The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce the 2026 class of inductees into the NRHA Hall of Fame. This year’s distinguished class honors three individuals whose lifelong dedication has shaped the sport of reining and two exceptional horses whose accomplishments continue to influence generations of reiners.
The 2026 Hall of Fame class includes Mike Hancock, Tom McCutcheon, Bob Santagata, Americasnextgunmodel, and This Chicsdundreamin.
The inductees will be formally recognized at Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch during the 2026 Foals R Us NRHA Futurity® & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. They join an elite group whose impact has helped define the history, growth, and future of the NRHA.
Established to recognize those whose contributions have left an enduring mark on the sport, the NRHA Hall of Fame honors individuals and horses whose achievements extend far beyond the show pen. Whether through leadership, competition, breeding, philanthropy, mentorship, or the lasting influence of their progeny, Hall of Fame inductees represent the very best of reining.
Mike Hancock
For nearly four decades, Mike Hancock has exemplified what it means to serve the National Reining Horse Association.
A competitor, volunteer leader, philanthropist, and ambassador for the sport, Hancock’s influence reaches every corner of the association. Since beginning his reining career in 198[1] [2] [3] 0, he has dedicated countless hours to advancing NRHA through leadership roles, committee service, and strategic guidance. As a two-term NRHA President, he has helped lead the association through unprecedented times while experiencing continued growth and record-breaking events. He has remained committed to preserving the traditions that have made reining one of the world’s premier western performance horse disciplines.
Beyond his leadership, Hancock has been a staunch supporter of the Reining Horse Foundation, earning recognition as a Double Platinum Lifetime Donor while championing scholarships, youth development, historical preservation, and charitable initiatives that strengthen the reining community. As an accomplished competitor with more than $437,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings, he has paired success in the show pen with an unwavering commitment to serving others, mentoring future generations, and strengthening the reining community.
“When I think of what the NRHA stands for, I think of Mike Hancock,” said Nate Burchell. “Few individuals have contributed to the organization and the sport of reining in as many ways or for as long. Mike has excelled as a competitor, served as an ambassador for the sport, volunteered countless hours in leadership roles, advocated for the interests of members, and generously contributed to the growth of the reining community.”
Those who know Hancock best point not only to his accomplishments, but to the character behind them. Burchell continued, “Most importantly, he has done so with humility, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others. Mike’s character and dedication have earned him the respect of his peers and made him a role model for generations of reiners. His legacy is reflected not only in his accomplishments, but in the positive influence he has had on the people and the sport he loves.”
Tom McCutcheon
Few individuals have influenced modern reining as profoundly as Tom McCutcheon.
An internationally recognized horseman, elite competitor, entrepreneur, mentor, and industry visionary, McCutcheon has spent more than three decades helping shape the direction of NRHA and the sport itself. A two-time World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalist, Individual World Champion, NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider, Two Million Dollar Owner, AQHA World Champion, and NRBC Champion, his accomplishments in the arena are among the most decorated in reining history.
His impact extends well beyond the show pen. McCutcheon was instrumental in the creation of the National Reining Breeders Classic, a landmark event that transformed incentive programs within the industry. He also co-founded the Legacy Sale, served multiple terms on the NRHA Executive Committee and Board of Directors, helped develop the NRHA Foal Nomination Program, and has consistently championed initiatives that strengthen opportunities for owners, breeders, professionals, and exhibitors.
“There are people in reining who achieve great success, and then there are people who fundamentally change the sport itself,” said NRHA Ten Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani. “Tom McCutcheon belongs to the second category—and I can speak to that personally. My own story in this sport is, in part, a story shaped by Tom.”
Beyond his accomplishments and leadership, McCutcheon is equally respected for his commitment to horsemanship and the people around him. As a breeder, trainer, and mentor, he has helped shape generations of professionals while building a legacy centered on excellence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the horse.
“What makes my dad special is not just what he has accomplished, but how he has accomplished it,” said Carlee McCutcheon. “He truly has an incredible love for the horse. At the end of the day, that is why we all do this, but what makes him such a standout horseman is that his love for the reining horse is greater than his love for the sport itself.”
Bob Santagata
Since becoming an NRHA member in 2004, Bob Santagata has emerged as one of the sport’s most influential owners, supporters, and philanthropists.
As an NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner, Corporate Partner, and a founding member of the NRHA Futurity Impact Group, Santagata has combined competitive success with transformational investment in the future of reining. His support has strengthened premier NRHA events through increased purses, while his contributions to the Reining Horse Foundation as a Diamond Level Donor have helped ensure the long-term sustainability of programs benefiting members across the industry. His commitment extends well beyond the national level, supporting affiliates across the United States while helping promote reining internationally.
“Over the past two decades, Bob has become one of the sport’s most influential supporters, combining elite competitive success with transformative leadership and financial commitment,” said Arlene Santagata. “His impact spans from grassroots programs to the sport’s most prestigious events, leaving a lasting mark on the reining industry.”
