Month: June 2024

The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds buzzed with excitement today as the first day of competition in the Open Derby at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel kicked off. Top NRHA Professionals and their exceptional equine partners took center stage in the Jim Norick Arena, showcasing their talents and vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious Open Finals.

Level 4 Open and APHA Chrome Cash Leaders – Luca Fappani and Trashy Dreams

At the end of section one, Luca Fappani and Trashy Dreams, by Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya and out of This Chicsdundreamin, held the lead in the Level 4 after entering the show pen at draw number four and marking a 224. The pair also currently tops the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash division. The 6-year-old mare, owned and nominated by Neiberger Performance Horses LLC, first entered the show pen as a 4-year-old under NRHA Million Dollar Rider Fernando Salgado. Fappani took over the reins the following year. Together, the duo has more than $40,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE).

Level 3 Open Leaders – Arno Honstetter and McNastyy

Arno Honstetter and McNastyy lead the first section of the Level 3 Open Derby with a 223.5. They also lead the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby and the Tamarack Ranch 4-year-old Stakes. The Sarah Christen owned stallion by Gunnatrashya and out of Miss Mcdreamy. Honstetter is the head trainer at Story Book Stables, the nominator of 4-year-old McNastyy, who is owned by Sarah Christen.

Level 2 and Level 1 Open Leaders – Gabriele Landi and Trashya N Hollywood / Leonardo Kellermann and Magoworthy

Two NRHA Professionals are tied to lead the Level 2 and Level 1 with a 218.5. Gabriele Landi rode Trashya N Hollywood, a 5-year-old stallion bred and owned by Marc and Kathy Gordon. The stallion is by Gunnatrashya and out of Sheza Hollywood Chic and has nearly $15,000 in NRHA LTE.

Leonardo Kellermann rode Magoworthy, a 5-year-old stallion is bred, nominated and owned by Terry Leffew. The stallion is by Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Banjoes Shining Star.

Prime Time Open Leaders – Franco Bertolani and Blueyedgirl

The Open Derby Prime Time leader is Franco Bertolani and Blueyedgirl, who earned a 220.5 for owner Bruna Bertolani. The 7-year-old mare has more than $94,000 in NRHA LTE and was bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC. Blueyedgirl is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Shining Survivor.

With the first day of competition complete, anticipation continues to build for the remaining sections of the Open Derby. The fight for a spot in the lucrative Finals on June 22nd is wide open, promising a thrilling week of reining action ahead. The action continues tomorrow with section two of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel beginning at 8 a.m. in the Jim Norick Arena. While at the event, join us for the Buckle Ceremony to celebrate the 2023 World and Reserve World Champions; the 2023 Top 20 Professionals, Non Pros and Owners; and the 2023 NRHA Professionals of the Year.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the first slate of ancillary Non Pro classes at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. The competition showcased the remarkable skills and dedication of our non pro riders, underscoring the longevity of reining.

Kent Ray Taylor emerged as the champion in the first slate of the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro, and Prime Time Non Pro with a stellar performance on Xtra Wimpys Catalyst scoring an impressive 145.5.

“I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to own such a perfect horse,” said Taylor. “He is a black unicorn! He goes in and delivers, and I have the best time.”

Xtra Wimpys Catalyst is a 9-year-old stallion by Wimpys Little Step and out of Im Not Blonde. Bred by Milholland Training Inc., Taylor has owned the stallion since 2021, and together, the duo has earned many titles.

“He takes care of me while I sit up there and act like I know what I am doing when I don’t,” said Taylor with a laugh. “He delivers big scores, and he is the best horse in the world.”

Riding her 10-year-old gelding Mega Mag, Nancy Murfin-Moxley won the first slate of the Masters Non Pro, a class created for riders older than 60.

“He is such a special individual. I feel blessed and honored to own a horse like him,” said Murfin-Moxley. “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He’s just so honest every time I ride him. He’s happy; It’s an honor to get to ride such a special horse.” 

Mega Mag is by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream, out of Big Gold Chex, and was bred by Garth Hystad.

“I can’t give him enough accolades for what he deserves,” said Murfin-Moxley of the gelding she dreamed of owning while watching NRHA Million Dollar Rider Casey Hinton show him throughout his derby years.

Sherman Lauder took home top honors the Legends class, created for riders over 70, with a 137.5 on Gunner Magic.

“Tickled me to death to win,” said Lauder. “I was really pleased with the run. Our trainer works really hard and my wife and everyone supports me. I am lucky enough to win once and awhile.”

After the gelding didn’t work out as an open derby horse, his wife, Cheryl, tried him. As a former Quarter Horse jockey, she thought he felt too lazy to her, Sherman felt fortunate to get a chance to show him.

“He is so special to us because we raised him, and he is a great horse to have around,” said Lauder. “The legends class is a really good deal for people my age and gives us an advantage to keep showing. My kids are old enough to show in the prime time now, so this is a true opportunity. I told Cheryl, ‘If you can’t beat them, you have to outlive them.’”

