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Open Semi-Finalists Decided at NRHA Futurity

The first round began Tuesday, Nov. 21, and that day, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay piloted Pawn Stars to an impressive 225. The talented colt, owned by Cooper Smith, is by PS Mega Shine Chic out of All Guns On Deck. The score held through the next three sections, and the two punched their spot to the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All, which will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Once again, the preeminent event of the NRHA is making history. In addition to the record number of Open Futurity entries, the show will best the payout record that was set in 2022, increasing by more than $120,000 to total $2,231,518. In fact, the total purse has increased for each Open Level, with each growing by percentages ranging from five to 12 percent!

Semi-Finals Qualification Protocol

The semi-finals qualifiers will be those with the top 30 percent of the first go scores in Levels 4-1; however, no more than 75 entries in each division will advance. If fewer than 50 qualifiers are in the top 30 percent in a division, then 50 will advance to the semifinals. Only Prime Time Open entries already advancing in other levels will qualify for the semifinals.

That means 75 will advance in Levels 4, 3, and 2, and 53 will move on from Level 1.

Level 4 qualifiers will compete in the L4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Wednesday, Nov. 29, while those in Levels 3, 2, and 1 will compete in the Semi-Finals on Monday, Nov. 27 and Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Bubble Scores Needed for Advancement:

Level 4 – 217

Level 3 – 214

Level 2 – 211

Level 1 – 207

Open First Round High Scores by Level:

Level 4 & 3, & APHA Open Chrome Cash – Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars (PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck) – 225

Owned by Cooper Smith | Nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch

Level 2 – Luca Fappani & Playing With Day Boys (Spooks Gotta Whiz x My Berry Best Gun) – 223

Owned by Neiberger-Camp Partnership | Nominated by Sergio Elia

Level 1 – Maxime Morin & Magnum Wimpys Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Wimpys Little Lassie) – 219

Owned by Maxime Morin | Nominated by Henry Knox

Open Prime Time – Shauna Larcombe & Steppin Thruthe Nite (Steppin On Sparks x Spooks Night Time) – 223 (with handicap)

Owned by Karon Murff | Nominated by Karon Murff

Complete results, draws, and more for the NRHA Futurity are at NRHAFuturity.com.

Neudorf and Donahue Take Adequan® NAAC Championships in Non Pro Classes

The Adequan® Arena at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City has been bustling with activity since the event began on Tuesday, as riders from across North America compete in the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. It was an exciting day of classes in the Adequan® Arena, with the remainder of the Non Pro classes wrapping up Friday. Making the classes even more exciting was that the Top 10, plus ties, in the NAAC Intermediate Non Pro earned a spot in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdown, slated for Thursday, Nov. 30.

Adequan® NAAC Non Pro & Int. Non Pro Champions – Jennifer Neudorf & Shining In Town

The last time Jennifer Neudorf competed on Shining In Town was 2020, the year after the duo swept all four Levels to win the Non Pro title at the NRHA Derby presented by Markel. The pair returned to the OKC Fairgrounds to compete in the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships in 2023.

A 223 in the first section of Adequan® Non Pro classes spelled victory in the NAAC Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro along with the corresponding ancillary classes, resulting in earnings of $11,339.

“(Chubs) was retired for a little bit,” Neudorf said. “We never planned on showing him again, but last minute, I was convinced to show him one more time, and it has been a lot of fun.”

Shining In Town is a 10-year-old stallion by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown and out of Shine Ann. Shining in Town, bred by Carol Rose, has more than $200,000 in lifetime earnings, and he was as honest in his return to reining as always.

“He is a horse like I’ve never ridden before,” Neudorf said. “He always tries. He always is just super willing. I’ve never had a horse that’s just with you 110 percent every time and just goes and does what you say.”

As part of the Intermediate Non Pro win, Neudorf qualified for the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown, scheduled for Nov. 30.

“I’m very excited about it,” Neudorf said. “I’m so excited to go back into the Coliseum with him and just see how it goes and go have some fun.”

When the update regarding current leaders in the Adequan® NAAC Non Pro classes was posted on Thanksgiving Day, the sentence about Neudorf being a professional barrel racer had some readers scratching their heads.

