The competition for Road to the Horse 2022 is heating up, and National Reining Horse Association Professional and Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills has been announced as one of the four selected trainers invited to compete in the elite competition.
Mills, of Scottsdale, Arizona, will join fellow competitors Brandi Lyons and Cole Cameron March 24-27, 2022, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, to compete for a purse exceeding $100,000.
“I feel honored to have been chosen and am excited to compete at the Road to the Horse. Starting colts is an aspect of training that most people don’t get to see. The thing about training reining horses, or any high-level horse, is that they all have to start somewhere,” Mills shared. “Training and showing top reining horses from start to finish has been my focus for years and making it a competition is right up my alley. I believe I will be a better horseman because of it.”
Consistently ranked among the top NRHA Professionals, Mills’ accomplishments include earning the NRHA Level 3 Open Futurity Reserve Championship and numerous titles at the National Reining Breeders Classic. He has also claimed several large futurity and derby wins at events including the Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association Summer Slide, the High Roller Reining Classic, the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and NRHA Cowtown Classic.
One of his most significant achievements entailed winning the 2006 USEF Open Reining Championship in Lexington, Kentucky on Easy Otie Whiz with a career-high score of 231.5. This feat earned him a spot on the U.S. Reining Team that claimed a gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.
While his list of achievements is long, Mills is aware he’ll be competing in a brand-new arena and has already reached out to several accomplished colt starters for advice on navigating the competition’s three-day format. “I’m very green at colt starting competitions. I have never done anything like this before, and I am excited to do it. It is going to be a fun and new challenge, and I look forward to carrying the flag for fellow NRHA members,” he said.
To give himself even more practice, Mills recently purchased an un-started and untrained 7-year-old mustang. “His name is Raven, and I purchased him for a whopping $170,” Mills laughed. “He has quite the story, and it was quite the ruckus to even get him back to the ranch. My plan is to train him in the exact format as the Road to the Horse. This is just one of the ways I’ll be preparing for the event. I’m definitely not just going to show up and wing it; I’m putting in the work beforehand.”
Mills’ horsemanship journey began when he was introduced to horses at eight years of age by a pony named Dizzy while taking lessons in a small round pen at the Lakewood Equestrian Center in Long Beach, California. As a youth rider, he earned multiple championships throughout California in a variety of disciplines including Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Trail.
Mills switched his focus to reining in 1996, establishing his own training operation in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to training and showing futurity and derby horses, he also coaches several successful Non Pro and Youth riders, and has also hosted clinics in Europe and Mexico.
Mills likens training horses to being a doctor or a lawyer; no matter how good you are at it, there are always ways to improve. “Anything you can do to make the job easier for the horse and make you more competitive is important to learn. When you visit with top riders – regardless of their event – you start to see some constants,” he explained. “I am a student of the game and believe you can learn from almost everyone. I enjoy horses and know that every new experience I have can help me improve. I hope that by jumping out and doing this competition I can encourage other people to try something new.”
“We’re excited to welcome NRHA professional horseman Matt Mills to our Championship Competitor lineup,” Tina Battock, Morris Equine Group President, noted. “Road to the Horse strives to bring together the industry’s most elite colt starters who are not only stand-outs in their disciplines but most importantly, shining ambassadors of the horse.”
Road to the Horse 2022 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 24-27, 2022. Tickets are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information and stay tuned to find out who will be revealed as the next Road to the Horse 2022 competitor.
About Road to the Horse
Founded in 2003, Road to the Horse strives to inspire people to reach a higher level of horsemanship and develop unity with a horse based on trust and not fear. The goal is, through education and entertainment, to can change people’s ideas and create a better world for the horse. The purpose of Road to the Horse is to identify the superior colt starter who accumulates the highest score throughout the competition. Judging focuses on the competitor and the effectiveness of their horsemanship methodology to communicate, educate, and build a partnership with their colt based on trust. Fans witness the entire journey, from colt selection to the final obstacle challenge. Purchase tickets and see the event schedule at www.RoadtotheHorse.com.
About Morris Equine Group
Morris Equine Group consists of some of the industry’s most recognized brands, including Western Horseman, Quarter Horse News and Barrel Horse News. The group also includes business-to-business publication Western Lifestyle Retailer and EquiStat, a statistical service offering detailed information and earnings for the performance horse industry. Morris Equine Group is also home to the National Barrel Horse Association, the West Coast Barrel Racing Association and the World Championship of Colt Starting, Road to the Horse.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.
