Reining enthusiasts were treated to a glimpse of future top talent at the 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel. The Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All showcased a caliber of riding that left the crowd in awe, hinting at the promising careers on the horizon for these exceptional talents and their equine partners.
Winning the Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1 and 2 and the Level 1 high-point championship was Sydney Muehlstaetter on Frederick Christen’s Xtra Voodoo Step.
Muehlstaetter and the 12-year-old mare by NRHA Hall of Famer Wimpys Little Step and out of Voodoo Chic scored a 144.5 to earn the top placing.
“She is such a sweet mare and is super happy all the time,” said Muehlstaetter. “She goes in there and is the same every time. I can trust her a lot because I know she is never going to do anything bad.
“What really makes it special is that I can trust her so much. I can go out there and I know she is going to be the same every time. She is so consistent I can put my hand there and she does everything. I just kind of sit there,” she said with a laugh.
Dick Fletcher and Rufs Got Guns (Not Ruf At All x Gunners Easter Lilly) won the second slate of the Toyon Ranch Prime Time Rookie today in the Adequan® Arena with a 141.5 on his 7-year-old gelding.
Fletcher has been competing in reining for less than a year.
“My wife and I retired and wanted to ride horses,” said Fletcher. “She actually got us into this. We started with ranch riding, and pretty quickly, she wanted to do reining. I didn’t want to be her tack boy, so I started reining last year. We have traveled all over the country and are having a great time. He is a good horse. He was my practice horse originally, and my show horse was acting funny and we couldn’t connect, so ‘Hank’ is now my show horse. He is really good for me. He doesn’t have any bad thoughts and that’s what I need.”
Lynnette Payne earned the Prime Time Rookie High-Point Championship on a 14-year-old gelding whom she leases from NRHA Vice President Mike Hancock and his wife Bryan: Dun Lost My Gun.
“I have been leasing him for three years now, but I have been doing reining since I was 16-years-old,” said Payne.
She was out of the industry for a while, then became reconnected when she was told she could lease a horse that fit her perfectly.
“Mike Hancock and his wife Bryan have been so kind to lease this amazing horse to me,” she continued. “He is the wonder horse. If you do your job when you go in the pen you will get a good score.”
Jennnie Tyler and Flinnderella earned the Rookie Level 2 high-point championship. Tyler and her own 6-year-old mare scored a 143 today to solidify the win and take home a Montana Silversmiths buckle.
The unwavering commitment and talent of these rookie athletes are a shining example of the remarkable spirit that thrives within the reining community. Continue following along with the excitement at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel through the free live stream at nrhaderby.com.
Hopes and dreams were fulfilled today at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. More than 100 of the world’s best non pro reiners teamed up with their horses to compete for their piece of glory and record-breaking purses across all levels of the Non Pro in Oklahoma City. They were led by Kim Muehlstaetter and Gina Schumacher, who clinched the Level 4 Non Pro Co-Championship and the lion’s share of the purse.
A pair of huge 227.5 scores from Draws 31 and 33 earned each pair a paycheck for $32,697.
Level 4 Non Pro Co-Champions: Kim Muehlstaetter and Gina Schumacher
Kim Muehlstaetter blasted into the pen aboard Smoky Mountain Rein with something to prove. She’s always believed her 4-year-old gelding had the talent of a champion, and she was ready to make the judges agree.
“He just has a special feel,” Muehlstaetter said of the Texas Horse Power Ranch LLC-nominated son of NRHA $7 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and Sprats Electricspark. “When you lope him, it feels like his feet don’t hit the ground. When he turns, when he circles, when he stops, his lead changes … he doesn’t have to think about it. It’s just so natural for him.”
Smoky Mountain Rein stayed hooked with Muehlstaetter, unfazed by the pressure that comes with competing as a 4-year-old against older, more seasoned horses.
