Category: Partner

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces its newest corporate partnership with 7 Lakes Ranch, a newly constructed 236-acre reining facility based in Purcell, Oklahoma.

Founders Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat spent the last three years building the 236-acre reining facility from the ground up. The vision began with the purchase of a majestic parcel of land overlooking the landscape, nearby towns, and seven natural bodies of water, hence the name 7 Lakes. Before building the ranch, the duo toured numerous facilities to create their list of “must-haves.” The result is clear-span buildings with lots of natural lighting, tall ceilings, cross ventilation, wide aisles, and a layout that allows horses to thrive in a social environment. For the humans, the layout features a 2,500 square-foot office/entertainment lounge with walls of windows overlooking the 150’ by 300’ indoor arena and the pastures filled with the ranch’s future performers.

With its first-class facilities in place, 7 Lakes aspires for excellence in both breeding and training the industry’s top performing reiners with an eye toward the future. This plan includes a commitment to outstanding stallions and mares. Laney owns two stallions–both standing at NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch. Jerseys Baby Driver, known affectionately as “Hercules,” was one of her first purchases at the 2017 Legacy Sale. The buckskin stallion, trained and shown by NRHA Professional Trevor Dare, won the 2021 NRHA Open Level 4 Derby and the 2022 National Reining Breeders Classic. Hercules is known for his huge stopping ability, as well as his kind demeanor and “forever bond” with Trevor’s son, Cavin.

In 2022, Laney purchased a stallion from Europe to be shipped to the USA. Maytheforcebewhizyou, known as “Obiwan,” garnered numerous championship titles in Europe under the guidance of elite trainer Mirko Midili. Obiwan is by NRHA $7 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz, which gave him an athletic style and ideal conformation and allowed him to be an outstanding breeding stallion.

The 7 Lakes breeding program centers on a small but mighty group of exceptional mares. These mares bring bloodlines from some of the industry’s top performers and producers, including NRHA $2 Million Dam Wimpys Little Chic, Wind Her Up Chic, NRHA Hall of Famer Dun It For Chex, Chic Olena Starbuck, and Prettywhizprettydoes.

An elite ranch would not be complete without enlisting the industry’s top trainers. Boechat, an industry veteran with years of experience as a trainer, breeder, and manager, oversees the training operation. He secured Mirko Midili, a three-time NRHA European Futurity Champion, as the head trainer at 7 Lakes. Midili brings commitment, experience, and tremendous talent to the team. Notable wins for Midili include the 2012 IRHA Open Level 4 Futurity on SG Frozen Enterprise; the 2019 European Futurity; the 2019 IRHA 3-Year-Old Futurity; the 2021 IRHA Derby and the 2021 IRHA Elementa Maturity (both on Maytheforcebewhizyou); the 2021 NRHA European Futurity and the 2021 IRHA 3-Year-Old Futurity.

Associate trainer Leonardo Kellermann came to 7 Lakes after spending five years working for NRHA $8 Million Rider Andrea Fappani. Kellermann’s professionalism, talent, and dedication belie his age, and he has already proven to be a valued asset in his short time at 7 Lakes. He recently won the Level 1–2 Open Stakes at the 100X Stakes Cowtown Classic on Coat of Many Colors, a 4-year-old mare by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lonely at the Top.

Together, Mirko and Kellermann are a team that ensures a strong and bright future for the 7 Lakes Ranch program and are currently accepting a limited number of outside horses for training.

“It’s great to welcome a facility as prestigious as 7 Lakes Ranch to our family of NRHA Corporate Partners,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

“I’m excited to join as a Corporate Partner with NRHA as a natural next step in the evolution of 7 Lakes,” said Laney, a Reining Horse Foundation board member since 2023. “As an owner and breeder still new to the sport of reining, I have a sincere love and passion for the horse and talent in the industry and am committed to continuing to do my part through 7 Lakes in helping the sport grow and thrive.”

With 7 Lakes Ranch, NRHA is poised to reach new heights in promoting the reining horse industry. This partnership reflects a shared vision for the sport’s future, built on passion, dedication, and respect for the horse.

About 7 Lakes Ranch

7 Lakes Ranch, located in Purcell, Oklahoma, is a premier reining horse program dedicated to excellence in breeding and training. Founded by Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat, the ranch boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of top trainers and industry professionals. With a commitment to the highest standards, 7 Lakes Ranch continues to produce elite-caliber horses, driven by the belief that “If you dream it, you can achieve it.”

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to have ELEMENTA join our Corporate Partner family and sponsor the NRHA Amateur Derby, which will be held at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel on June 19 during the show, which runs at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds from June 13 to June 23.

“Love the animal first and the sport second” is Maria Cecilia Fiorucci’s motto, and this shines through once you enter the gates of ELEMENTA, a state-of-the-art breeding facility and competition venue nestled in the hills between downtown Rome and the Lake of Bracciano. The 500-acre farm has been carefully renovated and rebuilt by Maria Cecilia and her husband Giuseppe since they purchased it in 2018. More projects are in the works, including a stadium arena with seating for 3,000 people, which is scheduled to be operational in 2025.

