Shawn Flarida and Andiamoe Win 2022 NRHA Futurity Open Championship

December 3 – When Andiamoe hit the entrance to the Jim Norick Coliseum, the crowd was already cheering. They’d watched the absolutely masterful go-rounds, where Shawn Flarida and the royally bred mare had marked 228.5 and 224.5. They knew what they were in store for.

When Flarida hit the first stop, the crowd was so loud he wasn’t sure Andiamoe heard him. Regardless, Andiamoe knew the drill, sliding to a stop and scooting her way back to the center. From there, she riled the crowd up even further. On his final stop, Flarida’s smile was visible from the back gate.

As the score of 230 rang out over the audience, Flarida earned his seventh NRHA Open Futurity Championship and a payday of $350,000. With the win, he had launched himself squarely into the mix for The American Performance Horseman.
“She’s a very happy horse. I just tried to stay out of her way,” Flarida said. “She’s so determined, and she’s so confident. Sometimes I’ve just got to be there to pet her and tell her, ‘Hey, you did good.’ Very seldom do I ever have to tell her to work harder. We do a lot of petting and a lot of walking.”
Flarida called Andiamoe a clone of her mother, NRHA Million Dollar Dam Wimpys Little Chic. Flarida earned his fourth Futurity Championship on the palomino in 2007. To make the feat more impressive, Flarida earned an NRHA Open Futurity Championship on Andiamoe’s father, as well, NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya.
“Andiamoe is just so special. She’s amazing,” Flarida said.
Andiamoe was bred, nominated, and owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses.
Flarida credited his steady mindset throughout the intense week to his family, saying his son Sam Flarida is the one who coaches him throughout the process.
“From the time I get my chaps on to the time I go in, he says some of the most important things to me,” Flarida said. “Tonight, he told me to move my hand slow, to trust myself, ‘This is yours. You’ve been building yourself up to do this, and your horse is ready, and she looks cool.’ He was very instrumental in making sure I got through that gate.”
Flarida said the list of those to thank would be too long for the page, but those at the top included his family, friends, wife, Sam, and his owners.
“And my horse. She is absolutely amazing,” he said.
Finishing as the Level 4 Open Reserve Champions were Customize My Dream and NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary. The pair put together a solid 228.5 run, earning a cool $150,000 for owner Devin Warren. Customize My Dream, by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Gunna Be Custom, was nominated by Garth Hystad, who received $7,500.
Rounding out the top three and earning $100,000 was Abby Lengel and her horse Bringnthaheat. Lengel bred, nominated, raised, and trained the talented mare by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six out of Tackie Dreams.

Level 3 Open Champions – Matt Mills & Walla Be A Bigstar
Drawing last in the MS Diamonds Level 4 Open Finals is a coup, and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills planned to capitalize on it. He knew the scores to beat, so when he rode into the Jim Norick Coliseum on Walla Be A Bigstar, he did so with authority.

From the very first stop to the last, it was clear Mills and the flashy palomino stallion were true contenders. Unfortunately, a bobble on a rollback sparked a judges’ review, and Mills had to sweat.
Once the review was over, his score – a 222 – was announced. It was enough to not only win the Level 3 Open Championship but also good for seventh in the L4. That meant that Mills had won the $70,000 check for first in the Level 3 and an additional $52,634 for the L4.
“I’m just really happy for that horse. He’s incredible – we had that darn rollback, but I’m really, really pleased with this incredible horse,” Mills said.
Walla Be A Big Star, by ARC Gunnabeabigstar and out of Smart Little Walla, was bred and nominated by Danny Dalton. He was trained and started by Garrett Thurner, who was showing the horse at the Kimes Ranch Tulsa Reining Classic when he first came on Mills’ radar.
“I saw him showing that week, and I could see the horse was just oozing talent. I went right to Garrett and asked him if I could be first in line. I got a chance to try that horse there and bought him. Garrett did a phenomenal job training that horse, and I didn’t have a lot of time between here and Tulsa, but I’ve typically done pretty well in that situation,” Mills shared. “What a horse he is! I’m not going to lie – during that review, I was holding my breath wondering if we’d be drinking to celebrate or to cry.”
Making the win even more special for Mills was that Walla Be A Bigstar is owned by his longtime clients, Tim and Marybeth Ruckman. “I’m so happy for them. They have always supported me. I also thank my other owners, including Janice Dickson and Taylor Sheridan. It’s a team effort, and it took us all to get the horse here tonight.”
Tying for reserve in the Level 3 were Martin Larcombe and Jordan Larson, who each marked 221.5.
Larcombe, who passed the million-dollar mark in earnings during the NRHA Futurity, rode Vincent Van Whoa, a stallion he owns with Andrea Costa. Vincent Van Whoa, by Spooks Gotta Gun out of FM Master Tag Chex, was also bred and nominated by Kim Adamic, who received $2,125. Larcombe and Vincent Van Whoa also finished second in the Open Prime Time for total earnings of $44,076.
Larson and HA Tune Of A Mobster took second in the Level 3 and tied for eighth in the Level 4 for total earnings of $83,964. HA Tune Of A Mobster, by HF Mobster out of HA Lena Smart Tune, was nominated by Hillis Akin Family Partnership, who received $4,198, and is now owned by Heritage Farms.

Level 2 Open Champions – Guglielmo Fontana & CD Gunnas Chex Olena
Guglielmo Fontana and CD Gunnas Chex Olena earned the most frequent flier miles when traveling to Oklahoma City to compete in the NRHA Futurity. The pair made it count, putting together solid runs all week. With a 219.5 in the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals, they ended the week as the Level 2 Open Champions. They also finished tied for ninth in the Level 3 and 14th in the Level 4 for total earnings of $78,957.
CD Gunnas Chex Olena, by ARC Gunna Sparkya and out of Mistis Chex Olena, was nominated and is owned by Società Agricola CD Horses SRL.

“I’m really happy with my horse. He gave me everything. For me, it’s a dream to be here, and I’m really proud for me and my horse,” Fontana shared. “This is a dream because this is my first time to show here in the states. We decided to come here three months ago, so this is something very special. To just be here tonight, it’s like I won.”
Fontana thanked both Matteo Rondanina and Francesco Martinotti. “Matteo arranged the flight for myself and my horse, and then after showing in Ardmore, I moved my horse to Francesco Martinotti’s,” he explained. “I say a really big thank you to both of them.”
Now Fontana plans to return home, which is in Italy. “We will see with the horse. Maybe we will come back next year. I don’t know yet; I have to speak about it with the owner,” he said.
Tying for second in the Level 2 were Chuy Chavez on Post Palone and Rodrigo Nieves on Spook Lil Whiz. Each marked a score of 218.5.
Post Palone, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Blazed By Commander, is owned by Electric Shine Equine. The colt earned $20,000, with $1,000 going to breeder and nominator Alan Chappell.
Nieves and Spook Lil Whiz, by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lil Dreamer, qualified for the Finals in Levels 4, 3, and 2, earning a total of $$44,897. Spooks Lil Whiz is owned by Renata Lemannwas nominated by NRHA Professional Eduardo Salgado, who passed away earlier this year.

Open Futurity Finals Level 1 Champion – Graddytude & Ethan Wiley
Graddytude lived up to her name in the NRHA Open Futurity Finals, bringing home the Level 1 Championship from the first section of Open Finals Saturday, Dec. 3. The pair scored a 216.5 and earned $13,000 for the Level 1.
“She’s a really good-minded horse,” rider Ethan Wiley said. “There is nothing that she doesn’t try to think through. Her strength, to me, is that she’s a team player.”
Graddytude is owned by Lisa and Mark Doering and was teamed up with Willey a few months prior to the Futurity.

“She’s gotten better the whole way [including] when we got to this horse show,” Wiley said. “Today, she was like a machine, and I was able to chase her in the circles. The faster we went, the better she was.”
Sired by Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Miss Little Addy Tude. She was bred and nominated by Toyon Ranch.
“I showed her at the Southwest before this, and we had a couple of turn penalties, [plus] her rollbacks were a little rough. So, we had some stuff we had to clean up,” Willey said. “Our plan [today] was to go in there and either make it or break it. I really thought I made a mistake on my first stop – I missed my timing a little bit – but that mare is so good that she saved me on that.”
Willey thanked Danny and Fred Tremblay, Mike Flarida, and wife Angie Willey.

Werner, Rafacz, and Schriebvogel Win NRHA Adequan® NAAC Titles and Showdowns

An exciting week at the 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships wrapped up on a high note. Two young riders split the Championship of the Youth 14 – 18 NAAC, and in the Coliseum Arena, Madalyn Werner, who finished second in the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, came for redemption, winning both the Toyon Ranch and Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Showdowns.
Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Rookie 2 and Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown Champion – Madalyn Werner and My Lil Whizkey Girl
Madalyn Werner found some sweet redemption aboard My Lil Whizkey Girl in the Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Rookie 2 and Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown, scoring a 213 and earning a whopping $10,000.
The win came a day after Werner competed in a runoff and finished Reserve Champion in the NAAC Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year competition.
“I was a little worried about running her three days in a row with the Showdown, but we did what we had to do,” Werner said. “This week, we really figured each other out. I learned how to show, and she’ll do her job if I’ll do mine. This week I’ve finally been able to think while I’m in the show pen.”
My Lil Whizkey Girl is a 6-year-old mare sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of A Smart Gun. She was bred by Jennifer Gilliam and owned by Werner.
“It’s a dream come true to run through the gates here. It was bonus to have this kind of success,” Werner said
Werner thanked her trainer Kim Diercks, parents, family, and everyone back home.
“Thank you to Toyon Ranch and Bobs Custom Saddles for [sponsoring]. It’s an extra special thing to do for the rookies while we’re down here, and gives us an opportunity to show in the big pen,” Werner said.