“My horse gave me everything,” Muehlstaetter said of the ride. “He stepped it up, and he was with me every single stride in there. I just kept saying, ‘I know this horse is special,’ and I just wouldn’t let go working at it. Finally, tonight, he was on, and I was on, and it all just went perfectly.”
Muehlstaetter said she and husband Martin, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider, found Smoky Mountain Rein as a yearling. Martin trained the horse, who they purchased from Sleipner LLC in 2023 so Muehlstaetter could take over the reins to prepare for the NRHA Futurity.
“I’ve always been a fan of the Spooks Gotta Whizes,” she said. “He just had that special look to him. Like any 3-year-old, you have your ups and downs. He was good for me at the Futurity, then in the finals I had a huge bobble that kept me out of the money. I just knew he always had it in there; it was just a matter of putting it all together in the same run. We know each other like the back of our hand. ”
When it all came together in the Jim Norick Arena dirt tonight, Muehlstaetter breathed a sigh of relief that she’d done her horse justice. When the announcer called her score, she was stunned.
“I thought my horse showed pure. He felt like he had big maneuvers, but I really had no clue how big the score would be,” she said. “It’s what you work for all the time, to get that feeling. It’s all the countless hours, and the sweat and tears. It just makes that moment so much sweeter.”
Muehlstaetter, who thanked her family and team, said her plan is to show her gelding at one more derby this year, then give him time to rest to help ensure his longevity
“I don’t want to run his wheels off. I’d like to save him,” she said. “I’ve always believed in this horse, and tonight he proved that he could do it.”
Just two runs after Muehlstatter shook up the leaderboard, Gina Schumacher tied her 227.5 on her 6-year-old stallion, bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, Gunin Addy Tude (Gunnatrashya x Miss Lil Addy Tude).
After coming off a win in the 2024 National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro, the pair continued the same game plan hoping for big scores in OKC.
“I was really sweating,” she said. “I was not sure I was going to get this done. I just tried to stay clean and not make mistakes, and tried to push my horse to the point that he was still comfortable, but that it would be enough to mark — that was the strategy.”
Although NRHA $2 Million Rider Duane Latimer is the head trainer at the Schumacher family’s XCS Ranch, Schumacher rides all of her horses five days a week. That helps her know when she can push, and fosters a strong bond with them.
“‘Guapo’ is a very kind horse to be around, super sweet in the stall, and it’s nice having him around,” she said. “In my head, I can only do good with my horse Gunnastepya, and it was actually really good for me to go and do this with another horse, just for my own feeling. It was really fun.
“He is like the kid in school who never wants to be in trouble and always does his homework and is always really good,” she continued of Gunin Addy Tude. “That would describe him best. He is very quiet and loves to play in the pasture. He likes cookies, he likes apples, and I think that sums him up.”
Schumacher expressed her gratitude for everyone who had a hand in reaching this historic milestone tonight.
“We have an amazing team — my family, of course, and all of the great people we get to meet at events … thank you to everybody,” she said.
When it came time to decide whether to share the title or compete in a runoff, both women had a clear answer.
“Our horses gave 100%,” Muehlstaetter said. “She [Schumacher] had a great run. Neither one of us wanted to run them again. They gave us everything they had. We always try to put them first and look at the big picture.”
Levels 3 and 2 Non Pro Champions: Lauren Love and Chexi Chic
With a 221, Lauren Love and her great mare Chexi Chic took the lead of the Levels 3 and 2 Non Pro Derby.
“Today was so fun; it was like going out there with my buddy,” Love said. “She was so good for me, and it was a blast. We didn’t ride her too much, and I didn’t want her to get tired. She was pretty happy the whole time we were here. I even said this was the happiest she had ever been at a long horse show.”
Love thanked NRHA Professional Arnaud Ferret, who has been the only other person to pilot the mare, as well as her parents and everybody who has helped her along the way. Between Ferret and Love, Chexi Chic had $124,087 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) prior to their arrival in Oklahoma City. After winning both levels, they added an additional $35,000 to that sum.
