Oklahoma City, OK - December 3, 2006 - Randy Paul, Scottsdale, AZ, beat a field of spectacular three-year-olds to bring Taris Designer Genes (Mr Boomerjac x Taris Little Vintage), owned by Rancho Oso Rio, to the winner’s circle of the 2006 NRHA Futurity $100,000 added Open Division and a guaranteed paycheck of $125,000!

Paul showed with tremendous confidence, scoring a 227. “I felt really good showing her,” said Randy. “And I was going to sell her pretty darn cheap in September.” But, when several people told Randy he needed more horse, it inspired him to try a little harder and this wonderful mare responded. “We decided to keep her after the second go,” said Randy. “I need a good horse for next year.” He’s got one!

Taris Designer Genes is the first mare to win the Futurity’s Open Division since 1990 when Doug Milholland won the event on Silver Anniversary (AQHA Two T Whisky Royal), owned by Terry Hunt. And talk about mare power – Taris Little Vintage, the dam of Taris Designer Genes, produced the 1999 NRHA Futurity Open Division Champion, Hollywood Vintage, shown by Dell Hendricks and owned by Alan and Kay Needle.

The “Ladies Night Out” theme continued with the Open Division Reserve Champion, Collenas Finest Tafy. Ridden by Brian Bell, Smithfield, NC, for Double Run Farm, Collenas Finest Tafy is by Footworks Finest and out of Collena Chic Olena. Brian scored a 226.5 for second place and a paycheck made out for $103,110.96

In a dramatic runoff for first place in the $50,000 added Elite Trailer Intermediate Open Division, Shawna Sapergia bested Matt Flarida by a half point. Shawna, from Cochrane, AB, Canada, rode This Chics On Top, a three-year-old daughter of Smart Chic Olena and out of This Chex On Top, owned by Outrider Ranch Ltd. Shawna is a beautiful rider and she put together two beautiful patterns on Finals night. Shawna earned $23,249.56 for the win.

Matt Flarida, Midway, KY, rode Custom Blackberry, a son of Custom Crome and out of Be Berry Sweet, owned by Craig Jobe. Matt was aggressive where he needed to be aggressive – soft and pretty when called for. The quality of both his rides was amazing. Matt earned $19,331.19 for the reserve championship.

Gunnin For Diamonds (Like A Diamond x BH Top Gun), shown by Arno Honstetter, San Marcos, CA, won the $20,000 added APHA Gelding Award for owner Juston Palmer. The Great Guntini, by Gunner and out of Miss Wicked Filena, was shown by Mike McEntire and was the winner of the American Paint Horse Association Paint Preferred Award for owner John Faulkner.

The day started with the Performance Horse Rookie of the Year competition. Jennifer Hoffman, from Wesley Chapel, FL, scored a 215.5 on her Spats Dot Com to best a field of 21 riders. She represented the Florida Reining Horse Association.

Don Thomas was second on Broady BH Dunit owned by Tori Thomas, Hayesville, OH. Don rode for the Central Ohio Reining Horse Association, scored a 212.5. Both riders qualified for the event at the Eastern US Affiliate Finals in Springfield, OH.

Reining enthusiasts saw sunshine and snow – and one heck of a show!

Kelle Smith Wins Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity on JD Conquista Anna at NRHA Futurity Show

Oklahoma City, OK - December 2, 2006 - Kelle Smith, Belle Center, OH, scored a 217.5 in the qualifying go round of the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity to earn a slot in the Finals. She upped the ante with her Finals ride and scored a 221 to earn the championship in the $60,000 added Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity aboard her JD Conquista Anna by Conquistador Whiz and out of Hollywood Anna. Kelle, wife of NRHA Professional Sam Smith, is no stranger to the winner’s circle in OKC. She won the Non Pro Futurity in 2003 aboard See Ya At Seven.

NRHA’s Leading Lifetime Non Pro Money Earner and a multiple NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion is Mandy McCutcheon. Mandy placed second this year on I Spin For Chics with a score of 219.5 and third on SLJ Sweet N Juicy with a score of 217.5. I Spin For Chics is by Tangys Classy Peppy and out of Chics Koko Angel. The stallion, I Spin For Chics, is owned by Mandy’s dad, Tim McQuay, Tioga, TX. SLJ Sweet N Juicy (Smart Like Juice x Jacks My Sugar Daddy) is owned by Mandy and her husband, NRHA Professional Tom McCutcheon, Aubrey, TX.