NAAC Youth 14-18 Co-Champion – Madison Rafacz and Got Twisted In Vegas

Madison Rafacz garnered her second and third titles of the week following her success in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 on Got Twisted In Vegas. This time, a score of 215.5 earned Rafacz the NAAC Youth 14-18 Co-Championship, as well as the co-title for the ancillary division of the class.

“She was very good today,” Rafacy said. “I was just trying to go in and have a great run, not have any penalties, and we did that. She circled really good, and she was good around the ends this time.”
Got Twisted In Vegas (High Roller Whiz x Wimpys Dun Twistin) is owned by Rafacz.
“She’s been very good all week,” Rafacz said. “I tried to win the novice horse with her earlier this week, then showed the next day in the non pro and it was not super great. I ended up schooling, but I think it helped with this class.”
Rafacz thanked her parents, family, and friends, specifically Bud and Kim Lyon.

NAAC Youth 14-18 and Ancillary Youth 14-18 Co-Champion – Sorrel Schreibvogel and Sparkin Affair
Sorrel Schreibvogel and Sparkin Affair earned the NAAC Youth 14-18 and Ancillary Youth 14-18 Co-Championship on the last day of the NRHA Futurity. The youth scored 215.5 on the 9-year-old gelding.
“He’s always been super consistent, and I really enjoy getting to show him,” Schreibvogel said. “His favorite maneuver is stops, and they’re my favorite too.”
Sparkin Affair is sired by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shining Spark and out of Memorable Affair. He is owned by Randy Shepherd.
“He was very fresh going in the middle,” Schreibvogel said. “He didn’t want to listen, but I tried to zero my spins and plus the circles and stops and let him do what he needed to do.”
Schreibvogel thanked Yonathan Baruch, her parents, and her grandparents for their support.

December 2- Schumacher & Clutter Split 2022 NRHA Futurity CINCH Non Pro Championship

Oh! What A Night!
The Jim Norick Coliseum was rocking on Friday, Dec., for the Finals of the 2022 National Reining Horse Association CINCH Non Pro Futurity. The night was filled with all the emotions one could want in a finals, and the roar of the crowd indicated its approval.

CINCH Non Pro Level 4 Co-Champion, Levels 3, 2, & 1 Champion – William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom
William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom put on a show on Friday night in the Jim Norick Coliseum, marking a 222.5 to tie for the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Championship and take sole ownership of the wins in Levels 1, 2, and 3. All totaled, the pair won $119,895, with $5,994 going to nominator Alicia Rapp.
While Clutter was the man at the reins, he was adamant he wasn’t the only one in the arena.

“Kelle Smith and I have worked together all year, every day. I ride six days a week with Kelle and Sam,” Clutter said, speaking of two-time NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion Kelle Smith, who passed away earlier this week but not before qualifying for yet another Non Pro Finals. “Kelle told me all year long that we’re Team Smith and that if I stumbled, she would pick me up, and if she stumbled, I would help her up.”
He took a pause and collected his thoughts. “Tonight, we helped each other. There is no doubt that Kelle took care of me tonight. It wasn’t easy seeing her horse in the arena tonight during the memorial. She earned it, and she deserved that, so it meant the world to me to be there for Sam. This wasn’t about me. This was for my friends, Sam and Kelle,” he said. “I’m just honored to be the guy that got to go in there and do this for them.”
Clutter and the flashy mare, by Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of Green Smokin Jacket, ran into the arena with authority.
“I wanted to get in that gate, and I wanted to let the judges know I came to play. This mare was a 21 in the first round, and I knew there was a little more in the tank, and I needed every bit of it. I also needed some luck and some help,” he said. “And I definitely had luck and help tonight.”
Clutter and his father, Jay, purchased Smokinintheboyzroom a year ago, the Sunday after the Open Futurity Finals, from Max Morin. “We watched her work for five minutes, and it was a no-brainer,” he recalled. “I think now she’s going to get a little time off to eat some grass, and we’re going to try to get some embryos out of her. Her heart is so big, and I know what she’s going to produce. We’ll get these babies and get her ready later on in the year, but right now, we’re just going take her home, pet on her, love on her, and get a couple babies.”
Clutter made sure to thank the people closest to him. “My mom and dad are my biggest supporters. I thank my wife, my kids…and, like I said, Sam and Kelle mean the world to me. She and Sam pushed me, and didn’t take any less. Also, Max did an awesome job with this mare as a two-year-old. He told me ‘You did amazing,’ but I said, ‘No, we did amazing. You put the first year on her. We finished her up and I got her shown. It was a team effort all the way.”
Tying for second in the Level 3 with scores of 220 were Indy Roper on Pretty Alrightt and Charles Wiederholt on Ima Magnum Survivor.
Roper and Pretty Alrightt, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire WImpys Little Step out of Justanother Dun It, also finished fourth in the Level 4 for total earnings of $44,593. Pretty Alrightt, owned by Tim Roper, was nominated by Lewisville Development, LP, who received $2,229 of the earnings.
Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Golden Survivor, also finished fourth in the Level 4 and won the Non Pro Prime Time for total earnings of $46,784, with $2,229 going to nominator Deana Nell.
Molly Morgenstern took the Level 2 Non Pro Reserve Championship on Aphrodites Gotvoodoo with a 217.5. The pair also finished just outside the top 10 in the Level 4 and fourth in the Level 3, for total earnings of $29,592. Aphrodites Gotvoodoo is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr out of One Might Aphrodite and was nominated by Double Run Farm, who was awarded $1,479.
There was another tie for Reserve, but this time in the Level 1, between Drew Collins and Chalyce Head, who both marked a 215.
Collins rode Miss Lil Joe, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash out of Custom Tag. Collins and the mare earned $11,918 thanks to additional placings in Levels 3 and 2. The mare was nominated by Darling 888 Ranch, who received $595.
Head teamed up with Whiz I Was A Walla, by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz out of My Tucker Surprize, to not only take the L1 reserve co-title but also place in Levels 2, 3, and 4. All totaled, the pair earned $18,088, with $904 going to nominator Jenna Kellmer.

CINCH Non Pro Futurity Level 4 Co-Champion – Gina Maria Schmacher and Gunnin For The Nite
Gina-Maria Schumacher captured her first NRHA Non-Pro Futurity Title Friday night, Dec. 2, during a high-energy CINC Non Pro Finals. Marking a 222.5, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Schumacher tied with William Clutter for the win. Schumacher earned $60,000 for the feat and an additional $28,707 on her other two horses.

“I just rode,” Schumacher said of Gunnin For The Night. “I didn’t want to push him too much because he decides what he wants to do. I was going to go with what he wanted to do.”
The night before the finals, Schumacher wasn’t pleased with how ‘Bucky’ rode. So, her expectations were up in the air as she ran down the alley in the Jim Norick Arena.
“I was thinking, ‘That [stop] was pretty good.’ And then after his first turn, I thought, ‘Well, that’s OK,’ and after the second turn, I thought, ‘Well, it’s over. I messed up; I’ll keep riding,’” Schumacher said.
Schumacher navigated through the pattern just as she had done on her other two horses, CS O Bingo (Snip O Lution x Bingo Juicy) and CS Face The Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Face Of A Gun Model), but a bobble in her second turn had her thinking she was out of it.
The judges thought otherwise – tying her with Clutter.
Gunnin For The Nite is a gelding bred and nominated by Toyon Ranch, who received a nominating check for $3,000. He’s owned by XCS Ranch LLC and sired by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Dun It Fri Dee Nite.
According to Schumacher, Gunnin For The Night is a special and opinionated horse that gets upset easily. If he gets riled up during a training session, Schumacher shelves training for the next day.
“He has his own way of doing things sometimes. He’s very special, he can get upset about little things you don’t expect a horse to get upset about. Like there is a guy taking out the trash across the arena,” Schumacher said.
Despite his idiosyncrasies, the colt, nicknamed Bucky, surely redeemed himself with a $60,000 check.
“I thank everybody. The whole crew – they’ve been working hard all year,” Schumacher said. “They’ve been exhausted, tired, and they just keep pushing. I thank Ian, my mom, and my dad.”

CINCH Non Pro Prime Time Futurity Champion – Charles Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor
The CINCH Non Pro Prime Time Futurity Championship went to Charles Wiederholt and Ima Magnum Survivor with a score of 221.5. For the win, Wiederholt earned $2,190. The pair also won fourth in the Level 4, for total earnings of $46,784, with $2,229 going to breeder and nominator Deana Nell.

