The National Reining Horse Association is proud to announce Rick Christen of Whitehouse, Ohio, as its newest NRHA Million Dollar Owner, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by long-term involvement, competitive success, and thoughtful ownership at the highest levels of the sport. Alongside his wife, Brenda, Christen is co-owner of Story Book Stables, an operation that has grown into a recognized and respected name within the reining industry.
A 25-year NRHA member, Christen brings nearly $500,000 in lifetime earnings as a non pro rider, giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed on reining’s biggest stages. That experience has carried over into an ownership program that has produced success across Open, Non Pro, and multiple levels of competition.
Christen officially crossed the million-dollar threshold following the 2025 NRHA Futurity®. Americasnexttopstory (Americasnexttopgun x Miss Mcdreamy) bred, nominated and owned by Christen and ridden by Fabio Russo, earned $8,400 in the Open Level 2 and Level 3 and Level 2 Challenge, while Americasnextsecret (Americasnexttopgun x Who Whiz Baby Blue) bred and nominated by Trent Harvey, owned by Christen and shown by Venessa Strotmann, contributed $6,500 in the Open Level 1 and Level 1 Challenge.
Several influential mares have played a key role in the depth and consistency of Christen’s program.
Msdreamy (Magnum Chic Dream x A Gal With A Gun), bred by Jana Leigh Simons, earned $263,131 in her career. More than $173,000 was earned under Christen’s ownership with more than $77,000 also coming with Christen in the saddle. Her success in the show pen helped anchor Christen’s owner earnings while reinforcing the value of proven, elite mare power.
While Miss Mcdreamy (Magnum Chic Dream x Lipstick Jungle), bred and nominated by Joe Hayes, earned $72,347 in NRHA competition, her significance to Christen’s Million Dollar Owner achievement lies in her success as a producer. Her offspring have gone on to earn NRHA money, directly adding to his total.
Skeets Little Annie (Skeets Peppy x Oaks Little Annie), bred by Vaughn Zimmerman, was another cornerstone mare. Christen earned more than $100,000 on her in the Non Pro, and her influence continued through offspring that found success under his ownership.
Top Earners Contributing to Christen’s Million Dollar Owner Milestone
- Hotrod Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Hotrodder Beauty) owned by Kemper Fullerton after Christen – more than $63,000 won under Christen’s Ownership
- Heza Bigtime Bingo (Itsa Bingo Greyhound x Sheza Royal Seeker) – $52,720
- Xtra Voodoo Step (Wimpys Little Step x Voodoo Chic) bred by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, nominated by Ixtul Quarter Horses, LLC– $40,000
- Dun It Regally (Hollywood Dun It x Tivios Little Queen) – $47,624
- Skeets Tricked Out (Skeets Peppy x Miss Trickynic) currently owned by Margaret Daly, bred and nominated by Vaughn Zimmerman, won almost $35,000 of his $41,336 in LTE under Christen’s ownership
- Chips Dun Right (Dun It Regally x Skeets Little Annie) currently owned by Kindra Pierce, bred and nominated by Christen, won a majority of the $34,762 LTE under Christen’s ownership
- Annies Voodoo Dr (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Skeets Little Annie) currently owned by Wolfgang Hammer, bred by Rick Christen and nominated by Story Book Stables won nearly $50,000 under Christen’s ownership.
- Mcfrozen (SG Frozen Enterprize x Miss Mcdreamy) bred, nominated and owned by Christen – $32,146
- Inferno On Ice (Inferno Sixty Six x Unquestionably Crome) nominated by breeder Lorenzo Lotti and owned by Christen – $26,318
Rick Christen’s elevation to NRHA Million Dollar Owner reflects years of dedication to the sport and a program built on quality horses, proven bloodlines, and consistent performance across generations.
The NRHA congratulates Rick Christen on this outstanding achievement and thanks him for his continued commitment to reining.
