Top-Ranked Professionals Compete for $1 Million at The American Performance Horseman

Top-Ranked professionals in cutting, reining and reined cowhorse will return to Globe Life Field in 2024 to compete at The American Performance Horseman for $1 Million

Arlington, TX – [August 16, 2023] – Following its industry-defining debut in 2023, The American Performance Horseman will ride into Arlington, Texas, transforming Globe Life Field on Friday, March 8, 2024 as part of a newly signed three-year partnership.

As one of the marque events of The American Western Weekend, which also includes The American Rodeo on March 9, the display of talent promises to be an unforgettable experience for equine enthusiasts and fans of Western culture alike. Fans can register for presale tickets now at tetonridgeplus.com.

Teton Ridge will also proudly partner with Concerts West and AEG Presents to produce the event in 2024 and bring fans world-class musical talent. Concerts West and AEG Presents are leaders in the music and entertainment industries with an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Their tentpole festivals – including Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, British Summer Time Hyde Park, and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – continue to set the bar for the live music experience. Global tours include The Rolling Stones, Roger Waters, Celine Dion, Luke Combs and more.

For the first time ever, the top five year-end money earning professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) came together at the 42,000-seat Globe Life Field at the event’s debut in March of 2023.

The competitive exhibition format, created by Teton Ridge, fuses the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of western performance horse sports. The unprecedented team concept pairs five teams of three athletes, partnered with some of the most well-known and respected horses in the industry.

Each team consists of a reining, reined cow horse and cutting professional in a breathtaking display of talent, precision, and horsemanship. Teton Ridge, the event producer that developed the qualification criteria, will release details and a current leader’s list next week.

With $1 million in prize money again up for grabs, the competition will be fierce in 2024 as remarkable industry athletes push the boundaries of their disciplines. Spectators will be captivated as they see the remarkable bond between horse and rider demonstrated, showcasing the sheer power, agility, and finesse that make these equine athletes so awe-inspiring.

With support from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), American Paint Horse Association (APHA), National Reining Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), and the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), The American Performance Horseman is the first event to shine the spotlight on each of these three western performance disciplines in the same night at the same venue.

“Incredible is an understatement when describing the energy and talent showcased at this event,” said NRCHA Professional Adan Banuelos, who was on the winning team at the inagural event and placed first in his discpline. “Whenever I won the [NCHA] Futurity, I didn’t know what was next and Teton Ridge came out with something that created so much energy. I can’t tell you how blessed and lucky we are. This was an arena full of talent.”

Banuelos further expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s unbelievable to be on a stage like this and have the world see what we do.”

The American Western Weekend is a true celebration of Western heritage, culture, and entertainment. From the nonstop action at The American Rodeo to top-tier musical entertainment and more, the weekend delivers an immersive experience that will transport visitors to the heart of the American West while delivering  western sports to a national audience.

Ticketing information for The American Western Weekend 2024, headlining music talent lineup and on-sale dates for March 8-9, 2024 will be announced later in 2023. Fans can subscribe to Teton Ridge Plus for alerts, advance ticketing offers and exclusive pre-sales.

For more information on March 8-9, visit www.americanrodeo.com or follow along on social media at @tetonridgeperformancehorses for the latest behind-the-scenes content.

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Teton Ridge/ The American Western Weekend Media Contact:

Mandi McCary / mandi@mmgnv.com

Cally Anderson / cally@mmgnv.com

About The American Western Weekend:
The American Western Weekend at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas features action-packed entertainment, world-class talent and western sports that culminates with the Teton Ridge-owned The American Rodeo. Hailed as The Crown Jewel of Rodeo™, The American Rodeo is an unrivaled celebration of the pioneering spirit of the American West. The national sporting event offers fans a unique choice – to cheer on western sports’ finest, champion athletes, or root for the underdog “Contenders” chasing a $1 million bonus – through every rodeo, roping and riding effort. Added to the festival line-up in 2023, The American Performance Horseman brings together the western equine sports disciplines of reining, reined cow horse and cutting for a $1 million prize. For more information on The American Western Weekend, please visit americanrodeo.com or @TheAmerican.TR on Instagram @TheAmericanTR on Facebook and Twitter.

