The SmartPak Non Pro Derby at the Tulsa Reining Classic featured $26,000 in added money, and the one-go format meant every entry was riding for a win. It was a great day of competition, and SmartPak Customer Care Representative Annina McMillan was on hand for the awards presentation.
Mandy McCutcheon
In the end, it was National Reining Horse Association $2 Million Rider Mandy McCutcheon who took home top honors with a score of 221.5. “I thank SmartPak for sponsoring this class. My husband Tom, my dad Tim (McQuay), and now my son Cade are all sponsored by SmartPak – Tom and Tim for over a decade. They’re a great group of people and it’s a great company that we’re happy to be involved with,” McCutcheon said.
McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Texas, was riding Codalicious, by Electric Code out of Custom Easy Breezy. She and Tom purchased the mare earlier in the year. “Joe Schmidt had her as a three-year-old and did quite well with her, and I saw her every day at the time. The owner told me she was just going to take her home and not show her, so I asked if she’d be interested in selling her,” McCutcheon recalled. “I had never ridden her – just watched Joe show her – so I took her home, rode her and liked her, so we made a deal.”
The pair’s first event was in March at the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association show in Tulsa. Although they had some things to work at, they then made the finals at both the National Reining Breeders Classic and the NRHA Derby. “She’s just a great-minded, solid show horse. Today she was really honest and sweet, and everywhere I wanted to go, she went,” McCutcheon said.
It was a big day for the women of the McCutcheon family. Mandy’s daughter, Carlee, was also competing, placing in levels 4 through 2 and winning the Non Pro Level 1. “I am so proud of Carlee. She’s turned into such a great showman. She doesn’t get to practice very often because she’s busy jumping, but she did such a great job today,” she said.
The McCutcheon crew brought a large group of horses to Tulsa. “We have 38 horses here. It takes a village to get us all where we need to go. I’m so thankful for our team. Joe did a great job training this mare. I also thank Tom, Debbie Brown, Fernando Salgado, my parents, Cade, and everyone who works for us at the barn. I’m so thankful,” she said.
Lane Colston & Baileys Not Painted – Non Pro Level 4 Reserve Champions, Non Pro Level 3 and 2 Champions
Lane Colston
With a score of 220, Lane Colston and Baileys Not Painted finished in reserve of the Level 4, and claimed the Championship of the Non Pro Levels 3 and 2. All totaled, the pair pocketed $7,313. “I could tell he was ready to go and do his job today,” Colston said. “He stopped probably the best he’s ever stopped. Overall he was great.”
Colston, who is 15 years old, has been showing reiners for six years, and rides with Tom McCutcheon and Fernando Salgado, although he resides in Kentucky. “My horse stays in Aubrey. They’re a well-oiled machine there and do such a great job of keeping him ready for me to show,” he said.
Colston actually purchased Baileys Not Painted, by Gunners Special Nite out of Darlins Not Painted, from the McCutcheons. “Mandy showed him, and Tom showed him some. We bought him and I’ve had him a year and a half and we’ve been successful. He’s a really talented horse.” He added, “I enjoy riding him. He always tries for me and I know he’ll be good if I stay out of his way.”
Colston, who will travel to Las Vegas next for the High Roller Classic, added, “I thank my parents Amy and Kevin, as well as Cade, Tom and Fernando. They all give me great advice and are always willing to help out and go the extra mile.”
Carlee McCutcheon & A Special Sidekick – Non Pro Levels 3 & 2 Reserve Champions, Non Pro Level 1 Champions
Carlee McCutcheon
Carlee McCutcheon is following in her mother’s footsteps. Not only is she an avid reiner, she has also seen much success in the hunter-jumper world. She does so, she noted, with lots of support. “I have my parents and grandparents who help me a lot and make everything easier on me. I also thank Debbie Brown. I couldn’t do it without her. She helps me so much,” McCutcheon said.
On Thursday, McCutcheon took the reins of her standout gelding A Special Sidekick, and piloted the gelding to a score of 217.5, finishing third in the Level 4, second in both Levels 3 and 2, and winning the Level 1, for total earnings of $5,515. “Today was the best run I’ve had on him. It was awesome,” she said.
McCutcheon has been riding A Special Sidekick, who she calls Fitz, since he was a three-year-old. “He’s always been really good and has taught me a lot,” she said of the five-year-old by Gunners Special Nite out of A Shining Sidekick. “He’s taught me to be brave, and we’ve had some success.”
