Category: History

The National Reining Horse Association recognizes Smart Spook as its newest $9 Million Sire, adding another accolade to the stallion’s already legendary resume. The milestone was officially crossed at the 2025 National Reining Breeders Classic, reinforcing Smart Spook’s enduring impact on the sport of reining.

Bred and owned by NRHA Hall of Famer Rosanne Sternberg, Smart Spook is a 2004 stallion by NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Chic Olena and out of Sugarplum Spook. His impressive pedigree set the foundation for a career that would influence generations of reiners. In 2015, Smart Spook was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements and contributions to the industry.

Smart Spook’s own competitive career was nothing short of exceptional. Under NRHA Hall of Fame rider Shawn Flarida, he burst onto the scene as the 2004 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Champion, collecting $175,000. The pair returned in 2005 to win the NRHA Level 4 Open Derby, solidifying Smart Spook’s place among the sport’s elite. Throughout his time in the show pen, he earned more than $403,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings.

As a sire, Smart Spook’s impact is even greater. With 681 NRHA money-earning offspring, his latest milestone was achieved through strong showings at the 2025 NRBC. Highlights include This Guys Smart (out of A Ruf Gal), bred by Sternberg and ridden by David Mor to a co-reserve championship in the Level 2 Open Classic, earning $9,750. NRHA Million Dollar Rider Nathan Piper piloted Ruf N Spooked (out of Ruffle Me Up) to fourth in the Level 4 Novice Horse Open Classic, earning $4,399. In the Level 2 Non Pro Classic, Eduardo Christians and My Moneys In Brass (out of A Poco Bueno Dunit) tied for third, earning $4,500.

Smart Spook’s top-earning progeny include:

• Patriot (out of Dunit A Lil Ruf); bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch LLC; owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owners Shannon and Hershel Reid; $834,632 NRHA LTE
• Custom Spook (out of Custom Spinderella); bred by Steve Simon; owned by NRHA $2 Million Owner Rancho Oso Rio LLC; $235,749 NRHA LTE
• Shine N Spook (out of Ebony Shines); bred and nominated by Sternberg; owned by Ubere Agropecuaria Eireli; $219,827 NRHA LTE
• Spooks N Jewels (out of Whiz Jewels); bred and nominated by Courtney Brockmueller; owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owners Andrea and Tish Fappani; $200,385 NRHA LTE
• Smart Tinseltown (out of Tinseltown Lil Step); bred and nominated by Charles Vaughan; owned by Clay Clausen; $188,060 NRHA LTE

Smart Spook’s legacy continues to grow with each new generation of champions he produces. His influence can be seen across all levels of competition and in the barns of professionals and non pros alike.

The National Reining Horse Association recognizes Hollywoodstinseltown as its newest $4 Million Sire, marking another impressive milestone for the 2004 palomino stallion whose legacy continues to shape the reining industry.

Bred and owned by David Silva, Sr. of Long Grove, Illinois, Hollywoodstinseltown is the product of reining royalty. He is by NRHA Hall of Famer Hollywood Dun It and out of NRHA Hall of Famer Miss Tinseltown, bringing together two influential bloodlines in the sport. That foundation set the stage for both a successful show career and a remarkable impact as a sire.

During his time in the show pen, Hollywoodstinseltown earned $185,886 in NRHA lifetime earnings. His highest-paying performance came in 2010 when he finished fourth in the National Reining Breeders Classic Level 4 Open CRI with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Marco Ricotta, earning $39,000. That same year, he represented the United States at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, with NRHA Hall of Famer Tim McQuay. The pair brought home team gold and placed fourth in the individual competition, further securing the stallion’s place among reining’s elite.

Hollywoodstinseltown’s influence has only grown through his offspring. With 389 NRHA money-earning foals to date, his impact spans generations and continents. Since surpassing the $3 million mark in 2021, his foals have continued to shine. One standout is Flexing Guns in Town (out of Shesa Fashion Gun), ridden by NRHA Professional Arnaud Girinon. The duo has found great success across Europe, including earning the 2024 NRHA European Level 4 Open Derby Championship and the Reserve title at the 2024 100X European Classic Level 4 Open Derby. Together, they have amassed nearly $115,000 in NRHA LTE.

