Category: History

With more than $24 million won by National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) competitors in 2023, stallions are reaching new million-dollar milestones rapidly. One of the stallions who left their mark last year is NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz. Not only did the stallion surpass the NRHA $7 Million Sire mark just two months after crossing the $6 million, but he was also the second-highest leading sire of 2023 (NRHA categories 1-12) with $2,285,709 earned by his offspring.

Spooks Gotta Whiz offspring excelling in the show pen is no surprise considering the stallion’s own successful career. The 2007 stallion, bred by Clint Haverty, earned the 2010 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Championship with NRHA $3 Million Rider Jordan Larson. His talent continued to shine with NRHA $7 Million Rider Shawn Flarida when the team won the Level 4 Open Championship at the 2012 NRHA Derby and the National Reining Breeders Classic that same year. The team ended their career on an impressive note by taking home a team and individual gold medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games held in Normandy, France.

The sire by Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Prettywhizprettydoes had exceptional offspring push him past the $7 million milestone at the 2023 Futurity and Adequan^® North American Affiliate Championships for owner Michell Anne Kimball. In the open and non pro futurity alone, Spooks Gotta Whiz offspring earned more than $458,000, greater than any other sire.

One of the offspring that helped Spooks Gotta Whiz become the top-earning sire at the 2023 NRHA Futurity was Shez Got Addy Tude (out of Miss Lil Addy Tude). With NRHA Professional Kole Price at the reins, the mare scored a 223 to earn the NRHA Open Futurity Level 3 Championship and sixth in the Level 4. The wins added $137,861 to her NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE). The mare, owned by Capital Quarter Horses LLC, was nominated by Michell Anne Kimball, owner of Spooks Gotta Whiz.

Mare power continued to propel Spooks Gotta Whiz to the next milestone when NRHA Professional Luca Fappani and Playing With Da Boys earned the Open Level 2 Futurity Co-Championship and $108,000 for owner Neiberger-Camp Partnership. ‘Charlie’ (out of My Berry Best Gun) was bred and nominated by Sergio Elia and now boasts $112,099 in NRHA LTE, all earned with Fappani.

Although Spooks Gotta Whiz retired from the show pen in 2014, his name still echoes through arenas worldwide as his offspring dominate in the show pen, proving that his talent, heart, and tenacity continue to leave a lasting legacy.

Spooks Gotta Whiz’s top-earning offspring include:

• Alpha Jac Sparrow (out of Chexanicki), owned by Fritz Leeman, bred by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC, earning $240,326
• Mic Dropp (out of Dun Dry Whiz), owned by Tim Anderson/Clark Reining Horses LLC and bred by Clark Reining Horses LLC, earning $235,987
• Spooks Gotta Spark (out of Dolittle Lena), owned by Kevin Truax and bred by Bobby Lewis, earning $215,585
• Spooky Whiz (out of Myo Starlight), owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC and bred by Spence Bell, earning $186,043
• Gotta Twist It Up (out of Make It With A Twist), owned and bred by Sandra Bentien, earning $183,837

From a dynasty of reining legends, NRHA Professional Cade McCutcheon has always seemed destined for greatness. During his first year in open competition in 2019, McCutcheon proved himself when he not only won the NRHA Level 4 (L4) Open Futurity Championship and Reserve Championship but also became an NRHA Million Dollar Rider. As one of the youngest riders to ever receive the accolade, he is proving himself once again—now as an NRHA $2 Million Rider.

Hailing from Aubrey, Texas, McCutcheon grew up immersed in reining. With his dad and mom, Tom and Mandy, being two of the top professional and non pro riders (respectively), it was a natural progression for McCutcheon to take the reins as a trainer within his father’s prestigious business: Tom McCutchen Reining Horses. There, the 23-year-old established an impressive training operation, a testament to his talent, hard work, and the enduring support of his team and family.

Before the 2023 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC), McCutcheon was less than $6,000 away from $2 million in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE). With three mounts in the futurity and one in the NAAC, the talented professional blew past the milestone on finals night with an impressive run aboard the Deana Nell bred and nominated All Nite Partier (Gunners Special Nite x Topsail Survivor) owned by Sotol Investments LLC. The 224-point performance earned the duo a third-place finish in the L4 Open and over $90,000, catapulting McCutcheon across the NRHA $2 Million Rider milestone.

On March 8, McCutcheon will compete at The American Performance Horseman, presented by Teton Ridge in Arlington, Texas, for $1 million in prize money. He will compete on Team Regal Red with Austin Shepard, National Cutting Horse Association professional, and Sarah Dawson, National Reined Cow Horse Association professional. Attendees will also hear live music from Luke Bryan. Visit americanrodeo.com to purchase tickets to watch the action in Globe Life Stadium and cheer on McCutcheon in person.

