The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking update to the prestigious NRHA Markel Futurity Sales. Starting in 2024, all weanlings, yearlings, and show horses of NRHA Futurity and Derby age sold during the sales will be eligible for a 50% discount on their entry fees for the NRHA Futurity and/or 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel!
“This exciting new incentive is designed to further elevate the value proposition for both consignors and buyers participating in the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales,” said Angie Honeywell, NRHA Director of ReinerSuite and Sale. “Buyers will gain access to top-quality prospects with a significant financial advantage towards their NRHA competition goals, while consignors will be presented with an even more attractive platform to showcase their exceptional horses.”
The NRHA Markel Futurity Sales consistently feature an exceptional selection of reining horses, with graduates going on to achieve success in the NRHA competition arena. This new discount program adds even greater appeal, making the sales a truly can’t-miss opportunity for both buyers and sellers.
The 2024 NRHA Markel Futurity Sales will be held December 5 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The consignment deadline is September 16. For more information on consigning a horse or participating as a buyer, please visit the NRHA website at nrha.com/sales or contact Honeywell at sales@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400, ext. 123.
The 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel celebrates the next generation of reining superstars, not just with talented riders, but also with exceptional equine athletes. Today champions were crowned in the first slate of the Novice Horse Open. These gifted young horses, partnered with skilled trainers, have captivated audiences with their athleticism and potential.
$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 3 and 2 Champions – Sean McBurney and Americasnextdiamond
NRHA Professional Sean McBurney and the Rhodes River Ranch-bred, -nominated, and -owned Americasnextdiamond scored a 146.5 to win both the Level 3 and 2 $1,000-added Novice Horse Open classes.
“Americasnextdiamond was great to show today,” said McBurney. “She was in the broodmare field for a while but she looked real good, and we wanted to get more money on her. We started showing her, and hopefully, we get to use her for The Run For a Million qualifier this year.”
The 9-year-old mare by NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Americasnextgunmodel has $10,591 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) all with McBurney at the reins.
$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 1 Co-Champions – Lucas Gayoto Ocanha, Jordan McBurney, and Jared Leclair
There was a three-way tie for the lead of the Novice Horse Open Level 1 with a score of 143.5.
Lucas Gayoto Ocanha rode LV Doo The Hustle (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Steppin N Hustlin), a 5-year-old gelding owned by Oxbow Ranch LLC.
“‘Caesar’ been such a unicorn for me,” said Ocanha. “I started riding him because I have that bond. He’s special for me because he has a great mind. He is just the same every day, every time. He gives me everything every day and that’s why he’s special for me.”
Bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, the horse has nearly $2,200 in NRHA LTE, while his pilot—a fairly new NRHA Professional—has just under $1,500 in NRHA LTE.
Scott DeTro’s Chic On The Town and Jordan McBurney were the second set of leaders in the Level 1. The 2017 Rosanne Sternberg-bred and -nominated mare is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Sugarplum Chic.
“‘Paris’ is a great mare to have in the barn,” said Jordan. “She has been a super fun horse, and I’m really proud of her today. Scott has been showing her and let me take a trip on her here and she was really fun. She is a kind horse and great to have.”
Jared Leclair Rode rode Sparkling Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Electric Sparkle) to also tie for the title.
“I showed the mare all year and won multiple bronze trophies on her,” said Leclair. She’s a real gritty, big stopper, big turner. She’s your typical show horse mare. She’s strong and I look forward to showing her for the rest of the year.”
The 6-year-old mare is owned by Lisa Mauzerall and was bred by Wendy Hausner.
The future of reining shines bright as the Novice Horse Open champions are celebrated. These exceptional young horses have proven their talent and promise, leaving the crowd eager to see them develop into future champions. The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel continues to showcase the very best in the sport, and these Novice Horse Open champions represent the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Excitement built as the 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel reached a pivotal point. The conclusion of preliminary competition in the Non Pro Derby has set the stage for a thrilling finals showcase. With record-breaking purses on the line at every level, riders and their equine partners have delivered exceptional performances, captivating the audience and raising the bar for reining excellence.
Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes Champions – Indy Roper and Guns Required
Indy Roper and the Tim Roper-owned Guns Required remained at the top of the Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes leaderboard after scoring a 220 in the second section of the non pro preliminary. Roper purchased Guns Required at the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales as a yearling, but this was only their second time together in the showpen.
“There was something that drew me to him in the stall; he was quiet and charismatic,” said Roper. “I showed him yesterday, and he was dialed in and exceptional. I have to thank [NRHA Professional] Brian Bell because he has put in a lot of time and effort and showed the horse as a 3-year-old.”
Nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, the gelding by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Icing Required has over $21,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE), of which nearly half came with Roper at the reins.
Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions – Laura Bell and Ruf Smokin Gunner
After the third day of non pro competition, Laura Bell and her own Ruf Smokin Gunner entered the Jim Norick Arena as the Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions. The Karl Hapcic-bred gelding (Not Ruf At All x Smokin Lady Gunner) and Bell scored a 221 to claim the title.
‘“Franklin’ was maybe not the top pick for everybody for their horse,” said Bell. “I just saw something special in him and decided to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did because he’s turned out to be my little unicorn. He just shows up every day and does his job. Every horse show I go to, he exceeds the horse show before. He deserved to get the blue ribbon today. It was pretty cool.”
Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions, Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Champions, and APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions – Joetta Bell and Trashy Little Dream
To say Joetta Bell and her horse, Trashy Little Dream, had a fantastic day would be an understatement. After scoring an impressive 221, the duo were named Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions, the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Champions and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions.
“She is a really special horse that I had tried to buy for a long time from Steve Archer,” said Joetta. “She is more than just a show horse; she is part of our family. She is so easy and fun to ride that I feel like I am running faster than I actually am. A lot of times I need to step it up and have good eyes, and Kole [Price] helped me do that.”
The 6-year-old mare (Magnum Chic Dream x Shesa Little Trashy) was nominated for the Derby by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Justin Mathison.
APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions and Prime Time Non Pro Derby Preliminary Leaders – Julie Boer and Out Of The Furnace
Julie Boer and her own Out Of The Furnace (Inferno Sixty Six x Shinaka) were the other duo named APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions with a 221. Their handicapped score of a 222.5 earned landed them in the top spot of the Prime Time Non Pro Derby after the preliminary round.
“Out of the Furnace, is affectionately known as ‘Joe Jingle,’ said Boer. “Joe got his name after the late Joe Hayes. Joe bred and raised him. He’s a pretty special horse—pretty mellow, easy going but gives 110, super talented, fun to be around” and loves his peppermints after I show him.
Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown
Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown’s 222 from the second section held on to take the top spot in the Level 4 and 3 non pro preliminary round.
“He is so consistent,” said Opell, who won the 2022 Level 2 Non Pro Derby Championship with the stallion. “He is very business-like, there is never any foolishness and he is a sweetheart. We have had him since he was a late 3-year-old.”
Opell says that NRHA Professional Brandon Brant trained the stallion, and since she has owned him, she has done the training herself.
“It means everything to me,” said Opell, reflecting on competing at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. “It is wild to me that we can come out and do this together, and I am so blessed to have a horse like this.”
Level 2 and Youth Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe
18-year-old Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe’s 221.5 earned the duo top spots in both the Level 2 and Youth Non Pro Derbies after three days of preliminary competition. The Tamarack Ranch LLC-bred and -nominated horse is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of Ms Whiz Dunit has over $30,000 in NRHA LTE.
Level 1 Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Lindsey Lester and Pale Black
Lindsey Lester and Pale Black held onto their lead of the Level 1 after the non pro preliminary round concluded, which they set during the second section. Lester and the 6-year-old mare, by NRHA $3 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Blazing In Black, scored a 219 to secure the top spot.
Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Lester had less than $2,300 in NRHA LTE before entering the Jim Norick Arena this week.
Pale Black was bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal.
Masters Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Carol Bell and Vintage Couture
Carol Bell and Vintage Couture (Platinum Vintage x Couture Tag) were another duo who held onto their lead from section two. The pair scored a 220, including the handicap.