About Teton Ridge:
Teton Ridge is the first omnichannel Western lifestyle and entertainment company that brings the best the American West has to offer, altogether in one place. Teton Ridge brings audiences and businesses together through content, products and experiences originating from the great American West. Teton Ridge operates across several business lines including a 24/7 digital media network with www.tetonridgeplus.com at the company’s core; content production and distribution for scripted and non-scripted programming; print publishing through Cowboys & Indians magazine; fantasy gaming with Professional Fantasy Rodeo; apparel and fashion including Hyer Boots; western sports experiences with featured event The American Rodeo, ownership of the Arizona Ridge Riders Professional Bull Riding team, and Rodeo Vegas, the premier after-party of National Finals Rodeo; an exceptional American Quarter Horse breeding and training program informed by technology-leading equine genetics from Etalon Diagnostics; and a dedicated commitment to youth and indigenous-focused initiatives. 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.

2023 NRHA Oceania Affiliate Championships

August 7-12
AELEC, Tamworth NSW

With 450 runs and counting, the 2023 NRHA Oceania Affiliate Championships are the largest to date!

This event allows members of this region to come together in competition, comradery and to earn regional championship titles. Each year affiliates bid to host this event, moving it to different locations to allow as many members as possible to have the opportunity to compete for these prestigious titles.

The NRHA Oceania region consists of Australia, South Africa, Japan, and Thailand.

Learn more about this region and follow along for event results at nrhaoc.com or facebook.com/oceanianrha

Ancillary Champions Crowned on Final Day of 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

The final day of competition at the 6666 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.

Non Pro (2) Champion, 8 & Up Non Pro Level 4, 3, and 2 Champion – Kyla Thurlow and Kachina Olena Tag

Kyla Thurlow and Kachina Olena Tag won the championship for the second slate of the ancillary Non Pro, as well as Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the 8 & Up Non Pro.

Kachina Olena Tag, otherwise known as “Facebook,” was bred by Samantha Smith. The 10-year-old gelding is sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Whiz N Tag Chex and out of Kachina Oak Olena. For their multiple wins on the final day of competition, the duo collected $7,105.

“I can always count on him, as long as I do my job,” Thurlow said of Facebook. “I usually tell him right before I walk in, ‘Take care of your mom,’ and he always does.”

Facebook doesn’t just excel in the reining pen- Thurlow also shows him in the Ranch Riding events. Their next stop is The Ranch Horse Triple Crown Challenge, held during the APHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, next week.

Thurlow thanked her parents, her biggest supporters, and the teams at Mark Rafacz Reining Horses and Bud Lyon Performance Horses.

Int. Non Pro (2) Champion, 8 & Up Non Pro Level 2 & 1 Champion – Courtney Battison & Xtra Little Balou

Courtney Battison and her 10-year-old stallion Xtra Little Balou won the championship in the second slate of the Intermediate Non Pro, as well as the Level 1 & Level 2 of the 8 & Up Non Pro. The successful day in the Jim Norick Arena earned the pair a check for $6,376.

“Balou,” as the stallion is known around the barn, was bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses. He is sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Lil Chic Balou.

“He’s a unicorn horse for sure; he’s every little girl’s dream horse. Palomino, long mane, super gentle stallion, and so quiet I can keep him at the house,” Battison shared. “I made the Level 4 finals every time I showed him when he was derby age, which was a highlight of our show career for sure.”

Next up for this pair is qualifying for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, which will take place during the NRHA Futurity.

Battison made sure to thank her dad, as well as her trainer, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Trevor Dare. Most importantly, she thanked her horse.

Prime Time Non Pro (2) Co-Champion – Anne-Marie Burns & Me And Julio

Anne-Marie Burns and Me And Julio won the Prime Time Non Pro (2) with a tied score of 214. Julio, as the 2014 gelding is nicknamed, was bred by Turn About Farm and is leased to Burns by his owner, Kevin Colston.

The gelding is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Darlins Not Painted.

“He came in, and he did exactly what I asked him to do. He’s just a kind horse,” Burns said. The Sunday morning performance earned them $1,689.

After taking the last two years off to recover from an injury before he returned to the show pen at the NRHA Derby, Julio was ready to perform. From here, the pair will be showing in Kentucky before returning to Oklahoma to try to qualify for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship.

Burns thanked the Colston family for the opportunity and the entire McQuay team for their support.