Taking Reserve in the Non Pro Level 1 was reigning NRHA Non Pro Derby Champions Jennifer Neudorf and Shining In Town with a 216. Shining In Town is by Hollywoodstinseltown out of Shine Ann.
Kaylee Naylor & Lil Ruf Dreamer – Novice Horse Non Pro Co-Champions
Kaylee Naylor
With a score of 216, Kaylee Naylor and Lil Ruf Dreamer tied for the win of the Novice Horse Non Pro division. That, totaled with placing in Non Pro Levels 4-2, brought total earnings to $3,603. “Our turnarounds were the best she ever has done. She did everything I asked her to in her circles, and we finally nailed our lead changes. This was the first time she’s ever done a pattern up and down the middle, but she was really good,” Naylor said.
Naylor purchased the four-year-old mare, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Lil Ruf Jessie, only a few months ago. “I got her from Casey Hinton. I like how honest she is and how she goes in and tries every single time,” she said. “We’re done for the year now, and will show again at next year’s NRBC.”
Naylor, an 18-year-old from Jenks, Oklahoma, attends school at Tulsa Community College. She added, “I thank my parents Brandy Naylor and Jared Redyke, as well as my trainer Sean Johnson and his wife for all their help.”
Chalyce Head & Pure Revolution – Novice Horse Non Pro Co-Champions
Chalyce Head
Also tying for the Novice Horse Non Pro division and placing in Non Pro Levels 4-2 for $3,603 was Chalyce Head and Pure Revolution. “I was really happy with my run. It’s a really big pen and she’s a little horse, so I was worried about her getting tired. Even though she was tired she tried. It’s a long pen, but she was really good,” Head said.
Head purchased Pure Revolution, by Einsteins Revolution out of MadeOf Pure Spangled, early in the mare’s three-year-old year. “She’s four now. I showed her at all the futurities. She’s been great. She has taught me so much and given me so much confidence in the show pen. I can just go in there and she will try to do the best she can,” she said.
Head rides with Abby Lengel. “It’s been a big year for us. Today, Abby told me to go have fun and don’t leave anything out there,” she said. “I thank Abby and Sandy, and my friend Jennifer for supporting me. I also thank my whole family for all their help. They’re all great.”
The 15-year-old won’t get much rest, as she’ll be packing up and heading to Las Vegas as well.
Kelle Smith & WF Shez Gotta Whiz – Prime Time Non Pro Champions
With a score of 218, Kelle Smith and WF Shez Gotta Whiz claimed the Prime Time Non Pro title. The pair also placed in the Level 4 and the Level 3, for a total paycheck of $3,633. WF Shez Gotta Whiz is by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Shez Dun Steppin.
Sean Pulley finished second in the Prime Time Non Pro with Spook In Sparks, by Smart Spook out of Setting Off Sparks.
Complete results and news for the Tulsa Reining Classic can be found at www.TulsaReining.com.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests or questions.
In addition to numerous opportunities for aged event horses, the Tulsa Reining Classic features a full slate of National Reining Horse Association classes, and also hosts the South Central Affiliate Regional Championships. The top ten finishers in each of the ARC classes earn a spot at the North American Affiliate Championships, which will be held at the NRHA Futurity in December.
The South Central ARC receives strong support from sponsors that include Adquan, Cardinal Reining Horses, Cinch, Classic Equine, Markel Insurance, Montana Silversmiths, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, SmartPak, Toyon Ranch, and the NRHA.
Mirjam Stillo & Steppin Little Lena – ARC Open Champions
Mirjam Stillo
Mirjam Stillo and Steppin Little Lena, owned by Heidi Pichotta, claimed the ARC Open Championship honors with a score of 145. They also tied for fourth in the Open (2), bringing the day’s earnings to more than $775. “It was fun. I’m happy with the result. He showed good. We didn’t get a lot of prep time, but he came in and did his job and showed well. He’s always been a reliable horse,” Stillo said.
Steppin Little Lena, by Wimpys Little Step out of Collena O Lena, will stay busy the rest of the week, pulling double duty in both open and non pro classes. “The goal was to qualify him for the ARC open, and then I will show him in the Novice Horse 2, and the owner will show him in the rookie. He will be busy, but he’ll handle it. He’s a grown up horse,” Stillo said. “He’s consistently good.”
