Click on the below link to see the 2011 AQHA world show schedule and the draws for each event. The Amateur Reining begins on November 5th, Finals on Nov 8th. Junior Reining begins Nov 11, finals Nov 12. Senior Reining begins Nov 15th, finals with Nov 19.

http://aqha.com/en/Showing/World-Show/Schedule.aspx

If you are entered in the NRHA Futurity please click on the below link, which will take you to the NRHA futurity home page... then click on the 2011 Futurity Qualifiers List. You will be able to see if NRHA received your entry!!

http://nrhafuturity.com/

Four of the reining industry’s most successful events have come together to give Open and Non Pro exhibitors the chance to pocket big money in 2011! Exhibitors who compete in the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, the High Roller Reining Classic, the Scottsdale Classic Reining Futurity and Horse Show and Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and Horse Show are eligible to win $10,000 in both the Open and Non Pro divisions.

“The Scottsdale Classic is so pleased to be a part of the 2011 Reining Super Series and to be associated with these three great shows,” said Jerry Kimmel, Owner and CEO of the Scottsdale Classic.  He continued, “This provides an exciting opportunity to showcase all of these outstanding reining events and, for our exhibitors, a chance to win a great payout!”

The Open Super Series Championship award of $10,000 will be presented to the high point open rider. The Non Pro Super Series Championship $10,000 award will go to the high-point non pro rider and horse combination. Exhibitors in contention for the Super Series Championships must compete in three of the four shows and if they attend all four, the best three shows will count toward the award.

With the Open and Non Pro high point champions each receiving checks for $10,000, the youth have certainly not been left out. According to Tammi Wagman, who is affiliated with the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic   “We are working on fundraising for youth prizes because we think the Super Series will appeal to parents.  The Super Series gives youth competitors something to strive towards at a limited number of high-quality events.  Kids can show in two shows in their area and then combine the third show with a family trip to explore another fun area of the country.”

The rules for the competition are simple. Each time an exhibitor places in the top ten of an ancillary class at each of the four shows, he or she will receive points. First place will be awarded 10 points, second place will receive nine, third place will be worth eight points, and so on. Riders can enter as many classes as they are eligible for.

Like the rest of the event representatives, Mandy Brumley, Manager of the High Roller Reining Classic, is excited about the new program. She noted, “Regional events are the foundation of the reining horse industry. They are where people get their first introduction to the sport. As a producer, I am honored to have one of my events included in this program. I value the support we are providing each other, and that we’re able to offer a unique series with BIG payouts, without any additional fee to our exhibitors.”

The first event of the Super Series will be the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, August 31 – September 4. The very next week, exhibitors can then try their luck at the High Roller Reining Classic in Las Vegas September 11-17. The Scottsdale Classic will be held September 29-October 5 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The last leg of the series will be held in Ardmore, Oklahoma, October 18-23, at the SWRHA Futurity and the champions will be recognized at that time.

Southwest Reining Horse Association President, Ann Salmon, said she spoke for the rest of her organization in saying that the association was honored to be the final leg of the Series. “We’re looking forward to some exciting presentations,” she noted and invited people to learn more about the reining super series by visiting the different show websites or by becoming a fan on Facebook of the Reining Super Series.”

For more information about the Southwest Reining Horse Association, visit www.swrha.com. To learn about the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic go to www.okrha.com. If you want information about the High Roller Classic, visit www.highrollerreiningclassic.com. For information about the Scottsdale Classic, go to www.thescottsdaleclassic.com

Two cases of Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis) were confirmed in horses that competed at The Four Sixes/National Cutting Horse Association Western Nationals, a show held in late-April and early-May at Ogden, Utah. One Colorado cutting horse was euthanized because of complications of Equine Herpesvirus and another one remains in quarantine, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Ogden is being investigated as a “point of interest for the infection.’  The disease is highly contagious.

At the Kern County cutting in California on May 13, a horse died of the disease and another was rushed to University of California, Davis, according to one cutting horse person present at the event. The show was immediately cancelled. Also, the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association announced the cancellation of its Tejon Ranch Cutting, which was scheduled for May 19-22 (pre-paid entries will be refunded). On Saturday, May 14, a horse died in Idaho. Also, the Breeders Invitational Derby and Classic/Challenge was postponed, though it was reported that no horses at that event exhibited symptoms related to the disease. The Mercuria/NCHA World Series cutting scheduled to take place this weekend in conjunction with the BI  was cancelled. At this time, there has been no word about the NCHA Weekend cuttings or shows in other disciplines/associations.

Quarter Horse News reporter Mark Thompson was at the Breeders Invitational on Saturday and he talked with show producers and cutters who had horses at the event.

QHN reporting on the postponement/cancellation of the BI and World Series cutting

On Saturday, Quarter Horse News reporter Bridget Kirkwood Cook interviewed Dr. Paul Morley, DVM, PhD, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and director of Hospital Bio-security at Colorado State University, about the equine herpesvirus. He answered a number of questions about the diesase.

