The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces its newest corporate partnership with 7 Lakes Ranch, a newly constructed 236-acre reining facility based in Purcell, Oklahoma.
Founders Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat spent the last three years building the 236-acre reining facility from the ground up. The vision began with the purchase of a majestic parcel of land overlooking the landscape, nearby towns, and seven natural bodies of water, hence the name 7 Lakes. Before building the ranch, the duo toured numerous facilities to create their list of “must-haves.” The result is clear-span buildings with lots of natural lighting, tall ceilings, cross ventilation, wide aisles, and a layout that allows horses to thrive in a social environment. For the humans, the layout features a 2,500 square-foot office/entertainment lounge with walls of windows overlooking the 150’ by 300’ indoor arena and the pastures filled with the ranch’s future performers.
With its first-class facilities in place, 7 Lakes aspires for excellence in both breeding and training the industry’s top performing reiners with an eye toward the future. This plan includes a commitment to outstanding stallions and mares. Laney owns two stallions–both standing at NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch. Jerseys Baby Driver, known affectionately as “Hercules,” was one of her first purchases at the 2017 Legacy Sale. The buckskin stallion, trained and shown by NRHA Professional Trevor Dare, won the 2021 NRHA Open Level 4 Derby and the 2022 National Reining Breeders Classic. Hercules is known for his huge stopping ability, as well as his kind demeanor and “forever bond” with Trevor’s son, Cavin.
In 2022, Laney purchased a stallion from Europe to be shipped to the USA. Maytheforcebewhizyou, known as “Obiwan,” garnered numerous championship titles in Europe under the guidance of elite trainer Mirko Midili. Obiwan is by NRHA $7 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz, which gave him an athletic style and ideal conformation and allowed him to be an outstanding breeding stallion.
The 7 Lakes breeding program centers on a small but mighty group of exceptional mares. These mares bring bloodlines from some of the industry’s top performers and producers, including NRHA $2 Million Dam Wimpys Little Chic, Wind Her Up Chic, NRHA Hall of Famer Dun It For Chex, Chic Olena Starbuck, and Prettywhizprettydoes.
An elite ranch would not be complete without enlisting the industry’s top trainers. Boechat, an industry veteran with years of experience as a trainer, breeder, and manager, oversees the training operation. He secured Mirko Midili, a three-time NRHA European Futurity Champion, as the head trainer at 7 Lakes. Midili brings commitment, experience, and tremendous talent to the team. Notable wins for Midili include the 2012 IRHA Open Level 4 Futurity on SG Frozen Enterprise; the 2019 European Futurity; the 2019 IRHA 3-Year-Old Futurity; the 2021 IRHA Derby and the 2021 IRHA Elementa Maturity (both on Maytheforcebewhizyou); the 2021 NRHA European Futurity and the 2021 IRHA 3-Year-Old Futurity.
Associate trainer Leonardo Kellermann came to 7 Lakes after spending five years working for NRHA $8 Million Rider Andrea Fappani. Kellermann’s professionalism, talent, and dedication belie his age, and he has already proven to be a valued asset in his short time at 7 Lakes. He recently won the Level 1–2 Open Stakes at the 100X Stakes Cowtown Classic on Coat of Many Colors, a 4-year-old mare by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lonely at the Top.
Together, Mirko and Kellermann are a team that ensures a strong and bright future for the 7 Lakes Ranch program and are currently accepting a limited number of outside horses for training.
“It’s great to welcome a facility as prestigious as 7 Lakes Ranch to our family of NRHA Corporate Partners,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.
“I’m excited to join as a Corporate Partner with NRHA as a natural next step in the evolution of 7 Lakes,” said Laney, a Reining Horse Foundation board member since 2023. “As an owner and breeder still new to the sport of reining, I have a sincere love and passion for the horse and talent in the industry and am committed to continuing to do my part through 7 Lakes in helping the sport grow and thrive.”
With 7 Lakes Ranch, NRHA is poised to reach new heights in promoting the reining horse industry. This partnership reflects a shared vision for the sport’s future, built on passion, dedication, and respect for the horse.
About 7 Lakes Ranch
7 Lakes Ranch, located in Purcell, Oklahoma, is a premier reining horse program dedicated to excellence in breeding and training. Founded by Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat, the ranch boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of top trainers and industry professionals. With a commitment to the highest standards, 7 Lakes Ranch continues to produce elite-caliber horses, driven by the belief that “If you dream it, you can achieve it.”