Reining
Consistent performance and two strong showings put Shawn Flarida and RC Fancy Step, owned by Buffalo Ranch, a step ahead of the rest at the 2010 Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championships, which also served as the USEF Selection Trial for the Adequan US Reining Team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Flarida leads Team USA into the WEG, which will take place in late September in Lexington, Kentucky.
In the first go round, Shawn and RC marked a 223.5, which was two and a half points higher than the nearest competitor. In the second go round and finals, Flarida piloted the flashy palomino stallion to another 223, which combined for a composite score of 446.5. Placings were based on a two-go-round composite score with the top four horse-and-rider combinations earning spots on the official US Reining Team.
Flarida rode confidently and his slides and flying changes were rock solid. Flarida improved on his runner-up finish in the 2009 Adequan/USEF National Open Reining Championships by storming to the individual honors - sweeter still this year because it secured a spot on the Adequan US Reining Team.
“He’s consistent,” said Flarida about RC Fancy Step being on the team. “Experience is our strength - everyone has been here before. “He was really good as three year old, but he has got better every year. I couldn’t have asked him to show any better, especially just coming off the Derby two weeks before.”
Prior to this victory, Flarida rode RC Fancy Step to the 2007 Congress Open Futurity championship, as well as the 2009 NRHA Open Derby title. RC Fancy Step now has lifetime earnings in excess of $336,000.
Joining Flarida on Team USA will be Tom McCutcheon, Aubrey, Texas; Craig Schmersal, Overbrook, Okla.; and Tim McQuay, Tioga, Texas. Flarida compared the pressure of riding on a team - when reiners ride as individuals on a regular basis as a change in mindset.
“You don’t throw an interception,” said Flarida about team pressure. Based only two and a half hours from the Kentucky Horse Park, Flarida is looking forward to riding in his own backyard.
Flarida is the NRHA’s All-Time Leading Money-earning rider, and first NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider. He was just the second rider to earn two million dollars in NRHA competition, and has five NRHA Open Futurity and five NRHA Derby wins and to his credit. Flarida is proudly sponsored by Ariat, eZall, Pards Western Store, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Classic Equine, Purina Mills, Leonard Truck & Trailer/Blue Ribbon Trailers, Soft Ride Equine Boots, and Rambo/Horseware Ireland. For more information, contact kellie@thegreenshirt.com, or visit www.thegreenshirt.com.
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