QHN interview with Dr. Paul Morley

Here is a statement issued by the NCHA

We have received reports today [May 13] from Colorado State Veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM and Utah State Veterinarian Bruce King, DVM that there have been two confirmed cases of Equine Herpesvirus in horses that competed at the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah (April 29 - May 8, 2011). A draft of a press release from the Colorado Department of Agriculture can be viewed by clicking here.

While we do not wish to unnecessarily alarm you, we wanted to get this information to you as soon as we received it.

If you had a horse competing at the NCHA Western National Championships in Ogden, you may wish to consult with your local veterinarian on this issue. Any symptoms reportedly typically show within 4 - 6 days of exposure to the virus, and initially are in the form of a fever in the affected animal. The disease is not transmittable to humans.

For further information, you can contact Dr. Keith Roehr at (303/239-4166- office or 303/886-6995 – cell) or Dr. Bruce King at (801/520-4309).

AAEP information about Equine Herpesvirus

Guide to understanding the neurologic form of EHV Infection

Oklahoma City, Okla. – April 25, 2011 – After the checks were cut for the 2011 National Reining Breeders Classic, another reining sire entered the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) record books. Unofficially, Conquistador Whiz became NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Sire thanks to the performance of his offspring at the Katy, Texas show. The sixteen-year-old stallion is the 20th horse to make this milestone achievement.

Conquistador Whiz, bred by Bob Loomis, came from the successful pairing of Loomis’ NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz and the Bueno Chex mare Sugarita Chex. This match produced the first-ever third generation NRHA Million Dollar Sire. Conquistador Whiz’s grandsire Topsail Cody became an NRHA Million Dollar Sire in 1998. His sire Topsail Whiz joined the ranks in 2001.

Conquistador Whiz earned more than $100,000 in the NRHA show arena and was the 2000 NRHA Open Derby Champion, 2000 National Reining Breeders Classic Open Derby Champion, 2002 USET Festival of Champions USEF Reining Champion and 2002 World Equestrian Games Gold Medal Team member and Individual Silver Medalist. NRHA Corporate Partner Silver Spurs Equine purchased the sire from George Shifrin who owned the horse for a majority of his show career. He currently stands at Silver Spurs Equine in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Conquistador Whiz’s leading offspring include: KR Lil Conquistador ($401,027 NRHA LTE and NRHA Open Futurity Champion), Quistador ($112,945 NRHA LTE and 2010 Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic John Deere Level 4 Open Futurity Champion), JD Conquista Anna ($56,429 NRHA LTE and 2006 Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion), Smart Dundee ($49,319 NRHA LTE and 2010 NRHA Futurity finalist in Open Levels 1-4) and Litn Up Conquistador ($49,105 NRHA LTE and Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion).

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard setting body of 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.

With spring in the air, Tom McCutcheon Reining Horse Inc. has some exciting news.  2010 USEF Horse of the Year, Gunners Special Nite, has sired his first foal, a stud colt, out of Nifty Jodie Jac who is owned by Turnabout Farm Inc., followed by a filly out of Starbucks N Lace owned by Tom and Mandy McCutcheon.  This brother and sister team mark a new era for the reining industry.

Gunners Special Nite (aka Bailey) and Tom McCutcheon won the team gold and individual gold at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.  This helped secure them a nomination for USEF Horse and Equestrian of the Year.   The team was victorious once again in January of this year, at the USEF Convention, where they were named 2010 USEF Horse of the Year and 2010 Equestrian of the year.   Gunners Special Nite is owned by Turnabout Farms Inc. and currently stands at Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses Inc. in Aubrey, Texas.

Along with new babies at the ranch, Tom has taken on some new Non Pro clients, along with Sarah Willeman and Barb Wibbels.  Sarah’s appreciation to Tom and Mandy for their dedication to the sport of reining was evident in her speech at the USEF convention, while accepting Gunners Special Nite’s award for USEF Horse of the Year. “..It’s a comfort to know that Tom always has the best interest of his horses and his clients at heart.  He’s a credit to the sport of reining and to the horse world in general.  His intelligence in the business and his generosity toward his clients are rare qualities, and along with his talent as a trainer, make him, to me, the model of what a horse professional should be.”  Sarah is looking forward to another great year with her three mares, Chic Olena Starbuck, Darlins Not Painted, and Chexy Dun It, that both she and Tom will be showing.

Barb Wibbels-Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses breeding manager is proving to be a major contender in the Non Pro Division with her horse Heza Ruf Hombre.   The team finished off the year as a finalist in the 2010 NRHA Limited Non Pro Futurity in Oklahoma City, and recently marked a 214 at the Cowboy Classic Non Pro Derby in Stephenville, Texas.  Barb is looking forward to watching Heza Ruf Hombre and Barbara Williams in the NRBC Classic in Katy, Texas.