John McCarty, Gaviota, CA, was the “top gun” on Top Dun Cody Rose (Top Dun x Fritzie Rose) in the $25,000 added Intermediate Division of the Non Pro Futurity with a score of 215. Chad Clark, River Falls, WI, shared the co-reserve championship with Melony Jayne Jackson, Selma, NC. Both riders scored a 214. Chad rode Hailstorm Jaci, an NRHA Sire & Dam offspring, and a daughter of Shine Like Hail out of Cowboys Mysti Jac; Melony rode Lil Ruf Whiz Quiz by Lil Ruf Peppy and out of Pretty Ms Qhiz.

In a dramatic runoff for the championship title, young Clayton Eggers, the winner of the inaugural Highest-Scoring First Time Non Pro Futurity Rider award and Youth Non Pro Division, won the Limited Non Pro as well. Clayton is from Mingus, TX. He trained and rode his own Hesa Smarty Pants (Freckles Fancy Twist x Sneza Smarty Pants) to his multiple victories.

Nadine Galbraith, Rocky Mount, NC, earned the reserve title on Gundelion (Gunner x Slidin Miss Daisy) and Juan Manuel Vazquez, Markham, IL, was third on Great Juice (Smart Like Juice x One Great Diamond) owned by Smart Like Juice, Inc.

John McCarty earned the Prime Time Non Pro championship on his Top Dun Cody Rose. Don Murphy’s Panas Jewels (Tachitas Jewels x Pana Sugar Chex) won the Non Pro Gelding Incentive Award with his daughter Nelle Murphy, Marietta, OK, riding.

There were Co-Champions, Bryan Luark and Ian Barnard, in the Adequan North American Affiliate (NAAC) Youth 14-18 and NRHA Youth 14-18. Bryan Luark, Burns, CO, representing the Western Slope Reining Horse Association, rode his Boomen James Foley (Boomernic and Pep Aledo). Ian Barnard on Got It Dun (Hollywood Dun It x Last Little Lena) owned by Elizabeth Ann Barnard of Kendallville, IN, rode for the Michigan Reining Horse Association.

In a touching performance dedicated to her mom and “other mothers, sisters, friends and family who have lost their fight with cancer,” Kirstin Foran, Temecula, CA, won the $7,500 added North American Freestyle Open Championship presented by Century Investment Group. Kirstin and her stallion Guinness performed to Faith Hill’s There You’ll Be. Representing the California Reining Horse Association, Kirstin won the championship with a score of 224.5.

For the sixth year in a row, West Texas A & M coached by Dr. John Pipkin, won the Intercollegiate Judging Contest. The evening performance recognized each team. The contestants in this long-standing Futurity event undoubtedly represent future NRHA Judges to help fill the needs of our growing sport.

The Weather Challenges Everyone! Shawn Flarida Challenges NRHA Futurity Open Division Finalists!

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - December 1, 2006 - It went from shirtsleeves to sweat shirts and goose-down jackets overnight Wednesday. As if the sleet, ice and snow weren’t challenge enough, Shawn Flarida finished first, second and third after the two qualifying go rounds of the $100,000 added NRHA Futurity taking place at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. The “Run for the Roses” NRHA Futurity Finals, with a total purse in excess of $990,000 is slated for Saturday, December 2.

On Wednesday, Shawn earned the highest composite score, 453.5, on Western Whiz (West Coast Whiz x Cameos Brite Star) owned by Sammy and Nell Ely, Taylorsville, GA. He earned a composite of 450.5 on Walla Walla Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Shiney Walla Wanda) owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, Clements, CA, and placed third overall on Senor Tejano Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Tejana Chic) owned by Green Valley Partners, Aubrey, TX.

But anything can happen at the Futurity, NRHA’s premier event for three-year-old reining horses, especially since the winner is determined in a clean-slate finals where the winner is guaranteed $125,000! Riders in the 30-horse Finals’ field (who scored a 439 or better) are poised to meet the challenge!

Brian Bell, riding Collenas Finest Tafy (Footworks Finest x Collena Chic Olena) owned by Double Run Farm, Leland, NC, is hot on Flarida’s heels with a composite of 446.5. Randy Paul, riding Taris Designer Genes (Mr Boomerjac x Taris Little Vintage) goes to the Finals with a composite of 446. There are NRHA Million and Two Million Dollar Riders as well as multiple NRHA Futurity and/or NRHA Derby Champions and finalists in the field as well as those hungry to make their mark in the NRHA history books. The Open Division Finals on Saturday, December 2, will be a sizzling competition no matter what kind of challenge the weather presents!