Andrea Fappani, Corey Cushing and Todd Bergen introduced as inaugural members of TEAM:TR
(AUGUST 2, 2021) TETONIA, IDAHO – Teton Ridge, a newly-formed brand created to preserve, promote, and protect America’s western way of life announced today that three elite professional riders will be joining TEAM:TR, the equine competition component of the brand.
Together, Andrea Fappani, Corey Cushing and Todd Bergen create a powerful team of best-in-class professional riders spanning the major disciplines of reining and reined cow horse. Teton Ridge is further expanding this team to include the disciplines of cutting, barrel racing and bull riding.
Leading visionary entrepreneur and western enthusiast Thomas Tull formed Teton Ridge to honor western culture, expand interest in performance sports, and celebrate the top-tier athleticism and spirit of the men and women who compete in western riding disciplines every day. Teton Ridge is also breeding elite, equine athletes and provides programs that offer the finest quality horse and TEAM:TR trainer combinations, so the animals can reach their fullest potential.
Each horseman brings a different skillset and personality to TEAM:TR. Collectively that translates to a diverse roster of riders whose values and dedication will not only help elevate all western equine disciplines, but provide them with the type of respect and recognition they deserve.
Andrea Fappani, considered one of reining’s all-time greatest athletes, has captured multiple titles and won over $6 million in the saddle. Introduced at an early age to English riding and reining, Fappani has never known life without horses. He moved to the United States from his family’s farm in Italy to train with Todd Bergen, become a professional rider, and be the best horseman he could be.
In 2001, after five years of training, Andrea won his first NRHA Futurity at the age of 24.
Fappani is only the second person to become an NRHA Six Million Dollar Rider. Additionally, he is a four-time NRHA Futurity Champion, a four-time NRBC Champion, an NRHA Derby Champion and has captured multiple AQHA World Champion titles.
Fappani’s experience, enthusiasm and professionalism make him a crucial asset to TEAM:TR. “I’m committed to excellence with horses and always focused on what’s best for each individual. That is what drives me to be the best reining trainer and showman,” said Fappani. “To commit to understand the needs of a horse and how that particular horse learns is extremely rewarding. Developing confidence in each horse’s athletic abilities and becoming a trusted partner in the show arena and winners circle is our goal.”
TEAM:TR is “here to make a difference in western performance sports and bring them to a different level. I think that we’re going to see some great changes, both in the sports and to western culture.”
Corey Cushing specializes in reined cow horse and reining and is a best-in-class qualifier focused on the longevity of performance horses. Corey became involved in western performance sports at a young age. He honed his horsemanship skills under the eye of the late Noel Skinner and also John Slack directly out of high school.
Cushing had the opportunity to learn from Todd Bergen, who is widely recognized as one of the finest horseman in the business.
The assistant trainer turned athlete made his professional breakthrough at 19 when he won the NRHA Futurity Intermediate Open Championship. At the time, Cushing had only been reining for one year. Corey’s dedication also earned him the title of youngest National Reined Cow Horse Association Million Dollar honoree in 2012. And in 2018, Cory became the third NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider in history.
Most recently, Cushing captured the 2021 NRCHA Open Derby Champion title, aboard Teton Ridge’s stallion, Hesa Dual Bet.
A perfect addition to TEAM:TR, Corey’s experience, confidence, poise, and sense of respect have all helped elevate him and his horses to the most elite levels.
“Teton Ridge appreciates us and our horses as athletes, and they truly respect and understand the hard work and long days that go into western life and sports,” said Cushing. “What drew me to join TEAM:TR is the enthusiasm and appreciation that Thomas Tull has and the multiple disciplines that Teton Ridge is involved in and will be a part of one day.”
Todd Bergen, a familiar name in western sports, is a ten-time NRHA and NRCHA Futurity Champion and Reserve Champion Rider. He is the sixth NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and the first rider to achieve a Two Million Dollar status in both the NRCHA and NRHA.
Bergen started competing at the age of 11 and turned professional at 18. Todd was only an assistant when he started winning world championships. His most memorable win was in 1995, at age 25, when he won the NRHA Futurity.
Bergen’s vision of the future of equine events aligns with Teton Ridge’s strategies to grow western sports, noting that “the bigger the events and purses, the more people are going to want to participate and come see equine sports.”
“What Teton Ridge is doing for western culture and the horse industry is something a lot of people have dreamed about for a long time. Teton Ridge is paving the way for people in the future that want to do what we do. What I can bring to the table is experience in the industry. I can help guide Teton Ridge in the right direction.”
