Jose Vazquez & Smart Like Juice Inc.

Experience the enduring legacy of reining excellence with Jose Vazquez & Smart Like Juice Inc, a program built on passion, persistence, and exceptional horsemanship. Based in Markham, Illinois, Vazquez brings 28 years of experience in the sport. He is known for his success as a non-pro competitor, the development of the multi-million-dollar sire Smart Like Juice, and achievements as a multi-million-dollar rider, owner, and breeder.

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Trainer Experience

Jose Vazquez started in reining at age 39 after attending the NRHA Futurity with a friend and falling in love with the sport. He bought his first horse soon after and has been dedicated ever since. Over the years he has worked with numerous top trainers who shaped his path, beginning with Shawn Flarida, Ed Cridge, Ed Fear, Dan Huss, Gabe Hutchins, Jason Richards, Justin Michels, Fernando Salgado, Alejandro Ortiz, and his current trainer, Luis de Souza. This foundation of guidance, combined with his own drive, turned a late start into one of the most notable non-pro careers in reining. His acquisition of the stallion Smart Like Juice in the late 1990s became the cornerstone of Smart Like Juice Inc, transforming both his show-ring results and his breeding program.

Jose Vazquez Impressive Reining Achievements

Vazquez has compiled an outstanding record as a non-pro rider while building a lasting breeding and ownership legacy, key accomplishments include:

• 2X Level 4 Non-Pro championships at the NRBC 
• NRHA Derby Level 4 Non-Pro Championship
• Multiple Level 4 Non-Pro Futurity championships at the AQHA Congress
• 2002/2023 Reserve Champion at the NRHA Futurity 
• NRHA Million Dollar Rider status: Reached in 2015, Now a Two-Million-Dollar Rider
• Multi-million-dollar owner and breeder through Smart Like Juice Inc
• NRHA Hall of Fame 2021; Smart Like Juice inducted earlier 2017

Smart Like Juice Inc. Program

The program centers on thoughtful breeding, dedicated non-pro competition, and partnership with quality trainers to produce competitive, willing reining horses.

• Breeding Focus: Centered for decades on Smart Like Juice and carefully selected mares notably producing strong results from lines such as Wind Her Up Shiner, resulting in numerous high-earning offspring and multi-million-dollar sire status.
• Non-Pro Success: Emphasis on developing horses that excel under non-pro riders, with Vazquez himself campaigning many of the top earners.
• Trainer Collaboration: Ongoing work with leading professionals to refine horses for the highest levels of competition.