Energy City Classic

5/31-6/3/2012

Gillette, WY

Show Contact:

Joani Broadbent

(307) 587-9626

wyoreiners@tctwest.net

This show was omitted from the most recent issue of the NRHA Reiner. We apologize for any inconvenience.

From Ramona Billing – The 2012 NRHA European Affiliate Championship (EAC) is approaching fast. The high-class event is scheduled for July 4 – 7, 2012 at the beautiful facility of H & D Schulz in Wiener Neustadt (Austria). Deadline for entries is June 15.

The first NRHA European Affiliate Championship took place in Egna / Bolzano (Italy) in 2002.  Back then, NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall commented on the goal of the event, “It (creating the EAC) is an important step towards a worldwide reining community. Also, the European Affiliate Championship should lead to more awareness of Reining and more NRHA-approved shows in Europe.” There were 62 entries in the first show with the Open Champion being Stefano Massignan aboard Mega Powered and the Non Pro Champion being Claudio Risso aboard RS Jac Flash Leo. Entry numbers increased over the years with an all-time high of 231 entries in 2009.

The NRHA European Affiliate Championship has become one of Europe’s most prestigious reining events. In 2006 and 2007, Austria hosted this show. Last year, the EAC took place in Givrins, Switzerland with 135 entries.  The Open and Non Pro Champion title were claimed by two horse-rider-combinations who also claimed the NRHA World Champion title in Open Non Pro:  Bernard Fonck aboard Great Sun Burst (Open) and Claudio Risso aboard Spat A Blue (Non Pro), respectively.

The 2012 NRHA European Affiliate Championship promises top-notch reining again. Only the top ten reiners of each country can enter in the various classes. The European Champions will be awarded fine trophy saddles and the renowned championship buckles – both sponsored by Western Star and H&D Schulz Quarter Horses. Besides the European Championship classes, there are plenty of other NRHA classes including four Lawson Trophies. The show will be judged by five international judges: Eugenio Latorre/ITA, Maik Bartmann/GER, Filippo Masi/ITA, Edwin Cridge/USA and Hilde Jarc/AUT. The show includes the 6^th NRHA approved Austrian Western Star Circuit. There is a total purse of more than $30,700.

“The NRHA European Affiliate Championship is a great example of the expansion of Reining worldwide,” says Dan Wall. “Since the first EAC in 2002, this event has flourished and has heightened awareness of the sport. It also has helped strengthen the market for reining horses in Europe by creating a top-notch competition venue and giving riders of all abilities the opportunity to win NRHA championship titles and awards.“

Entries and Information:

Gerda Langer, A-2392 Sulz, Raitlstr. 154, +43(0)664/3005240, Ivonne Stueckler +43(0)650/6912975, Fax +43(0)2682/20577004964, showoffice@westernstar-hd.com;  www.nrha.at

Press Office

Ramona Billing, phone +49-6106-2835961 and +49-170-5827420
Ramona.Fallei@t-online.de

From Platinum Performance – Many horses may exhibit an allergic response when exposed to allergens like mold, spores, insect bites and certain pasture grasses. There is a correlation between the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats that your horse consumes and his ability to respond to an allergen. Omega-3 fatty acids can help during allergic reactions. Omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, can exacerbate the inflammatory response. Platinum Performance® Equine is rich in omega-3s, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help support a healthy coat as well as a healthy horse.

Platinum Skin & Allergy is a potent allergy support formula that may be helpful in horses with seasonal allergies. This formula works by helping to maintain a healthy immune system and providing ingredients like:
• Quercetin to help maintain normal histamine levels
• Thymus Extract to support immune response to allergens
• Algal DHA to support normal, healthy skin

COMMON SIGNS OF EQUINE ALLERGIES

• Hives

• Itchy Skin

• Teary Eyes

• Coughing

Download Skin & Allergy Product Flyer

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP MAINTAIN HEALTHY SKIN & ALLERGY SUPPORT?
Platinum Performance® Equine and Platinum Skin & Allergy

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release.

Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests or questions.

AHC WASHINGTON UPDATE – From the American Horse Council – On May 1st, USDA confirmed the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection in two horses in Otero County, New Mexico.  This was the first confirmation of VSV in the U.S. since the June 2010 outbreak in Cochise County, Arizona.

USDA and the New Mexico Livestock Board have initiated an epidemiological investigation, and the farm is currently under quarantine.  Three other unaffected horses located on the index premises have been isolated from the positive animals. There are no known traceouts at this time.

VSV is a notifiable disease and USDA reported its findings to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE).  In response, Canada has revised its entry requirements for U.S. livestock and livestock products:

“Effective immediately, horses originating from the state of New Mexico will not be permitted to enter Canada. Canadian horses returning from New Mexico will be allowed entry into Canada if additional import requirements are met. In addition, all horses entering Canada from the United States must be accompanied by official US documents certifying that they have not been in New Mexico within the previous 21 days.”

If you are taking horses into Canada, please contact the CFIA (1-800-442-2342 or http://www.inspection.gc.ca) for additional information on these requirements.

Agriculture officials in Colorado also advised livestock owners to control flies in order to minimize transmission of the disease and to be cautious with feeding equipment, cleaning tools or health care equipment from other herds.

If you anticipate transporting your horse across state lines the AHC recommends you contact each respective state veterinarian’s office prior to departure to determine if there are any restrictions or additional entry requirements due to the current VSV incident. In the interim, the AHC stresses the importance of responsible ownership practices and informed communication among industry organizations.

The following USDA link provides updated information on country requirements along with contact information should you have export-related questions:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_exports.shtml

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease that primarily affects cattle, horses, and swine and occasionally sheep, goats, llamas, and alpacas.  The etiologic agent, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), is a rhabdovirus. There are two serotypes of VSV, New Jersey and Indiana. Infection with one serotype is not cross-protective for the second serotype.  Humans can also become infected with the disease when handling affected animals, but this is rare.

Vesicular stomatitis is recognized internationally as a reportable disease.  What this means is that there are serious economic and regulatory repercussions associated with the diagnosis.  When the disease is detected in the United States, other countries may take action regarding the entry of U.S. animals, as Canada has done.  Interstate movement of animals is also impacted.  Premises containing affected animals are quarantined until 21 days after the lesions in the last affected animals have healed. As a result, quarantine periods can be lengthy.

If you have any questions please contact the AHC.

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release.

Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests or questions.

To date, only four owners in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) history have earned the distinction of NRHA Million Dollar Owner: Lance Griffin, Tim McQuay, Arcese Quarter Horses USA and Rosanne Sternberg. Unofficially, Rancho Oso Rio, LLC wrote its name on the elite list at the 2012 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) when its reining horses helped ascend the one-million-dollar owner summit. Rancho Oso Rio, owned by Pat and Jim Warren, is now the Association’s fifth Million Dollar Owner.

At the NRBC, Rancho Oso Rio’s entries won nearly $94,000 raising its unofficial NRHA lifetime owner earnings to $1,076,700. The ranch’s NRBC earners include:

- Tinker With Guns: Bred by Rancho Oso Rio, NRHA LTE $297,200 (including unofficial NRBC earnings), ridden by Andrea Fappani to the 2012 NRBC Open reserve championship, 2011 NRHA Open Derby championship, 2012 NRHA Open World Championship Shootout championship and third place in the level 4 open division at the 2011 NRBC; and ridden by Randy Paul to fourth place in the level 4 open division at the 2009 NRHA Futurity.

- Custom Spook: Bred by Steven Simon, $135,900 NRHA LTE (including unofficial NRBC earnings), ridden by Luke Gagnon to a top-15 finish in the level 4 open division and a third place finish in the level 3 open division at the 2011 NRBC; and ridden by Andrea Fappani to fourth place at the 2010 NRHA Open Futurity and champion at the 2011 High Roller Reining Classic Derby.