NRHA staff clarified the situation, noting that “While Jennifer competes as a professional barrel racer, she does not receive remuneration for training horses and does not coach non pros. Questions about eligibility can be directed to Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris at cmorris@nrha.com.”

Adequan® NAAC Prime Time Non Pro Champions – Adam Donahue & Not Ruf

A rough year had a Not Ruf ending for Adam Donahue, who marked 219.5 to capture the Adequan® NAAC Prime Time Non Pro Championship and the win in the ancillary division. Additionally, he and Not Ruf placed in all six of the concurrently-run Non Pro classes for total earnings of $6,384.

“We started the year off real good in Florida, down in Jacksonville, and he’s been showing up every time I’ve shown him this year,” Donahue said. “I got him from Vaughn and Justin Zimmerman his 3-year-old year, and I’ve had him ever since.”

Not Ruf is a 7-year-old gelding by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Not Ruf At All and out of the mare Kays Freckles.

“He was really good today,” Donahue said. “He ran really strong. He always turns around well. He kept coming, and when I asked for more, he let me have more. He’s a nice horse, and I will show him a little bit in the maturities next year.”

It was a year of ups and downs for Donahue. Before the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, Donahue was bitten by a tick and developed erlichiosis. He didn’t realize what had happened.

“When I was here at the Derby, I went to the hospital to the emergency room three times,” Donahue said. “They kept telling me I had heat stroke, and I went home on Sunday, and I went to the emergency room on Monday. They started running tests, and the following Thursday night, I was pretty sure I was gonna die.”

It was close enough that Donahue and his wife had said what they thought would be their final goodbyes. The antibiotics did their work on Donahue’s tough system, and he was able to go home. A week later, he was suffering severe disorientation.

Back in the hospital, the doctors discovered Donahue had suffered a small stroke in his brainstem. A physical therapist told him that riding would be good for him, so Donahue and his wife compromised: He only took one 3-year-old to Ocala, Florida, to show.

“And she was really good,” Donahue said. “So that’s how my life goes.”

Donahue will have another chance at winning money on Not Ruf through the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown, scheduled for Nov. 30 in the Jim Norick Coliseum.

Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown Qualifiers

The top 10 finishers of the Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Open earn a spot in the clean-slate Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 30. All qualifiers must check in and confirm their spot in the Showdown no later than noon Nov. 25, or they will be removed from the draw, and the next place entry will be invited.

Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown Qualifiers:

  • Jennifer Neudorf & Shining In Town
  • Courtney Battison & Xtra Little Balou
  • Jenna Webb & MMB Chic Gun Renda
  • Adam Donahue & Not Ruf
  • Kim Friedman & Electalena
  • Ayden Mae Welman & Miss Im In Style
  • Grant Truax & Lady Infernofourosix
  • Bevin Zimmerman & Taking A Mistress
  • Karen Shedlauskas & Gunnabetya
  • Kathleen Armenta & Off N Running
  • Kristen Avila & Gunners Specialdream

Adequan® NAAC competition continues Saturday with the first section of the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, Rookie Level 2, and Prime Time Rookie.

Complete results, draws, and more for the NRHA Futurity can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars Lead NRHA Futurity Open First Round Following Third Section

Thanksgiving Day is special to reiners, and not just for the delicious food and camaraderie amongst friends and family. It typically means the start of the most storied reining event in the world – the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships.

While the start of the Futurity was moved up a couple of days, there was much to be thankful for on Nov. 23. According to NRHA Chief Financial Officer John Foy, the 2023 Futurity is a record-breaker in numerous ways. Foy shared that total Open entries were up by 8.5 percent over the prior year. He also noted that 2022 was a record year for added money, but 2023 raised the bar, increasing by $66,200 to $1,163,529.

Another noteworthy record is that the Level 2 purse surpassed $200,000 for the first time in NRHA history!

Taking home a piece of that payout is a three-tier process, with the first being advancing out of the first round, which wraps up Friday, Nov. 24. Riders who qualify in Levels 1, 2, or 3 compete in the Semi-Finals rounds on Nov. 27 and 28, with the Level 4 qualifiers moving to the Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Nov. 29.

