NRHA Futurity 2016: Day 1-5 Action Recap
Day 1: Flarida, Schmersal and Schoeller lead the first section of the Open Futurity, Matt Palmer and CC Enterprise are the 2016 NAAC Open Champions
Thanksgiving day in Oklahoma City welcomed the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) 50th anniversary as well as the start of the 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC).
The first section of the first go-round of the $472,500*-added Open Futurity counted 142 entries giving spectators the first taste of what to look forward to on finals night! Three riders tied to post the high score, a 221.5, in the $255,000*-added Level (L)4 Open division: Shawn Flarida (below, left) riding Whiz Gata Prize (Topsail Whiz x Smart Little Prize), a stallion owned by E. Alberto Casasco and nominated by Robert Santagata, Robin Schoeller (below, center) riding Spitfire Spook (Smart Spook X Miss Satin Whiz), a stallion nominated, bred, and owned by Polly Hilliard and Craig Schmersal (below, right) aboard Pale Black Gun (Pale Face Dunnit x Blazing In Black) a stallion owned, bred and nominated by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC.
Leading the $125,000*-added L3 Open division was Nathan Piper (below, left) after posting a 219 aboard High Rolling Spook (Smart Spook x Shining High Roller) for owner Toyon Ranch LLC. Nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, the sorrel stallion is an NRHA Markel Insurance Select Yearling Sale Graduate.
Aboomen Revolution (Boomernic x Urika), with Ruben Vandorp (below, center) in the saddle, closed his run with a 218.5 to lead the $62,500* -added L2 division. The flashy stallion was nominated by Michelle Miola and is owned by Dan Northrup.
Leading the $30,000*-added L1 division with a 216 was Arnaud Ferret (below, right)aboard Spooks Gotta Cowboy (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Marq Of Cita) nominated and owned by Bernandino Cervantes.
(*subject to change based on nominations)
The first NAAC Champions are crowned:
In a field of 33 qualifiers, Matt Palmer firmly clinched the NAAC Open Championship after posting a 224 with Mark Hurd’s CC Enterprise (Wrangle Whiz x Rems Little Sugs) between the reins. “Last year, I tied to win riding Smart Chic Katie, which is also owned by Mark Hurd,” said Matt, who also claimed the USA Reining Open title. “Mark’s an amazing customer who always supports me, and I cannot thank him and his family enough for trusting me with his horses. His daughters, Elaina and Amanda, have also done very well with this horse and he’s been very good to me this year; he’s the real deal!”
Jared Leclair, riding Robert and Robbin Thayn’s Coded N Karma, a 5-year-old gelding by Electric Code and out of Whiz N Snap, and Jay Dee Anderson, riding Skeets Conquistador, tied for second place honors.
Anderson also rode the 8-year-old stallion by Conquistador Whiz and out of Skeets Scamp, owned by Jay Dee and his wife Janis, to the NAAC Intermediate Open Championship.
“I’ve been coming to the Futurity for the past 37 years and this is the nicest run I’ve ever had here, it’s pretty special!” said an enthused Anderson about his stallion who boasts over $47,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE). “He was a finalist at the Futurity and he’s been a nice horse for my wife and I during his career. I’m now riding his colts and am hoping they ride as well as he does!”
Tying for second place honors were Nick Nelson riding Amy Thompson’s KR Smart Lil Devil (Smart Spook x KR Dirt Devil) and Kim Diercks riding Susan and Harry Jones’ Chic From Shinola (Smart Spook x Shine N In The Finals).
For further information about the 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship held November 24th – December 3rd in Oklahoma City visit NRHAFuturity.com.
Day 2: Brant and Electric Wind top the second section of the Open Futurity go-round; Paige Barton and Diamond Oak are NAAC Limited Non Pro Champions
The second day of competition at the 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC) offered excitement as the second section of the Open Futurity first go-round took place in the Jim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City.
With only two riders left to go, Brandon Brant riding Electric Wind (Jacs Electric Spark x Wind Her Up Chic), owned by CCOW Partnership and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, lit up the stage with his performance. The duo closed their run with a 222 topping the $255,000*-added Level (L)4 Open division after three riders tied for ûlead in the first section with a 221.5 yesterday: Shawn Flarida riding Whiz Gata Prize (Topsail Whiz x Smart Little Prize), a stallion owned by E. Alberto Casasco and nominated by Robert Santagata, Robin Schoeller riding Spitfire Spook (Smart Spook X Miss Satin Whiz), a stallion nominated, bred, and owned by Polly Hilliard and Craig Schmersal aboard Pale Black Gun (Pale Face Dunnit x Blazing In Black) a stallion owned, bred and nominated by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC.