Many reining fans know Rancho Oso Rio (Woodside, Cailf.) for owning and breeding Taris Designer Genes (Mr Boomerjac x Taris Little Vintage), a 2003 buckskin American Quarter Horse mare with over $250,000 in NRHA LTE. Her achievements include the 2006 NRHA Open Futurity championship, sixth place in the 2008 NRHA Open Derby; and top ten finishes at the 2009 NRBC and NRHA Derby in the level 4 open division. Sorcerers Apprentice (Gunner x KR Anniegityergun, bred by Kim and Debra Sloan) also racked up sizeable earnings for the ranch under their ownership: seventh place in the 2005 NRHA Open Derby and an American Quarter Horse Association World Championship in the Senior Reining.

Photo: Tinker With Guns and Andrea Fappani (by Waltenberry).

A Horse with Two Brilliant Careers

Rosanne Sternberg’s Smart Spook first demonstrated his winning ways in 2004 taking the championship at a small futurity in Jackson, Ohio. In a field of nine, now NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida showed the stallion and launched his internationally acclaimed show career. The son of NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Smart Chic Olena later excelled at passing on his brilliance to his offspring. Now at the age of 11, Smart Spook joins his sire in the annals of NRHA History, unofficially becoming the sport’s 23^rd Million Dollar Sire. His unofficial offspring earnings are now $1,082,300.

Smart Spook (owned and bred by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Rosanne Sternberg) is NRHA’s highest money earning stallion with $403,150 in lifetime earnings. Not only did Flarida ride the stallion to his first win, but he also piloted him to championships at the 2004 NRHA Open Futurity, 2005 NRHA Open Derby and 2005 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show in the Junior Reining. In 2007, now NRHA Million Dollar Rider Rudi Kronsteiner and Smart Spook claimed their first of three unprecedented FEI World Reining Masters sweeps, earning both the open and restricted divisions (2007, 2008 and 2009). The duo followed up the next year with a second-place finish at the inaugural NRHA Open World Championship Shootout. The gifted stallion is out of Sugarplum Spook, a daughter of NRHA Million Dollar Sire Grays Starlight.

Smart Spooks top-earning offspring include:

- Spook Off Sparks: Owned by Silver Spurs Equine, LLC, bred by Rosanne Sternberg, $136,360 NRHA LTE and reserve champion at the 2011 NRHA Open Futurity.

- Red Stripe Spook: Owned and bred by David Evans, $130,030 NRHA LTE and reserve champion at the 2010 NRHA Open Futurity.

- Custom Spook: Owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, bred by Steven Simon, $102,250 NRHA LTE, fourth place at the 2010 NRHA Open Futurity and champion at the 2011 High Roller Reining Classic Derby.

- Jacs Lil Spook: Owned by Joe and Karen Moran, bred by Newell Quarter Horses LLC, $87,028 NRHA LTE and level 1 and level 2 open champion at the 2011 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).

- Spooks N Sparks: Owned by Veronica Deans, bred by Equine Plus, $74,890 NRHA LTE and level 4 and level 3 non pro champion at the 2011 NRHA Futurity.

- Dance Little Spook: Owned by Quarter Dream, bred by Wagman Ranch, Inc., $46,930 NRHA LTE and champion at the 2011 Italian Reining Horse Association Open Futurity.

During the 2012 NRBC, seven of the sire’s progeny helped earn the remaining dollars needed to land the accomplishment: Custom Spook (owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC), Extra Smart Spook (owned by Wagman Ranch Inc), Its All About Smart (owned by Equine Plus), Little Snow Gun (owned by Equine Plus), Spooks N Sparks (owned by Veronica Deans), Sugarplum Muffin (owned by Sherry Wayne) and Spooks Eclipse (owned by Casey and Kathy Hinton).

