Posted on

Green and Rookie Reiners Take the Stage

More than 40 competitors entered the Adequan® Arena to vie for top spots in the second slate of Classic Equine Green Reiner 1 and 2 classes. At the conclusion, two competitors received Montana Silversmiths buckles for earning high-point honors.

Lindsay Henricks rode her own Gunna Mob Your Spark to the top of the second slate of the Classic Equine Green Reiner 1 and 2. The pair earned a 141.5.

The 8-year-old mare, ‘Josie,’ is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire HF Mobster and out of Katie Gunna Spark. She was bred by Heritage Farms.

“We bought the reiners for fun, and I was just thinking small shows here and there, “Henricks said. “I didn’t think I would be showing and winning at the Derby a year later. She definitely has taken care of me and taught me a lot. She has come a long way herself, too.”

Henricks is 30 years old and is just beginning her reining career. She has $88 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) while Josie has $3,989.

“I used to show the all-around events, mainly Western pleasure, and English equitation, but I went to college and didn’t show horses for a while,” said Henricks. “I decided to get back into it after I had two kids and here I am. I wanted to do reining because the cow horse stuff has been a part of our family for a long time.”

Level 1 High Point Championship went to Courtney Chown and Ruf And Tuf Spook. Chown originally competed in pleasure classes and recently started competing in reining.

“Her name is ‘Angel.’ She is 6-years-old,” Chown said. “She is my first reining horse, so she has taught me a lot and takes really good care of me,” Chown said of the Rosanne Sternberge-bred mare by NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Spook and out of A Ruf Gal.

Frank Evans and Spooks Gotta Glo earned the Level 2 High Point Championship.

“His barn name is ‘Ringo,’ and I bought him from Alicia Rapp who helps run the farm,” said Evans. “I have had him for over a year now and he’s just a great horse.”

Ringo is a 7-year-old gelding by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Look At Her Glo, bred by Bobby Lewis.

“Obviously, she won a lot of things with him so I’m just starting off as a green, and he is very good in the ring,” said Evans. He is very calm, loves to show and takes care of me when I make mistakes in the middle of the ring.”

Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All

Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All generated quite the buzz as more than 70 riders competed for top honors. Due to the generosity of NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, all rookie entry fees were paid to encourage the participation of riders newer to reining.

Wyatt Deary rose to the top of the Rookie Levels 1 and 2 with a 144 aboard Chicsdundreamin or ‘Newt.’

“My favorite part of the run was probably the stops he’s such a natural stopper, it’s the easiest part for him.” said Deary. “In the circles, I kind of asked him and he did the rest. It was really nice of him. He’s real old, he’s seasoned, but I love him. I could probably forget the pattern and he could go in there and do the rest”

The 17-year-old gelding with more than $155,000 in NRHA LTE is owned by Nancy Stillwell, bred by Lisa Maberry and has an outstanding lineage (NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream and out of Goody Goody Dun Drop).

Connie Russell earned the top placing in the Prime Time Rookie scoring a 138 on her own Mayyourdreamcometrue. The Angela Buton-bred mare is by NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Spook and out of Ms Mercedes Whiz.

“This is my mare, Mayyourdreamcometrue, and I bought her here last year at the Futurity, and I’ve been riding for about five years,” said Russell. “One of my Achilles’ heels was my stops; I was having issues consistently stopping and feeling comfortable with them. I tried several horses. She was the last one I tried, and she makes it easy, so even if I mess up she takes care of me and does exactly what she’s supposed to do every time.

“She’s just so dang cute she goes in and rolls along in her fast, is super honest on coming back to me in lead changes, and on her stops, it doesn’t matter how much I mess up. I’m super happy I have her, and I wouldn’t trade her for one million dollars.”

The second slate of the Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All is Friday, June 22 and winners of the high-point will receive a Montana Silversmiths buckle.

Posted on

Preliminary Open Competition Concludes at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

The Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma City [OKC] Fairgrounds was electric as the preliminary round of Open competition at this year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel came to a close. With record-breaking payouts on the line and a world-class field of riders and horses vying for coveted championship titles, the competition was fierce—exemplified by an ever-changing leaderboard throughout the last three days.