“I got him in August of his 2-year-old year, and he was a really green two-year-old. I gelded him and started training on him, and he’s trained up really well,” Weiderholt said. “He’s good in his mouth, and when they’re good in their mouth, it seems like they’re easy to train.”
Throughout the pattern, Wiederholt said Ima Magnum Survivor, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Golden Survivor, was with him every step of the way.
“I thank Dallas Cunningham and Brandon Freihait,” Wiederholt said.

CINCH Non Pro Youth Champion – Lane Colston and HA Chic
Lane Colston brought home the CINCH Non Pro Youth Championship on HA Chic with a score of 219.5, worth $1,316. The pair finished seventh in the Level 4 as well, worth an additional $19,023 in earnings. Breeder and nominator, Hills Akin Family Partnership, received $951.

“My trainer, Jake Ballard, said, ‘Just put your hand down and go show your horse. It’s either going to go well, or it’s not,’” Colston said.
HA Chic was with Colston every step of the way, loping off with his head down and letting Colston wrap his legs around him.
“My dad bought him as a yearling, and I told him I didn’t know why he bought him,” Colston recalled. “[Later] I told him, ‘I’m glad you bought him because he’s the best 3-year-old this year.’ He’s really talented, and he’s a great horse. When we started him, he was a bit smaller, but he’s growing to be a nice horse.”
HA Chic, owned by Lane’s father, Kevin, is sired by HF Mobster and out of HA Chic A Tune. The colt is a graduate of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales.
“I thank my parents and Jake Ballard, our trainer. And everyone else who has helped along the way,” Colston said.

Petrol & Rapp Win Thursday’s NRHA Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdowns

The final weekend of the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships started on a high note. The Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open Showdowns were held in the Jim Norick Coliseum Thursday morning, with 21 top riders from the NAAC classes competing for additional cash prizes. Those earnings are on top of what anyone might have already won in the Adequan® Arena.
The top 10 (plus ties) in the classes had the opportunity – with no extra entry fee – to compete in the Showdowns for additional monetary prizes.

Bob’s Custom Saddles sponsored the Showdown rounds for the Intermediate Open, Intermediate Non Pro, as well as the Rookie Level 2, which will run concurrently with the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year Showdown Saturday morning.
Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Intermediate Open Showdown – Xtra Miss Wimpy and Sebastian Petrol
Xtra Miss Wimpy added another $5,000 to her resume Thursday morning in the Bob’s Custom Saddle Intermediate Open Showdown. With Sebastian Petrol at the helm, the mare marked a 217.5.
“I am very thankful for Bob’s Custom Saddles for doing this,” Petrol said. “That company does a great job supporting us and supporting the Association. We’re very grateful.”
Bred and nominated by Ixtul Quarter Horses, Xtra Miss Wimpy is described as a “positive, happy, and good horse to be around.” The mare is owned by Ellen Cummins and is sired by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Little Smart Wimpy.
“She is just a darling. We’ve had her since her 3-year-old year. I showed her as a 3-year-old year and had some terrible luck all year long. Never really felt like I did her justice in her career,” Petrol said. “Now that she’s turned 7, we’re switching gears and looking for different places to show her. She’s still so good in the pen, so we’re looking to rack up some more earnings, and today was a great opportunity here today.”
Petrol thanked Cummins for her continued support and his entire team – including his wife ­­– for their hard work.
Bob’s Custom Saddles NAAC Intermediate Non Pro Showdown – Alicia Rapp and Spooks Gotta Glo
For Alicia Rapp, the Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdown was the cherry on top of a successful NRHA Futurity. She surpassed her lifetime earnings goal of $100,000 in the ancillary classes and got the chance to run through the Gateway of Champions entrance in the Bobs Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro Showdown.
“I think Bob’s doing this is awesome,” Rapp said. “I think it’s absolutely great. It was so much fun to be able to do this and show in the coliseum.”
With a score of 216.5, Rapp earned $5,000 aboard 5-year-old Spooks Gotta Glo.
“It was a really good run,” Rapp said. This pattern is really hard for me – pattern 7 – things happen so fast. But he was really a good boy. Ran in and got stopped huge three times, turned the best today that he has all week, and my slowdowns were [on center].”
According to Rapp, her gelding Spooks Gotta Glo (Spooks Gotta Gun x Look At Her Glo) is a “dork” who loves treats, turnout time, and competing.
“I thank my trainer, Ted Chancey. I’ve been with him for almost 15 years. And Mari Little, who does all of my acupuncture and chiropractic work on my horses. I couldn’t have done it without them,” Rapp said.
Complete results can be found at NRHAFuturity.com
NAAC Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion and Ancillary Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion – Addison Sawyer and Whizkey At Dawn
The competition in the Youth 13 and Under classes was fierce, and in the end, the top place finished in a tie. Scoring a 211, North Carolina’s Addison Sawyer earned a Co-Championship in both the NAAC Youth 13 and Under, as well as the ancillary division in the class. All told, she earned more than $200.
Riding “easy” gelding Whizkey At Dawn (Whizkey N Diamonds x Dualin At Dawn x Dualin Gun), Sawyer put together a smooth run.
“He has prepared amazing this week,” Sawyer said. “It was fun today. I started to laugh because he didn’t spin good, but that’s OK. His best maneuver is his circles.”
According to Sawyer, Whizkey At Dawn’s favorite treat is German Horse Muffins. He was bred by Bundy Lane and is owned by Wayne Mizelle.
Sawyer thanked her trainer, Miss Joe, for her help.
NAAC Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion and Ancillary Youth 13 and Under Co-Champion – Hayley Thompson and Fifty Shades Of Roan
Hayley Thompson may have started riding pleasure horses but got to the reining pen as soon as she could. Riding new teammate Fifty Shades Of Roan (Roosters Wrangler x The Roan Whizard), Thompson garnered two Co-Championships in the NAAC Youth 13 and Under and the ancillary division of the class.
Riding to a score of 211, Thompson earned $214.
“I just got him this year in August,” Thompson said of Fifty Shades Of Roan. “He’s really fun, and I love him so much. He’s always happy. He loves apples, and he’ll be getting some.”
According to Thompson, Fifty Shades Of Roan’s best maneuvers are his stops and spins, and she plans on improving her run downs with him. The gelding was bred by Cora Solum and is owned by Clayton Thompson.
“We’ve been riding him a lot, and I rode him in here last night, and he was really good,” Thompson said. “I thank my trainer, Jason Donahue, and my parents.”
Youth Short Stirrup Champion – Rafael Christians and New N Town
The 2022 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Champion will have competition for the largest entourage… and it comes from Brazilian youth Rafael Christians. Christians marked a massive 219 on New N Town to win the Short Stirrup. The only one more excited about the championship than the entourage was the Champion himself.
With the help of translator Ty Boechat, Christians expressed his gratitude.
“I am very happy, very excited, and have a mix of emotions after marking a 219,” Christians said. “The run went very well. I’ve trained very hard, even before I came to the United States. I trained in Brazil for a long time, and I’m very happy to get to ride.”
Riding Janice Laney’s 5-year-old gelding, New N Town (Gunners Tinseltown x Wimpys New Pal) Christians marked his highest score ever.
“He’s a really good horse, and I’m honored I get to ride him. I’m very glad I got to stay at Eleven Equine to train in preparation,” Christians said.
Christians’ list of people to thank was long and included Janice Laney, Eduardo Christians, Thiago Boechat, Joao Batistella, Joao Felipe Lacerda, Telma Eltink, Lucio Casalecchi, Ricardo Amaral, and the Tripol Ranch.
Tyson Randle Wins NRHA Honorable Mention Futurity on SRH Legally Blond
Riders not advancing to the finals had the option of entering the $1,000 Added Honorable Mention Futurity, and Tyson Randle and SRH Legally Blonde were victorious. The NRHA Professional and the mare, owned by Beth Ann Biber, marked a 215 for the win.
SRH Legally Blond, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit out of Java Light, was bred and nominated by Silver Spurs Equine.
Taking second in the Honorable Mention Futurity was Cody Garrison and Aintnofortunateson with a 213.5. Xtra Voodoo Me is by Colonel Smart Spook out of Custom Sparklolena. The stallion was bred, nominated, and is owned by Brogan Lee.

NAAC Action Continues in Adequan® Arena

With more than 200 entries, the Adequan® NAAC and ancillary Rookie classes had to be split into two sections.
As of 7 p.m. Thursday, the current leaderboard looks like this:
    •    NAAC Rookie of the Year – Karly Diane Kopp & Sugaway Spooks – 212
    •    NAAC Rookie of the Year – Madalyn Werner & My Lil Whizkey Girl
    •    NAAC Rookie L2 – Matthew Dooley & Magnifisent – 213
    •    NAAC Rookie L2 – Cassandra Jean Hacking & Shiners Hot Cash – 213
    •    NAAC Prime Time Rookie – Jerry Douglas & Xtra Dun Step – 209.5
    •    Rookie L1 – Karly Diane Kopp & Sugaway Spooks – 212
    •    Rookie L1 – Madalyn Werner & My Lil Whizkey Girl
    •    Rookie L2 – Matthew Dooley & Magnifisent – 213
    •    Rookie L2 – Cassandra Jean Hacking & Shiners Hot Cash – 213
    •    Prime Time Rookie – Rick Massimi & Smartchicatrashya – 209
    •    Prime Time Rookie – Holly Hardin & Wimpys Lil Melody – 209
As in 2021, the top 10 in the Rookie Level 1, or Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, will advance to the clean-slate Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown, where the winner will receive a $5,000 bonus. The same is true for NAAC Rookie Level 2 competitors, who can earn a spot in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Level 2 Showdown.

NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Update
The numbers are still being finalized, but this year’s NRHA Markel Futurity Sales were a standout success. Look for a complete recap in tomorrow’s news, but for now, take a look at the high sellers of each session.
Topping the NRHA Markel Futurity Performance Horse Sale was Gotta Turn It Up, a 2020 colt by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Blazed By Commander (by Commanders Nic). Consigned by Alan and Allison Chappel, he brought a price of $80,000 from buyer Donald Schanche.
Chex N The Trash, a 2021 palomino colt by Gunnatrashya and out of the Nu Chex To Cash mare, Snip O Chex, scored the highest selling price of the day with a bid of $130,000 in the Elite Yearling Sale. Consigned by Cooper Smith, he sold to an online buyer.

In the NRHA Markel Futurity Preferred Breeders Sale, A Gal With A Gun, consigned by Shelli Ries, was the highest seller at $110,000. The 2006 mare, by Gunner out of Roxanne Winder, sold with a frozen embryo by NRHA Eight Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream. A Gal With A Gun sold to an online bidder.

Another son of Spooks Gotta Whiz attracted buyers when Spooks Buckaroo, consigned by Deleu Ranch, took in $87,000 in the Premier Sale. The 2021 dun colt is out of Wanda On Line by Shine On Line, and sold to B&K Leasing.

Andiamoe and Shawn Flarida Top NRHA Open Prelims with Fiery Scores

The stage has been set for the world of reining’s most prestigious night; the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Finals. Held Saturday, Dec. 3, what was a field of 391 has been whittled to 35 Level 4 Open horses and riders.
The Open first go took place Nov. 24-26, and the top horses from each level advanced to the semi-finals. Levels 3, 2, and 1 went through the pen on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and on Wednesday, the L4 Open semi-finals, sponsored by Not Ruf At All, featured the top 75 horses from the first round. From there, the top 30 competitors (plus ties) with the highest composite scores in L4-1, plus the top 10 in the Prime Time, advanced to the clean-slate Finals.

There, in the Jim Norick Coliseum, more than $2 million will be paid out, breaking the previous record by more than $200,000!
In fact, all four Open Level purses are record-breakers in 2022!
This year, the Level 4 Open exhibitors will be competing for an impressive $350,000 1st place prize during the MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals. The Reserve Champion will still win a guaranteed $150,000, and third place will bank $100,000.

That’s huge news, and the guaranteed payouts for all Open Levels are impressive.
    •    Level 3 – Champion/$70,000, Res. Champion/$50,000, 3rd/$35,000
    •    Level 2 – Champion/$50,000, Res. Champion/$25,000, 3rd $15,000
    •    Level 1 – Champion/$13,000, Res. Champion/$7,000

Topping the L4 semi-finals and securing their spot in the finals with a composite 453 were Adiamoe and Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn. Leading the field by more than three points, Flarida has shown his poise to the competition headed into the electric clean-slate finals.

The pair marked a 228.5 in the first round and came back for more in the second round with a 224.5. Andiamoe is bred and owned by Two Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses, sired by Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of NRHA Million Dam Wimpys Little Chic.
Her name is Italian and translates to “Let’s go!”
Flarida is a five-time NRHA Open Futurity Champion and advanced to the Prime Time Open Finals in the top spot, as well.
In the L3 and L2 Open, Rodrigo Nieves and Spook Lil Whiz took the top spot with a composite of 445.5. The stallion is bred and owned by Renata Lemann and was nominated by Eduardo Salgado. Spook Lil Whiz is sired by Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Lil Dreamer.
The top L1 horse and rider were Shineoncrazydiamond with Vanessa Strotmann, who marked a 219.5 and 220 for a 439.5 composite. The stallion was bred and nominated by Stefano Calcagnini and is owned by Strotmann herself. He’s sired by NRHA Million Sire Shine Chic Shine and out of Cashing In Diamonds.
The bubble needed to earn a berth in the L4 Open Finals was a 440. In the L3, it took a 434.5 to advance. L2 riders had to mark at least a 430, while in the L1, it took a 420.5 or more. To make the Top 10 in the Prime Time Open, riders needed to earn at least a 439.

Riders Advance from CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation
Although the preliminary round of the NRHA CINCH Non Pro Futurity concluded Monday evening, riders who barely missed qualifying for the finals still had a chance to advance.
That’s because the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation round gives entries that last chance needed to secure a spot in the Finals. In the consolation, the top five from each of the four Levels move on to Friday’s competition.
Jesse Asmussen and TR Who N Who topped the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Consolation with a 215.5. TR Who N Who was bred and nominated by Tamarack Ranch and is owned by Jesse Asmussen. TR Who N Who is sired by Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Spooks N Sparks.
Finishing with the top score in Level 3 were Sarah Lynn Locker and Frankie D with a 215. The stallion is nominated, bred, and owned by Hilldale Farm. He’s sired by Heavy Duty Chex and out of CR Kim.
Marking a 212 in Level 2 was Tiffany Bauer and CC Pearl Jam. The mare was bred and nominated by Brent Loseke and is owned by Bauer. She’s sired by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun and out of Jamrock Joe.
Marking the high score in Level 1 was Shelby Reine and Dun Playing Tag. Dun Playing Tag is sired by Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It and out of Thelma Tag. The mare was bred, nominated, and owned by Reine.

Bubble scores to advance to the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals on Friday, Dec. 3, from the Consolation were 213 for Level 4, 211 for Level 3, 183 for Level 2, and 202 for Level 1.
Draw positions for the finals will be decided during the Platinum Performance Draw Party on Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Platinum Zone.

Cash For Color: APHA’s Chrome Cash Makes a Splash at NRHA Futurity

The National Reining Horse Association’s competitors had even more opportunities to add to their horses’ lifetime earnings, thanks to a partnership with the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash incentive program.
At the NRHA Futurity alone, $5,000 in added money was available to registered Paint Horses. The Chrome Cash classes were offered as a part of the Level 4 Open and Non Pro Futurities, with $3,000 and $2,000 added, respectively.
The incentive paid 14 places in the Open and six places in the Non Pro, rewarding hard-working Paints making their mark in the futurity arena.

In the Open Futurity, Bringnthaheat and Abby Lengel took the top honors with a score of 226 in the first go round. For the effort, the pair earned $2,366. The mare, who is owned by Lengel, is sired by Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and out of Tackie Dreams.

“I’ve had her from the beginning, I’ve done all the riding on her and she’s probably my favorite horse of all time,” Lengel said. “I think the Chrome Cash is another awesome way to get the Paints involved. I got [Bringnthaheat]’s Paint papers early on because I want to get more involved in the APHA.”
Reserve Champion – Customize My Dream (Magnum Chic Dream x Gunna Be Custom) $1,440
Ridden by Casey Deary, Owned by Devin Warren, and Nominated by Garth Hystad
3rd Place – CS Especially Moody (Gunners Special Nite x Judys A Little Moody) $1,080
Ridden by Duane Latimer, Owned and Nominated by XCS Ranch LLC

In the Non Pro Futurity, preliminary leader Fire N Rein and Jack Medows secured the Chrome Cash prize with a score of 221.5. The Amy Medows-owned mare added $1,582 to her record before she even set foot in the Finals pen. Fire N Rein is sired by Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chicsdreamofdiamonds.

“I’m really excited as I prep her throughout this week, getting ready for Friday night,” Medows said. “The Chrome Cash is such a cool deal. The opportunity to get some money in the first go is really great for the industry and supporting APHA. It’s fantastic.”
Reserve Champion – Sighted In (Colonels Smoking Gun x Dainty Little Step) $1,088
Ridden by Mandy McCutcheon, Owned by Cade McCutcheon, and Nominated by Brooke Wharton
3rd Place ­– CS Face The Shine (Shine Chic Shine x Face Of A Gun Model) $939
Ridden by Gina-Marie Schumacher, Owned and Nominated by XCS Ranch LLC
Both solid and regular paint horses are eligible to compete in Chrome Cash classes.

Sommers & Dont Give A Flinn Lead 2022 NRHA Futurity L3 Open Semi-Finals

The sixth day of the 2022 National Reining Horse Futurity wrapped up Tuesday, Nov. 29, with the first section of the Open Semi-Finals for Levels 3, 2, and 1. The finalists for all levels of the Open will be determined during Wednesday’s Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All. The top 30 composite scores from the go-round and semi-finals, including ties, will advance to the clean-slate finals on Saturday, Dec. 3. There, more than $2 million will be paid out, breaking the previous record by more than $200,000!

