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New Rules For 2020 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships Qualifications

When the National Reining Horse Association Board of Directors met on July 2, a key discussion involved the qualification route for affiliate reiners hoping to compete in the 2020 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) at the NRHA Futurity November 26–December 5.

With the looming possibility of COVID-19 restrictions impacting future shows, along with the number of events having already been cancelled, the Board approved the Affiliate Committee’s proposal that anyone receiving a score higher than a zero at an Affiliate Regional Championship be eligible to enter that class at the NAAC. It was felt that this solution would encourage people to attend the ARCs and support the affiliate program without limiting the number of horses that will attend the NAAC.

The Board also removed the existing stipulation that if someone competes in a class at an ARC, they are unable to compete at another ARC. So, for 2020, riders will be allowed to participate in multiple regional championships with one exception. If they win a class, they cannot compete on the same horse in the same class in another ARC (for example, a horse and rider that won the Non Pro ARC class at the Northwest Affiliate Regional Championships would not be allowed to compete in the Non Pro ARC class at the Southwest Affiliate Regional Championships).

“We feel that this is a positive solution that protects all the different components of the affiliate program,” said NRHA Affiliate Committee Chairman Kelly Brummett. “We’re still supporting the ARCs by requiring that people attend one to qualify. The clubs and affiliates that commit the work and effort every year are an essential and very appreciated part of this program, and we want to do all we can to help their events.”

Another benefit for exhibitors is, since qualification from the ARC is not limited to the top 10, people will not be bumped out of qualifying in their own ARC by people coming from other regions to compete.

Affiliate Committee Staff Liaison Sara Honneger is excited about the possibilities created by these measures. She said, “If you have ever thought you wanted to be a part of the NRHA’s Affiliate program, this is the year to see what it’s all about. 2020 has been a difficult year for so many, but maybe these new rules will give NRHA members a chance to try this program that we are so passionate about. We hope to see everyone at the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships at the NRHA Futurity.”

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NRHA’s ReinerSuite™ Adds Eligibility Tool

For Immediate Release – June 29, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has added a new feature to its popular ReinerSuite™ member software with the debut of the Eligibility Checker. The handy feature appears on the member dashboard after logging in and allows for simple checking of a horse/rider/class/date combination. More detailed searches are available to check eligibility for worldwide events or those specific to Europe and Mexico.

“We are very happy to announce this new offering,” said Angie Honeywell, senior manager of ReinerSuite and Futurity Sales. “Member service is our top priority, and this tool is a way to offer eligibility information quickly and accurately. If members have questions about eligibility or using  ReinerSuite, please contact us at memberships@nrha.com.”

Eligibility for various levels of competition is determined for the beginning of each calendar year. NRHA exhibitors are responsible for verifying eligibility for each class they enter to make sure their placings and earnings count, and this new tool streamlines the process considerably.

“The response to ReinerSuite has been overwhelmingly positive,” said NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter. “We know this eligibility tool will provide added convenience for our members and is something they can use from any device connected to the internet.”

ReinerSuite was unveiled to NRHA members in late February 2020, providing advanced, online member services. The web-based software has innovated association records management for the equine industry.

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Kelsey Pecsek Hruska Takes the Reins at Reiner Magazine

Beginning with its August issue, the National Reining Horse Association’s Reiner magazine will have a new but familiar face at its helm. Kelsey Pecsek Hruska, former editor of Quarter Horse News, will bring her years of experience to the magazine.

“Moving into this new role as editor of the Reiner feels a lot like coming home,” Pecsek Hruska said. “The sport of reining ignited my passion for the Western performance horse world many years ago. I look forward to working closely with the industry’s players and with the NRHA to make the magazine the best it can be.”

There’s no question that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching, changing the way business is done. As the NRHA continued to streamline its fiscal and staffing profile, an opportunity presented itself and resulted in a joint venture between the association and its longtime Corporate Partner Quarter Horse News. Morris Equine Group, parent company of Quarter Horse News, Western Horseman, and Barrel Horse News, will take over the production and publishing duties of Reiner magazine, with Pecsek Hruska as editor.

NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter said, “The goal of this transition is for NRHA members to have a magazine that they enjoy, share, and consider a true reflection of NRHA. Since NRHA and Quarter Horse News serve many of the same people, it is a logical fit. The Morris Equine Group staff has a strong familiarity both with reining and with the unique and specific needs of association publications, as they already publish the NCHA’s Cutting Horse Chatter and the NRCHA’s Reined Cow Horse News.”

Pecsek Hruska is looking forward to working with NRHA and creating content that features, entertains, and educates the association’s 15,000 members. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the reining community. Reconnecting with our friends during the NRHA Derby presented by Markel and watching some of the sport’s best horses compete for the biggest purse in Derby history has me and the rest of the staff at Morris Equine Group more enthusiastic than ever,” she said.

Carpenter is confident that Pecsek Hrushka and her group will be carrying on in important legacy, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the previous Reiner team. “I appreciate their hard work, professionalism, and devotion to their craft. A lot of behind-the-scenes hours went into developing this publication and they were always too busy working to take credit,” he said.