Lauder also won the platinum class at the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association Ride & Slide this year on the 13-year-old gelding by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunner and out of Jacs Shining Fancy.

Green Reiners Take the Show Pen

At the end of the first slate of the Classic Equine Green Reiner, there was a three-way tie for first place in the Level 1 and 2 with a 140.5. The three women taking top honors proved there is a place for everyone in the Classic Equine Green Reiner classes as ages spanned from 15-59.

On June 17, Harper Kiseljack will have officially been an NRHA member for one year. Although the 15-year-old recently joined, she has already earned more than $400 in youth, rookie and green reiner classes on her own Smart Taz Olena, an 8-year-old gelding by $7 Million Sire Smart Chic Olena out of Smart Pep Chickasha.

“I’ve had ‘Cheeto’ for almost two years now,” she said. “I showed him in the cow horse, but he wasn’t very cow-y so he did a lot better in the reining. We’ve only started reining this year and it’s just fun!”

Elle Russel rode Magnums Half Moon, a 4-year old gelding by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Barbies Half Moon. The 15-year-old said, “He’s an amazing horse, the best horse I’ve had!” 

Susan Fiely rode her own Cash Made Easy, an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of Easy Lil Lady.

“He is full of personality,” said Fiely. “He flaps his bottom lip when we run. It’s just a little thing he does that I find quite endearing because it keeps me relaxed.”

Join us tomorrow in the Adequan^® Arena for the Intermediate Open, Limited Open and Rookie Professional.

The anticipation is palpable as the first day of competition at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel draws near. Tomorrow, the spotlight will shine on talented NRHA Professionals and their exceptional horses as they kick off the Open Derby.

Set against the backdrop of the OKC Fairgrounds, this year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel promises to deliver thrilling performances and showcase the best in the sport. With competitors ranging from seasoned professionals to rising stars, the Derby is an opportunity to witness unparalleled horsemanship, precision, and artistry in reining.

Spectators can look forward to a week filled with high-energy performances, starting with the first run tomorrow and culminating in the highly anticipated Non Pro and Open finals on June 21 and 22, respectively.

In addition to competing for a spot in the Levels 1-4 Open finals, NRHA Professionals are also vying for top honors in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby, the Tamarack Ranch 4-year-old Open Stakes, Prime Time Open, and APHA Chrome Cash. The champions of these classes will be awarded on Sunday, June 16, after the conclusion of section three. 

The aforementioned 4-year-old Stakes features the highest added money open-aged event, which is not restricted by nomination, stallion, etc.

To recognize the popularity of the 4-year-old Stakes division and to support its longevity, the NRHA Board added an additional $100,000 beginning in 2023, bringing the total added money of the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes to $110,000.

The guaranteed payouts for Stakes champions are:

• L4 Open – $100,000
• L3 Open – $35,000
• L2 Open – $20,000
• L1 Open – $10,000
• Prime Time Open – $5,000

Whether you’re a seasoned fan cheering on your favorites, or a newcomer to the electrifying world of reining, there’s something for everyone at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of reining competition firsthand! Mark your calendars and join us tomorrow as we begin the journey of crowning the next generation of reining champions.

For more information on the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, including a detailed schedule of events, ticket information and a link to the free live feed, please visit nrhaderby.com.

Stay updated on at nrhaderby.com!

6.23.24: Non Pro and Youth Competition Takes Center Stage on Closing Day at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

6.22.24: Youth Riders Showcase Talent at the NRHA Derby

6.22.24: Life of the Party

6.22.24: Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All Finishes Strong

6.21.24: Split Decision

6.21.24: Consistency is Key for the Novice Horse Open Competitors

6.20.24: Para Reiners Take Center Stage

6.20.24: Novice Horses and Riders Entered the Adequan® Arena

6.20.24: Reigning Champions

6.19.24: First Slate of Novice Horse Open Champions Crowned at 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

6.19.24: Record Purses Fuel Non Pro Preliminaries at 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

6.18.24: Record-Breaking Purses Turn Up the Heat

6.18.24: Rising Stars Shine at the 6666 NRHA Derby: Novice Horse and Para Reining Champions Crowned

6.17.24: A New Slate of Reiners Take Center Stage in the Adequan Arena

6.17.24: Leading Ladies of the Non Pro Derby

6.17.24: Saddle Up for Ride Guess—NRHA Fans to Test Their Skills and Win Big at the Level 4 Open Finals

6.16.24: Green and Rookie Reiners Take the Stage

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

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

6.15.24: NRHA Professionals Take on the Adequan®

6.14.24: Reining Heats Up on Opening Day of Open Competition at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

6.14.24: Non Pro Competition Commences in the Adequan® Arena

6.13.24: First Competitors Set to Enter the Jim Norick Arena Tomorrow at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.12.24: 2024 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest Winners

5.13.24: 2024 CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest

4.26.24: Many Ways to Win at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel