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Riders and horses traveled from across the globe to take a shot at The Run For A Million Open qualifier at the 2022 Cactus Reining Classic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Taking place Saturday March 26 at Westworld of Scottsdale, the open qualifier was a chance for riders to earn themselves a spot in the Million Dollar Competition at The Run For A Million, which is held in August in Las Vegas.

Eighty-four riders trotted to the center of the arena and compete for a spot during an event that lasted late into the evening and included a star-studded field littered with National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Champions, NRHA Derby Champions, National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Champions and a Triple Crown winner.

When the dust settled, Arno Honstetter and the celebrated show mare Ms Dreamy prevailed with a hefty score of 229.5, earning $11,514 for owner Frederick Christen. The pair is well-acquainted, with Honstetter qualifying for and competing on the daughter of Magnum Chic Dream and out of Gal With A Gun (by Colonels Smoking Gun [Gunner]) at last year’s The Run For A Million, where they finished eighth in the Million Dollar Competition – which was won by Gunna Stop and Kole Price.

Riders could ride any horse they wanted in the qualifier. They do not have to ride the same horse in the Million Dollar Competition at The Run For A Million. In past years, trainers who earned a spot in the event had a running list of possible mounts.

“She was better than ever before. I don’t know if she’ll be my pick [for the 2022 TRFAM], it will be whatever Rick and Brenda [Joyce] decide,” Honstetter said.

Quarter Horse News
by Lillian Kent
View article on QHN