TEAM:TR is elevating western sports by assembling a roster of the world’s most elite western riders and broadening audience appeal and participation.
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About Teton Ridge
Teton Ridge is a multi-platform brand devoted to the iconic American Western way of life and western equine sports. Teton Ridge will create a team of elite equine riders from multiple disciplines, invest in the breeding and training of the most sought-after pedigrees in the quarter horse industry and engage audiences to elevate and expand western equine sports through innovative technology. Additionally, Teton Ridge operates a philanthropic foundation that provides invaluable funding for land stewardship, fosters community by preserving the American West’s cultural heritage, and ensures the future of ranching and riding sports. For more information about Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @tetonridgeusa on Facebook.
About TEAM:TR
TEAM:TR, the equine competition component of the Teton Ridge Brand, is assembling a roster of the world’s most elite western riders to elevate equine sports while also broadening audience appeal and participation. Simultaneously, they are training and breeding the next generation of high-performance Quarter Horses to strengthen the breed based on superior bloodlines and genetic traits. Additionally, Teton Ridge is planning a new state-of-the-art training facility at TR9 Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, to be one of the world’s most advanced and innovative equine training facilities. For more information about Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @tetonridgeusa on Facebook.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.
Teton Ridge Named Title Sponsor for The Run For A Million
Emerging western heritage brand invests in reining’s most prestigious event with the goal of keeping the values and traditions of western horsemanship alive
The richest event in reining has a new title sponsor, Teton Ridge. The company is determined to not only help grow the sport of reining, but to preserve, protect, and ensure the future of sports born of America’s most iconic way of life. Beyond the brand’s title sponsorship, Teton Ridge will also sponsor and present the $150,000 Invitational Fence Work Challenge for open bridle horse competitors.
Created by visionary entrepreneur Thomas Tull, Teton Ridge is an authentic western brand with a long-term vision that will focus on everything from performance horse breeding and training, to western apparel and gear, to hosting western experiences and events.
The Teton Ridge sponsorship of The Run For A Million marks the first collaborative effort for Tull and the driving force behind The Run For A Million, Hollywood’s western storyteller, Taylor Sheridan.
“Teton Ridge is uniquely positioned to bring awareness and excitement to our sport and the western performance horse world in general,” said Sheridan. “Teton Ridge’s title sponsorship of The Run For A Million speaks to that commitment, and our joint ventures in the future will continue to spread the excitement TRFAM has started.”
“Taylor and I share common vision when it comes to riding disciplines which have grown from the life and culture of the American West,” said Tull. “There’s an integrity, honesty, and purity to these sports that represent the unique heritage of our nation.”
Teton Ridge’s sponsorship of TRFAM underscores the brand’s mission to preserve the traditions and values of the West, while celebrating the athleticism and spirit of the men and women who compete in western equine sports every day.
The second annual TRFAM, which was postponed in 2020 due to COVID concerns, happens in Las Vegas from August 18th through the 21st, at the famed South Point Arena and Equestrian Center.
About Teton Ridge Teton Ridge is a multi-platform brand devoted to the iconic American Western way of life and western equine sports. Teton Ridge will create a team of elite equine riders from multiple disciplines, invest in the breeding and training of the most sought-after pedigrees in the quarter horse industry and engage audiences to elevate and expand western equine sports through innovative technology. Additionally, Teton Ridge operates a philanthropic foundation that provides invaluable funding for land stewardship, fosters community by preserving the American West’s cultural heritage, and ensures the future of ranching and riding sports. For more information about Teton Ridge, please visit tetonridge.com or @tetonridge on Instagram @tetonridgeusa on Facebook.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.
The final day of competition at the Four Sixes National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel saw full classes in both the Jim Norick Coliseum and Adequan® Arena. In addition to the class titles, high point Montana Silversmiths buckles were also presented to the high point exhibitors who competed in both slates of classes.
Natalie Vargo and Surpized Sweep Green Reiner 1 & 2
Natalie Vargo and Surpized (Hang Ten Surprize x Snow White Dun It) swept the Green Reiner Levels 1&2 with a 144. The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel marks Vargo and Surprized’s first show together, and they’ve been exceeding expectations. They kicked off the show with a win during Friday’s Green Reiner topping the field in the 1&2. They continued that streak on Sunday to ultimately pick up the high point championship as well.
