National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Two Million Dollar Rider and 2007 NRHA Open Derby Champion Shawn Flarida can add yet another accomplishment to his already lengthy list. Following his recent win at the NRHA Derby, Flarida, of Springfield, Ohio, is now the NRHA’s all-time leading money earner with an impressive $2,268,825 in NRHA lifetime winnings.
“It has been a goal of mine for a long time to be the #1 rider in the NRHA,” Flarida says. “I wanted to do it before I was 40, and I’m 38, so I think that’s pretty cool. I hope I can stay on top for a very long time.”
Flarida qualified three horses for the NRHA Open Derby Finals, held May 14-19 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City: Senor Tejano Whiz, Walla Walla Whiz, and KR Lil Conquistador. Flarida’s last run in the finals came on Walla Walla Whiz.
Winning is nothing new for Flarida. He’s been a top reiner in the NRHA since 1984 when he won the Novice Horse Non Pro Reserve World Championship.
Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer and photographer based in Texas, and is the editor of Horse Illustrated’s sister publication, Western Life Today.
Good Article
cool
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone…
Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky…
Dressage is halfway complete at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day event CCI5*-L. Currently in first…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…
Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders…
Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.,…