Punching his ticket to the Finals and securing his chance to win a few big checks is NRHA Million Dollar Rider Todd Sommers. As the very last draw of the day, Sommers rode Dont Give A Flinn, by In Like Flinn out of SL Lenas Chic, to a Semi-Finals score of 219 for a 435 composite. That placed them firmly at the top of the lead of Levels 3, 2, and Open Prime Time. The stallion, owned by Stephany Monteleone, was bred and nominated by Methogest, Inc.
Topping the Open L1 Semi-Finals were Diego Gaona on Rush Gotta Whiz and Wade McDonald on Itsmistertou. Both finished the Semi-Finals with a composite score of 433.
Rush Gotta Whiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Rush N Cat), owned by Joseph Paukner, was nominated by Lorenzo Lotti.
Itsmistertou (PS Mega Shine Chic x Misters Temptress), owned by David White, was nominated by Adh-Mor Ranch.
All four Open Level purses are record-breakers in 2022. The L4 increased by more than $20,000, and the L3 Open rose to a new high of $385,499; the previous record was $289,541, set in 2012. The L2 Open purse, which hit its peak in 2021 at $134,868, has climbed once again to $193,924, and the L1 Open, at more than $74,000, beats the previous record from 2019 by nearly $20,000!
While that’s huge news, the guaranteed payouts for all Open Levels are impressive, including the Level 3 Open Championship check for $70,000 and the Level 2 Championship prize of $50,000.
The Open Guaranteed Payouts for Levels 1, 2, and 3 are:
    •    Level 3 – Champion/$70,000, Res. Champion/$50,000, 3rd/$35,000
    •    Level 2 – Champion/$50,000, Res. Champion/$25,000/3rd $15,000
    •    Level 1 – Champion/$13,000, Res. Champion/$7,000

Jack Medows Tops CINCH Non Pro Futurity First Round on Fire N Rein

Over the past several days of competition, the top 3-year-old reining horses and riders from across the country have vied for a spot in the finals of the National Reining Horse Association Futurity. With the conclusion of Monday’s preliminary round, most of the field is set for the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals, which will be held on Friday, December 2.

Topping the Level 4 of the CINCH Non Pro Futurity first round with a 221.5 is Jack Medows and Fire N Rein. The 3-year-old mare is sired by 2022 NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chicsdreamofdiamonds. Earlier this year, Medows and Fire N Rein, who is owned and was nominated by Amy Medows, won the L4 Non Pro Futurity Reserve Championship at the All American Quarter Horse Congress.
Medows and Fire N Rein also won the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash incentive, which was paid out in the preliminary round.
William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom (Magnum Chic Dream x Green Smokin Jacket) marked a 221, the second-high score of the round. It also topped Levels 3, 2, and 1. Owned by Jay Clutter, Smokinintheboyzroom was nominated by Alicia Rapp.
Marking the high score of the Non Pro Prime Time was Steven Mitchell and Wimpys Voodoo Dr with a 220.5 (includes handicap). The pair also qualified for the CINCH Non Pro Finals in Levels 2, 3, and 4. Wimpys Voodoo Dr, by Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Wimpy Cee Wimpy Do, was nominated by Hannah Layman.
Topping the Youth and tying for sixth in the Level 4 was Samuel Flarida and PS Whiz On Ice with a 218. P Whiz On Ice, by Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize and out of PS A Whizzen Chic, is owned by Flarida’s father, Shawn, and was nominated by Patsy Shelton Schutz.
To secure a spot in the CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Futurity, it took a score of 214.5, while a 212 was the magic number for the Level 3. Riders with a 211 or higher earned a place in the Level 2, as did those in the Level 1 with a 207.5 or higher. The bubble for the Prime Time is a 211 (including handicap), while the one for the Youth is 200.
For those not advancing directly to the finals from the first go, hope is still alive. That’s because of the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation Round on Wednesday morning. The next 30 horses (plus ties) in the Level 4, next 12 in the Level 3, and next 10 in Levels 1 and 2, will compete for a spot in the finals. The top five in each of the four Levels will earn a spot in Friday’s finals.

Gentile, Asmussen, and Rafacz Claim NRHA Adequan® NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Championships
With Monday’s classes in the books, the 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship has passed the halfway point. The Adequan® NAAC titles have grown over the years to be one of the most prestigious awards a reiner can win, with competitors traveling hundreds of miles to compete at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champion, NAAC Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion – Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler

After taking a few months to get acquainted, Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler have hit their stride together. The pair garnered their second, third, fourth, and fifth title of the week in the Adequan® Arena – this time, an NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Championship, an NAAC Non Pro Level 2 Co-Championship, and they finished in the same placings for the ancillary divisions of those classes. The duo also split a reserve title in the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3.
“I’ve only been riding this horse since about August, and it’s taken us a while to click, but we’re finally getting there – and it’s perfect timing,” Gentile said.
The pair scored a 218 to garner the titles, earning a total of $4,552. The win comes on the heels of their NAAC Limited Non Pro Championship on Friday.
“He felt really good today. He was with me the whole time, and he’s a very consistent horse. I just trusted him and went with it. We had a couple of tiny little spots that could have been a little better, but he was super solid, and I was very happy with him,” Gentile said.
According to Gentile, Joes Lil Wrangler’s (Lil Joe Cash x A Chic In Wranglers) best maneuver is his spins. But she said the gelding’s stops are hitting a new gear.
“I thank my husband Jesse Gentile, he’s always there to help me, and I thank Lori Baker, who owns [Joes Lil Wrangler], as well as all my family and friends,” Gentile said.
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion, Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Championship and Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Champion – Rebecca Asmussen, TR Hot Dream, and The Crowd Goes Wildd
Family favorite TR Hot Dream brought home the bacon with Rebecca Asmussen in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2, nabbing a Co-Championship with a score of 218. In the ancillary divisions, the pair tied for the win of the L2 and the reserve of the L3.

“We got him as a 3-year-old from Tamarack Ranch, and he’s a super sweet gelding. My husband has shown him and done really well on him,” Asmussen said. “My kids ride him. He’s a great little horse and a lot of fun.”
Adding to the bounty was mare The Crowd Goes Wildd (Not Ruf At All x Check Yer Gun Lady), who won the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Championship with a 218.5.
Asmussen earned $2,663 for the day on TR Hot Dream and an additional $784 for the win on The Crowd Goes Wildd.
“The Crowd Goes Wildd is 15.2 [hands] and 1400 pounds. She’s a big, strong mare who is a lot of fun to run and stop. She’s super aggressive everywhere and just a nice mare to go show,” Asmussen said.
Asmussen thanked her family, husband, children Layne and Owen, Kelsey and Kole Price, as well as their vet and farrier. “Everybody who keeps our horses rolling,” Asmussen said.
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion – Madison Rafacz and Got Twisted In Vegas
Got Twisted In Vegas is often referred to as the little mare that could. Started and trained by Madison Rafacz and her father, Mark, it was initially uncertain if the mare would grow large enough to be a show horse.

Now, the 5-year-old mare has proven herself capable in the reining pen, gathering affiliate and derby titles from across the country. The pair added another two co-championships to their list on Monday, November 28, in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2, as well as the ancillary division of that class, with a score of 218. The pair also tied for reserve in the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro L3, winning $2,663. The win comes after a stressful ride the night before the class, which left Rafacz a “wreck.” Luckily, Got Twisted In Vegas (High Roller Whiz x Wimpys Dun Twistin) came through.
“Today, I went in, and she was there like she always is,” Rafacz said. “I thank my mom and dad, of course. They’re my biggest supporters and allow me to do this. All the people in my barn are super great supporters. They’re like family.”

Our Condolences – Kelle Smith
Today, while in Oklahoma City for the NRHA Futurity, one of the Association’s most accomplished riders, Kelle Smith, passed away.
Kelle was fierce in everything she did, and that tenacity helped her win countless titles, including two NRHA Futurity Non Pro Championships. Yesterday, she competed on her horse, See Ya Seven, and advanced to yet another NRHA Futurity Finals.

“On behalf of NRHA Board of Directors and Staff, I extend our most sincere condolences to Kelle’s husband Sam, her loved ones, the members of their team, and her friends throughout the reining industry. This is a loss that has hit so many of us hard,” shared NRHA President Rick Clark, who’s known Sam and Kelle for nearly 30 years. “Kelle was a tremendous competitor, and I always thought a lot of her.”
He added, “We plan to recognize Kelle this weekend during one of the Finals, and we will share details once they are finalized.”
Arrangements for a memorial service will be made in the coming days, and a memorial will be planned for mid-December so that her family and friends can attend.

Medows and Fire N Rein Lead CINCH Non Pro Futurity Preliminaries After Day One

November 27 – The National Reining Horse Association CINCH Non Pro Futurity kicked off Sunday, November 27, with fierce competition from the more than 100 riders in the first section of the first go. In the end, Jack Medows of Cuba, Missouri, led the group with a score of 221.5.