Beyond his financial investment, Santagata has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of horsemen through Santa Hill Ranch, creating educational opportunities, hosting clinics, and providing aspiring professionals with hands-on experience alongside top trainers and elite horses. Widely respected as a collaborative leader, he is known for bringing people together, championing meaningful initiatives, and continually investing in the future of the sport.
“Beyond the statistics, what sets Bob apart is his influence, his inspiration, and his integrity,” said Eleuterio and Leonardo Arcese of Arcese Quarter Horses. “He loves great horses, and he understands the time it takes to develop them the right way. He respects the process. He supports the people. He believes in the shows. He believes in the industry. That is class, and that is what Bob Santagata represents.”
Americasnextgunmodel
Few mares have combined championship performance with the ability to produce elite offspring quite like Americasnextgunmodel.
Shown by Casey Deary, the 2009 mare (Gunner x Cee Dun It Do It) captured the 2012 NRHA Open Futurity Championship before compiling nearly $290,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings through consistent success at the sport’s premier events. Her talent, consistency, and competitive presence quickly established her as one of the great mares of her generation.
“Americasnextgunmodel was the kind of mare experienced horsemen recognize immediately,” said Cam Essick. “That judgment was validated at the highest level when she won the 2012 NRHA Open Futurity Championship, earning a winner’s paycheck of $165,000. In the hands of Casey Deary, Americasnextgunmodel developed into one of the greatest mares of her era.”
While her accomplishments in the show pen would have secured her place among reining’s elite, Americasnextgunmodel’s greatest influence has come through her remarkable production record.
“As exceptional as Americasnextgunmodel was in the show pen, her influence became even greater through her production record,” Essick said.
To date, Americasnextgunmodel, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, bred and nominated by David Silva Jr., has produced more than $1.7 million in offspring earnings, including NRHA Futurity® Champion Belissimo (by Magnum Chic Dream) owned, bred and nominated by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, NRHA Derby® Champion Americasnexttopgun (by Walla Walla Whiz) owned by Jody Puno, Puno Performance Horses LLC, bred and nominated by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, and numerous additional elite performers whose success has positioned her among the most influential producing mares in NRHA history.
Her offspring continue to demonstrate the athleticism, trainability, and competitive excellence that defined their dam, carrying forward the qualities that made Americasnextgunmodel exceptional. With multiple young prospects, her influence on the industry continues to grow, solidifying her place among the most important mares in the history of the sport.
This Chicsdundreamin
Beloved by competitors and fans alike, This Chicsdundreamin (Magnum Chic Dream x Hermosa Dun It) owned by Rhodes River Ranch, bred by Joe Hayes, embodied the qualities that define a great reining horse—athletic ability, consistency, heart, and an unmatched willingness to perform.
Known affectionately as “Lexi,” the 2004 mare earned nearly $125,000 in NRHA competition while successfully competing at the highest levels of both Open and Non Pro competition. Her ability to excel with multiple riders showcased not only her exceptional talent, but also the rare disposition and desire that made her a favorite among those who had the opportunity to show her.
“Many people loved seeing her beautiful and happy expression in the show pen and loved how much heart she had to make both the Non Pro and Open finals,” said Chloe Lawrence. “She would give her all to George in the Non Pro finals and would continuously place in the top, then turn around the next day and give her all to Casey in the Open finals. She truly loved her job!”
That same heart and competitive spirit became the foundation of an extraordinary legacy as a broodmare.
Producing more than $1 million in offspring earnings, This Chicsdundreamin became the dam of standout performers including:
- Tinker With Dreams (by Tinker With Guns) – $431,183 NRHA LTE and owned by Diamond Dub Quarter Horses, bred and nominated by Rhodes River Ranch
- Trashinyurdreams (by Gunnatrashya) – $299,504 NRHA LTE and owned by Loren Booth, bred and nominated by Rhodes River Ranch
- Take Out The Trash (by Gunnatrashya) $149,144 NRHA LTE and owned by CS Ranch LLC, bred and nominated by Judy Box
- Trashy Dreams (by Gunnatrashya) $75,556 and owned by nominator Neiberger Performance Horses LLC and bred by Rhodes River Ranch
Though her time as a producer was limited, the impact of This Chicsdundreamin continues through the accomplishments of her offspring and future generations. Her combination of talent, heart, and ability to pass those qualities on has cemented her legacy as one of the truly influential mares in reining history.
The NRHA Hall of Fame recognizes those whose influence transcends statistics alone. The 2026 inductees each represent a unique chapter in the history of reining—through visionary leadership, competitive excellence, generous philanthropy, exceptional horsemanship, and bloodlines that will shape the sport for decades to come.
Together, Mike Hancock, Tom McCutcheon, Bob Santagata, Americasnextgunmodel, and This Chicsdundreamin have helped define what excellence looks like within the National Reining Horse Association. Their induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame ensures their contributions will be celebrated and remembered by future generations of reiners.
The 2026 NRHA Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated on December 2, 2026, at Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch in Oklahoma City. The reining community will gather to celebrate the remarkable achievements and lasting legacies of this year’s distinguished inductees. For reservations, contact RHF, rhf@nrha.com.
