Mason McDowell took strong confidence in himself and his mare to the top of the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships in the Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2. The event was held at the 2023 National Reining Horse Association Futurity in Oklahoma City.
McDowell scored a 220 on Xtra Fugged About It in the Adequan® Arena to also win the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro in Levels 1, 2, and 3. For winning the five classes, McDowell earned a check for $5,626.
“The run was pattern 9, and so I ran her in really hard and stopped,” McDowell said. “She stopped big, and she got back really hard. She always turns great, and then I loped off on that small slow, and she floated so strong going slow. So I pitched a bunch of rein out there. After that, I just went for it, and she was with me every step of the way.”
Xtra Fugged About It is a 2018 mare sired by newly-minted NRHA Million Dollar Sire HF Mobster and out of Lenas Whizabelle by West Coast Whiz. She has more than $19,500 in earnings.
“She’s been a great mare for me all year long,” McDowell said. “She just keeps getting a little bit better and better, and she’s a sweetheart. She’s never thrown me a curve ball, and that’s a real confidence booster going into show pen with her.”
McDowell, 18, purchased the mare about a year ago.
“She has steadily improved the whole time that I’ve had her,” he said. “She’s always been so easy to get along with. She’s a sweetheart, and she’ll never say no. If anything, it’s just making sure that she’s confident and happy doing the maneuvers, and she just keeps getting better and better.”
McDowell and his family are hoping to get some embryos from the kind, athletic mare before gearing up for the 2024 show season.
Complete draws, results, schedules, and more can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.
Equine graduates of the National Reining Horse Association Markel Futurity Sales are making a splash at the 2023 NRHA Futurity.
NRHA Million Dollar Rider on NRHA Markel Futurity Sales graduate and 2023 CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finalist Greytest Showman. Photo courtesy of Chelsesa Schneider Media.
Six Open finalists and three Non Pro finalists are riding horses that went through the Premier Sale, the Elite Yearling Sale, the Performance Horse Sale, or the Select Breeder Sale.
Non Pro
Three sale graduates are competing in the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals.
Greytest Showman, ridden by Gina-Marie Schumacher and owned by XCS Ranch LLC. Sired by Lil Ruf Peppy out of the mare Dun Its Enterprise. Nominated by Green Valley Ranch. Consigned through the 2021 Elite Yearling Sale by Heritage Farms, agent for Green Valley Ranch.
Got Strawberry Wine, ridden and owned by Steven M. Allen Jr. Sired by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Red Berry Wine. Nominated by Green Valley Ranch. Consigned through the 2021 Elite Yearling Sale by Heritage Farms, agent for Green Valley Ranch. Consigned through the 2022 Performance Horse Sale by Justin Mathison
Im Chillin The Most, ridden and owned by Chalyce D. Head. Sired by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Im Dun Chillin. Nominated by Rhodes River Ranch. Consigned through the 2020 Select Breeders Sale by Cooper Smith.
Open
Nine horses that have gone through the NRHA Markel Sales advanced to the Open Futurity Semi-Finals. Of those, six have advanced to Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals.
SS ET Fone Home, ridden by Trevor Elliot Dare and owned by Hotel Boulevard Gestin Inc. Sired by Epic Titan and out of Electric Cha Ching. Nominated by Silver Spurs Equine. Consigned to the 2021 Elite Yearling Sale by Siver Spurs Equine.
Hollywood Gunn, ridden by Todd Sommers and owned by John R. White. Sired by Gunnatrashya and out of Dun It Queen. Nominated by Marc Gordon. Consigned to the 2022 Performance Horse Sale by Marc and Kathy Gordon.
Loaded With Spirit, ridden and owned by Raphael Bourdeau. Sired by Gunnatrashya and out of Ima Sailors Gal. Nominated by Linda Campbell. Consigned through the 2021 Premier Sale by Randle Tune.