“He was really good again today,” Vargo said. “I was a lot more comfortable, just because this was the second time showing him, so I was a little bit less nervous than the other day. It started off with the right circles, he was really good there, then stopped in the center and turned really good for me… he was just really today.”
Vargo’s family has owned the now 5-year-old since he was 2, and throughout his open career. Vargo and Surprized’s partnership is proving worthwhile and beckons to a promising future for the pair.
“The win feels really good, just because I didn’t really expect anything, because I didn’t really know him that much and I still really don’t, but it feels good,” she said. “I think [our partnership] is getting pretty good. I’m excited to show him more in some of the bigger non pro stuff and see how it goes.”
Chloe Elizabeth Cannon and Mr Hollywood Cee (Hollywoodstinseltown x Miss Hollywood Cee) finished second in the Green Reiner 2 with a score of 141.5. Linsey Lester and Dreamin About Sailin (Magnum Chic Dream x Pennys For Sail) finished second in the Green Reiner 2 with a 140.
Gracie Weeks Tops Youth 13 & Under with One Last Starbuck
Gracie Weeks and One Last Starbuck (Smart Starbuck x Justa Spring Freckle) marked a 139 to top the field in the Youth 13 & Under.
“I’ve been riding him for a little over a year. He’s a really good horse for me, he’s just been the greatest,” Weeks said of One Last Starbuck, who she calls “Latte.”
Weeks admits Saturday’s showing didn’t go as planned, but the duo redeemed themselves in Sunday’s performance to take the win.
“He improved a lot today,” she said. “I will say I might have to work on some things, but he did a lot better.”
Weeks has been riding reining horses since she was 7, and she’s learned a few valuable lessons over the last couple of years. “The most important thing I’ve learned would probably be is always been a good horseman, or horsewoman, have good horsemanship and stay humble,” she said. “Also, stay in control of your horse and don’t go crazy or anything.”
Becca Schaffhauser Wins Youth 13&Under High Point
Becca Schaffhauser and Dun Got My Rest (Hollywood Dun It x Got My Rest) won the Youth 13 & Under High Point title.
“We had a really good run yesterday and I was very happy with it. We had a couple of bobbles today, but I was happy with it, too,” Schaffhauser said.
Schaffhauser has been riding the 13-year-old for two years and working to get together as a team. One of the maneuvers, which Schaffhauser enjoys focusing on is the turns.
“I’ve had him for two years and he’s such a good boy,” she said, adding that when she first started riding “Cruz,” the hardest part to get used to was his fast turning style. “I’d been used to a slow turning horse. My favorite maneuver is probably the turns and [I’ll be working mostly] on getting faster in my turns.”
Raeanna Thayn Wins Youth 14-18 on Coded N Karma
Raeanna Thayn and Coded N Karma (Electric Code x Whiz N Snap) marked a 145 to take the win in the Youth 14-18. Raeanna and Coded N Karma have had a lot of success over the years, and they’ve continued that in Oklahoma City.
“He was really good, he’s had a couple of months off, and he really came out today. He’s 10 years old this year, so we’re just kind of taking it easy,” she said.
The duo admittedly had a little trouble in Saturday’s showing, but they put it all together on Sunday for a winning run.
“He was a lot more connected,” Thayn said. “He kind of missed his stop the other day and I just schooled him. He was really good today and connected.”
Lydia Bell Wins Youth 14-18 High Point on Chics Want My Number
Lydia Bell and Chics Want My Number (Wimpys Little Step x Dixie Chic Olena) put together two money-winning runs in Oklahoma City to ultimately win the Youth 14-18 High Point title.
“It’s exciting. It’s my last year (in the Youth) so it’s a good feeling to go out with a bang,” Bell said.
In slate one of the Youth Bell and Chics Want My Number turned in a 144.5 to share the win in Saturday’s Youth 14-18. On Sunday the duo followed that with another winning run with a score of 144.5.
“He’s just a really cool horse and I love riding him,” she said. “He was relaxed and just really good today.”
Abigail Dooley Clinches Short Stirrup High Point with Top Haida
On Saturday, 10-year-old Abigail Dooley finished second in the Short Stirrup class. She and her mount, Top Haida, returned to the show pen on Sunday to make a 146, not only winning the class but also the high point buckle.
“The run on Saturday wasn’t my favorite. I got our stops wrong, but got it adjusted here today,” Dooley said. “It was very fun to be here and show. It’s nice to have this win. This is my second buckle, but my first this year.”
