Category: Shows

Ten days of intense, world-class competition culminated Saturday, December 6, with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Open Finals. The NRHA Futurity, held at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, featured top horses and riders from across the globe.

Thanks to the Futurity Challenge donors, for the first time in NRHA history the 2020 Level (L) 4 Open Futurity Champion earned $250,000.

Prior to the start of the MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Finals, NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr, NRHA Million Dollar Dam Princess In Diamonds, NRHA Million Dollar Dam Snip O Gun and NRHA Million Dollar Owner Hilldale Farm were all honored.

With a precise and powerful performance, NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani rode All Bettss Are Off to a score of 225, which earned the prestigious championship and a quarter-million dollars.

Owned, bred and nominated by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, All Bettss Are Off is by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Wimpys Little Chic. Fappani’s win tonight helped push Wimpys Little Chic to NRHA Million Dollar Dam status. Wimpys Little Chic won more than a half-million dollars in her career, including the NRHA Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).

Fappani dedicated his win to Eleuterio Arcese of Arcese Quarter Horses, saying, “Mr. Arcese said it would be a dream come true for him to win another one. He has been such a big player, and I really want to dedicate this to him. I’ve got a huge group of people who support me and I want to thank everybody.”

In a year rife with unpredictability, Fappani is thrilled to earn the fourth NRHA Open Futurity Championship of his career. “This year has been so crazy, but with the Futurity paying a record $250,000 for the first time, it’s just amazing to win it,” he said.

Having three horses out of his Scottsdale, Arizona-based program secure top 10 finishes in the Open Futurity was a proud achievement for Fappani, who added that he is grateful the Futurity was able to proceed without interruption.

“I enjoy all the other shows, but the young horses are why I wake up in the morning. To come to the Futurity and show is why I do what I do,” he said.

Fappani chose All Bettss Are Off from a group of prospects and said the horse stood out to him from the beginning.

“He’s a super-talented horse,” Fappani said. “He’s a little different than what I’m used to and I think that pushed me. He was so talented. I really had to push myself to adapt to him rather than ask him to adapt to me.”

Achieving scores of 220 in the preliminaries, 220.5 in the L4 Semi-Finals presented by Not Ruf At All and Tamarack Ranch, and finally a 225 in the MS Diamonds TX Finals, Fappani accomplished his goal of steadily building momentum toward winning the title.

He added that one aspect of shows being canceled in 2020 enabled him to have more time at home to ride and train.

“We had a great group of horses, but I think because we were home so much, we were able to prepare them really well. I told Tish, ‘I think I’m set up to do as good as I’ve ever done at the Futurity, so I think I’m just going to enjoy it,’” Fappani said.

The L4 Open Champion has the option to receive a one-year lease for a gooseneck trailer or a $10,000 credit toward a new trailer build from Kyle Zanetti Trailers, Official Trailer of the NRHA.

MS Diamonds TX, Official Diamond Jeweler of NRHA, presented the L4 Open Champion rider and the owner of the winning horse with custom-made handcrafted NRHA Futurity Open Championship rings. Each L4 Open finalist owner was presented a commemorative pin from MS Diamonds TX during last night’s rider introductions.

Fappani was awarded a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles with silver from Montana Silversmith’s, a Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, a Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, one stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, and a garment bag by Brandt Blankets.

Sebastian Petroll Wins L3 & L2 Open Championships Riding Dunit The Walla Way

Sebastian Petroll, of Whitesboro, Texas, says he’s grateful to show a horse with as much try as Dunit The Walla Way. Petroll and the big-hearted filly won both the NRHA Futurity L3 and L2 Open Championships thanks to their score of 218.5. They also finished 12th in the Open L4 Finals for combined total earnings of $53,879. Owned and nominated by Ellen Lloyd Cummins, Dunit The Walla Way is by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Dunit The Gunner Way.

“We bought her mother several years ago,” Petroll said. “Her owner, Ellen Cummins, and I both showed her. It’s always fun when you are part of the whole process with a horse.”

Petroll says Dunit The Walla Way is a horse that he can always depend on to perform.

“She has a heart that I don’t know how it fits into her little body,” he said. “She is so kind and she always wants to be with you. You can count on her 100 percent of the time. That’s what makes her so special; that paired with some obvious talent, but mentally she is just very special.”

Petroll’s plan for the preliminary round was to make a safe run that was enough to get to the Open L4 semi-finals, sponsored by Not Ruf At All & Tamarack Ranch, which he accomplished handily with a 219.5. His aim was similar for the semi-finals. “I knew if I could finish in the upper half that I should be fine, so I tried not to use up my horse. In the Finals I just tried to get as good of a run together as I could, and it worked.”

With all the uncertainly in 2020, Petroll says he is happy that the Futurity went on uninterrupted.

“It means everything to get to show here, not just for me personally, but it’s very important that we were able to have the event for the sake of the entire industry,” Petroll said.

He is also thankful for Dunit The Walla Way’s owner, Cummins, who has been a client with him for more than a decade.

“She’s just been amazing. She’s a pleasure to work with and very important to our program. We can only do this because of all our great owners,” Petroll said, adding, “Also, my wife Melanie, she rode this horse for big stretches during her 2-year-old year. Without her, I couldn’t do this.”

For the L3, Petroll received a Bob’s Custom Saddle sponsored by Glycoguard. For the L2, Petroll was presented with a Bob’s Custom Saddle sponsored by Arcese Quarter Horses. For both the L3 and L2 championship, Petroll won a Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, a Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, one stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, and a garment bag by Brandt Blankets.

