Keep up with the 2023 NRHA EAC at nrhaeac.com
7.15.23: The NRHA European Affiliate Championships at CS Ranch close with a bang
7.14.23: First NRHA European Affiliate Champions crowned at the SVAG CS Classic Show ‘23
CINCH Youth Speaking Contest Winners
On Friday, June 23, NRHyA Members proved that their skills extend beyond the show pen in the CINCH Youth Speaking Contest, held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
This contest, sponsored by CINCH, allows youth members to compete for scholarship money in one of three categories, in the 13 & Under or 14-18 age divisions. Prior to 2023, a $500 scholarship was awarded to the winner in each category. This year, CINCH increased their contribution to allow for a $700 scholarship to be earned by the winner in each category, as well as a $200 scholarship for second place, for a total of $5,400 being awarded in total. The three categories members may compete in are Delivering A: General, Prepared Public Speaking, and Community Service Presentation.
Delivering A: General is a contest unique to NRHyA, in which the competitor must memorize, and recite, A: General to a panel of judges. John “JG” Codell won the 13 & Under division, a feat that required extensive preparation. “One of our friends helped me,” Codell explained. “We had nightly meetings over Zoom to prepare for the speech.
For the Prepared Public Speaking contest, youth were asked to choose any leadership and equestrian topic, and present a four-eight minute speech, without the assistance of visual aids. The 13 & Under Prepared Public Speaking category winner, Wade Kiser, conquered his nerves to earn his $700 scholarship from CINCH. “I was nervous at first, but the more and more I talked, the more comfortable I got,” Kiser said. “It was a lot of fun; I’d definitely do it again.”
The final contest offered is the Community Service Presentation, in which youth create an eight-10 minute presentation explaining their completed community service project. Current NRHyA President, Adrianna Runzo, took home the win and the $700 scholarship from CINCH. Runzo’s presentation focused on her involvement with the Akron Children’s Hospital’s Reach Out and Read program, where she collected 500 books. “It’s amazing, especially because the speaking contest is bigger than ever,” Runzo stated regarding her win. “I know the first year I competed, there were only three of us youth kids in the same category. Now that number is 20.”
Runzo and the other youth competing in the contest were grateful to CINCH for their support. “It’s amazing to see the added scholarship money,” stated Runzo. “It really elevated the experience as a youth, seeing that we could win such great scholarships from a corporation that already supports us so much throughout all of our youth endeavors.”
The results for this year’s contest are:
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
Ancillary Champions Crowned on Final Day of 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel
The final day of competition at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel saw full classes in both the Jim Norick Coliseum and Adequan® Arena. In addition to the class titles, high point Montana Silversmiths buckles were also presented to the high point exhibitors who competed in both slates of classes.
Non Pro (2) Champion, 8 & Up Non Pro Level 4, 3, and 2 Champion – Kyla Thurlow and Kachina Olena Tag
Kyla Thurlow and Kachina Olena Tag won the championship for the second slate of the ancillary Non Pro, as well as Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the 8 & Up Non Pro.
Kachina Olena Tag, otherwise known as “Facebook,” was bred by Samantha Smith. The 10-year-old gelding is sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Whiz N Tag Chex and out of Kachina Oak Olena. For their multiple wins on the final day of competition, the duo collected $7,105.
“I can always count on him, as long as I do my job,” Thurlow said of Facebook. “I usually tell him right before I walk in, ‘Take care of your mom,’ and he always does.”
Facebook doesn’t just excel in the reining pen- Thurlow also shows him in the Ranch Riding events. Their next stop is The Ranch Horse Triple Crown Challenge, held during the APHA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, next week.
Thurlow thanked her parents, her biggest supporters, and the teams at Mark Rafacz Reining Horses and Bud Lyon Performance Horses.
Int. Non Pro (2) Champion, 8 & Up Non Pro Level 2 & 1 Champion – Courtney Battison & Xtra Little Balou
Courtney Battison and her 10-year-old stallion Xtra Little Balou won the championship in the second slate of the Intermediate Non Pro, as well as the Level 1 & Level 2 of the 8 & Up Non Pro. The successful day in the Jim Norick Arena earned the pair a check for $6,376.
“Balou,” as the stallion is known around the barn, was bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses. He is sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Lil Chic Balou.
“He’s a unicorn horse for sure; he’s every little girl’s dream horse. Palomino, long mane, super gentle stallion, and so quiet I can keep him at the house,” Battison shared. “I made the Level 4 finals every time I showed him when he was derby age, which was a highlight of our show career for sure.”
Next up for this pair is qualifying for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, which will take place during the NRHA Futurity.
Battison made sure to thank her dad, as well as her trainer, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Trevor Dare. Most importantly, she thanked her horse.
Prime Time Non Pro (2) Co-Champion – Anne-Marie Burns & Me And Julio
Anne-Marie Burns and Me And Julio won the Prime Time Non Pro (2) with a tied score of 214. Julio, as the 2014 gelding is nicknamed, was bred by Turn About Farm and is leased to Burns by his owner, Kevin Colston.
The gelding is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Darlins Not Painted.
“He came in, and he did exactly what I asked him to do. He’s just a kind horse,” Burns said. The Sunday morning performance earned them $1,689.
After taking the last two years off to recover from an injury before he returned to the show pen at the NRHA Derby, Julio was ready to perform. From here, the pair will be showing in Kentucky before returning to Oklahoma to try to qualify for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship.
Burns thanked the Colston family for the opportunity and the entire McQuay team for their support.
Prime Time Non Pro (2) Co-Champion – Jennifer Greenleaf & Smart Lois
Jennifer Greenleaf and Smart Lois had a solid run in the Jim Norick Arena on the final day of competition. The pair tied to win the ancillary Prime Time Non Pro (2) with a score of 214. The win, along with placing in numerous other divisions, brought the day’s take to $4,250.
Smart Lois, a 2007 stallion bred by Jim Babcock, is by NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena and out of Lois Montana.
Non Pro & Prime Time High Point Champion – Morris Kulmer & NVR What A Lucky Joe
Morris Kulmer and NVR What A Lucky Joe finished the Derby as the ancillary Non Pro and Prime Time High Point Champions. Affectionately called Lucky Moe and Lucky Joe, the pair put together smooth runs all week to earn these titles.
NVR What A Lucky Joe, or Joey, is a 2014 gelding with lifetime earnings of $158,626. Bred by Gary Vickrey, Joey is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of What A Lucky Hit.
“A good horse puts together a good run, but a great horse does it consistently,” Kulmer said. “Joey has been consistent for me for almost two years and that’s what makes him a great horse.”
Kulmer thanked his wife for letting him ride Joey, and his trainer, Dan Huss, for his help.
Intermediate Non Pro High Point Champion – Kathleen Armenta & Off N Running
Kathleen Armenta and Off N Running, a 2015 gelding by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Spook Off Sparks, won the Intermediate Non Pro High Point title. Off N Running was bred by Arcese Quarter Horses and has a lifetime earnings of $69,168. Armenta and the gelding were first in the Intermediate Non Pro (1), seventh in the Intermediate Non Pro (2), and ninth in the Level 3 Intermediate Non Pro 8+ to earn the title.
Youth 14 – 18 (2), Unrestricted Youth (2) Champion & High Point – Mary Riley Cachat & A Smalltown Trick
On Saturday evening, Mary Riley Cachat and A Smalltown Trick spun, circled, and slid their way to a 144 to finish second in the first ancillary slate of both the Youth 14-18 and Unrestricted Youth. On the final day of competition, the pair bested their score by a full point to not only win both classes in the second slate but also claim the High Point title for both divisions.
Bred by Mark Blackwell and owned by Mary Cachat, A Smalltown Trick is by Tricked Out Spook and out of A Smalltown Gal.
“This is my second year of owning him. I absolutely love him; he’s adorable. He has no brain cells, but we love him just as much, and i think that’s what makes him even more adorable,” she said with a laugh. “He’s just a solid, great horse who loves his job and does it willingly.”
Cachat also tied for second in the class on her other horse, Trashy Spookshow (Gunnatrashya x Spook Off Sparks).
She added that both of her horses are going to get a lot of love, cookies, and carrots before heading to the AQHA Youth World Show.
“I thank my trainer, Clemerson Barbahlo. It’s been an honor to work with him. I also thank my parents who have gotten me here,” she said.
Cachat, who had to move for college, extended a special thank you to her former trainers, Mike and Kristi Berg. “They’re back in California, and I’m sad I can’t continue riding with them. I would not be standing here without them.”
Youth 13 & Under (2) Champion – Kynley Ray Bell & Snap N Go
Kynley Bell and Snap N Go have had a busy week at the Derby. Not only did they compete in the Invitational Freestyle on Thursday, they also competed in both ancillary slates of the Youth 13 & Under.
While the pair’s score was good for a fourth-place finish in the first slate of the Youth 13 & Under, Bell was determined to improve. The duo stepped up their game on the event’s final day to best their first score and win the second slate.
