National Reining Horse Association crowns first $9 million rider
Andrea Fappani will certainly go down in the history books as one of the greatest riders in the National Reining Horse Association, but he is setting records that will be hard to break.
In 2023, Fappani passed over the $8 million earnings mark, making him the first rider to do so. After an incredible year he has surpassed the $9 million threshold to maintain his position as the NRHA's all-time leading rider.
The talent was originally from Bergamo, Italy. Being raised on a dairy farm, he shared a passion for horses with his father. In 2003, Fappani moved to the United States to further his passion and career in the reining horse industry.
In very short order, Fappani found success and became the youngest NRHA Million Dollar Rider in 2006.
On his website, Fappani shares his view of champions and how they get there.
“CHAMPIONS do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of the championship character”.
The newly inducted NRHA Hall-of-Famer certainly practices what he preaches. He exhibits all of the qualities of a true champion and has put the work and time into mastering his craft.
On his way to becoming a $9 million rider, Fappani has many accomplishments including being a 4-time NRHA Open Futurity Champion on All Bettss Are Off, Spooky Whiz, Lil Joe Cash and RR Star. He is also a 4-time National Reining Breeder's Classic Open Champion riding Chic Dreamin, SG Frozen Enterprize, Cromed Out Mercedes and Custom Legend. The great horse Tinker With Guns paired with Fappani for his single NRHA Open Derby Championship.
After passing the $8 million dollar mark last year, some of Fappani's notable accomplishments include winning third at the 2024 The Run For A Million's Million Dollar Competition riding Mic Dropp which allowed him $90,000 in earnings.
He rode All Bettss Are Off to the Reserve Championship of the 2024 The American Performance Horseman Individual Reining class to deposit another $75,000 on his winnings chart.
Fappani's latest milestone occurred at the 2024 High Roller Reining Classic where he was entered in the Level 4 Open Stakes and Derby. Riding Vintage Chex who is by A Sparkling Vintage and out of Chex Out The Cowgirl, Fappani scored a 226.5 to win the championship along with $30,219 which was enough to push him over the $9 million mark.
Congratulations are due and certainly earned for a man who has dedicated his life to the sport and has certainly mastered the art of winning and training.