The atmosphere of The Arabian/Half-Arabian Futurity Classic is always full of fun and excitement and the fun continued with introduction of The Celebrity Reining Classic. This premier event was held under the lights, and featured ‘celebrity’ Arabian English and Halter trainers competing for the coveted title. The celebrity trainers were teamed with well-known professional reining trainers for the event and schooled on the finer points of reining.
The dynamic pairings were:
Halter trainer Eric Krichten and Reining trainer Brian Welman
English Trainer Vicki Humphrey and Reining trainer LaRae Powell
English trainer Joel Kiesner and Reining trainer Tyson Randle
English trainer Carmel Rooker and Reining trainer John O’Hara
Halter trainer Andy Selman and Reining trainer Russ Brown
English trainer Jim Stachowski and Reining trainer Crystal McNutt.
“The Celebrity Slide, was an overwhelming success, it exemplified the excitement the Arabian horse industry is famous for.” Said Jay Allen, President of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. “We (the ARHA) thought this would be a great way to get different people on reining horses so they can see how much fun riding a reiner can be.” Said Crystal McNutt one of the collaborators of the event.
The evening started with a barbeque and music followed by a lively Calcutta. Reining enthusiast from the packed crowd called out their bids for their favorite rider. A percentage of the proceeds from the Calcutta went back to the Futurity. It soon became apparent that the ‘Celebrities’ were taking this event seriously as they all came prepared to ride. Riders Carmel Rooker and Vicki Humphries bested the boys and tied for first place. After a run-off the Judges (Mark and Abby Cosenza) awarded the Championship to Carmel Rooker. The Celebrity Reining Classis is destined to become a tradition at the Reining Futurity Classic as ‘non-reining’ celebrities are already lining up for next year.
Champion Carmel Rooker with coach John O'Hara
Where to from here? After six successful years, The Arabian and Half-Arabian Reining Futurity continue to do well. With the inclusion of corporate and patron sponsors, the generous support of Tim Anderson, successful breeding programs and a great venue, this show will continue to flourish. Jay Allen, president of The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona said, “Our association is always looking for new ways to offer excitement to not only our exhibitors but to the many spectators we get at the show. I would like to commend the Arabian Reining Horse Association on their continued forward thinking not only for the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show but for the Arabian breed in general. The purebred and half-arabian futurities have been wonderful success; they have given reiners an opportunity to compete for the highest payout in the Arabian horse industry. The implementation of many of the NRHA qualifying class has been a great way to grow the opportunities for the reining exhibitors and bring in horse people from other breeds. The Arabian Reining Horse Association is a shining example of what we need to work towards to keep the Arabian horse breed moving forward.”