Dooley has been riding Top Haida, by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz out of Haida Million, for a few years. “We call him Vegas. Lon and Sherry Kraft own him, and they have let me ride him two or three years now in the short stirrup,” she said. “It’s been very fun to ride him. He has always been good to me.”
Eduardo Ramirez Sweeps Rookie Levels 1 & 2 for High Point Championships
It was a great weekend for Eduardo Ramirez and Jeweled Out. The duo won the Rookie Levels 1 and 2 on Saturday, and then returned to the Adequan® on the final day of competition. There, they clinched the high point championship for both levels with a score of 144.
“It’s awesome. I am glad to finally have a buckle,” he said. “This is my first one, and I am very excited.”
Ramirez gave credit to Jeweled Out, by Cromed Out Mercedes out of Whiz Jewels. “He was really good,” Ramirez said. “My run today he was great. Our last stop was just ok, but he was really good.”
The next stop for the duo? The Rookie at the Run for a Million in Las Vegas.
Molly Cherry and Guaranteed A Magnum Win Rookie Prime Time
Molly Cherry and Guaranteed A Magnum won the second slate of the Rookie Prime Time with a score of 142.5 Guaranteed A Magnum is by Magnum With A Dream and out of Guaranteed By Amos.
“He’s a lot of fun,” Cherry said. “I just have to learn how to ride him. I just started riding him this year. He had a great Derby career (back-to-back Level 4 Open Derby Champion with Jimmy Van Der Hoeven). Now, I am trying to figure him out through the Rookie and Non Pro stuff, so that’s been fun.”
Second in the Rookie Prime Time was Deborah Good riding Chics Love Me Wimpy (Wimpys Little Step x Dream About Magic) with a score of 139.
Terry Saxton and MJG Hollywood Jersey Win Rookie Prime Time High Point
Terry Saxton and MJG Hollywood Jersey (Yellow Jersey x MJG Hollywood Dry) took home the Rookie Prime Time High Point title from their efforts in Oklahoma City. On Friday the duo took home the title and while a little tough luck on Sunday landed them seventh in the Prime Time, but it was good enough to earn them the Prime Time title.
“I’m very excited about this win,” Saxton said. “Today wasn’t as good as Friday, but that’s OK. I had a nice score on Friday to make up for it. We’re still learning each other. She’s super calm in the ring and does exactly what I ask. That’s exactly what I need because she’s just steady. It’s great to end on a high point, and I love the buckle!”
The Four Sixes National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel boasted record payouts in every level as well as all-time high entries. Open Champions made their bid for championship honors Saturday, June 26 in the Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The new title sponsorship from Four Sixes Ranch brought an incredible new payout framework for both the Open and Non Pro Derby. It raised the Open L4 Derby championship to $75,000 – up $15,000 from the previous year – while in many levels the money awarded to the champion more than doubled!
The record-breaking event also welcomed several new classes across the Open and Non Pro divisions, including the $40,000 Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes and the $15,000 Added GlycoGuard Novice Horse Open Derby, which were both decided during the preliminary round.
Trevor Dare and Jerseys Baby Driver Sweep NRHA Open Derby Level 4
Trevor Dare and Jerseys Baby Driver flew into the Jim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the 6666 NRHA Open Derby Level 4 finals with a mission on their mind. From the first maneuver, the crowd was on their feet. From that first sliding stop to the last, the crowd stayed behind Dare and his talented equine partner. The crowd knew what they were witnessing—and the judges agreed. When it was all said and done Dare topped the field with a 226.5.
“This is the best feeling,” Dare said after his win. “I knew I needed to be perfect, stay out of his way, and just put him in the right spot and he would take care of the rest.”
Jerseys Baby Driver was picture perfect the entire run, but his stops were standout moments—an attribute Dare agrees is a strong suit. “He’s a really big stopper, so when we ran through the gate, I was really focused on making sure that we could nail that first stop,” he said. “He’s almost like a powerlifter when he runs and stops. It’s like he tries to make the earth shake. It’s a crazy feeling.”
While Dare knew he could count on the 5-year-old stallion, by Yellow Jersey out of Wind Her Up Chic, to show up in the stops, he was careful to not lose focus during the rest of the run.
“At the NRBC we had gotten in a bit of a hurry starting our first turns, so that was a spot I knew I needed to focus, and again he was right there,” he said. “I did my job, and he did his. It was a team effort out there. From start to finish the harder I pushed the more he gave me.”