Photo by Waltenberry.

Since 1993, an eye-catching palomino stallion named Nu Chex To Cash has accumulated fame and recognition in the sport of Reining. Four years after becoming the sport’s 15^th National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Million Dollar Sire and just two years after being inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame, he has once more elevated his status becoming the 10^th NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire. His offspring’s official NRHA earnings now total $2,002,150. Hilldale Farm, of Brashear, Tex., has owned Nu Chex To Cash since 1995 and has bred his top three earning offspring.

The 22-year-old stallion, bred by Margaret Drown of Santa Ysabel, Calif., had much success in the show pen from 1993 to 2002 earning over $57,500 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings. In 2002, Nu Chex To Cash and Jessicah (Keller) Torpey, of Princeton, Ky., were awarded the NRHA Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Reserve World Championships and the NRHA Intermediate Open and Limited Open World Championships. In the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), Nu Chex To Cash earned 379 AQHA points and Superiors in Reining and Working Cow Horse. In 1999, he was the AQHA High Point Reining, Senior Reining, Working Cow Horse and Senior Working Cow Horse champion and repeated the Senior Reining High Point title in 2001.

Nu Chex To Cash (Nu Cash x Amarilla Chex) is well known for his progeny’s achievements. Pop Gun Cash BB (out of Sugar Pop Gun, bred by Deborah Strahman) is the stallion’s most recent earner. The gelding and Susy Baeck earned $15,190, the co-championship in the level 4 non pro division and championship in the level 3 and level 2 non pro divisions at the 2012 NRHA European Futurity. He is owned by Eifel Gold Ranch Baeck.

Nu Chex To Cash’s leading progeny include:

- Big Chex To Cash: Owned by 23 Partnership, bred by Hilldale Farm, $194,260 NRHA LTE, 2005 NRHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion, 2007 NRHA Open Derby Reserve Champion, Reining by the Bay Open Derby Champion and 2009 AQHA Senior Reining Reserve World Champion.

- Wimpys Little Step: Owned by Xtra Quarter Horses LLC, bred by Hilldale Farm, $185,760 NRHA LTE, 2002 NRHA Open Futurity Champion, 2011 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee and NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire. Among his outstanding offspring, Wimpys Little Chic is NRHA’s highest money-earner, $514,755, and a 2012 NRHA Hall of Fame inductee.

- Hot Smokin Chex: Owned by Curtis-Hof GmbH, bred by Hilldale Farm, $181,320 NRHA LTE, third place in the 2004 NRHA Open Futurity, fifth place at the 2005 National Reining Breeders Classic and  2004 Open Champion in the All American Quarter Horse Congress Reining Futurity.

- Lil Joe Cash: Owned by Russell Giles, bred by Kurt and Angie Harris, $157,450 NRHA LTE, and 2011 NRHA Open Futurity Champion.

Photo by Waltenberry

Shawn Flarida Wins NRBC Open Championship on Spooks Gotta Whiz

FROM NRBC – Unofficial results - The National Reining Breeders Classic Open Finals were held Saturday, April 21, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Tex. The field of 33 finalists posted high score after high score – in fact, the average of all the scored runs in the finals was over 223!

National Reining Horse Association Leading Rider Shawn Flarida claimed his fourth NRBC Open title on Spooks Gotta Whiz, a 5-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Gun out of Prettywhizprettydoes. Flarida and Spooks Gotta Whiz laid down a 236 to win the Open title.

During the awards ceremony, Flarida was presented with an oversized check for $75,000, a year’s use of a four horse trailer from Twin Cities Featherlite, a saddle sponsored by Pard’s Western Shop, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, Rios of Mercedes boots, a Catena watch from Catena USA, a Whisper Bit, and product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies Animal Health and SmartPak. Flarida and owner Michelle Anne Kimball also took home the signature blue NRBC crystal as well as other NRBC memorabilia.