An 11-year-old mare, Snap N Go is by Master Snapper and out of Miss Jerry Cat. She was bred by Green Valley Ranch and is now owned by Kynley’s father Spence Bell.
Youth 13 & Under High Point – Lily Forzani & Annies Custom Pistol
Consistency was key for Lily Forzani and Annies Custom Pistol, who finished tied for reserve in the second slate after finishing second in the first slate. Those two solid runs secured the High Point title for Youth 13 & Under.
Annies Custom Pistol, owned by Lily’s parents, Doug and Deborah Forzani, was bred by McQuay Stables. The 11-year-old gelding is by NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of KR Anniegityergun.
“He’s a sweetheart, but he’s a big goober,” Forzani said about the gelding.
Short Stirrup (2) Champion – Ellie Petroll & A Dandy Magnum
Ellie Petroll and A Dandy Magnum put together a solid run to mark a 140 and win the second slate of the ancillary Short Stirrup.
“I was very excited. At first, I didn’t think I was going to place this high, so this is really exciting for me,” Petroll shared. “I thank my dad, my mom, and my sister.”
A Dandy Magnum, a 15-year-old gelding bred by Viola Scott, is by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Rubitussin. He’s owned by Misty Brown.
Short Stirrup High Point – Olivia Faith Deary & Chicsdundreamin
On Saturday night, Oliva Faith Deary watched her father, NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary, take the Open Level 4 Championship at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
On Sunday, the youngest Deary won some hardware of her own, with the High Point title for the Short Stirrup division.
Chicsdundreamin is a 16-year-old by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Goody Goody Dun Drop. The gelding is owned by Deary’s grandmother, Nancy Stillwell.
“I feel amazing,” Deary said. “It feels really good to win right after my dad won last night.”
The youngest Deary thanked her parents, her grandparents, and her sisters.
Results, photos, videos, and more the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel can be found at NRHADerby.com.
Jennifer Flanagan Wins Dechra Para-Reining Championship at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel
The excitement was high in the Jim Norrick arena Sunday morning as competitors from all over the country competed in the $2,500-Added Para-Reining Championship at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. The Para-reining Championship was sponsored by Dechra Veterinary Products, which provided added money to all grades.
“Dechra is excited about the class because the riders are excited,” said Chris Ludlow, Dechra Equine Sales Manager. “We wanted to continue to support it, help the class get some exposure, and hopefully get to watch it grow.”
Tracy Hart-Graham, the owner of NRHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailer, was also on hand to support the contestants, as Hart Trailer is the Official Para-Reining Sponsor of the NRHA. “When we realized that NRHA had a program to support the riders in para reining, we knew it was something we wanted to be a part of,” she said.
USA Para Reining, a branch of the United States Equestrian Federation, created the grade level system. This program gives riders with varying physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in reining. World Para-reining celebrated its inaugural year in 2015, and since then, the organization has worked to incorporate approved para-reining classes into existing shows and host independent events and classes.
“I am over the moon excited. We had some really great riders, and I was just so excited that we got so many who wanted to come and participate,” Para-Reining Champion Jennifer Flanagan said of her win. “I hope that all it does is encourage more people out there to see it and think, ‘I’m gonna do that next year.’”
Representatives were in attendance for both grade sponsors, as well as USA Para-Reining board member Jennifer Hoyt.
“Since incorporating the first green reiner classes, the rookie class, and now the para-reining class, the NRHA’s inclusion of people of all levels of ability is something to be proud of,” Hoyt shared.
With a score of 213, Jennifer Flanagan and Cromed Out Swagwagon took home the title of overall champion.
The para-reining had an unprecedented five total entries.
- Para-Reining Overall Reserve Champion, Holly Lee Jacobson and Getting Out Of Town, with a score of 204.5.
- Para-Reining Grade 3 Champion, Jennifer Flanagan and Cromed Out Swagwagon with a score of 213.
- Para-Reining Grade 4 Champion, Jodee A. Peterson-Lochner and PSR Counterfeit Chrome with a score of 176
- Para-Reining Grade 5 Champion, Holly Lee Jacobson and Getting Out Of Town with a score of 204.5.
Other competitors included Julie Olson with Mr Tamale and Beth Kelley with Pale Face Whiz.
Holly Lee Jacobson, Para-reining Overall Reserve Champion and Grade 5 Champion, rode Getting Out Of Town, owned by Shalen Taylor, a horse she had only ridden twice before.
“He proved to be an awesome partner for the ride today,” Jacobson said. “I am so very happy that we are the reserve champion for the para-reining derby.”