In the first section of the $125,000*-added L3 Open division, Nathan Piper had taken the lead after posting a 219 aboard High Rolling Spook (Smart Spook x Shining High Roller) for owner Toyon Ranch LLC. Today, Piper rode another Toyon Ranch LLC owned horse to the top score in the second section, Smart Ebony Spook. Aboard the palomino mare by Smart Spook and out of Ebony Shines, nominated by John and Nancy Tague, the young NRHA Professional posted a 220.5.
Fernando Salgado and Loveya (Gunnatrashya x Love Em N Lena), owned and nominated by Camela Essick, bested Aboomen Revolution (Boomernic x Urika) and Ruben Vandorp’s 218.5 by half a point in the $62,500* -added L2 division.
Holding on to the top score in the $30,000*-added L1 division after yesterday’s performance are Arnaud Ferret and Spooks Gotta Cowboy (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Marq Of Cita), owned and nominated by Bernandino Cervantes.
(*subject to change based on nominations)
NAAC Limited Non Pro Champions are Paige Barton and Diamond Oak
In a field of 103 qualified horses and riders, Paige Barton and her Diamond Oak were draw 102 with a 216.5 to best the other entries. In 2015, the duo had taken reserve honors and this year they were determined to take home the championship and the trophy, and they did! The young rider and her 7-year-old gelding by Like A Diamond and out of Jr Colored Oak closed their performance with a 217. “My horse was a really good boy today! In the warm-up pen he was really hooked on and was with me all the way in the show arena too!” said Paige following the awards presentation. “I got him close to two years ago from Arno Honstetter, who did an awesome job with him, and now I train with Martin Padilla who is perfect! I’ve a great horse… he’s special.”
Michelle Miola and Bella Juice, a 7-year-old mare by Smart Like Juice and out of Bella Conquistador, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, settled for reserve honors.
On Saturday, riders will be vying for the NAAC Limited Open and Rookie Professional titles.
Day 3: Trevor Dare and Xtra New Pal Voodoo take the lead in the Open Futurity go-round
Oklahoma City, November 26 – The third day of competition of the 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC) determined who would advance to the second go-round of the Open Futurity.
In section 3 of the first go-round of the Open held today, Trevor Dare posted the highest score in the first go-round of the Level (L)4 Open division – a 223 – riding Xtra New Pal Voodoo (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wimpys New Pal). Aboard the flashy palomino stallion owned and nominated by Xtra Quarter Horses LLC, Dare bested the 222 score that was in the lead. “He’s an awesome horse with so much horse-power, and since I’m a little inexperienced with that level of horse-power – and he’s got an endless amount – I just have to make sure I know how to control it,” said the NRHA Professional who trains out of Xtra Quarter Horses. “I’ve had this horse in training since the beginning of this year. Damian Rico rode him as a 2-year-old and he did an awesome job with him. Thiago (Boechat), who watches me ride him every single day, has helped me incredibly. It’s been a really big team effort.”
Gabriel Diano riding Oops Itsa Spooks (Spooks Gotta Gun x Tejons Finally Dunit), owned by AC Quarter Horses LLC and nominated by Michelle Miola, today tied to lead the L3 Open division with Nathan Piper who yesterday rode Toyon Ranch LLC’s Smart Ebony Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines), nominated by John and Nancy Tague, to a 220.5.
Fernando Salgado and Loveya (Gunnatrashya x Love Em N Lena), owned and nominated by Camela Essick, top the L2 division with a 219.
The top score in the L1 Open division, a 216, belongs to two entries. Arnaud Ferret and Spooks Gotta Cowboy (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Marq Of Cita), owned and nominated by Bernandino Cervantes, and Rafal Dolata riding Got Guns A Blazin (Gunner x Shining N Sassy) owned by Scott and Kathleen McCutcheon.
Prime Time Open All entries already advancing in Level 1-3
Learn From The Legends
At 3 p.m. in Barn 6, horse enthusiasts of all ages and from all disciplines are invited to “Learn from the Legends” featuring NRHA Hall of Famers Bob Loomis and Clint Haverty. After the free demonstration clinic, NRHA Professionals will be on hand to answer any questions the audience may have about finding a trainer, showing or finding an affiliate. Don’t miss this special offering presented as part of the NRHA’s 50th Anniversary.