Stillo trains out of Toyon Ranch in Pilot Point, Texas. “I moved there about a year ago. It’s a great facility and a great place,” she said. “Next for him will be the World Show, and then the NAAC finals at the Futurity.”
Brian Bell & Lil Juice Cash – Open (2) Champions
Brian Bell
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Brian Bell piloted Lil Juice Cash to a 147.5, winning the Open (2) and earning $1,208. “He was really smooth, and did everything pretty good. He’ll normally mark that score. He’s like a robot,” Bell said of the four-year-old gelding, by Lil Joe Cash out of Peppy Lil Juice.
Lil Juice Cash is owned by Julie Ridgeway. “She shows him a lot and I get to show him every now and then, but when I do he’s really good,” Bell said.
Although Bell is done showing Lil Juice Cash for the week, he’ll stay busy. “I have a bunch of futurity and derby horses to show the rest of the week,” he said. “Then I’ll be home for two days and then off to Vegas for another show.”
Taking second in the Open (2) was Craig Schmersal and Hot Hollywood Whizky, who won the class on Wednesday. Hot Hollywood Whizky, by Topsail Whiz out of Hot Hollywood Jewels, is owned by Mark Blake. The pair took home $949.
Tell Edgmon & Docs Shining Crome – ARC Int. Open and Ltd. Open Champions, Int. Open (2) and Ltd. Open (2) Co-Champions
On Tuesday, Tell Edgmon and Docs Shining Crome won the Novice Horse Open class, and on Thursday claimed several titles, including the ARC Int. Open and Ltd. Open, and Reserve in the ARC Open. By virtue of winning those classes, Edgmon and Docs Shining Crome earned a spot in the Adequan NAAC finals at the NRHA Futurity.
“I showed him in the Novice Horse on Tuesday and then schooled him yesterday and tested him a bit. He was good there, so I went ahead and showed him today for the ARC and he did pretty good,” Edgmon said.
The pair marked a 142.5. “I was getting him ready in another arena with deeper dirt, then I came in here and it was a little faster in the show pen and he didn’t like it as much. He tried to stop, and stopping is his biggest trick so I lost a few points there.” He added, “But he still went in and turned and circled really well for me and made up some points.”
Docs Shining Crome, by Custom Crome, is owned by Mike and Heather Marks of Texas Horse Power. “I’ve been riding him about a year. I like how simple he is. There are no tricks to him,” the Lipan, Texas, trainer said. “I thank my wife Ari Edgmon for all her support.”
Nick Valentine & Double Loaded Gun – Int. Open (2) Co-Champions
Nick Valentine and Double Loaded Gun also marked a 142.5 to tie for the win of the Int. Open. Double Loaded Gun, by Gunner out of Anniegityergun, is owned by Doug Forzani.
Naike Albert & Cee Masota Spook – Ltd. Open (2) Co-Champions
Naike Albert and Cee Masota Spook took the Ltd. Open (2) Co-Championship with a score of 142.5. Cee Masota Spark, a five-year-old mare, is owned by George and Carol Bell.
Cee Masota Spook is by Smart Spook out of Cee Another Masota. “She was right there with me. I think she’s a perfect mare,” Albert, who has been showing reiners for eight years, said.
Although Albert is finished showing for the week, she will be helping her new husband Brian Bell with his Derby and Futurity horses. After a quick two day trip home, the couple will travel to Las Vegas for the next event.
In addition to riding and training reining horses, Albert, of Aubrey, Texas, is also a talented painter.
Kaleigh Gerringer & Lil Coded Jac – ARC Rookie Pro Champions, Rookie Pro (2) Co-Champions
On Wednesday, Kaleigh Gerringer and Lil Coded Jac tied for the win of the Rookie Pro, and ended at the top of the leaderboard again on Thursday with a 141. The pair took sole possession of the ARC Rookie Pro, and once again tied for the win of the Rookie Pro ancillary class.
“Today he was really good. It was a run-in pattern, which sometimes can be a little tough for us, but he was super quiet. He stayed with me the whole time. He was just easy and I was very happy,” Gerringer said.
Lil Coded Jac, by Jacs Electric Spark out of Hot Coded Candy, is owned by Susan Meyer. “I thank Susan for all the opportunities she has given me. Not just on this horse, but others, too. I love every opportunity I get,” Gerringer said.
