Category: History

The futurity season is in full swing for the reining industry. With many impressive shows featuring record-setting payouts, many reiners are achieving success and climbing milestones at an astounding rate. Among that group is NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz—the newest NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire.

Spooks Gotta Whiz is a 2007 stallion by Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Prettywhizprettydoes. Bred by Clint Haverty, ‘Baby’ had an incredible career in the show pen for owner Michell Anne Kimball, where he amassed over $345,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings. In 2010, he and NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Jordan Larson won the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity. In 2012, NRHA Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida took the reins. The duo won the Level 4 Open Championships at the NRHA Derby and the National Reining Breeders Classic that same year. They capped off an impressive career by taking home a team and individual gold medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

Baby has now become an elite sire within the reining world. He currently has 475 money-earning offspring with NRHA and many more waiting to snag their first paychecks. Many of his progeny have achieved success on reining’s biggest stages, including new events like The American Performance Horseman.

Performances at the 2023 100X Reining Classic helped push Baby over the six-million-dollar mark. The stallion had 27 offspring competing in the Open and Non Pro Stakes, who earned over $444,000. Most notable were NRHA Million Dollar Owner and Eight Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani and Mic Dropp (out of Dun Dry Whiz). The pair topped the competition and won the 100X Level 4 Open Championship. Fappani and the Tim Anderson/Clark Reining Horses LLC-owned stallion added nearly $130,000 to Baby’s offspring earnings in 2023 after helping push the sire over the $5 million at the 2022 NRHA Futurity.

Spooks Gotta Whiz’s top-performing offspring include:

• Alpha Jac Sparrow (out of Chexanicki), owned by Fritz Leeman and bred by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC, earning $237,664
• Mic Dropp (out of Dun Dry Whiz), owned by Tim Anderson/Clark Reining Horses LLC and bred by Clark Reining Horses LLC, earning $215,927
• 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

After crossing his first million in 2018, Baby has flown through the milestones at a record pace. And while the Hall of Famer has already solidified his place in the NRHA history books, it seems inevitable that the stallion will continue reaching new milestones. Congratulations to NRHA’s newest Six Million Dollar Sire, Spooks Gotta Whiz, and owner Michell Anne Kimball.

On October 18, 2023, the reining community lost a legendary mare, Wimpys Little Chic.

National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Famer, ‘Lexi’ earned more than half a million dollars in four short years in the show pen, all with NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida at the reins. The pair are the only ones in reining history to win the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, and the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) consecutively.

Lexi (Wimpys Little Step out of Collena Chic Olena) was bred by Double Run Farm and purchased by Arcese Quarter Horses USA in 2007. She is currently NRHA’s leading dam and is nearing two million dollars in offspring earnings, demonstrating that her impact on the industry will continue both in the show pen and in the lives of many.

“The reining world loved Lexi so much,” said Michele Flarida. “We could literally write chapters on this special horse and her bond with Shawn, Mr. Arcese, Monnie [Monica] Watson, and Jeff Oswood. We will make sure that she is never forgotten and that she shines through the legacy she leaves.”

Shawn Flarida shared the following in processing this great loss:

“Wimpys Little Chic is simply the greatest reining horse to ever draw a breath. I have asked Michele to write a book about our journey in this life together. She said the chapter on Wimpys Little Chic (Lexi) would be entitled, “A Love Story.” I won’t remind the world of all her tremendous accomplishments inside the show pen and as a producer. Instead, I will tell you about the beautiful little blonde filly, born in the same hallowed pasture as her daddy (Wimpys Little Step) on a beautiful farm in North Carolina (Double Run Farm) to a beautiful woman (Miss Monnie Watson) who fell in love with her immediately.

This was her first home and Miss Monnie never once doubted her abilities. Lexi grew and got strong and made her way to her next home in Springfield, Ohio with me and my family. Like her first home, Lexi’s next home had seen its many champions and great ones as well. She didn’t care. She was different than all the rest and she damn sure knew it. Particular and quirky, like all the greats, but with a confidence that was boundless. Our bond was one of true love. She expected my undivided attention and got it.

