April 15 may be a dreaded day for taxpayers, but for Todd Sommers it’s a day he will forever remember as the day he topped a million dollars in NRHA earnings. The NRHA Professional from Whitesboro, Texas, reached the milestone while competing at the National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas. “It’s good to get the monkey off my back,” says Sommers, describing the feeling that many million dollar riders express when they reach the milestone. He was quick to point out that he couldn’t have reached Million Dollar Rider status without the supportive customers and outstanding horses that he’s had. Now that the monkey is gone, Sommers can go back to what he does best-training reining horses and winning.

Sommers’ partner and the horse that unofficially put him over the million mark is Whiz It A Chic (Who Whiz It x Chic Out Mama x Smart Chic Olena) owned by Stoney Russell, Longview, Texas. Dawn Shaver of Millstadt, Illinois, is the breeder of the 2006 bay stallion. In 2009, the pair won the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress Reining Futurity level 3 open and placed third in the level 4 open divisions.

According to Sommers, “Winning the NRHA Futurity is the biggest thrill of all, but joining the other million dollar riders justifies all the hard work, long hours, and sweat that a trainer puts into his occupation. I’m thrilled!”

Sommers’ accomplishments include two NRHA Futurity Open Championships (1991 & 2000) and an Open Reserve Championship (1995), NRHA Derby Open Co-championship (1998), and an FEI World Reining Masters silver medal (2004). While this is far from a complete list of his major accomplishments you can bet that Sommers won’t be far from the winner’s circle and won’t forget April 15, 2010.

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 http://www.nrha.com/.