Sam Smith and Chicsdundreamin Win NRBC Open Prime Time Championship, With a score of 223.5, Sam Smith and Chicsdundreamin claimed the Open Prime Time Championship of the National Reining Breeders Classic, held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. Along with a check for $1, 950, Smith and owner Tim Roper received a custom saddle from the NRBC, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, the signature blue crystal trophy from the NRBC, 25 lbs of Resilience Omega 3, and a complete Tim McQuay Art of Reining DVD series., It was only the second time that Smith had shown Chicsdundreamin, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Goody Goody Dun Drop. “We purchased him from Rancho Oso Rio,” said Smith of Chicsdundreamin, who was the National Reining Horse Association Intermediate Open Futurity Champion with Arno Honstetter. “He was a good horse when we bought him and he’s a good horse now. He’s very easy to train and show.”, Dan Huss and Baja Hollywood Whiz won the Open Prime Time Reserve title with a 223, collecting $1, 650. Baja Hollywood Whiz, by Topsail Whiz out of Hollywood Stunt Girl, is owned by Robert Shearer and Melissa Shearer.
Peter DeFreitas Takes NRBC Intermediate Open Championship on Conquistadors Sandy
Peter DeFreitas made it to the Open Finals of the National Reining Breeders Classic for the first time on Saturday, April 23 – an accomplishment that many trainers haven’t experienced. But by the end of the night, DeFreitas was more than a finalist – he was the Intermediate Open Champion!
He was riding Conquistadors Sandy, by Conquistador Whiz out of Ritas San Jo, owned by Double Run Farm. DeFreitas, the resident trainer for Double Run Farm, has been showing reining horses for 14 years, and said that winning a title at the world’s largest added-money reining is “awesome.” He added, “I have been dreaming about this stuff since I was a little kid. To win something like this is huge.”
DeFreitas and Conquistadors Sandy had a $31,130 payday in the Intermediate Open, and collected an additional $20,500 for a tenth place tie in the Open Level 4. “I’ve never made the Open finals here – this is by far the best horse show I’ve ever had.”
Not only did he win big checks, DeFreitas also received a custom saddle from Martin Saddlery, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a Whisper Bit from M3 Products, a complete Tim McQuay Art of Reining DVD series, 25lbs of Resilience Omega 3, and the signature blue crystal trophy from the NRBC.
DeFreitas and the 4-year-old mare qualified for the Intermediate Open Finals at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity – but the NRBC is the first show for the pair in 2011. “She’s definitely gotten more broke and solid – she was just a little green at the Futurity, even though she was really good,” he said. “We’re entered in the Derby. We’re going to take her home and give her some time off.”
David Zimmerman not only won the Intermediate Open Reserve title, he also finished as the Champion of the Limited Open and Open Level 1 with Jacs Lil Spook. Zimmerman and the Smart Spook stallion, out of Miss Whoa Jac, marked a 225 to win $18,948 in the Intermediate Open. Zimmerman and Jacs Lil Spook, owned by Newell Quarter Horses, took home an additional $13,976 for the two Championships, and another $18,000 for a fourteenth place finish in the Open.
Jayli Garrison and Danielle Cohen Ride to NRBC Youth Titles
Youth riders ruled the Great Southwest Equestrian Center East Arena during the afternoon of April 23 at the National Reining Breeders Classic.
Clinching the victory in the National Reining Horse Association Youth 13 & Under class was Jayli Garrison, Willis, Texas, who rode 6-year-old Red White N Wrangler to a score of 140. Jayli rides at Legacy Ranch with trainer Levi Olson.
This year marked Jayli’s first trip to the NRBC, and to top it off, the 14-year-old has only been showing reiners for less than a year. She found a good partner to show her the ropes in Red White N Wrangler.
“He’s really chill all the time. He’s like a big teddy bear,” Jayli said. She may not have been riding long, but the 8th-grader has already determined what she loves to do in the saddle most with her gelding. “He’s really good at spins and stops, those are my favorite.”
Finishing a half-point short of Jayli were Shelby Reine, Laplace, Louisiana, and Topsail Oak, who marked a 139.5.
Also having a great day in Katy, Texas, was Danielle Cohen, Davie, Florida, who won first place in both the NRHA and United States Equestrian Federation Youth 14-18 classes, as well as the NRHA Unrestricted Youth. With her 144 score marked on 7-year-old Whata Chic Magnet from the last draw of the 32-horse class, Danielle took home close to $150.