Jerseys Baby Driver has been with Dare since he was a yearling after owner Janice Laney purchased him out of the Legacy Sale. The colt was started by Damian Rico as a 2-year-old and then Dare took the reins. The pair have been climbing to the top of the field ever since and sharing a special bond along the way.
“The difference between a good horse and a great horse is the size of their heart, and he has a big one,” Dare said. “I always believed in him and always knew it would get there; that we just had to put it together. You ask any of the professionals out here it is hard to do, so it feels great to put it together at the same time.”
Before the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, Dare’s lifetime earnings were $644,000, and the $75,000 Championship check has pushed him past the $700,000 mark.
“I think the payout is great and it’s another way to promote our business and horses,” he said. “It gives us more money to run at and really supports the growth of our industry. Thank you to the 6666 Ranch.”
The Derby championship is a significant boost for anyone’s career, and while Dare is grateful and truly excited for the win, he’s humble enough to recognize that each show is a new day.
“Obviously it’s a good thing, but tomorrow it will be over with, and we will start getting ready for the next one,” he said.
Dare thanked his wife, team and clients for their support and encouragement not only in Oklahoma City but throughout his entire career.
“My wife manages and organizes my whole life. My customers will agree if you take me out of the saddle, I’m pretty much worthless,” Dare said with a laugh. “Thank you to Janice Laney for continuing to believe in me when we have been so close. Thank you to my whole team that works for me. I couldn’t have made it through this week or this year without them. They keep everything rolling.”
Josh Tishman and Gunnarickashay Win Level 3 Open Championship
Josh Tishman and Gunnarickashay had a big feat in front of them. A 221 was leading the Level 3 and 223 was sitting at the top in the Level 4. It was Tishman’s first Level 4 finals, making the situation even more nerve-wracking. With a propitious career at his feet, Tishman focused on one maneuver at a time.
“I don’t know if I really had a strategy,” he said. “It was my first Level 4 finals and I just tried to stay cool and treat it like any other ride going through the gates.”
Tishman and Gunnarickashay came in, gave a stellar performance, and when it was all said and done Tishman—who trains out of Casey Deary’s barn as an assistant trainer— tied with his mentor with a 223. When the last horse had cleared the arena, Tishman had won the Level 3 title and was part of a four-way tie for the Level 4 Reserve Championship. Thanks to the Four Sixes Ranch guaranteed payouts, Tishman won $35,000 for the Level 3 title and earned an additional $31,892 for his piece of the Co-Reserve tie.
“The horse made it easy, and it just kept getting better and better as the ride went on,” he said.
Owned by Puno Performance Horses LLC, Gunnarickashay is by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Rondas Tio. Tishman took the reins over from Deary a few months ago, and the two have been steadily improving ever since.
“Casey has shown him a bunch, and then he (Gunnarickashay) had an injury where we had to give him a year off,” Tishman said. “Then Casey showed him at the beginning of the year at the Cactus and the Run For A Million qualifier. Then the Punos were generous enough to let me try him, because Casey had some other horses to ride. I showed him at the NRBC and had a few bobbles. Then I showed here, and he has felt amazing all week. He has gotten better and better as the week has gone on and he was as honest as he could be tonight.
“I’ve worked for Casey for six years now. 2012 was the first time I sat on a reining horse,” he said. “I fell in love with reining in college.”
Tishman now lives in Weatherford, Texas, training out of the Deary’s facility. He was quick to give thanks to the Punos for the opportunity to ride Gunnarickashay and other great horses. “The Punos are great customers. They’ve had a lot of horses with us, and have been great clients and generous enough to let us assistants ride their good horses.
Fredrik Thomsson and Nitely Share NRHA Open Derby Level 2 Championship
Fredrik Thomsson and Nitely tied for the win of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Level 2 Open Championship with a score of 218 for owners Patrik and Jenny Jonsson of PJs Invest LLC. The win netted a check for $10,461.
Swedish-born professional Thomsson came to the United States to gain experience and up his horsemanship. He gained a lot more. Now, with a Level 2 Open Derby championship under his belt, Thomsson is mindful of his beginnings and how far he’s transcended his expectations.
“You always want to win, and always want to win at the major events,” Thomsson said. “I came over here from Sweden in 1993 and I didn’t expect this path at all for me. I just kind of fell into it. I was going to come here for three months and planned to spend three months with Bob Loomis, and after the first month, Bob told me he needed a kid like me to work for him. That changed my life right there.