SS Whatcha Gun Doo, ridden by Gabriel Diano and owned by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC. Sired by Tinker With Guns and out of Xtra Black Magic. Nominated by Silver Spurs Equine. Consigned by Silver Spurs Equine through the 2021 Elite Yearling Sale.
Rock It Whiz, ridden by Gabriel Diano and owned by St-Onge Reining Horses LLC. Sired by Topsail Whiz and out of A Bueno Poco Dunit. Nominated by Roxanne Koepsell. Consigned by agent Roger Daly through the 2021 Elite Yearling Sale.
Spookatrashya, ridden by Nate Burchell and owned by Jamie Walters. Sired by Gunnatrashya and out of Ebony Spook. Nominated by Rosanne Sternberg. Consigned by Rosanne Sternberg through the 2021 Elite Yearling Sale.
The 2023 NRHA Markel Futurity Sales wrapped up Wednesday, Nov. 30, and was the second-highest gross Sale in the last decade. The high seller, Trick R Treat, sold in the Premier Sale for $189,000.
Complete results from the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales can be found here.
Held in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, the Adequan ® North American Affiliate Championships at the OKC Fairgrounds are an opportunity for horses who have aged out of the futurities and derbies to compete, while also offering competitors of all ages and capabilities take a spin through the pen. While the NAAC classes are the main focus, the show offers ancillary classes as well for those who did not qualify.
Adequan® NAAC 13 & Under Champions – Isabella Sobral & Frame Draggin
Isabella Sobral and Frame Draggin claimed the Adequan® NAAC 13 & Under Championship with an impressive score of 217.5.
“I’m really excited. This is my first time to show at the Futurity,” Sobral said excitedly.
Frame Draggin is an 11-year-old gelding by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Einsteins Revolution and out of Coronas Major. Sobral owns the gelding herself, and he was bred by Jackspar Enterprises.
When she grows up, Sobral wants to be an equine lameness veterinarian, so the opportunity to show and learn more about horses is something she thinks is great.
“My goal wasn’t to win the class; it was just to do good for our own sake,” said Sobral. “So my next goal is just to make it back to this point of showing and winning.”
Sobral thanked her parents, who run Sobral Performance Horses.
Ancillary Youth 13 & Under Champions – Heidi Flint & Bulletproof Shiner
It was just the third time in the showpen when Heidi Flint and Bulletproof Shiner walked into Arena 6. Since the pair had only been together a short time, they hadn’t qualified for the NAAC classes but were able to enter the concurrently-run ancillary classes.
The duo shined, putting together an impressive run that garnered a score of 218 from the judges.
“I just got him, so he’s pretty new. This is very exciting that I got such a good score,” she shared following the awards ceremony.
Bulletproof Shiner is an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Smart N Bulletproof.
Flint has big plans for her new mount. “I hope to win a bunch, like everybody does, but I also want to learn a bunch on him so I can get better and keep progressing,” she said. “Hopefully, I’ll get to bring him back to the Derby and win something there.”
Flint thanked her mother, Josianne Gauthier, for allowing her to show her new horse in Oklahoma City. “I begged to bring him, and she agreed. We’re from North Carolina, so it takes a lot to get her,” Flint said.
While she’s contemplating a career in cosmetology, making a big decision like that is still a ways off. “Mostly, what I think about is being exactly like my mom – a trainer and NRHA Professional,” she said.
Short Stirrup Champions – Bryndle Sveen & Revvin My Motor
In the class that is consistently the most difficult to score, as the judges must focus only on the execution of the maneuvers and not how charming the horse and rider may be, Bryndle Sveen claimed the championship.
But not before having to complete Pattern A twice.
The competition in the Short Stirrup class was so fierce that there had to be a run-off to determine the winner. Sveen and Harlyn Heule tied for first with a score of 213 and had to run it off in order to see who could come out on top. Heule was a fierce competitor, scoring a 212, but Sveen managed to earn just one more point, making her the champion with another 213.
“It was my last time in the short stirrups, so I’m really excited,” Sveen said.