Looking forward to an exciting year are new comers Julie Rodgers and Sweet Mega Brown.  Julie and Mega’s first show under the McCutcheon banner proved to be a great success for both horse and rider during the Cowboy Classic in Stephenville.  "I have been so pleased to have joined Tom McCutcheon's Non Pro Program.  Early this year, Tom helped me define my goals and come up with a plan to achieve them.  He was very open and candid in pointing me in a new direction both with my breeding program and goals for the show pen.   Tom's staff is also top noch. They go above and beyond to prepare me in the weeks leading up to a show.  Barbara Willams has been especially helpful in building my confidence and teaching me to be less concerned about the outcome of a class and more focused on the details of the execution.  I am really looking forward to the upcoming year!"

Rebecca Cates who recently purchased Oaks Steady Star is eagerly awaiting her run at the NRBC this year in the Non Pro Classic. “Becky” also recently welcomed (with an “it’s a Girl” balloon) her own little filly on Saint Patrick’s day by Einstein’s Revolution. “All I can say, they have been awesome, they have helped me and always go above and beyond my expectations. I have a great time, Tom McCutcheon Reining Horses has become my second home!”

Shawn Stratman and KR Tejons Delight will also be joining in the fun at the NRBC this year. Shawn is pure energy and smiles every time she out at the ranch.

Liz Strader rides a palomino gelding Shiney Sweet Thing. Liz is new to the sport of reining, but her dedication is apparent at all of our Wednesday Night Fun Night Clinics.

Tom and Mandy are both looking forward to this year, with the arrivals of Gunners Special Nite’s first foal crop, watching Cade, their son, show in the Non Pro division, and Carlee their daughter take after her Grandma, Colleen McQuay, at the Hunter Jumper shows. 2011 is already proving to be one for the history books, and as the year progresses Team McCutcheon is grateful for all they have achieved and eager to see what is around the next corner.

McQuay Stables is a state-of-the-art Reining & Hunter/Jumper training and breeding facility located in Tioga, Texas, the heart of North Texas horse country. Legendary to the industry, $2.8 Million Rider and NRHA Hall of Famer Tim McQuay and his wife, Colleen, have played an integral part in shaping the reining horse industry into what we see it as today. McQuay Stables is also the final resting place of their legendary Hall of Famer and $6 Million Sire, Hollywood Dun It, and home to Hall of Famer and $2.5 Million Sire, Colonels Smoking Gun (Gunner), along with other sires Hollywoodstinseltown, Smart And Shiney, Dun Gotta Gun, and Mister Nicadual. McQuay Stables is a family oriented team. From their office staff, to the breeding barn, their riders to grooms, together they strive to exceed their customers’ expectations and the needs of their horses. McQuay Stables understands the value of their customer’s investment, which is backed by their tradition of excellence.

Horses at McQuay Stables live in large, well lit, ventilated stalls.  Each has its own window and an open front stall door to allow horses to put their heads into the alleyway.  The concept is to let them enjoy their surroundings instead of feeling locked in behind bars.  Turn out time in grass paddocks for play and grazing is part of each horse’s regular schedule and hand walking and hand-held grazing is done when a horse cannot be turned out free.  It is important to Tim and Colleen that all of their horses stay happy and in good spirits. McQuay Stables horses are kept in extremely good flesh, and individually evaluated for fitness and condition. They are fed a carefully formulated diet that is customized by vets and trainers to work for each stage of the horses’ lives – from preventing problems in utero, to holding up during intensive training and showing. Training is a top priority at McQuay Stables and is scheduled according to the horse’s mental and physical capabilities as well as the owner’s goals. Training schedules are monitored regularly to ensure proper progress and advancement.  The McQuays proudly stand behind the level of individual attention that each horse receives. Constantly evaluating soundness, McQuay Stables incorporates regularly scheduled therapy maintenance on all of the horses to maintain overall good health and soundness.  Tim and Colleen consider this to be a key component in every horse’s success. If the horse feels good and is free from soreness, it can work to its maximum potential.

Currently, the McQuay Stables Hunter/Jumper team is at the Pin Oak Charity & Spring Gathering in Katy, TX through April 10. Sam Sloun is already a class winner at this show, as well as Madison Billings and Stonestreet, who won in the Children’s Hunters division. The Pin Oak Charity & Spring Gathering also showcased the McQuays’ granddaughter, Carlee McCutcheon, and Sierra jumping cross rails in Carlee’s very first show! The Reining team is currently gearing up for the annual National Reining Breeders Classic, held at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX April 12-17, 2011. Tim and Colleen McQuay were among the group of forerunners that created the NRBC in the fall of 1997, and are both current directors of the NRBC as well. Tim McQuay and his Reining team participate in the NRBC every year, as it still remains close to the McQuays’ hearts, and is a place to show four, five, and six-year-old horses for international recognition and top prize money.

Breeding season is also in full gear at McQuay Stables, and they have already foaled out over twenty-six colts and fillies this year. Foals raised at McQuay Stables have gone on to earn Futurity and World titles and each year the challenge is to try to see that sparkle of greatness in a gangly youngster. The breeding t eam looks forward to all the foals yet to come, sired by Gunner, Hollywoodstinseltown, Smart And Shiney, Mister Nicadual, and Dun Gotta Gun.

More information regarding McQuay Stables can be found at www.mcquaystables.com, and please become a fan on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/McQuay-Stables/135737949781259!