Dallas Cunningham Wins L1 Open Co-Championship Riding RFR Voodoos Fuego

NRHA Professional Dallas Cunningham, of Mitchell, South Dakota, rode RFR Voodoos Fuego to share top honors in the NRHA Futurity L1 Open, and tie for second in both L2 and L3 for a $24,348 payday. RFR Voodoos Fuego, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Show N Tag, is owned and was nominated by Peter Smith.

Cunningham, who has been training professionally for the past decade, says RFR Voodoos Fuego impressed him from the start.

“He’s a super nice horse. We started him as a 2-year-old and right away I thought he was awesome, I felt he was really special,” Cunningham said.

RFR Voodoos Fuego has been a pleasure for Cunningham to show all year and he had high hopes for the horse coming into the Futurity.

“I showed him at Vegas and won the Level 2 there,” Cunningham said. “I showed him in Memphis and he was really good. He was a 218 in the first round, then when I showed him in the Finals and he fell out of lead to be a 224 (in Memphis), but he was awesome there.”

With 2020 being such an unpredictable year, Cunningham says he is thankful that the NRHA was able to produce the Futurity.

“I love this horse, so I was really looking forward to this show. I’m just dang glad we’re here,” he said, adding that he appreciates the help he gets from the many supporters who’ve assisted him to this point in his career.

“I went from being a bull riding, team roping, colt starter to doing this just by watching [Andrea] Fappani’s videos. I’ve got to thank that guy because he’s changed my career,” Cunningham laughed. “My wife, my customers, everybody is so supportive. I couldn’t do it without any of them.”

Cunningham was presented with a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, a Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, one stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, and a garment bag by Brandt Blankets.

Rodrigo Nieves Pilots Tagin Stiletto Chics to L1 Open Co-Championship

Rodrigo Nieves has never made the finals at the NRHA Futurity, but he qualified all three of his entries back to compete on Saturday. To top off an already exciting day, Nieves piloted Tagin Stiletto Chics to a 217.5 to tie for the L1 Championship, and finish in a three-way tie for the L2 Reserve Championship.

“We came here, and the first two runs weren’t like we expected, but today’s run was really good, and we are grateful for that,” he shared. In the first go, he and Tagin Stilleto Chics marked a 216.5 but followed that with a 214 in the semi-finals for a 430.5 composite.

Tagin Stiletto Chics is by Gunners Special Nite, unofficially an NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire, and out of Stiletto Tag. “I like how honest he is. He is super honest and a special show horse,” Nieves said of the colt.

In addition to a paycheck of $8,959, Nieves was presented with a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, a Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, a Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, one stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, and a garment bag from Brandt Blankets.

Tagin Stilleto Chics is owned and nominated by Jennifer Marley. “Duane Latimer started to ride the horse, and then gave me the opportunity to ride him in Ardmore at the Futurity there,” Nieves said, referring to the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, where he and Tagin Stiletto Chics claimed the reserve title for Levels 1 and 2. “I thank Duane Latimer, the owner, the team at XCS Ranch, my wife and daughter, and my family in Uruguay.”

Although originally from Uruguay, Nieves spent 10 years in Brazil, where he got his start with reining horses before moving to the United States. He has worked for Duane Latimer for a year and a half.

In addition to Tagin Stiletto Chics, Nieves qualified Alphasushienterprize (owned by Fernando Botteon) and Theoneyourelookinfor (owned by Eduardo Salgado) back to the L1 Open Futurity Finals.

Shawn Flarida and Whizsicle Win NRHA Open Prime Time Futurity

NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida, of Springfield, Ohio, rode Whizsicle to the top of the NRHA Open Futurity Prime Time championship with a 219.5 for owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA. Whizsicle, by SG Frozen Enterprize and out of Miss Whizzletown, was nominated by Jenny Ricotta. Flarida and Whizsicle also finished the L4 Finals in a tie for eighth, bringing total earnings to $30,932.

Flarida, age 51, remarked that tonight was the first time in 25 or more years that he’s been eligible to compete in a division other than the Open L4.

“I love to show,” Flarida said, “So having another avenue to win money is neat.”

Whizsicle was bred and started by Marco Ricotta and Flarida says the horse has been a pleasure to have in his program.

“This is just a really nice horse. I had a little bit of trouble kind of hooking up with him at the beginning of the year but he’s coming on and getting strong and finding his pace. He’s got such a great brain. He’s so pretty in the way he moves and lopes.”

In the Finals, Flarida’s focus was to avoid penalties and allow Whizsicle’s talent to shine.

“My goal was to try and eliminate any penalties on my part, avoid mistakes and let my horse be as good as he could be,” Flarida said. “I prepared him last night as good as I thought I could prepare him, and it all played out very well.”

Flarida thanked Whizsicle’s owner, Mr. Arcese, a man he credits for having owned several of the greatest horses Flarida has had the privilege to ride during his career— Gunnatrashya, Wimpys Little Chic (unofficially the NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Dam), and Walla Walla Whiz.

“He’s contributed so much to the sport for so many years,” Flarida said, adding that he would enjoy showing him at derbies in the future. “We’ll have to talk to Mr. Arcese and see what the plan is.”

Flarida was awarded a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles with silver from Montana Silversmith’s, a Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, a Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, one stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, and a garment bag by Brandt Blankets.

The NRHA greatly appreciates all NRHA Corporate Partners and Event Sponsors that make it possible to award the first-class prizes presented at the NRHA Futurity.

The Adequan^® North American Affiliate Championships, held during the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity, culminated Saturday afternoon with the Youth 14-18 competition.