McCutcheon’s top earning finishes since crossing $1 million include:

• 2023 NRHA L4 Open Futurity third place aboard All Nite Partier (Gunners Special Nite x Topsail Survivor) – owned by Sotol Investments LLC and bred by Deana Nell, earning $91,545
• 2022 The Run for a Million (TRFAM) Million Dollar Competition fourth place aboard Modern Gun (Gunners Special Nite x Taris Modern Design) – owned by Ms Stables and bred by Turnabout Farm Inc., earning $70,000
• 2021 TRFAM Million Dollar Competition sixth place aboard Modern Gun (Gunners Special Nite x Taris Modern Design) – owned by Ms Stables and bred by Turnabout Farm Inc., earning $50,000
• 2023 TRFAM Million Dollar Competition sixth place aboard Varsity Blu (Wimpy Chic x Flo N Blu Boon) – owned by Clark Reining Horse LLC and bred by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC, earning $45,000
• 2020 NRHA L4 Open Futurity fifth place aboard Gunners Town (Hollywoodstinseltown x Bubblegun) – owned by Duff Cattle and bred by Kimberly Tillman, earning $42,147

The professional’s accomplishments showcase a level of expertise and dedication that inspires fellow competitors and enthusiasts alike. As McCutcheon continues to make his mark in the world of reining, NRHA celebrates his extraordinary achievement and eagerly anticipates his future contributions to the sport.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a legacy defined by exceptionalism, SG Frozen Enterprize has consistently showcased immense talent and athleticism, passing down his abilities to the next generation of reining athletes. His progeny’s outstanding performances across various competitions have been a testament to his enduring legacy and have resulted in the stallion achieving recognition as the newest National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) $2 Million Sire.

Marco Franchini was the mastermind behind SG Frozen Enterprize’s pedigree. The 2009 stallion is by Frozen Sailor and out of RS Rose SJ. After achieving success in Europe, “Iceman” was eventually brought to the United States and purchased by Silver Spurs Equine, who still owns the phenomenal sire today.

During his career in the show pen, Iceman amassed nearly $275,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) with three NRHA Professionals at the reins: NRHA All-Time Leading Rider Andrea Fappani, Thiago Boechat, and Mirko Midili. His top win came with Fappani during the 2015 National Reining Breeder’s Classic, where the duo took the Level (L) 4 Open Championship. He went on to compete in the World Equestrian Games before finally retiring to the breeding shed full-time.

The stallion produced his first foal crop in 2015. Since then, he has sired 200 NRHA money-earning offspring who have consistently displayed the same unparalleled skill, finesse, and competitive spirit that define their illustrious sire. Two of those offspring played key roles in helping Iceman cross the $2 million mark at the 2023 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships: Froze (out of Electric Cha Ching) and Savage Love (out of Miss Whizzletown). Together, the two equine athletes added nearly $130,000 to their sire’s earnings when Allison Thorson and Thorsport Inc.’s Froze were crowned CINCH L3 Non Pro Futurity Champions and CINCH L4 Non Pro Futurity Reserve Champions, and Marco Ricotta and Savage Love (owned by Marco and Jenny Ricotta) earned 3rd place in the L3 Open Futurity and 9th place L4 Open Futurity.

SG Frozen Enterprize’s top-earning offspring include:

• Icecube (out of Taris Designer Genes) owned by Teton Ridge Ranch, bred by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, earning $176,759
• Ice Face (out of Dun Painting My Face), owned by Haras Bellini Inc., bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC, earning $143,732
• Whizsicle (out of Miss Whizzletown), owned by Diane Yoder, bred by Jenny Ricotta, earning $118,229
• Savage Love (out of Miss Whizzletown), owned and bred by Marco & Jenny Ricotta, earning $84,510
• PS Whiz On Ice (PS A Whizzen Chic), owned by Cadence Eger, bred by Patsy Shutz, earning $75,445

NRHA extends heartfelt congratulations to SG Frozen Enterprize, his owners, breeders, trainers, and all those who have contributed to this remarkable journey.

After a rigorous season of competition spanning the globe, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) concluded 2023 by honoring the horses, riders, and owners who earned one of 16 NRHA World Championships.