Recognizing her enormous talent, I introduced Mr. Arcese to Miss Monnie and our Lexi. Now anyone who knows Mr. Arcese, knows that part of the fun for him is the deal. He is a master at negotiations. He stood in silence as he watched Lexi and I work. I brought Lexi over to him. She put her head in his hands and without hesitation, he hugged Miss Monnie and said she was now his. Simply put, Lexi had her effect on him, and he fell in love. Lexi had her three…her breeder, her rider, and her owner. She had everything she needed to rise to her destiny.

First the 2007 futurity. As great as she was in the go rounds, she was still doubted. A good friend stopped to tell me good luck and the fact that no futurity champion sire had yet produced a futurity champion himself. I didn’t know that. Neither did she. We didn’t care. We won.

NRBC Derby time, 2008. She drew up early but her three (breeder, owner, and rider) never doubted her courage and determination. In fact, Lexi was just now growing into herself as a 4-year-old and an athlete. Her confidence gave me confidence and I gave her the knowledge and room to be great. We won with a 233.5.

The weeks leading up to the 2008 NRHA Derby were some of the most fun that I have ever had as a horseman. I had my best girl and she had me. The greatest gift Lexi ever gave me was to know my worth as a horseman. She damn sure knew hers and the fact that she needed me to show it to everyone gave me such confidence and joy. Two weeks out from the show and Michele took my phone and the computer. I thought it was weird but had work to do so whatever. It wasn’t until after the Derby run that she told me why. The True Triple Crown of Reining hung in the balance. NO horse HAD Ever or HAS EVER won the NRHA Open Futurity, NRBC Open Derby and NRHA Open Derby consecutively. Literally thousands of emails, text messages, phone calls…most wishing Lexi and I all the best but plenty of doubters and critics as well. I didn’t know that. Neither did Lexi. We didn’t care. We won.

Lexi didn’t stop there. She went on to enjoy another 2 years of amazing success in the showpen. People from all over the world fell in love with this mare just like her original three did. She left her stall here…the same stall as all the other greats that came before her. It was time for her to show her worth now as a producer (what an understatement). She went to her home at Oswood Stallion Station where she met another man she made fall in love with her, Jeff Oswood. I missed her so much and her stall stood empty till a gorgeous colt named Spanky arrived. The world knows him as Gunnatrashya.

The legacy of Wimpys Little Chic is undeniably unparalleled. She always gave so much more than she took until today when she takes a piece of our collective hearts with her to her newest and final Home. The whole world knows your name baby girl. You shattered every record, forged relationships that we cherish, and made dreams come true. My turn to carry you on the rest of our voyage together. I will always love you.”

NRHA extends its deepest condolences to the Watsons, the Flaridas, the Oswoods, and all who loved Lexi.

When most picture New York, they think of big city lights and a bustling urban landscape. Few, however, know of the beautiful countryside native to places such as Campbell Hall—the location of Santa Hill Ranch. A training, breeding, and boarding facility, the picturesque Santa Hill Ranch is owned by Robert ‘Bob’ Santagata—the newest NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner.

Santagata joined NRHA in 2004 after catching the reining ‘bug’ when he purchased his first reiner, Mark Him Mighty. Since then, he has built Santa Hill Ranch to an industry success with his wife, Arlene, by his side. The ranch is an NRHA Corporate Partner and strives to elevate reining through its support of organizations and events within the industry. Santagata’s vision for success came to light when he stamped his mark in the NRHA history books as a Million Dollar Owner in 2021.

Over the years, Santagata has owned many successful horses but believes his purchase of The Kids Gotta Gun (Spooks Gotta Gun x Melimelo Kid) was a marquee moment in his career. The Tammi Julien bred stallion garnered nearly $105,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) before retiring to the breeding shed. With his first set of foals stepping into the show pen only two years ago, ‘Kid’ is already proving to be a shining star for his owner. His highest earning offspring is SHR Hollywood Kid (out of Shinin in Hollywood), who has earned over $85,000 for owner NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Jason Vanlandingham.