From there, the top 30 in each level advance to the Open Finals, with finalists in Levels 1, 2, and 3 competing Saturday morning, Dec. 2. That evening, the Level 4 Open qualifiers will vie for a $350,000 championship prize in the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals.

Current Level Leaders through Go 1, Section 3, are:

Level 4 & 3, & APHA Open Chrome Cash – Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars (PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck) – 225

Owned by Cooper Smith | Nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch

Level 2 Co-Leader & Prime Time – Shauna Larcombe & Steppin Thruthe Nite (Steppin On Sparks x Spooks Night Time) – 220

Owned by Karon Murff | Nominated by Karon Murff

Level 2 Co-Leader – Daniel Martins Cruz & Wimpys Inferno (Inferno Sixty Six x Wimpys Pinesail) – 220

Owned by Ixtul Quarter Horses | Nominated by Ubere Agropecuaria Eireli

Level 2 Co-Leader – Robin Schoeller & Shine OH Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Miz Whizconsin)

Owned by Ruoff Dietter Reining Horses, Inc. | Bred by Ruoff Dietter Reining Horses, Inc.

Level 1 – Maxime Morin & Magnum Wimpys Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Wimmpys Little Lassie) – 219

Owned by Maxime Morin | Nominated by Henry Knox

Complete results, draws, and more for the NRHA Futurity are at NRHAFuturity.com.

Dana Pastorino Takes NRHA Limited Non Pro Adequan® NAAC Title on Hesa Rockin Whiz

Dana Pastorino rocked her way to victory in the NRHA Limited Non Pro Adequan® NAAC and the Limited Non Pro ancillary title on Hesa Rockin Whiz, the horse who has been a stalwart for her throughout 2023.

“He’s a 7-year-old gelding,” Pastorino said. “I’ve had him for a year and a half, and he’s just really very solid. We’ve had an amazing year.” Pastorino started the year with wins at the Cactus Class, then the NRHA Derby, then Reining by the Bay. Her success all year has pushed her out of the limited non pro and intermediate divisions, she said.

“We just had a super spectacular year with him,” Pastorino said. Pastorino and her horse put the year’s experience to work in the Adequan® Arena for the NAAC classes.

“I just went out there, and I didn’t want to hold anything back, so I just turned hard and ran hard, and everything came together,” Pastorino said. “He was really with me, and it was very fun.” Hesa Rockin Whiz was sired by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz and out of A Bueno Poco Dunit. Roxanne Koepsell bred the 2016 gelding who now has more than $100,570 in lifetime earnings. Pastorino’s two wins added $991 to that number for the horse she calls “The Rock.”

“(Fred Tremblay) found him for me,” Pastorino said. “He came from Duane Latimer’s program. I just needed something that I could go out and try and win a derby with, and we just clicked. I’ve learned so much because he’s finished, right? You just learn what it feels like to be right, to be correct.” Thanks to NRHA Corporate Partners, the champions of each of the NAAC classes are presented with incredible prizes along with the coveted titles.

Competition in the Adequan® Arena continues Thanksgiving Day with the first section of the NAAC Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro classes. Complete draws, results, schedules, and more can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars Lead NRHA Open Futurity First Round Following Second Section

Although more than 100 entries took their shot, none could oust National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay and Pawn Stars from the top spot in the first round of the Open Futurity. Competing at the end of the first day, the duo marked a 225 to take the lead, which remained in the lead through the second section.

The first step to making it to the Finals on Saturday, Dec. 2, is to advance out of the first round and make it to the Semi-Finals. With just two sections left to go in the first round, Tremblay and Pawn Stars have all but secured their spot in the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Pawn Stars, sired by PS Mega Shine Chic and out of the mare All Guns On Deck, already boasts lifetime earnings exceeding $50,000, thanks to a third-place finish at The Invitational Futurity this fall. The colt, owned by Cooper Smith, was nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch.

This is the first year that the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships haven’t started on Thanksgiving Day, a change required by the explosive growth of the event. The extended time will allow young horses more time for recovery between competition rounds.

Current Level Leaders through Go 1, Section 2, are:

Level 4 & 3, & APHA Open Chrome Cash – Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars (PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck) – 225

Owned by Cooper Smith | Nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch

Open Level 2 Co-Leader & Prime Time – Shauna Larcombe & Steppin Thruthe Nite (Steppin On Sparks x Spooks Night Time) – 220

Owned by Karon Murff | Nominated by Karon Murff

Open Level 2 Co-Leader – Daniel Martins Cruz & Wimpys Inferno (Inferno Sixty Six x Wimpys Pinesail) – 220

Owned by Ixtul Quarter Horses | Nominated by Ubere Agropecuaria Eireli

Open Level 1 – Maxime Morin & Magnum Wimpys Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Wimmpys Little Lassie) – 219

Owned by Maxime Morin | Nominated by Henry Knox

Complete results, draws, and more for the NRHA Futurity can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

Brian Bell and Clemerson Barbalho Win Adequan® NAAC Titles on First Day of NRHA Futurity

While the Futurity takes place in the Jim Norick Coliseum, the NAACs are contested in the Adequan® Arena. The NAAC competition spotlights various members and horses from across North America who qualify to compete in Oklahoma City.

In addition to incredible prizes from NRHA Corporate Partners, the champion of each NAAC class will be recognized the following day in the Jim Norick Coliseum as a show of support for these successful affiliate riders.

Adequan® NAAC Open & Ancillary Open Champion – Brian Bell on Gunna Whoa

Five months ago, Catherine and David Crandon asked NRHA Professional Brian Bell which horse was the nicest at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Without hesitating, Bell said, “Gunna Whoa,” a 2017 stallion in training with NRHA Professional and Million Dollar Rider Todd Sommers. The Crandons purchased the palomino, and at the Adequan® NAAC, Bell and Gunna Whoa were the champions in Open NAAC and ancillary classes. The two wins added $6,042 to the horse’s lifetime earnings of $41,040.

“This horse, I felt like I owed him to have a bigger, better run on him,” said Bell, an NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider. “I’ve marked a 221 on him, a 223 on him, and a 221.5, and I just hadn’t jumped into that higher gear like I needed to. And today, I marked a 226.5. He’s such a nice horse that he deserved to have a run like that.”

The stallion’s run was good from top to bottom, Bell said.

“My first stop was huge,” Bell said. “My backup could have been a little smoother, so I knew I had to make up a little ground after that. I asked him to turn as fast as he could, and he gave 100 percent and shut off on the money both times. My first small slow (circle), he looked like a western pleasure horse, real pretty, and then went wide open, two large fasts, changed leads, and went like a western pleasure horse again. And then two large fasts and then three big stops on the side. And my last stop was probably the biggest off of them all.”

Gunna Whoa, bred by Doug Milholland, was sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and out of Whozwhiz.

Adequan® NAAC Int. Open & Ancillary Int. Open Champion – Clemerson Barbalho on Spooks Gotta Outfire

Clemerson Barbalho and Spooks Gotta Outfire have shared a lifetime together – the horse’s lifetime, at least.

Barbalho bought an interest in the 2016 stallion when he was a weanling. When he was a yearling, he suffered a snakebite that left a wound in his muscles. To ensure the stallion was ready for the tough competition in the Adequan® Arena, Barbalho had a veterinarian give him a check-up and formulated a plan for the event.

“In the warmup, I tried to be as quick and soft as possible, and I just trusted him,” Barbalho said. “He’s honest to me always. He was super good everywhere. I knew that he was good, but I didn’t know how good it was. And I was very happy about that. More happy when I heard the score! It was very cool.”

The judges marked Barbaho and Spooks Gotta Outfire a 223.5, which gave him the win in the NAAC and ancillary Intermediate Open classes. He also was reserve champion in Open NAAC and third in Open Ancillary. The wins added $6,272 to the stallion’s lifetime earnings of $84,415.

Barbalho had encouraged breeder Tiago Coleto to cross his mare Black Custom Chex with Spooks Gotta Whiz. Coleto sold a half-interest in the resulting foal, Spooks Gotta Outfire, to Barbalho, then later the full interest. Barbalho eventually sold a half-interest to his friend Mark Weissman.

From the beginning, Barbahlo said, he knew the horse was special.

“He’s a complete horse,” Barbalho said. “He has all the parts. He’s beautiful, he’s super talented, and he has a very good personality. He’s always trying to please you. He’s like always since he was little. It’s just amazing how we are connected.”

