’ That in itself is nerve-wracking enough, but then we put a first-place prize of $5,000 on top of that and are paying four monies in each division. It really raises the level of competition,” Chris Weaver, Bob’s Custom Saddles Vice President, explained.

Bob’s Custom Saddles sponsored the Showdown rounds for the Intermediate Open, Intermediate Non Pro, and Rookie Level 2. Fellow NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch stepped up and added the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown to the lineup for Rookie Level 1 riders, and the two Rookie Showdowns will run concurrently on Saturday morning.

Why did Bob’s Custom Saddles decide to focus on the NAAC competition? “We appreciate all of our Level 4 riders and endorsees, but we believed we could make a huge impact for the ancillary classes and the people who show every weekend. Understand that for the divisions we picked, most of those people are ready to move up a division. We wanted them to know what it feels like to show in that arena, and to get them excited,” Weaver said.

David Hanson Wins Bob’s Custom Saddles Int. Open Showdown on Xtra Needs A Drink

With a 215.5, David Hanson and Xtra Needs A Drink won the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown and the championship check of $5,000. Xtra Needs A Drink, a 6-year-old gelding by Wimpyneedsacocktail out of Ruby Chic Olena, is known for his reliability in the show pen, and that paid off when it came time to compete in the Norick for the Showdown.

“This horse is really fun to show. He’s really dependable and gives me confidence to go show him repeatedly, and he’s done well. He was consistent in the Open and Novice Horse Open, so I was confident about showing him today. He showed well, and fortunately, it was enough,” Hanson explained. “It was exciting to show today, and this was an exciting idea. I thank Chris Weaver and everyone at Bob’s Custom Saddles, as well as at NRHA, for the innovative idea to bring some of the affiliate horses back over here to show.”

Hanson added, “This is a great opportunity. The Futurity is such a competitive event and what we all aspire to, but when we don’t have those 3-year-olds that enable us to be here, it’s great to have the opportunity to bring horse show horses back to the Coliseum. Not only that, it’s great for other affiliate riders to have that chance to be in the Coliseum and see it and feel how it is to show in it. I think people will talk it up and it will continue to grow.”

Xtra Needs A Drink is owned by Anne Driscoll. “Anne is super sweet. She came to us and just wanted to have a show horse she could watch at the shows and enjoy as an owner. She has been outstanding, and loves the horse and being able to watch him,” Hanson said. “Our plan now is to rest him over the winter, then go to some of our West coast affiliate shows next year so we can come back to the NAAC in 2022. He’s seven, so we will go to a couple derbies as well.”

Anne and Dave Driscoll topped Hanson’s list of people to thank, as did all the people who helps him in his barn. “I also thank Trevor Dare, who sold us this horse a year ago. Trevor has watched me and we’ve talked about him over the year, and I appreciate him and his help,” he said.

Bob’s Custom Saddles Int. Open Placings

• David Hanson & Xtra Needs A Drink – $5,000
• Benjamin Beckett & Xtra Dun Step – $2,500
• Kyle Kelmer & ARC Trashin Yer Chic – $1,500
• Jarvis Anderson & Nite Tripps – $1,000

Jade Whitmarsh Takes Bob’s Custom Saddles Int. Non Pro Showdown Championship on North Sail Solitaire

On an 11^th hour whim, Jade Whitmarsh traveled from Canada to compete in the Adequan® NAAC classes. Finishing as part of a three-way tie for eighth in the NAAC round, Whitmarsh earned a spot in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown.

There, she finished in a three-way tie for the top score (210.5) of the Showdown, and it was time for a run-off.
Whitmarsh, who competed as the final horse of the runoff, bested her original run by five points, and claimed the Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdown Championship and accompanying check for $5,000!

“I am so excited! We came down here just to have this experience, just on a last-minute whim,” Whitmarsh, a college freshman, explained. “So I got the lucky chance to show, and I knew I needed to come out and try my best.”