Gerringer and Lil Coded Jac are done for the week, but will be heading to Las Vegas next week.
Finishing second in the Rookie Pro (2) was Eduardo Giannasi and Ruf Till The End. Ruf Till The End, owned by Cardinal Hill Training Center, is by Not Ruf At All and out of Remedys Sure Slide.
Cody Garrison & Bombshell Banjo – Rookie Pro (2) Co-Champions
Bombshell Banjo has spent the last couple years as a broodmare, but has made her return to the show pen and now leads the world in the Limited Open division. On Thursday, Cody Garrison piloted the 12-year-old mare to the Rookie Pro (2) co-championship. “She was turned out as a broodmare because my girlfriend had back surgery, and we brought her back this year for her to show. I started schooling her and ended up showing her a bit. She’s just been a phenomenal horse,” Garrison said.
Bombshell Banjo, owned by Brogan Lee, is by Banjo Whiz out of Bob Acres Badgerlena. “We’ve owned her going on six years now. She has been an absolutely terrific mare and everything you could ask for,” Garrison said. “She’s always right there with you and shows good.”
Garrison and Bombshell Banjo marked a 141 in the class. “She came in and felt really good coming through the gate. She ran and stopped big. She might have backed a little slower than I liked, but turned and circled good both way. This pen is big and fits here. There’s a little more room and I can run her a bit more,” he said. “I picked a bad patch of dirt for the first stop, but she came right back to me. She knows her job.”
Although Garrison and Bombshell Banjo are finished at the Tulsa Reining Classic, they’ll be traveling to Wisconsin in a few weeks for another event.
McKinnon Larcombe & Designed With Shine – Non Pro., Int. Non Pro, and Ltd. Non Pro Champions
McKinnon Larcombe and Designed With Shine, owned by Shauana Larcombe, claimed the win of the Non Pro, Int. Non Pro, and Ltd. Non Pro classes with a 145.5, collecting $1,277. Thursday’s class served as a warmup for the rest of the week. “I’m going to show in the youth on Saturday and just cruise through there, and then on Sunday I’ll show in the ARC for the youth and the Non Pro classes, so hopefully we can get qualified to show at the NAAC at the Futurity,” Larcombe said.
Larcombe and Designed With Shine, by Smart And Shiney and out of Taris Designer Genes, have picked up wins at multiple events, including the NRHA Derby and the National Reining Breeders Classic. “My favorite thing to do is show her. She’s a great horse on the ground. She’s sweet to cuddle and everything, but she is so much fun to show,” Larcombe said. “She’s always hooked in and tries her hardest.”
The 18-year-old is not just a phenom in the show pen, she’s also started a successful photography, design, and advertising business, which keeps her busy. “We might go to the Best of the West in Scottsdale, and then to the Southwest Futurity in Ardmore, and then the Futurity,” she explained.
Larcombe’s family regularly attends the Tulsa Reining Classic. “We have come here every year we’ve been in the United States. It’s such a great show. The staff runs it so well. There are great prizes, so many arenas to ride in, and a great facility,” she said.
With a score of 143, Paul Queen and Outta Dough, by Gallo Del Cielo and out of Dough Olena, took reserve in the Non Pro and Ltd. Non Pro, and tied for second in the Int. Non Pro.
Julie Ridgeway and Gunnaout Shine Ya, by Gunnatrashya and out of Jesta Little Shiner, tied for reserve in the Int. Non Pro.
Tolbert Foster & Wimpys Memorabilia – Prime Time Non Pro Champions
Tolbert Foster and his 10-year-old mare Wimpys Memorabilia claimed the Prime Time Non Pro title. “I’m surprised I won something. We had a little trouble with the last stop, but it was just good enough. This is a tough pattern. I studied it all week, and luckily got it right,” he said with a laugh.
Foster has owned Wimpys Memorabilia, by Wimpys Little Step and out of Memorable Affair, for six years. “She’s had some real nice babies that I’ve been excited about. She’s been a good show horse, too.” He added, “I may retire her at the end of this year. I’m not sure.”
Foster and Wimpys Memorabilia will show again on Sunday. “I just hope for the same kind of results. It’s tough, so I’m really thrilled I won something. It’s always exciting to win,” he said. “We’ll go to one more show this year in Ardmore, and hopefully I’ll have my other mare ready to go.”