Carlee McCutcheon and The Wizster, by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gallo Del Cielo and out of Miss Whizard Jac, posted a 223 to top the NAAC Youth 14-18 and the ancillary Youth 14-18 for total earnings of $327. Owned by Turnabout Farm, Inc., The Wizster is a 2010 bay gelding with more than $207,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE).

“I started showing him in Tulsa at the NRBC. He’s super easy to show and I enjoy showing him so much. He’s a lot of fun to have,” McCutcheon said.

“He was really good today. He was with me every step. He knows his job and he tells me what to do more than I tell him,” McCutcheon said, adding, “My dad showed him as a derby horse and since he’s aged out I get to show him a little bit.”

The 15-year-old homeschooled equestrian balances her time between a heavy competition schedule showing hunter-jumpers for 10 months out of the year and showing reining horses at the highest level.

“I’d like to thank Debbie Brown for everything, she’s my trainer and she has gotten me to where I am. She’s taught me a lot. I definitely want to thank my parents, and my grandparents, Tim and Colleen McQuay, and my brother too—a little bit,” she laughed.

The Adequan^® NAAC Youth 14-18 Champion was awarded a Continental Saddlery Saddle, a Custom Montana Silversmith’s Trophy Buckle, a 10-lb. bucket of Platinum Performance, a Classic Equine Fleece Cooler, a Bluebonnet Feeds Gift Certificate, SmartPak SmartTherapy Quick Wraps, a garment bag from Brandt Blanket Company, Eqvalan from Dr. Joe Carter, a champion’s vest from Adequan^®, and a Platinum Performance champion’s jacket.

The National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the sport of reining through a core mission: “Respect the Horse. Respect the Sport.” Founded in 1966, NRHA now has nearly 15,000 members and sets the standards for reining worldwide. Reining is an international sport and continues to grow year after year by offering opportunities for horse enthusiasts of all ages.

Media Contact:
Lindsay Humphrey
Manager of Public Relations & Communications
National Reining Horse Association
lhumphrey@nrha.com
(405) 946-7400 x 136

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Great horses and riders were shining under the Friday-night lights of the Jim Norick Coliseum at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) CINCH Non Pro Futurity featured the top horses and riders from the preliminary round, and the Level (L)1 champion was decided in an exciting runoff.

To add to the CINCH Non Pro Finals pageantry, NRHA Million Dollar milestones were recognized by an in-arena ceremony prior to the start of the CINCH Non Pro Finals. NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Riders Cade McCutcheon, Matt Mills, Martin Muehlstaetter were presented with a special lapel pin courtesy of NRHA Corporate Partner MS Diamonds TX.

Mandy McCutcheon Wins NRHA CINCH Non Pro Championship

“Team” is a word you hear spoken a lot by showmen at the NRHA Futurity. For Mandy McCutcheon, who emerged with a winning score of 221.5 to top the CINCH Non Pro Finals, she attributes her incredible career in large part to her family and the team that stands behind her. The NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider from Aubrey, Texas, began showing reiners at age 12. She won her first NRHA Futurity in 1993 on Hollywoods Striker. The 2020 NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity marks at least her 10th NRHA Futurity crown.

McCutcheon rode her home-raised and trained gelding Shining At Nite, by Gunners Special Nite, unofficially the newest NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire, and out of A Shining Sidekick, to earn the coveted CINCH Non Pro payday of $60,000. Thanks to Futurity Challenge Donors this is the first year the Non Pro Futurity Champion has won a $60,000 paycheck. Bred by Tom McCutcheon and owned by Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, Shining At Nite was nominated by Mandy McCutcheon.

“We bred him and raised him,” McCutcheon said. “We had his mother off and on. I wish I still had his mother, but Green Valley Ranch has her now and she’s in very good hands.”

McCutcheon says Shining At Nite was bred to be a winner and shares the heart and propensity to win that his siblings have displayed.

“This has just been an exceptional family of horses for us. [Shining At Nite] has a full brother that Carlee made the Level 4 Futurity Finals on when she was 12, and she took her brother’s record of being the youngest Level 4 finalist,” McCutcheon said. “There’s another one that Kathy Thompson used to show that’s just been a phenomenal show horse. The full siblings and now Shining At Nite have just been great, great horses.”

According to McCutcheon, Shining At Nite doesn’t resemble his siblings physically as much as he does mentally.

“This one doesn’t look like any of the other ones, the other two are sorrel with white faces,” she said. “What they resemble is just having great brains. They’re great show horses. They just go in there and try every time to be a good show horse. He’s shown well every time I’ve shown him. One time he broke gait slowing down showing him, but he was just trying to be too good.”

She had high praise for Shining At Nite’s performance this evening.

“Every maneuver I asked him to do he just stayed hooked up,” McCutcheon said. “He was very good. Once he ran through the gate he just said, ‘Okay, whatever you want me to do.’”

And naturally, McCutcheon has a large and talented team of people behind her to thank for being a part of Shining At Nite’s journey to the winner’s circle.

“Debbie Brown trained him some as a 2-year-old, Trent Harvey trained him some, Cade trained him some, Tom trained him some. Everybody played a part in getting me where I am and that’s really been my whole career and I’m just really lucky to have such a great team around me all the time. My parents have been so supportive for my entire career,” she said.

The CINCH Non Pro Champion has the option to receive a one year lease for a gooseneck trailer, or a $10,000 credit toward a new trailer build, courtesy of Kyle Zanetti Trailers, the Official Trailer of NRHA.

The CINCH Non Pro Champion receives a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a custom Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, a Cold Saltwater Spa Treatment from Dr. Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital.

