Category: History

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces a historic milestone as Wimpys Little Chic, a revered member of the equine community, becomes the first NRHA $2 Million Dam. This remarkable achievement continues to solidify Wimpys Little Chic’s status as a legendary dam within the reining industry. Through her offspring, ‘Lexi’ has significantly impacted the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.

Wimpys Little Chic, owned by NRHA Hall of Famer Arcese Quarter Horses USA, stands as a paragon of excellence in the realm of reining, consistently showcasing unparalleled talent and grace in the arena with NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida at the reins. The pair are the only team in reining history to win the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, and the National Reining Breeders Classic consecutively and garnered more than $516,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) together.

Bred by Double Run Farm, Wimpys Little Chic is by NRHA $13 Million Sire Wimpys Little Step, and out of Double Run Farm’s great broodmare Collena Chic Olena. 

At the American Performance Horseman (TAPH), presented by Teton Ridge, Wimpys Little Chic was well represented. Two of the five reining horses competing were her progeny: All Bettss Are Off and Finals Bound. The reining champion at TAPH, Down Right Amazing, is out of a daughter of Wimpys Little Chic, 2015 NRHA Futurity Champion Shesouttayourleague.

The 2020 NRHA Futurity Champions All Bettss Are Off (by Gunnatrashya) and Andrea Fappani earned second place and $75,000 at TAPH for owner Rancho Oso Rio LLC. The duo also took home $8,333 after placing 4th in the team competition. Finals Bound (by Gunnatrashya) earned third place bringing home $50,000 for owner Burnett Ranches, LLC/6666 Ranch with NRHA $2 Million Rider Cade McCutcheon at the reins and also earned $8,333 for placing 2nd in the team competition.

With a lineage steeped in greatness, Wimpy’s Little Chic continues to redefine the standards of excellence within the reining community. Her offspring have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and athleticism, earning acclaim and accolades at prestigious competitions across the globe.

“Wimpys Little Chic is simply the greatest reining horse to ever draw a breath,” said Flarida. “I have asked Michele [Flarida’s wife] 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.’”

Although the reining community mourned the loss of Wimpy’s Little Chic in October, her prowess and grace continue in her legacy of offspring. NRHA congratulates Wimpys Little Chic, Arcese Quarter Horses USA, and all who have played a part in her remarkable journey.

Her top-earning offspring are:

• All Bettss Are Off (by Gunner), owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $506,091 NRHA LTE
• Andiamoe (by Gunnatrashya), bred and owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $430,302 NRHA LTE
• ARC Gunnabeabigstar (by Gunnatrashya), owned by HDC Quarter Horses, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $299,000 NRHA LTE
• Shesouttayourleague (by Walla Walla Whiz), owned by DAG Ventures LLC, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $252,470 NRHA LTE
• Finals Bound (by Gunnatrashya), Burnett Ranches, LLC/6666 Ranch, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, $148,905 NRHA LTE

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) joins the reining community in mourning the passing of NRHA Hall of Famer Snip O Gun, a legendary broodmare whose legacy transcends the show pen. With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to all who were touched by this exceptional mare.

Snip O Gun was a cornerstone of excellence in the reining world. Owned by Hilldale Farm, the 1993 mare’s impact extended far beyond her own achievements.

Sired by One Gun and out of Miss Kim Olena, Snip O Gun didn’t find her way to the NRHA Hall of Fame through competition but rather through a larger-than-life breeding career. As a broodmare, she shaped the future of reining through her offspring. Her exceptional genetics and temperament were passed down to generations of reining prospects, ensuring that her influence would endure for years to come. Her descendants continue to excel in the arena, a testament to the enduring legacy she leaves behind.

As we reflect on Snip O Gun’s remarkable life and career, let us remember her for the profound impact she had on the reining community as a whole. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

For more information about Snip O Gun and her contributions to the sport of reining, visit reini.ng/SnipOGunHallofFame.

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Ann Admonius of Ocala, Florida, on February 28, 2024.

Ann first found success as an all-around competitor in AQHA and NSBA events. She moved to the sport of reining in 2009. Ann achieved the milestone of more than $50,000 NRHA earnings in 2021. She was a member of the Reining Horse Foundation Board of Directors from 2014–2019.

Read her formal obituary here.

Ann requested a Celebration of Life (in her words, “Party”). It will be held June 8 in Ocala, Florida. Ann’s husband, Tim, is requesting that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the Reining Horse Foundation.

If mailing a check, put “In Memory of Ann Admonius” in the memo section. Donate online via the RHF website.

In the spirit of honoring excellence and commitment within our vibrant community, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly presents the distinguished 2023 Professionals of the Year awards. Since its inception in 2012, these accolades have served as a beacon, spotlighting individuals who epitomize excellence as leaders of reining.

The essence of this honor lies not only in remarkable achievements within the show arena but also in the profound impact these individuals make through their unwavering support and contribution to our association and its members. The recipients of the 2023 awards embody integrity and sincerity, serving as paragons within our industry, tirelessly striving to advance and uphold the cherished ideals of reining.