Vanlandingham & Best Shine

Vanlandingham played a large role in Santagata’s journey to the two million dollar mark. In the past two years, he and Best Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Best Stop) have added nearly $641,000 to Santagata’s owner earnings. Most notable was their first-place finish in the 2023 The Run For A Million’s Million Dollar Competition, where they earned a half-a-million-dollar paycheck. The win was fresh off a Level 4 Open Reserve Championship performance at the 6666 Ranch NRHA Derby presented by Markel for the NRHA Professional and the Wagman Ranch Inc. bred stallion.

Bob & Kyle

The final push to NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner status fittingly came with performances by Santa Hill Ranch’s head trainer, NRHA Professional Kyle Shaw. At the 2023 All American Quarter Horse Congress, Shaw rode Hes Pretty Epic to the Level 2 Open Futurity Championship and SS Spooks Sequoia to the Level 2 Open Futurity Reserve Championship. These two runs amassed over $7,600 and pushed Santagata over the threshold to the NRHA milestone. Shaw and the two Silver Spurs Equine-bred stallions earned even more in the Level 3 and 4 finals—adding a cherry on top to a historic weekend for both the trainer and Santagata.

With a top-notch breeding program and great trainers and riders at the reins, Santagata has set himself and Santa Hill Ranch up for continued success. And with a goal to one day win the NRHA Futurity, there is little doubt the NRHA Two Million Dollar owner will drive his way to more NRHA milestones in the future.

Shine Chic Shine

Purchased at the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales, Shine Chic Shine continues to build upon his impressive resume. Two years after crossing the million dollar milestone, ‘Shine’ is now officially an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire.

Bred by Manntana LLC, Shine was shown by NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida. Although the pair only showed at six events, they earned over $148,000. In 2011, the duo earned a National Reining Breeders Classic Level 4 Open Championship after scoring a 231 in a runoff for the title, and the NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Co-Reserve Championship, cementing their beginning in reining history.

Produced by two NRHA Hall of Famers (Smart Chic Olena x Ebony Shines), it is only fitting that Shine is now producing reining royalty. At the 2023 The Run for a Million, Shine’s top-earning offspring, Best Shine, earned the Million Dollar Competition Championship with Jason Vanlandingham. This win created a wave of milestones. Best Shine pushed his dam, Best Stop, to be an NRHA Million Dollar Dam, Vanlandingham to an NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider, and Shine Chic Shine to an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire for owner Fabio De Iulio.

Along with performing well for NRHA Professionals, one of Shine Chic Shine’s offspring has made his mark with a non professional. Shining N Tinseltown has earned $53,631 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) with Emily Opell. The pair has earned all but $45 of his LTE together, with their largest win being the 2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Level 2 Non Pro Championship.

Shine Chic Shine’s top-earning offspring are:

Best Shine (Best Stop), owned by Bob Santagata, bred by Wagman Ranch Inc.

PS Mega Shine Chic (Megas Sugar Baby), owned by Adh-Mor Ranch, Patsy Shelton Schutz

Shine Colt Shine (Gunners Miss Oak), owned by Gaynia Revenberg, bred by Amabile & Strusiner

Shine Plum Shine (Plum Reyning), owned by Barbara Phillips, bred by Rosanne Sternberg

Shining N Tinseltown (Wimps Tinseltown), owned by Steve Opell, bred by Charles Vaughan

Inferno Sixty Six

Just 15 months after becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Sire, Inferno Sixty Six reached his next milestone. This special stallion is officially an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire, just three years after his first foals entered the show pen.

Bred by Hilldale Farm, Inferno Sixty Six is by NRHA $10 Million Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Hall of Famer and Million Dollar Dam, Snip O Gun. From the moment he was born, his success was manifested.

Owner Domenico Lomuto, with Slide or Die LLC, posted a photo of the foal stating that he would be the 2015 NRHA Futurity Champion, and he was nearly correct!

