Category Archives: History

Following the presentation of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame Committee’s recommended nominees, the Board of Directors and past Hall of Fame inductees voted to approve Sally Brown and Jerry Kimmel for induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame, a project of the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF). Induction is recognized as the sport’s highest honor.

Also announced was the selection of Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau President Mike Carrier as the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for 2020.

These honorees will be recognized during the 2020 NRHA Futurity and then formally celebrated at a future banquet after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Sally Brown

Sally Brown was first involved in breeding cutting horses but when she switched to reining, she changed the industry forever. Her vision, innovation, knowledge of pedigrees, and innate management style put her far ahead of her time, in an era when reining breeding programs did not yet exist.

Although an accident left her unable to ride, she impacted the industry with leadership and influence that will continue for generations. Of course, she is known for co-owning Hollywood Jac 86, reining’s first Million Dollar Sire, but as singular as he was, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

When Sally and lifetime partner Buck Hazledine moved her operation to Maple Plain, Minnesota, establishing Fox Meadow Farm, things began to take shape. With guidance from neighbor and friend NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay, who counseled that having a great stallion was only part of the equation, Sally and Hall of Famer Richard Greenberg formed the Jac Pac breeding partnership. The Jac Pac alliance did center around Hollywood Jac 86, but it also included broodmares brought to the partnership by both parties.

Sally continued actively working to promote reining in Minnesota and supporting the local NRHA Affiliate, the North Central Reining Horse Association. She is credited, along with Tim and Colleen McQuay and Jim Robins, with initiating the NRHA Derby in St. Paul. Former Fox Meadow head trainer Troy Heikes said, “Many members told me that when they were putting that show together the question would come up, ‘How are we going to pay for that?’ and Sally would reply, ‘I’ve got that covered.’”

The ensuing decades brought more success and laurels to Fox Meadow Farm. Hollywood Jac 86 would ultimately be inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame. In 1999, Whizard Jac, a product of Sally’s breeding program, won the first United States Equestrian Team (USET) Reining Championship in Gladstone, New Jersey.

Her breeding program continued after Hollywood Jac 86’s passing as she booked her great mares to sires such as NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shining Spark and NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz. Sally was known for supporting local trainers throughout the area – and across the US. She wanted to give everyone and their career a chance with a good horse. Her generosity gave a jump-start to the careers of many young professionals.

She became the NRHA’s Leading Breeder and her program produced champions of every major reining competition and program that existed, but she remained humble about the accolades. No matter whether they were a champion or beginner, Sally always took the time to talk about horses with anyone she met. She wanted nothing more than to bring new people into reining and her kindness and love for the industry is still remembered – both in the hearts of reiners and on the pedigrees of great horses.

In 2008, the year after her passing, Sally was honored as the recipient of the first NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her contributions to and support of NRHA across so many platforms.

Jerry Kimmel

Jerry Kimmel is the hundredth inductee into the NRHA Hall of Fame. An extremely successful businessman who immersed himself into the horse world upon retirement, not even his vision could have predicted the impact he would have on the reining industry.

Jerry was born and raised in Marshall, Michigan, where he began a business called Kevco Inc. with his friend Bill Everett. Over three decades, the business expanded to become one of the country’s leading distributors of plumbing and building materials, and its headquarters were moved to Fort Worth, Texas. It continued to grow and went public in the 90s. Jerry thrived in the corporate world but after decades of hard work, retired and settled down with his wife, Carmen, on a 225-acre ranch in Granbury, Texas.

Shortly after his retirement began, Jerry got involved in the world of western pleasure with trainer Cleve Wells. He may not have stayed with that discipline, but its moniker accurately defined exactly what he got from horses – sheer pleasure. He once stated, “I retired totally from business. For me, horses are just fun.”

After making his mark in the western pleasure pen, Jerry began to pour his heart, soul, and wallet into the reining world.  Along the way, his love for horses created a legacy of friendship and goodwill that has seldom been replicated.

It all started with one reining horse, Indy Star Dun It, which Jerry showed in NRHA Non Pro competition, but it was soon apparent that one would never be enough. He loved showing as a Non Pro, and a finalist slot earned at an event like the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) would have him bubbling with excitement. Through Jerry’s ability to make friends and the success of his horses, Kimmel Reining Horses became well known to reiners worldwide. His longtime relationship with NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay and McQuay Stables centered around showing and breeding great horses and ultimately focused on his two beloved stallions, Dun Gotta Gun and Mister Nicadual.

His home base, J Bar C Ranch in Granbury, Texas, worked in tandem with McQuay Stables to produce top reining horses. Jerry and Carmen lived on the property and their granddaughter Lindsey Raymond subsequently oversaw much of the breeding and fitting operations.

