Adequan NAAC Rookie Professional Champions: Michael Cross & Wimpys My Commander

Michael Cross,who earned the NAAC Rookie Pro Championship title last night aboard Wimpys My Commander (Photo: NRHA Reiner)

Oklahoma City, Okla., - The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce the newest champions crowned at this year’s Adequan North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC). Though a cold front hit Oklahoma City today, and the lights went out a couple of times, reiners kept the competition ‘hot’ and lit the stage in Barn 8 – at State Fair Park - where the Adequan NAAC are being held!

Meet Michael Cross who rode Wimpys My Commander (Wimpys Little Step x Shez My Commander x Dont Boss Me Around), an 8-year-old gelding owned by Martha Moore, to the Adequan NAAC Rookie Professional Championship with a 213.5. “It’s been a long journey getting here. We didn’t start off too well but, with Gabe Hutchins’ help, we got here and it all turned out for the best!” said the NRHA Professional from Mendon, MI, assistant trainer at Gabe Hutchins Performance Horses. “I’ve only been showing reiners for a little over three years and this horse, who was bred by his owner, has taught me a lot in these past eight months that I’ve been riding him. I really like him, he has a huge heart and, as long as you treat him fair, he treats you fair!”

Micheal Cross qualified at the South Central Affiliate Regional Championship, and rode for the Kansas Reining Horse Association Claiming second place honors was Derek Heitland, riding Steppin Little Lena, and Jesus Chavez, riding Smart Like Steady. The two scored a 212 for the reserve championship.

Smart Like Steady is an 11-year-old gelding by Steady Tradition and out of Bar S Docs Gay Bar (by Lenas Gyrator), and is owned by Kathleen Jackson. “My horse was very good for me today. We did have an early lead change, but I was super happy with him anyway. He’s so easy to show!” said Jesus. “What makes this result even better is that his owner’s daughter, Ashley, also qualified him for the NAAC Youth Championships here and will be showing him next Friday!”

Jesus Chavez qualified at the Northwest Affiliate Regional Championship and rode for the West Coast Reining Horse Association Derek and his mount also claimed the Adequan NAAC Limited Open Championship.

For more information about the Adequan North American Affiliate Championships and the 50th Running of the NRHA Futurity to keep up with all the class results, special events and happenings throughout the week, visit nrhafuturity.com.