New Reining Breyer Horse Announced at 2025 NWSS Invitational Freestyle Reining

The CINCH Arena was set ablaze Sunday afternoon as twelve nationally recognized competitors were put in the spotlight to perform freestyle reining routines in the $30,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining. The crowd-favorite event did not disappoint, drawing top reiners from five states for their chance to win the richest freestyle reining in the country. The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Commissioner Billy Smith, in addition to other special guests, was in attendance to celebrate three decades of this impactful event.

With the fourth draw, the now four-time champion, Bub Poplin revved his engines to clench the top spot with a score of 223 under a three-judge panel. See It My Way (Gunnatrashya x Sweet Chicka Chic x Smart Chic Olena), a sorrel eleven-year-old AQHA gelding owned by Lori Stephenson, was his partner in the electric routine to “409” by The Beach Boys. The routine was inspired by his sons who build hot rods.

Bub Poplin and See It My Way were the 2025 Ram Invitational Freestyle Reining Champions. * Photo by Performance Horse Photography

Brogan Hill earned the reserve champion title with her horse Quick Draw McGraw doing a Ferdinand the Bull themed performance. As a finale to the opening weekend, Hill was voted the People’s Choice champion and is a Division One athlete at Fresno State University where she competes on the Equestrian Team.

Three youth were selected to perform in the Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase prior to the event. Gracie Lambrecht, Savanna McGuire and Cora Miller impressed the crowd, showcasing the future of the industry.

The event also became the setting to announce longtime athlete and highest money-earning freestyle horse in the country, Game Day Surprise (Hang Ten Surprize x Dunit N Continental x Hollywood Dun It) or “Eli”, will be a limited-edition Breyer Model Horse and will perform at Breyerfest this summer.