Category: History

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to welcome Matthew Palmer of Elverson, Pennsylvania, to the prestigious group of NRHA Million Dollar Riders.

Palmer, a 43-year-old NRHA Professional, surpassed the million-dollar mark during The Homecoming Reining Series 1 after earning top placings in Levels 4 and 3 of the Open Derby.

Aboard Late N Hollywood, Palmer marked a 223 to claim reserve champion honors in both levels. The 2020 stallion is owned by Leonard Truck & Trailer Inc., bred by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Marc Gordon, and sired by Late Nite Stopper out of Hollywood Barbie. Palmer also piloted Mark Hurd’s TR Rule Breaker (A Vintage Smoke x Wallawhizagun, bred by Tamarack Ranch LLC) to third place in both levels with a 220, pushing his lifetime earnings past the $1 million milestone.

This achievement is even more remarkable following a challenging year for Palmer, who suffered an accident in 2024 that sidelined him for half the season. “When I got hurt, I never dreamed I’d have to learn to walk again,” remarked Palmer. “I feel fortunate and humbled and blessed to continue to do what I love and to be successful doing it.”

Palmer’s journey in the sport began in 1991 as a National Reining Horse Youth Association member. He earned his first NRHA paycheck in 1995 at the Heritage Acres show in North Jersey, where he rode Chrome Plated Berry to a reserve championship in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 division. In 2004, he transitioned to the professional ranks, steadily building his career and reputation as a skilled trainer and competitor.

Reflecting on the milestone, Palmer shared how meaningful it is to reach this level as an NRHA Professional based on the East Coast. “We all know it’s a little bit hard from the East Coast with the dynamics of travel,” he said. “To even be in the category of guys that I idolize [NRHA Hall of Fame inductees Bill Horn, Shawn Flarida, and Rocky Dare] shows that when you’re kicked down, you just keep getting back up.”

Top-earning finishes in the show pen for Palmer include:

• 2021 The Run For A Million Open Shoot Out fourth place aboard Gunnatrashtheplace, earning $11,990
• 2017 NRHA Derby Level 3 Open fourth place aboard Boom Shine Boom, earning $9,996
• 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic Level 4 Open 13th place aboard Gunnatrashtheplace, earning $9,875
• 2021 NRBC Level 4 Open Challenge Champion aboard Gunnatrashtheplace, earning $9,374
• 2013 Ohio Valley Reining Horse Association Blue Grass Reining Stakes Wimpys Little Step Level 4 Open Derby Champion aboard Legends Lil Squeeze, earning $9,146

NRHA congratulates Palmer on this impressive career milestone and looks forward to his continued contributions to the sport of reining.

For more information about NRHA Million Dollar Milestones, visit nrha.com.

The National Reining Horse Association congratulates Spooks Gotta Whiz on crossing the $11 million sire milestone. Less than six months after reaching the $10 million mark, the legendary stallion achieved this elite status at the 2025 National Reining Breeders Classic, reinforcing his legacy as one of the sport’s most influential sires.

The 2007 stallion was bred by NRHA Hall of Famer Clint Haverty and is owned by Michell Anne Kimball. Sired by NRHA $3 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Prettywhizprettydoes, “Baby” has been a dominant presence in the reining industry both in and out of the arena. His remarkable impact on the sport was recognized in 2022 with induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame.

During his show career, Baby amassed NRHA lifetime earnings of $345,138. He is one of a select few to win the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity, the NRHA Level 4 Open Derby, and the National Reining Breeders Classic. Internationally, he represented the United States at the 2014 World Equestrian Games, where he earned two gold medals. Most recently, the stallion returned to the spotlight with an exhibition ride at the 2024 The Run for a Million at 17 years old, showcasing the longevity of both his talent and character.

As a sire, Spooks Gotta Whiz continues to build a legacy of excellence. With 547 NRHA money-earning offspring to date, his progeny consistently perform at the highest levels of the sport. At the 2025 NRBC, standout offspring Smoky Mountain Rein (out of Sprats Electricspark) captured the Level 4 Non Pro Classic Championship. Shown by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Kim Muehlstaetter and owned by Kim and her husband, Martin, the horse earned $50,000 and helped propel Spooks Gotta Whiz across the $11 million threshold.

Baby’s top-earning offspring include:

• Mic Dropp (out of Dun Dry Whiz); owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owners Tim Anderson and breeder/nominator Clark Reining Horses LLC; $352,224 NRHA LTE
• Alpha Jac Sparrow (out of Chexanicki); bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC; owned by Fritz Leeman; $313,941 NRHA LTE
• Picture Perrfect (out of Isnt She Perfect); bred and nominated by Amy Medows; owned by Ronald Anderson; $224,389 NRHA LTE
• Spooks Gotta Spark (out of Dolittle Lena); bred and nominated by Bobby Lewis; owned by Kevin Truax; $215,585 NRHA LTE
• Spook Lil Whiz (out of Lil Dreamer); bred and owned by Renata Lemann; nominated by Eduardo Salgado; $211,343 NRHA LTE

Spooks Gotta Whiz’s growing influence and exceptional lineage have firmly positioned him among the most elite sires in the reining world. NRHA congratulates his owner, breeder, and all who have contributed to his remarkable journey.

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to announce Marc Gordon as a Million Dollar Owner. Gordon, who owns Gordon Quarter Horses with his wife Kathy, has reached this prestigious milestone after decades of dedication to the sport of reining.

Gordon’s journey in reining began in 2001, when he earned his first NRHA check competing in the Rookie Level 1 at the Illinois State Fair aboard Mr Boot Scootin Jac (Mr Barbie Cody Jac x Miss Stepping Pine). Since then, his passion for reining has flourished, leading to a remarkable show pen career with $118,038 in NRHA lifetime earnings as a rider. Among his many achievements, his standout performance came during the 2011 NRHA Futurity, where he and Hollywood Dunit Easy (Easy Otie Whiz x Tejons Finally Dunit) secured a 7th-place finish in the Level 3 Non Pro division.

Beyond his accomplishments in the show pen, Gordon has made a significant impact as an owner and breeder, with more than 300 horses listed in his NRHA owner record. His program, Gordon Quarter Horses, has served as the foundation for numerous successful partnerships, including one with resident trainer and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gennaro Lendi.

Lendi has achieved remarkable success aboard Gordon-bred and -owned horses in recent years, highlighted by an 8th-place finish at the 2023 NRHA Futurity on Electric Gunn (Gunnatrashya x Electric Barbie), earning over $51,000. The duo gave another stellar performance at the 2025 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, where they landed sixth place in the Level 3 Open with a score of 223.5. Lendi qualified a total of three Gordon-owned and -bred horses to the Level 3 finals this year, all full siblings.

Gordon’s induction into the elite ranks of Million Dollar Owners is a testament to his unwavering support of the sport, eye for quality horses, and commitment to developing lasting partnerships in and out of the arena. NRHA congratulates Marc and Kathy Gordon on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to celebrating their continued contributions to reining’s legacy.

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 Pilot Point, Texas, 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.