Day 4: NRHA Open Futurity Second go, Section One: Whiz Gata Prize and Flarida Lead; Shannon Rafacz and Iboom win the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 – Kara Gray Frye and Juice N Silk win the Level 1
Oklahoma City, November 27 – It was an action-packed Sunday at the 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC). The first section of the second go-round of the $472,500*-added (*subject to change based on nominations) Open Futurity opened the day, and once the last horse ran through the in-gate, the highest composite score was earned by NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida riding E. Alberto Casasco’s Whiz Gata Prize. Aboard the talented stallion (by NRHA Eleven Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz and out of Smart Little Prize) nominated and bred by Robert Santagata, Flarida closed his performance in the first go-round with a 221.5. The duo posted a 223 today, earning the highest composite score in the Level (L)4 Open presented by Lucas Oil, a 444.5.
NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, rode Ifwhizwereguns (Spooks Gotta Gun x Ifwhizweredollars) for owner Rancho Oso Rio LLC, a stallion nominated and bred by Tanya Jenkins, to a 222.5 which brought his composite score to a 442 after having posted a 219.5 in the first go-round. The duo retains the second highest composite score in the L4.
Topping the L3 Open division with a composite score of 436 (217/219) was Nathan Piper riding High Rolling Spook (Smart Spook x Shining High Roller) for owner Toyon Ranch LLC. Nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, the sorrel stallion is an NRHA Markel Insurance Select Yearling Sale Graduate.
In the L2 Open division, Pedro Baiao and Hollywood Nites (Gunners Special Nite x Dun It For Chex) took the lead with a composite score of 433.5. Bred by Oldenburg Farm LLC, the pretty mare is owned by Michael A Garnett and was nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center.
In the L1 Open division Little Step (Wimpys Little Step x Ms Colleena Olena), owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses Texas LLC, with Titus Covington in the saddle, holds the highest composite score (428.5).
NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 & Level 1 Champions
Excitement built in the Adequan arena in Oklahoma City as qualifiers rode for the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 and Level 2 titles. Multiple past NRHA Non Pro World Champion Shannon Rafacz won the Level 2 championship with a 219 score riding Iboom, a 5-year-old sorrel gelding by Boom Shernic and out of Bonitas Latin Chic.
“I’m pretty proud of my horse who I got just before the NRHA Derby through the lease program. I bought him a week before this show and am really excited about the fact that the program worked out the way it was intended to,” said an enthused Shannon. “He’s been in our barn since he was three, and then his owner went to college, so I tried him. I really love him, he has taught me a ton in six months, and we are truly two peas in a pod!”
The reserve championship honors in the Level 2, a half-a-point behind the winners, went to the NAAC Novice Horse Level 1 Champions, Kara Gray Frye and her 5-year-old chestnut gelding, Juice N Silk (Smart Like Juice). “It was a lot of fun, he was there for me today just as he was there for me all year!” said an emotional Kara following the awards presentation. “Because of an eye injury, that fortunately is healing up beautifully thanks to my vet, I was unable to ride him until yesterday! I bought him last year in May from Jill Walton – who did an amazing job with him – and he’s really become solid. He spent last winter with Mark Rafacz, I flew down several times to ride with Mark, and since then I’ve been riding him myself, so this is a dream come true!”
Claiming reserve honors in the Level 1 with a 216.5 was Shannon Kasten aboard Bill Kasten’s Schoen Smart (Smart Starbuck x Schoen Melody), a 5-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding.
Futurity Festivities:
This year’s edition of the NRHA Futurity Show is offering many a special event. Today, the “Learn from the Legends” free clinic featuring NRHA Hall of Famers Bob Loomis and Clint Haverty was a once in a lifetime opportunity for reining enthusiasts and was truly a huge success.
To kick off the most wonderful time of the year, NRHA Futurity spectators and exhibitors are welcome to attend the Platinum Performance Holiday Party on Monday, November 28th at 5 p.m. in Barn 3. Don’t forget to pull out that ugly sweater for your chance to win a prize for the most outrageous holiday sweater!
Day 5: NRHA Open Futurity Second Go, Section Two: Whiz Gata Prize and Flarida hold the lead; Chicsdreamofdiamonds and Jack Meadows top the first section of the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity
Oklahoma City, November 28 – The 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC) offered the second section of the second go-round of the Open Futurity.
Holding on to the highest composite score in the Level (L)4 Open presented by Lucas Oil is NRHA Five Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida aboard E. Alberto Casasco’s Whiz Gata Prize (Topsail Whiz x Smart Little Prize), a stallion nominated and bred by Robert Santagata. The duo is leading with a 444.5 composite.
