Ron Thompson Wins NRBC Non Pro Championship on Taris Dreamer

On Friday, April 19, Ron Thompson of Whitesboro, Texas, won his first major reining event. Working as draw nine in the National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Finals, Thompson scored a 224, claiming the Championships of the Non Pro Level 4 and Non Pro Prime Time.

Thompson was riding Taris Dreamer, a 4-year-old stallion by Magnum Chic Dream out of Taris San Cutter. Thompson purchased Taris Dreamer as a yearling, and while he typically is able to make a snap decision on a prospect, the colt’s diminutive size gave him pause. “He was pretty tiny, but I liked everything about him. I went and looked at him several times. I was telling my good friend John Hoyt that I liked everything about him, but he was pretty small. I asked John, ‘How small is too small?’ and he told me there is no such thing,” he said.

Thompson thanked his trainer, Matt Armenta. “I’ve been riding with Matt for about a year now, and it’s definitely been the best year of my life showing,” he said. “I also thank my very supportive wife Becky, John Hoyt, Casey and Kathy Hinton, Jack and Viola Scott, and all of my really good friends in this business.”

Along with more than $32,000, Thompson took home a custom saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack, two Gist Silversmiths buckles, a Catena watch, a pair of Rios of Mercedes boots, a Whisper Bit, two WonPads, and UltraCruz Equine Wellness/Joint Care from Santa Cruz Biotechnology. He also receives a year’s use of a deluxe two-horse Featherlite horse trailer from Twin Cities Featherlite.

Joining Thompson for the awards presentation was a bevy of friends, including Jack and Viola Scott, who own Taris Dreamer’s sire, Magnum Chic Dream. “In my opinion, Magnum Chic Dream is as good a sire as there is in the world. I definitely go looking for Magnum’s,” Thompson said.

Finishing with the Non Pro Level 4 Reserve Championship was Mandy McCutcheon and Always Gotyer Gunsup with a 223.5. The pair, who won the event in 2012, received $19,750. Always Gotyer Gunsup, by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Always A Dunit, is owned by McQuay Stables.

McCutcheon also took home third place honors, worth an additional $15,250, on Customized Gunner with a 221. Customized Gunner, another McQuay Stables owned horse, is by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Custom Made Dunit.

Michael Hancock and Straight Shootin Gun finished Reserve in the Non Pro Prime Time with a score of 219.5, collecting $1,008. Straight Shootin Gun is by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Ms Magestic Jac.

For complete results, click here.

Philip Loesch Wins NRBC Non Pro Levels 1-3 Championships!

In 2012, Philip Loesch of Germany got up in the middle of the night to watch the Non Pro finals of the National Reining Breeders Classic via the live webcast. The 18-year-old knew he wanted to compete in Katy, Texas, amongst some of the greatest reiners in the world, and in 2013 he made his dream reality.

“I really just wanted to make the Level 4 finals,” he said after the awards ceremony, where he took home the Championships for Non Pro Levels 1, 2, and 3 and collected a check in Level 4. “It’s amazing. It’s a dream come true. This is the icing on the icing on the cake.”

In the finals Loesch rode Wimpys Lil Star to a score of 218.5. However, that was a tie with Marcia Cole-Walker, who had also marked a 218.5 and was eligible in Levels 2 and 3. It was decided that a run-off would determine the Championships.

Cole-Walker competed first, and marked a 214.5. Going in second they delivered a stellar performance and earned another 218.5, and the three Championships. He also finished in sixth place for the Non Pro Level 4. All total, Loesch won $27,452.

“My horse felt awesome in the first run. He was really dialed in and I was confident and it was the best run of my life,” he said. “In the run-off I went in already knowing that I had won the Level 1, so I was in Heaven. I knew if I just stayed out of his way and on pattern he’d show well, and that’s what he did.”

He took home a bevy of prizes, including a saddle from Pard’s Western Shop, a saddle from Kyle Tack, and a saddle sponsored by San Juan Ranch. He received three Gist Silversmiths buckles, a pair of Rios of Mercedes boots, three WonPads, Whisper Bits, gift certificates to SmartPak, and UltraCruz Equine Wellness/Joint Care from Santa Cruz Biotechnology.

Loesch made it a point to recognize the people who have helped him. “I thank everyone who supports me, especially my trainer, Jordan Larson. He’s a great showman himself and he’s a great Non Pro coach.” He added, “Of course I thank my parents who support me no matter what. I’m sad they’re not here but they’ve been in touch through the phone and have been with me the whole way.”

For complete results, click here.