Whitmarsh noted she was proud of her horse’s performance in their original run. “I was super happy with him. I pushed him and it went well. He’s pretty tired, but he listened super well and got those big stops that helped us since we had a turn penalty,” she explained.

Then it was time to prepare for the runoff. “My coach, Austin Seelhof, said, ‘Go in there and no penalties. We need to make sure he is soft, and we need to run him the same way and make sure those stops are big because that’s his best part,’” Whitmarsh recounted. “I was last in the runoff, so I knew what I needed to be. He was right there with me and listening to me.”

North Sail Solitaire, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz out of Solitary Gunner, is special to Whitmarsh’s family. “He is the first baby we raised on our farm. He was started down here by Casey Deary, and then we brought him home after a minor injury. Then Austin, my coach up north, has been showing him and riding him through his derby years, and has done phenomenal with him,” she explained. “I just got to start riding him a couple years ago, and we are finally starting to work more as a team and our styles are starting to mend.”

Whitmarsh added her appreciation to Bob’s Custom Saddles for sponsoring the Showdowns. “Thank you so much for putting it together. It was an amazing opportunity to get to show in the Coliseum. I didn’t come down here with the thought that that is where I would be showing at the end of the week, so it’s super awesome. I am so appreciative that they decided to offer this new class. It gives people the chance for some people who may not have futurity horses to get in that big pen,” she said. “I thank my coach, Austin Seelhof. He has been amazing in supporting me along this journey. I also thank my mom and dad for helping me and supporting my dreams of coming down here. I also thank my sister for always being there, and my entire barn for helping me get ready.”

Bob’s Custom Saddles Int. Non Pro Placings

• Jade Whitmarsh & North Sail Solitaire – $5,000
• Rebecca Asmussen & The Crowd Goes Wildd – $2,000
• Abby Budd & Gunnadream – $2,000
• Paige Vernon & Magnum Starlight – $1,000

Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch, the premier charitable event in the reining community, was back on the social calendar this year after not being held in 2020.

Hosted by the Reining Horse Foundation on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Centennial Building in Oklahoma City, the night honored National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame inductees and NRHA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients from 2021 and 2020. It also offered a live auction, the proceeds of which benefitted NRHA members in a variety of ways, including the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth scholarships, the Hall of Fame and more.

Up for bid during the auction were a select group of items. They included a John Deere TS Gator, donated by Equine Discounts; a private clinic for eight people with NRHA Professional Mirjam Stillo, made possible by Mirjam Stillo Performance Horses, Nancy and John Tague of Toyon Ranch, and Debbie and Gary Conway of Rancho Los Vaqueros; a custom, handcrafted 18K gold pendant complete with winner’s logo from MS Diamonds TX; and a 2022 embryo out of Wind Her Up Chic, a top-producing mare with lifetime earnings exceeding $100,000, donated by RHF President Tim Anderson and Kim Niven.

When all was said and done, the auction garnered more than $285,000, making the night wildly successful for the RHF. Leslie Baker, Executive Director of the RHF, anticipated the final total of donations to increase during the weeks to come thanks to the generosity of the table donors.

“It’s a pinch-me moment,” Baker said of the amount raised during Sliders’ Night Out. “You think about two decades of history of what this foundation has been doing, and I’ve been telling people that we’re no longer a teenager — the Reining Horse Foundation is a full-blown adult and doing charitable works. Our board of directors is going to take a thoughtful approach to what we do, but we’re not going to bankroll these dollars. They have short-, middle- and long-term goals, and they’ll be doing some planning on that early in 2022 to see what the next step is as we go into our third decade.”

The night couldn’t have happened without Toyon Ranch’s John and Nancy Tague, who have been the presenting donors for three years. John said it was important to support the event because organizations like the NRHA and RHF create connectivity and foster a sense of community for the people who participate in them.

“Because of that, it was really a validation of the commitment a lot of folks have to the sport and the people that rely upon it to really turn this into a fabulous event that was going to raise funds for people in need who are in our community,” Tague said.