Million Dollar Rider Franco Bertolani piloted Inferno Sixty Six to tie for the high score of the 2015 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Finals. After a runoff, the pair took home the Reserve Championship with a half point less, but that did not slow the pair down. Bertolani and the stallion earned more than $205,000 in the show pen together.

As the stallion continues to produce winning offspring, the latest 3-year-olds have started to enter the show pen. Inferno Thirty Five, bred by NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC and owned by Steve Archer, has already made his mark. With NRHA Eight Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani at the reins, Inferno Thirty Five won The Invitational Open Futurity in Tulsa with a 225. This stallion’s debut in the show pen earned the duo $100,000 for the win.

With many major futurities left this fall, Inferno Sixty Six is already blazing his path to the next million dollar milestone.

Inferno Sixty Six has nine offspring with more than $50,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings, with his top earners being:

Winding Inferno (Wind Her Up Chic), owned by Teton Ridge, bred by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC

FS Inferno (FS Smart Doc Chic), owned by Gilberto Leal, bred by Raul Leal

Surprizing Sixty Six (Dun With Surprizes), owned by Janiene Borror, bred by Valentin Rascon

Bringnthaheat (Tackie Dreams), owned by Abby Lengel, bred by Slide or Die LLC

Inferno Thirty Five (Madeof Pure Spangled), owned by Steve Archer, bred by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC

Gangsta Sixtysix (Rush N Cat), owned by Julio Mora Hernandez, bred by Lorenzo Lotti

When the dust settled at the Big Sky Reining Classic in Kalispell, Montana, HF Mobster became a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Million Dollar Sire.

By NRHA Hall of Famer Gunner and out of Dun Its Black Gold, the 2008 stallion was trained and shown solely by NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Jordan Larson. Aside from his maiden trip into the show pen in Mexico, “Mobster” spent his three-year show career with Larson at the reins.

The two amassed more than $120,000 in lifetime earnings (LTE) while writing their names in reining history. The Rhodes River Ranch-bred stallion was an NRHA Futurity finalist, then went on to help Larson win his first NRHA Open Level 4 Derby Championship in 2013. The duo then went to Normandy, France, with Team USA to compete in the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

Along with teammates NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon, NRHA Eight Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, and NRHA Hall Of Famer Shawn Flarida, Team USA brought home the gold! HF Mobster and Larson also earned sixth place in the individual competition at the event.

“Mobster was a unique horse in that he was really, really sweet to be around but very talented and had a great heart in the show pen,” said Larson.

Mobster is the second-highest earning offspring out of Dun Its Black Gold, which was a good indicator that he would go on to produce many successful horses in open and non pro competition. With 208 money-earning offspring, the stallion is well on his way to crossing more milestones.

At the Big Sky Reining Classic, NRHA Professional Meaghan Shea rode Mizzen Mobster (Mizzen Whizzen) to a Derby Open Reserve Championship in the Level 4 and 2 for owner Veronica Robinson. Mason McDowell also rode his own Xtra Fugged About It (Lenas Whizabelle) to the Derby Level 4 Non Pro Championship. These two performances pushed HF Mobster over the mark to become NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Sire.

Congratulations to owners Heritage Farms and Silver Spurs Equine for this accomplishment.

HF Mobster’s Top Offspring:

Hollys Hijacker (Conquista Holly), owned by Quarter Dream SRL, bred by Ingalls Land & Livestock, $93,036

HA Tune Of A Mobster (HA Lena Smart Tune), owned by Heritage Farms, bred by Hillis Akin Family Partnership, $88,217

CSR Flash Mob (Simply Paris), owned by Diane Mesmer, bred by Cutting S Ranch, $62,172

Quik Draw McGraw (Nestle Quik Chic), owned by Brogan Marie Hill, bred by Fox Meadow Farm, $50,273

Thug Life (West Coast Smart), owned by Blair Moffet, bred by Troop Quarter Horses, $45,261