Riding Fire N Rein, a mare sired by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire and 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chicsdreamofdiamonds, Medows cruised moved through the NRHA Pattern 8. The two are no strangers to success, finishing as Reserve Champions in the All American Quarter Horse Congress L4 Non Pro Futurity. The mare was nominated and is owned by Amy Medows.
Medows and Fire N Rein also lead the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash incentive, which will be paid out following the preliminary round.
Level 3, 2, and 1—William Clutter and Smokinintheboyzroom (Magnum Chic Dream x Green Smokin Jacket), owned by Jay Clutter, nominated by Alicia Rapp—220
Prime Time—Greg Hall and Not Ruffin Tonight (Not Ruf At All x Miss Whiz Biz), owned by Greg and Mary Anne Hall, nominated by Mary Anne Hall—217
Youth—Emma Vanlandingham and SHR Hollywood Kid (The Kids Gotta Gun x Shinin In Hollywood), owned by Jason Vanlandingham, nominated by Robert Santagata—217
Competition continues Monday with the second section of the Non Pro Futurity preliminaries. The top 25 in Levels 4–1, the top 20 in the Prime Time, and the top 15 from the youth advance directly to the clean-slate finals on Friday, December 2.
Non Pro entries not advancing from the first round have one more shot through the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Consolation, which is held Wednesday in the Adequan® Arena. There, the top five in each level will move on to the CINCH Non Pro Finals.

NAAC Novice Horse Open Level 1 Champion and Level 2 Co-Champion – Micro Mag and Ben Beckett
Micro Mag proved small is mighty in the Adequan Arena Sunday, Nov. 27, garnering the NAAC Novice Horse Open Level 1 Championship and Level 2 Co-Championship with Ben Beckett in the saddle.
“She’s a nice horse. She’s not very big—probably not bigger than 13.3 [hands]—but she’s pretty awesome,” Beckett said. “I like her consistency. You walk in the show pen, and she’s right there with you. It’s hard to find that, and she’s always there for me.”
With a score of 221.5, Micro Mag (Gunnatrashya x Magnums Bay Be) earned a total of $4,881 for owner Mason Dorsey, including a first-place finish in the ancillary division of the Level 1 and a split for first in the ancillary Levels 2 and 3.
“The owner, Mason Dorsey, has been riding her for me, so he got her ready for me, and I just jumped on,” Beckett said.
According to Beckett, navigating the NRHA’s Pattern 3 took a lot of loping, and he suspects Micro Mag’s turns weren’t as snappy as usual because she was tired by the end of the pattern.
“I thank the owners, Alex, Carmen, and Mason Dorsey. They’re great owners. They trusted me on that horse,” Beckett said.
NAAC Novice Horse Open Level 2 Co-Champion – Cameos Special Gun and Nathan Piper
Cameos Special Gun has been the catalyst for Nathan Piper to reunite with childhood friend Paul Lentschke. The stallion was able to sweeten the deal with some hardware from the NAAC Novice Horse Open Level 2 Co-Championship. With a score of 221.5, the pair earned $1,623 and an additional $1,340 from tying for the win in the ancillary division of the class and the Novice Horse Open Level 3 ancillary.
“Paul Lentschke was a college roommate, my 4-H buddy when I was a kid, and we’ve known each other for a long time,” Piper said. “He got back into the horses, and we’ve had a blast showing ‘Lefty.’”
Piper, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider, has been riding Lefty since he was two, and the now 6-year-old has proved himself as a solid, easygoing citizen.
“He doesn’t take a lot of preparation,” Piper said. “He’s on your team. He has a great stop, and I like how easy he is.”
Piper was appreciative of the NRHA Pattern 3 choice, saying it would let Lefty “get a little lost” while still practicing the maneuvers for Lentschke to show him later in the week.
“I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, Jean, Millie, and Etta, and everyone who keeps us going. There are so many people who do that,” Piper said. “And, of course, Paul. I can’t leave him out.”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Visits NRHA Futurity
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt stopped by the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC to check out the reining action. He and Commissioner Gary Carpenter spent some time watching some great runs.

NRHA Markel Futurity Open Sale Graduates Advance to Semi-Finals
Best of luck to the NRHA Markel Futurity Sale Graduates advancing to this year’s Semi-Finals. Be sure to join us Dec. 1 for a full day of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales. Check out the horses, register to bid, and more at nrha.com/sales

November 26 – Shawn Flarida and Andiamoe Seize 2022 NRHA Open Futurity First Round Win
The stakes are higher than ever before at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, with a record-breaking number of Open entries and $2,010,040 up for grabs in the Open alone. The first round of Open competition concluded Saturday, Nov. 26, with more than 400 riders vying for a spot in the Semi-Finals.

Shawn Flarida & Andiamoe

The top 75 from the Level 4 will advance to the L4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Wednesday, Nov. 30, while the top 75 from L3 and L2, and the top 50 from L1, will compete in the Semi-Finals round on Tuesday.
The NRHA continues to build momentum, and the Futurity boasts the highest payouts ever in all four levels of the Open, breaking records that were set as long ago as 2012. From 2021 – a record-breaking year – the total Open payout has increased by $202,516 to break the $2 million mark for the first time ever.
The mare who topped the Level 4 Open, Andiamoe, has NRHA Open Futurity Champions on both sides of her pedigree. Guided by Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida, the All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Futurity Champion posted a bold 228.5 to take control of the leaderboard. Her balanced stops and stylish circles were rewarded by a gentle pat from Flarida at the end of NRHA Pattern 12.
Bred and owned by Two Million Dollar Owner and NRHA Corporate Partner Arcese Quarter Horses, Andiamoe is sired by Eight Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Million Dollar Dam Wimpys Little Chic.
With scores of 224.5, CD Gunnas Chex Olena and Guglielmo Fontana tied for the lead of the L3 Open with CS Especially Moody and Duane Latimer.
Fontana and CD Gunnas Chex Olena (ARC Gunna Sparkya x Mistis Chex Olena) also finished with the high score in the L2 Open. CD Gunnas Chex Olena was bred, nominated, and owned by Società Agricola CD Horses SRL.
CS Especially Moody, bred, nominated, and owned by XCS Ranch of Gordonville, Texas, is sired by Five Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Judys A Little Moody.
Shineoncrazydiamond and Vanessa Strotmann topped the L1 Open with a score of 220. The stallion, bred and nominated by Stefano Calcagnini, is owned by Strotmann and is sired by Million Dollar Sire Shine Chic Shine and out of Cashing In Diamonds.
It took a 218 to advance to the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All, a 215.5 to advance to the Level 3 Open Semi-Finals, a 212 to advance to the Level 2 Open Semi-Finals, and a 208.5 to advance to the Level 1 Open Semi-Finals. Prime Time entries already advancing in other levels also earned a spot in the Semi-Finals.

Davis & Pole Win NRHA Adequan® NAAC Titles
Competition in the Adequan® Arena of the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City continued Saturday with the Rookie Professional and Limited Open classes of the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships.

NAAC Limited Open Champion – Sparkys Shining Doll & Tyrel Pole
Sparkys Shining Doll and Tyrel Pole have been riding a wave at the Adequan® NAACs, picking up several titles, including the NAAC Limited Open Championship Saturday, November 26.
“He’s been an absolute trooper. We’ve shown him all year, and two days ago, we got lucky enough to win the NAAC Intermediate Open. He’s just a show horse. You can call on him whenever you need him,” Pole said.
With a score of 220.5, Pole earned $1,082 for owner and wife Rhea Pole. The score also secured Sparkys Shining Doll the Limited Open ancillary win. The 10-year-old stallion is sired by Friday Night Shiner and out of BB Holly Doll.
“If you want to go have a 72-style run, he just podunks around, but if you want to go mark big scores, he will every time,” Pole said. “When you need him the most, and you call on him—that’s when he’s his best.”
Pole set out to earn a Limited Open World Title on the stallion this year and has unofficially secured the Open Reserve World Championship. The Intermediate and Limited Open standings are not decided yet, but Pole is hopeful.
Pole thanked wife Rhea, employee Sophia Kent, his children, and his parents for coming down from Canada to watch.

NAAC Rookie Professional Champion – Sugarwhizngun & Katie Davis
At nine years old, Sugarwhizngun is as honest and pure in the show pen as ever, according to rider Katie Davis. The two of them secured the NAAC Rookie Professional Championship on Saturday, November 26, with a score of 216, worth $727. The team also claimed the win in the ancillary division of the class.
“I first showed him at the NRBC two years ago and made the Level 1 Open Finals, and he’s since [gotten] a new owner. A wonderful little girl, Peyton Langford, let me borrow him for this,” Davis said.
For Sugarwhiznguns’ and Davis’ run together, she focused on keeping the energy up for the often-lazy gelding.
“He’s a Gunner, so you have to be a little careful on the slow down, but he was really clean and smooth for me,” Davis said. “He’s an honest horse in the pen. He doesn’t know what pattern he’s doing even though he’s been doing it all these years.”
According to Davis, Sugarwhizngun (Gunner x Starlights Sugarwhiz) has been a great confidence builder for his young owner. She’s been competing in the rookie classes, and Davis believes she’ll be shooting for Rookie of the Year in 2023.
“I want to thank the whole Langford family, the Deary team, our farrier Glenn Spalding, and our vet Frank Fluitt,” Davis said.

