For Select Amateur Dan Yeager, selling Nothing Myst, the striking 2017 RL Best Of Sudden gelding affectionately known as “Phoenix”, was never part of the plan. After a remarkable run together, Yeager believed they had at least one more year ahead of them as a team. But sometimes, the right match appears sooner than expected, and when it does, horsemen listen.
“I had thought we would have at least one more year,” Yeager shared. “Phoenix is such a nice horse. We had become a great team, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to let that go.”
Yeager’s close friendship with the Smaltz family played a role in what unfolded next. He knew Lindsay and her daughter Reagan had been searching for an all-around horse for nearly a year, but nothing had felt like the perfect fit. Yeager had casually mentioned to trainer Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses that maybe Phoenix could be for sale the following year, but perfect timing is rarely predictable.
A Breakout Partnership
Phoenix and Yeager enjoyed a meteoric partnership, especially considering their challenging start to 2024. “Phoenix had a few physical issues we had to overcome, but once we did, we hit the ground running,” Yeager said. “Winning the trail at the Congress was never on my radar, especially in 2024.”
But the pair didn’t just win, they dominated. The team earned Congress Championships in the Select Trail and Horsemanship, picked up a Reserve NSBA World Championship in Showmanship, and even secured a coveted globe at the AQHA World Show. In 2025, their momentum continued, culminating in what Yeager describes as a dream season.
“Phoenix has made so many of my dreams come true,” he said. “We accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.”
Even with all those accomplishments, Yeager still wasn’t sure he was ready to let Phoenix go, until he saw 13-year-old Reagan Smaltz swing a leg over the gelding.
“That is when I knew they were the perfect fit,” Yeager said. “Having Phoenix go to the right home was a must. He is going to the best family and to a little girl who already loves him so much. They both have won the jackpot.”
A Dream Come True for Reagan
For Reagan, of Yorba Linda, California, Phoenix is everything she hoped for and more. “The sale came about because we had been looking for an all-around horse for the past year,” she said. “We are so excited that Dan trusts us enough to take over the reins of Phoenix while still under the guidance of Highpoint Performance Horses.”
Standing tall, beautiful, and kind, Phoenix checked every box for the young rider. “I love that he’s big, beautiful, kind, tries hard, will teach me so many things, and will allow me to try many new events.”
Although Reagan has big dreams, she is taking a thoughtful approach to their first season together. Under the leadership of Highpoint trainers Charlie Cole and Jeff Mellott, whom her mom Lindsay has known since childhood, Reagan plans to focus first on trail and horsemanship as she finds her rhythm with the gelding.
“I want to do all the classes!” she laughed. “But next year, I think I will focus on trail and horsemanship. I want to find my rhythm with Phoenix, compete, and learn.”
Her first official show with her new partner will be at the Florida Gold Coast circuit in December.
A Family Steeped in Horses
In addition to Phoenix, Reagan is no stranger to the show pen. At the bigger shows, she will also continue showing her mom’s horse “Jasper” (My Dad Is The Best), with whom she earned a Bronze Championship in the 13 & Under Trail at the NSBA World Show. She also enjoys cheering on the family’s other horse, Jiminy Cricket, who won the Pleasure Versatility Championship at the World Show in 2024.
Reagan treasures horse shows, not just for the competition, but for the community. “I love getting to go to the horse shows with my mom and my aunt Judy Bonham. I’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful people. I have so many great memories watching my mom and Charlie do so well on Jasper.”
Her favorite part? “Loving our horses,” she said. “Jeff is always teasing us that Jasper is going to bark like a dog soon! I can’t wait to spoil and love on Phoenix.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With Phoenix now joining the Smaltz family, Yeager is confident the gelding’s next chapter will be just as meaningful as the last.
“They will be a fierce team,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
And Reagan couldn’t be more grateful.
“In closing, I’m so grateful to my family for supporting me, Dan for making my dreams come true, and Charlie and Jeff for teaching me.”
With heart, talent, and the right team behind them, Reagan and Phoenix are poised for a future full of new memories, new milestones, and countless blue-ribbon moments.
