Over the last couple years, the National Reining Horse Association and the Cowboy Channel have collaborated to bring reining to the channel’s viewers. That partnership continues Monday, October 11, when the Cowboy Channel will air the recap of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
NRHA Commentator Steve Ross will join Cowboy Channel host Jeff Medders to share highlights, insights, and stories from the Derby, which was the largest in the event’s history.
The recap will be broadcast at 8 and 9 p.m. EST, and can be found on DirecTV (Channel 603), DISH (Channel 232), or on the Cowboy Channel + app (available on Apple, Android, Amazon Fire, and Roku devices).
For more information about the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, visit NRHADerby.com
About The Cowboy Channel: The Cowboy Channel is the official network of ProRodeo and the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. Headquartered in the Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls. The network reaches 42 million homes on cable/satellite systems on Altice, Charter Spectrum, DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Verizon FIOS TV, and many other rural cable systems. The Cowboy Channel can also be streamed online via The Cowboy Channel Plus at cowboychannelplus.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package. For more information, please visit thecowboychannel.com Facebook: @CowboyChannel | Twitter: @Cowboy_Channel | Instagram: @TheCowboyChannel
2021 NRHA Futurity Rider Designations are due October 1, the same day as the last payment. This was a change made by the NRHA Board of Directors in an effort to streamline the entering process.
In the past, the Rider Designations were due on November 1. Horses that were undesignated at that time were put at the front of the draw. This often caused hardship for an owner and rider who might have simply miscommunicated on who was sending in the designation form.
Having the Rider Designation deadline set earlier gives time for undesignated horses to be verified and needed corrections made so that a mistake doesn’t automatically cause a horse to be put at the front of the draw.
For most people showing in the Non Pro and Open Futurities, there is little question as to who will show a horse so it’s one less deadline to keep up with. NRHA Professionals needing extra time to decide whether they or an assistant trainer will show a particular horse, can simply designate a rider by October 1 and then change as necessary with no penalties until noon two days before the first day of futurity.
The key is to get the designations in by October 1, then there is no charge for any rider changes that are completed before the final deadline.
When a rider change is submitted after the draw is complete and it stays within the same division (Open or Non Pro), there is no fee.
There is a difference when a rider change is submitted after the draw is completeand the rider is switching from the Open to the Non Pro or vice versa. In that case, the draw number will become a negative draw and a $250 fee will be due at the time of the rider and division change.
No rider changes will be accepted after noon two days prior to the first go.
Exciting opportunities are available at the 2021 National Reining Horse Association Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships but are only available to exhibitors who first qualify through an Affiliate Regional Championship.
Exhibitors competing in select divisions at the Adequan® NAAC can earn the chance to perform center stage in the Jim Norick Coliseum thanks to an exciting sponsorship addition from NRHA Corporate Partners Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch. The two Corporate Partners have expanded their sponsorship to include a bonus round for four classes.
The Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdowns will be offered for the Intermediate Non Pro, Intermediate Open, and Rookie Level 2 and the Toyon Ranch Showdown will be offered for Rookie 1, also known as Rookie of the Year. The NAAC classes will be held in the Adequan® Arena as normal with entries competing for 2021 Adequan® NAAC titles. The top 10 for each class (plus ties) will advance to the clean-slate Showdowns in the Coliseum Arena, where they will compete for additional cash prizes.
To compete for these titles, it is critical that riders enter the respective classes at an Affiliate Regional Championship and score higher than a zero to qualify to enter Oklahoma City. NAAC hopefuls must specifically enter the ARC class, not just the ancillary version. Riders do not need to have an affiliate designation to enter, they just must be a member of an affiliate. The South Central Region ARC kicks off the qualifying season at the Tulsa Reining Classic on August 29, and the full list of ARCs can be found on the NRHA website.
A staggering $10,000 will be awarded during the Showdowns for each class. This means that, for no additional entry fee, the Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch Showdown Champions will win $5,000, the reserve champion will take home $2,500, third will receive $1,500, and fourth will earn $1,000. Money won in the Showdown will be considered Category 7 affiliate earnings.
“The reining industry is blessed with many generous sponsors, and Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch are two of the best. Their vision is to grow reining beginning with specific NAAC divisions while benefiting the industry as a whole,” noted Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, Sammi Miller.
The Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open Showdowns will be held in the Jim Norick Friday, Dec. 3, and the Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie 2 Showdown and Toyon Ranch Rookie 1 Showdown will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4.
Teton Ridge Named Title Sponsor for The Run For A Million
Emerging western heritage brand invests in reining’s most prestigious event with the goal of keeping the values and traditions of western horsemanship alive
The richest event in reining has a new title sponsor, Teton Ridge. The company is determined to not only help grow the sport of reining, but to preserve, protect, and ensure the future of sports born of America’s most iconic way of life. Beyond the brand’s title sponsorship, Teton Ridge will also sponsor and present the $150,000 Invitational Fence Work Challenge for open bridle horse competitors.