Level 4 Open Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Jason Vanlandingham with Plus Me Im Shiny and Craig Schmersal with Stopping In Jersey

Two NRHA Professionals scored a massive 229.5 during the third section, tying for the lead in the Level 4 Open Derby preliminary round. They also took home prize money in additional divisions due to the generous support of NRHA Corporate Partners.

NRHA $3 Million Rider Jason Vanlandingham rode Plus Me Im Shiny and was the first to claim a top slot in the preliminary round. The duo also took top honors in the Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Stakes and the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Open Derby.

“This horse is special because it is actually my daughter’s [Emma] non pro horse,” said Vanlandingam. “We picked this horse up before the Southwest Futurity. She showed him there and won the 2023 NRHA Youth Futurity on him, showed him at the National Reining Breeders Classic, and again at the 100X. I stole him here, and the rest was history! Shout out to Emma; she did a good job training him for me.”

The 4-year-old gelding, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Colonels Shining Gun and out of Plus One Chex, is owned by 2Star Investments LLC, bred by Upsteam Inc., and nominated by Layla Choate.

NRHA $5 Million Rider Craig Schmersal rode Stopping In Jersey, a 7-year-old stallion, to tie for the win in the Level 4 Open preliminary and earn the Prime Time Open Championship.

“I loved my horse today,” said Schmersal. “I love the way he stopped, I love the way he circled and I love the way he turned. I love his heart and his brain; he was a lot of fun to show.”

Stopping In Jersey was bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch and is owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC—the title sponsor of the Derby in conjunction with the 6666 Ranch.

Level 3 Open Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Jordan Larson and Need I Say More

Jordan Larson, an NRHA $3 Million Rider, rode Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC’s Need I Say Mor to top honors in the preliminary round of the Level 3 Open Derby.

Bred by Curtis Performance Horse LLC and nominated by Brooke Wharton, Need I Say Mor is a 2020 stallion by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya and out of Shesouttayourleague.

“He’s a 4-year-old Gunnatrashya stud,” said Larson. “We bought him in March from my good friend, [NRHA $4 Million Rider] Casey Deary. He had him in training last year, and then we bought him. This is the third time that I’ve shown him. He’s pretty good. We bought him because he’s a huge stopper, he’s beautiful, and we are just finally starting to get together. I am excited about the future.”

Level 2 Open Derby Preliminary Winners – Yonathan Baruch and Hot Guns N Candy

Israeli NRHA Professional Yonathan Baruch rode Hot Guns N Candy, a horse bred, owned and nominated by Antler Ridge Ranch LLC, to the top spot in the preliminary round of the Level 2 Open Derby.

“I rode Hot Guns N Candy, and he is a very special individual. We showed great in his three-year-old, and then we had an unfortunate setback. This is basically a long time coming.” Baruch said. “I’ve been waiting two years to show him. We showed in the Cactus [Reining Classic], and then came back over here even more prepared and made the Level 4 final.”

By Gunnatrashya and out of Candy Coded Diamonds, the 2018 stallion had nearly $34,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings [LTE] before the Derby, all with Baruch at the reins.

Level 1 Open Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Nimroid Vannietvelt and A Cool Back Story

Nimroid Vannietvelt, an NRHA Professional originally from Belgium, rode Jennifer Kasper’s A Cool Back Story to 221.5 and a preliminary round win in the Level 1 Open Derby.

“I rode A Cool Backstory. He’s an incredible horse,” said Vannietvelt. “I started riding him since the NRBC [National Reining Breeders Classic]. Jen Kasper, she rode him and gave him for me to show. I was really excited to do this with him. Super happy that I could do this. He’s an amazing horse!”

The 2017 gelding (NRHA $3 Million Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Skeets Chexy Nic) was bred and nominated by Gabrielle Solum DVM and has over $70,000 in NRHA LTE.