Cindy Johnson and Wound Her Up Doc, by Wimpys Little Step and out of Wind Her Up Doc, finished reserve in the Prime Time Non Pro.
Sarah Flarida & Starbucks Jazz – Green Reiner Level 1 & 2 Champions
Sarah Flarida and Starbucks Jazz swept the Green Reiner classes at the Tulsa Reining Classic, winning both levels on both days of competition with a 71.5. “I had some spots I need to work on today, but we’ll work on making it better for the next time,” Flarida, of Purcell, Oklahoma, said.
Starbucks Jazz, a 16-year-old stallion by Smart Starbuck and out of Flipped Out Jazz, is a veteran competitor. He made the finals of all the major events with Brian Bell before going on to have a long career. “He’s been kicked out in the pasture for retirement for the past four or five years. His owners, Dana Case and Whitney Conrad, had offered him to me to ride. I asked if it would be ok since he had been retired. Dana said, ‘He’s going to run you over to get back in a stall. He thinks he’s a show horse and feels super degraded living outside in the pasture,’” Flarida recalled with a laugh. “She’s right. He is so happy to be in the barn. He loves being a show horse. He’d much rather do this than be retired.”
Flarida and Starbucks Jazz have a special connection. Flarida was working for Brian Bell when the stallion was a four-year-old. “It was really cool to get to ride him back then when I was green myself, and to show him now is awesome. I am super grateful to his owners for letting me show him,” she said.
Abigail Zuch and Dun Smarter tied Trent McNally and Thelmas Little Step for reserve in both levels. Dun Smarter is by Magnum Chic Dream and out of SLJ Smartly Dun, while Thelmas Little Step is by Wimpys Little Step and out of Kachina Oak Olena.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests or questions.
The Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity at the Tulsa Reining Classic was created with the goal of allowing reining horses to progress and perform at their own pace. As entries increase each year, it’s evident that the reining industry has embraced the concept.
Dany Tremblay & Lil Gun Affair – Open Level 4 and Level 3 Champions
Dany Tremblay
With a score of 221, Dany Tremblay and Lil Gun Affair claimed the Open Level 4 and Open Level 3 championship of the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse Futurity. The talented mare, by Lil Joe Cash out of Gun Affair, added $6,644 to her lifetime earnings. “She was super easy to get ready today. It’s something I really like about this mare. She’s not complicated and is a team player. She’s not scared of the crowd or judges,” Tremblay said. “She’s exactly the same in the show pen as at home, which is what every trainer wants.”
Tremblay noted that Lil Gun Affair’s best maneuver is her stops. “After we were done with the turnarounds and circles, I just sent her,” he recalled.
Lil Gun Affair is owned by Martin Brisebois. “Her owner is from Canada and is a great friend of ours and a good customer. I wish he could have been here, I am so happy for him,” Tremblay said. “We bought this horse as a yearling. She’s part of our program and we’ve done everything with her. From day one she wanted to be nice, and now she’s here winning something.”
Tremblay brought twelve horses to Tulsa. “It’s a busy week. This year I’m lucky because I have many good three-year-olds. I didn’t know what to pick to put in which futurity. I don’t think she’s less talented than the others – I just thought I’d show her today,” he said. “After this week we will know what horses are going where.”
Abigayle Mixon and Archiesgunnatrashyya tied Mathieu Buton and Mega Smart N Trashy for reserve in the Open Level 4. Each marked a 218.5 and collected $2,608. Archiegunnatrashyya, by Gunnatrashya out of Jacs Electric Belle, is owned by Dee Dee Boeckman.
Mega Smart N Trashy, by Gunnatrashya out of Einsteins Dun It, is owned by Barn-377 LLC. He and Buton also finished second in the Level 2, worth an additional $1,139.
Matteo Rondanina & Spooks Smokin – Open Level 2 and Level 1 Champions
Matteo Rondanina
Not only did Matteo Rondanina and Spooks Smokin win reserve in the Open Level 3, the duo also topped both the Open Levels 2 and 1 with a 219.5. All totaled, the pair took home $4,486.
It wasn’t in Rondanina’s plans to come to Tulsa, but a busy schedule necessitated the trip to Oklahoma. “I was going to go to Vegas, but I am a little bit busy, so brought this horse here Monday. He was a little fresh Monday, so I didn’t enter the Level 4,” Rondanina said.
