Articles: Press Release

Contact:
Rebecca Walton for Phelps Media Group, Inc.
at (561) 753-3389 or at pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Las Vegas, NV - September 6, 2009 - Today at the High Roller Reining Classic the Non-Pro divisions competed, and Shaunda Ruckman, of Phoenix, AZ, rocked the arena aboard Peppy As Einstein to claim the Non-Pro division and the Intermediate Non-Pro division wins. The pair was fast and precise throughout their pattern and it showed in their score of 72.50, which was the highest of day. The High Roller Reining Classic is the international "crown jewel" of western riding competition, and features over $200,000 in added money and prizes. The show began on Thursday at the beautiful South Point Hotel, Casino, and Equestrian Center and will run through Saturday, September 12.

Ruckman and Peppy As Einstein performed each maneuver in pattern four with speed, precision, and grace. They picked up a swift canter on the right lead for their large opening circles and easily moved into their spins. Ruckman and Peppy As Einstein then repeated these moves on the left lead. The pair then kept up their momentum for the figure eight, easily executing each lead change. They completed the final three stops and rollback easily, and left the ring to the sounds of whistles and applause. Ruckman and Peppy As Einstein received the day's highest score of 72.50.

"I'm very excited, he was awesome today," beamed Ruckman after her win. "He was really dialed in and he felt awesome. During each part of the pattern he waited for me and he took really good care of me."

Ruckman continued, "During the figure eights I was getting tired and I had to kick because he was getting tired too. When we came around for our first stop though he was great and stopped really hard for me. I rushed my second rollback a little bit but he took really good care of me. Finally, we went back down the center and finished up really nicely."

Ruckman bought Peppy As Einstein last June and has been thrilled with her equine partner. "We've just clicked and we've had a really good year," she said. "I feel honored to be a part of Einstein's life, he's a great horse."

The 13-year-old Peppy As Einstein is by Smart As The Fox, and previously won the Youth World Show with Morgan Campbell. Ruckman currently stables him with Martin Muelstaetter in Scottsdale, AZ. She enjoys being able to show him and explained that he an honest horse that always listens to his rider.

"At home we just try to keep him in shape, and then we step it up a notch before the shows," noted Ruckman. "He's really sweet and quiet, and he waits on you. If you ask him to go harder he'll go harder, but otherwise it's kind of whatever speed you ask of him."

This is the third year that Ruckman has competed at the High Roller Reining Classic and she is excited to be back. "I love this show, we always have a great time," she said. "I'm really excited that I get to show twice this year because we get to stay longer and that's awesome. I love this place!"

Three riders tied for today's second place prize during the Non-Pro division with scores of 71.00. Debi Murnan, of Grass Valley, CA, and Ruf Cut Pine had an excellent showing during today's class. Lindy A LongFellow, of Handford, CA expertly maneuvered Peppy Chic Finale through pattern four to receive the score of 71.00. Patrick A Yancey, of Ione, CA, was aboard Kim Yancey's Remchic Yankee and also placed second during today's division.

There was a two-way tie during today's Intermediate Non-Pro division between Patrick Yancey and Ashley Anixter, of Scottsdale, CA. Anixter was aboard Whiz Bing Bang Boom, and both riders received the second highest score of the day, a 71.00.

The High Roller Reining Classic will continue tomorrow with the Open divisions at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center. This year's feature events are the $130,000 Added 3 Year Old Futurity and the $50,000 Added 4, 5, & 6 Year Old Derby. The horse show will come to a close Saturday, September 12.

The "Play It Forward" Texas Hold 'Em-style poker tournament will also be held this year at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 8-11 pm during the High Roller Reining Classic. All proceeds from this charity event will benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF), a non-profit organization assisting with basic medical needs funding for those from catastrophic illness or injury. Limited to 150 people, the "Play It Forward" Poker Tournament offers players the opportunity to win big - having fun and making a difference at the same time. Each player will receive a seat assignment in the HRRC VIP Private Poker Tournament Room where dealers will provide $2,500 in chips. At 11 p.m., chip leaders through 10th place will win a percentage of the prize pool.

Equestrian Life http://www.equestrianlife.com will be everywhere within the South Point Equestrian and Events Center, video camera in hand, streaming in depth interviews and comprehensive event coverage to their membership base of 30,000 avid horsepeople. Live streaming video coverage of the High Roller Reining Classic will begin Thursday, September 10th with the $15,000 Added Non-Pro Futurity, continuing on Friday, September 11th with the $10,000 Added Non-Pro Derby, and wrapping up on Saturday, September 12th with the $15,000 Added Open Derby.

For more information about the High Roller Reining Classic please visit http://www.highrollerreiningclassic.com.