“Our goal is to give the south of Italy and Europe a place to host national and international reining competitions as well as other top-notch equestrian events,” says Fiorucci. “We have already built a big reining arena close to the stadium, which will be the warm-up pen, and on-site, we have outdoor arenas for show jumping along with another covered arena with seating adjacent to the second covered warm-up pen.”

“Elementa represents the kind of passionate and innovative organization that drives the reining industry,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “We are glad to have them as part of the NRHA Corporate Partner family.”

Though her passion for reining horses is relatively new, Fiorucci’s love for equines has accompanied her throughout her life, along with the memories of palomino American Quarter Horses her father purchased and brought to Italy 35 years ago. Today, most all royal reining bloodlines are found in ELEMENTA’s breeding program, making Fiorucci one of the top reining horse owners in the world. Her horses’ show records tell important stories with close to 150 horses on the ranch, including rescues. Custom Made Gun, purchased in 2018, returned to the U.S. the following year to show at The Run For A Million and tied for the Championship with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Cade McCutcheon in the saddle. Her stallion roster also includes Yellow Jersey, USA team gold and bronze individual medalist at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

Fiorucci’s devotion to the sport goes above and beyond what happens at home. In Europe alone, Elementa has sponsored over 600,000 euros at reining events in the last five years.

“I love horses and the sport and am a keen supporter but have very high expectations where animal welfare is concerned,” Fiorucci said. “We need to enhance the guidelines – elevate ourselves – and one of the reasons I am proud to be an NRHA Corporate Partner are the goals set in the association’s 3-5 years Strategic Plan that includes particular attention to animal welfare and growth of our youth. As sponsors, we reflect what our industry portrays, and we must bear this in mind. It is also a great honor to be the title sponsor of the NRHA Derby Amateur Division; we at ELEMENTA are thrilled to support and give a fair playing field to the up-and-coming amateurs showing their aged horses.”

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to welcome Morton Buildings, Inc., to its Corporate Partner family. Morton Buildings will be present at the NRHA 6666 Derby presented by Markel and the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. They will also sponsor the NRHA Top 20 Owners and contribute a prize package for the leading owner of 2024.

Morton Buildings is a nationwide leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction with over 120 years in business. Morton Buildings has grown to over 100 construction centers throughout the United States and provides buildings for a broad range of industries and usages – equestrian stall barns & indoor and covered riding arenas, hay and machinery storage, garages & hobby shops, and commercial buildings such as office warehouses, personal storage units, and more. One thing has been at the core of the business throughout these years – to provide a better-quality, better-looking building.

“I was thrilled to hear of the partnership with Morton,” says NRHA Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris-Stone. “I grew up knowing the Morton name and when my husband and I were looking for someone to build a barn for us a few years ago, they were who we chose. We knew they would stand behind their materials and construction for the long haul. Our barn went up so quickly and smoothly, and their staff were wonderful! I love that NRHA is partnering with them, and I suggest talking with them on your next building project.”

“Our team at Morton Buildings is excited about this partnership,” states Dennis Lee, Equestrian Product Line Manager. “Morton and NRHA both have long and rich histories of serving those in the equine and ranching industries. We are committed to top-quality craftsmanship and providing the best-in-class product for those striving to be top of their class. We look forward to partnering with NRHA as the premier builder of equine structures focused on safety, functionality, and style for the care of their members’ equine companions.”

“Keeping horses safe is a number one priority when constructing a new equestrian barn, riding arena, or run-in shelter,” states Lee. Equine owners also need a functional building that is durable and can withstand the demands of their equine companions.” Morton buildings are custom designed for each customer’s unique needs and are built to keep horses safe, be functional for daily use, and be stylish for the owner’s property.

Morton Buildings is a vertically integrated company – they design, manufacture, deliver, construct, and service the warranty on the building. All the employees are owners of Morton Buildings with the goal of providing their customers with a building that is built stronger, lasts longer, and looks better.

About Morton Buildings, Inc.

Morton Buildings, headquartered in Morton, Illinois, is the industry leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction. At Morton, the difference is in the details. From our cutting-edge innovations and best-in-class warranty to our craftsmen in the field, we are dedicated to surpassing expectations. Our legacy of excellence in construction spans more than a century and has more than a quarter-million satisfied customers. Morton Buildings is 100% employee-owned and proud to be ranked #68 on the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2023 Employee Ownership 100 list, which includes the nation’s largest companies that are at least 50% owned by an employee stock ownership plan. For more information, please visit www.mortonbuildings.com.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce that Etalon Equine Genetics is now a sponsor of NRHA Sire & Dam Program. This dynamic collaboration marks the convergence of two industry titans with a shared mission to reshape equine health, elevate performance standards, and uphold the timeless traditions of western horsemanship through innovation and education.

