Thank you for visiting Sam Smith Reining Horses Non-Pro page. Below you will find some press releases about Carlie Thompson. We hope you enjoy this information.

Carlie Thompson and Major Smart Buck took the Limited Non-Pro.

11.15.2007 - Limited Non-Pro

To see the article about Carlie Thompson as seen in the Quarter Horse News click here

When Carlie Thompson won the Limited Non-Pro division of the Congress Non-Pro Reining Stakes on Major Smart Buck, it did not go unnoticed that Sam Smith coached the winners of both nonpro divisions.

“It was so much fun to be part of it,” Thompson said. “It was really cool.” So is Carlie Thompson. In 2005, Thompson was the NRHA Youth 14-18 Reserve World Champion on Sailor Dun It. In 2006, she earned the NRHA Limited Non-Pro Reserve title on Sailor Dun It, and the Limited Non-Pro, Intermediate Non-Pro and Non-Pro reserve world titles on Maggie Chex.

Major Smart Buck, a gelding by Smart Starbuck out of Majors Serendipity by Major Bonanza, was purchased from Clinton Anderson last spring, but Thompson didn’t get to ride him until the fall. “As soon as we bought him I left for Africa. I spent my summer in Kenya,” she explained.

Thompson, a 20-year-old college student majoring in neuroscience, did volunteer work for a micro financing organization that gives small-business loans to people in a town called Malindi. When she came home to Ohio, Major Smart Buck was ready to go. “Sam did everything for me – all summer,” Thompson said. “When I got back and started riding my horse, it was unbelievable. His stops are his thing. They’re the best. He’s user-friendly and very consistent. He doesn’t act like a 3- year-old.”

Thompson is taking her gelding to Oklahoma City. “I don’t ever go to a show expecting anything, but I always try to be confident in what I know I can do.” Gary Achtenhagen, riding his Shiney Cuff Lynx by The Shriner out of Ruby Cuff Lynx by Diamon Cuff Lynx, was the Reserve Champion. Achtenhagen purchased his gelding from fellow Floridians
and non-pro riders Steve and Jane Mabe. Steve put the basics on the horse and, according to Gary, “His basics were wonderful.” Gary’s wife, Catherine, has done quite
a bit of hauling this season. “Jamie Bissell had the horse for 30 days while we were on the road,” explained Achtenhagen. “He did a very nice job. The rest I did myself.” Shiney Cuff Lynx proved to be a willing partner.

“I love his stops. He’s probably as easy and nice a horse I’ve ever had to stop,” he said. “He just loves it. And he’s a 20- to 30-minute horse. The fresher he is, the better he is.”
Riding a 3-year-old reining horse was a new experience for Achtenhagen and one he thoroughly enjoyed. When he trained pleasure and halter horses professionally, the young ones were always his favorites. “They’re waiting for your help,” he explained.

Showing successfully in NRHA nonpro competition gave him the confidence to prepare a futurity horse, and, he said, “now that I’ve had one, I’ll definitely have another.” The Achtenhagens had a great Congress, earning checks on every horse. In addition to Shiney Cuff Lynx’s earnings, Catherine tied for third in the NRHA Non-Pro class on Dualing Chic, who also placed in the Ladies with his stable mate, Breggo Nic. Breggo
Nic went on to win the AQHA Junior Reining with Todd Sommers in the driver’s seat.