Whata Chic Magnet has a good record at the show, which is what drew Danielle to him.
“We bought him last year at the NRBC after he won the Limited Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Derby. The rider was a youth rider also, Kylie Knight; she was 19, I think. He just stood out to me. He’s the kind of style that I like.”
The horse didn’t disappoint his new owner.
“He was really good. He was just real easy to ride. He didn’t do anything wrong.”
Danielle moved to Texas six months ago from Florida and has been riding with Casey Hinton, Whitesboro, Texas, for about a month. The 15-year-old will also be showing Whata Chic Magnet tomorrow in the Non Pro Classic Challenge.
Championships Are Awarded in the First-Ever NRBC Youth Classic Challenge
Horses 7 years old and up have found a special place at the National Reining Breeders Classic with the debut of the Classic Challenge competition. Today, young reiners, plus aged horses, equaled a winning combination as three champions were crowned in the Classic Challenge youth divisions.
Riding to victory in the Youth 13 & Under class with a score of 139.5 was 12-year-old Shelby Reine of Laplace, Louisiana. With her horse Topsail Oak between the reins, Shelby won $195.
Shelby has been showing “Fred” for approximately one year.
“He has good stops, spins and lead changes,” she said of her horse. Back at home, Fred “likes a lot of attention,” Shelby added. She has been reining for three years, and this was her first win at the NRBC.
Shelby also won second place and earned another $130 on Intrinsic Ability with a score of 136.5
The Youth 14-18 Classic Challenge Championship ended in a tie between Emily Winegar, Aubrey, Texas, and Jaci Marley, Plainview, Texas, who each scored a 143.5. The win came with a paycheck for $163. Emily rode to the win on her mare Red Berry Wine, who she also rode to the 2009 Youth World Championship.
“She’s been a pretty special mare. She’s always good. Every time I’ve shown her, she’s just always the same. My trainer, Gabe Hutchins, showed her in the 7 & Up last night, and he did pretty good. Then, I decided I wanted to do the 7 & Up too,” Emily said. Her last-minute decision meant the 8-year-old mare didn’t get a chance to ride in the East Arena until show time. “I walked in, and she looked a little bit. Then I picked my hand up and she was hooked. She was right there.”
Jaci took her share of the Co-Championship on Chexable. This was Chexable’s second year at the NRBC, but a year made a big difference. At this time in 2010, Jaci and Chexable were a new partnership testing the waters in Katy, Texas.
“Last year we were still getting to know each other – a lot to learn,” Jaci said. “Today, he was just really calm. He didn’t want to go any faster than I asked. He got in the pen and listened to everything I said.”
Jaci, who rides with Josh Visser, said Chexable is a challenge to ride because he’s so talented. “He picks his riders. I’m glad he chose me because we just get along really well.”
Wyatt Deary and Skyler Deshotels Share NRBC 10 & Under Short Stirrup Championship
On Saturday morning at the National Reining Breeders Classic, it was time for the kids to take over the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum for the National Reining Horse Association 10 & Under Short Stirrup class. The competitors may have been small, but their performances where big. Skyler Deshotels, riding That Little Step, and Wyatt Deary, riding Dun Duel, each scored a 139 to share the Championship.
Skyler, who is coached by Josh Visser, rode to the win on a full-brother of yesterday’s Non-Pro Classic Champion, Wimpys Little Buddy.
“My favorite thing about my horse is he’s a really good stopper and spinner and circler. I felt like he was going to do really good,” she said, describing her horse, who she calls “G1.” Skyler is the daughter of Allison and Kyle Deshotels, Maud, Texas.
Wyatt rode to the win on “Dually,” also known as “Bus” because of his solid stature.
“I like to ride him. He loves me. He stops and circles. He likes riding with me inside the arena and playing with me and my daddy’s horse,” he said. The youngster is coached by his father, NRHA Professional Casey Deary, Weatherford, Texas, with help from mom, Nicole.
When asked what their favorite part of the NRBC has been, both young reiners agreed, “Riding my horse!” Each kid added $20 to their lifetime NRHA earnings for their winning performance.
Also competing in the Short Stirrup competition were Macie Reine, Richmond, Texas, riding Just Boom It, and Sarah Armenta, Whitesboro, Texas, riding Custom Twister.