“We honor Toyon Ranch tonight as a catalyst,” Baker added. “There are so many people to thank for this, but they certainly took a leadership role in that three years ago to get it to this level. They felt like if they set an example, people would step up. We had over 60 tables sold tonight from people all across the world that did that. The goal is inclusiveness and diversity in this event, and the 2021 event certainly delivered.”

Baker reported that two dozen donors pledged contributions with RHF Board member Jamie Walters giving $10,000, plus another 1:1 $10,000 match. NRHA President and RHF Board member Rick Clark then matched Walters’ $20,000.

NRHA Hall of Fame Inductions

Inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame this year were Jose Vazquez and the late Doug Carpenter, who were recognized during the night’s program. Also honored was the 2021 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Charles Vaughan.

As 2020’s inductees were unable to be honored last year, they too were included in the festivities. The 2020 class consisted of the late Sally Brown and the late Jerry Kimmel, along with Mike Carrier, the 2020 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Jose Vazquez

Vazquez has been reining for about 24 years and is an NRHA Million Dollar Rider, Owner and Breeder. From Markham, Illinois, he is a member of the Midwest Reining Horse Association but has also supported the Asociacion Mexicana de Caballos de Reining A.C. NRHA Affiliate. His biggest wins to date as a rider were the 2009 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) and the 2018 NRBC, where he won the Level 4 Non Pro Championship both times.

Vazquez breeds and raises most of his horses, many of which are related to his stallion, NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire and 2017 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Smart Like Juice. He gives back to the association and exemplifies great sportsmanship in and out of the show pen, supporting others, including his daughter, Mariana, who also competes.

At Sliders’ Night Out, Vazquez had a difficult time putting into words what it meant to be inducted into the HOF.

“It’s hard to explain how I feel. There’s a lot of emotion, and I’m so happy,” said Vazquez, whose entire family, including his wife, six children, nine grandchildren and brother Francisco, of Mexico, was in attendance. “I never thought I would come to this point. [When Tim McQuay was inducted into the Hall of Fame], I was joking around and I told them, ‘One day I’ll be where he is right now.’ At the time, I was a Limited Non Pro. My earnings were about $1,400. To be here 23 years later is just amazing.

“I always say I was very fortunate to have two families — I have the Family Vazquez, and the Family NRHA,” Vazquez added. “I’m very happy and very pleased to enjoy it.”

Doug Carpenter

Vazquez’ fellow inductee, Carpenter, passed away shortly before the 2020 NRHA Futurity. He is remembered as a mentor, a representative for the reining and the quintessential horseman. He sold and bought many horses that went on to have impressive careers thanks to his unmatched eye for horseflesh.

Carpenter was a Gold level donor to the RHF and helped reining become recognized on a global level. He also supported the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales and was one of the visionaries behind the NRHA Futurity Challenge, which has substantially increased the purse at the event. His numerous contributions to the sport will continue to impact the industry for years to come.

Charles Vaughan

Vaughan, a lawyer who won a landmark case in Indiana back in the 80s that resulted in laws preventing discrimination in the workplace against people with AIDS, has been involved with reining horses for years. He was instrumental in moving the NRHA Futurity from its home in Ohio to Oklahoma City. He has also owned and bred great horses over the years, including NRHA Hall of Fame mare Miss Tinseltown and Wimpys Show Stopper, an earner of more than $60,000.

Now 92, Vaughan still competes, even winning a bronze trophy at the age of 90. His character, generosity and enthusiasm for the sport helped make him the right choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information on the Reining Horse Foundation, visit ReiningFoundation.com

In 2020, the National Reining Horse Association Markel Futurity Sales changed up the format of the sales by offering them all in a single day, rather than spreading them out throughout the week. That idea was so well-received that it was repeated again this year.

Held Thursday, Dec. 2, the sales took place in the Barn 3 area. The day started off with a breakfast sponsored by QStallions, followed by four sales back-to-back. New to the event this year was a phone app, a feature that greatly assisted potential buyers by providing information about each consignment and helping them follow along as each horse sold.

The sale saw record-breaking numbers this year with (unofficially) $5,520,900 garnered through the ring on 168 horses at an average of $32,683. The sold total of $5,142,900 (also unofficial) is a record over the highest year, 2007, as well.

NRHyA Stallion Auction

Breedings to 12 stallions were donated to the NRHyA Stallion Auction, the proceeds of which benefit NRHA’s youth. After the first 11 sold, the NRHyA had collected $25,000. Then, a surprise addition — a breeding to Spooks Gotta Whiz — was added, which sold for another $7,500. Overall, the youth raised $32,500.

Futurity Prospect Sale

Eight horses walked through the Futurity Prospect Sale, previously called the Prospect/Broodmare Sale. It was the final horse, hip no. 18, MMB Voodoo Gun, who came out the highest-seller when he sold for $101,000.

Consigned by St-Onge Reining Horses/Hostetler Performance Horses, MMB Voodoo Gun (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Silk Guns), a 2019 sorrel colt, was purchased by Breana Carsey and her family, including her parents, Deborah and Brian. The Carseys were excited to purchase the colt and couldn’t wait to get him back home to their trainer, Shawn Flarida.

“We liked his conformation, his size, his mind and his attitude,” Brian said. “Shawn liked him too, and we trust him. He’ll got to Springfield and start training for Shawn to ride.”

MM Voodoo Gun was in training with St-Onge Reining Horses at the time of his sale. His dam, Silk Guns, is an NRHA money-earner and American Quarter Horse Association point-earner. He is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the National Reining Breeders Classic.

The second-highest seller, hip 7, brought $75,000. Nice Guy (Dun It For Whizkey x PS Katie Likes Cash) was consigned by G Reining Horses and sold to James Pirtle. The 2019 grey colt had been in training with Giada Camparsi and is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

The hammer fell at $31,000 for third-highest seller Legend Shine, a 2019 palomino colt consigned by Steve Simon. By Custom Legend, the colt, who was hip 4, is out of Spinderella Whiz. Alicia Rapp purchased Legend Shine, who had 300 days of training by sale time. He is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Elite Yearling Sale

Previously called the Select Yearling Sale, this year’s Elite Yearling Sale had 72 consignments pass through the ring, an unofficial record. Averages were up drastically over the previous year, with an unofficial through the ring average of $43,861 and sold average of $46,841.

The top seller, who was also the highest-seller of the day, was hip no. 57, Deja Vue. Consigned by Toyon Ranch, LLC, the 2020 buckskin filly was purchased for $170,000 by Janice Laney.

Deja Vue’s dam, Dun Its Deja Vu, has produced earners of $254,000, including Gunner Dun It Again and NRHA Futurity Non Pro Reserve Champion Starbucks Finale. Her sire, Gunnatrashya, is an NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire. Deja Vue is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Toyon Ranch also consigned the second-highest earner, hip 62. Stargunz, who is by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Miss Brim Star, brought a $160,000 bid from Bob Santagata. The 2020 sorrel colt is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Toyon Ranch’s John and Nancy Tague were thrilled to have brought the two highest-sellers to the NRHA Futurity Sales.

“We appreciate the quality of the horses and buyers at the NRHA Sale, and we are pleased to be able to offer such a nice filly and nice colt,” John said. “You never know who is going to be high seller, and we’re just awfully pleased people supported the program.”

“We’re thankful to the customers that are always here being so supportive,” Nancy added. “It means everything to us. It’s incredible, and we know they’re always going to go to good homes when people buy from here. We’re really thrilled.”