Two riders shared the lead in the $50,000 Elite Trailer Intermediate Open Division of the Futurity. Craig Johnson, riding Too Busy Cashin Chex (Nu Chex To Cash x Bay N Busy) owned by Rebecca and Chris Brasel, Ava, IL, and Mark Prince, Carterville, IL, earned a composite of 445.5 as did Corey Cushing riding Chexinics Starlight (Bueno Chexinic x Spooks Maid) owned by Snowy Range Ranch, Laramie, WY. Casey Hinton, riding Smarty Starlight (Bueno Starlight x Cat) owned by Hinton and Joe Verser, Jonesboro, AR, is tied for third place with Corey Cushing riding Bad Paint Job (Gunner x Lenas Peppy Cutter) owned by Cathy Frank, Phoenix, AZ. Riders had to score a 433.5 or better to make the Intermediate Open Finals.

The $10,000 added Limited Open Division of the NRHA Futurity is determined by the composite scores from the two go rounds. The winner was Arno Honstetter riding Gunnin For Diamonds (Like A Diamond x BH Top Gun) owned by Juston Palmer, Washington, UT. The Reserve Champion, John Irish, rode Chex This Melody Out (Chex That Out x Tularosa Melody) owned by H.J. and Terry Hanscom, White City, OR.

Western Whiz, ridden by Shawn Flarida for Sam and Nell Ely, was declared the winner of the $20,000 added NRHA Futurity Open Gelding Incentive Award.

The action continued well into the evening and Reining fans were treated to a tough $10,000 added NRHA Open competition held concurrently with the $2,000 added North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) Open class.

Mike Boyle, representing the West Coast Reining Horse Association won the NAAC Open title on Paps Major Dad owned by Kara Coleman, Modesto, CA. Steve Schwartzenberger, riding for the Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association, placed second on Country Bay Berry owned by Linda Wise, Boulder, Colorado.

Brian Welman wowed the crowd with a score of 226.5 to win the NRHA Open class on Brennas Golden Dunit owned by John Rivard, Hot Springs, SD, Scott McCutcheon scored a 223 to place second on Great King Pine owned by Patricia Widener, Columbia Falls, MT.

Carlie Thompson, Dublin, OH, won the $5,000 added NRHA Non Pro and the $2,000 added Intermediate Non Pro classes with a score of 219.5 earned on her Maggie Chex. Jim Babcock, Valley View, TX, was second in both classes with a score of 217.5 riding his Cowboy Smarts.

In the $2,000 added NAAC Non Pro class, Bernie Paetzel, New Vienna, OH, was the winner on his Toriana Dun It. Bernie represented the Ohio Valley Reining Horse Association. Rebeca Martin, from Gold River, CA, and representing the West Coast Reining Horse Association, was second on her Cee A Chocolate Chic.

In the $1,000 added NAAC Intermediate Non Pro class, Kimberly Tillman, White Hall, MD, representing the Eastern Pennsylvania Reining Horse Association, was the winner on her Dualin Son Of A Gun. There was a tie for second between Rebeca Martin, from Gold River, CA, riding Cee A Chocolate Chic for the West Coast Reining Horse Association and Pam Dickinson, Greenwood, FL, riding Chicken Enchilada for the Florida Reining Horse Association.

The $200 added NRHA Limited Non Pro, run concurrently with the NAAC Limited Non Pro, had 101 entries. Debi Murnan, Grass Valley, CA, scored a 218 to win both divisions of this class on Arapaho Sailor. Debi represented the West Coast Reining Horse Association. Jordan Donnelly, Aubrey, TX, riding Hollywood All Star tied for second in both classes with Alan Frye riding Mickey The Kid. Jordan rode for the Southwest Reining Horse Association and Alan rode for the Central Kentucky Reining Horse Association

Friday night's program includes the fun, fast and exciting North American $7,500 added Freestyle Open Championship presented by Century Investment Group. Each rider will perform their specially choreographed routine to music – a delight for spectators!

On Saturday, The Clinton Anderson Clinic, presented by Horse and Rider magazine, begins at 10:00 am.

Mandy McCutcheon Scores Big in 2006 Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity

With a score big enough to be competitive in the Open Division of the NRHA Futurity, Mandy McCutcheon went to the head of the class in the Cinch NRHA $60,000 added Non Pro Futurity. Mandy, NRHA’s Leading Lifetime Non Pro Money Earner, scored a 224 on I Spin For Chics (Tangys Classy Peppy x Chics Koko Angel) owned by her dad, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider, Tim McQuay, Tioga, TX.