Jerry’s love for the discipline expanded and he became an avid supporter of reining and reiners at all levels. Whether it was an auction for youth activities or a fundraiser for a fellow reiner in need, he was all in. His dream for reining was to have full stands and engaged fans, as he wanted to give others an opportunity to enjoy the horses he loved. Jerry became involved with horse show production, partnering with Ray Roles to found the Scottsdale Classic Futurity and Quarter Horse Show. Later he joined Colleen McQuay and Anne-Marie Burns in creating Global Reining Sport Group, which produces the Tulsa Reining Classic. He also was a donor to RHF and a member of its Reiners Club in recognition of his unrestricted annual gifts. In 2014, he was honored with NRHA’s Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award.

A defining moment for Jerry came with the 2006 Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games when he paid for Team USA to travel to Aachen, Germany. His son, Greg Kimmel, recalled. “They couldn’t raise all of the money for the trip, and Dad said, ‘We’re going. We’re doing this.’ He told everybody on that team, ‘Pack your bags. We’re going!’”

It was the trip of a lifetime. With Tim McQuay aboard, Kimmel’s stallion Mister Nicadual won team gold and an individual silver. It was a treasured honor and a proud moment for the unassuming man who had literally made it happen from behind the scenes.

The man who “loved horses and the people who love them” passed away this year at the age of 82 but his impact on the reining horse world will live on forever. Kimmel Reining Horses is still in operation thanks to Jerry’s daughter, Chris Pearce, who relocated the business and its horses to her ranch in Weatherford, Texas, in 2018.

For Immediate Release – July 23, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Two Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown (Hollywood Dun It x Miss Tinseltown) passed away on July 5, 2020. Hollywoodstinseltown will be sincerely missed by NRHA and the reining industry.

Hollywoodstinseltown was laid to rest early in the morning on July 5 on a hilltop at Silva Reining Horses in Pilot Point, Texas. The 16-year-old palomino stallion was owned by Dave and Bonnie Silva and has long been the senior star of their reining endeavors.

Hollywoodstinseltown boasts both an NRHA Hall of Fame sire and dam. This son of NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It out of Miss Tinseltown, Hollywoodstinseltown was a product of the McQuay Stables training program. He earned Level (L)4 Open finalist slots at both the NRHA Futurity and Derby with Tim McQuay at the reins, who is an NRHA Hall of Famer, NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider, and NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner.

With that auspicious start, Hollywoodstinseltown went on to gather a list of titles and laurels with McQuay’s assistant trainer Marco Ricotta that included the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) L3 Championship and an NRHA Derby L4 Reserve Championship and L3 Championship. His lifetime record would ultimately include earnings over $185,000 plus a World Equestrian Games gold medal with McQuay.

As his competitive career was winding down it was already evident that Hollywoodstinseltown would leave as dramatic a mark on the breeding world as he had in the arena. His foals showed promise early, catapulting him past the NRHA Million Dollar Sire mark in 2017, then crossing the $2 million milestone in 2019. His offspring currently have earnings over $2.5 million.

Tinseltown Fly Guy, out of Fly Flashy Jac, is Hollywoodstinseltown’s highest money earning offspring with over $250,000 in NRHA earnings. He is followed by Shining In Town, out of Shine Ann, with almost $200,000 earned.

For the Silvas, Hollywoodstinseltown, or “Dave” as he was affectionately known, was much more than just an accomplished athlete and successful sire. He was part of the family and his humane euthanization due to the complications of a bacterial infection was heartbreaking. Their consolation will come from watching his legacy continue to grow and live on through his many foals – and those yet to be born.

Press release courtesy of McQuay Stables

The 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel set many records, including three new NRHA Two Million Dollar milestones being reached: Rancho Oso Rio LLC became the newest NRHA Two Million Dollar owners, Jason Vanlandingham crossed the NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider mark, and A Sparkling Vintage became an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire.

Rancho Oso Rio: NRHA Two Million Dollar Owners

Rancho Oso Rio LLC, owned by Jim and Pat Warren, is the third owner to reach this historic milestone, joining Arcese Quarter Horses, USA, and Rosanne Sternberg. The Scottsdale, Arizona, ranch reached the one-million-dollar mark in 2012.

Rancho Oso Rio came into the 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel just $1,000 short of the achievement. Ranch manager and NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani piloted Rancho Oso Rio-owned Shine Plum Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Plum Reyning) to tie to win the $6,000-added ancillary open class on Day Two of the marquee event, which paid $1,846—just enough to push Rancho Oso Rio onto the short list of NRHA Two Million Dollar Owners.

“This recognition is really all about Pat and Jim Warren,” said Fappani, head trainer at Rancho Oso Rio for 10 years. “They’ve been part of the sport for a long time. When they started, these major events didn’t pay as much as they do now. They stuck with it and hired some of the most influential trainers in the business, including Dell Hendricks, Randy Paul, and now myself. It’s special because they’ve been part of the entire circle, from breeding and raising foals to Pat showing in the non pro to having very successful open-caliber horses.”

The outstanding stock that represents Rancho Oso Rio could fill a book of its own, but a few standout horses have helped the ranch make headlines and win big checks. Here are just a handful of those horses and their most notable accomplishments.

