Reining as a Lifestyle: Interview with the Legendary Andrea Fappani
What is reining about? “It is definitely a lifestyle,” Andrea Fappani tells us. “It’s not a sport where you put yourself first.”
“Show up every time with a smile on your face and ready to give 120%. When everything is on the line, my best friend is the horse underneath me… And, if I’m gonna go down, I’m gonna go down on top.”
From Italy to the United States, and making a hobby into a business, more than $8 million later in rider earnings, Andrea Fappani, the all-time earner in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), will tell you that reining is a lifestyle, not just a sport. Reining as a lifestyle for Fappani is evident by his dedication and excellence within the sport.
In addition to being the NRHA all-time money winner, he has also been the NRHA Open Futurity Champion four times and the Champion of the NRHA Open Derby. He has been the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Open Champion four times. Fappani was also the Reserve Champion at the inaugural American Performance Horseman in 2023 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The NRHA was founded in 1966 and today prides itself on many factors including the fun-filled, family atmosphere that develops and encourages public interest in agriculture and ranching through their horse shows and programs. The NRHA is delivering on its mission “To promote the reining horse worldwide, while celebrating and advancing the finest traditions of western horsemanship.”
Since 1966, 45 riders, 53 sires, and eight dams have earned more than $1 million in earnings through the NRHA. One sire, Gunner, has earned over $14 million. However, there is one rider who stands alone with the prestigious distinction of being the only current $8 million earner. This year, about 17 years after becoming a $1 million rider, Andrea Fappani earned that milestone. Sports Illustrated’s (SI) Rodeo Daily had an opportunity to visit with Fappani.
We asked Fappani what is so special about reining.
“It’s not just a sport, it is not just a culture, it is not just horsemanship, it is everything together, it is definitely a lifestyle,” he reminded us. Fappani’s assessment is absolutely accurate. The lifestyle description is evident, especially as the NRHA continues to grow. As of 2022, they have the largest number of non-pro members since 2015, and their membership is continuing to grow. NRHA has also continued to grow in the number of approved shows and events across the world.
Not only has the NRHA continued to grow, so has Fappani’s career. He left his home country of Italy and came to the United States to measure himself against the best of the best and see if he could get to the top. It was not long and Fappani won the Open Futurity. This was his first major event win. He was the first European to do it and did it as an Assistant Trainer, on a paint horse and at just 24 years old. At that time, he was the youngest person to ever win a major event. Despite all his accolades, his successes, and his wins, he says that was the most special night of his life.
Tim O'Keefe
“I was very emotional and that’s gonna stay with me the rest of my life. That night was special,” Fappani says.
That may have been the most special night of his life; however, his family is important too.
“One thing that I think is great about this lifestyle is the way you can be around your family all the time,” he told us. Fappani grew up on a large dairy farm in Italy. He was fourth generation on the farm. His dad “pushed” him to take riding lessons.
“So, from a young age at four or five, I started taking riding lessons and then it evolved from there.” Andrea recounted. “My dad taught me how to work hard, and my mom taught me to eat good.”
Today, the hard work continues to pay off and Andrea is also the regular cook at home. Lasagna and all sorts of pastas are his favorite to prepare; however, he has also worked to perfect his grilling with steaks and meats.
As agriculture was a family affair growing up for Fappani, it remains that way today. He met his wife Tish while riding horses. Today they consider themselves extremely lucky to be able to work together as a team. In fact, together, they are $1 million NRHA owners. They have also worked hard and enjoyed raising their two sons Luca and Jeremy.
Luca has said his idol is his Dad. Andrea told us that Luca is currently working for “a great [horse] program that’s winning a lot and [Luca] is having good success.”
“I think his main goal right now is to whip his dad’s ass, and he’s told me that, he has told his people that. He wants to prove to people that he can be better than me,” Fappani says. “If there’s one guy that I would rather see win other than me, it’s definitely my son. It’s fun to watch and I think it’s gonna be even more fun in the next few years.”
Speaking of Luca and the next generation, how does the next generation become a part of this lifestyle? How does the reining lifestyle continue to grow? These were questions we asked Fappani. Andrea was clear that the athletes of reining, as with any sport, must recognize the lifestyle is not solely about themselves, their business, or their horses but that is also about the public. He continued by emphasizing, it is the responsibility of the current participants “to be ambassadors,” spread the word, and showcase reining. Andrea believes if he can show 100 young people about reining and get one into the sport, he’s done his job.