Tish Fappani and Joes Genes Win CINCH Non Pro Level 3 Championship

It was a gratifying night for Tish Fappani, who posted a crowd-pleasing 221 aboard Joes Genes to earn the CINCH Non Pro L3 championship and tie for reserve honors in the Non Pro. In all, Fappani earned $53,606 aboard the mare she owns with her husband, Andrea, an NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider. Joes Genes, by Lil Joe Cash and out of Electric Genes, has royal bloodlines. Her win helped unofficially push Lil Joe Cash above the NRHA Million Dollar Sire threshold, adding to the significance of the win.

The Fappanis raised and trained Joes Genes at their Scottsdale, Arizona, training facility. Tish nominated Joes Genes to the Futurity program.

“She’s a special mare. We bred and raised her, and Andrea showed both her mom and dad,” Fappani said. “I climbed on her in April of her 2-year-old year. She’s just a cool mare. She’s got a huge stop. You would think the way she’s bred, knowing her mom, you would think she has some zing, and she does, but she is not a hot mare at all. She’s a blast.”

Fappani was proud to overcome her own nerves in the preliminary round to qualify for the finals where her mare’s full potential shone through.

“She was great in the prelims but I was really nervous,” she said. “Just knowing I had one that I could be up there with, I was a little nervous, but she just showed great for me.”

Fappani credits Joes Genes for making a rock-solid run in the Finals. “Tonight, I sent her in too fast and that hurt me, but other than that she was right there with me,” she said.

The Fappanis hope to continue with Joes Genes’ genetics and plan to begin doing embryo transfer work so her derby schedule can go on uninterrupted.

With Joes Genes’ win making it possible for her sire to gain NRHA Million Dollar Sire status, Tish was proud to have a part in Lil Joe Cash’s milestone. “It’s awesome to be a part of that. Lil Joe Cash has been a special horse – including when Andrea got him back for Run for a Million,” she said.

Expressing thanks for her family and the team behind her, Fappani says the win is even sweeter with her son Luca riding in the same Finals.

“I’m missing my son Jeremy who is in Arizona racing, but of course I thank Andrea and the whole gang. I’m thankful for Luca and for everyone, including Dr. John Newcomb and our amazing farriers,” she said.

Fappani was grateful not only to win a title at the NRHA Futurity but also happy that the event was able to happen.

“To show here is huge. It was huge we could hit fall futurities. Since the horse shows started rolling it’s been great. We try to follow rules, and it’s a different futurity feeling, but everyone is really happy to be showing.”

The CINCH Non Pro L3 Champion was awarded a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a custom Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, a Cold Saltwater Spa Treatment from Dr. Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital.

Jacob Zimmerman Wins CINCH Non Pro Level 2 Championship on Rufin Up The Chics

Jacob Zimmerman, of Springfield Missouri, teamed up with his horse Rufin Up The Chics for a 215.5 and the L2 Non Pro Championship worth $25,741.

Rufin Up The Chics is by Not Ruf At All out of Ms Playalotta Chic, and was nominated by his dad, Justin Zimmerman.

Zimmeran, who celebrated his 16th birthday a week prior to the NRHA Futurity, thanked Arno Honstetter for selling Rufin Up The Chics, a horse he calls “Elon,” to the Zimmerman family.

“I just got him two and a half weeks ago from Arno Honstetter,” Zimmerman said. “My grandpa Vaughn Zimmerman, and my father, Justin Zimmerman, own him. Arno didn’t know if he was ready to show in the Open, so I got him. The situation worked out great for me.”

Zimmerman had never shown Rufin Up The Chics prior to the NRHA Futurity.
“I just rode him as comfortably as I could and hoped for the best,” he said. “I think we’re going to keep him, and if we do, I’m planning to show him next year and the year after that. We will just have to see.”

Zimmerman was proud of how the horse stepped up in a high-pressure situation in the Finals.

“Today I marked a 215.5. He was really good. I couldn’t have asked him to be much better,” he said. “He listened to me and did everything I asked. He could have turned a little bigger, but overall he was very good.”

Zimmerman thanked his trainer, Bobby Avila, Jr., as well as his family and Arno Honstetter for having the horse well trained. “I thank my family the most, my dad Justin, my grandfather Vaughn, and my mom Leah. They helped me get here,” he said.

The CINCH Non Pro L2 Champion was awarded a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a custom Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, a Cold Saltwater Spa Treatment from Dr. Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital.

Hannah Mitchell and Stars And Stripes Win CINCH Non Pro L1 Futurity Championship

Hannah Mitchell had never competed in a run-off before, but that all changed on Friday night when, at the end of the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals, she found herself part of a three-way tie for the L1 Championship. She and her horse, Stars And Stripes, entered the Jim Norick Coliseum one last time to battle it out for the title.

“I wasn’t too nervous about it. It was nice to go last because I knew what score we had to have, but it was harder because she (Stars And Stripes) was expecting a lot more. She wasn’t as good in the run-off as her first run, but she still tried her heart out,” Mitchell shared.

In the end, it was enough, as the pair were victorious. Not only did Mitchell and Stars And Stripes win the L1 Championship, they tied for third in the L2, tied for fifth in L3, and tied for 12^th in L4 for earnings of $27,832. “I am so, so thrilled and so happy because about two months ago we didn’t think we would get to bring this mare here because she had an injury. I am just thankful to be here,” she said.

In addition to the big paycheck, Mitchell was also presented with a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a Montana Silversmiths buckle, Anderson Bean boots, product from Classic Equine, gift certificates from Platinum Performance and Bluebonnet Feed, a stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a garment bag from Brandt Blanket, and a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery gift certificate.