The win was claimed aboard Revvin My Motor, an 8-year-old gelding by Wimpys Littlecolonel out of Miss Daisy Solano.
Sveen had plans to head back to the stalls and let Revvin My Motor enjoy some apple slices and special treats but first thanked her parents, her step-dad, Brandon Freiheit, and the gelding’s owner, Jennifer L Beyl-Lee.
Update from the Adequan® NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro
The Adequan® Arena hosted the first section of the Adequan® NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro classes, which featured 119 entries, including those in the ancillary divisions. Awards for all classes will be presented Friday at the conclusion of Section 2, but Mason McDowell currently leads all divisions. He piloted Xtra Fugged About It to a 220 to take the lead, securing the Adequan® NAAC Championships for the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 and Level 2.
Xtra Fugged About It, owned by McDowell, is a five-year-old mare by NRHA Million Dollar Sire HF Mobster out of Lenas Whizabelle.
Mathieu Buton celebrated sweet redemption Nov. 30 as he piloted Quinns A Tricky Chic to a 219.5 and the win in the Honorable Mention Futurity class at the 2023 National Reining Horse Association Futurity at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
“I started her as a 2-year-old,” Buton said. “I’ve had her the whole time in my program, and I loved that mare from the get-go. She’s owned by my very dear friend and customer, Jeremy Zangl. They’ve been with me pretty much since I went on my own, and she’s probably the best horse they ever got to raise at this point.”
At the Futurity, Buton had bad luck with her and wasn’t able to show her to her full ability.
“We talked about it – we all know the potential of that mare,” Buton said. “So we decided to put her in there for one more run and go at medium speed. That way, she could have a nice, clean run and then build up for next year.”
That second chance was the Honorable Mention Futurity class, and Buton had his plan to stay safe and give the mare a soft, clean run.
“She’s such a great mare, and she just gave me everything, and we had no bobbles that time until the last rundown and stop,” Buton said. “Everything stayed right. We’re at 19 and a half, and she can do that all day long every time if I do my job.”
Quinns A Tricky Chic is a 2020 mare sired by Tricked Out Spook and out of BT Smartest Tivito by Smartest Chic Olena. Jeremy Zangl is the owner and breeder.
The mare has $3,095 in earnings from the 100X Reining Classic Invitational.
“I think it’s just the beginning,” Buton said. “Great things I hope will happen for her down the road. So I want to thank Jeremy so much for all the support and never giving up, and always being there for me, my wife, my whole team, all my customers. I’m just very blessed to have all those great people around me.”
Generous sponsorships from Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch gave some reiners an opportunity to showcase their horses in the Jim Norick Coliseum during the 2023 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Ok.
On Nov. 30, Rookie Level 1, Rookie Level 2, Intermediate Non Pro, and Intermediate Open riders who placed in the top 10 of their Adequan® NAAC classes rode into the bright lights of the coliseum in hopes of taking home a championship in the Bob’s Custom Saddles and/or Toyon Ranch Showdowns.
Winners in each of the Showdown classes received a check for $5,000. Thanks to the sponsorships from Toyon Ranch and Bob’s Custom Saddles, competitors didn’t have any additional entry fees to the showdown.
Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown Champions – Justin Mathison & Alpha Taris Chic
Justin Mathison was ready for Pattern 7 in the Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Intermediate Open Showdown in the Norick Coliseum at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds.
The NRHA Million Dollar Rider rode Alpha Taris Chic to the Showdown win – and a check for $5,000 – with a score of 218.5. He also finished reserve on Shes Reddy On Line.
“Pattern 7 is a pattern we don’t run very often,” Mathison said. “I’m seasoned in the show pen so I know how not to rush through it, so I felt like I had an advantage there, and I’m riding two good horses. It was fun.”
Alpha Taris Chic is by Wimpy Chic and out of Taris Attraction by Mr Boomerjac. Jordan Wright Du Plessis owns the 5-year-old gelding with more than $18,975 in lifetime earnings.
