Category: Derby

Section one of preliminary non pro competition at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel wrapped up today at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. The event was a display of remarkable horsemanship by a group of skilled riders and their equine partners, all vying for a shot at competing in the non pro finals on Friday, June 21.

Level 4 Non Pro Leaders – Mandy McCutcheon, Addisyn Schmersal, and Gina Maria-Schumacher

At the conclusion of the first section of the Non Pro Derby, three powerhouses took the lead in the Level 4.

NRHA $2 Million Rider Mandy McCutcheon rode Dun It For Whiz to the top of the Level 4 and the Colston Paving 4-Year-Old Stakes. The gelding, owned by Mandy and her husband, NRHA $2 Million Owner Tom, already has $140,868 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) with Mandy at the reins. Bred and nominated by Calvin Burger, the mare is by Dun It For Whizkey and out of Indians Gunalena.

Addisyn Schmersal and Enterprizingattitude currently lead the Level 4, the Level 3, the Youth division, and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash division. The 5-year-old gelding’s successful career started and stayed within the family. He is owned and bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal. All of his previous earnings have been with Addisyn’s dad, NRHA $5 Million Rider Craig Schmersal.

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Gina Schumacher and Gunin Addy Tude have already earned $105,407 in the showpen. The 6-year-old stallion was bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch and was purchased by the Schumacher-owned XCS Ranch LLC in 2021. Schumacher looks to defend her 2022 Level 4 Non Pro Derby Championship title this year on the stallion by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya and out of Miss Lil Addy Tude, a mare owned by nominator Toyon Ranch.

Level 2 Non Pro Leaders – Kelly Moran and Flinns Smoking Gun

Kelly Moran and Flinns Smoking Gun scored a 220 to take the lead of the Level 2. The 5-year-old gelding (NRHA Million Dollar Sire In Like Flinn x Shes All Vogue) has more than $42,000 in NRHA LTE. He was bred and nominated by Neiberger Performance Horses and was purchased by Moran in February. Moran lives in Laguna Hills, California and has $152,000 in NRHA LTE.

Level 1 Non Pro and Elementa Amateur Derby Leaders – Jenna Meimerstorf and Long Live Diamonds

From draw 84, Jennifer Meimerstorf and Long Live Diamonds scored an impressive 218, bounding to the lead in both the Level 1 Non Pro and Elementa Amateur Derbies. Nominated by Amy Medows and owned by Todd and Julie Meimerstorf, Long Live Diamonds is by NRHA $4 Million Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Chicsdreamofdiamonds.

Prime Time Non Pro Leaders – Dana Pastorino and Ziggy Rocks

After scoring an impressive 220, Dana Pastorino and Pastorino Hay & Ranch Supply Inc.’s Ziggy Rocks took the lead in the Prime Time Non Pro. The 2018 gelding by NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Shes Got Good Guns had nearly $45,000 in NRHA LTE prior to entering the Derby.

Masters Non Pro Leaders – Catherine Crandon and Flinns Dun Twistin

In 2019, Catherine Crandon nominated her own Flinns Dun Twistin (In Like Flinn x Wimpys Dun Twistin) with NRHA, making her eligible to compete at this event. It paid off after the duo’s 212.5-point performance from draw 88, giving them the lead in the Masters Non Pro Derby.

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Leaders – Sarayah Voorhees and Gotta Lotta Magic

Sarayah Voorhees and Wild Rose Ranch’s Gotta Lotta Magic rode to a 218 to take the lead in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby. Although it was only the duo’s first show together, the 2018 mare by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Smoke N Magic performed well for nominator Bobby Lewis with Voorhees at the reins.

With the first section of non pro preliminary competition completed, excitement mounts for tomorrow’s continuation. The remaining sections will compete for the chance to advance to the prestigious non pro finals. We look forward to witnessing another day of exceptional reining talent on display at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.If you are not in Oklahoma City to cheer on the competitors in person, visit nrhaderby.com for access to the free live feed of the event.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is delighted to announce Ride Guess, an exciting, interactive game that will put reining fans in the judge’s seat at the Level 4 Open Finals! Powered by Spooks Gotta Whiz, Ride Guess allows you to test your horsemanship IQ by predicting the scores of each run.

Compete, Challenge, and Win!

Whether you have an eye for a winning run or simply want to have fun by making predictions, Ride Guess gives you a chance to be part of the finals whether you are in OKC or tuning in via live feed. Ride Guess is a product of Inside Rodeo sweepstakes games which have taken the Western industry by storm, produced by NRHA Corporate Partner Teton Ridge. Ride Guess lets you 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!

Grand Prize Glory Awaits!

The ultimate bragging rights come with the Ride Guess grand prize – a dream package to the 2024 NRHA Futurity! Immerse yourself in the heart of the action with a two-night hotel stay in Oklahoma City, VIP badges granting exclusive access, and box seat tickets to both the Non Pro and Open Finals. You’ll also receive a parking pass for your convenience and stylish event jackets to commemorate the experience.

Additional Prizes to Spur You On!

Second place is not left out! Take home a handsome $200 gift certificate to NRHA Corporate Partner Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, allowing you to upgrade your wardrobe. And third place will score a fantastic combo from another NRHA Corporate Partner– a pair of comfortable CINCH jeans and a classic CINCH shirt, perfect for showing your reining spirit.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Level 4 Open Finals action! Visit nrha.com/rideguess to learn how to play Ride Guess and get ready to match your skills or luck against the best.

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.

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.

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.