Shawn Flarida and Shine Chic Shine Win NRBC Open Championship After Run-Off
It came down to the last horse – twice. As high-scoring run after high-scoring run was displayed during the Open Finals of the National Reining Breeders Classic, it was clear that the winning one would be something for the memory banks.
Competing as draw ten in the field of 35, Todd Sommers and Whiz It A Chic set the bar with a 229.5! Former NRBC Champions, million dollar riders, and other accomplished trainers took their shot – but no one could wrest the lead away.
That is, until draw 35. As Shawn Flarida entered the Great Southwest Equestrian Center on Shine Chic Shine, by Smart Chic Olena out of Ebony Shines, the crowd quieted. Flarida has marked big scores in the NRBC before – he’s a two-time Champion of the NRBC, and is the leading rider for the National Reining Horse Association with over $4 million in earnings.
From the first big stop of pattern 9 through the equally impressive spins, rollbacks, circles, and lead changes, the man in the green shirt and the palomino stallion enthralled the crowd. When the score – another 229.5 – was announced, the excitement was palpable.
Flarida and Sommers agreed to run-off for the Championship. “With this much money on the line and this big of event, there’s no decision – you gotta run for it,” said Sommers, who went first. Whiz It A Chic was as solid in the run-off as the regular Finals – and marked another 229.5.
Exiting the arena, Sommers wished his long-time friend good luck, and the battle was on. “When you’re running against Todd Sommers – you know he is going to be awesome and you just hope you can do it,” said Flarida. He and Shine Chic Shine laid it all on the line one more time – and were rewarded with a 231!
“Shine Chic Shine was great tonight. I knew he was a really good horse, but the heart and strength he showed tonight – there is no way to describe it.” Flarida paused, considering his words, and then added, “He definitely has my heart.”
Flarida and the partnership of Amabile and Strusiner received a check for $75,000, a deluxe four-horse trailer from Twin Cities Featherlite, a custom saddle from Eagle Mountain Saddlery, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a custom jacked from Just Stitch It, a Whisper Bit from M3 Products, Rios of Mercedes boots, a custom had from Shorty’s Hattery, 25 lbs of Resilience supplement, a Catena watch, the signature blue crystal NRBC trophy, and other NRBC memorabilia.
And the reward for the other half of the Championship team? “Water and some much needed rest,” Flarida noted. When asked about his cheering section, whose voices could be heard over the rest of the crowd, he said simply, “I have the best team in the industry.”
Todd Sommers and Whiz It A Chic didn’t leave the NRBC empty-handed. In fact, the Reserve title equated a payday of $57,000. Whiz It A Chic, owned by Stoney Russell, is by Who Whiz It and out of Chic Out Mamma. “He’s been a special horse all along,” said Sommers, who achieved NRHA Million Dollar Rider status during the NRBC Finals a year ago. “He keeps getting better and better. He’s a great minded horse and really talented. I’m just glad I get to ride him.”
Breanna Van Der Schaaf and Sherry Wayne Take NRBC Ancillary Non Pro Titles
The National Reining Horse Association ancillary action at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, continued Saturday with some tight competition in the Non Pro class. There was room at the top for two competitors who both scored a 145.5 and shared the Non Pro Championship. Each rider earned a check for $732.
Sherry Wayne of Taylors, South Carolina, rode One Tuf Muffin to her share of the Co-Championship. The air traffic controller is used to being in charge and had no problem controlling her mare in the arena. Wayne and the Lil Ruf Peppy daughter have been a pair since the 11-year-old mare was just a 2-year-old filly. They’ve been raking in successes since then; One Tuf Muffin has just under $75,000 in earnings.
“She’s just been a trooper,” Wayne said. The addition of the NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge, to be held April 22, means more opportunities for them to shine. “Today was a warm-up for tomorrow.”
Also sharing the Non Pro Championship was Breanna Van Der Schaaf and Hes At Bat. Their 145.5 score also clinched the Championship in the NRHA Intermediate Non Pro class and an additional $631. These were the second and third ancillary wins for Van Der Schaaf, who also took the Limited Non Pro title with “Jeter” on Friday, April 22.
Van Der Schaaf rides with Andrea Archer, Richmond, Texas, and was coached by Andrea’s husband, Steve Archer, to several NRBC Youth titles in the past. It’s been 10 years, however, since the 26-year-old competed at the show, and her comeback has been major. She’s won more than $1,500 in Non Pro ancillary competition on her horse, who she has only owned since January of this year
“Steve had Jeter in the barn and was showing him, and the opportunity arose for me to buy him,” she said. “Now I finally have a good horse to show. He never tries to cheat me in the pen.”
