The McKinzie's began their reining career in 1996 owning a stallion, Dunnits Lucky Charm. Their first futurity horse was a 2000 NRHA Open Futurity Finalist named The Wright Leaguer shown by Donnie Bricker. Shortly after that, the girls began their own showing career.
Carlie began her career showing a steady gelding, Dancing With Cows as a Rookie/Youth. The pair captured many titles around the Northwest. Her career took a turn when she stepped aboard DA Chics Tune, and was a AQHYA Youth World Finalist in 2004. After that, the desire to show at a more competitive level began... RU Missin Diamonds and Carlie were a perfect match from the beginning.
Diamond and Carlie have won several championships around the United States. Starting with, winning the 2005 Cactus Reining Classic Non Pro Derby (all levels) under the guidance of John Slack. Then they went and won the 2005 NRHA Non Pro Limited Derby Championship. From then on, under the guidance of Troy Heikes, the pair won over $100,000 in NRHA earnings to capture many championship titles. Carlie and Diamond will always be known as a fierce team. Carlie has since been successful with many other horses including, Almond Bark Chic, Mr Moth Money and Light Footprints. These days Carlie focuses on establishing a strong line of Sporty Starlight offspring.
Ryann also started her youth career with Dancing With Cows and then slowly moved up with her horse, Whiztacular. The pair won the 2009 Reining By the Bay Non Pro Derby, levels 3,2,and 1 and reserve in level 4 under the guidance of Cory Hutchings. . Also, they were a AQHYA Youth World Finalist. The pair won about $15,000 in NRHA earnings. She then showed a home grown Sporty Starlight mare, A Genuine Sport to win several Northwest Non Pro Derbies and was an NRHA Non Pro Futurity Youth Reserve Champion and was a Finalist in levels 3 and 2. After showing successfully aboard a few other horses, Ryann's NRHA earnings are currently $55,000+.
As owners, George and Cindy have a little over $220,000 in horse earnings. George has been very successful in the show pen himself, with RU Missin Diamonds. The two qualified for Rookie of the Year and were top ten. They have won many Non Pro and Primetime championships. George's NRHA earnings are currently $22,000+.
We would like to say thank you to the trainers who have dedicated their time and effort for our success. Thank you to the following trainers, John Slack, Kim Witty, Mike Stokes, Troy Heikes, Jordan Larson, Jesse Beckley, Cory Hutchings, and Alex Barbanti.
Today, the McKinzie family focuses on their boarding facility and breeding program with Sporty Starlight.