Grade 4 Champion, Jodee A. Peterson-Lochner, rode her newly acquired horse, a Chilean stallion that she plans to use for breeding. Although she had taken several years off of showing, she was excited to be back and with a new horse.
“I showed here in 2016, but I have had to take three years off when I couldn’t ride,” Peterson-Lochner said. “But it’s amazing to be back, and here at the derby, it’s great.”
For complete results and other information from the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, please visit nrhaderby.com.
Ancillary Action Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel
The competition was fierce, and the scores were high in Adequan® Arena, the final Saturday of the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. The high point titles were awarded in the Toyon Ranch Rookie classes, and the first slate of youth and short stirrup classes capped off the day.
Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1, 2, and Prime Time (2) & High Point – Kent Ray Taylor & Xtra Wimpys Catalyst
Marking a 143, Kent Ray Taylor made a clean sweep of the Toyon Ranch Rookie classes in the Adequan® Arena today, winning the second slate of the Level 1, Level 2, and Prime Time ancillary classes. He also won the High Point title for all three Levels with Xtra Wimpys Catalyst.
“Zorro,” as the handsome black stallion is affectionately known, is sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Im Not Blonde. Bred by Milholland Training Inc., the stallion has more than $61,000 in lifetime earnings.
Taylor has a background in the all around events, having shown AQHA with much success as a youth. After a 30-year hiatus, he returned to the show pen six years ago, earning countless titles at prestigious events like the AQHA World Show, All American Quarter Horse Congress, and NSBA World Show, under the guidance of Blake Weis.
When it comes to Taylor and Xtra Wimpys Catalyst, it was love at first sight. “I was at a horse show and hanging out with some friends of mine that showed all around horses, and (Zorro) came into the arena with NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal, and I was like, I want to own that horse,” Taylor explained. “It took me about a year to get him bought, but they finally sold him, and I’ve been as happy as I can be.”
Taylor was eager to thank his trainer, Mandy Faust, and Craig and Ginger Schmersal for their support. He also thanked NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch for paying the entry and judges fees for all the ancillary Rookie classes.
Up next for Taylor is the Inside Slide in Arizona and The Run For A Million. He will also be attending the EMO Championships in Las Vegas and the NSBA World Show with his string of all around horses.
Youth 13 & Under (1) Champion – Sydney Muehlstaetter & Xtra Voodoo Step
Sydney Muehlstaetter won the first slate of the Youth 13 & Under aboard the 2012 mare, Xtra Voodoo Step.
Xtra Voodoo Step, or “Lola,” is sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Voodoo Chic. Owned by Frederick Christen and bred by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, the mare has lifetime earnings of more than $46,000.
“I just started riding her like five months ago. I showed her the first time at the High Roller,” Muehlstaetter said.
Up next for this team will be the second slate of the youth classes on Sunday, followed by Reining By The Bay in July.
Muehlstaetter thanked her parents and her trainer.
Youth 14–18 (1) & Unrestricted Youth (1) Champion – Michelle Fumagalli & Guns N Dreams
With a score of 145, Michelle Fumagalli and Guns N Dreams won the first slate of both the Youth 14-18 and Unrestricted Youth.
The 2015 gelding, sired by Tinker With Guns and out of Brennas Dream, was bred by Loren Booth and is owned by Smoking Roosters PH, LLC.
“Overall, he was just with me, and I didn’t have to manage him too much. It was just a matter of showing smart,” Fumagalli said.
Fumagalli and “Blake,” as the gelding is known around the barn, are looking forward to The Run For A Million, where they are qualified in both the Youth and Non Pro divisions.
“We wanted to qualify, and now we want to win it, obviously,” Fumagalli stated. “I think we can, I mean, he’s marked bigger scores, you know, in the 220s. I’m excited.”
Fumagalli thanked her trainer, Dan Huss, his wife, Wendy, and her parents.
Short Stirrup (1) Champion – Avery Roper & Skeet Shooting Spook
Avery Roper and her 2011 gelding, Skeet Shooting Spook, won the first slate of the Short Stirrup with a score of 147.
Owned by Tim Roper and bred by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Rosanne Sternberg, the gelding is sired by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook and out of Snappy Skeet.
At only ten years old, Roper already has seven years of showing under her belt. She and “Bullet” have had a busy week, showing in the Youth, Green Reiner, and Rookie divisions, which all led up to the Short Stirrup.
Roper was sure to thank her grandpa for the purchase of her horse, her grandma for making great food, her mom and dad for letting her show, both of her aunts for all of their help, her sisters for their support, her uncle for his help, her trainer, Brian Bell, and, of course, Bullet.