Morris Equine Group will also handle Reiner advertising sales, with Karen Barnhart (karen.barnhart@morris.com, 620-951-4026)  handling commercial and breeder accounts. Pecsek Hruska can be reached by phone at 817-569-7170  or by e-mail at reiner@nrha.com.

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2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel Breaks Records

The 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel was expecting a subdued look and feel. The Oklahoma State Fair implemented new protocols because of COVID-19. This included increased stall spacing, face mask requirements for staff, mandatory social distancing, and closing the event to the public.

All those measures were followed, but as the event unfolded it became clear that there was nothing subdued about the size of the show or the quality of the competition. The 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel became the largest in NRHA history. Not only was there a record number of horses, riders, and entries, the total purse for the show was also record-breaking, surpassing $1.1 million.

The combined payout for the Open and Non Pro Derbies set another record at $1,012,581. The Non Pro Derby had an all-time high payout of $354,620. The Open Derby had the third-highest payout in history, awarding $657,961.

“Our members were very happy that we were able to have this show and their enthusiasm was felt throughout,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all the exhibitors for their spirit of camaraderie and cooperation. Not only was it a huge show – it was a great one!”

That off-the-charts momentum continued in the Adequan® Arena, where the traditional horse show classes sometimes went well into the night or even the early hours of the next morning. NRHA Events Manager Cheryl Cody said, “When the unprecedented entries became apparent for the first weekend, we were able to shorten two extremely long days by showing concurrently in Arena 6. Once the Derby competition began, we could not do that. Thanks to the commitment of our staff and officials and the cooperation of our exhibitors, we were able to get through those incredibly long days.”

In 2020, there were 1,433 stalls filled – another record. That translated to 820 horses actually entered in the show – up from 664 last year.

The number of riders competing at the event rose substantially as well, going from 499 in 2019 to 637 this year. All that equated to record entry numbers, up to 3,301 entries from 2,750 the previous year.

The huge show led to several career achievements, including three unofficial millionaire milestones. Andrea Fappani’s Open win in the Adequan® Arena early in the week made Rancho Oso Rio LLC an NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner. When Jason Vanlandingham won the Level 4 Open Derby Championship on Saturday evening on A Vintage Smoke, he surpassed the NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider mark in earnings, and his horse’s sire, A Sparkling Vintage, became an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire.

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Competition Wraps Up at NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

A long day of competition at the 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel wrapped up Sunday afternoon. It was the largest Derby in the event’s history, with 3,301 entries – up from 2,750 in 2019. Complete results can be found at NRHADerby.com.

Colt Mitchell Wins Short Stirrup [2] on Playgun Chic Olena in Exciting Runoff

The only run off of the week at the NRHA Derby presented by Markel took place Sunday afternoon in the Jim Norick Arena when Colt Mitchell and Logan Flaherty battled it out for the championship in the Short Stirrup division. It was a hard-fought battle, and in the end, Mitchell finished with the win.

“It was my first run off and I thought it was pretty exciting. My game plan was to do better than I did the first time and just have fun,” Mitchell shared. “Logan did a really good job and showed that horse great, so it was a good competition.”

He added that Playgun Chic Olena, by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Stallion Smart Chic Olena out of Mamas Packin, has never really been a fan of the coliseum. “Each year he gets a little better, and this year was the best,” he said. “My stops in the runoff were the best we have had in a while. I was pretty proud.”

Mitchell added, “I thank my family for supporting me and helping me train him. I also thank the good Lord for keeping me safe and giving me this wonderful horse.”

Madison Rafacz Takes Youth 13 & Under [2] Win on Whizenboonsmal

After a busy week, Madison Rafacz wanted to take the opportunity to show one more time at the NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Sunday’s youth classes were held in the Jim Norick Coliseum, giving her a perfect opportunity to expose her horse to the arena in preparation for the American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Championships.

“He was good today. I just went in there and let him go quiet and see the arena,” the 12-year-old said. Whizenboonsmal is an 8-year-old gelding by Peptoleap out of She Whiz A Star.

While most people might be ready to go home at the end of an event, that’s not the case for her. “I’m not really ready to go home. I don’t like leaving them, especially since we haven’t been to one in a while,” she said.

Luckily, she won’t have to stay home long, as she’ll be competing at the Mid-Atlantic Reining Classic in just two weeks. “I would like to thank my parents and the entire MR barn,” she said.

Lydia Bell Takes Youth 14-18 High Point Championship on Chics Want My Number

Lydia Bell and Chics Want My Number put together two consistent runs over the weekend to win the high point championship of the Unrestricted Youth class. “He was good at this show. There is always stuff to work on, but we just keep going as a team,” she said.

Bell began showing Chics Want My Number, by NRHA 11 Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Dixie Chic Olena, a few years ago. “I got him from Christy Morgan. He was her derby horse, and when she had her son Cooper she decided to sell him. We’re good friends with her, and we were looking for a youth horse for me, so we bought him,” Bell said. “He’s really fun and is a mess. He keeps my life interesting because he’s always playing or getting into things.”

Bell, 17 years old, added, “I thank my parents, Christy Morgan, and God, because who knows where I would be without him.”