“Being a horse trainer in America, I have already surpassed the goals I had, and everything else is like icing on the cake,” he continued. “But, definitely you always want to win at the major events, so it’s another thing to check off the list for sure.”
Nitely, a 5-year-old stallion by Gunners Special Nite out of Dream Olena Chic, has been with Thomsson since he was 2. He’s a horse that has always shined bright in Thomsson’s barn. The duo started the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel slightly off par but quickly overturned those missteps to redeem themselves when the stakes were high.
“He felt really good all week,” he said. “I had some bobbles in the first go, a big overturn and I botched the last stop a little bit, so today I just wanted to stay really clean with him. He ran in and stopped good, turned really good both ways, and stopped all three at the end really good. He did everything I asked of him today.”
Debbie Brown and Pale Black Moon Share NRHA Open Derby Level 2 Championship
Debbie Brown and Pale Black Moon shared the 6666 NRHA Open Derby Level 2 title from a score of 218 for owner Jennifer Greenleaf, winning $10,461. The 4-year-old mare has been with Brown since the 2020 NRHA Futurity, and they’ve been preparing for the major shows since January.
While Brown was swift to recognize the mare’s talents, she says that went hand-in-hand with figuring out her individual quirks as well.
“She’s been very good. She’s difficult because she doesn’t like horses being close to her, so that is the only thing that makes her hard to prepare,” Brown said. “She’s super good-minded, but she has a really big bubble. It makes it hard to prepare her in the running and stopping. We try to do it when the arena is not crowded.”
That game plan paid off for the duo on Saturday. The mare’s efforts inside the Jim Norick Coliseum impressed Brown and she said she couldn’t have asked for more.
“I thought she was very, very good,” she said. “She ran strong and stopped really well, backed up really freely and straight. She turned really well to the right and probably the best she can to the left. She ran down really pure and stopped really pretty.”
Brown’s main goal was getting through the pattern without any penalties. Brown says the talent in today’s industry is increasingly tough, and even one small bobble can be costly.
“I thought that it would be hard to get through there that hard without any bobbles,” Brown said. “That was my goal was to be really smooth and slow with my hand. She always feels good, so my goal was to get through there without any mistakes.”
Staying patient and treating the mare, who’s by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Blazing In Black, as an individual paid off. Brown said this kind of a win has been a longtime goal of hers, and the magnitude of the win wasn’t lost on her.
“I expect nothing,” Brown said with a laugh. “I’ve been doing enough horse shows to know it takes a special run to get it accomplished. She was a lot of fun to show, so I feel good.”
Franky Vazquez & Whizin Off With Guns Win Open Level 1 & 2 (tie)
Franky Vazquez and Whizin Off With Guns claimed 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Level 1 Open Championship and shared the Level 2 title with a score of 218 for owner Bethanie Penning. All totaled, the pair won $20,461.
“The last 10 years,” he said of when he set his sights on a goal like winning at the Derby. “I’ve always been there working hard and I’m very happy to be here. I’m very happy that [Bethanie Penning] gave me the horse and gave me the opportunity to be here.”
When Vazquez first started in the industry, he didn’t know a lot about horses, let alone reining. It’s been a long journey to the limelight, and Vazquez says it’s been an enjoyable learning experience.
“I started working for Steve Archer and I worked for him for a couple of years, and he taught me a lot like how to handle a horse from the ground because I didn’t even know how to hold a horse when I started,” Vazquez said. “I worked for Tom McCutcheon. I thank Gunny and Ben and Tom absolutely because they gave me the opportunity to work for them. I’ve also been riding with some friends like Brian Bell, I have to say thank you to Brian Bell.”
Whizin Off With Guns, who’s by Tinker With Guns and out of Whizin Off Sparks, has been with Vazquez for a short time and they’ve overcome many obstacles together, including injury. At a show prior to NRBC Whizin Off With Guns kicked his stall and cut his leg substantially. After proper vet care and plenty of time off, the duo was back in the show pen.
“Bethanie got that horse a couple of months ago, and I got him right before the NRBC,” he said. “He’s been a great horse. We got through a little hard part where he kind of hurt himself. So, we left him at home for a little bit and we gave him three weeks off. He’s a strong horse, really super nice and good-minded.”
Vazquez said after overcoming the injury he’s been continually impressed with Whizin Off With Guns’ talent and mind. Because of his willingness to learn and superb talent, preparation for the Derby was like clockwork.
“Before I came over here, I did the best I could at home, so we were ready before we got here,” he said. “I just keep him quiet and relaxed and made sure he was good for me mentally. He felt great, so I just left him alone. I felt like he was ready.