American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash – Casey Deary and Custom Dreams

At the end of section three, Casey Deary and Custom Dreams remained at the top of the Chrome Cash division with a 229.

The 4-year-old stallion, owned by Custom Dreams Brazil and bred by Devin Warren, is by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream and out of Gunna Be Custom.

“He’s a workhorse; he shows up to work every day,” said Deary. “He is gifted in every maneuver, but he’s a really big stopper, so I know he is going to fit this pattern for Saturday [the Level 4 Open Final] really well.”

As tension builds up to the finals, spectators will witness spectacular displays of skill and synergy that have them on the edge of their seats. This year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is proving to be ‘The World’s Hottest Reining’ with record-breaking purses in all levels of Open competition and outstanding performances by equine athletes.

Join us for the record-breaking 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Open Finals at the OKC Fairgrounds on June 22, through our free livestream at nrhaderby.com, or on the Cowboy Channel.

Posted on

Consecutive Record-Breaking Purses at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

For the second consecutive year, the 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel has broken payout records in the Open Derby. Due to the high number of horses in the NRHA Nomination Program from 2020, the purse payout for the Open Levels 1-4 has again set a record in each level.

The record-breaking news was augmented by an electrifying series of performances from reining professionals during the second section of open competition in the Jim Norick Arena. Excitement continued building throughout the day with continual changes to a competitive leaderboard.

Level 4 Open Derby, Tamarack Ranch Open 4-year-old Stakes and APHA Chrome Cash Leaders – Casey Deary and Custom Dreams

At the end of section two, it was NRHA $4 Million Rider Casey Deary who rose to the top of the Level 4 leaderboard on Custom Dreams with a huge score of 229. The 4-year-old stallion, owned by Custom Dreams Brazil, is by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream and out of Gunna Be Custom.

It is no surprise Deary and this horse are a perfect fit, as Custom Dreams is a full sibling to Customize My Dream, who won the 2022 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Reserve Championship with Deary at the reins. Both stallions were bred and nominated by NRHA Professional Devin Warren.

Deary and Custom Dreams also lead the Tamarack Ranch Open 4-year-old Stakes and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash division.

Level 3 Open Derby Leaders – Jordan Larson and Need I Say Mor

Jordan Larson, chair of the NRHA Professionals Committee, took the lead in the Level 3 Open riding Need I Say Mor with an impressive 225.5.

The Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC-owned stallion was bred by Curtis Performance Horse LLC and nominated by Brooke Wharton. Larson took over the reins of the 4-year-old stallion earlier this year.

Level 1 and 2 Open Derby Leaders

Fabio Russo and Gunna Chic Dream led the Level 1 and are in a three-way tie for the lead in the Level 2 with a score of 221.

Gunna Chic Dream is a 5-year-old gelding with nearly $123,000 NRHA LTE. By ARC Gunna Sparkya and out of Magnum Chic Dunit, he was bred and nominated by Rabboni Reining Horses and purchased by Diane Yoder in 2023.

The other two NRHA Professionals atop the Level 2 Open Derby leaderboard are Nicole Renick and Jimmy van der Hoeven.

Renick rode TR Dream About Me, a 7-year-old gelding bred and nominated by Tamarack Ranch. Steven Sandvig purchased the gelding by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Redhot Walla in April of this year.

Van der Hoeven rode Shinetime Spook, a 5-year-old stallion bred by Buck Hazledine, nominated by Cinder Lakes Ranch and owned by Amanda Johnson. Shinetime Spook is by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Timed To Shine.

Prime Time Open Leaders – Franco Bertolani and Sixty Six Secrets

Besting his lead from the first section, Franco Bertolani and Sixty Six Secrets stand atop the leaderboard in the Prime Time Open. The Slide or Die LLC-owned 6-year-old stallion by NRHA $2 Million Sire Inferno Sixy Six and out of Wimpys Lil Secret was bred and nominated by Tammy Brown.