“She knows her job, and we know how to prepare now,” Love said. “She is pretty easy; I just stay out of her way and keep her happy. We go to the barn every day, and she nickers. They [horses] just know their people. It is kind of surreal to think I own a horse of this caliber that has been this good for so long.”
The 6-year-old mare by Wimpy Chic and out of Chexanicki was nominated by breeder Alpha Quarter Horses LLC.
“I think that is why reining is so addicting, because when you get that great run, you want to go do it again,” Love said. “I am lucky enough to have a good partner to go out and show and give me a lot of confidence.”
Level 1 and Prime Time Non Pro Champions: Tricia Leone and Alpha Queen
Tricia Leone proved just how royal Alpha Queen is when she rode the 5-year-old mare to the Level 1 and Prime Time Non Pro Championships. The horse-and-rider team marked a 218.5 in the first section of the finals to secure the victory and a $10,000 paycheck, including nominator incentives.
“She’s just amazing,” Leone said of Alpha Queen (Wimpy Chic x Chexanicki), a full sister to Levels 3 and 2 Non Pro Champion Chexi Chic. “I absolutely adore her. We’re finally getting to know each other and getting a little more competitive with each ride. We feel like we’re in a really good place right now.”
Leone said Alpha Quarter Horses LLC-bred and -nominated Alpha Queen felt fresh for their finals run, where the mare’s stops were the highlight of her performance. She was thrilled to accomplish her goal for the show and said she’s looking forward to competing in the Amateur at The Run For A Million later this year.
“She’s so honest, and she’s just the coolest mare,” Leone said. “I feel like we get a little bit better each time we go out, so [I see] a bright future for this mare. It’s nice to have a mare that has such a sweet disposition because she wants to do the right thing. She’s right there for me.”
Leone, who thanked her husband for his support, credited NRHA Professional Trent Harvey and his team for elevating her confidence and showmanship after a 15-year hiatus from competing.
“I have a great team. Trent has a great staff and assistants, and everybody does such a great job,” she said. “It feels so good to be part of the family. I love my barn family. We all make a really good team.”
Youth Non Pro Champions: Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe
Eighteen-year-old Michelle Fumagalli has loved horses since she was 4 years old. Her connection was evident during the Non Pro Derby finals, where she rode TR Mr Joe to the Youth Non Pro Championship after scoring a 220.5. The duo also secured a Top 5 spot in the Level 4 Non Pro, along with the Levels 3 and 2 Non Pro Reserve Championships. In total, the pair took home $28,934, including nominator incentives.
“He is fun and high-spirited and sweet,” Fumagalli said. “It was a matter of being smart and not overdoing it or over-fixing it, but just riding the pattern and feeling the horse underneath me, and it turned out.”
TR Mr Joe, nominated by breeder Tamarack Ranch LLC, is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of Ms Whiz Dunit, who has more than $30,000 in NRHA LTE. The gelding has been in Fumagalli’s family for two years, but she just started riding him in September.
Fumagalli said she enjoys sharing reining with her dad, Patrizio, who marked a 217.5 in the Non Pro Derby finals (handicapped to a 219) to finish third in the Prime Time. Fumagalli expressed immense gratitude for both her parents, as well as her entire support system and Huss Performance Horses for their time and effort.
“I have seen the progression in the confidence and trust in our relationship as we continue to get better, and I learn how to show him better,” Fumagalli said. “I hope to keep growing from here. He is one of the most talented ones I have ever ridden, and he is so sweet.”
Masters Non Pro Champions: Catherine Crandon and Flinns Dun Twistin
Catherine Crandon has owned 5-year-old Flinns Dun Twistin since she was 1 day old, and as of tonight, they are Masters Non Pro Derby Champions. The pair scored a 217.5 with their 3-point handicap to earn $2,000.
“She is the sweetest, kindest, and tries so hard,” Crandon said. “She really tried hard today. She is just a keeper. She was right on the money, and I couldn’t have asked her to be any better.”