• Spooky Whiz (currently owned by Kristie Banks)—2013 gelding by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Myo Starlight by Paddys Irish Whiskey; NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) $184,715. Spooky Whiz won the 2016 NRHA Futurity Open Level 4 and now shows in the non pro.
• Electric Genes (currently owned by Tamarack Ranch LLC)—2010 mare by Jacs Electric Spark and out of Taris Designer Genes by Mr Boomerjac; LTE $89,913. Electric Genes’ years in the show pen found her in the top five it the 2013 NRHA Futurity Open and reserve champion in other large open events. Her star continues to rise thanks to her offspring.
• Custom Spook (currently owned by Rancho Oso Rio)—2007 gelding by Smart Spook and out of Custom Spinderella by Custom Crome; LTE $235,749. Most recently, Andrea Fappani showed this treasured gelding to win the $50,000 Freestyle Invitational at the 2019 Run for a Million.
• Tinker With Guns (currently owned by Silver Spurs Equine)—2006 sorrel stallion by Gunner and out of Tinker Nic by Reminic; LTE $344,117. Tinker With Guns placed in the top five at the 2009 NRHA Futurity, was the 2011 NRHA Derby Open champion, and came back in 2012 to tie for reserve in the NRHA Derby Open.
• Taris Designer Genes (currently owned by Tamarack Ranch)—2003 buckskin mare by Mr Boomerjac and out of Taris Little Vintage by Peppy San Badger; LTE $253,065. This standout mare won the 2006 NRHA Futurity Open. She’s the dam of earners of $423,529.
• Mr Boomerjac (currently owned by Christine Brazeau)—1994 stallion by Boomernic out of Boggies Last Jac by Hollywood Jac 86; LTE $138,829. Mr Boomerjac placed in the top five of the open division at the 1997 NRHA Futurity, won the 1998 National Reining Breeders Cup (now called the National Reining Breeders Classic), and competed in the 2007 FEI World Reining Masters.

Jason Vanlandingham Crosses $2 Million

In just five years’ time, NRHA Professional Jason Vanlandingham accumulated enough earnings to become the newest NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider at the 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, after finishing third in the go-round and winning the Level 4 Open Finals with A Vintage Smoke.

“The second million was a lot easier to get than the first million,” the Whitesboro, Texas, trainer said. “It took 15 years to get the first million and five to get the second. When you’re riding good horses and figure out how to get one shown, it comes faster.”

Vanlandingham began his career training horses in 1998. He won his first NRHA Futurity Open title in 2013 with Not Ruf At All, a 2010 stallion by A Sparkling Vintage and out of All Ruffed Up, owned by Vaughn Zimmerman. That pair went on to win top honors at the 2014 NRHA Derby and the 2016 National Reining Breeders Classic. Vanlandingham reached the NRHA One Million Dollar Rider mark in 2015.

Many talented horses helped Vanlandingham bring in the checks to reach his second million, but one horse stands out. Arguably the most influential on the last five years of his career is A Vintage Smoke, a 2015 stallion by A Sparkling Vintage and out of Lady Smoke Peppy, owned by Diane Mesmer. Along with winning this year’s NRHA Derby Level 4 Open, Vanlandingham and the black stud took top open honors at the 2018 NRHA Futurity and tied to win the 2019 National Reining Breeders Classic. The also placed fifth in the inaugural Run for a Million.

“The good horses have always taught me something,” Vanlandingham shared. “Starting way back with A Smoking Whiz, he taught me how fast a horse can turn. Not Ruf At All taught me a whole different level of horse. I’ve learned something from all the good ones, and I try to make every horse I have be close to that, if not better. Good horses have taught me more than anything.”

A Sparkling Vintage Becomes an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire

Owned by Petra Zeitler Conner and Silver Spurs Equine LLC, A Sparkling Vintage has had quite an influence on the reining world. The 1997 bay stallion by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shining Spark and out of Vintage Badger crossed the million-dollar mark in 2016, coincidentally with a co-reserve championship at the 2016 NRHA Derby with Not Ruf At All, shown by Jason Vanlandingham, and Platinum Vintage, shown by Todd Bergen.

With earnings in both the States and Europe, A Sparkling Vintage’s influence is widespread. He was shown by Jeff Kasten, Ruben Vandorp, Fredrik Thomsson, Emanuel Ernst in Europe, and finally by Harper Conner. He stands for breeding at Silver Spurs Equine LLC in Arizona alongside one of his top-performing sons, Platinum Vintage.

“(A Sparkling Vintage) has never had big foal crops like other big sires, and his first million was achieved from offspring I bred out of my mares,” Conner shared. “Vintage passes on his huge heart and very correct conformation to be physically able to use that heart in the show ring. What makes me especially happy as a breeder is that you have very talented, performing fillies by him as well.”

A Sparkling Vintage offspring continue to make waves in the show pen, bringing home solid scores and big checks for their riders and owners. Here are a few highlights from his most notable progeny.

• A Vintage Smoke (2015 stallion out of Lady Smoke Peppy by Mister Dual Pep); LTE $400,082. 2018 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion; 2019 NRBC Level 4 Open Co-Champion; 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Level 4 Open Champion.
• Not Ruf At All (2010 stallion out of All Ruffed Up by Lil Ruff Peppy); LTE $456,437. 2013 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion; 2014 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Champion; 2016 National Reining Breeders Classic Level 4 Open Champion.
• Platinum Vintage (2010 stallion out of Starjac Miss by Hollywood Jac 86); LTE $308,062. 2013 NRHA Futurity Open Finalist; 2014 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Champion; 2016 NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Co-Reserve Champion.
• All American Vintage (2014 stallion out of All Ruffed Up by Lil Ruf Peppy); LTE 169,615. 2017 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Reserve Champion.

Wife, mother, daughter, sister, coach, trainer, friend, fighter: these all describe Becky Hanson who passed away on May 25, 2020, after a seven-year battle with glioblastoma multiforme. Along with the entire reining community, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) mourns the loss of this NRHA Professional who leaves behind a legacy of philanthropy and tenacity, plus a vibrant zeal for life, horses, and family.

Born on September 1, 1971, in Mountain View, California, Becky essentially grew up in Eagle, Idaho. And that’s where she graduated high school. Life after that was a roller coaster, in the best way.

Long before the chemotherapy and radiation, Becky graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 1993 with an English literature degree and a minor in secondary education. She intended to teach high school students. Instead, she became a horse trainer.

Married in July 1994, Becky and her husband, David, moved to Italy the very next year. It was clear educating high school students wasn’t an option when Becky was training horses for Eleuterio Arcese and family. Becky’s love for horses stemmed from her foundation in cow horses, cutting, and college rodeo as a breakaway roper.

David said Becky loved teaching, and that made her a perfect match for working with young horses. She redirected her love for teaching into giving lessons and had an uncanny knack for pairing horses and riders that complimented each other.

Becky and David spent five years training reining horses in Italy before coming back to California. Becky made the NRHA Derby finals and earned several North American Affiliate Championship placings. She also won the rookie pro title in 2006 as well as major event awards across the globe, all while coaching countless non pros to victory.

In 2000, Becky and David made their home in Clements, California, where the pair raised and trained reining horses together as Hanson Performance Horses. They were blessed with two children: Caden, now 18, and Lauren, now 16.

Representing the West Coast, Becky served on the NRHA Board on a recommendation from Rick Clark and was on the Eligibility and Affiliate Committees. During that time, Becky became close with several members, but one, in particular, was Joao Marcos, NRHA Board member. This led Joao to invite Becky and David to serve as instructors at his facility, along with NRHA Professional Ruben Van Dorp, for the first Reining Horse Foundation Rookie Day in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2016.

After 20 years’ training reiners with her husband, Becky’s life was turned upside down with a diagnosis in March 2013. She never let cancer become the story of her life; it simply became a platform. Becky dubbed her dance with glioblastoma multiforme as “My Little Tumor Adventure.” Get Becky’s take on it, here.

In December 2019, the NRHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year Award was renamed to honor Becky. In naming this award, the Professional’s Committee hopes her legacy will serve as a continuous reminder about what it means to be named Horsewoman of the Year. Becky was honored, proud, and truly humbled by it. Her emotions bubbled to the surface every time it came up.

Becky is known for her incredible photos of the Western lifestyle. The hobby quickly evolved into a business after returning stateside when Becky went digital and started selling her photos. Perhaps she is best known for her image of a large oak tree that sits in the front yard of the Hanson’s family home. It helped shape her successful photography business. Get Becky’s view of “The Tree,” here.

Behind a lens, Becky was legendary. On a horse, she was iconic. But as a friend, she was irreplaceable. Upon her diagnosis, Becky felt the love of her horse community from near and far. It was the continuous display of humanity that hit harder than cancer ever could. It’s what helped Becky fight the good fight. Here is just a small example of the love and support from the reining community.

David said whenever Becky couldn’t ride, she would return to writing about her situation and taking photos. This allowed her to connect to a whole new group of people. It shouldn’t be surprising to all who knew her that Becky donated her body to science in hopes that she can help save at least one life.

Becky is survived by her parents, Rich and Diane, and is the eldest of three brothers: Scott and twins Kevin and Keith Anderson. The family will announce celebration of life information later this year. As more information is available, NRHA will provide it here.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts in Becky’s memory be made to the Reining Horse Foundation’s Crisis Fund. Donations can be made online at reiningfoundation.com or mailed to RHF, 3021 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73107.

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Jerry Kimmel on April 3, 2020. Jerry was honored with the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, a fitting tribute to his passion for and commitment to the reining community.

Success does not define a person. However, success seemed to follow Jerry Kimmel wherever he went. From the CEO chair to the saddle, Jerry’s hard work, perseverance, and welcoming demeanor allowed for an adventure that lasted a lifetime.

​Jerry Kimmel passed away Friday, April 3, 2020, at the age of 82.

​Gerald Kimmel was born June 23, 1937, to Gerald and Edna Kimmel in Marshall, Michigan. He was a loving sibling to his younger brother, Jim, and his half-brother, Rick. He was an avid sports player and the class president at Marshall High School, graduating with the class of 1955. He married his wife, Carmen, on March 29, 1958. Together they have two daughters, Christine and Amy, and one son, Gregory.

​In Marshall, Jerry began his business, Kevco Inc. with his partner and longtime friend Bill Everett in 1964. Over three decades, Jerry, Bill, and hundreds of their employees expanded the business across the country and moved its headquarters to Fort Worth, Texas. In becoming one of the nation’s leading distributors of plumbing and building materials to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, Jerry and Kevco were awarded Entrepreneur of the Year for the Southwest region from the Dallas Business Journal in 1995. Jerry’s success continued when he took the company public in the 1990s. At one point he had more than 30 branches across the country and 16 manufacturing plants. Jerry thrived in the corporate world, but after decades of hard work, dedication, and passion, he retired and settled down with his wife on a 225-acre ranch in Granbury, Texas.

​Even in retirement, Jerry found success. What began as a harmless hobby turned into Jerry’s second calling. Carmen had always been a horse enthusiast and their daughters also enjoyed horses. Not long after his retirement years began, Jerry immersed himself into the horse world of western pleasure, with much thanks to friend and horseman Cleve Wells. Jerry started from scratch and was proud to admit that he was learning new things every day, even into his seventies. He brought this positive attitude into the arena and treated his time as a horseman less as a business than as a sense of pure enjoyment. He once stated, “I retired totally from business. For me, horses are just fun.” Anyone who ever saw Jerry in the saddle could easily witness the man’s love for horses. After making his mark in the western pleasure pen, Jerry poured his heart, soul, and wallet into the reining world.

What started with one reining horse, Indy Star Dun It, soon turned Jerry and Kimmel Reining Horses into a household name. Jerry’s biggest dream for reining was to have full stands and engaged fans. Jerry’s home base, J Bar C Ranch, worked in tandem with McQuay Stables in Tioga, Texas, to produce some of the world’s top reining horses. Jerry’s own granddaughter, Lindsey Raymond, oversaw much of the breeding and fitting operations in Granbury. Kimmel Reining Horses is still in operation thanks to Jerry’s eldest daughter, Chris, who relocated the business and its horses to her ranch in Weatherford, Texas, in 2018. Gone but not forgotten, Jerry left an indelible mark on the horse world. In 2014, Jerry was awarded the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award.

​One of the most remarkable things about Jerry was his inability to know a stranger. That smile and those big, blue eyes welcomed anyone in. Whether it be at the grocery store, a horse show, or Trinity Terrace—where he and Carmen moved in 2018—Jerry locked eyes with and waved to everyone that passed by. He lived by the motto: “keep your friends and make new ones every day.” He radiated warmth and a good laugh. He seemed to always have a lighthearted joke in his back pocket. Jerry leaves behind his wife Carmen, his three children, Christine and David Pearce, Amy and David Mueller, and Gregory and Jennifer Kimmel, 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Charlie. He will be greatly missed.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts in Jerry’s memory be made to the NRHyA—Youth Unrestricted fund of the Reining Horse Foundation to benefit youth reiners. Donations can be made online at reiningfoundation.com or mailed to RHF, 3021 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK, 73107

With permission: Written by Courtney Kimmel and Meredith Kimmel

For Immediate Release – March 30, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma –National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Three Million Dollar Sire Nu Chex To Cash (NU Cash x Amarilla Chex) passed away on March 14, 2020. At 30 years old, Nu Chex To Cash’s contributions to the reining industry can’t be denied.

Before entering the breeding shed, “Chex” built himself a reputation as a big stopper in the show pen. Born in April 1990, Chex’s show career spanned from 1993 to 2002, first being shown by NRHA Professional Charlie Hutton and then by NRHA non pro Jessicah Keller. Showing his versatility and athletic ability, Chex was the first horse to nab the AQHA High Point awards in both the reining and working cow horse in the same year with Hutton.

With Keller at the reins, the pair won NRHA World Championships in the Intermediate and Limited Open divisions as well as the reserve titles in the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro, all in the same year. They were also the reserve champions in the freestyle reining at the 2002 All American Quarter Horse Congress. He’s earned more than $57,000 in NRHA Lifetime earnings (LTEs).

Inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2010, Chex spent the last 25 years of his life in Hilldale Farms’ breeding barn. Chex is best known for siring NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step (out of Leolita Step). “Wimpy” went on to be the 2002 NRHA Futurity Open Level (L) 4 Champion as well as the All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Futurity Champion. Both titles were achieved with NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida.

The iconic palomino set the standard for throwing offspring with ideal conformation, athleticism, and a mind comparable to few others. Chex found his perfect match in NRHA Million Dollar Dam and Hall of Famer Snip O Gun, also owned by Hilldale Farm. The two produced some of the greats, including Hot Smokin Chex, Chexmaster, and Big Chex To Cash. He also sired household name Lil Joe Cash (out of RS Lilly Starlight) who was the 2011 NRHA Futurity Open L4 Champion with NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani aboard.

Top NRHA earning offspring:

• Lil Joe Cash (out of RS Lilly Starlight): $279,268
• Hot Smokin Chex (out of Snip O Gun): $186,598
• Wimpys Little Step (out of Leolita Step): $185,756
• Nu Chexomatic (out of Tejons Texie Lena): $182,230
• Heavy Duty Chex (out of Rondas Tio): $143,799
• Chexmaster (out of Snip O Gun): $103,911
• Nu Pops (out of Sugar Pop Gun): $90,159

For Immediate Release – February 25, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed South Africa as the newest international affiliate this fall. Greg and Lizelle Garland, NRHA members from South Africa, toyed with the idea of starting an affiliate for about three years before diving in headfirst.

Officially recognized in July 2019, the South African affiliate hosted three shows in a span of just two months: the first in August and two more in October.

“Within three months of inception, we’ve had three shows; it’s been amazing,” Greg said. “We’re still small, with a limited number of members, but it’s definitely something that everyone is excited about, and we’re looking forward to growing.”

Historically, to begin the process of starting a new affiliate, 25 NRHA members had to support the undertaking—a daunting task for a country where reining-ready horses are extremely hard to come by.

“When some of the staff from NRHA came to visit us, we found out about a new rule that said we only needed 10 NRHA members to get started since we are a developing country,” Greg said.

That’s all Greg and Lizelle needed to kickstart the process. The Garlands carry the torch for reining in South Africa as they bring in clinicians and horses to generate interest in the sport.

“With the creation of the developing affiliate level, we were able to introduce reining at the grassroots level to countries that may not have been able to jump in with 25 members,” said Samantha Oldfield, director of competition & education and European liaison at NRHA. “This level gives them a chance to introduce the sport to potential members and to grow and build a strong base they can expand upon to their other affiliate levels.”

NRHA currently recognizes more than 90 associations representing 16 different affiliates around the globe. Competing in an affiliate is truly reining at the grassroots level. To find an affiliate in your region and to learn more about the program, visit nrha.com/affiliate.

For Immediate Release – February 19, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Congratulations to National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame inductee Rosanne Sternberg for becoming the second-ever NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner. After reaching the NRHA Million Dollar Owner milestone in 2010 and being inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2017, she’s remained dedicated to producing quality reining horses while consistently striving for the next level of achievement.

During the 2019 show season, Sternberg’s horses earned more than $77,000 in combined NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE), culminating at the NRHA Futurity. The success of Shines Like Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines) at the NRHA Futurity, ridden by NRHA Professional Martin Larcombe, pushed Sternberg past the $2 million mark. Larcombe topped the Prime Time Open Futurity finals, finished third in Level(L) 3 Open, and placed 10th in L4, earning more than $42,600 toward Sternberg’s milestone.

“I knew Rosanne when I lived in Europe and worked with reiners,” Larcombe shared. “I continued that relationship when I came to the U.S., and she’s had horses with me for the past few years. She understands the game because she’s been in it that much. She knows how it can be—the highs and the lows. She’s been a great support, and she trusts me with her horses.”

Sternberg splits her time between Sterling Ranch in Aubrey, Texas, and her home in Great Britain. Her European-based mare—Ebony Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Whiz)—was the 2014 NRHA Open World Champion under the guidance of NRHA Professional Ann Fonck.

“I am thrilled that after 34 years of owning, riding, breeding, and enjoying reining horses I’ve passed the milestone of becoming the second NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner,” Sternberg said. “I’ve been lucky enough to own many exciting and talented horses and have enjoyed seeing not only family show and enjoy my horses, but also have had the privilege of working with some of the world’s top trainers based in both the U.S. and Europe.”

With over $86,000 in personal NRHA LTE, Sternberg has competed as a non pro rider at the highest levels, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Sternberg anticipates continuing her tradition of excellence of owning, breeding, and showing reining horses as she pursues her next milestone: becoming an NRHA Three Million Dollar Owner.

Standout horses throughout Sternberg’s career include:

• Nijomi Sonny Reb (Sonny Brownburn x Marina Del Reb): over $63,700 LTE; her mount as part of the British team at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain
• Smart Spook (Smart Chic Olena x Sugarplum Spook): over $403,100 LTE; NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire; winner of the 2004 NRHA L4 Open Futurity and 2005 NRHA L4 Open Derby championships
• Tinsel Nic (Bueno Chexinic x Holly Tinseltown): over $165,600 LTE and over $381,000 offspring LTE)
• Ebony Shines (Shining Spark x Ebony Whiz): NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and first-ever NRHA Million Dollar Dam

For Immediate Release – January 29, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) strives to recognize excellence amongst its members. The NRHA Professionals of the Year awards are just one avenue for showcasing the accomplishments of reining trainers in the industry. The five awards include NRHA Professional Horseman of the Year, Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year, NRHA Non Pro Coach of the Year, NRHA Youth Coach of the Year, and NRHA Up-and-Coming Trainer of the Year.

