NRHA press release by: Christa Morris – Oklahoma City, Okla. – December 3, 2013 – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship featured the nearly $500,000 added NRHA Open Futurity second go-round on Monday, December 2. More than 60 open riders and horses entered the Jim Norick Coliseum Arena at Oklahoma State Fair Park to battle for a qualifying position in Saturday’s finals. Two offspring of Walla Walla Whiz sit atop the leader board of the level 4 open division composite: Walla Whiz Affair and ARC Prized Walla.
Walla Whiz Affair (Walla Walla Whiz x Memorable Affair) and NRHA Professional Todd Bergen (Eagle Point, Ore.) marked a 220.5 in the first section of the first go-round. They turned in a consistent performance in the second go-round with a 220 to give them the lead in the level 4 open division composite (440.5). Walla Whiz Affair, owned by Xtra Quarter Horses, LLC (Purcell, Okla.), was the high seller in last year’s NRHA / Markel Insurance Futurity Prospect Sale.
NRHA Professional Todd Wright (Newcastle, Okla.) took his ARC Prized Walla (Walla Walla Whiz x Dun With Surprizes) into the second go-round after marking a 216 earlier in the show. The duo turned on the heat during their second run to earn a 220.5. That run gave them a 436.5 composite score and moved them into the second place position in the level 4 open and into the #1 position in the level 3 open division.
Spooks In Drag (Spooks Gotta Gun x Its Drag Time), ridden by NRHA Professional Casey Deary (Weatherford, Texas), slid to a score of 219 in the second-go round to bring their composite score to a 434.5, the third highest score so far. The mare is owned by Reinbow Ridge Equestrian (Schomberg, Ontario, Canada).
Beam Me Up Spook (Smart Spook x Ruffle Me Up) and NRHA Professional Tom Foran (Burbank, Calif.) put two solid scores together (215 – 1st go, 219 – 2nd go) to hold second place in level 3 open division and first place in the level 2 open division. Elaine Davis, of La Canada, Calif., owns the stallion.
In second place in the level 2 open division and leading the level 1 open division is Spark Of Starlight (Jacs Electric Spark x Starlight Angela) with Ryan Rushing (Whitesboro, Texas) for owner Shelly MacLellan (Fort Worth, Texas). They earned a 211 in the first go-round and a 220 in the second go-round for a 431 composite score.
MORE ABOUT THE SHOW
It’s the most elite reining event in the world with 3,000 entries competing for more than $2 million in cash and prizes. Approximately 1,400 horses and more than 120,000 visitors come from nearly 20 countries to compete and watch the excitement unfold. During its 10-day run, the show contributes more than $67 million to the overall Oklahoma City economy.
SHOW SUPPORTERS
The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support of the NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show: Adequan, Anderson Bean Boot Company, Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cardinal Reining Horses, Center Back Pads, Classic Equine, Darling 888 Ranch, Downunder Horsemanship, Horse&Rider, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Kyle Tack, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Miller International – Cinch / Cruel Girl, Montana Silversmiths, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pard’s Western Shop, Platinum Performance, Purina, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Silver Spurs Equine, SmartPak, Schmersal Reining Horses, Twister Trailer, World Development Group International and Xtra Quarter Horses.
In addition, NRHA thanks NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show Event Sponsors:
Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard-setting body for the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.