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.