“The Professionals of the Year awards are very important because we have a lot of people in our industry from around the world who deserve to be honored on a national level and recognized by their peers,” said Patrick Flaherty, NRHA Professionals Committee chairman. “These awards aren’t just given to anyone; these recipients have worked hard their entire careers, and it’s evident to their clients and their peers that they’re more than deserving of this recognition.”

Each NRHA affiliate is asked to nominate NRHA Professionals for the awards based on their unrelenting work both inside the arena and out. NRHA Professionals then choose the recipients by voting in each category. Winners will receive their awards during the 2020 NRHA Derby at the awards banquet held in June in Oklahoma City. Here are the 2020 NRHA Professionals of the Year.

Horseman of the Year—Craig Schmersal

A staple in the industry since competing as a youth member, Craig Schmersal hasn’t missed the NRHA Futurity finals since 1997. His most recent major win came when he was crowned the 2019 Run for a Million co-champion. The NRHA Four Million Dollar rider not only specializes in training, showing, and selling futurity and derby horses, but also breeds prospects that regularly become champions in the arena. He’s trained and shown multiple NRHA Futurity and Derby winners, including winning the 2017 NRHA Futurity on his homegrown mare Face The Attitude. He’s earned multiple FEI team and individual medals, and multiple AQHA World Championships. He trains every horse as an individual and finds ways to maximize their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.

Not only is Schmersal known for his contributions within the arena, but outside of it as well. As an active member of the Judge’s Committee, Schmersal is committed to the industry and continually trying to better it for horses and riders alike. He is often seen teaching Secrets of Judging courses to increase education for riders, as well. Along with educating in this way, he’s also created training videos to help demonstrate techniques for finished horses and futurity prospects and even covers proper tack tips.

Schmersal also promotes NRHA Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit (Gunner x Lena Dun It), who he also showed for most of his career in the show pen, further demonstrating his commitment to each aspect of the reining industry, from breeding to showing, at the highest level.

Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year—Abby Mixon 

Abby Mixon, who’s based at Winfield Farms in Marietta, Oklahoma, trains reining horses of all ages and coaches riders of all skill levels. As the daughter of NRHA Professional Don Boyd, Mixon grew up in the reining industry, riding alongside her father. She began showing at age 8, earning more than 330 points, multiple paychecks, and several NRHA top 10 titles as a youth. In 2005, Mixon took her NRHA Professional card, launching her training career under the tutelage of NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal. She also worked for NRHA Professional Duane Hicks before moving to Winfield Farms with her husband, Jeff, in 2008.

To date, she’s earned more than $391,480 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings and has competed and been a finalist at major events including the NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby. In 2019, she brought three horses to the NRHA Futurity, making the NRHA Level 4 Open Semifinals on all three and advancing two of them to the NRHA Level 3 Open Futurity Finals. As a top-level female professional, Mixon strives to create more opportunities for women with a desire to compete in the reining industry and promote the sport in any way she can.

Non Pro Coach of the Year—Jared Leclair 

Jared Leclair began working for Steve Simon at Quarter Mount Farm, home of NRHA Million Dollar Sire Custom Crome, in Paxton, Massachusetts, in 2003. After a year of gaining valuable experience, Leclair was offered an assistant trainer position with NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider, Million Dollar Owner, and Hall of Famer Tim McQuay in Tioga, Texas. Leclair went out on his own and established Leclair Performance Horses in 2007. Leclair currently has an NRHA LTE over $798,000. He also owns and showed stallion Electric Code (Jacs Electric Spark x Hot Coded Candy), which he piloted to earnings over $215,000.

Leclair’s non pros are commonly seen at the top of the NRHA Top 10 standings, AQHA World Show standings, and North American Affiliate Championships. Patience, consistency, practice, and perseverance are the main components of his successful training program. Leclair realizes that every horse is unique, and he strives to create a training program to fit their abilities.

Youth Coach of the Year—Mark Guynn

Mark Guynn was born and raised in Manitou Springs, Colorado and graduated from Lamar Community College with an associate’s degree in Horse Management and Training. He went on to complete an internship with AQHA breeder and judge Joe Taylor in Moab, Utah. Following his brief sojourn in Utah, Guynn returned to Colorado and started Guynn Training Center.

Guynn actively participates in the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association and is deeply involved in their youth program. Guynn is a past president of the Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association and remains an active member in his local affiliate. He holds AQHA, NRHA, and NRCHA judge’s cards.

Of all his accomplishments, Guynn is most proud of his youth and non pro clients, many of whom have qualified for elite competition themselves. He’s coached several AQHYA Honor Roll Champions in both reining and ranch riding, as well as AHQYA World and Reserve World Champions. Perhaps one of Guynn’s biggest contributions to the sport of reining lies in his commitment to the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and the development of two successful teams in Colorado, beginning in 2012 with six riders. Guynn currently coaches two teams with a total of 30 riders, alongside professional horse trainers Jimmy Daurio, Nancy Nemmers, and Caylee Parrish.

