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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.

Sean McBurney

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.

In an electrifying demonstration of skill, artistry, and sheer passion, reiners gave their all tonight in the $20,000-added Invitational Freestyle presented by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau. The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce Its All About Ruf and Taylor Zimmerman were crowned champions for the second year in a row, taking home $5,422.

“I’m just blessed to get to be here and blessed to get to show a horse like this and call him mine,” said Zimmerman, who rode her 8-year-old stallion to “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the riders and their talented horses took center stage, captivating the Oklahoma City audience with unforgettable performances. Each competitor brought their unique flair and dedication, transforming the arena into a theater of heart-stopping athleticism and horsemanship.

Its All About Ruf (Not Ruf At All x Dun Pretty Nifty) was a birthday gift Zimmerman received from her grandfather last year.

“That was incredible. Lots of tears were shed during that,” Zimmerman said. “I’ve always been told I don’t get to keep them all forever, but I begged for this horse to not be sold.”

Zimmerman’s performance was a tribute to the relationship she shares with Its All About Ruf, whom she said she spends lots of time trail riding outside the show pen. She is also considering adding ranch riding to their repertoire.

“We raised him, so he’s been with us for eight years now,” Zimmerman said. “We’ve won a lot together, and we have a special bond. I truly believe you get to bond with your horse, and he proves it.”

Zimmerman’s love for “T.J.” was clear when she wrapped her arms around his neck as they left the arena with an electric 232 score. The team bested the 16-horse field by 1.5 points.

“I did ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ because he’s like my shining star,” Zimmerman said. “We spend a lot of time together, and I know him like the back of my hand.”

People’s Choice

For the first time in NRHA Derby history, every spectator in OKC had the chance to participate in the excitement by choosing their own winner. Reining fans picked NRHA Professional Sebastian Petroll and Xtra Miss Wimpy as their No. 1 team, highlighting the duo’s finesse and connection.

Petroll, who also earned the reserve championship in the Invitational Freestyle, won the People’s Choice Award while paying tribute to the late Toby Keith, and with added flair that included a motocross performance as part of his act. Petrol wanted to honor the proud Oklahoman, knowing how special the state was to Keith, as well as the reining community.

“In these [freestyle competitions] there are a few more factors to it so when it works out, it is great, said Petroll. “That horse has been with us since early in her 3-year-old year. She is maybe the one horse that when I look back on, I never did justice to her and always had bad luck. She had a great derby career with the owner, Ellen Cummins, and I still felt like I owed her. Any time I get a chance like this, I will go and do it with her. She is so great-minded, and she truly is part of the family.”

Petroll is also showing Xtra Miss Wimpy’s daughter at the event, which makes the connection even more special.

“It doesn’t happen very often, and it definitely deepens the connection we have to that family,” Petroll said.

He thanked the OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) for sponsoring the event and the owners for allowing this special evening to occur.

“It’s incredible,” said Zac Craig, president of the Oklahoma City CVB. “This event has been in Oklahoma City for decades. To have the Derby back each and every year is an essential marquee event here. I couldn’t be prouder for Billy [Smith], the staff of NRHA and the economic impact for Oklahoma City.

“I think it is only going to grow in time as we open this brand new OG&E Coliseum,” Craig continued. “I think people are going to be intrigued by this new facility, I think maybe they will get reattached and elevate their love for reining right here in Oklahoma City. I am excited about this year and can’t wait for the future, as well.”

The NRHA is proud to honor these Invitational Freestyle champions and other participants, whose performances drew residents from across the metroplex to celebrate the sport of reining. The world’s hottest reining, filled with unforgettable displays of grace and grit, continues tomorrow with the Non Pro Derby finals and more ancillary competition. For more information and to watch the show live, tune in to nrhaderby.com.

The 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel celebrates the next generation of reining superstars, not just with talented riders, but also with exceptional equine athletes. Today champions were crowned in the first slate of the Novice Horse Open. These gifted young horses, partnered with skilled trainers, have captivated audiences with their athleticism and potential.

$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 3 and 2 Champions – Sean McBurney and Americasnextdiamond

NRHA Professional Sean McBurney and the Rhodes River Ranch-bred, -nominated, and -owned Americasnextdiamond scored a 146.5 to win both the Level 3 and 2 $1,000-added Novice Horse Open classes.

“Americasnextdiamond was great to show today,” said McBurney. “She was in the broodmare field for a while but she looked real good, and we wanted to get more money on her. We started showing her, and hopefully, we get to use her for The Run For a Million qualifier this year.”

The 9-year-old mare by NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Americasnextgunmodel has $10,591 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) all with McBurney at the reins.

$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 1 Co-Champions – Lucas Gayoto Ocanha, Jordan McBurney, and Jared Leclair

There was a three-way tie for the lead of the Novice Horse Open Level 1 with a score of 143.5.

Lucas Gayoto Ocanha rode LV Doo The Hustle (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Steppin N Hustlin), a 5-year-old gelding owned by Oxbow Ranch LLC.

“‘Caesar’ been such a unicorn for me,” said Ocanha. “I started riding him because I have that bond. He’s special for me because he has a great mind. He is just the same every day, every time. He gives me everything every day and that’s why he’s special for me.”

Bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, the horse has nearly $2,200 in NRHA LTE, while his pilot—a fairly new NRHA Professional—has just under $1,500 in NRHA LTE.

Scott DeTro’s Chic On The Town and Jordan McBurney were the second set of leaders in the Level 1. The 2017 Rosanne Sternberg-bred and -nominated mare is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Sugarplum Chic.

“‘Paris’ is a great mare to have in the barn,” said Jordan. “She has been a super fun horse, and I’m really proud of her today. Scott has been showing her and let me take a trip on her here and she was really fun. She is a kind horse and great to have.”

Jared Leclair Rode rode Sparkling Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Electric Sparkle) to also tie for the title.

“I showed the mare all year and won multiple bronze trophies on her,” said Leclair. She’s a real gritty, big stopper, big turner. She’s your typical show horse mare. She’s strong and I look forward to showing her for the rest of the year.”

The 6-year-old mare is owned by Lisa Mauzerall and was bred by Wendy Hausner.

The future of reining shines bright as the Novice Horse Open champions are celebrated. These exceptional young horses have proven their talent and promise, leaving the crowd eager to see them develop into future champions. The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel continues to showcase the very best in the sport, and these Novice Horse Open champions represent the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.