As reiners from across the world pack to make the trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for one of the largest reining horse shows in the world, I am packing for my fourth trip representing SmartPak at a NRHA sanctioned event. The excitement increases with every trip I take to Oklahoma City. I was happy to meet up with existing acquaintances as well as many new customers.

A little background on the scoring a reining class. It is scored much different than any other equine event. Every horse and rider starts with a score of 70 and for each maneuver they receive positive or negative points.

The crowd really gets into each and every run with the support of whistling, hooting and hollering. The feel in the arena was euphoric. It was great to meet so many happy SmartPakers and introduce future SmartPakers to our amazing company and products. It was so enjoyable to chat about their horses.

It was amazing to watch 16-year-old Jennifer Neudorf win the Youth, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 AND Level 4 Non Pro Champions with Shining In Town. This pair was quite the team! In her interview, Jennifer said that Shinning In Town is her forever horse and I can see why. He is not only a spectacular reiner but is a such a beautiful palomino with the longest flowing mane and tail. (My favorite color horse).

Saturday was met with just as an exciting evening. The cheers of the already loud crowd reached deafening levels when the score a 231.5 was announced. Jimmy Van Der Hoeven & Guaranteed A Magnum, the 2018 Level 4 Open Champions were once again Champion in 2019. Along with a check for $57,000, Van der Hoeven was presented with a year’s use of a gooseneck trailer from CINCH trailers, a Montana Silversmiths buckle, a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a pair of Anderson Bean boots, as well as product from Classic Equine, Platinum Performance, Bluebonnet Feed, and CINCH. He also received gift certificates to SmartPak and Shorty’s Caboy Hattery.

It was Team SmartPak rider Cade McCutcheon’s first time to show in the NRHA Open Derby. He qualified all three of his mounts for the Open Level 4 finals. Cade and Shes Got Good Guns finished as the Open Level 3 and Level 2 Champion.

I have to say, one of the highlights for me, was Sunday watching the Short Stirrup Division. I have never stayed through Sunday before to see the amazing talents of these small children riding seasoned reiners!

Until next time, Oklahoma!