The National Reining Horse Association proudly recognizes A Vintage Smoke as NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Sire, marking an exciting new chapter in the legacy of one of reining’s most accomplished stallions.
Owned by Diane Mesmer and bred and nominated by Karl Hapcic, the stallion is by A Sparkling Vintage and out of Lady Smoke Peppy. A Vintage Smoke first made his mark in the show pen, earning $540,602.92 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings and establishing himself as one of the most successful horses of his generation.
A Vintage Smoke’s performance record is highlighted by an impressive list of major titles, including winning reining’s coveted Triple Crown. Under the guidance of NRHA Professional Jason Vanlandingham, he captured the 2018 NRHA Open Futurity Championship, the 2020 NRHA Open Derby Championship, and was Co-Champion of both the 2019 and 2021 National Reining Breeders Classic Open Derby, cementing his place among the sport’s elite performers.
Now, his offspring are carrying that same winning tradition forward, pushing him beyond the million-dollar mark in progeny earnings.
Leading the way is A Vintage Kiss, out of Gunna Kissya. Bred and nominated by Sergio Elia and owned by Maren Simonet Henderson, the talented mare has earned $168,797.56. Her accomplishments include claiming the 2025 NRHA Futurity Level 2 and Level 3 Open Championships and earning a Top 10 finish in the Level 4 Open Futurity with Rodrigo Nieves.
Another major contributor is Smoking Bubblegun, out of Bubblegun. Bred and nominated by Kimberly Tillman and owned by Owen Deary, the mare has amassed $104,933.70 in earnings. At the 2025 NRHA Futurity, she captured the Level 1, 2, and 3 Non Pro Championships, finished sixth in the Level 4 Non Pro, and added substantial earnings through the NRHA Futurity Challenge Purse.
Big Bambino, out of Snap N Go, has earned $85,135.33 for owner Vaughn Zimmerman. Bred and nominated by Spence Bell, the horse added significantly to his earnings at the 2025 NRHA Futurity, where he placed fourth in the Level 3 Open and fifth in the Level 2 Open with Jacob Zimmerman aboard.
Additional top earners helping propel A Vintage Smoke to the milestone include:
- Trend Starter (out of Slide By Spook), bred and nominated by Lorenzo Lotti (US) and Sebastiano Valtorta (EU) owned by Stefano Carpentieri, with earnings of $50,076.64
- Smoke Rings N Dadark (out of Mifilberry Wine), bred and nominated by Linda Bourn and owned by Holly Bray, with earnings of $49,280.68
From an unforgettable show career to a rapidly growing influence in the breeding barn, A Vintage Smoke continues to leave his mark on the sport. As more of his offspring enter the arena and reach the highest levels of competition, his impact on the future of reining appears brighter than ever.
NRHA congratulates Diane Mesmer, Karl Hapcic, and the many breeders, owners, nominators, riders, and supporters whose dedication has helped A Vintage Smoke achieve the prestigious Million Dollar Sire milestone.
