April 21, 2012 Congratulations to Sterling Ranch! Smart Spook unofficially became the NRHA's newest Million Dollar Sire during the NRBC. Shawn Flarida Wins NRBC Open Championship on Spooks Gotta Whiz The NRBC Open Finals were held Saturday, April 21, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The field of 33 finalists posted high score after high score - in fact, the average of all the scored runs in the finals was over 223! NRHA Leading Rider Shawn Flarida claimed his fourth NRBC Open title on Spooks Gotta Whiz, a 5-year-old stallion by Spooks Gotta Gun out of Prettywhizprettydoes. Flarida and Spooks Gotta Whiz laid down a 236 to win the Open title. During the awards ceremony, Flarida was presented with an oversized check for $75,000, a year's use of a four horse trailer from Twin Cities Featherlite, a saddle sponsored by Pard's Western Shop, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, Rios of Mercedes boots, a Catena watch from Catena USA, a Whisper Bit, and product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies Animal Health and SmartPak. Flarida and owner Michelle Anne Kimball also took home the signature blue NRBC crystal as well as other NRBC memorabilia. While many other horse and rider teams have been together for years, the NRBC was actually Flarida's and Spooks Gotta Whiz's debut reining! "I got him in January, and this was my first time to show him. He's a super-minded horse and his foundation was phenomenal. Tanya Jenkins started him and did really well, and then Jordan Larson did a great job on him and won the NRHA Futurity," he said. "Michelle called me and asked if I'd be interested in riding him. I said I didn't think I could do any better than the other people who had ridden him, but I'd love the opportunity. She said 'I think he'd look really good with a green shirt,' so I said I'd love to try him." The Reserve Championship and $56,000 went to Andrea Fappani and Tinker With Guns, who finished the finals with a 233.5. Tinker With Guns, a 6-year-old stallion by Gunner out of Tinker Nic, is owned by Rancho Oso Rio.
Tanya Jenkins and No Wimpy Cowboys Win NRBC Intermediate Open Championship Tanya Jenkins and No Wimpy Cowboys ran away with the NRBC Intermediate Open Championship, winning the title by 5.5 points! Jenkins and her flashy palomino gelding were a crowd favorite. Amidst the cheers and whistles, the pair executed a near flawless run - one that not only won the Intermediate Open title, but was also good for third place in the Open division. It was a run that had much of the crowd on their feet for an ovation as she led her horse out of the pen. "I have never had so much fun in my life!" Jenkins, of Temecula, California, exclaimed following the awards ceremony. For the Intermediate Open Championship, Jenkins took home a check for $30,612, a saddle sponsored by San Juan Ranch, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a Whisper Bit, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, as well as the traditional NRBC blue crystal trophies and awards. She collected an additional $37,000 for placing third in the Open. "I'm very proud of him. I knew he could mark big, but it was just about keeping everything together - and he did. I have a great rapport with this horse. I love him - he's just amazing," Jenkins said of her 5-year-old, by Wimpys Little Step out of Dunnits Cowgirl. She added, "I love the NRBC. It's my favorite show and it always has been." Jimmy Van Der Hoeven and Spooks Eclipse took Reserve honors in the Intermediate Open with a score of 227.5, collecting $18,633. Spooks Eclipse, by Smart Spook out of Chex Drive, is owned by Casey Hinton.
Jimmie Van Der Hoeven Takes NRBC Limited and Level 1 Open Titles at NRBC Jimmie Van Der Hoeven had a big night. Competing in the NRBC Open finals for the first time, the 24-year-old trainer won over $57,000 on Spooks Eclipse! That was made possible by winning the Championship of the Limited and Level 1 Open divisions, the Reserve Championship of the Intermediate Open, and seventh place in the Open Level 4. "I was really happy with my horse - he worked really well," he said of the 4-year-old stallion. "I actually rode him his 2-year-old year, and then my boss, Casey Hinton, showed him as a 3-year-old. I really appreciate Casey for giving me the opportunity to show this horse here. I also thank my brother, Roy Van Der Hoeven, for all his help." Spooks Eclipse is by Smart Spook and out of Chex Drive. Unofficially, his earnings at the NRBC helped Smart Spook, owned by Sterling Ranch, become the NRHA's newest Million Dollar Sire during the NRBC. "I really hope I get to show him again," Van Der Hoeven, originally from Holland, said following the awards ceremony, at which he took home a saddle from Bob's Custom Saddles, a saddle from Martin Saddlery, two Gist Silversmiths products, Whisper Bits, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, SmartPak, InfoMedia Video, as well as NRBC crystal and other awards. Marco Formentin and Spooks Gotta Run, by Spooks Gotta Gun out of Prettywhizprettydoes, took Reserve honors in the Limited Open division with a score of 226.5. Spooks Gotta Run, a 4-year-old stallion, is owned by Michael Jeffcoat, who collected $7,331. The Level 1 Limited Open Reserve title and $1,050 went to Ben Baldus and Dainty Little Step, who marked a 224. Dainty Little Step, a 6-year-old mare by Wimpys Little Step out Tucks Little Poco, is owned by the WT Waggoner Estate.