The 6-year-old stallion, bred by Bell’s husband George, has $76,000 in NRHA LTE with NRHA $2 Million Rider Brian Bell. Carol and George own the stallion together, making this win a celebration for the entire family.
As these talented Non Pro riders prepare to vie for championship glory, one thing is certain: the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel promises a finals showdown unlike any other. With record-breaking payouts motivating every maneuver and a world-class field vying for the coveted titles, fans are in for a truly unforgettable reining experience. If you cannot be at OKC Fairgrounds, visit the free live feed at nrhaderby.com or watch on the Cowboy Channel.
In a landmark achievement, Arcese Quarter Horses USA has solidified its position as the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) first-ever $3 Million Owner, while their exceptional stallion, Gunnatrashya, has surpassed an impressive $11 Million as an NRHA Sire.
Arcese Quarter Horses USA has been at the forefront of excellence in the reining horse industry, consistently demonstrating a commitment to breeding and promoting top-tier reining horses. This milestone not only reflects the passion and dedication of Eleuterio Arcese and his team but also the quality of his breeding program.
Arcese became the first $2 million owner at the NRHA Futurity ten years ago. Now, they have rewritten history once again after surpassing the $3 million owner mark after a decade of breeding and owning many of reining’s top athletes.
One of the athletes making headlines for Arcese over the years was 2022 NRHA Level (L) 4 Open Futurity Champion, Andiamoe (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic). The Arcese-bred and owned mare was destined for greatness with a championship-caliber pedigree and was one of reining’s greatest at the reins. Together, she and NRHA $7 Million Rider Shawn Flarida slid to an impressive 230 score and $350,000 during their open finals run.
Poetically, Arcese Quarter Horses USA’s leading stallion, NRHA Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya, simultaneously crossed a monumental milestone—becoming the fourth $11 Million Sire in NRHA history and the 2023 leading sire with 513 competing offspring, which earned $2.3 million in NRHA LTE (categories 1–12).
The 2006 stallion by Gunner and out of Natrasha was bred by Katarina Dorminy. With an impeccable pedigree and outstanding athleticism, Gunnatrashya was exceptional throughout his career in the show pen, all with Flarida at the reins. Together, they amassed nearly $220,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) and championship titles at the 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress L4 Open Futurity, the 2009 NRHA L4 Open Futurity, and the 2010 NRHA L4 Open Derby.
After retiring from the show pen, the sire has consistently produced offspring that excel at the most prestigious levels of competition. To date, Gunnatrashya has 700 NRHA money-earning offspring that have contributed to his journey to the $11 million.
At the 2023 Futurity, Marc & Kathy Gordon’s Electric Gunn (out of Electric Barbie) and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gennaro Lendi added more than $50,000 to the sire’s earnings after placing 8th in the L4 Open. This, combined with the 11 other open finalists and 8 non pro finalists, gave Gunnatrashya a monumental push toward this latest historic milestone.
Gunnatrashya’s top five earning progeny include:
Gunna Stop (out of Stop Little Sister) owned by Amber Gokey, bred by Toyon Ranch LLC, with $672,762 in NRHA LTE
Andiamoe (out of Wimpys Little Chic) owned and bred by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, with $430,302 in NRHA LTE
Ten Thirty (out of Dainty Little Step) owned by Rancho El Fortin, bred by Brooke Wharton, with $418,788 in NRHA LTE
Super Marioo (out of HA Chic A Tune) owned by Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, bred by Hillis Akin Family Partnership, with $338,891 in NRHA LTE
Trash Talkin Spook (out of I Spook) owned by Marilyn Overgaard, bred by Vicki Dias, with $320,085 in NRHA LTE
NRHA is delighted to share the accomplishments of Arcese Quarter Horses USA and their impressive stallion, Gunnatrashya. Their contributions to the sport worldwide have made an irreversible impact that has changed reining for the better. We look forward to their continued success and future endeavors within all aspects of the sport.
The energy is electric at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel! The second section of the Non Pro Derby prelims concluded today at the OKC Fairgrounds, showcasing another impressive display of horsemanship by talented riders and their dedicated equine partners. With record-breaking purses across all levels of non pro competition, the competition heated up as riders vied for top scores and the chance to vie for a share of the Derby’s impressive payout, a product of NRHA’s robust nomination program.