Although Spooks Smokin, by Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Smokin Marquita, might have been fresh earlier in the week, he came through in the show pen. “Yesterday he felt really good, and today, after the first turn, I knew he was with me and felt really good. He was with me totally. It was just the first stop. I was second to last on the set and there were a lot of tracks, so I ran him down watching and I needed to be more confident, but the other two stops I pushed more, and he did stop really good,” Rondanina recalled.
Rondanina has ridden Spooks Smokin, who he owns with Sergio Elia, since he was a two-year-old. “He was a good horse from the beginning, and especially in the last few months he has made a big change and got better,” he said. “I’ll probably take him to Ardmore after we work on a few things a little more, then the plan is the big futurity.”
Rondanina, who trains horses in Whitesboro, Texas, moved to the states two years ago. “I bought another business, so I train about seven or eight horses and then have a shipping company,” he explained. “I brought one five-year-old here for schooling, and I may show her in the Derby on Sunday. She’s qualified for the World Show and I want to school her for that.”
Tying for reserve in the Open Level 1 was Sean Johnson and Adreaminheart and Josefine Spangfors and Jlosa, worth $546.
Adreaminheart, owned by Steve Brownless, is by Magnum Chic Dream out of Betcha Boots Lizzie.
JLosa, owned by Euro-Vets Inc., is by Arlosa Whiz out of Spook N Jessie.
For more information about Tamarack Ranch, located in Joseph, Oregon, visit the website at TamarackRanchReiners.com.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests or questions.
Wednesday at the Tulsa Reining Classic featured a full day of National Reining Horse Association approved ancillary classes in both the Mustang and Super Duty Arenas.
Craig Schmersal & Hot Hollywood Whizky – Open Champions
Craig Schmersal
Craig Schmersal and Hot Hollywood Whizky were the last to compete in the Open ancillary class and bested the field with a score of 148. It was a typical run for the seven-year-old reiner. “He circled so good, and his favorite thing to do is slow down. Then he just runs down there and buries it. It’s just so effortless for him,” noted Schmersal, an NRHA $4 Million Rider. “He was great today. I was just trying to cruise through the pattern. He does stuff so physically that it doesn’t take much for him to mark high.”
Hot Hollywood Whizky is by Topsail Whiz out of Hot Hollywood Jewels, and is owned by Mark Blake. “That horse has just been a Steady Eddie for Mark and I. Mark was kind enough to share him with me this week. We’re just trying to put some open money on him,” Schmersal shared.
Schmersal has a busy week. “I brought some three-year-olds for Saturday’s futurity, and I showed one today in the Tamarack Ranch Developing Horse futurity. I’m just trying to get them out and about,” he said.
Josh Murphy and Got That Iowa Shine finished second in the Open with a 147. Got That Iowa Shine, by Smart And Shiney out of SLJ This Is My Juice, is owned by Kalyn Sanders.
Kenzy Donnelly & Shesa Tinker Toy – Int. Open and Ltd. Open Champions
Kenzy Donnelly
Kenzy and Kelly Donnelly haven’t owned Shesa Tinker Toy long, but the four-year-old mare is proving herself to be a solid show horse. “She’s really nice, quiet, and tries to please,” Kenzy Donnelly noted after the pair won both the Int. Open and Ltd. Open classes with a 144.5.
“My wife bought her for a non pro horse, but she took my horse and I took hers, so it all worked out. She still likes her horse, too, but she might steal her back after today,” Donnelly, of Whitesboro, Texas, said with a laugh.
Shesa Tinker Toy is by Tinker With Guns out of Smartest Sister. “She was good today, and really waited on me. We’ve been having some trouble with the run downs, but today she really squared up and did her job,” he said. “I’ll show again tomorrow, and I plan to just do the same deal and see what happens.”
Nick Valentine and Double Loaded Gun finished second in the Intermediate Open with a 144. Double Loaded Gun, by Gunner out of KR Anniegetyergun, is owned by Doug Forzani.
Kaleigh Gerringer & Lil Coded Jac – Rookie Professional Co-Champions
Kaleigh Gerringer and Lil Coded Jac tied for the win of the Rookie Professional, as well as second in the Limited Open. The pair marked a 143.5. “Today went really well. I was really happy with him. He was super quiet and just stayed with me the whole time,” she said.