Anna Clausen and Smart Tinseltown Win Youth 14-18 [2] and High Point

After tying for the win of the Youth 14-18 on Saturday, Anna Clausen won the class again on Smart Tinseltown with a 143.5. The pair also won the high point for the division.

Earlier this week, Clausen and Smart Tinseltown won the Level 1 8 & Up Non Pro Derby. Smart Tinseltown, owned by Clay Clausen, is by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook and out of Tinseltown Lil Step.

Rita Clausen Wins Youth 13 & Under High Point on Kansas City Whiz

It was a good week for Rita Clausen, who finished with the Youth 13 & Under high point championship after winning the class on Sunday and finishing as part of a three-way tie in Sunday’s section. Clausen rode Kansas City Whiz, by Easy Otie Whiz out of Kansas City Royal.

Kansas City Whiz is owned by Clay Clausen.

Bo Van Duys Wins Unrestricted Youth [2] on Voodoo Smokin Annie

Topping the second slate of the Unrestricted Youth [2] was Bo Van Duys and Voodoo Smokin Annie with a 142. Voodoo Smokin Annie, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of Caleys Smokin Peppy.

Logan Flaherty Sweeps Green Reiner Classes on SS Spyderman

It’s been a good week for Logan Flaherty. Just days ago he and SS Spyderman won both Green Reiner classes, and he returned to the Adequan® Arena on the last day of competition to do it again. “He was good for showing three times in a row,” the 9-year-old said. He and the 12-year-old gelding marked a 140 to win the second slate and secure the high point buckle.

His father, NRHA Professional Committee Chairman Patrick Flaherty, said, “I told him to go faster than he did the other day, but he didn’t. I guess he went just the right speed.”

Logan shared he didn’t change anything from the previous day showing and prepared his horse like he always does.

SS Spyderman, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz and out of Chics Velvet Lady, is owned by Jenny Ricotta. “I thank my dad, and I thank Jenny Ricotta for leasing him to me,” Logan said.

Patrick added, “We really thank Marco and Jenny Ricotta. We were looking hard for a horse for him this year, and having trouble finding one when Jenny let us try him. We are lucky to have this horse to show. He’s turning into a really special horse for our family.”

Eduardo Ramirez and Jeweled Out Sweep Rookie 1 and 2 [2]

Eduardo Ramirez schooled Jeweled Out all week leading up to the Jackpot Rookie 1 and 2 [2] classes on Sunday, June 21. It all paid off when the duo laid down a smoking run that scored a cool 144.

The 15-year-old earned his way out of the Level 1 Green Reiner classes last year but has never rode away with a championship. That made this win extra special.

“I’m usually up there in second or third, but this was my first win,” Ramirez said. “I’m really proud of him (Jeweled Out).”

When Ramirez first entered the Adequan® Arena, Jeweled Out was right there with him. The only concern Ramirez had was picking up the right lead.

“He looks everywhere a lot in his right lead,” Ramirez said. “I don’t normally talk, or cluck, to him much, but this time on the right lead I clucked to him to see if I could get his attention and it worked.”

The 9-year-old gelding is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes and out of Whiz Jewels. The pair has only been competing together for the last two years. Earlier in the show season Ramirez and Jeweled Out qualified for the Rookie Shootout at the Run for a Million.

Before Ramirez saddled up the gelding, he hadn’t been consistently ridden for a few years. Ramirez got connected with NRHA Professional Luke Gagnon and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I would like to thank Luke Gagnon, Sergio Elia and his wife, and my parents,” he concluded.

Amy Mitchell Wins Prime Time Rookie [2] and High Point on Skeets Forty Five

The Mitchell family had a great ending to the NRHA Derby presented by Markel. While Colt won the Short Stirrup title, his mom Amy pulled off the win of the second slate of the Prime Time Rookie on Skeets Forty Five. She also claimed the high point championship for the division. “I’m probably more excited for Colt right now. It was fun to get to see him in the run off,” she shared. “Today I thought my run was better than the other day. I thought my horse was perfect. All the errors were pilot errors. It was wonderful and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Skeets Forty Five is by Skeets Peppy and out of Select A Forty Five. “This horse belongs to my daughter Molly. We have had him for 11 years, and he’s 16 years old now,” she said. “He’s such a great horse. I have ridden horses my whole life but just recently started reining, and he takes care of me.”

Amy and her family have a busy schedule ahead, with plans to compete at the Mid-Atlantic Reining Horse Classic and the National Reining Breeders Classic, as well as the AQHA Youth World Championship Show. “I thank my family. They’re all very supportive, and I had a lot of friends come and cheer me on the other day. It was a lot of fun,” she said.

Allison Thorson Wins Rooke Level 1 & 2 High Point on Smart Cowboy Whiz

Two consistent runs in the Adequan® Arena resulted in the high point championship of Rookie Levels 1 and 2 for Allison Thorson and Smart Cowboy Whiz. The pair tied for first in the first slate of classes, and second in Sunday’s set. Thorson has owned Smart Cowboy Whiz for only a year, having purchased the gelding just before the 2019 NRHA Derby.

Smart Cowboy Whiz is by Who Whiz It out of Little Smart Jac.