Taking the Reserve Championship in the Non Pro class was Matthew Armenta, Whitesboro, Texas, showing Whiz N Low to a score of 144 and earning $404. The Intermediate Non Pro Champion was Randy Golden, Hockley, Texas, and his Lil Boo Whiz, who marked a 142 for a $534 paycheck.
David Zimmerman Wins NRBC Limited Open and Level 1 Open Championships on Jacs Lil Spook
Prior to this year’s event, the best David Zimmerman had done at the National Reining Breeders Classic was making the finals of the Limited Open. Now, he lays claim to having made the finals in the Open and Intermediate Open, and to the Championship of the Limited and Level 1 Open divisions. “This is by far the best I’ve ever done,” said Zimmerman, who won the titles on Jacs Lil Spook. “I haven’t soaked it all in. It was unreal to be out there riding in the Open finals with all those other guys. It was really exciting and I couldn’t wait to go in that arena and do it.”
Zimmerman and the Smart Spook stallion, out of Miss Whoa Jac, marked a 225 – winning the two titles by three points. When all the money was counted, Jacs Lil Spooks lifetime earnings had grown by $50,924!
Zimmerman also received two saddles, one sponsored by the NRBC and one from Continental Saddlery, two Gist Silvermiths buckles, NRBC crystal trophies, 50 lbs of Resilience Omega 3, a Whisper Bit from M3 Products, and two complete Tim McQuay The Art of Reining DVDs.
“He ran in and stopped really well, and we got turned as best we could. He’s a really good circler and I trust him so I ran as hard as I could, because I knew he would come back,” he said. “He’s also a really big stopper so I rode as hard as I could in the stops.”
Originally from Kodiak, Alaska, Zimmerman moved south in 1999, working several years for Doug Millholand and then Troy Heikes. “I got a lot of experience with those two guys, and now my wife and I are training out of Purcell, and trying to work our way up.” He added, “This helps! To step up at a show like this one is amazing. It was really fun and exciting to show today.”
Taylor Larson and Dolled Up Gunner and Sean Pulley and Spook Dance tied for the Reserve title of both the Limited and Level 1 Open with scores of 222. Dolled Up Gunner, by Gunner out of Mifs Doll, is owned by Taylor and her husband, Jordan Larson.
Spook Dance, owned by Rosanne Sternberg, is by Smart Spook out of Shining Dancer. Each collected $6,525 for the Limited Open and $919 for the Level 1 Open.
Peter DeFreitas and Steve Archer Cap Off 2011 NRBC With Open Titles
The 2011 National Reining Breeders Classic couldn’t get much better for Peter DeFreitas. The resident trainer of Double Run Farm, Leland, North Carolina, was still riding the high of his April 23 Intermediate Open Classic Championship when he rode into the pen on Rey Jeys Award for the April 24 National Reining Horse Association Open Ancillary class. DeFreitas had already placed fifth on the horse, owned by Double Run Farm, in both the April 22 NRBC Open Classic Challenge and NRHA Open class, winning more than $4,200.
“I’m kind of thinking about running for a title on this horse in the Open, so I wanted to show him in this and try to win some more money on him. The class was $2,000 added, I was already here, and the horse was ready,” DeFreitas said. Rey Jays Award marked a 223 and won the Open title, which came with an $896 paycheck.
The 7-year-old gelding didn’t get shown until 2010 because of leg issues, but the late start didn’t hold Rey Jays Award back. “He’s a really nice horse. He never tries to do anything wrong,” DeFreitas said. In fact, Rey Jays Award did everything right for DeFreitas, confirming that the 2011 NRBC was very kind to the trainer.
With a 220 on One Night Roost, Steve Archer clinched second place in the Open class and won the NRHA Intermediate Open Title. Archer earned a combined $1,223 for long-time client Carolyn Tellepsen, Simonton, Texas. “They’ve been with us 25 years at least. It’s family,” Archer said.
The Richmond, Texas, trainer has been showing One Night Rooster for Tellepsen since August of last year. “He is a 7-year-old by Rooster and out of Princess And Diamonds, that special mare. We’re trying to do good in the affiliate in the Intermediate and the Open and next year, win the Challenge.”
