APHA awarded custom Gist Silversmith buckles to top Paint Horses at the April 16–23 National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas. With a new design in place this year, the buckles were offered to the highest-scoring or high-point Paints in both aged event and ancillary classes.
This year represented the 20th anniversary of the National Reining Breeders Classic. It also marked more than $20 million paid out in prize monies over the show’s lifetime. Congratulations to the following winners:
Open Classic
- L4: Gunner Dun It Again, a 2011 buckskin overo stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Dun Its Déjà vu (QH), shown by Joao Felipe Lacerda for Paulo Tripoloni
- L2–3: ARC Gunna Mark Ya, a 2012 sorrel overo mare by Gunnatrashya and out of Shiney Miss Marker (QH), shown by Abby Lengel for Jody Puno
- L1: Gunnar Lindstrom, a 2011 sorrel overo stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Shinetta (QH), shown by Lars Mortenson for Lyle Lovett
Open Classic Challenge
- Blo Gun, a 2010 sorrel solid stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of The Hot Jewel (QH), shown by Martin Muehlstaetter for Michael Garnett
Martin and Blo Gun were co-champions of the Open Classic Challenge and NRHA Open class with Tom McCutcheon and AQHA gelding The Wizster, each marking a 224.5 and winning just under $12,000 each.
Non-Pro Classic
- L1–3: Jennifer Greenleaf and Shining Thru Smoke, a 2011 solid palomino stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Shining Survivor (QH)
Jennifer and “Survivorman” cashed in at the NRBC, winning more than $6,655 in their respective levels. They were reserve champions of L1, third in L2, forth in L3 and 15th in L4. The duo picked up their first Paint buckle in the Non-Pro ancillary division at the 2016 Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and Show.
- L4: Cade McCutcheon and Custom Made Gun, a 2011 palomino solid stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Custom Made Dunit
Cade was reserve champion by just a half-point in the L4 Non Pro, taking home $15,750 for his impressive 223 score.
Non-Pro Classic Challenge
- Ryan Humphrey and Guns R For Shootin (right), a 2010 sorrel overo stallion by Colonels Smokingun and out of Chelsea Lena (QH)
“Alvin” took a break from his stallion duties to compete at the NRBC with his owner, Ryan. The duo was reserve in the L4, L3 and L2 winning more than $8,183.
Non-Pro
- Mary Anne Van Degna and Blue Chocolate Kid, a 2009 sorrel solid gelding by Chocolate Chic Olena (QH) and out of Blue Eyed Kid
Youth
- Hannah Lovrien and That Kind Of Nite, a 2013 sorrel solid gelding by Colonels Nite Special and out of Doc Santa Belle
Rookie
- Taylor Masson riding Sweet Ending, a 2012 bay tobiano gelding by The Sweet Spot and out of Autumns Wish (QH)
- Casey Bibbs riding Jumpin Jac Trash, a 2007 sorrel solid gelding by Trashadeous and out of Sail Away Rene (QH), owned by Madison Steed
NRBC is also one of the NRHA-approved events for APHA World Show qualification. For more information, visit apha.com/reining. To learn more about the NRBC or to enter your Paint, visit nrbc.com.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA’s mission is to inspire, nurture, promote and provide meaningful experiences to generations interested in preserving the versatile Paint Horse.