Mitchell and Stars And Stripes marked a 217.5 in the preliminary round. “It was shocking to me, honestly. I thought she had done pretty well but then they announced that score. It was amazing,” she said. By Star Spangled Whiz out of Chick N Squirt, Stars And Stripes was nominated by Hannah’s father Stephen Mitchell, who purchased the filly from Hannah’s aunt and uncle, Shawn and Shelley Gann.

“We bought her as a yearling. We sent her to Bobby Avila and he did two or three months with her as a two-year-old, and then my dad and I took her from there. That’s what makes her so special, because we did all the training on her ourselves,” she said.

For Mitchell, just being able to compete at the NRHA Futurity was an accomplishment. In addition to her horse’s injury, the pandemic put the entire show year in jeopardy. “I didn’t think we’d have much of a year. I think it’s great that NRHA still put this show on. Whatever we had to do to have a show, we were happy to do it, and it’s great to be here,” she said.

Mitchell, who recently graduated from Oklahoma State University, was quick to thank the people closest to her. “I thank God for allowing me and my family to be here and for keeping everyone safe here at the show. I thank my parents for allowing me to show this mare and pay for all the things to get here, and my little brother for all his support. I thank my aunt and uncle, Gabriel Borges, who helps us a lot, and Bobby Avila for starting her,” she said.

Mike Weber Wins CINCH Non Pro Futurity Prime Time on Mifchievious

It’s been a dream for Mike Weber, who’s been showing reining horses since the 1970s, to win at the Futurity. “I even remember watching it in Ohio when I was a kid,” he shared. On Friday night, Weber took home the Prime Time Futurity Championship on his horse Mifchievious.

In addition to the Prime Time title, Weber and Mifchievious also earned fifth in the Non Pro L1, winning more than $4,200. They also won a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a Montana Silversmiths buckle, Anderson Bean boots, product from Classic Equine, gift certificates from Platinum Performance and Bluebonnet Feed, a stomach scope from Dr. Joe Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital, a garment bag from Brandt Blanket, and a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery gift certificate.

The pair had some tough luck in the preliminary round. Although they qualified for the Prime Time Finals, it took a good finish in the Consolation round to earn a spot in Friday’s finals. “We made it back for the Level 1. That second chance was best for me. This mare is just now coming on, and since we do the training mostly ourselves, it’s sometimes better to show more when it’s a longer event,” he shared.

Weber purchased Mifchievious, by ARC Gunnabeabigstar out of Mifilady, from his friend Kenneth Krebs, who nominated the mare. “Kenny owns her dam, and this is the fourth one we’ve had out of that mare. We’ve always thought she was special,” he said. “Joe Schmidt had her for a while and helped me with her, and my friend Cutter Cook trained her and took time with her as a baby.”

Hailing from Kentucky, Weber admitted he was a bit reluctant to travel to Oklahoma City for the Futurity. “However, we are such supporters of reining. My wife is the president of the Kentucky Reining Horse Association, and we knew that if we didn’t step up and support this event, and it didn’t make it, it would be because people didn’t make the effort,” he said. “So we’ve had our mask on, practiced social distancing, washed our hands, and stayed away from anyone who was sick. I think this year is even more special because we will always remember what a challenge it was not only to get here, but to stay here.”

Weber added, “I thank my wife Nez, as well as Kenny, Cutter, and everyone who has helped us. It’s a group effort. No one wins here by themselves.”

Lane Colston and Lil Ruf Whizkey Wins the CINCH Non Pro Youth Futurity

Seventeen-year-old Ronny “Lane” Colston, of Frankfort, Kentucky, rode Lil Ruf Whizkey to the top of the CINCH Non Pro Youth Futurity thanks to an impressive 221, the second highest score of the day. It was a great day for Colston who also split reserve honors in the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro for total earnings of $34,651.

Lil Ruf Whizkey is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Lil Ruf Startime. The 2017 gelding was nominated by Terry Leffew and is owned by Kevin Colston.

“We bought him in July, I actually didn’t try him out before we bought him,” Colston said. “Cade [McCutcheon] tried him for us. He said, ‘You have to have this horse, you need this horse, you can do great on him.’”

The Colston’s decision to purchase began paying off almost immediately.

“I didn’t ride him until about a week before the first time I showed him,” Colston said. “I rode him for a whole week, and we got along great. Then I showed him the first time and I was a 218. I showed him again before the Futurity and I was a 220.5. In the go round in the Futurity I almost had a big bobble, but I saved myself and I was a 216. I would like to have had a better run, but it was enough to make the Finals.”

Colston says Lil Ruff Whizkey didn’t warm up perfectly, but that didn’t upend their confidence as a team in the showpen.

“I just told myself, ‘Alright, let’s rethink it, and let’s go.’ I went in the pen and he stopped so big for me. He just locked in with me. He’s a show horse. As soon as we went in there, he was ready and that says a lot about a horse. He’s a great horse,” Colston said, adding that it was his nerves that almost got the better of him in the preliminaries. “In the first go I was really nervous and I think that’s why I almost made a big mistake because I knew how good of a horse he was. I decided when I was warming up, let’s go do our best, we’re already here, let’s just go for it.”

Colston enjoys owning and showing the outstanding young reining horse and hopes to continue their winning journey.

“I ride with Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and they all help me—Tom, Cade, Tim. Mainly Cade rides him [Lil Ruff Whizkey], but I was having a little trouble starting my turns and that’s Tim’s specialty, so he was riding him for a little while. They all know so much about horses. I learn from all of them, they know which way to point me. Everyone at the ranch is so helpful all the time so we enjoy being with that team.”

Colston says Lil Ruff Whizkey will get a much-deserved break and then he plans to show at the NRBC next year, if not sooner.