The win qualified Barbalho and Spooks Gotta Outfire for the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown on Thursday, Nov. 30, in the Jim Norick Coliseum. There, the pair will compete for an additional monetary prize, with the winner taking home $5,000!

“I’m super excited about that because more money,” Barbalho said. “I need a new saddle, and more money is always good.”

Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown Qualifiers

The top 10 finishers of the Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Open earn a spot in the clean-slate Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 30. All qualifiers must check-in and confirm their spot in the Showdown no later than noon Nov. 22, or they will be removed from the draw, and the next place entry will be invited.

Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown Qualifiers:

  • Clemerson Barbalho & Spooks Gotta Outfire
  • Justin Mathison & Alpha Taris Chic
  • Rhea Pole & Gunners Town
  • Justin Mathison & Shes Reddy On Line
  • David Hanson & Xtra Needs A Drink
  • Randall Dooley & Platinum Knight
  • Derek Heitland & Settingthetownonfire
  • Liam Sykes & Hope N A Prayer
  • Josiah Haaby & GH Chromed Mercedes
  • Josiah Haaby & Prescribe Me Bud

Adequan® NAAC competition continues Friday with the Limited Non Pro.

Complete results, draws, and more for the NRHA Futurity can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars Lead NRHA Open Futurity First Round Following First Section

For years, the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships has been bursting at the seams as the popularity of reining has continued to experience dramatic growth. In 2023, thanks to an agreement with the American Quarter Horse Association, the event was able to add to its schedule, expanding to 12 days of competition. 

On Nov. 21, competition commenced, with the first section of the first round of Open Futurity. With more than 440 entries in the Open Futurity alone, the competition should be formidable, and the scores posted on the first day reflect that.

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay drew up near the end of the day on Pawn Stars, and it was worth the wait. Tremblay and the stallion, owned by Cooper Smith and nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch, took the lead in the round with a 225. 

Pawn Stars, by PS Mega Shine Chic out of All Guns On Deck, already boasts lifetime earnings exceeding $50,000, thanks to a third-place finish at The Invitational Futurity this fall. 

Thanks to efforts from both the Board of the NRHA and members of the Futurity Challenge, the Open Futurity will, for the third year, award the Level 4 Champion a check for $350,000, and the Level 3 Champion is guaranteed $70,000. The first step to making it to the Finals on Saturday, Dec. 2, is to advance out of the first round, and Tremblay and Pawn Stars have all but secured their spot. 

The Futurity First Round continues Wednesday, Nov. 22, with the second section and will wrap up with the fourth section on Friday, Nov. 24. 

Current Level Leaders through Go 1, Section 1, are:

 Level 4 & 3, & APHA Open Chrome Cash – Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars (PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck)  – 225

Owned by Cooper Smith | Nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch

 Level 2 & Prime Time – Shauna Larcombe & Steppin Thruthe Nite (Steppin On Sparks x Spooks Night Time)  – 220

Owned by Karon Murff | Nominated by Karon Murff

 Level 1 – Anne Grether & Dejavu All Overagain (Smart Spook x Dun Its Deja Vu)  – 217.5

Owned by RS Reininghorses BV | Nominated by Toyon Ranch

Protocol for Advancing in Open Futurity Semi-Finals

The Open Semi-Finals qualifiers will be those who mark in the top 30 percent of the first-go scores in Levels 4-1; however, no more than 75 entries in each division will advance. If fewer than 50 qualifiers are in the top 30 percent in a division, then 50 will advance to the Semi-Finals.

Complete results, draws, and more for the NRHA Futurity can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

2023 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC: Daily Updates

Nov 21–Dec 2, 2023, in Oklahoma City, OK. Visit nrhafuturity.com for more!