Top-earning offspring of Hollywoodstinseltown include:

• Tinseltown Fly Guy (out of Fly Flashy Jac); bred by Christian Wagner, nominated by Melissa Vandorp; owned by A4L-Equine; $250,084 NRHA LTE
• Hollywooddirtysecret (out of Maximum RPM); bred and nominated by Patricia Duque; owned by NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida; $220,832 NRHA LTE
• Shining In Town (out of Shine Ann); bred by NRHA Hall of Fame Carol Rose, nominated by Sather Family Partnership; owned by Jennifer Neudorf; $216,502 NRHA LTE
• Mr Royal Hollywood (out of Cee Miss Hollywood); bred by NRHA $3 Million Rider Brian Bell, nominated and owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner George Bell and wife, Carol; $173,924 NRHA LTE
• Tinseltown Flash (out of Billie Gun Flash); bred and nominated by McQuay Stables Inc.; owned by Ruoff Dietter Reining Horses Inc.; $134,920 NRHA LTE

Hollywoodstinseltown’s climb to $4 million in offspring earnings is a testament to his versatility, proven pedigree, and the confidence breeders and riders place in his bloodlines. His continued success both in the arena and the breeding shed solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the sport.

The National Reining Horse Association welcomes Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC as the association’s newest NRHA Million Dollar Owner.

Following a strong showing at the 2025 National Reining Breeders Classic, where NRHA $3 Million Rider Jordan Larson and Need I Say Mor (Gunnatrashya x Shesouttayourleague) made the Level 4 Open Derby Classic Finals, Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC officially crossed the seven-figure threshold in lifetime owner NRHA earnings. Larson also earned the Level 3 Open Championship at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel on the Curtis Performance Horses LLC-bred stallion.

With locations in both Weatherford, Texas and Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC has established itself as a leading breeder of high-performance reining horses. Though the NRHA membership officially began in 2010, the Vargas Sánchez family’s involvement in Western performance horses began in 2005 with the formation of the Charro team “3 Regalos” in Mexico.

This passion soon led to the founding of Xtra Quarter Horses in Purcell, Oklahoma, a program that left a significant mark on the industry through the acquisition and promotion of elite stallions including Wimpys Little Step, Shiners Voodoo Dr, and Wimpyneedsacocktail. These stallions not only brought widespread recognition to the program but also played key roles in pushing the boundaries of performance and production within the sport.

After selling Xtra Quarter Horses in 2017, the Vargas Sánchez family returned to Mexico to establish Ixtul Quarter Horses at Rancho Ixtul. There, they developed one of Mexico’s most advanced breeding operations, complete with comprehensive reproductive technologies and a vision for excellence that spans borders.

Now operating out of both Mexico and Weatherford, Texas, Ixtul Quarter Horses continues to influence the sport with a growing roster of standout athletes and a focus on thoughtful, performance-driven breeding.

NRHA congratulates Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC on reaching this remarkable milestone and looks forward to their continued impact on the sport of reining.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) celebrates as three exceptional 2007 stallions have achieved significant milestones, underscoring their enduring impact on the reining industry. Colonels Shining Gun, Shine Chic Shine, and Shiners Voodoo Dr have each reached new heights, cementing their legacies as NRHA Multi-Million Dollar Sires.

Colonels Shining Gun: NRHA $3 Million Sire

Known affectionately as “Jojo,” Colonels Shining Gun has captured the hearts of many in the reining community. Sired by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunner and out of Shining Little Peach, the 2007 stallion boasts NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) of nearly $113,000. Owned by Katarzyna Roleska and bred by Trend Horses LLC, Jojo crossed the $2 million mark in the summer of 2024 and achieved his latest milestone after the 2024 Italian Reining Horse Futurity (IRHA) where he was the event’s highest money-earning sire.

Jojo’s offspring have consistently made their mark in the reining arena. Among them is CSG Berlin, ridden by NRHA Professional Lukasz Czechowics. This talented duo earned Level 4 Open Reserve Champion honors at the IRHA Futurity with a score of 225, adding $42,185 to Jojo’s record. Bred by Katarzyna Roleska and owned by Dor Cohen, CSG Berlin exemplifies the excellence that defines Colonels Shining Gun’s lineage.