While many other horse and rider teams have been together for years, the NRBC was actually Flarida’s and Spooks Gotta Whiz’s debut reining! “I got him in January, and this was my first time to show him. He’s a super-minded horse and his foundation was phenomenal. Tanya Jenkins started him and did really well, and then Jordan Larson did a great job on him and won the NRHA Futurity,” he said. “Michelle called me and asked if I’d be interested in riding him. I said I didn’t think I could do any better than the other people who had ridden him, but I’d love the opportunity. She said ‘I think he’d look really good with a green shirt,’ so I said I’d love to try him.”

The Reserve Championship and $56,000 went to Andrea Fappani and Tinker With Guns, who finished the finals with a 233.5. Tinker With Guns, a 6-year-old stallion by Gunner out of Tinker Nic, is owned by Rancho Oso Rio.

Tanya Jenkins and No Wimpy Cowboys Win NRBC Level 3 Open Championship
Tanya Jenkins and No Wimpy Cowboys ran away with the National Reining Breeders Classic Level 3 Open Championship, winning the title by 5.5 points!

Jenkins and her flashy palomino gelding were a crowd favorite. Amidst the cheers and whistles, the pair executed a near flawless run – one that not only won the Level 3 Open title, but was also good for third place in the Level 4 Open division.

“I have never had so much fun in my life!” Jenkins, of Temecula, California, exclaimed following the awards ceremony. For the Intermediate Open Championship, Jenkins took home a check for $30,612, a saddle sponsored by San Juan Ranch, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a Whisper Bit, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, as well as the traditional NRBC blue crystal trophies and awards. She collected an additional $37,000 for placing third in the Open.

“I’m very proud of him. I knew he could mark big, but it was just about keeping everything together – and he did. I have a great rapport with this horse. I love him – he’s just amazing,” Jenkins said of her 5-year-old, by Wimpys Little Step out of Dunnits Cowgirl. She added, “I love the NRBC. It’s my favorite show and it always has been.”

Jimmy Van Der Hoeven and Spooks Eclipse took Reserve honors in the Intermediate Open with a score of 227.5, collecting $18,633. Spooks Eclipse, by Smart Spook out of Chex Drive, is owned by Casey Hinton.

Jimmie Van Der Hoeven Takes NRBC Level 2 and Level 1 Open Titles at NRBC
Jimmie Van Der Hoeven had a big night. Competing in the National Reining Breeders Classic Open finals for the first time, the 24-year-old trainer won over $57,000 on Spooks Eclipse!

That was made possible by winning the Championship of the Level 2 and Level 1 Open divisions, the Reserve Championship of the Level 3 Open, and seventh place in the Level 4 Open.

“I was really happy with my horse – he worked really well,” he said of the 4-year-old stallion. “I actually rode him his 2-year-old year, and then my boss, Casey Hinton, showed him as a 3-year-old. I really appreciate Casey for giving me the opportunity to show this horse here. I also thank my brother, Roy Van Der Hoeven, for all his help.”

Spooks Eclipse is by Smart Spook and out of Chex Drive. Unofficially, his earnings at the NRBC helped Smart Spook, owned by Sterling Ranch, become the National Reining Horse Association’s newest Million Dollar Sire during the NRBC.

“I really hope I get to show him again,” Van Der Hoeven, originally from Holland, said following the awards ceremony, at which he took home a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, a saddle from Martin Saddlery, two Gist Silversmiths products, Whisper Bits, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, SmartPak, InfoMedia Video, as well as NRBC crystal and other awards.

Marco Formentin and Spooks Gotta Run, by Spooks Gotta Gun out of Prettywhizprettydoes, took Reserve honors in the Level 2 Open division with a score of 226.5. Spooks Gotta Run, a 4-year-old stallion, is owned by Michael Jeffcoat, who collected $7,331.