As non pros entered the second section of the preliminaries, the competition continued to get tougher as leaders changed across the board.
Level 4 and 3 Non Pro Leaders – Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown
Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown, 2022 Level 2 Non Pro Derby Champions, shook up the leaderboard with a 222 to break a three-way tie for first place.
Opell and the 6-year-old stallion had amassed $62,949 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) before the show began and look to continue their hot streak together.
Bred by Charles Vaughan, the stallion is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Shine Chic Shine and out of Wimps Tinseltown.
Level 2 Non Pro and Elementa Amateur Derby Leaders – Laura Bell and Ruf Smokin Gunner
Laura Bell and her own Ruf Smokin Gunner (Not Ruf At All x Smokin Lady Gunner) rose to the top of the Level 2 Non Pro and the Elementa Amateur Derby after scoring a 221 in section two of the preliminary competition. The 5-year-old gelding was bred and nominated by Karl Hapcic and has nearly $16,000 in NRHA LTE with both Bell and her fiance, NRHA Professional Cody Sapergia, at the reins.
Level 1 Non Pro Leaders – Lindsey Lester and Pale Black
Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Lester and her 6-year-old mare took the top spot in the Level 1 after scoring a 219.
Pale Black (Pale Face Dunnit x Blazing In Black) was bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal. The mare, owned by Jamie Lester, had $7,052 in NRHA before entering the showpen today.
Youth Non Pro Derby Leaders – Addisyn Schmersal and Enterprizingattitude
After scoring a 220.5 in the first preliminary round, Addisyn Schmersal and Enterprizingattitude still hold the lead in the Youth Non Pro Derby. The 5-year-old gelding’s successful career started and stayed within the family. Hickory Creek Ranch LLC bred and own the gelding who was nominated by her mom, Ginger Schmersal. Prior to Addisyn showing the horse, all of his earnings are with her dad, NRHA $5 Million Rider Craig Schmersal, at the reins.
Masters Non Pro Leaders – Carol Bell and Vintage Couture
Carol earned a 220, including handicap, to take the lead of the Masters Non Pro after the second section of the non pro preliminaries with her equine partner Vintage Couture (Platinum Vintage x Couture Tag).
The 6-year-old stallion’s career started and stayed in the Bell family as it was bred by George Bell, nominated by Carol, and is currently owned by George and Carol. Prior to Carol Bell taking the reins, Vintage Couture had been exclusively shown by NRHA $2 Million Rider Brian Bell. Prior to entering the Jim Norick arena, the stallion had more than $76,000 in NRHA LTE.
Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Leaders – Mandy McCutcheon and Disco Ball
NRHA $3 Million Mandy McCutcheon and Disco Ball lead the way in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby after section two of the competition with a score of 220.
The 4-year-old mare, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Smart And Shiney, was bred and nominated by her husband, Tom, and is currently owned by the couple. Mandy rode the dam, Party Nite, to the 2019 National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Championship.
After a 220-point performance in the Jim Norick, Indy Roper and Guns Required took control of the Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes. Owned by Tim Roper and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, the 4-year-old gelding (Gunners Tinseltown x Icing Required) was ridden by NRHA $2 Million Brian Bell before Indy, who has nearly $600,000 in NRHA LTE, took over the reins.
Prime Time Non Pro and APHA Chrome Cash Leaders – Julie Boer and Out Of The Furnace
Julie Boer and her own Out Of The Furnace brought the heat with a handicapped score of 222.5—taking the lead in both the Prime Time Non Pro and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash divisions. The 2018 gelding, bred by the late Joe Hayes, is the progeny of NRHA $2 Million Sire Inferno Sixty Six and Shinaka.
The non pro competitors continue to vie for their spot to compete in the finals for record-breaking purses. The final day of preliminaries are tomorrow, June 19. At 6:30 p.m. tomorrow there will be the Platinum Draw Party in the Platinum Zone (sale arena) to decide which spot each competitor will have in the finals. Watch the finals in person at the OKC fairgrounds, on the Cowboy Channel, or on our free live feed at nrhaderby.com.
