Wild Card Winner: Gabe Hutchins

Marking a 219 in the first-ever Wild Card Reining Challenge futurity for unshown 4-year-olds, Gabe Hutchins and his mare Wallawallawhizgun took home the win for owners Tamarack Ranch. We caught up with Gabe after the show. Here’s what he has to say about the win, the event, and how it’ll help the future of reining.

Horse&Rider: Tell us about your mare.

Credit: WCRC Facebook Page Trainer Gabe Hutchins and his mare, Wallawhizagun celebrate after marking a 219 to win the Wild Card Reining Challenge.

Gabe Hutchins: She came to me a year ago, and I really liked her. She had all the pieces to be a great reiner. But I didn’t think she was far enough along to push her for the NRHA Futurity. She was very talented last year, but she wasn’t physically or mentally ready for that kind of pressure. I planned to show her two-handed at a futurity in the fall, but then we heard about the Wild Card, and we decided to hold off and save her for this event. Then I’d be able to do the job right and build her confidence. It was the perfect opportunity for her. Next she’ll show in the 4-year-old class at the High Roller Reining Classic this fall.

H&R: What are your thoughts about the 4-year-old futurity concept?

GH: This is a really great concept. And the addition of the 4-year-old stakes class next year will be great, too. It’s so hard for a 4-year-old to be competitive against 5- and 6-year-olds. It’s important to let them compete against other 4-year-olds, because very few have what it takes to go compete against the older horses in the derbies.

H&R: What did you think about the educational seminars at this event?

GH: That’s what made this one of the best shows out there. As trainers, we’ve heard a lot of what was covered (judging, training, and veterinary practices). But it’s always good to get a refresher and keep those ideas top of mind. For nonpros of all levels, they were very educational, too. 

H&R: How will this help with longevity of reining horses?

GH: With the addition of the 4-year-old stakes class next year, my 4-year-olds will have ample opportunities to find success. I can hold one back for the futurity here, and show my other 4-year-olds here. And then all of them can go show at the High Roller in the fall. that’ll be the extent of my 4-year-olds’ show schedules for that year, which will save them for the derbies as 5- and 6-year-olds. 

CATEGORIES
TAGS
Related Articles
image
Find the Right Fit
The Secrets to Hackamore Fit and Function
BradBarkemeyer_Oct24_NicholeChirico-49
Turnaround Fundamentals
Master the Turnaround with Expert Tips from Brad Barkemeyer
schooling the rollback with matt rushing
Roll The Rollback Footage
5 Steps to Mastering the Rollback
image
Setting Up the Lead Departure
Learn the Fundamentals of the Lead Departure
Newsletter
Receive news and promotions for Horse & Rider and other Equine Network offers.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.