Lucio Pontes Casalecchi and Xtra Magic Doctor (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Aleena Starlight) finished as the Level 1 Reserve Champions and took fifth in the Level 2, worth $6,592. Xtra Magic Doctor is owned by Janice Laney.
Casey Hinton and Mega Mag—6666 NRHA Derby Open Prime Time
Casey Hinton and Mega Mag (Magnum Chic Dream x Big Gold Chex) turned in a 220.5 to win the Open Derby Prime Time, which was decided during the preliminary round.
The 7-year-old gelding has been a solid partner for Hinton over the years, with success as a 3-year-old futurity horse. His future seems bright, and Hinton is looking forward to making a plan for his future after he turns 8.
“I really don’t ride him that much at a show anymore. He’s older, he’s trained, he’s been honest,” Hinton said. “This year I’d say he’s probably gotten ridden less than he has the other years. He’s pretty honest, he’s pretty fun. He’s been a favorite of ours.”
In the Open Derby Prelims, Mega Mag impressed with smart moves and big stops for Hinton. Ultimately, along with winning the Prime Time also led Hinton, one of NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Owners, to the Open Level 4 Derby Finals from their score of 219 in the Level 4. The duo marked a 217 in the finals for an additional $3,811 in earnings.
“I thought he really tapped off in the turns. He’s a horse that squats a lot and really has a cool turn. So that was a good first impression. The right circle I thought was dead true, right on. Nailed the lead change. The left circle…I’d like to see him be a little more centered for that one,” Hinton said.
Craig Schmersal and Xtra Vintagemahogany—GlycoGuard Novice Horse Open Derby
Craig Schmersal and Xtra Vintagemahogany (A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Mahogany) turned in a 219 to top the GlycoGuard Open Novice Horse Derby, collecting a check for $7,114. Schmersal and the talented mare also placed in the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes, collecting an additional $1,978.
Schmersal purchased the now-4-year-old mare at the 2020 Derby, and Schmersal’s daughter Addisyn has been taking the reins in 2021. With the addition of 4-year-old-only classes at some major events in 2021, Schmersal decided to show her this year as well.
“It allowed me to show five horses this year. It was nice because I wouldn’t have normally showed that mare, but since she was eligible for the novice derby and the Stakes, I did. It was fun,” Schmersal said. “It was a good deal. I think it’s really nice to have that money to go at,” he said. “Anytime you get a chance to put earnings on you or your horse I think it’s a good deal.
“We intend on keeping that mare for a broodmare, so that’s always nice to have the money on them,” Schmersal continued. “I think she’s a really special mare and I think she’s going to get better and better because I’ve only been riding her since the first of the year. That’s exactly the kind of horse we want in our breeding program because she can go to either division. She’s a huge stopper and huge turner and only four years old, so she’s still going to grow up and get a little stronger. I think it’s just the tip of the iceberg for her.”
Kole Price and Trendsettter—Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes
Seeing the need for a division focused on 4-year-old reining horses, NRHA Corporate Partner Tamarack Ranch chose to sponsor a new division – the $40,000 added Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes.
Decided in the preliminary round of the Open Derby, Kole Price and Trendsettter (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Timed To Shine) topped the division with a score of 222, earning $14,004. The pair also qualified for the Level 4 Open Finals, where the pair’s score of 218.5 netted an additional $4,310.
Price has had Trendsettter since he was a 2-year-old, and from the beginning has recognized his talent inside the arena. The colt stepped up again in Oklahoma City to showcase his talents at the right time for Price.
“He’s one of the most fun horses that I’ve ever trained,” he said. “He’s extremely smart, and his athletic ability is kind of freaky, which also makes him a little tricky to show. I don’t ever feel like I’ve really got him shown to his full ability yet, I’m getting closer, but he’s so much horse.”
Price added, “He is as a big of a stopper as anybody here, so adding another stop in the next finals pattern I think is going to be key to that horse and kind of cleaning up a few things. I was really happy under the circumstances we kind of held it together and showed really good.”
Price was especially happy to see the addition of the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes, which provided the opportunity to show Trendsettter for even more money.
“I think it gives a whole new twist. Maybe that 4-year-old you would have left at home to give it a little time off, you can show it here and maybe not put as much pressure on it, but still win money,” he said. “I think it’s an incredible step to the future of reining horses.”
Complete results, draws, news and more can be found at NRHADerby.com.
