Thank you for visiting Sam Smith Reining Horses News page. Below you will find some press releases about Kelle Smith. We hope you enjoy this information.
Kelle Smith rode Taka Ticket to the Non-Pro
Championship with a 222.
12.4.2007 - Smith takes home Reserve Championship at 2007 NRHA Non Pro Futurity
National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon came from the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity Consolation Round to win the Non Pro Futurity Championship Friday afternoon at the 2007 NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show. McCutcheon is the first and only Non Pro and first and only woman to reach million dollar rider status. She advanced three horses to the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity finals.
McCutcheon, of Tioga, TX, scored a 220 on Haidachino Hollywood, by Hollywood Dun It and out of Haidachino Cherry. The Quarter Horse gelding is owned by Tim & Colleen McQuay of Tioga, TX. McCutcheon won close to $33,500 for her Non Pro Futurity Championship.
Two very accomplished reiners share the Reserve Champion honors in the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity. Sarah Johnson and Kelle Smith both scored a 219.5 and both won close to $23,500 in prize money.
Johnson is from Gainesville, TX. The past Non Pro Derby and Futurity Reserve Champion rode Sonata Spot, a Paint gelding by Mark This Spot and out of Sonata. Sonata Spot is owned by her grandfather, Burdette Johnson of Shell Rock, IA.
Smith, of Marietta, OK, is an NRHA World Champion and multiple Non Pro Futurity and Derby Champion. Her reserve champion winning run Friday was on her Taka Ticket, a sorrel Quarter Horse gelding by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Significant Shine.
11.15.2007 - Non-Pro Reining Stakes
To see the article about Kelle Smith as seen in the Quarter Horse News
click here
When Kelle Smith realized that none of her futurity prospects were going to be top contenders, she took action. “It was getting to be late and I didn’t have a futurity horse,” she explained. “That’s when Joyce and I went on aroad trip.” Joyce is Smith’s mom, Joyce Chamberlain. The last time they went shopping for a prospect, Chamberlain picked a winner: Smith’s 2006 NRHA Non-Pro Futurity Champion JD Conquista Anna. “We had quite a few horses to look at, but he was the one I was most interested
in,” Smith said of Taka Ticket, by Gallo Del Cielo out of Significant Shine by Shining Spark.
The gelding came highly recommended by two of Smith’s friends, non-pro rider Karen
Shedlauskas and professional trainer Jerry Coleman. “I looked at other horses,
but it really was an easy decision.” Taka Ticket was in training with Abby Boyd Mixon.
“As soon as Abby loped him, mom and I loved him,” Smith said. “Abby rode him on a huge track where you can really run. He’s an unbelievable stopper – a real natural.”
Smith’s husband, Sam, encouraged the purchase. It was already late in July and he felt his wife needed a horse she could jump on and ride. Taka Ticket filled the bill. Smith was draw 11 in a field of 15. She had to beat a score of 220. She did so very nicely with huge stops, quick spins and her typically precise circles, and scored a 222 for the Championship. “I think I did incredibly well for getting him so late,” Smith said. On the
other hand, Kelle has a history of doing incredibly well with 3-year-olds. “They are my favorites,” she explained. “I just really like the whole process. Every experience is a building block. For the first couple of times I show one, I just want to gain their confidence. I don’t mind doing that. I get confidence in them and they get confidence in me. The ones that I can really bond with – it’s the best feeling ever.”
Jose Vazquez was first in the pen on SLJ Dun Juice. They scored a 220 and finished third overall. But Vazquez still earned second-place money. He was the Reserve Champion on What a Juicy Chic with a score of 221. What a Juicy Chic, by Smart Like Juice out of Tari What by Doctor What, is a home-grown product of Vazquez’s breeding program. Smart Like Juice is owned by Vazquez’s Smart Like Juice Inc. “We started her at home as a 2- year-old,” Vazquez said. “Then Gabe [Hutchins] put the finish on her. She’s the easiest horse I’ve ever ridden. She’s great minded. I just have to decide what speed I want to go and she does it.” Vazquez has been known to boogie in
the show pen. “Yes, sometimes I like to go fast,” he admitted. “I know it’s risky, but when it works, it pays. If the control is there, it shows how broke your horse is, and
she’s very well-trained.” Vazquez and his filly are heading to Oklahoma City. “Right now, I’m just thinking how I’ll get to the finals,” he said. “If I make the finals, then I’ll think differently. I’ll think to win!”
Kelle's 2003 Press Releases
Kelle's 2004 Press Releases • Kelle's 2005 Press Releases
Kelle's 2006 Press Releases • Kelle's 2007 Press Releases
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