“Alpha Taris Chic was very physical running and stopping, and I took my time,” Mathison said. “I loped off on my right set of circles, and he was a little bit nervous, so I stayed at plus-quarter on the throttle. I didn’t try to gas it. About a half-circle into my fast circle, I had him talked back into being with me, and then I could go as fast as I wanted.
“He slowed down great, stayed in frame, and changed leads right in the middle. Both circles were in frame, very pretty, and the part I’m most proud of is he turned his last corner and ran to his last stop as if he had never been shown before.”
That’s hard for a horse that has been shown a lot, Mathison said, adding that the horse isn’t typically nervous but could feel the excitement of the Norick Coliseum.
“He’s a solid citizen,” Mathison said. “These horses aren’t dumb. They know the bright lights are on in there.”
Shes Reddy On Line is a 2016 mare sired by Shine On Line and out of the Nic It In The Bud mare Guns R Reddy. She has lifetime earnings of more than $101,000. Mary A. Jansma bred and still owns the mare.
“I thank my help for helping me get both horses ready,” Mathison said. “This is an amazing event. I really thank Bob’s Custom Saddles for it, because when I showed in the Intermediate Open in the Adequan® arena, I had no idea I’d be able to run (in the Jim Norick Coliseum). I didn’t know until after the fact. It was a pleasant surprise. Thanks to Bob’s and all the sponsors. Everybody gives so much, and it makes our industry so much better.”
Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown Champion – Jennifer Neudorf & Shining In Town
Jennifer Neudorf and Shining In Town continued their winning ways Nov. 30 as they took the champion title and the $5,000 check in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown.
Neudorf and the 10-year-old stallion scored 218.5 in the Showdown after winning the Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Non Pro with a 223 to qualify for the bonus round.
“He felt really good,” Neudorf said. “It was a bit more of a complicated pattern, but he just listened and tried his best and made it fun as always. It was really cool to be back in the Norick.”
“Chubs” was sired by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown and is out of the Shining Spark mare Shine Ann. Carol Rose bred the horse that has more than $200,000 in earnings.
“It was for sure so fun and exciting to show in the Norick,” Neudorf said. “I thank Bob’s Custom Saddle for sponsoring such a cool class.”
Shining In Town had been retired before Neudorf legged him up and brought him to the NRHA Futurity. He has felt good all week, Neudorf said.
“He just tries,” she said. “He doesn’t ever want to be in trouble. He always wants to be a good boy, and it makes it fun. I want to keep showing him, for sure.
“I thank the Schmersal team, Craig and Ginger. They’re always such a big help. I also thank my parents for how they always support me.”
Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1 Showdown Champion & Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Level 2 Showdown Champion – Rayne Anderson & Pale Face Gunslinger
Rayne Anderson and Pale Face Gunslinger continued their winning streak, claiming championships in the Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1 Showdown Champion & Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Level 2 Showdown at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity & Adequan ® NAAC Championships.
“Going through the Gateway of Champions was very nerve-wracking,” Anderson said. “But once we ran in and started our pattern, we both kind of settled down.”
Pale Face Gunslinger is a 2014 gelding by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Lost In Tinseltown. He is owned by Anderson’s grandfather, Tim Anderson, and has been previously shown by Kim Niven.
The pair won the Adequan® NAAC Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year title earlier in the show, with Anderson proudly wearing the award buckle for that win as she entered the pen again to secure these championships.
Each Showdown featured a prize of $5,000 and claiming both wins will push the gelding over the $150,000 in lifetime earnings mark.
“I’m just thankful and proud. He still shows like a rockstar,” said Anderson of Pale Face Gunslinger, who she calls Simba. Unsure of where they’ll show next, the plan seems to be to take it a day at a time.
“I love John and Nancy (Tague) at Toyon Ranch. They are honestly the sweetest, best, kindest people to me and my grandparents, and I just appreciate them as a whole, and I appreciate their sponsorship of this class,” Anderson said as she thanked them. “I appreciate Bob’s Custom Saddles a whole lot too, for making this a possibility.”