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby Leader – Arno Honstetter and McNastyy

NRHA Professional Arno Honstetter and McNastyy’s lead held after the second section of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby with a 223.5. The Sarah Christen-owned stallion by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya and out of Miss Mcdreamy. Honstetter is the head trainer at Story Book Stables, the nominator of the 4-year-old stallion.

As the competition intensifies, riders and their horses are pushing the limits, delivering spectacular displays of skill and synergy that have the audience on the edge of their seats. This year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is proving to be a showcase of exceptional talent, unforgettable moments and record-setting milestones in the sport of reining.

At the conclusion of tomorrow’s section of open competition, the winners of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby, the Tamarack Ranch 4-year-old Open Stakes and the Prime Time Open Derby will be announced and awarded in the arena.

Join us at the OKC Fairgrounds or through our free livestream at nrhaderby.com to cheer on the final section of the open prelims as the remaining professional horse and rider teams vie for a spot in a record-breaking finals to be held on June 22.

Posted on

NRHA Announces New Corporate Partnership with 7 Lakes Ranch

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces its newest corporate partnership with 7 Lakes Ranch, a newly constructed 236-acre reining facility based in Purcell, Oklahoma.

Founders Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat spent the last three years building the 236-acre reining facility from the ground up. The vision began with the purchase of a majestic parcel of land overlooking the landscape, nearby towns, and seven natural bodies of water, hence the name 7 Lakes. Before building the ranch, the duo toured numerous facilities to create their list of “must-haves.” The result is clear-span buildings with lots of natural lighting, tall ceilings, cross ventilation, wide aisles, and a layout that allows horses to thrive in a social environment. For the humans, the layout features a 2,500 square-foot office/entertainment lounge with walls of windows overlooking the 150’ by 300’ indoor arena and the pastures filled with the ranch’s future performers.

With its first-class facilities in place, 7 Lakes aspires for excellence in both breeding and training the industry’s top performing reiners with an eye toward the future. This plan includes a commitment to outstanding stallions and mares. Laney owns two stallions–both standing at NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch. Jerseys Baby Driver, known affectionately as “Hercules,” was one of her first purchases at the 2017 Legacy Sale. The buckskin stallion, trained and shown by NRHA Professional Trevor Dare, won the 2021 NRHA Open Level 4 Derby and the 2022 National Reining Breeders Classic. Hercules is known for his huge stopping ability, as well as his kind demeanor and “forever bond” with Trevor’s son, Cavin.

In 2022, Laney purchased a stallion from Europe to be shipped to the USA. Maytheforcebewhizyou, known as “Obiwan,” garnered numerous championship titles in Europe under the guidance of elite trainer Mirko Midili. Obiwan is by NRHA $7 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz, which gave him an athletic style and ideal conformation and allowed him to be an outstanding breeding stallion.

The 7 Lakes breeding program centers on a small but mighty group of exceptional mares. These mares bring bloodlines from some of the industry’s top performers and producers, including NRHA $2 Million Dam Wimpys Little Chic, Wind Her Up Chic, NRHA Hall of Famer Dun It For Chex, Chic Olena Starbuck, and Prettywhizprettydoes.

An elite ranch would not be complete without enlisting the industry’s top trainers. Boechat, an industry veteran with years of experience as a trainer, breeder, and manager, oversees the training operation. He secured Mirko Midili, a three-time NRHA European Futurity Champion, as the head trainer at 7 Lakes. Midili brings commitment, experience, and tremendous talent to the team. Notable wins for Midili include the 2012 IRHA Open Level 4 Futurity on SG Frozen Enterprise; the 2019 European Futurity; the 2019 IRHA 3-Year-Old Futurity; the 2021 IRHA Derby and the 2021 IRHA Elementa Maturity (both on Maytheforcebewhizyou); the 2021 NRHA European Futurity and the 2021 IRHA 3-Year-Old Futurity.

Associate trainer Leonardo Kellermann came to 7 Lakes after spending five years working for NRHA $8 Million Rider Andrea Fappani. Kellermann’s professionalism, talent, and dedication belie his age, and he has already proven to be a valued asset in his short time at 7 Lakes. He recently won the Level 1–2 Open Stakes at the 100X Stakes Cowtown Classic on Coat of Many Colors, a 4-year-old mare by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Lonely at the Top.