The Level 1 Open Reserve title and $1,050 went to Ben Baldus and Dainty Little Step, who marked a 224. Dainty Little Step, a 6-year-old mare by Wimpys Little Step out Tucks Little Poco, is owned by the WT Waggoner Estate.

Scott McCutcheon and Mc Gunner Take NRBC Open Prime Time Championship
With a score of 225, Scott McCutcheon and Mc Gunner took the National Reining Breeders Classic Open Prime Time Championship. McCutcheon was riding the 4-year-old stallion for long-time friend and customer Jack Covington.

“He was awesome today – he was really solid today. I was sixth on him here last year in the Level 3 Open, and he’s just a really nice horse,” McCutcheon explained following the awards ceremony, at which he received the check for $1,950, a trophy saddle from the NRBC, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, NRBC crystal trophies, and product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies and M3 Products.

Mc Gunner is by National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Sire Gunner, and out of Mi Mega. “I actually showed Mi Mega here at placed third in the Level 3 Open, and Jack made the Non Pro finals on her. This horse is from really good families on both sides,” McCutcheon said.

Covington added, “This horse was at my house when my wife, Audrey, had some health issues. I told Scott that if he would like to partner with me on him to come pick him up – and we’ve been pleased with him ever since.”

Jamie Bissell earned the Open Prime Time Reserve Championship on West Coast Willie, a 6-year-old stallion by West Coast Whiz out of Cinderella Solano. The pair marked a 222.5 to win $1,350 for owner John Jackson.

Mandy McCutcheon and Always Gotyer Gunsup Win NRBC Non Pro Championship
The National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Finals on Friday, April 20, were arguably the best in the event’s 15-year history. No wonder – the 182 entries broke the record for the largest Non Pro ever. The average of all the scored runs in the finals was an astounding 218.5!

Four-time NRBC Non Pro Champion Mandy McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Tex., added both the Championship and Reserve Championship to her list of career accomplishments.

She competed first as draw eight on Shiney Enterprise. When NRBC Announcer Jayson Jackson announced the score of 227.5, the crowd inside the Great Southwest Equestrian Center went wild – sure that the Championship run had just been made.

But McCutcheon had another bullet in her gun – a 5-year-old mare named Always Gotyer Gunsup. McCutcheon and Always Gotyer Gunsup executed the first sliding stop to perfection, and held that standard throughout the run. The judges rewarded the pair a 231 and solidified McCutcheon’s fifth NRBC title.

“When I’m competing, I try to take the run apart. I do one maneuver at a time and then I forget about it. I know when I’ve made a mistake, but my mind is always on the next part.” McCutcheon added, “I knew this mare was good and was really happy with her. You never know quite how big the score will be – so I was really excited.”

The win netted a check for $40,948, as well as a saddle from Pard’s Western Shop, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a pair of Rios of Mercedes boots, a Catena Watch from Catena USA, a custom embroidered jacket from Just Stitch It, product from M3 Products, Santa Cruz Animal Health, SmartPak Smart Omega 3, as well as the signature blue crystal trophy and other NRBC memorabilia.

Always Gotyer Gunsup, owned by McCutcheon’s parents, Tim and Colleen McQuay, is a 5-year-old mare by Gunner out of Always A Dun It. With McCutcheon at the reins, the mare won the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and the Ariat Tulsa Reining Futurity, and finished third in the Non Pro at last year’s NRBC. “She’s a great mare for me. I thank Marco Ricotta for helping me with her,” she said. “I also thank my mom and dad – they have provided several great horses for me to ride.”

McCutcheon’s reserve champion entry, Shiney Enterprise, is also owned by the McQuays. The 4-year-old mare is by Smart And Shiney out of My Royal Enterprise. The Reserve Championship was worth $23,708, and came with a Gist Silversmiths buckle, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies and SmartPak, as well as other NRBC memorabilia.

When talking about her two finalists, McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Texas, said “I was really proud of both of them. From the time I ran through the gate they put their heads down and went to work.”