Nelle Murphy, Marietta, OK, turned in a classy run on Panas Jewels (Tachitas Jewels x Pana Sugar Chex), owned by her dad Don Murphy. She earned a score of 220 and is sitting second at the completion of the first go round, second section of the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity. With a score of 219.5, Jose Vazquez is third aboard Dunit Lika Juice (Smart Like Juice x Dunits Papoose) owned by Smart Like Juice Inc., Markham, IL.

With a score of 217.5, Zane Haverty is leading the $25,000 added Intermediate Non Pro Division on Button Up Wranglers (Roosters Wrangler x Little Smart Jac) owned by Clint Haverty, Krum, TX. Janice Free, Bonduarnt, WY, rode Kid Lethal (Lethal Lena x Riggins) to a score of 216.5 and second place in the standings while Kim Horn, riding Gunnalena Doc (Lil Gun x Little Fanta Lena) owned by her husband, NRHA’s first Million Dollar Rider, Bill Horn, Valley View, TX, maintained third place with a score of 215.5.

Clayton Eggers, Mingus, TX, scored a 214.5 to lead both the $10,000 added Limited Non Pro and the inaugural Youth Non Pro divisions on his Hesa Smarty Pants (Freckles Fancy Twist x Sneza Smarty Pants). Rick Ford’s score of 214 aboard Snip O Chex (Nu Chex To Cash x Snip O Gun) owned by Cinder Lakes Ranch, Powell Butte, OR, has him sitting second. Carlie Thompson, Dublin, OH, is second in the Youth Non Pro Division on her Peppys Lil Miss (Missin James x Pure Lil Peppy).

The second go round, first section of the $100,000 added NRHA Futurity Open Division got underway with Craig Schmersal scoring a 224 on Sparkling Waves (Tidal Wave Jack x Shining Proof) owned by Timorie Budge, Laguna Niguel, CA, to go to the head of the class. After the first go round, Craig had to make up ground on this horse, but he was confident. “If I had to make up ground, I knew I could do it on him,” said Craig. “He doesn’t want any trouble.” Sparkling Waves is representing Tidal Wave Jack’s first colt crop!

Shawn Flarida scored a 223 on Senor Tejano Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Tejana Chic) owned by Green Valley Partners, Aubrey, TX., to place second in this section of the second go round. Andrea Fappani and Mr Moth Money (Jerry Lees Surprise x Miss Moth Money) owned by the 23 Partnership, San Marcos, CA, scored a 219.5 for third place.

Dan Huss riding Dun It Regally (Hollywood Dun It x Tivios Little Queen) for Frederick Christen, Whitehouse, OH, scored a 219 and is leading the $50,000 added Intermediate Open Division. Shawna Sapergia is just a half point behind Huss with a score of 218.5 earned on This Chics On Top owned by Outrider Ranch Ltd., Calgary, AB, Canada. Matt Flarida scored a 218 on Custom Blackberry (Custom Crome x Be Berry Sweet) owned by Craig Jobe, Indian Wells., CA, and is sitting third.

Nathan Piper and Another Chic Star (Smart Chic Olena x Almost Starlight) owned by Jim Grice, Hockley, TX, is leading the second go round of the $10,000 added Limited Open Division. Four riders are tied for second place: Robin Schoeller riding Shock Shake Shook (Paid By Chic x Docs Brat Sur) owned by Tom Mason, Canton, MI, Fred Berschauer riding Magnifichic (Magnum Chic Dream x Special Dose) owned by Eby Horse Company, Olathe, KS, Debbie O’Neil, Bloomfield, NM, riding her Monts Jigger Of Gin (Smart Gin x Christy Genuine CT) and Nathan Morton riding A Little Electric (Jacs Electric Spark x Smart Little Jewels) owned by Roger Parks, Blanchard, OK.

This fabulous show continues through Saturday, December 2 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. In addition to the keen competition in the show pen, Reining enthusiasts and horse lovers will find plenty to enjoy. On Saturday, popular clinician Clinton Anderson, assisted by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, will present the Clinton Anderson Downunder Horsemanship Clinic from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. There are three major sales featuring the finest bloodlines in the performance horse industry. They get underway on Thursday, November 30. You can rub elbows with the Reining world’s celebrities at the Gathering of Legends reception to honor NRHA Hall of Famers. The Gathering also includes presentation of the Vaquero Media Awards and the Open Finals Draw Party on Friday and there are first class vendors to help get your shopping done for the holiday season.