“I appreciate the McCutcheon’s so much,” Colston said. “I want to thank my horse. He’s such a good horse, he’s amazing, I enjoy every minute of riding him. He’s so easy. We just click really well. Most of all I’d like to thank my parents, Amy and Kevin Colston. They support me. I love doing this and they are just so excited, maybe even more than I am, both of them are here and it’s so much fun.”

The Non Pro Youth Champion was awarded a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a custom Montana Silversmith’s trophy buckle, Anderson Bean boots, Classic Equine product, a Platinum Performance gift certificate, Bluebonnet Feeds gift certificate, a SmartPak gift card, a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate, a Cold Saltwater Spa Treatment from Dr. Carter and Oklahoma Equine Hospital.

The NRHA greatly appreciates all NRHA Corporate Partners and Event Sponsors that make it possible to award the first-class prizes presented at the NRHA Futurity.

The Adequan® Arena at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City has been bustling with activity all week, as riders from across North America compete in the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC). Youth competition began Friday with the Adequan® NAAC Youth 13 & Under and the ancillary Short Stirrup class.

In addition to incredible prizes from NRHA Corporate Partners, the champion of each of the 17 NAAC classes will be presented an Adequan^® Championship vest the following day in the Jim Norick Coliseum as a show of support for these successful affiliate riders.

Awards through 10th place are presented in all NAAC divisions, so those riders who haven’t picked up prizes yet are reminded to stop by the awards room.

Madison Rafacz Wins Adequan® NAAC Youth 13 & Under on Whizenboonsmal

Madison Rafacz and Whizenboonsmal have teamed up for numerous titles in the Adequan® Arena during NRHA events, and on Friday night, added yet another line to their resume with the NAAC Youth 13 & Under championship.

Rafacz and the 8-year-old gelding marked a 218 to also win the ancillary division.

“I showed him on Tuesday in the Non Pro (NAAC) and he was really good for me and we marked a 222,” Rafacz shared. ‘I almost felt bad showing him again after he did so well, but today he came in and was just as good as before. My goal for the day was to be penalty free and have a pretty run. He was there for me, and I’m just really happy with him.”

Whizenboonsmal is by Peptoleap out of She Whiz A Star. “I have had him over three years and accomplished so much on him. He’s a very special horse and has made a lot of my dreams come true,” she shared. “I’ll keep him as long as I can. He’s going to be around for a while.”

Madison’s parents, Mark and Shannon Rafacz, own and operate MR Reiners. “It’s been a really good week for our barn. We’ve had a lot of people do well and had a lot of accomplishments,” she said. “I thank my parents especially for all their help. I thank Bud Lyon for helping and supporting me over the last few months, and the entire MR Reiners team.”

The Youth Champion was awarded a Continental Saddlery Saddle, a Custom Montana Silversmith’s Trophy Buckle, a 10-lb. bucket of Platinum Performance, a Classic Equine Fleece Cooler, a Bluebonnet Feeds Gift Certificate, SmartPak SmartTherapy Quick Wraps, a garment bag from Brandt Blankets, Eqvalan from Dr. Joe Carter, a champion’s vest from Adequan®, which will be presented tomorrow in the Jim Norick Coliseum, and a Platinum Performance champion’s jacket.

Colt Mitchell wins 10 & Under Short Stirrup Championship on Playgun Chic Olena

Colt Mitchell, of Cuba, Missouri, claimed the Championship in the 10 & Under Short Stirrup division for the third consecutive year riding Playgun Chic Olena, aka “Wes.” Mitchell’s presentation of Playgun Chic Olena’s maneuvers was rewarded by the judges with a 225 for earnings of $60.

The 2005 gelding, by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena and out of Mamas Packin, has been part of the Mitchell family since he was 3 or 4 years old.

“He’s so awesome to be around, he’s the nicest horse we have,” Mitchell said. “He’s my favorite to ride, he’s perfect for me. He’s rock-solid in all the maneuvers. I can’t wait to ride him every day. I love him.”

At home, Mitchell enjoys spending time keeping Wes legged up and prepared to go win at the shows. “I love reining, it’s my favorite thing to do,” Mitchell explained.

A seasoned Short Stirrup competitor, Mitchell says he had some nerves to overcome today.

“I was pretty nervous before the run,” Mitchell admitted. “It felt amazing. I can’t complain one bit, he was perfect in all respects. Like I said, he’s good in all the maneuvers. I went in, loped off, I think I heard that I plus-oned my circles, he ran the circles perfectly, his spins were great. My first stop was very good for that horse.”

Reflecting on the final Short Stirrup run of his youth career, Mitchell said, “You know, it felt a little like I really don’t want to leave, but I went out with a bang so I’m as happy as I can be.”

Mitchell, who attends school in Cuba where he plays baseball in addition to riding reiners, was happy that his family was able to watch him today.

“First of all, I would like to thank the good Lord above for keeping me safe, me and my whole family. My whole family helps me. My sister Hannah is showing in the non pro finals today and for the past three years she’s shown at the exact same time as me, so nobody was here to watch me, but this year they got to watch me,” he said.

Mitchell was awarded a weekender duffle from Classic Equine, an Adequan^® bucket and bucket strap, a certificate for Anderson Bean Boots, a Classic Equine top load hay bag, a “Dun Gotta Gun” Breyer Horse donated by Pearce, a CINCH Jeans gift certificate, John Deere gloves, and Classic Equine polo wraps and spur straps.