Francesca Sternberg Tops NRBC Level 3 Non Pro on Smart Like Valentino

Francesca Sternberg will return to England as the National Reining Breeders Classic Level 3 Non Pro Champion. In the finals on Friday, April 20, she rode her horse Smart Like Valentino, by Smart Like Juice out of Smart Little Jewel, to a 223.5, claiming the title and $13,106.

Sternberg and the 5-year-old gelding had also qualified for the Level 4 Non Pro finals, and finished in fifth place, worth an additional $13,547. She also collected a saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, Rios of Mercedes boots, a Catena watch from Catena USA, as well as product from M3 Products, InfoMedia Video, and Santa Cruz Biotechnologies.

Sternberg was quick to credit her friends and family with the win. “I told them that success is where preparation meets opportunity. I had the opportunity, and they did all the preparation,” she joked following the awards ceremony. “Steffano Massignan got this horse ready for me, my sister gave me a wonderful opportunity, and the Sterling Ranch crew here was unbelievable.”

She added, “You can’t do this on your own. You have to have the right team behind you and horse under you – and both are hard to find.”

With a score of 222, Javier Melo and his horse Imasugared Pepto tied Ruben Pacheco Cuevas and his horse Sugar Chics Gunnit for the Reserve title. Each received a check for $6,980 and a Gist Silversmiths buckle.

Imasugaredpepto is a 5-year-old gelding by Imasmartpepto out of Sugarmans Belle, while Sugar Chics Gunnit is a 6-year-old stallion by Gunner out of Sugar Chics Dunnit.

Harper Conner and Sparkling Bells Win NRBC Level 2 and Level 1 Non Pro
It’s been seven years since Harper Conner has shown at the National Reining Breeders Classic, but he made his return in spectacular fashion, winning both the Level 2 Non Pro and Level 1  Non Pro divisions.

“It was time. I had three back operations and was out of the business, but I got healed up and this was my first hoorah back,” he explained. “I thank my wife Petra, Gabe Hutchins, and my family.”

Conner was riding his homebred mare Sparkling Bells, by A Sparkling Vintage out of Cowboys Belle Bar. Their score of 220 resulted not only in the two Championships, but also a sixth place finish in the Level 3 Non Pro division and a sixteenth place finish in the Level 4 Non Pro division. All total, the pair won $13,091, a saddle from Continental Saddlery and a saddle sponsored by Jim Taylor Saddlery, two Gist Silversmiths buckles, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, InfoMedia Video, the signature crystal trophies, and other NRBC memorabilia.

National Reined Cow Horse Association Million Dollar Rider Anne Reynolds made her NRBC debut with a finals berth in all five Non Pro divisions. With a score of 218 on her horse Shiney And Verysmart, by Very Smart Remedy out of Shirley Shine, Reynolds finished as the Reserve Champion for both the Limited and Level 1 Non Pro division. Reynolds and Shiney And Verysmart, on whom she won the 2009 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, took home $10,109 and two Gist Silversmiths buckles.

Jose Vazquez Wins NRBC Non Pro Prime Time Championship on Moonshine Juice
With a score of 222.5, former National Reining Breeders Classic Champion Jose Vazquez claimed the Non Pro Prime Time Championship.

Vazquez and his 5-year-old homebred stallion, Moonshine Juice, won $1,725, a saddle from the NRBC, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, product from InfoMedia Video and Santa Cruz Animal Health, and the signature NRBC crystal. The pair also qualified for the Non Pro finals, finishing in a seventh-place tie, worth an additional $9,314.

Moonshine Juice is by Vazquez’s stallion Smart Like Juice, and out of the Blue Hen mare Wind Her Up Shiner. Moonshine Juice is actually a full sibling to his 2009 NRBC champion Wound By Juice. “My horse this year comes from a good family, and he is probably one of the most fun ponies to ride. I wish I could have marked higher, but he was good.” He added, “I have one more year to show him here and I plan to come back even better.”