Crandon, who nominated her Grace Reiners LLC-bred mare, has been reining for 24 years and says the sport found her. She first saw it at an American Quarter Horse Association show in Canada, and when she saw the maneuvers she thought, “I would like that!”
“She tries, and I trust her,” Crandon said of Flinns Dun Twistin (In Like Flinn x Wimpys Dun Twistin). “I think that is the most important bond of all. I pretty much ride her all the time, and I think that is the most important thing.
“I cannot thank Ruben Vandorp enough,” she continued. “He is a tremendous help, and I cannot thank him enough.”
The excitement continues to build at the OKC Fairgrounds as the NRHA Open Derby finals take place tomorrow, where the purses will again break records across all levels of the competition. Join to watch in person, or tune in on the Cowboy Channel or the free live feed at nrhaderby.com.
Join the Fun with Ride Guess
Whether you have an eye for a winning run or simply want to have fun by making predictions, join in with NRHA’s newest virtual game, Ride Guess, powered by Spooks Gotta Whiz. This addition gives fans a chance to be part of the finals, whether they are in OKC or tuning in via the live feed.
Ride Guess is a product of Inside Rodeo sweepstakes games, which have taken the Western industry by storm and are produced by NRHA Corporate Partner Teton Ridge. Visit nrha.com/rideguess and sign up to go head-to-head with other fans, showcasing your reining knowledge and competing for incredible prizes. Rack up points throughout the Level 4 Open finals, and the top three players will be crowned champions at the end of the evening. The winners will receive prizes such as an NRHA Futurity package.
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of the Novice Horse Open competitors at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Their impressive performances have not only earned them well-deserved recognition but also highlighted the sport’s promising future.
$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Levels 3 and 2 Co-Champions – Sean McBurney and Americasnextdiamond
NRHA Professional Sean McBurney and the Rhodes River Ranch-bred and -owned Americasnextdiamond scored a 146 to tie for the win in the Levels 3 and 2 $1,000-added Novice Horse Open classes, also earning the High-Point award in both levels.
McBurney said the 9-year-old mare was recently a broodmare, but with the money added at the show, her connections decided she should return to the show pen to increase her NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE).
By NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Americasnextgunmodel, the mare already had $10,591 in NRHA LTE on her record, all with McBurney at the reins.
$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Levels 3 and 2 Co-Champions Matt Mills and Wallas First Vintage
Matt Mills took home the Novice Horse Open Levels 3 and 2 Co-Championship on wife Karen’s horse, Wallas First Vintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Wallas Chic Diana).
“I’m glad NRHA provides classes like this; it’s a perfect platform for younger horses that are moving up the ranks — a place for them to show and be competitive,” Mills said. “I rode his mother, Wallas Chic Diana, for Janice Dickson, who raised him. I watched this little guy from the beginning, so it has been really cool to see how he progressed.”
Mills said the stallion started out very playful, and it took a while for him to take training seriously.
“He’s just a fun little horse. He keeps getting better and better, and that’s the great thing about reining — it’s all about that connection with the horse,” Mills said. “They have to be willingly guided, so we have to get them to do these hard maneuvers, but it has to look like there isn’t any signal at all from the rider to the horse. To get that, you have to have hours and hours of practice. A lot of times personalities have to match, so [I’m] real excited about that win today.”
Novice Horse Open Level 1 Champions – Jared Leclair and Sparkling Magnum
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Jared Leclair piloted Sparkling Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Electric Sparkle) to the top of the first slate of the Novice Horse Open Level 1 and repeated the feat today to earn themselves the championship and high-point title.
The 6-year-old mare, who is owned by Lisa Mauzerall and was bred by Wendy Hausner, boasted more than $11,000 in NRHA LTE before this win.