Etalon Equine Genetics is known for its pioneering efforts in animal genetic research. It has assembled a formidable team of leading scientists, geneticists, biologists, and tech experts from the heart of Silicon Valley and renowned universities worldwide. Their mission is to equalize access to cutting-edge genetic diagnostics, making them user-friendly and affordable for horse enthusiasts at all levels.

“We’re embarking on an exciting journey with the National Reining Horse Association,” says Christa Lafayette, CEO of Etalon Equine Genetics. “By merging our genetic expertise with NRHA’s unwavering commitment to the reining horse, we’re empowering horse owners, trainers, and breeders with invaluable insights to unlock the full potential of equine health and performance.”

Etalon’s newest Performance Package is just one of the services included in this sponsorship that offers NRHA members a leg up in maximizing their horses’ potential in the show pen. This genetic testing package provides applicable knowledge about a horse’s inherent strengths and weaknesses related to speed, gait, and temperament. Armed with this knowledge, reining horse breeders, owners, and riders can tailor their breeding decisions and training programs to capitalize on each horse’s natural talents, resulting in improved performance and competitive success.

Founded in 1966, the NRHA and its world-class Sire & Dam Program have long been an industry pillar of excellence, fostering the reining horse’s prominence in a family-centric atmosphere while upholding the highest standards of western horsemanship. With its 2024 strategic plan focused on education, growth, and innovation, the NRHA is poised to lead the equestrian world into a new era.

The Sire & Dam program has delivered substantial value to its participants while contributing to the support of NRHA. It’s the perfect addition to any breeding program. Mare owners can purchase breedings they may not otherwise have access to, often at reduced rates. Offspring produced from the program have added value even before hitting the ground. Some of those benefits include: no nomination to the NRHA Futurity and Derby required; resulting foals are automatically eligible; reduced entry fees (up to 50%) to the NRHA Futurity and Derby, later entry deadlines for the NRHA Futurity, and Sire & Dam offspring eligibility remains with the horse even if it is sold.

Stallion owners who contribute a breeding to the Sire & Dam auction receive promotion through program advertising and inclusion in the NRHA stallion directory. They also become eligible for NRHA Futurity and Derby sire incentives, including cash awards.

“Etalon has a long history of innovations in the genetics space. We’re happy to have a relationship with a sponsor who appreciates our shared interest in innovation and scientific discovery,” says Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner.

In a move aimed at empowering NRHA members, Etalon Equine Genetics will collaborate closely with the association to provide educational resources on equine genetics offering member discounts for genetic testing packages with white glove service included. This synergy between innovation and tradition aligns seamlessly with the NRHA’s vision of becoming the preeminent leader in equestrian sports.

“We believe in the ‘horse family’ approach for which the NRHA is known and aspire to work with riders of all ages, setting them up for success now and for years to come,” enthused Lafayette. “This is a truly unique combination of tech, science, and horsepower; something our kids will understand and leverage far beyond what we can imagine. Together, we’ll harness the power of genetics to preserve the rich legacy of the reining horse while propelling it into a future defined by welfare, performance, and unparalleled excellence in horsemanship.”

Etalon Equine Genetics’ sponsorship of the National Reining Horse Association’s Sire & Dam program signals a bold leap forward in the quest for equine excellence, uniting innovation, tradition, and passion in pursuit of a shared vision. For more information on Etalon Equine Genetics, visit etalondx.com

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly welcomes TAM Enterprises, Inc. with AML Reiners as our newest Partner.

TAM Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1994 by Anthony (Tony) Lasaponara and has grown to be one of the largest locally owned water and wastewater mechanic companies in the Hudson Valley of New York. In addition to working up and down the East Coast, TAM is licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New Jersey and Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection for waste hauling. Please visit tamenterprises.com to find out more.

“For as long as we have been a part of the NRHA, good horsemanship, good sportsmanship, and the emphasis of family values has always been a constant part of the horse show atmosphere,” says Tony Lasaponara, the Owner and President of TAM Enterprises, Inc. “It is essential that our children continue to learn and grow within this community, as they are the future of this sport. It is our privilege to do our part in supporting such a great organization.”

AML Reiners is based in Goshen, New York, just over an hour from New York City. Starting her equestrian journey at the age of three in the Hunter/Jumper world, Alea Lasaponara earned top placings in shows from Lake Placid, New York, down to Wellington, Florida. She eventually realized that she also had a passion for reining and switched her focus to the Western portion of the industry and has been dedicated and unstoppable.

Continuing her commitment and enthusiasm for the sport, Alea is currently working hard to win major events such as NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, NRBC, and The Run For A Million. No matter which style of riding, where she is, or who she is with, the horses are always put first. When the horses aren’t training, they’re given time to relax in the barn and fields in her backyard.

“NRHA is thrilled to have TAM Enterprises, Inc. and AML Reiners as an NRHA Partner,” says Mark Blake, NRHA President. “We are excited to help them achieve their marketing goals and dreams.”

To see the family of NRHA Partners, please visit nrha.com/partners, and to find out how to join the family, contact Christy Landwehr at clandwehr@nrha.com.