Prime Time Non Pro (2) Co-Champion – Jennifer Greenleaf & Smart Lois

Jennifer Greenleaf and Smart Lois had a solid run in the Jim Norick Arena on the final day of competition. The pair tied to win the ancillary Prime Time Non Pro (2) with a score of 214. The win, along with placing in numerous other divisions, brought the day’s take to $4,250.

Smart Lois, a 2007 stallion bred by Jim Babcock, is by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena and out of Lois Montana.

Non Pro & Prime Time High Point Champion – Morris Kulmer & NVR What A Lucky Joe

Morris Kulmer and NVR What A Lucky Joe finished the Derby as the ancillary Non Pro and Prime Time High Point Champions. Affectionately called Lucky Moe and Lucky Joe, the pair put together smooth runs all week to earn these titles.

NVR What A Lucky Joe, or Joey, is a 2014 gelding with lifetime earnings of $158,626. Bred by Gary Vickrey, Joey is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of What A Lucky Hit.

“A good horse puts together a good run, but a great horse does it consistently,” Kulmer said. “Joey has been consistent for me for almost two years and that’s what makes him a great horse.”

Kulmer thanked his wife for letting him ride Joey, and his trainer, Dan Huss, for his help.

Intermediate Non Pro High Point Champion – Kathleen Armenta & Off N Running

Kathleen Armenta and Off N Running, a 2015 gelding by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Spook Off Sparks, won the Intermediate Non Pro High Point title. Off N Running was bred by Arcese Quarter Horses and has a lifetime earnings of $69,168. Armenta and the gelding were first in the Intermediate Non Pro (1), seventh in the Intermediate Non Pro (2), and ninth in the Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro 8+ to earn the title.

Youth 14 – 18 (2), Unrestricted Youth (2) Champion & High Point – Mary Riley Cachat & A Smalltown Trick

On Saturday evening, Mary Riley Cachat and A Smalltown Trick spun, circled, and slid their way to a 144 to finish second in the first ancillary slate of both the Youth 14-18 and Unrestricted Youth. On the final day of competition, the pair bested their score by a full point to not only win both classes in the second slate but also claim the High Point title for both divisions.

Bred by Mark Blackwell and owned by Mary Cachat, A Smalltown Trick is by Tricked Out Spook and out of A Smalltown Gal.

“This is my second year of owning him. I absolutely love him; he’s adorable. He has no brain cells, but we love him just as much, and i think that’s what makes him even more adorable,” she said with a laugh. “He’s just a solid, great horse who loves his job and does it willingly.”

Cachat also tied for second in the class on her other horse, Trashy Spookshow (Gunnatrashya x Spook Off Sparks).

She added that both of her horses are going to get a lot of love, cookies, and carrots before heading to the AQHA Youth World Show.

“I thank my trainer, Clemerson Barbahlo. It’s been an honor to work with him. I also thank my parents who have gotten me here,” she said.

Cachat, who had to move for college, extended a special thank you to her former trainers, Mike and Kristi Berg. “They’re back in California, and I’m sad I can’t continue riding with them. I would not be standing here without them.”

Youth 13 & Under (2) Champion – Kynley Ray Bell & Snap N Go

Kynley Bell and Snap N Go have had a busy week at the Derby. Not only did they compete in the Invitational Freestyle on Thursday, they also competed in both ancillary slates of the Youth 13 & Under.

While the pair’s score was good for a fourth-place finish in the first slate of the Youth 13 & Under, Bell was determined to improve. The duo stepped up their game on the event’s final day to best their first score and win the second slate.

An 11-year-old mare, Snap N Go is by Master Snapper and out of Miss Jerry Cat. She was bred by Green Valley Ranch and is now owned by Kynley’s father Spence Bell.

Youth 13 & Under High Point – Lily Forzani & Annies Custom Pistol

Consistency was key for Lily Forzani and Annies Custom Pistol, who finished tied for reserve in the second slate after finishing second in the first slate. Those two solid runs secured the High Point title for Youth 13 & Under.

Annies Custom Pistol, owned by Lily’s parents, Doug and Deborah Forzani, was bred by McQuay Stables. The 11-year-old gelding is by NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of KR Anniegityergun.

