Gentile, Asmussen, and Rafacz Claim NRHA Adequan NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Championships

With Monday’s classes in the books, the 2022 National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship has passed the halfway point. The Adequan® NAAC titles have grown over the years to be one of the most prestigious awards a reiner can win, with competitors traveling hundreds of miles to compete at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champion, NAAC Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion – Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler

After taking a few months to get acquainted, Stephanie Gentile and Joes Lil Wrangler have hit their stride together. The pair garnered their second, third, fourth, and fifth title of the week in the Adequan® Arena – this time, an NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Championship, an NAAC Non Pro Level 2 Co-Championship, and they finished in the same placings for the ancillary divisions of those classes. The duo also split a reserve title in the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3.

“I’ve only been riding this horse since about August, and it’s taken us a while to click, but we’re finally getting there – and it’s perfect timing,” Gentile said.

The pair scored a 218 to garner the titles, earning a total of $4,552. The win comes on the heels of their NAAC Limited Non Pro Championship on Friday.

“He felt really good today. He was with me the whole time, and he’s a very consistent horse. I just trusted him and went with it. We had a couple of tiny little spots that could have been a little better, but he was super solid, and I was very happy with him,” Gentile said.

According to Gentile, Joes Lil Wrangler’s (Lil Joe Cash x A Chic In Wranglers) best maneuver is his spins. But she said the gelding’s stops are hitting a new gear.

“I thank my husband Jesse Gentile, he’s always there to help me, and I thank Lori Baker, who owns [Joes Lil Wrangler], as well as all my family and friends,” Gentile said.

NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion, Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Championship and Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Champion – Rebecca Asmussen, TR Hot Dream, and The Crowd Goes Wildd

Family favorite TR Hot Dream brought home the bacon with Rebecca Asmussen in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2, nabbing a Co-Championship with a score of 218. In the ancillary divisions, the pair tied for the win of the L2 and the reserve of the L3.

“We got him as a 3-year-old from Tamarack Ranch, and he’s a super sweet gelding. My husband has shown him and done really well on him,” Asmussen said. “My kids ride him. He’s a great little horse and a lot of fun.”

Adding to the bounty was mare The Crowd Goes Wildd (Not Ruf At All x Check Yer Gun Lady), who won the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Level 3 Championship with a 218.5.

Asmussen earned $2,663 for the day on TR Hot Dream and an additional $784 for the win on The Crowd Goes Wildd.

“The Crowd Goes Wildd is 15.2 [hands] and 1400 pounds. She’s a big, strong mare who is a lot of fun to run and stop. She’s super aggressive everywhere and just a nice mare to go show,” Asmussen said.

Asmussen thanked her family, husband, children Layne and Owen, Kelsey and Kole Price, as well as their vet and farrier. “Everybody who keeps our horses rolling,” Asmussen said.

NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champion – Madison Rafacz and Got Twisted In Vegas

Got Twisted In Vegas is often referred to as the little mare that could. Started and trained by Madison Rafacz and her father, Mark, it was initially uncertain if the mare would grow large enough to be a show horse.

Now, the 5-year-old mare has proven herself capable in the reining pen, gathering affiliate and derby titles from across the country. The pair added another two co-championships to their list on Monday, November 28, in the NAAC Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2, as well as the ancillary division of that class, with a score of 218. The pair also tied for reserve in the ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro L3, winning $2,663. The win comes after a stressful ride the night before the class, which left Rafacz a “wreck.” Luckily, Got Twisted In Vegas (High Roller Whiz x Wimpys Dun Twistin) came through.

“Today, I went in, and she was there like she always is,” Rafacz said. “I thank my mom and dad, of course. They’re my biggest supporters and allow me to do this. All the people in my barn are super great supporters. They’re like family.”