Shawn Flarida Maintains the Lead…Todd Sommers in the Hunt at 2006 NRHA Futurity

Shawn Flarida maintained his lead in the Open Division of the NRHA Futurity on Senor Tejano Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Tejana Chic) owned by Green Valley Partners, Aubrey, TX, with a score of 226.5. And he’s still sitting second with a score of 225.5 earned on Walla Walla Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Shiney Walla Wanda) owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, Clements, CA. However, Todd Sommers is seriously in the hunt with Docs Wound Up (Skeets Peppy x Wind Her Up Doc) owned by Vaughn Zimmerman, Springfield, MO. They scored a 224.

Shawn Flarida on Western Whiz (Picture: NRHA)

“He’s really solid, really physical,” said Sommers of this three-year-old stallion that was purchased as a yearling at the NRHA Breeders Showcase Select Sale. “I plan to go in, have a clean, nice run in the second go round then let it all hang out in the Finals.”

Mike McEntire, riding The Great Guntini (Gunner x Miss Wicked Filene) for John Faulkner, Dade City, FL, is sitting fourth with a score of 223.5 earned in the second section on Friday, but now shares that placing with Craig Johnson riding Too Busy Cashin Chex owned by Rebecca and Chris Brasel, Ava, IL, and Mark Price, Carterville, IL. Craig has already enjoyed success on this stallion by Nu Chex To Cash and out of Bay N Busy. This fall they won the NCRHA Futurity in St. Paul, MN, and the SWRHA Futurity in Ardmore, OK.

Johnson is leading the Intermediate Open Division with three riders tied for second place with a score of 222.5: Corey Cushing riding Bad Paint Job (Gunner x Lenas Peppy Cutter) owned by Cathy Frank, Phoenix, AZ., Casey Hinton, Whitesboro, TX., riding Smarty Starlight (Bueno Starlight/Cat) owned by Hinton and Joe Verser and Roberta McCarty riding Shine All The Chex (Shine On x Taco Chex) for Sherilyn Held, La Habra Heights, CA.

Todd Martin went to the head of the Futurity’s Limited Open Division with a score of 219.5 earned on Br Sheza Cameo Jac (Master Cowboy Jac x Sheza Dun Dry) owned by Sandra M. Morris, Nixon, TX. Deon Locke, riding Whizin In The Dirt (Topsail Whiz x A Shining Starlett) owned by Clinton Anderson, Belle Center, OH, is sitting second with a 219 while Nathan Piper, riding Miss Lil Addy Tude (Whizard Jac x Miss Col Otoe) owned by C Perkins, Houston, TX, earned a 217.5 and is in third place.

The first go round of the NRHA Open Futurity will be finalized today, with the second go round getting underway Monday, November 27 at 7:00 am. The Finals is slated for Saturday, December 2. The winner of the NRHA Futurity Open Division is guaranteed $125,000.

Aaron Ralston, riding Dunit N Continental for John Deer, Glenwood Springs, CO, won the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) Intermediate Open class with Kathy Stafford riding her Rollin Back Rawhide placing second.

Ann Salmon scored a 218 to win the NRHA Intermediate Open class on Doc Dun It Dry owned by Gretchen Chrane, Dallas, TX, with Jessie Allred placing second on Boogachex owned by Castle Valley Ranch, Emery, UT.

Arno Honstetter auf Gunnin For Diamonds (Bild: NRHA)

Arno Honstetter is leading the Futurity’s $10,000 added Limited Open Division on Gunnin For Diamonds (Like A Diamond x BH Top Gun), owned by Juston Palmer, Washington, UT., with a score of 222. Todd Martin is sitting second in the Division on BR Sheza Cameo Jac (Master Cowboy Jac x Sheza Dun Dry) owned by Sandra Morris, Nixon, TX.

The action continues today with the second go round of the Open and the first go round, second section of the Non Pro Futurity. “Visitors Welcome!” Today and tomorrow are “free days” (no charge for admission) for anyone who would like to come and see what Reining is all about. There are vendors throughout the Coliseum and barns – the perfect place to do your holiday shopping.

The first of three sales, featuring the top bloodlines in the reining horse industry, is the Breeders Showcase Select Sale scheduled for Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 am; the NRHA Marketplace Sale will take place on Friday morning, December 1 followed by the premier NRHA Futurity Prospect Sale on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am. The Clinton Anderson Downunder Horsemanship Clinic, featuring Clinton and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, is also on Saturday, December 2 at 10:00 am.