With incredible performances at this year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel and The Run For A Million (TRFAM), Jason Vanlandingham added his name to the prestigious list of NRHA Three Million Dollar Riders a mere three years after passing the $2 million mark.
Vanlandingham garnered his first earnings at the 2000 NRHA Derby with a $41 paycheck. From there, he worked his way up to become one of NRHA’s top professionals and has ridden many exemplary reining horses to notoriety along the way, including Vaughn Zimmerman’s Not Ruf At All. Together, the duo won the NRHA Futurity, the NRHA Derby, and the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).
Heading into TRFAM’s Million Dollar Competition, Vanlandingham was less than $10,000 away from $3 million in earnings, so a good performance was all he would need to reach his next NRHA milestone. A merely good performance, however, was not in the cards for the NRHA Professional. Instead, as the penultimate rider in the competition, he piloted Robert Santagata’s Best Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Best Stop) to an incredible 231 score and half a million dollars in earnings.
In addition to his earnings at this year’s TRFAM, Vanlandingham’s top performances since crossing his last NRHA milestone include:
2021 Level 4 Open NRBC Champion aboard A Vintage Smoke earning $62,500
Vanlandingham has skyrocketed across the $3 million mark and is nearly halfway to his next milestone. After reaching $1 million in 15 years, $2 million in five years, and $3 million in three years, there is little doubt his name will again grace the NRHA history books with his continued dedication to the sport.
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:
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.
Another record-breaking 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel pushed two owners past the two million dollar milestone.
Corinna Schumacher
2023 has been an incredible year for freshly minted NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gina-Maria Schumacher, whose latest wins included not only the Level 4 Non Pro Championship at this year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel but also two additional spots within the top five. This, combined with her performance in the preliminary round and stakes competition, pushed her family across another NRHA milestone. Only two years after crossing the million-dollar mark, Gina’s mother, Corinna Schumacher, owner of XCS Ranch and CS Ranch, etched her name in history once again as an NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner.
Corinna has not only had success as an NRHA owner but as a Non Pro as well. She competed in trail and pleasure classes and earned NRHA European Affiliate titles and an NRHA Intermediate Non Pro World Championship. Corinna would also ride horses for a few years before passing them on to her daughter when she was first starting in reining, which proved a great success.
CS Ranch in Givrins, Switzerland, was the original home of the Schumachers’ success. Then Corinna recognized the growth their business could have with a headquarters in the United States, and the family purchased 460 acres in Gordonville, Texas, and built a state-of-the-art facility. Named XCS Ranch and completed in 2012, it is home to NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Duane Latimer as the resident trainer.
Much of Corinna’s success as an owner has come from the success of her daughter on the backs of many of CS Ranch and XCS Ranch’s horses, including CS Sailing Gun, who Gina piloted to the Level 4 Non Pro Championship at the 2023 6666 Ranch NRHA Derby presented by Markel. By Gunners Enterprise and out of La Bigia Sailor, CS Sailing Gun was the perfect horse to push Corrina to the $2 million mark due to the gelding’s deep connection to the Schumachers. Gina rode the gelding’s sire in Europe, and Corinna competed aboard the dam.
With the hot streak Gina has been on this year, Corinna has a great opportunity to add to her owner earnings during the 2023 The Run For A Million. Gina qualified for the million-dollar competition earlier this year in Arizona on XCS Ranch LLC’s Gunnastepya, where she earned top honors.
Tom McCutcheon
Only a year after crossing the two million dollar mark as a rider, Tom McCutcheon joined the elite list of NRHA Two Million Dollar Owners.
The McCutcheon family is synonymous with reining, so it’s only fitting this accolade comes after amazing performances by Tom’s wife, Mandy, in the 2023 6666 Ranch NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Mandy and three of her mounts, owned in conjunction with Tom, qualified for the L4 Derby. After placing sixth on Starlights Voodoo (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whizen Starlight) and a tie for tenth between the McCutcheon’s own SPF 50 (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whiz N Low) and JLosa (Arlosa Whiz x Spook N Jessie), Mandy added more than $14,700 to Tom’s owner earnings and pushed him over two million dollars.
Tom’s first paycheck as an owner and rider in the NRHA Futurity was in 1990 on Sr Glitter, a mare by Colonel Freckles, NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Gunner’s grandsire. Since his first recorded NRHA earnings in 1984, he has earned two individual and team gold medals at the World Equestrian Games, multiple major event futurity and derby championships, and was named the USET Equestrian of the Year, to name a few. He also has been a National Reining Breeders Classic Champion, of which he was a co-founder.
Located in Aubrey, Texas, Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses features more than a premier breeding operation. The business also boasts a training program and rehabilitation business in addition to the McCutcheons’ equine media company, WorldWide Slide. All aspects of the business are truly a family endeavor, with Tom and Mandy at the head, and their son, NRHA Million Dollar Rider, Cade playing his role on the team. The McCutcheon’s daughter, Carlee, is also an accomplished athlete across reining and hunter jumper disciplines.