Up-and-Coming Professional of the Year—Cade McCutcheon 

At just 19 years old, Cade McCutcheon is the third generation of his family to become an NRHA Million Dollar Rider. Hailing from Aubrey, Texas, McCutcheon was virtually born on a reiner and learned how to stick with a horse when things got tough at just 6 years old. He debuted in the show pen at 7 years old and competed in the NRHA Non Pro Futurity by age ten. He’s the son of NRHA Million Dollar Riders Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and the grandson of multi-million dollar rider Tim McQuay and NRHA Hall-of-Famer Collen McQuay.

McCutcheon became the youngest U.S. athlete to represent reining at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) on the 2018 U.S. Reining team. McCutcheon helped Team USA clinch the gold during WEG by marking a 229 on Custom Made Gun. The score remained untouched by fellow NRHA Professionals, solidifying McCutcheon’s plan to join his teammates as an NRHA Professional the following year. He entered 2019 as a wild card on many fronts—one of those being as a literal wild-card entry in the inaugural Run for a Million and on The Last Cowboy, a reality-based television series featuring eight NRHA Professionals. McCutcheon named co-champion with Craig Schmersal at the inaugural Run for a Million He then went on to win three open levels of the NRHA Futurity, including the prestigious MS Diamonds Level 4 Open Finals, with Super Marioo, owned by Story Book Ranch.

For more information about the NRHA Professionals program or to find a professional in your area, visit nrha.com/professionals.

For Immediate Release – January 27, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The newest addition to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Million Dollar Sire list hails from Silver Spurs Equine–Oklahoma: Shiners Voodoo Dr. By NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shining Spark and out of Voodoo Chic, the 2007 palomino, fondly referred to as “Voodoo,” earned more than $85,900 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) during his show career.

Owner Michael Miola of Silver Spurs Equine, LLC, first laid on eyes on the stallion after he purchased Xtra Quarter Horses in 2017. Voodoo was one of three stallions Miola acquired in the purchase. For Miola, Voodoo’s latest accomplishment isn’t exactly surprising.

“I was extremely impressed with his demeanor,” Miola said about meeting Voodoo. “One of the three things I look for in a breeding stallion is their demeanor.”

This trait is followed by their work ethic in the show pen and attitude in the breeding shed. Voodoo continues to check all three boxes for Miola.

NRHA Professional Thiago Boechat trained and showed the stallion prior to Miola’s purchase. The pair’s most notable accomplishment was at the 2012 NRHA Derby where they were the Open Level(L) 4 Co-Reserve Champions. As a 3-year-old, Voodoo was the 2010 Tulsa Reining Classic L3–2 Open Champion in addition to making the Open L4 Finals at the NRHA Futurity. Miola admits Voodoo isn’t known for his show career; the stallion shines brightest as a producer.

Xtra New Pal Voodoo, “Pal,” is the only horse by the stallion Miola kept on the ranch. The winner of more than $81,800 in NRHA LTE, Pal transition to a career in team roping, proving the versatility of Voodoo’s offspring.

During the 2019 NRHA Futurity, Voodoo’s progeny earned more than $30,000 to push him across the million-dollar mark. Both Xtra Shiners Taboo (out of Xtra Suzies Step) and Magin Mann (out of Wimpys New Pal) walked away with checks after making the MS Diamonds TX Open L4 Finals. Also cashing checks at the NRHA Futurity were Xtra Handsome Shiner (out of Hermosa Wimpy), Xtra Voodoo Charm (out of Little Smart Wimpy), and Voodoo Brew (out of Reddy To Smokem).

Shiners Voodoo Dr’s top-performing offspring include:

• Xtra New Pal Voodoo (out of Wimpys New Pal, by Wimpys Little Step): $81,893 LTE
• Shiners Voodoo (out of BR China Rose, by Hollywood Dun It): $66,943 LTE
• Smart Voodoo Doctor (out of Smart As Sister, by Very Smart Remedy): $46,452 LTE
• Xtra Taris Voodoo (out of All That’s Dun, by Hollywood Dun It): $41,479 LTE
• Call Me Mr Voodoo (out of ARC Sassy Snapper, by Snapper Call Bar): $40,454 LTE
• Xtra Voodoo Gun (out of Miss Silver Gun, by Gunner): $38,098 LTE
• Xtra Voodoo Doc (out of Call Me Miss Hickory, by Docs Hickory): $37,719 LTE
• Blonde Ambishen (out of Relaxin With A Bud, by Nic It In The Bud): $37,691 LTE
• Shiners Voodoo Juice (out of SLJ This Is My Juice, by Smart Like Juice): $35,033 LTE
• Xtra Black Magic (out of Always Steppin Smart, by Wimpys Little Step): $33,716 LTE