Two horses, both consigned by Silver Spurs Equine, LLC, tied for the third-highest bids, each bringing $150,000. The first, hip 60, SS ET Fone Home, a 2020 sorrel colt (Epic Titan x Electric Cha Ching), was purchased by Hotel Boulevard Gestion/ Daniel Bouchard. He is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

The second horse bringing a $150,000 sale price was SS Walk Tall, hip 68. The 2020 palomino colt, who is by NRHA Twelve Million Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Cremes Chic Olena, was purchased by 100X Equine. He is also enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Preferred Breeders Sale

In its second year, the Preferred Breeders Sale, formerly called the Select Breeders Sale, saw a new record for through the ring and sold. Twenty-nine horses walked through the ring, and 27 sold.

Hip no. 114, Magic Gunna Happen, brought a bid of $75,000 to top the sale. The 2015 chestnut overo stallion, who is double-registered, was consigned by Baruch Reining Horses, Agent for Misty Valley Performance Horses, LLC. The earner of $26,633 placed eighth in the NRHA Futurity Level 3 Open in 2018 and was the 2021 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Senior Reining World Champion. He earned his APHA ROM in reining and had 15 points.

Four Star Quarter Horses purchased Magic Gunna Happen, and new owner Emily Patton couldn’t wait to try him out.

“We’ve had our eye on him for a little bit, and he finally came up for sale. Shawn [Flarida] was like, you guys have to get him,” Patton said. “My mare has come to the end of her time in the pen, so it was perfect timing. I’m so excited to start with him.

“I love the way he stops, and I watched him at the Paint World,” Patton continued. “He has this presence about him when he goes in, and it’s so fun to watch and show.”

Patton said they planned to collect the horse, who is by Gunnatrashya and out of Nu Magic Cash, and then geld him so she could show him in the 2022 derbies in the Youth.

Another Toyon Ranch consignment, Fresh Squeezed Juice, brought $66,000 as the second-highest seller in the Preferred Breeders Sale. Hip 115, a 2011 buckskin mare, sold bred to Spooks Gotta Whiz.

By Four Million Dollar Sire Smart Like Juice, Fresh Squeezed Juice is out of Princess In Diamonds, an NRHA Million Dollar Dam. She was purchased by Eric Feder. Her 2021 filly, who is by Gunnatrashya, was also purchased by Feder for $15,500.

Hip 109, Gunnersspecialsister (Gunner x Mifs Doll), was the third-highest seller when she brought a bid of $60,000 from Tom McCutcheon. The 2013 sorrel mare, who is a full sister to NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite, was consigned by The Ranch Equine, Agent for BMW Quarter Horses. She is an NRHA earner of $31,274.

Gunnersspecialsister sold open but sound to carry her own foals. She is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, NRHA Euro Nomination Program and NRBC.

Premier Sale

Previously called the Marketplace Sale, the Premier Sale finished out the day at the NRHA Futurity with its second-best sale since 2007. Hip 181, Boon Lite Whiz, sold for the highest amount during the sale, bringing a bid of $74,000 from Jamie Walters for consignor Cooper Smith, Agent.

The 2020 bay roan overo colt, who is double-registered, is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Peptos Little Dancer, a daughter of Peptoboonsmal.

“I’m very proud to bring a little cow horse to the reining world, and I think that’s what we’ve done here,” Walters said. “This horse was highly recommended, and we’ve been watching him for a while. Wade McDonald will be starting and training him. Wade was very fond of him, and I wanted to help Wade, so I got the horse.”

Hip 168, Shooting In The Rein (Guns R For Shootin x Singing In The Rein), brought the second-highest bid when the hammer fell at $52,000. Lynn Krekeler bought the 2020 red dun filly, who was consigned by Humphrey Quarter Horses, Inc.

Shooting In The Rein’s registration was pending with the APHA. She is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRBC and The Invitational.

Rounding out the top three in the Premier Sale was hip 178, Frozen Melody, who brought a bid of $40,000. Consigned by Cinder Lakes Ranch, Agent for TBR Ranch, LLC, the 2020 dun filly was purchased by La Coma Ranch. By SG Frozen Enterprize and out of Wimpys Lil Melody, she is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Pictures by Jennifer Horton