Adding to his long catalog of entrepreneurial endeavors, he also started the wildly popular Tom McCutcheon’s The SHOW, a round table style YouTube series where he features casual interviews with industry giants. Viewers can learn more about training, industry knowledge, and more about the lives of people past the show pen.
Recently, Tom has continued to add to his rider and owner lifetime earnings on two mounts—Gunners Nite Train and Gold Star Gunner, full siblings by Gunners Special Nite out of Belle Starr Dun It.
Later this month, Tom could skyrocket his way closer to another milestone. He will compete at The Run For A Million $100,000 Shoot Out on NRHA Futurity Champion Super Marioo (Gunnatrashya x HA Chic A Tune), owned by Tom and Mandy. He is looking to build on the success he had with this mount at the 2023 NRBC to qualify him for the 2024 Million Dollar Competition. Regardless of the outcome, however, one thing is certain—the McCutcheons will work together to continue achieving success and reaching new milestones in the equestrian industry.
Jordan Larson brought two horses back to the level 4 finals at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel to finish the week as an NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider.
Larson, who reached million-dollar status at age 30, finished ninth in Level 4 Open on I Shine At Nite (Gunners Special Nite x Shiney Enterprise), owned by Nicole McDevitt, to earn $11,507. Larson also finished 21st in the Level 4 on KR Trashya Lena (Gunnatrashya x Smart Shiney Lena), owned by Nicole and Kathy Driscoll, which earned $4,283. Both paychecks helped Larson reach the next goal of his successful NRHA career.
“I’m very thankful to have crossed the three million dollar mark at the derby this year!” said Jordan Larson. “The last few years had been a little rough. Things just weren’t going my way in the show pen. I’ve learned a lot through this and am very thankful for all the people who have supported us and the great horses I have had the opportunity to show.”
Jordan grew up in Cottonwood, California, where his father shod horses and his mother exhibited halter horses. At only three years old, he was riding and dreaming of being a horse trainer.
Since then, he has continued to build on this dream, leading him to many major event finals, competing on World Equestrian Games teams, and NRHA Futurity and Derby Championships.
“My wife is my biggest supporter, and I could not have done it without her!” said Larson. “I’m so thankful God has blessed me with the opportunity to do what I love for a living and share it with my family.”
Larson is one of 17 competitors vying for a top spot in The Run for a Million (TRFAM). He qualified last year through the $100,000 Open Shoot Out at TRFAM, earning sixth on I Shine At Nite. If you can’t make it to Las Vegas to cheer on competitors in person, you can access a live feed online for the first time in the event’s history. Be sure to only use the link on trfam.com, as this is the only official live stream.
The Reining Horse Foundation’s Raise A Million Live Auction returns to The Run For A Million in 2023. Attendees will have the opportunity to take home coveted and unique auction offerings. Over the past two years, the results have been impressive, sparking memorable energy at the TRFAM and providing philanthropic support for the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association.
Attendees will find the Raise A Million Auction in a new location this year as part of the Live Festival stage at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The public is invited to attend the auction on Friday, August 18, at 1:00 p.m. before the Million Dollar Invitation Draw. The live auction is expected to offer approximately six lots, and the assortment is impressive. Items include:
The Run For A Million Show Headstall: donated by Bob’s Custom Saddles
Original Work of Art: created and donated by Duke Beardsley
Italy Wine & Horses Travel Adventure for Six: with considerations by Spooks Gotta Spark
Reining Power. Women Power. History by the Millions: Signed memorabilia featuring the women competing in the 2023 TRFAM Million Dollar Competition. Plus, a 100X Custom Hat certificate from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery! Donations by Cira Baeck, Mandy McCutcheon, Gina-Maria Schumacher, and Shorty’s
The American Performance Horseman Exclusive VIP Offering & Premium Seating: for 2024
Run For the Roses, 2024 Kentucky Derby Experience: donated by Tim Anderson and Rick Clark
“The Run For A Million provides an unmatched gathering of performance horses enthusiasts and an unequaled venue for this type of support,” said Tim Anderson, RHF president. “We appreciate Taylor Sheridan, Brumley Management, and TRFAM for this opportunity to change lives through core programs like the RHF Crisis Fund and our youth leadership development and scholarship programs.”
“The mission of the RHF is to care for and honor the reining community,” said Executive Director Leslie Baker, CFRE. “The work of this foundation is continuing in big ways thanks to the generosity of donors and many givers. We are proud that the Raise A Million Auction attracts generous support.” Limited proxy bidding is available by contacting Leslie Baker, RHF Executive Director, at (405) 946-7400, ext. 106, or rhf@nrha.com, no later than 5:00 p.m. CST, Thursday, August 17.