Created by visionary entrepreneur Thomas Tull, Teton Ridge is an authentic western brand with a long-term vision that will focus on everything from performance horse breeding and training, to western apparel and gear, to hosting western experiences and events.
The Teton Ridge sponsorship of The Run For A Million marks the first collaborative effort for Tull and the driving force behind The Run For A Million, Hollywood’s western storyteller, Taylor Sheridan.
“Teton Ridge is uniquely positioned to bring awareness and excitement to our sport and the western performance horse world in general,” said Sheridan. “Teton Ridge’s title sponsorship of The Run For A Million speaks to that commitment, and our joint ventures in the future will continue to spread the excitement TRFAM has started.”
“Taylor and I share common vision when it comes to riding disciplines which have grown from the life and culture of the American West,” said Tull. “There’s an integrity, honesty, and purity to these sports that represent the unique heritage of our nation.”
Teton Ridge’s sponsorship of TRFAM underscores the brand’s mission to preserve the traditions and values of the West, while celebrating the athleticism and spirit of the men and women who compete in western equine sports every day.
The second annual TRFAM, which was postponed in 2020 due to COVID concerns, happens in Las Vegas from August 18th through the 21st, at the famed South Point Arena and Equestrian Center.
About Teton Ridge Teton Ridge is a multi-platform brand devoted to the iconic American Western way of life and western equine sports. Teton Ridge will create a team of elite equine riders from multiple disciplines, invest in the breeding and training of the most sought-after pedigrees in the quarter horse industry and engage audiences to elevate and expand western equine sports through innovative technology. Additionally, Teton Ridge operates a philanthropic foundation that provides invaluable funding for land stewardship, fosters community by preserving the American West’s cultural heritage, and ensures the future of ranching and riding sports. For more information about Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @tetonridgeusa on Facebook.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.
The final day of competition at the Four Sixes National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel saw full classes in both the Jim Norick Coliseum and Adequan® Arena. In addition to the class titles, high point Montana Silversmiths buckles were also presented to the high point exhibitors who competed in both slates of classes.
Natalie Vargo and Surpized Sweep Green Reiner 1 & 2
Natalie Vargo and Surpized (Hang Ten Surprize x Snow White Dun It) swept the Green Reiner Levels 1&2 with a 144. The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel marks Vargo and Surprized’s first show together, and they’ve been exceeding expectations. They kicked off the show with a win during Friday’s Green Reiner topping the field in the 1&2. They continued that streak on Sunday to ultimately pick up the high point championship as well.
“He was really good again today,” Vargo said. “I was a lot more comfortable, just because this was the second time showing him, so I was a little bit less nervous than the other day. It started off with the right circles, he was really good there, then stopped in the center and turned really good for me… he was just really today.”
Vargo’s family has owned the now 5-year-old since he was 2, and throughout his open career. Vargo and Surprized’s partnership is proving worthwhile and beckons to a promising future for the pair.
“The win feels really good, just because I didn’t really expect anything, because I didn’t really know him that much and I still really don’t, but it feels good,” she said. “I think [our partnership] is getting pretty good. I’m excited to show him more in some of the bigger non pro stuff and see how it goes.”
Chloe Elizabeth Cannon and Mr Hollywood Cee (Hollywoodstinseltown x Miss Hollywood Cee) finished second in the Green Reiner 2 with a score of 141.5. Linsey Lester and Dreamin About Sailin (Magnum Chic Dream x Pennys For Sail) finished second in the Green Reiner 2 with a 140.
Gracie Weeks Tops Youth 13 & Under with One Last Starbuck
Gracie Weeks and One Last Starbuck (Smart Starbuck x Justa Spring Freckle) marked a 139 to top the field in the Youth 13 & Under.
“I’ve been riding him for a little over a year. He’s a really good horse for me, he’s just been the greatest,” Weeks said of One Last Starbuck, who she calls “Latte.”
Weeks admits Saturday’s showing didn’t go as planned, but the duo redeemed themselves in Sunday’s performance to take the win.
“He improved a lot today,” she said. “I will say I might have to work on some things, but he did a lot better.”
Weeks has been riding reining horses since she was 7, and she’s learned a few valuable lessons over the last couple of years. “The most important thing I’ve learned would probably be is always been a good horseman, or horsewoman, have good horsemanship and stay humble,” she said. “Also, stay in control of your horse and don’t go crazy or anything.”
Becca Schaffhauser Wins Youth 13&Under High Point
Becca Schaffhauser and Dun Got My Rest (Hollywood Dun It x Got My Rest) won the Youth 13 & Under High Point title.
