The 2024 edition of the Adequan^® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) concluded today in the Adequan^® Arena with tough competition in the Youth 14-18 classes. Sixty-two entries walked through the gate to ride for the championship titles in the NAAC Youth 14-18 and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Youth 14-18.

Calla Thomas rode Great Pepto Pine (Great King Jack x Hickorys Misty Pep), bred by James Dale, to an impressive score of 221 to win both the NAAC and NRHA Youth 14-18 classes.

“She was amazing,” Thomas said about her mare. “We had a great run today. She just locked in and stopped huge every time.

“We have been hauling around the country all year competing for the [NRHA] World title, which we are currently leading, and this was definitely our best show, so I am super excited,” Thomas added.

“I have had the mare since she was a yearling, and I have done all the training myself,” the talented young rider continued. “She is perfect at home. She is so low maintenance; she loves to eat and loves treats, that’s her favorite thing. We love having her around the barn.”

Thomas’ plans for next year are clear.

“My mare is 6 years old and next year will be her last derby year, so we will for sure enter some derbies, and then we’re going to breed her,” Thomas said. “I also got a 3-year-old this year, and we had a few bobbles during the NRHA Futurity, but I am excited for our future.”

Next year will also bring a new chapter in Thomas’ life, as she has committed to Texas Christian University’s National Collegiate Equestrian Association team.

“I want to thank my parents and Deena Dunkle, my stepmom, who has hauled me all over the country this year,” the champion concluded.

For more coverage of the Adequan^® NAAC, read the February issue of the NRHA Reiner.