The National Reining Horse Association proudly congratulates its newest NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider (unofficial) – Craig Schmersal. Schmersal won the Seminole Hard Rock Reining Classic Level 4 Open Derby Championship aboard San Juan Ranch’s (John and Brenda Stephenson) Whizs Katrina in Tampa, Florida. Schmersal also piloted Peppy Superboom to a sixth place finish in the open derby. His combined earnings on multiple horses at the event bring his lifetime earnings to more than $2,003,400.

In the world of Reining, only two competitors have earned in excess of two million dollars in official NRHA earnings, Shawn Flarida and Tim McQuay. Schmersal is unofficially among those elite NRHA Two Million Dollar Riders.

Schermsal, an NRHA Professional, has competed in NRHA events since 1988. The Overbrook, Oklahoma resident has moved through the NRHA ranks over the years starting with his first show as a youth in Pennsylvania. He quickly became a name in the industry. Some of Schmersal’s major NRHA achievements include:

1994 – NRHA Open and Limited Open World Champion on Cee Blair Sailor owned by David Connor

1994 – NRHA Novice Horse Open Reserve World Champion on My Ways Nicki owned by Ann Mucaria

1996 – NRHA Open Reserve World Champion on Side Smoke owned by Ginger Bishop Kingston (Schmersal)

1996 – AQHA Senior Reining World Champion riding Side Smoke owned by Ginger Bishop Kingston (Schmersal)

2001 – NRBC Open Reserve Champion riding B S Syndicate’s Tidal Wave Jack

2002 – Team USA member – Gold Medalist at FEI World Equestrian Games on B S Syndicate’s Tidal Wave Jack

2003 – NRHA Derby Open Reserve Champion on Commanders Nic owned by Craig and Ginger Schmersal

2004 – NRHA Derby Open Champion on Commanders Nic owned by Craig and Ginger Schmersal

2005 – FEI World Reining Masters CRI-A Open Champion on B S Syndicate’s Tidal Wave Jack

2005 – NRHA Million Dollar Rider

2008 – CRI-A Open USEF National Champion riding Mr Dual Rey owned by Holly Casey

2008 – Top 20 Professionals Second Place Year End Earnings

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing 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 www.nrha.com.