“He’s a sweetheart, but he’s a big goober,” Forzani said about the gelding.

Short Stirrup (2) Champion – Ellie Petroll & A Dandy Magnum

Ellie Petroll and A Dandy Magnum put together a solid run to mark a 140 and win the second slate of the ancillary Short Stirrup.

“I was very excited. At first, I didn’t think I was going to place this high, so this is really exciting for me,” Petroll shared. “I thank my dad, my mom, and my sister.”

A Dandy Magnum, a 15-year-old gelding bred by Viola Scott, is by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Rubitussin. He’s owned by Misty Brown.

Short Stirrup High Point – Olivia Faith Deary & Chicsdundreamin

On Saturday night, Oliva Faith Deary watched her father, NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary, take the Open Level 4 Championship at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

On Sunday, the youngest Deary won some hardware of her own, with the High Point title for the Short Stirrup division.

Chicsdundreamin is a 16-year-old by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Goody Goody Dun Drop. The gelding is owned by Deary’s grandmother, Nancy Stillwell.

“I feel amazing,” Deary said. “It feels really good to win right after my dad won last night.”

The youngest Deary thanked her parents, her grandparents, and her sisters.

Results, photos, videos, and more the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel can be found at NRHADerby.com.

Jennifer Flanagan Wins Dechra Para-Reining Championship at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

The excitement was high in the Jim Norrick arena Sunday morning as competitors from all over the country competed in the $2,500-Added Para-Reining Championship at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. The Para-reining Championship was sponsored by Dechra Veterinary Products, which provided added money to all grades.

“Dechra is excited about the class because the riders are excited,” said Chris Ludlow, Dechra Equine Sales Manager. “We wanted to continue to support it, help the class get some exposure, and hopefully get to watch it grow.”

Tracy Hart-Graham, the owner of NRHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailer, was also on hand to support the contestants, as Hart Trailer is the Official Para-Reining Sponsor of the NRHA. “When we realized that NRHA had a program to support the riders in para reining, we knew it was something we wanted to be a part of,” she said.

USA Para Reining, a branch of the United States Equestrian Federation, created the grade level system. This program gives riders with varying physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in reining. World Para-reining celebrated its inaugural year in 2015, and since then, the organization has worked to incorporate approved para-reining classes into existing shows and host independent events and classes.

“I am over the moon excited. We had some really great riders, and I was just so excited that we got so many who wanted to come and participate,” Para-Reining Champion Jennifer Flanagan said of her win. “I hope that all it does is encourage more people out there to see it and think, ‘I’m gonna do that next year.’”

Representatives were in attendance for both grade sponsors, as well as USA Para-Reining board member Jennifer Hoyt.

“Since incorporating the first green reiner classes, the rookie class, and now the para-reining class, the NRHA’s inclusion of people of all levels of ability is something to be proud of,” Hoyt shared.

With a score of 213, Jennifer Flanagan and Cromed Out Swagwagon took home the title of overall champion.

The para-reining had an unprecedented five total entries.

  • Para-Reining Overall Reserve Champion, Holly Lee Jacobson and Getting Out Of Town, with a score of 204.5.
  • Para-Reining Grade 3 Champion, Jennifer Flanagan and Cromed Out Swagwagon with a score of 213.
  • Para-Reining Grade 4 Champion, Jodee A. Peterson-Lochner and PSR Counterfeit Chrome with a score of 176
  • Para-Reining Grade 5 Champion, Holly Lee Jacobson and Getting Out Of Town with a score of 204.5.

Other competitors included Julie Olson with Mr Tamale and Beth Kelley with Pale Face Whiz.

Holly Lee Jacobson, Para-reining Overall Reserve Champion and Grade 5 Champion, rode Getting Out Of Town, owned by Shalen Taylor, a horse she had only ridden twice before.

“He proved to be an awesome partner for the ride today,” Jacobson said. “I am so very happy that we are the reserve champion for the para-reining derby.”

Grade 4 Champion, Jodee A. Peterson-Lochner, rode her newly acquired horse, a Chilean stallion that she plans to use for breeding. Although she had taken several years off of showing, she was excited to be back and with a new horse.

“I showed here in 2016, but I have had to take three years off when I couldn’t ride,” Peterson-Lochner said. “But it’s amazing to be back, and here at the derby, it’s great.”