“This show is great. The payouts are obviously very good, but the thing is that you can come here and find out what you need to do to be competitive. You see the greatest horses in the world here every year – and this year was exceptional,” Vazquez, of Markham, Illinois, said.

Lance Griffin took Non Pro Prime Time reserve honors and $1,050 with a 221.5 on his horse Kachina Tag Olena. Kachina Tag Olena is a 5-year-old stallion by Griffin’s stallion Whiz N Tag Chex out of Kachina Oak Olena. Griffin also tied for eleventh in the Non Pro, collecting an additional $4,657.

In just fourteen years, the NRBC has grown to include nearly 200 subscribed stallions. Annually, the payout at the National Reining Breeders Classic exceeds $1.4 million. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release.

Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests or questions.

Members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) are valued assets to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and to the future of the horse industry. The Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) is committed to providing leadership and scholarship opportunities for these valued youth members. Each year, the RHSF awards more than $44,000 in scholarships to NRHyA members.  At this time, the RHSF is excited to offer $10,500 in academic and need-based scholarships for seven youth members.

“The RHSF is proud to award these scholarships to such outstanding individuals. NRHA’s youth program has made a huge leap forward to promote the sport to young competitors throughout the world. We hope the scholarship program will help recognize our youth members and increase awareness all the youth programs NRHA as to offer,” said Mike Hancock, President of the RHSF.

Scholarship recipients will be determined based on academic achievement, future goals, involvement in the NRHyA and NRHA, as well as financial need.  Applicants must be a senior in high school planning to pursue an undergraduate degree from a two or four year institution or a trade and technical school and current NRHA member for at least two years.

Applications are now being accepted for the RHSF scholarships. All applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2012. Previous recipients of the RHSF scholarships are eligible to reapply for scholarships until they are 25 years old. The scholarship application may be downloaded at nrhya.com.

For more information about RHSF scholarships, go to rhsf.com or nrhya.com. You may also contact the Manager of RHSF & Youth Programs, Shianne Megel at smegel@nrha.com or at (405) 946-7400, ext. 122.

From NRBC – When the dust had cleared the arena following the Open preliminary round of the 2012 National Reining Breeders Classic, the Great Southwest Equestrian Center was abuzz with discussion of who would make the clean-slate finals on Saturday, April 21. The list of finalists was riddled with horses and riders who have earned major accolades in their career – but a few newcomers also graced the roll.

Leading the 33 entries that earned Open finals berths was Andrea Fappani, who rode his 2011 National Reining Horse Association Futurity Champion Lil Joe Cash, by Nu Chex To Cash out of RS Lilly Starlight, to a 228.5 to win the preliminary round. That win netted $17,041 for owner Russell Giles, and the special oversized check was presented during the Boehringer Ingelheim Open Finals Draw Party on Thursday, April 19.

The night was full of fun, with a 222.5 needed to make the Finals where the Open Champion will take home $75,000. In the Intermediate Open, the bubble was set at a 221.5, a 218.5 was needed to get a finals berth in the Limited Open, a 214 was the magic number in the Level 1 Limited Open, and it took a 219 to make the finals of the Open Prime Time.

Kenneth Sean Johnson finished the go-round in first place for both the Intermediate Open and the Limited Open on Mr Chicadual with a 226, winning $6,374 for the go. Mr Chicadual, by Mister Nicadual out of Chics Marcie, is owned by David Fell.

Topping the Level 1 Limited Open was Zane Haverty, who rode Whodini to a 224. The go-round win netted $575 for owner Clint Haverty. Whodini is by Who Whiz It out of Sugar Pop Gun 1998.

In the Open Prime Time, Pete Kyle and A Ruf Gal have the high score with a 223.5. A Ruf Gal, by Lil Ruf Peppy out of My Topsail Gal, is owned by Pete and his wife Tamra. The Prime Time go-round win resulted in a $650 payday.

For complete results, click here.

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