Winning the Intermediate Open on the last day of the show was the icing on the cake for Archer and his wife, Andrea. “We’ve had a great show. This is my favorite show. Everybody would say this show is perfect.”
Both DeFreitas and Archer took buckles home from Katy, Texas, for having the highest two-day point tally for their finishes in the Open and Intermediate Open, respectively.
The Reserve Champion in the April 24 Intermediate Open class was Kinzy Donnelly riding This Wimp Can Dance for Richard Mitchell, Plano, Texas. The pair marked a 215.5 and won $437.
Indy Roper Takes NRBC Intermediate Non Pro Ancillary Title
During her first trip to the National Reining Breeders Classic, Indy Roper, Hobart, Indiana, clinched two Non Pro Classic Challenge Reserve Championships and rode to No. 1 in the National Reining Horse Association Non Pro class on Paid By Corona. The 217 marked in the April 24 finals resulted in a hefty payload for the 20-year-old who’s only been showing reiners for one year.
“It’s a new thing for me. I’m just starting out. He’s been my first reiner, so he’s pretty special,” Roper said of Paid By Corona. Roper had a lot of experience and success – including multiple world titles – in hunter hack and other all-around disciplines but decided she was ready for something different and wanted to try a new discipline. “My dad and Sam Smith, who helps me, grew up together. My dad called Sam and said that we want to get into reining. We bought this horse from Casey Hinton, and we couldn’t have found a better horse. He’s honest. He takes care of me. He’s taught me a lot about the game.”
The Championship in the Non Pro came with $850 to add to Roper’s lifetime reining earnings.
There was a tie for second place between four horse-and-rider pairs who each scored a 216 in the finals. Sharing in the Reserve Co-Championship and earning a check for $421 were Jessica Sternberg and Whizin Off Sparks, Kelly Hale and Twilight Rooster, Breanna Van Der Schaaf and Hes At Bat, and Kerrry Newell and Hailstorm Jaci.
Van Der Schaaf also won buckles for having the highest composite point tally from two days of showing in the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions.
Paul Magistri Wins Dual Novice Horse Non Pro Titles at NRBC with Smart Von Reminic
On the final day of competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic, the National Reining Horse Association Ancillary classes were in full-swing in the East Arena of the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. The first classes of the day were the Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2 – and Paul Magistri of Houston, Texas, took both titles.
Magistri was riding Smart Von Reminic, and was awarded a 143.5, winning $291 in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 and $583 in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2. “He was fantastic today. He is the most honest, incredible horse ever,” he said.
Magistri moved to Texas a little over a year ago, and began riding with Steve Archer. “Steve really made this horse a reiner and made it easy,” he said. “Steve has this horse so ready that if I don’t make a mistake, we do ok.”
Jordan Donnelly and Jessiesstarlights took the Reserve title in both divisions, winning $231 in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1, and $463 in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2. Donnelly resides in Aubrey, Texas.
Tami Nelson and Plus Me Big Time Win NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge and NRHA Non Pro
Some horses have the extra dose of resilience it takes to overcome odds and ride to success. Plus Me Big Time, owned by Tami Nelson, Canyon, Texas, is one of those horses
“When he was a 4-year-old, he had a really bad injury, and he should not even be doing this anymore, but he’s got a really big heart,” Nelson said. On April 24 at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas, Nelson rode her 2004 gelding Plus Me Big Time, by Shine Big Time, in the $25,000-added Non Pro Classic Challenge for horses 7 years old and up. She won the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Championships with a score of 219.5.
Nelson raised Plus Me Big Time and NRBC three-time Champion Shawn Flarida showed him as a 3-year-old. The horse was laid off after his injury, and Nelson’s current trainer, Ruben Van Dorp, convinced her to get back on Plus Me Big Time and start riding again. They made the finals at last year’s National Reining Horse Association Derby and the Limited Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro finals at the 2010 NRBC.
“He’s a good, good horse. Winning this feels great. I just want to hug him. I think he deserves it more than I do,” Nelson said. This is the pair’s first Championship title. “This is a great show. They added so much to this class, and it’s great because it gives more value to these horses.” Nelson won $7,177 in the Non Pro division and $2,871 for first in the Intermediate Non Pro. Making Nelson’s day even better, she also won the concurrently-ran NRHA Non Pro ancillary class, which came with a $1,869 paycheck.