Abigail Dooley took the Short Stirrup reserve title on Top Haida with a 223. Top Haida, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz out of Haida Million, is owned by Lon Kraft. Dooley won a weekender duffle from Classic Equine, an Adequan^® bucket and bucket strap, a certificate for Anderson Bean Boots, a Classic Equine top load hay bag, a “Dun Gotta Gun” Breyer Horse donated by Pearce, a CINCH Jeans gift certificate, John Deere gloves, and Classic Equine polo wraps and spur straps.

Like many things in 2020, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Markel Futurity Sales looked a little different this year. In the past, the sales have been held in the sale pavilion in Barn 3 and spread out over several days. This year, four sales were held back-to-back on Dec. 3 in the Barn 6 arena.

“I personally liked having it all the same day,” said Cooper Smith, who purchased a top seller and consigned two top sellers. “I think they had it set up good. They didn’t really have a lot showing today, and I think the guys had a fair opportunity to be able to look at the horses. Yeah, it’s a long day, but you kind of got it one and done and out of the way. It was good for everybody.”

A great absence was felt during the sales this year, as Doug Carpenter, a member of the sale committee, passed away from Covid-19 in November shortly before the Futurity began. Markel Insurance’s Frank Costantini spoke a few words in Carpenter’s memory, followed by a moment of silence. According to Gary Carpenter, Commissioner of the NRHA, though Carpenter was a member of the committee and had been the chair in the past, “he was so much more than that,” and he will be greatly missed.

Futurity Prospect Sale

The Futurity Prospect Sale kicked off by selling donated breedings to 12 stallions to benefit the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA), and the fundraiser collected $16,100. The top-selling breeding was Spooks Gotta Whiz, which sold for $3,700.

Thirty-one horses were consigned to the Futurity Prospect Sale, and it was hip no. 1018, Colonel Chic Gun, who sold for $65,000 as the highest seller.

Consigned by G Reining Horses/Giada Camparsi, Colonel Chic Gun (Colonels Shining Gun x Million Dollar Chic x Smart Chic Olena), a 2018 sorrel colt, was purchased by Smith for a client of his. Smith said they liked the stallion because he checked all of their boxes.

“He’s colored up, he’s a stud, he’s been started the right way and he’s by a good horse and out of a good mare,” Smith said. “If you write down what you want to buy, he’s what you want to buy.”

Colonel Chic Gun spent 330 days in training with Giada Camparsi prior to the sale. He is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).

Colonel Chic Gun’s sire, Colonels Shining Gun, is an earner of $112,239. His dam, Million Dollar Chic, is an NRHA money-earner whose oldest foal is 3 years old. She is a full sister to Mr Millionnic Chic, an earner of $24,838 in Australia, and to Mexico Reining Horse Association Derby Non Pro Champion Chics Millionnic. Million Dollar Chic’s grand-dam is Mollie Montana, who produced Mister Montana Nic, an earner of $183,354 and 63 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) points.

“Giada has done a great job with that horse,” Smith said of Colonel Chic Gun. “He’s going to go on and get showed probably in the Non Pro and maybe even the Open next year.”

Charleston LK, hip 1006, was the second-highest seller after bringing a bid of $62,000 from Rick Clark. The 2018 palomino colt was consigned by St-Onge Reining Horses/Danny Hostetler and had been in training with St-Onge Reining Horses for 330 days by sale time. The colt is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Charleston LK is by Gunnatrashya, the 2009 NRHA Futurity Open Level (L)4 Champion and 2010 NRHA Derby Open L4 Champion. Gunnatrashya is a 2 Million Sire and has produced two NRHA Futurity Open champions.

Charleston LK’s dam, Jacs Shining Fancy (by Shining Spark), is a Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association Summer Slide Futurity Co-Reserve Champion and has produced nine money-earners, including Wimpys Shining Jac, an earner of $12,000, and Classic Crome, who has accumulated 355 AQHA points.

The hammer fell at $55,000 for third-highest seller Spookgotitsmokn, a 2018 dun colt consigned by Randle Tune and Sergio Elia. Teresa Wynn purchased hip 1028, who had been in training with Mirjam Stillo for 330 days by sale time.

Spookgotitsmokn is by Spooks Gotta Whiz, the 2010 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion, 2012 NRHA Derby Open L4 Champion and 2012 NRBC Open L4 Champion. He is the first foal out of his dam, Hollywood Dun Gunnit (by Colonels Smoking Gun), who is a full sister to Hollywood Gun Dunnit, an earner of $34,000, and half-sister to Big Sky Whizard, an NRHA Open World Champion and earner of $65,000. His grand-dam is Isle Bea Dun It, an NRHA Novice Horse Open World Champion.

The 2-year-old colt is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Select Yearling Sale

There were 121 colts and fillies consigned to the Select Yearling Sale, and the top seller, Starjac Enterprise, came toward the end as hip no. 2119. Consigned by Toyon Ranch LLC, the 2019 red dun colt was purchased for $88,000 in a partnership between Rick Clark, Tim Anderson and Oded Fein.

“What I like about this horse is his dam, Starjac Miss, is the dam of Platinum Vintage and also a couple other horses,” Anderson said. “I really love the mare cross, and so I decided to take a chance on the cross with the Voodoo [Shiners Voodoo Dr] because I have one by A Sparkling Vintage already.”

By Shiners Voodoo Dr, who won $87,098 and was an Open finalist at the 2010 NRHA Futurity, Starjac Enterprise is out of Starjac Miss (by Hollywood Jac 86), whose foals have earned $448,000. She is the dam of Platinum Vintage, who won $248,000 and was the 2015 NRHA Derby Open L4 Champion. She also produced Vintage Glamour, an earner of $60,454.

Starjac Enterprise is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC.