Together, Mirko and Kellermann are a team that ensures a strong and bright future for the 7 Lakes Ranch program and are currently accepting a limited number of outside horses for training.

“It’s great to welcome a facility as prestigious as 7 Lakes Ranch to our family of NRHA Corporate Partners,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

“I’m excited to join as a Corporate Partner with NRHA as a natural next step in the evolution of 7 Lakes,” said Laney, a Reining Horse Foundation board member since 2023. “As an owner and breeder still new to the sport of reining, I have a sincere love and passion for the horse and talent in the industry and am committed to continuing to do my part through 7 Lakes in helping the sport grow and thrive.”

With 7 Lakes Ranch, NRHA is poised to reach new heights in promoting the reining horse industry. This partnership reflects a shared vision for the sport’s future, built on passion, dedication, and respect for the horse.

About 7 Lakes Ranch

7 Lakes Ranch, located in Purcell, Oklahoma, is a premier reining horse program dedicated to excellence in breeding and training. Founded by Janice Laney and Thiago Boechat, the ranch boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of top trainers and industry professionals. With a commitment to the highest standards, 7 Lakes Ranch continues to produce elite-caliber horses, driven by the belief that “If you dream it, you can achieve it.”

Posted on

NRHA Professionals Take on the Adequan®

The first slate of National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open classes began in the Adequan® Arena today at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. NRHA Professionals who have earned less than $10,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) competed in the first slate of these classes. They will enter the show pen again on Monday, June 17, for their chance at earning a high-point buckle by Montana Silversmiths.

Arnaud Ferret rode Conquistadors Dun It to a 145 to win the first slate of the Intermediate Open. The 10-year-old gelding has $66,000 in NRHA LTE. 

“He is super fun,” said Ferret. “The owner is showing him in the rookie and the [Classic Equine] Green Reiner, and he has been a pleasure for her and takes care of her. I was supposed to school him, but he felt great, so I put my chaps on and just showed him. He was awesome for me!”

Conquistadors Dun It was bred by Double Run Farm and is owned by Garret Stevens. The gelding is by NRHA Hall of Famer Hollywood Dun It and out of Conquistadors Sandy.

Juan Robledo Coppiano and Alpha Sushi Chic earned the top spot in the Rookie Professional. The 8-year-old mare is owned, bred, and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC and has $6,000 NRHA LTE. By Wimpy Chic and out of Shiney Sushi.

“I started riding her this year, and she’s a really special mare because she taught me a lot,” said Coppiano. “She is just so athletic, so physical. She can do everything awesome. She has taught me a lot—how to feel what a great horse is.”

Twenty-three-year-old Coppiano joined NRHA a mere year ago, signing up as a professional. Before today, he had $255 in NRHA LTE.

“I am really fortunate to be riding her because she is just awesome and has taught me a lot,” said Coppiano.

Eduardo Giannasi showed a 7-year-old mare to the top of the first slate of the Limited Open with a 144.5.

Boujee is owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Thorsport Inc. and was bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC.

“This is the first time I showed this mare. I usually ride her at home,” Eduardo said. “Allison Thorson [with Thorsport Inc.] is the owner and usually shows her, but I had a lot of fun showing her today.”

Boujee has nearly $23,000 in NRHA LTE and is a cornerstone of the Thorson’s breeding program, bringing excellent bloodlines to pair with their own stallions, and others, to create up-and-coming prospects all while competing in the show pen.

“Of course I love to show, but having assistants like Eduardo show is also important so they can not only gain experience and a great show resume for his own respective career as a trainer, but also help coach me as a non pro in other events,” said Thorson.

The Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All begins tomorrow, June 16, in the Adequan® Arena along with the second slate of the Classic Equine Green Reiner classes. If you are not in OKC to watch the action live, visit nrhaderby.com to view the free live feed.