Craig Schmersal
NRHA 5 Million Dollar Rider
2019 NRHA Horseman of the Year, Craig Schmersal, is a 5 Million Dollar Reining Horse Professional, and is the only trainer to ever have achieved wins in each of the reining industry's 5 major events: The Run for a Million, NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, National Reining Breeders Classic and Quarter Horse Congress.
Craig was a multiple gold and silver medalist for Team USA at the World Equestrian Games in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
Craig has only missed the NRHA Open Futurity Finals once since 1995.
Not only has Craig's success placed him 3rd on NRHA's all-time leading rider's list, but his coaching abilities have helped his Non-Professional clients win numerous championships and top finishes at major reining events.
Career Highlights
Craig Schmersal is the only rider in history to secure the Level 4 Open Championship across all five of reining’s major events:
-
The Run for a Million: In 2019, Schmersal became the inaugural Co-Champion of the richest event in reining history, riding the standout stallion No Smoking Required to a massive 229.5 score.
-
NRHA Futurity: In 2017, he captured the elusive Level 4 Open Futurity Championship aboard Face The Attitude, a spectacular mare he bred and raised himself.
-
NRHA Open Derby: Champion in 2004 aboard Commanders Nic.
-
National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC): Open Derby Champion in 2010 on Boom Shernic.
-
All American Quarter Horse Congress: Multiple Level 4 Open Champion.
The Run For A Million
Brainchild of prolific Hollywood writer and producer, and performance horse owner and exhibitor, Taylor Sheridan, The Run For A Million has become the richest event in the history of reining, and the most exciting and thrilling event in cow horse and cutting.
Craig and Ginger have established a long-running partnership with Sheridan, providing, training, and conditioning the high-caliber performance horses seen on the smash-hit drama series, Yellowstone. Ginger has even made on-screen cameos in the series, playing a horse show manager during the authentic competition scenes.
Their primary television presence, however, is on Paramount Network's unscripted reality series The Last Cowboy. As main cast members, Craig and Ginger pull back the curtain on the intense pressure of preparing for million-dollar arenas. The show spotlights their unique dynamic: Craig pushing the limits in the training pen, and Ginger holding the ranch, business, and family together behind the scenes.