12.2.23: Brian Bell & Crystalized Whizkey Win 2023 NRHA Open Futurity Championship

12.2.23: Ava Welman and Mcspangled Win Runoff to Take NRHA Adequan® NAAC and Ancillary Youth 14-18 Championship

12.1.23: Lane Colston Wins First NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity Championship on Gunna Be Painted

12.1.23: More Than 200 Head Sold During 2023 NRHA Markel Futurity Sale

12.1.23: Mason McDowell Wins Adequan® NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Titles at NRHA Futurity

12.1.23: NRHA Markel Sales Graduates Succeed at the 2023 NRHA Futurity

11.30.23: Isabel Sobral Wins NRHA Adequan® NAAC 13 & Under Championship; Flint and Sveen Earn Ancillary Titles

11.30.23: Mathieu Buton and Quinns A Tricky Chic Win NRHA Honorable Mention Futurity

11.30.23: Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch Honors Inductees and Raises $300k for Reining Horse Foundation

11.30.23: Bob’s Custom Saddles & Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown Winners Crowned at NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC

11.29.23: The Stage is Set for Record-Breaking NRHA Futurity Finals!

11.28.23: Marco Ricotta Claims Adequan® NAAC Novice Horse Open Titles at NRHA Futurity

11.27.23: Yeager and Smith Nab NRHA Adequan® NAAC Limited Open and Rookie Professional Titles

11.27.23: Kelsey Price and Let Err Rip Top NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity First Round

11.26.23: NRHA Adequan® NAAC Rookie and Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Champions Crowned

11.26.23: Gina Schumacher & Reining Royalty Take First Round Lead of NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity 

11.25.23: Schumacher, Latimer, and Butler Tied for Lead After First Section of First Round of CINCH Non Pro Futurity

11.24.23: Open Semi-Finalists Decided at NRHA Futurity

11.24.23: Neudorf and Donahue Take Adequan® NAAC Championships in Non Pro Classes

11.23.23: Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars Lead NRHA Futurity Open First Round Following Third Section

11.22.23: Dana Pastorino Takes NRHA Limited Non Pro Adequan® NAAC Title on Hesa Rockin Whiz

11.22.23: Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars Lead NRHA Open Futurity First Round Following Second Section

11.21.23: Brian Bell and Clemerson Barbalho Win Adequan® NAAC Titles on First Day of NRHA Futurity

11.21.23: Dany Tremblay & Pawn Stars Lead NRHA Open Futurity First Round Following First Section

11.20.23: The Road to a $2 Million Payout Starts Now: NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC Set to Kick Off World-Class Competition at OKC Fairgrounds

The Road to a $2 Million Payout Starts Now: NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC Set to Kick Off World-Class Competition at OKC Fairgrounds

The countdown to the world’s most eagerly awaited reining event has begun, and the fervor is tangible at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. On Tuesday, Nov. 21, the best horses and riders in the world will vie for incredible prizes, impressive purses, and prestige at the National Reining Horse Association’s premier event, the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships.

The adrenaline-packed competition extends through Dec. 2 and boasts a staggering payout that exceeds $2 million, enticing participants from around the globe.

In the Adequan® Arena, top riders and horses of all ages from across North America will vie for coveted titles, aiming to secure a championship and make significant strides toward year-end honors. Simultaneously, talented 3-year-old reining horses will be tested on the arena floor of the iconic Jim Norick Coliseum as they navigate through the signature circles, spins, and sliding stops the event is known for.

Known simply as “The Futurity,” this event, evolving since its inception in 1966 in Columbus, Ohio, has transformed into a colossal showcase featuring more than 640 entries in the Futurity competition alone. The payout has seen significant expansion, with the Level 4 Champion guaranteed a substantial $350,000, the Reserve Champion securing $150,000, and the third-place winner taking home $100,000.

The journey to the Level 4 Open Championship involves three crucial steps. All Open entries compete in the first round, which runs Nov. 21–24. The top 75 (plus ties) advance to the L4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Nov. 29. There, the top 30 (plus ties) move on to the clean-slate MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals on Dec. 2.

Also competing for big purses and prizes on Dec. 2 will be those riders in Open Levels 1, 2, and 3. The L3 Open Champion will receive $70,000, and the Reserve Champion will take home $50,000. The guaranteed payouts continue in Levels 2 and 1, with the L2 Champion pocketing $50,000 and the Reserve Champion claiming a cool $25,000. The L1 Open winner will win $13,000, and the L1 Reserve will receive $7,000.