As we spoke about being ambassadors, Andrea mentioned that following events like the American and Run for a Million, a lot of young people have reached out to him asking questions and asking about riding days at his ranch. He said events such as the American and Run for a Million, are huge for their sport and lifestyle. In fact, he said the The American Performance Horseman created by Teton Ridge was great at not just showcasing reining, but all the western performance horse disciplines. Fappani believes that if as athletes and ambassadors, they can “let the public know how special the horses are and what they can do with them, the sky is the limit for these disciplines.”
For any fans wondering, we asked Andrea if he would be back in Arlington, Texas for the 2024 American Performance Horseman.
“Oh yeah, I think I’ll be back. I’m sitting first right now for the year. We’re having a great year. I’m really excited about it!” exclaimed Fappani.
Fappani also told SI that the sport being on television in multiple ways has allowed the public to learn about the sport. Andrea said TV has made a big difference in the sport. Western performance horse sports have been made popular by Taylor Sheridan in the hit-TV series Yellowstone and the Paramount Network series, The Last Cowboy (also a Sheridan production). We also cannot forget the amazing work Teton Ridge has done on promoting reining and all the other western lifestyle competitive sports. Fappani said until a few years ago, this was a sport that nobody, other than a few people, such as contestants, family members or customers, knew about.
I asked Fappani about The Last Cowboy. I asked him for people who have watched the show or want to know more about the lifestyle, what are the relationships like between the top competitors in the world.
“…we have a very deep respect for each other,” Fappani said. “We can joke around. When you’re trying to beat everyone else, every time you see them, you’re probably not gonna have a great friendship.”
Fappani also reminded us of his true best friend at the competitions.
“My best friend is the horse that’s underneath me. We’re partners. If I work for him and he works for me, we’re gonna achieve what we want to.”
Speaking of being able to achieve what someone wants to, Fappani has advice for young people and the next generation that want to be competitive and succeed in the reining lifestyle.
“If you are getting in it because of the limelight and because of the success and the interviews, it’s probably not the type of sport or lifestyle you want,” he explained. “It’s not a sport where you put yourself first. There’s a lot more moments where you’re gonna be alone at home working hard and nobody’s gonna see what you’re doing.”
Bee Silva
He says you cannot be scared to put in the time. In today’s world, where many people want everything so fast, “it takes a long time to train the horses, their minds, to get their confidence and get them strong.”
“If you are willing to put in the time and do it because it makes you feel good, not because you can get something out of it, then I think you have what it takes to be successful,” Fappani included.
We introduced Jeremy, the Fappani’s youngest son, earlier. As we discuss success, Jeremy is also an example. He has shown horses. He’s grown up around horses. However, when Andrea started his boys on motorcycles, he never thought Jeremy would have the passion for motocross that he does today. Jeremy started riding at age four… sound familiar? He has won the national motocross championships as an amateur. He is probably going to turn pro and already has a contract for next year. Andrea will tell you that Tish would not let him buy a motorcycle. So, by getting his boys involved in off-road riding, he was able to buy himself a motorcycle to chase the boys around the trails.
“Anything offroad gets me excited. I would probably say KTM. My son rides KTM.” Andrea says when asked about his favorite motorcycle.
Andrea compares the traits of a successful motocross rider to that of a successful horseman. He says precision, being prepared, and being able to slow things down when they get fast are all traits that make Jeremy, Luca, and other athletes, including football quarterbacks, more successful as athletes and these are the traits for “what it takes to be great in life no matter what you do.”
Who will be great in the future? As the future of reining grows and changes, and the next generation begins to dawn in a lifestyle of western performance horse sports, there are already exciting aspects for fans to expect. Fappani has told us to watch out for Hypnotized, a three-year-old horse “that has been special from the first day.”
Andrea also told us to keep an eye on some young riders. These up-and-coming young adults are making current competitors realize they will have to “go faster” and “push the limits.” He told us to watch for Shawn Flarida’s son, Sam. Andrea did not forget to mention Luca as someone to be watching for.
“It’s exciting to watch these 18 to 22 year olds. They are going to push you and make you better,” Andrea said.
In our conversation, I asked Andrea what his favorite car is. “Bugatti,” he replied.
Bugatti has the brand values of dedication, excellence, and courage. It is fitting that Fappani answered Bugatti. Especially, when in his life and lifestyle, he is a man of dedication, excellence, and courage. Andrea Fappani is still on top. He will continue to be a top contender.
However, when he does leave on top, he will undoubtedly be remembered as a person that is not just good at his sport, but somebody who has made changes for the betterment of his sport – he will forever be a legend in the world of reining. Together, Andrea and his wife, Tish, have built a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