“The mare has been really competitive for me in the Noice Horse classes, and I’ve shown her in derbies, too,” Leclair said. “We decided to show her here [in the ancillary classes] instead of the [NRHA] Derby because I thought she would be more competitive. That’s what’s great at these big horse shows; there are other classes for those horses to go in to be competitive.”
As the NRHA Professionals left the show pen, it was once again time for the rookies to shine. The first section of the Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All began this afternoon and will conclude after the second section shows tomorrow. Follow along with the free live feed at nrhaderby.com.
The incredible connection between horse and rider was on full display tonight in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Para-Reining Championship presented by Dechra and NRHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailers. With $3,500 added to the competition for the first time ever, Gabriella Panten and Smart Roos Olena clinched top honors.
“My favorite part was our slide,” Panten said. “I believe we did really amazing and had a good slide, and really long. I’m very happy, and I can’t wait to go home and show everybody in our barn family our big win. I like para-reining because there is always something new to practice.
“We get along in our own unique way, and we have our own unique bond,” Panten added of how exciting it was to show her gelding at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
Panten’s mom, Jennifer Dowdy-Panten, added that Smart Roos Olena takes care of her daughter and has since she began riding him six years ago.
“My mom planted the seed for me when she started reining again,” Panten said. “I spent a whole year just shadowing her and watching her and helping her get ready. I finally comprehended what she was doing, so I walked up to my mom and her trainer and said, ‘Can I try reining?’”
When reflecting on her introduction to the sport, Panten says her mom’s reining career spurred her interest, along with support from 2023 NRHA Becky Hanson Professional Horsewoman of the Year Josiane Gauthier and NRHA Professional Coral Johnston.
Panten, whose whole goal when she made plans to show in OKC was to win a saddle, joked that she would keep her trophy in bed tonight.
“We’re just really grateful and thankful for all of our farm family; and Josiane and Coral, who have come all the way out here just for her,” Dowdy-Panten said. “They’ve come in here and supported us and allowed her to grow with this sport and be confident. We’ve seen the amazement with what the para-reining has done for her with building confidence. People will not ever understand how much we, as parents, appreciate the opportunity to come out here and do this and share this with her.”
Panten thanked both of her trainers, her barn family, and Hart Trailers for donating the saddle that encouraged her to compete, as well as others who have made an impact on her life.
The Para-Reining Championship was a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion to the day with exceptional performances from the competitors. These athletes demonstrated unwavering determination, skill, and the true spirit of sportsmanship. Their participation and achievements have not only elevated the event, but also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in equestrian sports.
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is elated to celebrate the achievements of novice horses and non pro riders who took center stage, delivering standout performances. Today’s competition decided the champions of the second slate and high-point achievements.
Blair McFarlin enjoyed a dominant performance, claiming victory in all three Novice Horse Non Pro classes: Levels 1-3. Riding her homebred gelding, Sundrop (Hollywoodstinseltown x Sheza Chic Olena), a 4-year-old with a promising future, McFarlin scored a high 144.5 in Level 3.
“Sundrop has been such a great horse. We raised him, so we’ve had him through the whole process. It’s been just so rewarding watching him turn into an easygoing, sweet boy,” said McFarlin. “He has a puppy dog personality, and he’s been great to have around. It has been exciting to go win on him today!”
Emily Moomaw took the high-point title in both the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 and 3. She accomplished this feat on Ima Baby Spooks, an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Call Me Marlena. The horse was bred by Petska Trinity Equine LLC. The duo will take home two Montana Silversmiths buckles for their consistent placing in the classes.
Krista Marshall and Smart Electric Spook earned the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 high-point championship. The 4-year-old stallion is by NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Spook and out of Blues Electric Spark. Marshall will compete in the Non Pro Derby finals tomorrow in the Jim Norick Arena.
NRHA congratulates these champions and high-point winners in the Novice Horse Non Pro divisions. These talented riders and their developing equine partners showcased exceptional skills and horsemanship. NRHA looks forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the exciting world of reining horse competition.
