Chandler Winard and Tags Golden Star are Youth Champions

Chandler Winard and Tags Golden Star (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. In a field of 42 entries, Chandler Winard and her 5-year-old gelding, Tags Golden Star, took the Adequan® NAAC Youth championship with a score of 215.

The pair had already left their mark in the show pen this year after claiming the NRBC Level 2 and Level 1 Championship. Winard’s family purchased Tags Golden Star, by Whiz N Tag Chex out of Boogies Smart Star, in September of 2014 at the High Roller Reining Classic. “I got to ride him a couple times in April and immediately fell in love with him. It was just meant to be! He’s really sweet, nice to ride, tries hard for me all the time and is a big stopper,” said the 17-year-old rider about her horse a.k.a ‘Leroy’. “He’s been really fun for me to show this year and I have to thank my trainer, NRHA Professional Dan Huss, for all his help, and also his wife, Wendy. A big thank you to my parents and my family for giving me the opportunity to do all this.”

Winard and Tags Golden Star were also awarded the PHBA (Palomino Horse Breeders of America) Trophy. The highest scoring Palomino in the Adequan® NAAC Open, Non Pro and Youth classes were awarded the Trophy.

For the win, Chandler took home a Bob’s Custom Saddle, Montana Silversmiths Custom Trophy Buckle, Classic Equine product, Platinum Performance product, a pair of Anderson Bean Boots, Adequan product, a $150 SmartPak Gift Card, an embroidered halter provided by Markel, a blanket from Avila’s Pro Shop and Bluebonnet Feed.

Brooke Myers rode Ready Spook (Smart Spook x Red Moon Snap x Snapper Cal Bar), an 8-year-old mare, to reserve honors after posting a 211.5. “It’s been a long journey throughout the years trying to bring everything together with my horse, ‘Red’, so I’m really happy with how things went today. I’m very proud of her,” said Brooke about her mare who she’s had for the last three years. “I keep my horse at home (Myers Stables) where I ride with my mom, Suzanne, and also ride with NRHA Professional, Butch Campbell.”

Two riders tied for third place: Annabeth Payne riding Chexamillion (Nu Chex To Cash x Snip O Gun x One Gun) and Emily Morris aboard Cross Step Wrangler (Starlights Wrangler x Hollywood Twostep x Hollywood Jac 86). Both scored a 210.5.

For the Reserve championship, Myers took home a Bob’s Custom Saddle, Montana Silversmiths Custom Trophy Buckle, Classic Equine product, Platinum Performance product, a pair of Anderson Bean Boots, Adequan product, $150 SmartPak Gift Card, an embroidered halter provided by Markel, a blanket from Avila’s Pro Shop and Bluebonnet Feed.

For more information about the 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.