Lil Coded Jac is a full sibling to standout athlete Electric Code. The seven-year-old gelding is by Electric Spark out of Hot Coded Candy. “He’s owned by Susan Meyer, and we call him Uncle Jack. I’ve been showing him about two years now. He’s been an amazing horse,” she said. “We won the affiliate at the futurity last year, and then some small shows here and there. He’s been very consistent for me.”
Gerringer has been working for Jared Leclair for three years and has been riding reining horses since she was 12 years old. “I just saw a reining horse and fell in love,” she said.
Eduardo Giannasi & Ruf Till The End – Rookie Professional Co-Champions
Eduardo Giannasi and Ruf Till The End marked a 143.5. “She was really good. Probably the best she’s been in a while. I’ve been having a ltitle trouble in her circles, but she was really good today,” he said. “I was very happy. She’s always been a big stopper. We had a bobble in the first stop, but everything else was good.”
Giannasi has been riding the six-year-old mare for three years. The mare, owned by Cardinal Hill Training Center, is by Lil Ruf Peppy and out of Remedys Sure Slide. “She was good today, so I will be easy on her and show her again tomorrow,” Giannasi said.
Jessicah Keller & Coronarita Time – Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champions
Jessicah Keller and her homegrown mare Coronarita Time tied for the win of the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 with a score of 140. The flashy palomino mare is by Shine Big Time and out of Corona Lite Chex, a mare that Keller herself used to show. “I made the futurity finals on her mother, and Corona Lite Chex’s dam was Kings Gold Cody, who my sister showed. We’ve had the whole family,” Keller explained. “There are definitely some similarities between all three of them.”
Keller added that Coronarita Time has been easy to show this year. “She’s a big turner and a big stopper, and is nice to be around and is good minded. She’s been very consistent this year,” she said.
Keller will show Coronarita Time again on Saturday in the Affiliate Regional Championships for the Novice Horse Non Pro. “We went a little slower today than we would normally go because today is not the affiliate finals day, but we plan to give it more on Saturday.” She added, “I think we’ll be alright. I’m going to go show her and do the best we can.”
Allana Vernon & Whizkeys Hot Jewel – Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 Co-Champions
Tying Jessicah Keller for the win of the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 was Allana Vernon and Whizkeys Hot Jewel. Vernon and Whizkeys Hot Jewel, by Whizkey N Diamonds out of Jewels Lil Sparkle, were finalists in the Non Pro Level 1 at this year’s NRHA Derby. The pair took home $248 for the co-championship.
Paige Vernon & Guns Last Chance – Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champions
Paige Vernon and Guns Last Chance took sole custody of the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 title with a score of 145, winning $248. Guns Last Chance is by NRHA $11 Million Sire Gunner, out of Shiners Woman.
Kary Key and Oh Yes I Can Jac finished second in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 with a 142, worth $218. Oh Yes I Can Jac is by Marthas Mega Jac out of Smart Juicy Lucy.
Sarah Flarida & Starbucks Jazz – Green Reiner Level 1 & Level 2 Champions
Sarah Flarida won the Green Reiner Level 1 and Level 2 titles in the Super Duty Arena on Starbucks Jazz with a 72. “I haven’t gotten to show in about six years, so some of it’s a blur because I get nervous,” Flarida admitted.
Luckily she had a veteran reining horse as her partner. “He’s a blast. He’s been shown a whole lot by open riders, so he can be a little tricky to get shown, but he was awesome. This was the best run we’ve had,” Flarida said of the 16-year-old stallion, by Smart Starbuck and out of Flipped Out Jazz. Starbucks Jazz made the NRHA Open Futurity Finals with Brian Bell as a three-year-old, and has been a finalist at all the major events.
Flarida and Starbucks Jazz have a special connection. “I worked for Brian a million years ago, and I got to ride this horse as a four-year-old, so I know him a little bit. It’s just a crazy thing that I got to ride him again,” she said. “He’s owned by Whitney Conrad and her mother Dana Case. They’re good friends of mine and were nice enough to let me lease him.”
Sarah and her husband Matt make their home in Purcell, Oklahoma. Matt’s advice to Sarah before the run was simple – go win. “He has more confidence in my abilities than I do. He has helped me a lot the past few weeks with Jazz,” Sarah said.
Trent McNally and Thelmas Little Step, by Wimpys Little Step and out of Kachina Oak Olena, finished second with a 71.5.
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Kyle Shaw and Chics Dig Shiners Win Toyon Ranch Emerging Horse Futurity