Jojo’s top-earning offspring include:

• Plus Me Im Shiny (out of Plus One Chex), bred by Upstream Inc., nominated by Layla Choate, and owned by 2Star Investments LLC, $171,387 NRHA LTE
• Hosss (out of Brennas Dream), bred and nominated by Loren Booth, owned by Nancy Wheeler and Jimmy Nichols, $169,114 NRHA LTE
• Wish I Was Yours (out of Whizzen For Chex), bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Tamarack Ranch, nominated by Tish Fappani, owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owners Tish and Andrea Fappani, $147,877 NRHA LTE
• HS Marshal (out of Dun Its Dirty Secret), bred and nominated by Gerardo Arturo Fernandez Sanchez, owned by Hacienda Sonador LLC, $116,178 NRHA LTE
• CSG Wisemanfear (out of Tejana Chic), bred by Brent Loseke, nominated by Katarzyna Roleska, owned by Dor Cohen, NRHA LTE $101,592

Shine Chic Shine: NRHA $3 Million Sire

The NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Graduate “Shine” has risen to prominence as one of reining’s elite sires. By NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Chic Olena and out of NRHA Hall of Famer Ebony Shines, Shine Chic Shine combines pedigree and performance with NRHA LTE of $148,714. Owned by Amabile & Strusiner and bred by Manntana LLC, the stallion crossed the $3 million milestone thanks to outstanding contributions from his 257 money-earning offspring.

Among these is Best Shine, Shine Chic Shine’s highest earner whose 2024 successes included adding $53,861 to Shine’s record. Ridden by NRHA $4 Million Rider Jason Vanlandingham, Best Shine excelled at the National Reining Breeders Classic, earning over $31,000 in the Level 4 Open. Bred by Wagman Ranch Inc. and owned by NRHA $2 Million Owner Robert Santagata, Best Shine’s achievements reflect the enduring legacy of Shine Chic Shine.

Shine’s top-earning offspring include:

• Best Shine (out of Best Stop), bred and nominated by Wagman Ranch Inc., owned by Robert Santagata, $739.897 NRHA LTE
• PS Mega Shine Chic (out of Megas Sugar Baby), bred and nominated by Patsy Schutz, owned by Adh-Mor Ranch, $239,655 NRHA LTE
• Shine Colt Shine (out of Gunners Miss Oak), bred by Amabile & Strusiner, nominated by Sally Amabile, owned by Brian and Debra Carsey, $136,948 NRHA LTE
• Shineoncrazydiamond (out of Cashing In Diamonds), bred and nominated by Stefano Calcagnini, owned by Kristen Cantacuzene, $112,336 NRHA LTE
• Slide Me Sum Shine (out of Wimpys Woman), bred and nominated by Daniel Beale, owned by Michael Garnett, $97,744 NRHA LTE

Shiners Voodoo Dr: NRHA $5 Million Sire

“Voodoo,” a 2007 stallion owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Silver Spurs Equine and bred by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, has reached an extraordinary milestone as an NRHA $5 Million Sire. By NRHA Hall of Famer Shining Spark and out of Voodoo Chic, Voodoo’s NRHA LTE of $85,910 is overshadowed only by his breeding career through the collective accomplishments of his 394 money-earning offspring.

Gunna B A Doctor, ridden by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Ann Fonck, played a pivotal role in securing Voodoo’s latest milestone. Their third-place finish in the Level 4 Open at the 2024 IRHA Futurity earned $31,639, contributing significantly to Voodoo’s total and helping push him over this historic milestone. This achievement further underscores Shiners Voodoo Dr’s influence as a sire whose legacy is defined by excellence and consistency.

