An exciting week at the 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships wrapped up on a high note. Two young riders split the Championship of the Youth 14 – 18 NAAC, and in the Coliseum Arena, Madalyn Werner, who finished second in the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, came for redemption, winning both the Toyon Ranch and Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Showdowns.
Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Rookie 2 and Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown Champion – Madalyn Werner and My Lil Whizkey Girl
Madalyn Werner found some sweet redemption aboard My Lil Whizkey Girl in the Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Rookie 2 and Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown, scoring a 213 and earning a whopping $10,000.
The win came a day after Werner competed in a runoff and finished Reserve Champion in the NAAC Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year competition.
“I was a little worried about running her three days in a row with the Showdown, but we did what we had to do,” Werner said. “This week, we really figured each other out. I learned how to show, and she’ll do her job if I’ll do mine. This week I’ve finally been able to think while I’m in the show pen.”
My Lil Whizkey Girl is a 6-year-old mare sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of A Smart Gun. She was bred by Jennifer Gilliam and owned by Werner.
“It’s a dream come true to run through the gates here. It was bonus to have this kind of success,” Werner said
Werner thanked her trainer Kim Diercks, her parents and family, and everyone back home.
“Thank you to Toyon Ranch and Bobs Custom Saddles for [sponsoring]. It’s an extra special thing to do for the rookies while we’re down here, and gives us an opportunity to show in the big pen,” Werner said.
NAAC Youth 14-18 Co-Champion – Madison Rafacz and Got Twisted In Vegas
Madison Rafacz garnered her second and third titles of the week following her success in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 on Got Twisted In Vegas. This time, a score of 215.5 earned Rafacz the NAAC Youth 14-18 Co-Championship, as well as the co-title for the ancillary division of the class.
“She was very good today,” Rafacy said. “I was just trying to go in and have a great run, not have any penalties, and we did that. She circled really good, and she was good around the ends this time.”
Got Twisted In Vegas (High Roller Whiz x Wimpys Dun Twistin) is owned by Rafacz.
“She’s been very good all week,” Rafacz said. “I tried to win the novice horse with her earlier this week, then showed the next day in the non pro and it was not super great. I ended up schooling, but I think it helped with this class.”
Rafacz thanked her parents, family, and friends, specifically Bud and Kim Lyon.
NAAC Youth 14-18 and Ancillary Youth 14-18 Co-Champion – Sorrel Schreibvogel and Sparkin Affair
Sorrel Schreibvogel and Sparkin Affair earned the NAAC Youth 14-18 and Ancillary Youth 14-18 Co-Championship on the last day of the NRHA Futurity. The youth scored 215.5 on the 9-year-old gelding.
“He’s always been super consistent, and I really enjoy getting to show him,” Schreibvogel said. “His favorite maneuver is stops, and they’re my favorite too.”
Sparkin Affair is sired by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shining Spark and out of Memorable Affair. He is owned by Randy Shepherd.
“He was very fresh going in the middle,” Schreibvogel said. “He didn’t want to listen, but I tried to zero my spins and plus the circles and stops and let him do what he needed to do.”
Schreibvogel thanked Yonathan Baruch, her parents, and her grandparents for their support.