“We had a really good run yesterday and I was very happy with it. We had a couple of bobbles today, but I was happy with it, too,” Schaffhauser said.
Schaffhauser has been riding the 13-year-old for two years and working to get together as a team. One of the maneuvers, which Schaffhauser enjoys focusing on is the turns.
“I’ve had him for two years and he’s such a good boy,” she said, adding that when she first started riding “Cruz,” the hardest part to get used to was his fast turning style. “I’d been used to a slow turning horse. My favorite maneuver is probably the turns and [I’ll be working mostly] on getting faster in my turns.”
Raeanna Thayn Wins Youth 14-18 on Coded N Karma
Raeanna Thayn and Coded N Karma (Electric Code x Whiz N Snap) marked a 145 to take the win in the Youth 14-18. Raeanna and Coded N Karma have had a lot of success over the years, and they’ve continued that in Oklahoma City.
“He was really good, he’s had a couple of months off, and he really came out today. He’s 10 years old this year, so we’re just kind of taking it easy,” she said.
The duo admittedly had a little trouble in Saturday’s showing, but they put it all together on Sunday for a winning run.
“He was a lot more connected,” Thayn said. “He kind of missed his stop the other day and I just schooled him. He was really good today and connected.”
Lydia Bell Wins Youth 14-18 High Point on Chics Want My Number
Lydia Bell and Chics Want My Number (Wimpys Little Step x Dixie Chic Olena) put together two money-winning runs in Oklahoma City to ultimately win the Youth 14-18 High Point title.
“It’s exciting. It’s my last year (in the Youth) so it’s a good feeling to go out with a bang,” Bell said.
In slate one of the Youth Bell and Chics Want My Number turned in a 144.5 to share the win in Saturday’s Youth 14-18. On Sunday the duo followed that with another winning run with a score of 144.5.
“He’s just a really cool horse and I love riding him,” she said. “He was relaxed and just really good today.”
Abigail Dooley Clinches Short Stirrup High Point with Top Haida
On Saturday, 10-year-old Abigail Dooley finished second in the Short Stirrup class. She and her mount, Top Haida, returned to the show pen on Sunday to make a 146, not only winning the class but also the high point buckle.
“The run on Saturday wasn’t my favorite. I got our stops wrong, but got it adjusted here today,” Dooley said. “It was very fun to be here and show. It’s nice to have this win. This is my second buckle, but my first this year.”
Dooley has been riding Top Haida, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz out of Haida Million, for a few years. “We call him Vegas. Lon and Sherry Kraft own him, and they have let me ride him two or three years now in the short stirrup,” she said. “It’s been very fun to ride him. He has always been good to me.”
Eduardo Ramirez Sweeps Rookie Levels 1 & 2 for High Point Championships
It was a great weekend for Eduardo Ramirez and Jeweled Out. The duo won the Rookie Levels 1 and 2 on Saturday, and then returned to the Adequan® on the final day of competition. There, they clinched the high point championship for both levels with a score of 144.
“It’s awesome. I am glad to finally have a buckle,” he said. “This is my first one, and I am very excited.”
Ramirez gave credit to Jeweled Out, by Cromed Out Mercedes out of Whiz Jewels. “He was really good,” Ramirez said. “My run today he was great. Our last stop was just ok, but he was really good.”
The next stop for the duo? The Rookie at the Run for a Million in Las Vegas.
Molly Cherry and Guaranteed A Magnum Win Rookie Prime Time
Molly Cherry and Guaranteed A Magnum won the second slate of the Rookie Prime Time with a score of 142.5 Guaranteed A Magnum is by Magnum With A Dream and out of Guaranteed By Amos.
“He’s a lot of fun,” Cherry said. “I just have to learn how to ride him. I just started riding him this year. He had a great Derby career (back-to-back Level 4 Open Derby Champion with Jimmy Van Der Hoeven). Now, I am trying to figure him out through the Rookie and Non Pro stuff, so that’s been fun.”
Second in the Rookie Prime Time was Deborah Good riding Chics Love Me Wimpy (Wimpys Little Step x Dream About Magic) with a score of 139.
Terry Saxton and MJG Hollywood Jersey Win Rookie Prime Time High Point
Terry Saxton and MJG Hollywood Jersey (Yellow Jersey x MJG Hollywood Dry) took home the Rookie Prime Time High Point title from their efforts in Oklahoma City. On Friday the duo took home the title and while a little tough luck on Sunday landed them seventh in the Prime Time, but it was good enough to earn them the Prime Time title.
“I’m very excited about this win,” Saxton said. “Today wasn’t as good as Friday, but that’s OK. I had a nice score on Friday to make up for it. We’re still learning each other. She’s super calm in the ring and does exactly what I ask. That’s exactly what I need because she’s just steady. It’s great to end on a high point, and I love the buckle!”