Voodoo’s top-earning offspring include:

• Shiner On My Eye (out of Flashy Lil Step), bred and nominated by Empire Ranch, owned by Robert Santagata, NRHA LTE $197,068
• Warlocks Last Step (out of SDP A Lasting Step), bred and nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch, owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC
• Xtra Voodoo Dr (out of Wound Up Wimp), bred and nominated by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Silver Spurs Equine, owned by Mona Bodaness, $104,923 NRHA LTE
• Doctor Voodoo (out of Dunit A Lil Ruf), bred and nominated by Ann Salmon Anderman, owned by Mike McFarlin, $97,510 NRHA LTE
• Xtra Doo Little (out of Wimpy Little Sinbar), bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, nominated by Silver Spurs Equine (USA) and owner Katharina Schwarz (EU), $91,069 NRHA LTE

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announces two exceptional sires, A Sparkling Vintage and Inferno Sixty Six, have crossed the monumental $4 million mark in NRHA offspring earnings. This significant milestone reflects their remarkable influence in the reining industry and the exceptional performances of their progeny on a global stage.

A Sparkling Vintage

Born in 1997, A Sparkling Vintage is a standout sire bred by Jeff Cornelius and NRHA Hall of Famer Carol Rose. Sired by the legendary NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Shining Spark and out of Vintage Badger, this exceptional stallion is owned by Petra Zeitler. Known for his impeccable bloodlines and proven performance, A Sparkling Vintage last reached a major milestone in 2022. His contributions to the reining world have been cemented with his offspring’s success at premier events.

A Sparkling Vintage’s 183 NRHA money-earning offspring have propelled him to the $4 million milestone. A pivotal contribution came from SS Pretty Nifty, ridden by Anna-Maria Zehetbauer to claim the Italian Reining Horse Association Level 4 Non Pro 4-Year-Old Futurity Championship in 2024. The duo added over $100,000 to the sire’s progeny earnings, showcasing the enduring impact of A Sparkling Vintage on the reining industry.

A Sparkling Vintage’s top-earning offspring include:

• A Vintage Smoke (out of Lady Smoke Peppy), bred and nominated by Karl Hapcic and owned by Diane Mesmer, $540,650 NRHA LTE
• Not Ruf At All (out of All Ruffed Up), bred and nominated by Petra Zeitler, owned by NRHA Hall of Famer Vaughn Zimmerman, $456,437 NRHA LTE
• Platinum Vintage (out of Starjac Miss), bred and nominated by Petra Zeitler, owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Silver Spurs Equine, $314,909 NRHA LTE
• Starjac Vintage (out of Starjac Miss); bred by Petra Zeitler, nominated by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Tim Anderson, and owned by Clover Oak Ranch; $228,312 NRHA LTE
• All American Vintage (out of All Ruffed Up), bred by Petra Zeitler, nominated by Harper Conner (USA) and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gennaro Lendi (EU), owned by Eyal Carmon, $171,263 NRHA LTE

Inferno Sixty Six

Inferno Sixty Six, a 2012-born stallion, continues to blaze trails in the reining world. Bred by Hilldale Farm and nominated by Domenico Lomuto, this exceptional sire is the result of a legendary pairing between two NRHA Hall of Famers: Gunnatrashya and Snip O Gun. Owned by Slide or Die LLC, Inferno Sixty Six has consistently proven his worth, crossing his last milestone in the summer of 2024.

Inferno Sixty Six’s 378 NRHA money-earning offspring have solidified his place among reining’s elite sires. His rise to the $4 million milestone was highlighted by the stellar performance of NRHA Professional Kaci O’Rourke and The Firemen (Redhot Walla) at the 2024 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. Together, they captured the MS Diamonds Level 4 Open Futurity Championship and the Level 3 Open Futurity Championship, earning over $425,000 in 2024 and cementing Inferno Sixty Six’s legacy.

Inferno Sixty Six’s top-earning offspring include:

• The Firemen (out of Redhot Walla), bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Tamarack Ranch LLC, owned by Peter and Courtney Morgan, $425,078 NRHA LTE
• Inferno Thirty Five (out of Madeof Pure Spangled), bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, nominated by Mary Jansma, owned by Stephen Archer, $284,529 NRHA LTE
• Winding Inferno (out of Wind Her Up Chic), bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Teton Ridge Ranch, $218,038 NRHA LTE
• Surprizing Sixty Six (out of Dun With Surprizes), bred and nominated by Valentin Rascon; owned by Janiene Borror, $169,534 NRHA LTE
• Gangsta Sixtysix (out of Rush N Cat), bred by Lorenzo Lottie, nominated by Slide or Die LLC, owned by Julio Mora Hernandez, $168,344 NRHA LTE