“Oded, Rick and I are all good friends, and we decided that we wanted to buy one of the better horses we saw going through the Yearling Sale,” Anderson added of the partnership he formed with Clark and Fein. “I’d been watching this horse since last spring, and so I told Oded and Rick they needed to check this horse out. We went ahead and did it and they agreed, so we’re happy as a partnership. The horse will be going to Andrea Fappani.”

Anderson was also the buyer of the second-highest seller, Vintage Ebony, a 2019 sorrel colt. Hip no. 2095, Vintage Ebony brought $75,000 for consigner Sterling Ranch.

The colt is out of Ebony Spook (by Smart Spook), an earner of $160,000 who is the daughter of Ebony Whiz. Ebony Whiz produced 10 money-earners, including NRHA World Champion The Shiney Whiz. Vintage Ebony is by A Sparkling Vintage, earner of $53,000. He is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC.

With a bid of $71,000, Rick Clark bought the third-highest seller, hip no. 2109. Spook Electric, a half-brother to Vintage Ebony, was also consigned by Sterling Ranch and is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program, the NRHA Euro Nomination Program and the NRBC. The 2019 sorrel colt is by Jacs Electric Spark, an earner of $85,000.

Select Breeders Sale

Twenty-one horses walked through the ring during the Select Breeders Sale, and it was hip no. 3016, Im Gunna Shine, who sold for a sale-topping $95,000. Consigned by Cooper Smith, Im Gunna Shine was purchased by Onofre Gomez, of California, who has always dreamed of owning a direct son of Colonels Smoking Gun.

“We liked just everything from his bloodlines, his color and his conformation, to the way he is dispositioned,” Gomez said. “He’ll probably be a pleasure horse for a while for my daughters and I, and we might start breeding him here in the next coming years.”

The 2010 double-bred palomino stallion is an NRHA earner of $36,073, collecting paychecks almost every year since 2013. By Colonels Smoking Gun and out of the Shining Spark mare Shiner Light, he is a full brother to two other money-earners: Palomino Horse Breeders Association World Champion Youth Reining Horse Guns A Shining, and $11,971 earner Shina Gun.

Im Gunna Shine is 5-panel N/N. He is the sire of four AQHA-registered foals from two crops, including Gunna Twist N Shine, a finalist in all levels of the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity Non Pro.

Following right behind Im Gunna Shine as hip no. 3017 was a foal in utero selling for $45,000 to Richard Vernon. Consigned by Toyon Ranch, the 2021 foal is by Colonels Smoking Gun and out of Icing Required (by Smart Chic Olena), who was the No. 1 leading reining producer in 2019. Icing Required’s foals have earned $504,000, including the foal in utero’s full sibling No Smoking Required, who was the 2019 Run For A Million Co-Champion and is the No. 1 all-time highest-earning reining stallion.

A 2020 palomino filly also consigned by Toyon Ranch brought the third-highest bid of $40,000, selling to Story Book Stables. By Colonels Smoking Gun, the filly is out of Dun Its Deja Vu (by Hollywood Dun It), making her a full sister to NRBC Open L3 Champion Gunner Dun It Again, an earner of $113,000.

Dun Its Deja Vu has produced 14 money-earners, totaling $244,000. Her 2020 filly is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC, and the seller offered to add the NRHA Euro Nomination Program at the buyer’s request.

Marketplace Sale

The Marketplace Sale rounded out a full day of sales at the NRHA Futurity. Hip 4021, Shiners Topgun, sold for the highest amount during the sale, bringing a bid of $69,000 from Rhodes River Ranch for consignor Smith.

Rhodes River Ranch sold the 2019 sorrel colt (by Colonels Shining Gun) to Smith as a foal, and trainer Sean McBurney was excited to have him back in their program. He particularly likes the colt’s dam, The Prima Ballerina (by Topsail Whiz).

“She was a super nice mare to ride,” McBurney said. “I only rode her like three times, but she felt really nice.”

The Prima Ballerina earned more than $34,000 and was Reserve Champion in the Wild Card Reining Challenge Non Pro Stakes in 2017. McBurney’s goal with her colt is to try to expand Rhodes River Ranch’s business.

“He just seemed like a nice colt,” McBurney said. “He’s a very smooth-muscled colt. His conformation, I think, is really good. I think he’s a spectacular individual.”

Hip 4051, Buzz Liteyear (Wimpys Little Step x Moonstone Mega x Marthas Mega Jac), brought the second-highest bid when the hammer fell at $50,000. Cade McCutcheon bought the 2019 buckskin colt, who was also consigned by Smith.

Buzz Liteyear is a brother to NRBC Derby Open finalist Wimpys Mega Step, an earner of $68,000. His dam is an earner of $53,000. The colt is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

Two horses brought the third-highest bid of $31,000. The first, hip 4029, was SS Diggin For Chex (Pale Face Dunnit x Chexynic x Boomernic), a 2019 sorrel colt consigned by Heritage Farms, an agent for Korey Wright.

Jimmy and Nancy Nichols purchased the colt, whose great grand-dam is Santalina Command. She earned $10,000 and produced four money-earners, including AQHA Reserve High Point Junior Reining Champion Peppy N Company. SS Diggin For Chex is enrolled in the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.

The second colt to bring a $31,000 bid was hip 4039, SS The Wimp Doctor, another 2019 sorrel colt consigned by Heritage Farms as an agent for Tyler O’Neal. SS The Wimp Doctor (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Hermosa Wimpy x Wimpys Little Step) is a brother to Xtra Handsome Shiner, a finalist in the NRHA Futurity Open L3. He is enrolled in both the NRHA Nomination Program and the NRBC.