Jeff Kirkbride, Ocala, Florida, won second place in both Classic Challenge divisions and in the NRHA Non Pro on his gelding KR Lil Conquistador. The pair marked a 218.5 in the finals and won $4,369 in the Classic Challenge Non Pro, $1,747 in the Intermediate and $1,270 in the NRHA Non Pro.
William Rhoads Wins NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge Limited and Level 1 Non Pro
The Non Pro Classic Challenge Limited and Level 1 divisions went to a pair who were revisiting a successful partnership of the past. William Rhoads, Whitesboro, Texas, rode This Rose Will Shine to a 218 in the finals, winning a total of $1,148.
“It’s William’s horse, but his wife, Wendy, has been showing it all last year and a little bit of this year. Last year was her first year showing, and the horse just babysat her all year long. It’d be very rare if she marked under a 71 with the horse. He’s just always been very steady in the show pen,” Rhoad’s coach, Josh Visser, said. Rhoads showed This Rose Will Shine in the past, but gave him to Wendy when he got a new mount. “Wendy decided she wanted to let William show the horse in this class. She wanted him to go out and chase some money. She knew that if he showed him here, he’d have a chance to win a lot of money.”
Second place in the Limited and Level 1 went to Indy Roper, Hobart, Indiana, and Paid By Corona. The 20-year-old is coached by Sam Smith, and she scored a 217 in the finals, totaling to a $698 payday.
Melissa Hood and Watch This Way Top NRBC Classic Challenge Non Pro Prime Time
Melissa Hood also made her mark on the inaugural NRBC Non Pro Classic Challenge. She rode Watch This Way to a score of 219 in the Prime Time Non Pro division and earned a check for $624. “I just got chills!” Hood exclaimed when her title was announced in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum.
“I just have to thank the NRBC. The implementation of the 7 and Up maturity is fabulous for the industry. It pays well. The added money was an incentive, of course, but just seeing everyone down here collecting their prizes and having a little get together here at the end of the show is really great,” Hood said. “The class was so good to watch. These older horses, it’s such a great market for the industry.”
The Classic Challenge Championship comes during Hood’s and Watch This Way’s seventh show season together. Hood has had the horse since he was a long yearling.
The Prime Time Reserve Champion was Lance Griffin, De Winton, Alberta, Canada, on Dun Playin Tag. The pair marked a 218 and won $425.
Laura White and Gone N Dunnit Win NRBC Ancillary Rookie Level 1
With a score of 143, Laura White, of Somerville, Texas, won the National Reining Horse Association Ancillary Rookie Level 1 at the NRBC.
She was riding Gone N Dunnit, a horse whose nickname is Elvis. “He’s the greatest pony ever. He did excellent today.” She added modestly, “I guess I rode him all right – but it was all him.”
White has owned Gone N Dunnit for two years – but has only gotten serious about showing the 7-year-old in January. “I just played around on him. He was shown when he was a 3- and 4-year-old, and then he just had some time off.”
White noted that her plans for the future are uncertain, as she’s moving later in the year to New Mexico for a job. “I’m unsure, really. I’d like to take him to the NRHA Futurity in the Rookie and also, because of his color, the Palomino World Show,” she said.
Reserve honors went to Mary Anne Van Degna and Ruf N Dun It, who had a 138.5. Ruf N Dun It is owned by the Bar Double C Ranch, located in Cave Creek, Arizona.
Maass Wins NRHA Rookie Level 2 Title at NRBC on Flashy With Chrome
The National Reining Horse Association ancillary classes at the National Reining Breeders Classic have been good to Alexa Maass. On the first day of competition, she and her horse tied for first in the Limited Non Pro ancillary, and later in the week she tied for the high point buckle of that class.
Then, on the final day of competition, Maass, of Houston, Texas, won another class, and another buckle, this time for the Rookie Level 2, with a score of 142. On all days of competition, she was riding Flashy With Chrome – a horse she has owned for two years. “He was great today,” she said. “He is an awesome horse and I’m so excited.”
Maass trains with Steve Archer, and noted, “Steve has done a great job with us. I really appreciate everything he’s done.” Maass added that she and Flashy With Chrome are shooting for an NRHA Rookie of the Year title.
Paul Magistri and Smart Von Reminic, who earlier won the Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2, were the Reserve Champions with a 140. Magistri resides in Houston, Texas.