“These riders demonstrated unwavering commitment to their equine athletes, the sport, and its rich traditions,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

A ceremony to honor the 2023 NRHA Top Ten will be held at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel June 11–26 in Oklahoma City. This event will also acknowledge the Top 20 Professionals, Top 20 Non Pros, and Top 20 Owners along with the Top 10 in the following divisions: Open, Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Rookie Professional, Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro, Prime Time Non Pro, Novice Horse Open Level 1–3, Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1–3, Youth 13 & Under, and Youth 14–18. Members from around the globe are invited to join us in the celebration.

Congratulations to the following 2023 NRHA World Champions:

Open
Horse: CSG Piggiemove
Rider: Lukasz Czechowicz
Owner: Katarzyna Roleska
Location: Zglobice, Poland

Intermediate Open

Horse: Katies Whizzn Gun
Rider: Valerie Siegel
Owner: Sharon Gelhaus & Valerie A Siegel
Location: Wilsall, Montana

Limited Open
Horse: Hope N A Prayer
Rider: Liam Sykes
Owner: Teddy & Summer Gerrald
Location: Horatio, Arkansas

Rookie Professional
Horse: Big Niccy
Rider: Palmer Barnett
Owner: Celeste Elizabeth Golland
Location: Baroda, Michigan

Non Pro
Rider: Nikolai Stiller
Horse: Hollywood Gunrunner
Location: Bergheim, Germany

Intermediate Non Pro

Rider: Ashley Weaver
Horse: Platinum Per Se
Location: Morgan, Utah

Limited Non Pro
Rider: Jeremy Zangl
Horse: Moonstone Princess
Location: Pilot Point, Texas

Prime Time Non Pro
Rider: Lucinda Human
Horse: Made By Magnum
Location: Advance, North Carolina

Novice Horse Open Level 1, 2 & 3
Horse: Keep On Th Sunnyside
Rider: Peter DeFreitas
Owner: Carlton & Khris Crowe
Location: Gainsville, Texas

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1
Rider: Mason McDowell
Horse: Xtra Fugged About It
Location: Enterprise, Oregon

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2
Rider: Ashley Weaver
Horse: Platinum Per Se
Location: Morgan, Utah

Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3
Rider: Stephanie Porath
Horse: Gunna Be Expensive
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho

Youth 13 & Under
Rider: Lily Forzani
Horse: Annies Custom Pistol
Location: Crossroads, Texas

Youth 14-18
Rider: Reed Selner
Horse: JL Pistol Pete
Location: Plymouth, Indiana

The full list of the 2023 NRHA Top 10 Standings are listed here.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication of these riders, the exceptional training of their equine partners, and the unwavering support of their teams. We look forward to celebrating with each of you in June.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce a historic milestone in the world of reining, as the legendary stallion Wimpys Little Step becomes the second stallion to reach $13 million in offspring earnings. This remarkable achievement underscores Wimpys Little Step’s enduring legacy as a preeminent sire in the reining industry and further solidifies his impact on the sport.

Wimpys Little Step is by NRHA Hall of Famer Nu Chex To Cash and bred by Hall of Famer Hilldale Farm. He was destined to follow in the footsteps of greatness from the very beginning. The stallion, out of Leolita Step, is now owned by Silver Spurs Equine.

Wimpys Little Step only entered the show pen six times, yet the stallion earned $185,757 with NRHA $7 Million Rider Shawn Flarida at the reins. The pair won the All-American Quarter Horse Congress Level 4 (L4) Open Futurity and the 2002 NRHA Futurity L4 Open Championship.

The stallion’s offspring show great talent in the show pen with NRHA professionals and non pros alike and stay consistent as they age. At the 2023 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, Courtney Battison and Xtra Little Balou (out of Lil Chic Balou) took home Reserve Championships in both the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro bringing the 10-year-old stallion’s earnings to $58,037. The pair has earned $56,333 together in non pro classes.

As the second all-time leading sire for NRHA, Wimpys Little Step’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping the future of the sport and contributing to the ongoing success of reining horses and their riders.

Wimpys Little Step’s top-earning offspring include:

• Wimpys Little Chic, out of Collena Chic Olena, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, bred by Double Run Farm, NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) $516,556 RC Fancy Step, out of Sonita Wilson, owned by Molly Morgenstern, bred by Bernie Paetzel, NRHA LTE $364,455
• Wimpys Little Buddy, out of All Thats Dun, owned by Madalyn Roberts, bred by Jenny Bertolini, NRHA LTE $285,358
• Wimpyneedsacocktail, out of Seven S Mimosa, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, bred by Sherry Thompson, NRHA LTE $280,379
• Xtra Dun Step, out of All Thats Dun, owned by Jennifer Groehn and Jerry Douglas, bred by Xtra Quarter Horses LLC, NRHA LTE $195,565