National Reining Horse Association Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch recently announced plans to expand support of Rookie competitors. At this year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, rookie competitors will have their judges’ and entry fees paid for by Toyon Ranch. That also includes contestants competing in the ancillary Rookie Professional classes!
This new development is a continuation of Toyon Ranch’s patronage of rookie competitors that began in 2019 with the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, and was increased in 2021 with the Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown during the NRHA Futurity.
John Tague, who owns Toyon Ranch with his wife, Nancy, explained, “Supporting NRHA classes across the board has been a priority for Nancy and me. This sponsorship is a great way to deepen our commitment to rookie competitors – extending from the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year. By making it easier for people to get involved with reining, we can increase the number of reiners we have in the future.
“Recently, many supporters have made significant efforts to target industry growth and enhance experience. Together these efforts make a difference. We want to continue to create growth from the entry level classes to the top level.”
The deadline for entering the ancillary classes at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is June 1, and entry forms can be found at NRHADerby.com/forms
About Toyon Ranch
Toyon Ranch is located in the heart of horse country in beautiful Pilot Point, Texas. Its focus is on breeding and raising top reining prospects. The ranch is known for an exceptional band of broodmares that has over $4 million in combined earnings and offspring earnings and 30 Big Four champions. The Tagues breed their mares to the industry’s top stallions to create a quality and diverse group of exceptional prospects each year.
In addition to the mare program, Toyon Ranch stands several of the industry’s top stallions: No Smoking Required, Shine Chic Shine, Inferno Sixty Six, Dun It For Whizkey, Gunner Dun It Again, Shine N Spook, Shining In Town, Shiners Voodoo, Gunna Stop and Colonels Smart Spook. For information on Toyon Ranch, visit the website at toyonranchllc.com.