In the first section of the semi-finals, NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani rode Rancho Oso Rio LLC’s Ifwhizswereguns (Spooks Gotta Gun x Ifwhizsweredollars), bred and nominated by Tanya Jenkins, to a 442 composite score. Today, NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal equalled Fappani’s composite riding Phantom Face (Pale Face Dunnit x Gorgeous Like A Star), a stallion owned by Hill-Schmersal, bred by Greg Hill and
nominated by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC.
Fernando Salgado and Loveya (Gunnatrashya x Love Em N Lena), a stallion owned and nominated by Camela Essick, are now leading both the L3 and L2 divisions with a 437.5. A half-point behind the leaders in the L3 are Nathan Piper and Toyon Ranch LLC’s Smart Ebony Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines), a palomino mare nominated by John and Nancy Tague.
In the L1 Open division Olenas Little Step (Wimpys Little Step x Ms Collena Olena), a stallion owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses Texas LLC with Titus Covington in the saddle, is firmly leading the L1 with a 429.5 composite score. The chestnut stallion was bred and nominated by Donna Woodruff. A point behind the current leaders are Arnaud Ferret and Spooks Gotta Cowboy (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Marq Of Cita), owned bred and nominated by Bernandino Cervantes. Today they were joined by Barak Gibori riding Talking Dirty (Hollywoodtinseltown x Myskirtisinthedirt), a gelding nominated and owned by David Silva.
The Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity:
Riders in the first section of the qualifying go-round of the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity left their mark in the Jim Norick arena today vying for a spot in the coveted finals. In the L4 division, Jac Meadows today rode to the high score – a 217.5 – aboard Chicsdreamofdiamonds (Magnum Chic Dream x Princess In Diamonds). The flashy palomino mare owned by Amy Meadows was nominated and bred by Clinton Anderson.
NRHA Two Million Dollar Mandy McCutcheon riding Customized My Gun (Gunner x Custom Made Dunit), a mare owned, bred and nominated by McQuay Stables Inc., closed her run with a 216, the second highest score in the L4.
With a 214.5, Jesse Asmussen and his Xtra Whinny Berry (Wimpys Red Berry x SLJ Smartlikewhinny) lead the L3 division. The red roan gelding was nominated and bred by Xtra QH LLC. Behind the duo, with a 213, were Ginger Schmersal and Kelle Smith. Schmersal was seen riding Gold Digging Dunnit (Pale Face Dunnit x Dun It Reining), a red dun stallion nominated by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC, owned and bred by B S Syndicate. The duo is also leading the L2 division. Smith rode her own Gotta Shiney Whiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Cee Bee Shine), a bay mare nominated by Bobby Lewis and bred by Diane Beckmann.
Leading the L1 division are Jordan Knudsen and his Sparkin Dun It (Pale Face Dunnit x Sparkin Personality), a chestnut gelding nominated by Mary Brown and bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC.
Finalists will be determined following the third section of the qualifying go-round. The Cinch Non Pro Futurity Consolation will take place on Thursday, December 1.
Tuesday action will include the section 3 of the Open Futurity semi-final, the section 2 of the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity and the NAAC Novice Horse Open L 1 & Level 2 as well as the NAAC Novice Horse Open Level 1 and Level 2 and NRHA Novice Horse Open Level 1 and Level 2.
A special thank you to the NRHA Partners:
Adequan, Anderson Bean Boot Company, Bluebonnet Feeds, Cardinal Reining Horses, Cinch, Classic Equine, Downunder Horsemanship, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialist, Lucas Oil, Protect the Harvest, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, OKC Convention & Vistors Bureau, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Santa Hill Ranch, Silver Spurs Equine, Silver Spurs Saddles, SmartPak, Trailguard, Xtra Quarter Horses and MS Diamonds, Texas.
NRHA Event Sponsors: RAM, Sandbur, Not Ruf At All, Twin Cities South Trailers, Twin Cities South Sundowner Trailers, Story Book Stables, Star Spangled Whiz, Shorties, Continental Saddlery, Equine Oasis, Bob’s Custom Saddles, KO Trading, Elite Stallmat Rentals, Scott Cleaners, Avila’s Proshop, Brandt Blankets, Mr. Electric Spark, Old Sorrel Western Sports Apparel, John Vance Autogroup, Boot Barn
For more information and to keep up with all the class results, special events and happenings throughout the week, visit nrhafuturity.com. For more live instant updates, follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Live Score & Webcast: http://nrhafuturity.com/live
Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere. The NRHA would like to continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary with our corporate partners, members and supporters for making this association a true success.