For complete results and other information from the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, please visit nrhaderby.com.

Ancillary Action Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

The competition was fierce, and the scores were high in Adequan® Arena, the final Saturday of the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. The high point titles were awarded in the Toyon Ranch Rookie classes, and the first slate of youth and short stirrup classes capped off the day.

Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1, 2, and Prime Time (2) & High Point – Kent Ray Taylor & Xtra Wimpys Catalyst

Marking a 143, Kent Ray Taylor made a clean sweep of the Toyon Ranch Rookie classes in the Adequan® Arena today, winning the second slate of the Level 1, Level 2, and Prime Time ancillary classes. He also won the High Point title for all three Levels with Xtra Wimpys Catalyst.

“Zorro,” as the handsome black stallion is affectionately known, is sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Im Not Blonde. Bred by Milholland Training Inc., the stallion has more than $61,000 in lifetime earnings.

Taylor has a background in the all around events, having shown AQHA with much success as a youth. After a 30-year hiatus, he returned to the show pen six years ago, earning countless titles at prestigious events like the AQHA World Show, All American Quarter Horse Congress, and NSBA World Show, under the guidance of Blake Weis.

When it comes to Taylor and Xtra Wimpys Catalyst, it was love at first sight. “I was at a horse show and hanging out with some friends of mine that showed all around horses, and (Zorro) came into the arena with NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal, and I was like, I want to own that horse,” Taylor explained. “It took me about a year to get him bought, but they finally sold him, and I’ve been as happy as I can be.”

Taylor was eager to thank his trainer, Mandy Faust, and Craig and Ginger Schmersal for their support. He also thanked NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch for paying the entry and judges fees for all the ancillary Rookie classes.

Up next for Taylor is the Inside Slide in Arizona and The Run For A Million. He will also be attending the EMO Championships in Las Vegas and the NSBA World Show with his string of all around horses.

Youth 13 & U​​nder (1) Champion – Sydney Muehlstaetter & Xtra Voodoo Step

Sydney Muehlstaetter won the first slate of the Youth 13 & Under aboard the 2012 mare, Xtra Voodoo Step.

Xtra Voodoo Step, or “Lola,” is sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Voodoo Chic. Owned by Frederick Christen and bred by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, the mare has lifetime earnings of more than $46,000.

“I just started riding her like five months ago. I showed her the first time at the High Roller,” Muehlstaetter said.

Up next for this team will be the second slate of the youth classes on Sunday, followed by Reining By The Bay in July.

Muehlstaetter thanked her parents and her trainer.

Youth 14–18 (1) & Unrestricted Youth (1) Champion – Michelle Fumagalli & Guns N Dreams

With a score of 145, Michelle Fumagalli and Guns N Dreams won the first slate of both the Youth 14-18 and Unrestricted Youth.

The 2015 gelding, sired by Tinker With Guns and out of Brennas Dream, was bred by Loren Booth and is owned by Smoking Roosters PH, LLC.

“Overall, he was just with me, and I didn’t have to manage him too much. It was just a matter of showing smart,” Fumagalli said.

Fumagalli and “Blake,” as the gelding is known around the barn, are looking forward to The Run For A Million, where they are qualified in both the Youth and Non Pro divisions.

 “We wanted to qualify, and now we want to win it, obviously,” Fumagalli stated. “I think we can, I mean, he’s marked bigger scores, you know, in the 220s. I’m excited.”

Fumagalli thanked her trainer, Dan Huss, his wife, Wendy, and her parents.

Short Stirrup (1) Champion – Avery Roper & Skeet Shooting Spook

Avery Roper and her 2011 gelding, Skeet Shooting Spook, won the first slate of the Short Stirrup with a score of 147.

Owned by Tim Roper and bred by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Rosanne Sternberg, the gelding is sired by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook and out of Snappy Skeet.

At only ten years old, Roper already has seven years of showing under her belt. She and “Bullet” have had a busy week, showing in the Youth, Green Reiner, and Rookie divisions, which all led up to the Short Stirrup.

Roper was sure to thank her grandpa for the purchase of her horse, her grandma for making great food, her mom and dad for letting her show, both of her aunts for all of their help, her sisters for their support, her uncle for his help, her trainer, Brian Bell, and, of course, Bullet.