Open riders in Levels 1, 2, and 3 who are in the top 75 of their levels (but not in the top 75 of Level 4) will compete in the Semi-Finals rounds held Nov. 27–28. The top 30 in each of those levels (plus ties) will earn a spot in the first section of the Open Finals on Dec. 2.

Non-professional riders will also win big, with the CINCH L4 Non Pro title being accompanied by a check for $75,000, the Reserve Champion securing $45,000, and the third-place winner taking $35,000! The L3 Non Pro division promises substantial payouts of $40,000, $25,000, and $15,000 for the top three, respectively. The CINCH Non Pro Finals will be held Friday, Dec. 1, beginning at 9 a.m. with Levels 1, 2, 3, Youth, and Prime Time, and the CINCH Non Pro L4 Finals beginning at 4 p.m.

In addition to the riveting competition, the Futurity offers an expansive trade show showcasing vendors from diverse sectors, including clothing, furniture, western tack, and décor. Despite spatial constraints, this year’s Trade Show is the largest in recent years. Free admission from November 22 to 24 will facilitate Christmas shopping and give a peak at the top-notch competition.

One of the best, largest, and most exciting shopping opportunities will be Nov. 30. That’s because the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales in the Sale Arena offers an excellent opportunity to see and purchase some of the best horses the industry has to offer from prospects to producers and everything in between. Find more information about the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales at NRHA.com/sales

Tickets for the 2023 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAACs are on sale now and can be purchased here.

For comprehensive event details, including draws and results, visit NRHAFuturity.com.

Spooks Gotta Gun Leaves a Legacy

On Friday, November 10, Michael and Michelle Miola announced on their joint Facebook page that Spooks Gotta Gun had passed the day before. The stallion by Grays Starlight and out of Katie Gun had just crossed the NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire mark the same week.

“It is with great sadness and tears that I have to announce that our precious Spooks Gotta Gun passed away yesterday morning. He was so loved and cared for by everyone at Silver Spurs; it will not be the same without him,” the Facebook post stated.

Bred by Eric Storey, the stallion traded hands a few times before being purchased by current owner Silver Spurs Equine in 2010.

Andrea Fappani rode him to a third-place finish in the Derby Level 4 Open at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby during his show career, earning $31,864. The next month, the pair won the Derby Level 4 Open at Reining By The Bay, winning $10,000. Spooks Gotta Gun earned a total of $79,603 in the show pen between four NRHA Professionals: Clint Haverty, Shawn Flarida, Abigayle Mixon, and Fappani.

With nearly 300 offspring with NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE), Spooks Gotta Gun’s progeny record is stacked. Most notably, he is the sire to recent NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and Six Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz. ‘Baby’ was pivotal to Spooks Gotta Gun’s journey to his first million—garnering nearly $350,000 toward the sire’s offspring earnings.

Since crossing the $2 million mark in 2018, one horse has risen above the rest in ushering Spooks Gotta Gun to his next NRHA milestone: Spooks Gotta Tinsel (Tinsel Tiara). The 2018 stallion bred by Domingo Alvarado is owned by Lance Griffin. Since his show career began in 2021, Spooks Gotta Tinsel has $120,960 in NRHA LTE. His biggest win came this year during The Run For A Million, where Francesco Martinotti piloted the stallion to a 6th place finish in the Million Dollar Competition and earned a check for $45,000.

Spooks Gotta Gun’s top-earning offspring are:

  • Spooks Gotta Whiz (out of Prettywhizprettydoes), owned by Michell Anne Kimball, bred by Clint Haverty, earning $345,138
  • Spooksgottachicolena (out of Braz Us), owned by Harper Lawson, bred by Reinbow Ridge Equestrian, earning $152,949
  • Oops Itsa Spooks (out of Tejons Finally Dunit), owned by AC Quarter Horses LLC, bred by Silver Spurs Equine, earning $125,427
  • Spooks Gotta Tinsel (out of Tinsel Tiara), owned by Lance Griffin, bred by Domingo Alvarado, earning $120,960
  • Ifwhizswereguns (out of Ifwhizsweredollars), owned by Silver Spurs Equine, bred by Tanya Jenkins, earning $118,578

NRHA offers our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Spooks Gotta Gun. His influence on the reining community will be forever remembered, and we are thrilled to honor his life with the announcement of his accomplishment as an NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire.