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Gunners Special Nite Surpasses $7 Million Sire Milestone

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce a monumental achievement for Gunners Special Nite, who has officially become an NRHA $7 Million Dollar Sire. This historic milestone solidifies Gunners Special Nite’s position as one of the most influential sires in reining history and is a testament to his exceptional qualities that are consistently passed on to his offspring.

Bred by Kim and Debra Sloan and raised by Tim and Colleen McQuay, Gunners Special Nite is a flashy sorrel stallion sired by NRHA $13 Million Dollar Sire Colonels Smoking Gun (Gunner) and out of Mifs Doll (by Mifillena). Later purchased by Turnabout Farm Inc., Gunners Special Nite enjoyed a successful show career, earning nearly $220,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings and gold medals in the individual and team competition at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

However, Gunners Special Nite’s true legacy is cemented through his offspring. His progeny have consistently dominated the reining pen, as showcased earlier this year during the Cactus Reining Classic, where NRHA $2 Million Rider Duane Latimer and CS Especially Moody (out of Judys a Little Moody) rode to championships in both the Open Derby and The Run For A Million Qualifier with an impressive 225.5 score.

Most recently, National Reining Horse Youth Association Northeast Region Delegate, Alea Lasaponara, and Tagin Stiletto Chics (out of Stiletto Tag) helped push Gunners Special Nite past the $7 million mark after earning nearly $16,000 in non pro competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic.

Gunners Special Nite’s top-earning performers include:

  • Modern Gun (out of Taris Modern Design), owned by MS Stables, bred by Turnabout Farm Inc., $362,126 NRHA LTE
  • Guns And Dynamite (out of Chic Olena Starbuck), owned by Tim and MaryBeth Ruckman, bred by Turnabout Farm Inc., $297,756 NRHA LTE
  • Baileys Not Painted (out of Darlins Not Painted), owned by Jenny Booth, bred by Turnabout Farm Inc., $ 147,443 NRHA LTE
  • All Nite Partier (out of Topsail Survivor), owned by Sotol Investments LLC, bred by Deana Nell, $138,592 NRHA LTE
  • Lenas Shining Gun (out of SL Lenas Chick), owned by Jackie Redish, bred by Roxanne Koepsell, $ 135,665 NRHA LTE

With his name now etched in NRHA history as an NRHA $7 Million Dollar Sire, Gunners Special Nite’s impact on the breed transcends generations. Breeders and reining enthusiasts alike can look forward to his influence shaping the future of reining champions for years to come. NRHA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Gunners Special Nite and all those who have contributed to his remarkable journey.

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2024 European Futurity: 22–25 May (Daily Updates)

5.25.24: Barbagli and Gunnabeagreatdude Rise to the Top of the First Million Dollar Added NRHA European Futurity

5.24.24: Zehetbauer and SS Pretty Nifty Add Another Win to Their Collection at the Inaugural Million Dollar Added NRHA European Futurity

5.23.24: Finalists Determined in Cremona for the Inaugural Million Dollar Added NRHA European Futurity

5.22.24: CremonaFiere Sets the Stage for the Inaugural Million Dollar Added NRHA European Futurity

4.17.24: The 2024 NRHA European Futurity offers the first NRHA Million Dollar Competition in Europe!

Tune into all the action at nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

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2024 CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest

CINCH and the National Reining Horse Youth Association are proud to again offer the CINCH Speaking Contest at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Not only is CINCH continuing to offer increased scholarship opportunities for youth members, but each participant will also receive products.

“CINCH is proud to once again support the NRHyA Speaking Contest in its initiative to offer opportunities to some outstanding young individuals,” said Cassi Nichols, CINCH Marketing Coordinator. “CINCH appreciates the efforts of NRHA staff to offer industry-driven opportunities and rewards for the next generation.”

This annual event serves as an opportunity for NRHyA members, regardless of age, to increase their skills and earn scholarship dollars. NRHyA is a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. RHF scholarships offered across several NRHyA programs will exceed $70,000 in 2024.

Participants will be divided into two age groups, 13 & Under and 14-18. The three categories will be Delivering A: General, Prepared Public Speaking, and Community Service Presentation.

In the Delivering A: General, contestants recite A: General, a guide to judging reining horses and a hallmark of the NRHA Handbook. Prepared Public Speaking involves contestants delivering a five-to-eight-minute speech on either a leadership or equestrian topic. Lastly, the Community Service Presentation allows participants to create an eight-to-10-minute presentation showcasing a completed community service project.

To enter, participants must fill out this form by June 1

Scholarships for the 2024 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest:

Age 14-18

Delivering A: General
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Age 13 & Under

Delivering A: General
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

2023 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest Winners:

Age 14-18

Delivering A: General
1st place, Isabelle Hildebrandt: $700
2nd place, Lilian Roush: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place, Lilian Roush: $700
2nd place, Emma Klug: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place, Adrianna Runzo: $700
2nd place, Chloe Hansen: $200

Age 13 & Under

Delivering A: General
1st place, John ‘JG’ Codell: $700
2nd place, Millie Jean Piper: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place, Wade Kiser: $700
2nd place, Presley Timmerman: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place, Cavannah Hansen: $700

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Elections Nominations Due June 1

Are you interested in:

  • Giving back to the sport of reining
  • Influencing decisions made at the board level
  • Growing your network
  • Building your reputation as a leader

If so, you may wish to consider pursuing a nomination to be added to this year’s ballot or supporting another member to become a candidate.

NOMINATIONS ARE DUE JUNE 1, 2024

(Received in the office by Monday, June 3)

SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

(All are two-year terms starting in 2025)

  • Vice President: Followed by a two-year term as President
  • Director-At-Large on the Executive Committee
  • Director (One seat for each North American region listed below):
  • Mountain (currently Drake Johnson, has reached term limit)
  • Southeast (currently Karen Shedlauskas)
  • Southwest (currently Ginger Schmersal, has reached term limit)
  • Canada (Currently Andre De Bellefeuille)

HOW TO NOMINATE:

  • Affiliates in North American Regions may nominate candidates for the respective open seats.
  • Any eligible member may become a candidate through a write-in process for any open seat.

More information on this process and official elections contacts can be found at nrha.com/elections.

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Morton Buildings, Inc. Joins the National Reining Horse Association Corporate Partner Family

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to welcome Morton Buildings, Inc., to its Corporate Partner family. Morton Buildings will be present at the NRHA 6666 Derby presented by Markel and the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. They will also sponsor the NRHA Top 20 Owners and contribute a prize package for the leading owner of 2024.

Morton Buildings is a nationwide leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction with over 120 years in business. Morton Buildings has grown to over 100 construction centers throughout the United States and provides buildings for a broad range of industries and usages – equestrian stall barns & indoor and covered riding arenas, hay and machinery storage, garages & hobby shops, and commercial buildings such as office warehouses, personal storage units, and more. One thing has been at the core of the business throughout these years – to provide a better-quality, better-looking building.

“I was thrilled to hear of the partnership with Morton,” says NRHA Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris-Stone. “I grew up knowing the Morton name and when my husband and I were looking for someone to build a barn for us a few years ago, they were who we chose. We knew they would stand behind their materials and construction for the long haul. Our barn went up so quickly and smoothly, and their staff were wonderful! I love that NRHA is partnering with them, and I suggest talking with them on your next building project.”

“Our team at Morton Buildings is excited about this partnership,” states Dennis Lee, Equestrian Product Line Manager. “Morton and NRHA both have long and rich histories of serving those in the equine and ranching industries. We are committed to top-quality craftsmanship and providing the best-in-class product for those striving to be top of their class. We look forward to partnering with NRHA as the premier builder of equine structures focused on safety, functionality, and style for the care of their members’ equine companions.”

“Keeping horses safe is a number one priority when constructing a new equestrian barn, riding arena, or run-in shelter,” states Lee. Equine owners also need a functional building that is durable and can withstand the demands of their equine companions.” Morton buildings are custom designed for each customer’s unique needs and are built to keep horses safe, be functional for daily use, and be stylish for the owner’s property.

Morton Buildings is a vertically integrated company – they design, manufacture, deliver, construct, and service the warranty on the building. All the employees are owners of Morton Buildings with the goal of providing their customers with a building that is built stronger, lasts longer, and looks better.

About Morton Buildings, Inc.

Morton Buildings, headquartered in Morton, Illinois, is the industry leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction. At Morton, the difference is in the details. From our cutting-edge innovations and best-in-class warranty to our craftsmen in the field, we are dedicated to surpassing expectations. Our legacy of excellence in construction spans more than a century and has more than a quarter-million satisfied customers. Morton Buildings is 100% employee-owned and proud to be ranked #68 on the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2023 Employee Ownership 100 list, which includes the nation’s largest companies that are at least 50% owned by an employee stock ownership plan. For more information, please visit www.mortonbuildings.com.