Nominees for these prestigious awards, including NRHA Professional Horseman of the Year, NRHA Non Pro Coach of the Year, NRHA Youth Coach of the Year, NRHA Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year, and NRHA Up-and-Coming Professional of the Year, are sourced from NRHA affiliates and the discerning eye of the NRHA Professionals Committee. Subsequently, NRHA Professionals cast their votes for those who will join the illustrious ranks of our esteemed honorees.

Horseman of the Year: Brian Bell
Valley View, Texas
NRHA LTE: $2,659,353

Brian Bell started his reining career at 18 years old, winning the NRHA Youth 14–18 World Title. After immersing himself in reining, he became an NRHA Million Dollar Rider in 2013. In 2023, he accomplished his goal of winning the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity on Crystalized Whizkey.

Not only has Bell competed and earned titles at all major NRHA events, but he is also known for his efforts to support the reining community outside of the show pen.

Supporters of his nomination said Bell has always been a strong supporter of grassroots and weekend shows in his region; he also hosts an annual affiliate show in Hamilton, Texas, because he saw a need for it in his region. He is very passionate about helping non pros and increasing inclusivity in reining. He also contributes to reining’s international growth through clinics.

Along with these efforts, he participates in every aspect of the business, including attending judges’ seminars.

Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year: Josiane Gauthier
Lucama, North Carolina
NRHA LTE: $688,039

Josiane Gauthier and her husband, Russell, had the opportunity to purchase Sunny Pines Farm in 2016 and have been running JG Performance Horses on their ranch since. Along with competing at aged events and making the finals of every NRHA major event, Josiane runs a breeding program and is known for her strong green reiner and non pro programs.

“Josiane is not just a coach. Josiane is ‘THE COACH!’ She doesn’t just preach to you, she leads the way, she guides, she is the way maker,” said the Southeast Reining Horse Association recommendation letter. “She empathizes with you. She shares in your success and your trials. She truly cares! You can always tell a JG horse from a mile away. They just carry themself differently. They have swag. They are healthy. They are confident. They know that they are loved and very well taken care of. Her clients are also this way. We just present different; a good difference. We have the best supportive community. This stems from a great leader and team.”

Non Pro Coach of the Year: Martin Muehlstaetter
Scottsdale, Arizona
NRHA LTE: $1,379,569

Martin Muehlstaetter was born in Villach, Austria. Before heading to the states, Muehlstaetter began riding horses there at a young age. He now resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his wife, Kim, own and operate Muehlstaetter Performance Horses.

“Not only is Martin one of the very top professional reining horse trainers in the country, but he is also an excellent non pro coach,” read Muehlstaetter’s recommendation. “He has the top non pros in the country come to ride with him because he prepares their horses properly and then gives each non pro high-quality time to be able to prepare them so they can be competitive at the top level as well.”

Up-And-Coming Trainer of the Year: Luca Fappani
Weatherford, Texas
NRHA LTE: $788,051

Luca Fappani became an NRHyA member in 2015 and competed in the highest ranks as a non pro before becoming an NRHA Professional in 2023. In his first year competing as a pro, Fappani took home the NRHA Level 2 Open Futurity Championship, amassed over $375,000 and was 7th in the list of NRHA Top 20 Professionals.

“Luca always has a good attitude at work and gets along well with his peers. He is a sponge,” said NRHA $4 Million Rider Casey Deary. “He is always asking questions and trying to improve. Many of the questions are about trying to breed a better reining horse to ensure a strong future. Luca takes instruction well and is happy to give instruction to assist his peers. He has a lot of natural feel on a horse that allows him to adapt as needed. He handles the stress of major event finals like someone who has been there many times before. The entire world knows that Andrea and Tish Fappani are incredible horse people, but if a child is a reflection of the people that raised it, they are pretty amazing parents as well.”

Youth Coach of the Year: Matthew Flarida
Purcell, Oklahoma
NRHA LTE $340,152

Matthew Flarida grew up in Western Ohio, where he learned his father, Mike Flarida, a two-time NRHA Open Futurity Champion and an NRHA Hall of Famer. Not only has he made the finals at all major NRHA events, but he is known for helping youth in the show pen and helping them become better horsemen altogether.

“Matt started coaching two sisters, Victoria and Tessa Watchous, when they qualified for The Run For A Million (TRFAM) Rookie class in 2022, and they have come so far since they joined his program,” read Flarida’s recommendation. “Matt has helped them to better prepare their horses to show and achieve a lot of personal milestones. He has gone above and beyond to put the time and effort into the girls getting time in the saddle and improving. They travel several hours each way from either their home in Kansas or from school at OSU [Oklahoma State University] to take multiple lessons each week. They qualified for and competed at TRFAM again, as well as the NAACs [North American Affiliate Championships] in 2023. He not only coaches their riding and showing but has put equal effort into sharing his knowledge of the importance of good horsemanship and caring for their horses.”

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