Adequan® NAAC Champions Recognized
Adequan® North American Affiliate Champions are honored daily in the Jim Norick Coliseum. As the recap from NRHA Corporate Partner Horse of the West TV plays on the jumbotron, winners are recognized on the arena floor.

Pictured are NAAC Limited Non Pro Champion Stephanie Gentile with NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter and NRHA President Rick Clark.

November 25 – Tremblay and Lengel Lead NRHA Open Futurity Preliminaries following Second Section
The National Reining Horse Association Open Futurity preliminary round continued Friday, Nov. 25, with the second section of the first go. More than 130 horses walked through the gate of the Jim Norick Coliseum at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, but only one was able to match the 226 score marked by Abby Lengel and Bringnthaheat in the first section.

That team was Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay and Thee Assassin. The flashy roan stallion, owned by Show Stoppin Stables and nominated by Heritage Farms, is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Jerrys Sippin Soda.
Lengel and Bringnthaheat, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six out of Tackie Dreams. Lengel and her owned and nominated horse currently lead the race to win the American Paint Horse Association’s Open Futurity Chrome Cash Incentive, which is paid out following the first round.
The first round wraps up Saturday evening, and from there, the top 75 Level 4 Open contestants will advance to the L4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The top 75 in Levels 3 and 2, along with the top 50 in the L1, will vie for a Finals berth during the Semi-Finals round on Nov. 29.
Those advancing to the Open Finals will compete for the last time of the year on Dec. 3, where the Champion of the MS Diamonds L4 Open Finals will be presented a check for $350,000!
Current Level and Division leaders of the Open Futurity preliminaries are:
    •    Level 4 – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat – 226
    •    Level 4 – Dany Tremblay & Thee Assassin – 226
    •    Level 3 – Trent Harvey & Trashya Quik – 224
    •    Level 3 – Duane Latimer & Pale Whizkey – 224
    •    Level 3 & Level 2 – Adam Hendrickson & Swinginforthefences – 224
    •    Level 1 – Benjamin Gerst & Time To Be Trashy – 217.5
    •    Level 1 – Hannah McCullough & Aloha Sixty Six – 217.5
    •    Open Prime Time – Duane Latimer & Pale Whizkey – 225.5 (includes handicap)
    •    APHA Chrome Cash – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat

November 25 – Stephanie Gentile Takes NRHA Limited Non Pro Adequan® NAAC on Joes Lil WranglerOn Friday, Nov. 25, the Limited Non Pro competition of the National Reining Horse Association Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships took place in the Adequan® Arena at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In addition to the aged event taking place in the Jim Norick Coliseum, the NRHA Futurity features exhibitors from across North America who qualify to compete for prestigious titles in Oklahoma City.

Thanks to NRHA Corporate Partners, the champions of each of the 17 NAAC classes are presented with incredible prizes along with coveted titles. Furthermore, they are recognized the following day in the Jim Norick Coliseum as a show of support for these successful affiliate riders.
Stephanie Gentile, of Medina, Ohio, topped the Adequan® NAAC Limited Non Pro riding Joes Lil Wrangler to a 219 for earnings of $583. Gentile also won the ancillary Limited Non Pro class that was run concurrently for an additional $235. The pair also won prizes, including a Bob’s Custom Saddle, and numerous awards from NRHA Corporate and Event Sponsors, including Bluebonnet Feeds, OK Equine Hospital, Classic Equine, Platinum Performance, Adequan®, SmartPak, Equine Oasis, Brandt Blankets, and Tenda.
Joes Lil Wrangler, by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash out of A Chic In Wranglers, is owned by Lori Baker. “I got the opportunity to lease him through the end of the year, and he’s been a ton of fun. He’s super talented, and my husband [NRHA Professional] Jesse has been showing him, too, and doing well. It’s been fun to share him with Jesse, and today was extra sweet,” Gentile said. “He exceeded my expectations. I know he’s really good, but I was glad I could step up and be the level he needs as a rider and show what we can do together.”
Jesse added, “I am extremely proud of her. That’s the best I’ve seen her look showing. She was confident, and so I was super happy.”
Gentile and the 5-year-old gelding will have a day of rest, then prepare to show in the Novice Horse Non Pro on Monday and the Non Pro that begins on Tuesday.
“First and foremost, I thank Jesse for helping me and giving me the opportunity to have these nice horses and Lori Baker for leasing him to me. I love that horse to death!” She added, “I also thank all my family and friends here and at home who have supported me along the way.”

November 25 – Tremblay and Lengel Lead NRHA Open Futurity Preliminaries following Second Section
The National Reining Horse Association Open Futurity preliminary round continued Friday, Nov. 25, with the second section of the first go. More than 130 horses walked through the gate of the Jim Norick Coliseum at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, but only one was able to match the 226 score marked by Abby Lengel and Bringnthaheat in the first section.
That team was Million Dollar Rider Dany Tremblay and Thee Assassin. The flashy roan stallion, owned by Show Stoppin Stables and nominated by Heritage Farms, is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Jerrys Sippin Soda.
Lengel and Bringnthaheat, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six out of Tackie Dreams. Lengel and her owned and nominated horse currently lead the race to win the American Paint Horse Association’s Open Futurity Chrome Cash Incentive, which is paid out following the first round.
The first round wraps up Saturday evening, and from there, the top 75 Level 4 Open contestants will advance to the L4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The top 75 in Levels 3 and 2, along with the top 50 in the L1, will vie for a Finals berth during the Semi-Finals round on Nov. 29.
Those advancing to the Open Finals will compete for the last time of the year on Dec. 3, where the Champion of the MS Diamonds L4 Open Finals will be presented a check for $350,000!

Current Level and Division leaders of the Open Futurity preliminaries are:
    •    Level 4 – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat – 226
    •    Level 4 – Dany Tremblay & Thee Assassin – 226
    •    Level 3 – Trent Harvey & Trashya Quik – 224
    •    Level 3 – Duane Latimer & Pale Whizkey – 224
    •    Level 3 & Level 2 – Adam Hendrickson & Swinginforthefences – 224
    •    Level 1 – Benjamin Gerst & Time To Be Trashy – 217.5
    •    Level 1 – Hannah McCullough & Aloha Sixty Six – 217.5
    •    Open Prime Time – Duane Latimer & Pale Whizkey – 225.5 (includes handicap)
    •    APHA Chrome Cash – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat

November 25 – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat Lead 2022 NRHA Open Futurity First Round (Day 1)
The 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity is in full swing, and at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the first section of the preliminary round of the Open Futurity is in the books.
Dreams come true every year at the NRHA Futurity, and there’s no doubt there could be another fairytale ending in the books for 2022.
Abby Lengel, of Whitesboro, Texas, currently leads the Open Level 4 preliminary round with a 226 on her mare Bringnthaheat. The pair also lead the American Paint Horse Association’s Open Chrome Cash incentive, which will be awarded at the conclusion of the preliminary round.
Chrome Cash classes are offered as part of both the Level 4 Open and Non Pro Futurities, with $3,000 and $2,000 added, respectively. Both solid and regular registry Paints can compete in the Chrome Cash classes, which are paid out according to the NRHA payout schedule. Participants can enter until noon the day prior to competing.
Bringnthaheat is by newly minted NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six and out of Tackie Dreams. Lengel has earned nearly a half-million dollars in her career and is always a serious contender at reining’s most prestigious events. If she and Bringnthaheat were to win the Championship on Dec. 4 during the MS Diamonds Level 4 Open Finals, her lifetime earnings would almost double with the $350,000 first-place check!
Since the first step to winning that momentous prize is to advance to the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on November 30, the pair is sitting well.

Current Level Leaders through Go 1, Section 1, are:
    •    Level 4 – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat – 226
    •    Level 3 – Trent Harvey & Trashya Quik – 224
    •    Level 3 – Duane Latimer & Pale Whizkey – 224
    •    Level 2 – Rodrigo Nieves & Spooks Lil Whiz – 223.5
    •    Level 1 – Matteo Rondanina & CBK Wrightkindashine – 217
    •    Open Prime Time – Duane Latimer & Pale Whizkey – 225.5 (includes handicap)
    •    APHA Chrome Cash – Abby Lengel & Bringnthaheat

The first section of the NRHA Open Futurity continues through Saturday, after which time the top 75 plus ties in Levels 2 through 4, and the top 50 in L1, will advance to the semi-final round, with Levels 1 – 3 competing on Tuesday and the L4 on Wednesday in the Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All. The clean-slate MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals will be held Saturday, Dec. 3.

November 24 – Baruch, Leclair, and Pole Win Adequan® NAAC Titles on First Day of NRHA Futurity
The 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships are in full swing in Oklahoma City. While the Futurity is held in the Jim Norick Coliseum, the NAACs are held in the Adequan® Arena. The NAAC competition spotlights a variety of 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.