Scott McCutcheon and MC Gunner Take NRBC Open Prime Time Championship With a score of 225, Scott McCutcheon and MC Gunner took the NRBC Open Prime Time Championship. McCutcheon was riding the 4-year-old stallion for long-time friend and customer Jack Covington. "He was awesome today - he was really solid. I was sixth on him here last year in the Intermediate Open, and he's just a really nice horse," McCutcheon explained following the awards ceremony, at which he received the check for $1,950, a trophy saddle from the NRBC, a Gist Silversmiths buckle, NRBC crystal trophies, and product from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies and M3 Products. MC Gunner is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Gunner, and out of Mi Mega. "I actually showed Mi Mega here and placed third in the Intermediate Open, and Jack made the Non Pro finals on her. This horse is from really good families on both sides," McCutcheon said. Covington added, "This horse was at my house when my wife, Audrey, had some health issues. I told Scott that if he would like to partner with me on him to come pick him up - and we've been pleased with him ever since." Jamie Bissell earned the Open Prime Time Reserve Championship on West Coast Willie, a 6-year-old stallion by West Coast Whiz out of Cinderella Solano. The pair marked a 222.5 to win $1,350 for owner John Jackson.
Celebrate Good Times! Quarter Horse News Hosts Open Finals Victory Party NRBC owners, exhibitors, sponsors and fans were treated to a night of fun and celebration at the annual Quarter Horse News Victory Party. Representing Quarter Horse News were Patty Tiberg, Publisher, and General Manager Temple Read. While the DJ played everyone's favorite music, everyone celebrated another successful NRBC! East Arena Excellence Congratulations to the Ancillary Class Winners Non Pro Champion - Francesca Sternberg & Shiners Chic
Reserve Champion - Chad Hartmann & Wimpys Little Jay Francesca Sternberg What is your horse's nickname? Shiner How long have you owned this horse? Four years Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? The Sterling Ranch crew What do you like best about the NRBC? Winning lots of money! Intermediate Non Pro Champion - Kevin Ball & Alley Cattin King Reserve Champion - Regina McGee & Chics N Salsa Kevin Ball What is your horse's nickname? Bob How long have you owned this horse? Eight years Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? All my success I owe to my family and friends and trainer Patti Brownshadel. What do you like best about the NRBC? It's a great show that really gives back to all the exhibitors!
Classic Challenge Youth 13 & Under Champion - Kristi Wiggins & Lady Naskiia Whiz Reserve Champion - Cade McCutcheon & Dun It Got Lucky Kristi Wiggins What is your horse's nickname? Bonnie How long have you owned this horse? Four years Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? Mike and Kristi Berg, my parents, and my horse Bonnie What do you like best about the NRBC? All of the people are really nice.
Classic Challenge Youth 14-18 Champion - Amelia Lee & Peppy Chic Finale Reserve Champion - Whitney Paige Conrad & Lil Hollywood Gun Amelia Lee What is your horse's nickname? Dot How long have you owned this horse? One year Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, and especially Brandy Murphy What do you like best about the NRBC? All the excellent talent - it's awesome! Youth 13 & Under
Champion - Shelby Reine & Intrinsic Ability Reserve Champion - Kristi Wiggins & Lady Naskiia Whiz Shelby Reine What is your horse's nickname? Walter How long have you owned this horse? Four years Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? My parents and my trainer Jimmie Stanzel. What do you like best about the NRBC? The Open Finals and showing against other great riders. Youth 14-18 Champion - Brooke Kaiser & WR Kentucky Chick Reserve Champion - Jordan Donnelly & Cee Another Wimpy Brooke Kaiser What is your horse's nickname? Forrest How long have you owned this horse? One year Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? Steve and Andrea Archer What do you like best about the NRBC? There are so many people who love reining gathering to compete.
Unrestricted Youth Champion - Cade McCutcheon & Two Cee Command Reserve Champion - Jayli Garrison & Red White N Wrangler Cade McCutcheon What is your horse's nickname? Bugsy How long have you owned this horse? He's actually my sister Carlee's horse. Is there anyone who has helped you a lot that you would like to thank? Tim, Dad, Mom, Sam Schaffhauser, and Marco Ricotta What do you like best about the NRBC? Everything!
10 & Under Short Stirrup Champion - Sarah Armenta & Custom Twister Reserve Champion - Macie Reine & Intrinsic Ability