 

From left to right Jared Leclair and Yonathan Baruch

Adequan® NAAC Open Co-Champion – Makendiamonds ridden by Jared Leclair
Riding Makendiamonds for owner Dorothy Queen, Jared Leclair secured the co-championship of both the Adequan® NAAC and ancillary Open, worth $5,370, with a score of 222.5. It was the cherry on top of a great year for the pair.
“It’s a really big deal to win an NAAC title,” Leclair said. “NRHA has done a great job promoting the NAACs, and there are a lot of competitors now, so it’s really tough. You have to show hard, and your horse has to be really good to win it. I feel lucky to have come out on top.”
Makendiamonds, bred by CDR Farms, is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Makeit In Tinseltown. The flashy 6-year-old mare was started by Abby Lengel, and with Lengel at the reins, the pair finished eighth in the Level 4 Open at the 2019 NRHA Futurity.
Makendiamonds was purchased by Dorothy and her son, Paul Queen, during the 2021 NRHA Futurity. To date, the mare has won upwards of $150,000.
“Abby was very successful with her, and I’ve done well with her too. This was the last hurrah for her and I, and it’s a great way to end the year,” Leclair said. “She was really solid and great today.”
Although Leclair and co-champion Yonathan Baruch could have elected to run-off for the NAAC title, the two professionals elected not to. “This mare did her job today, and we were all winners today,” he said. “I thank Dorothy and Paul, my wife who is a huge supporter of mine, and all our help – both the ones here and at home keeping everything going.”

Adequan® NAAC Open Co-Champion – Peptos Lil Step ridden by Yonathan Baruch
NRHA Professional Yonathan Baruch set the pace early in the Adequan® Arena. Competing as draw two in the NAAC Open classes, Baruch and Peptos Lil Step marked a 222.5 to take the lead. When the last of the scores were tallied, Baruch and Peptos Lil Step, owned by Nancy Wheeler and Jimmy Nichols, had tied for the title, winning a load of prizes and checks totaling $5,370.
“Today was super easy. I just gave him about 30 minutes of a warmup, and I felt like he was ready. I knew the best thing to do is just trust him because that’s when he does the best,” Baruch, of Whitesboro, Texas, explained.
Peptos Lil Step, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Peptos Lil Melody, is an 8-year-old stallion that Baruch first started riding his 3-year-old year. He admits the stallion’s breeding contributed to being overlooked early in his career. “His dam is a daughter of Peptoboonsmal,” he explained. “He’s really turned into a very nice open horse. I haven’t shown any bred like him before, but I definitely will again!”
Owner Nichols and Wheeler make their home in California but sent Peptos Lil Step to Baruch to show in the Open Shootout at The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge. “We marked a 223 and were 16th, but he was unbelievable. We could have improved the pilot, but that’s just getting used to one,” Baruch explained, adding that he’s looking forward to attempting another TRFAM qualification in 2023.
“It’s a very long list,” Baruch humbly answered when asked who deserved recognition for helping him be successful. “Obviously, I thank the owners, Jimmy and Nancy. I also thank all my help and my beautiful girlfriend, Heidi. She does all the chiropractic work on our horses and is a huge part of them staying so sound. Thank you also to our vets, farriers, and sponsors. It takes a village. No win is ever achieved by just me.”

Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Open Champion – Sparkys Shining Doll ridden by Tyrel Pole
With a score of 219, Tyrel Pole and Sparkys Shining Doll claimed the Championship for the Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Open and the ancillary Intermediate Open. The pair also finished in the top 10 in the NAAC Open and ancillary division, earning more than $4,192. Making the win even more exciting? “Marvel” is owned by Pole and his wife, Rhea.
“We purchased him a year ago and have been hauling for an NRHA world title. Right now, he’s sitting near the top in the Intermediate and the Limited, and he’s been a really fun horse all year,” Pole said of the 10-year-old stallion, is by Friday Night Shiner out of BB Holly Doll.
It was early in the year when the Poles decided to pursue an NRHA world title. “We started in February or March, which might not sound like it was a last-minute decision, but it was. He was showing us he really wanted to be a show horse, and Rhea pulled us aside, said she thought we should try it, and so we went for it,” he said.
That decision sparked a whirlwind of a year. “This horse has been a trooper. I’ve shown him at every show within 200 miles of our house, and he’s been a very good and consistent horse every time. We are very thankful for him,” Pole explained. “
With the top finish in the Adequan® NAAC Intermediate Open, Pole and Marvel earned a spot in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown on Dec. 1. “We had a few goals here. Our big goal is for Saturday because we’re sitting so well in the Limited Open standings, but we were also hoping to do well enough to compete in the Showdown. I think going inside the Coliseum to compete for those of us out here will be super fun,” he said. “I think there are a couple of things I need to clean up on myself, but he’s super. I’m just thankful for every time I get to show.”
Pole added, “I thank my wife because, without her, we would be 100 percent lost. I also thank my kids, who have been so good when we’ve been hauling up and down the road, as well as Sophia Kent, who works for us. I also thank the support system from the other trainers who help along the way.”
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, Dec. 1. All qualifiers must check-in and confirm their spot in the Showdown no later than noon on Nov. 30.
    •    Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Open Showdown Qualifiers:
    •    Sparkys Shining Doll & Tyrel Pole
    •    Xtra Miss Wimpy & Sebastian Petroll
    •    Spooks Gotta Cowboy & Garrett A Thurner
    •    Prize Chex & Randy L. Schaffhauser
    •    Xtra Voodoos Storm & Drake J. Johnson
    •    Walla Be Custom & Jaden Beliveau
    •    Goodtime Tinseltown & Morgan Lee Moser
    •    Voodoo Gun & Jack Daniels
    •    Gallos Estrella & Meaghan Shea
    •    Magnifisent & Randall E Dooley
    •    With Addy Tude & Naike Bell
Adequan® NAAC competition continues Friday with the Limited Open. Complete draws, results, news, and more can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.

November 24 – Reiners Slide into OKC for 2022 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC
The futurity season for reining horses is nearing completion, and on Thanksgiving Day, the best riders in the world will begin the intense preliminary competition at the National Reining Horse Association’s premier and most prestigious event, the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships.
The event, which begins Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 3, draws exhibitors from around the globe, who will vie for a piece of a purse that exceeds $2,000,000, highlighted by a life-changing $350,000 check for the Level 4 Open Champion.
Under the lights of the historic Jim Norick Coliseum, the mettle of talented 3-year-old reining horses will be tested as they navigate through the signature circles, spins, and sliding stops the event is known for. At the same time, top riders and horses of all ages from across North America compete for major titles in the Adequan® Arena, hoping to nab a coveted championship and take major strides to clinch a year-end title as well.
While there are several futurities throughout the year, only one is known simply as “The Futurity.” Since its debut in 1966 in Columbus, Ohio, the show has grown from a handful of entries to more than 600 in the main event alone.
The payout has expanded, and to say it has done so significantly would be an understatement. This year’s L4 Open Champion will leave Oklahoma City $350,000 richer and in possession of one of the largest limited-age event championship check in the western performance horse industry. Not only that, but the L4 Open Reserve Champion will win a guaranteed $150,000, and third will take home $100,000.
Winning the Level 4 Open Championship is a three-step process. All Open entries compete in the first round, with the top 75 (plus ties) advancing to the L 4 Open Semi-Finals sponsored by Not Ruf At All on Nov. 30. There, the top 30 (plus ties) move on to the clean-slate MS Diamonds TX L4 Open Futurity Finals on Dec. 3.
Some big changes have happened in the payouts for Open Levels 3, 2, and 1. The L3 Open Champion will receive $70,000, the Reserve titlist will take home $50,000, and third $35,000. The guaranteed payouts continue in Levels 2 and 1, with the L2 Champion pocketing $50,000, the L2 Reserve Champion winning $25,000, and the third-place finisher in the L2 pocketing a cool $15,000. 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 the Level 4) will compete in the Semi-Finals on Nov. 29. The top 30 in each of those levels (plus ties) will earn a spot in the first section of the Open Finals on Dec. 3.
Non Professional riders will also win big, with the L4 Non Pro title being accompanied by a check for $75,000, the Reserve Champion winning $45,000, and third taking $35,000! The top three in the L3 Non Pro will also be guaranteed big checks, with $40,000 going to first, $25,000 awarded to second, and $15,000 to third. The CINCH Non Pro Finals will be held Friday, Dec. 2, 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 world-class competition, the NRHA Futurity boasts an impressive trade show with vendors ranging from clothing to furniture, western tack, décor, and more. In fact, the first three days of the event feature free admission so that everyone can come to enjoy some post-holiday shopping to prepare for Christmas.
One of the best, largest, and most exciting shopping opportunities will be on Dec. 1. That’s because the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales will be held in the Sale Arena. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the best horses the industry has to offer, from prospects to producers and everything in between. Last year the high seller – a yearling mare named Deja Vue (Gunnatrashya x Dun Its Déjà vu) commanded an impressive $170,000! Find more information about the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales at nrha.com/sales
Tickets for the 2022 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® NAAC are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Complete information, including draws, results, and more, can be found at NRHAFuturity.com.