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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.

The first slate of National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open classes began in the Adequan^® Arena today at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. NRHA Professionals who have earned less than $10,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) competed in the first slate of these classes. They will enter the show pen again on Monday, June 17, for their chance at earning a high-point buckle by Montana Silversmiths.

Arnaud Ferret rode Conquistadors Dun It to a 145 to win the first slate of the Intermediate Open. The 10-year-old gelding has $66,000 in NRHA LTE. 

“He is super fun,” said Ferret. “The owner is showing him in the rookie and the [Classic Equine] Green Reiner, and he has been a pleasure for her and takes care of her. I was supposed to school him, but he felt great, so I put my chaps on and just showed him. He was awesome for me!”

Conquistadors Dun It was bred by Double Run Farm and is owned by Garret Stevens. The gelding is by NRHA Hall of Famer Hollywood Dun It and out of Conquistadors Sandy.

Juan Robledo Coppiano and Alpha Sushi Chic earned the top spot in the Rookie Professional. The 8-year-old mare is owned, bred, and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC and has $6,000 NRHA LTE. By Wimpy Chic and out of Shiney Sushi.

“I started riding her this year, and she’s a really special mare because she taught me a lot,” said Coppiano. “She is just so athletic, so physical. She can do everything awesome. She has taught me a lot—how to feel what a great horse is.”

Twenty-three-year-old Coppiano joined NRHA a mere year ago, signing up as a professional. Before today, he had $255 in NRHA LTE.

“I am really fortunate to be riding her because she is just awesome and has taught me a lot,” said Coppiano.

Eduardo Giannasi showed a 7-year-old mare to the top of the first slate of the Limited Open with a 144.5.

Boujee is owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Thorsport Inc. and was bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC.

“This is the first time I showed this mare. I usually ride her at home,” Eduardo said. “Allison Thorson [with Thorsport Inc.] is the owner and usually shows her, but I had a lot of fun showing her today.”

Boujee has nearly $23,000 in NRHA LTE and is a cornerstone of the Thorson’s breeding program, bringing excellent bloodlines to pair with their own stallions, and others, to create up-and-coming prospects all while competing in the show pen.

“Of course I love to show, but having assistants like Eduardo show is also important so they can not only gain experience and a great show resume for his own respective career as a trainer, but also help coach me as a non pro in other events,” said Thorson.

The Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All begins tomorrow, June 16, in the Adequan^® Arena along with the second slate of the Classic Equine Green Reiner classes. If you are not in OKC to watch the action live, visit nrhaderby.com to view the free live feed.

The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds buzzed with excitement today as the first day of competition in the Open Derby at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel kicked off. Top NRHA Professionals and their exceptional equine partners took center stage in the Jim Norick Arena, showcasing their talents and vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious Open Finals.

Level 4 Open and APHA Chrome Cash Leaders – Luca Fappani and Trashy Dreams

At the end of section one, Luca Fappani and Trashy Dreams, by Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya and out of This Chicsdundreamin, held the lead in the Level 4 after entering the show pen at draw number four and marking a 224. The pair also currently tops the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash division. The 6-year-old mare, owned and nominated by Neiberger Performance Horses LLC, first entered the show pen as a 4-year-old under NRHA Million Dollar Rider Fernando Salgado. Fappani took over the reins the following year. Together, the duo has more than $40,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE).

Level 3 Open Leaders – Arno Honstetter and McNastyy

Arno Honstetter and McNastyy lead the first section of the Level 3 Open Derby with a 223.5. They also lead the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby and the Tamarack Ranch 4-year-old Stakes. The Sarah Christen owned stallion by Gunnatrashya and out of Miss Mcdreamy. Honstetter is the head trainer at Story Book Stables, the nominator of 4-year-old McNastyy, who is owned by Sarah Christen.

Level 2 and Level 1 Open Leaders – Gabriele Landi and Trashya N Hollywood / Leonardo Kellermann and Magoworthy

Two NRHA Professionals are tied to lead the Level 2 and Level 1 with a 218.5. Gabriele Landi rode Trashya N Hollywood, a 5-year-old stallion bred and owned by Marc and Kathy Gordon. The stallion is by Gunnatrashya and out of Sheza Hollywood Chic and has nearly $15,000 in NRHA LTE.

Leonardo Kellermann rode Magoworthy, a 5-year-old stallion is bred, nominated and owned by Terry Leffew. The stallion is by Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Banjoes Shining Star.

Prime Time Open Leaders – Franco Bertolani and Blueyedgirl

The Open Derby Prime Time leader is Franco Bertolani and Blueyedgirl, who earned a 220.5 for owner Bruna Bertolani. The 7-year-old mare has more than $94,000 in NRHA LTE and was bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC. Blueyedgirl is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Shining Survivor.

With the first day of competition complete, anticipation continues to build for the remaining sections of the Open Derby. The fight for a spot in the lucrative Finals on June 22nd is wide open, promising a thrilling week of reining action ahead. The action continues tomorrow with section two of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel beginning at 8 a.m. in the Jim Norick Arena. While at the event, join us for the Buckle Ceremony to celebrate the 2023 World and Reserve World Champions; the 2023 Top 20 Professionals, Non Pros and Owners; and the 2023 NRHA Professionals of the Year.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the first slate of ancillary Non Pro classes at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. The competition showcased the remarkable skills and dedication of our non pro riders, underscoring the longevity of reining.

Kent Ray Taylor emerged as the champion in the first slate of the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro, and Prime Time Non Pro with a stellar performance on Xtra Wimpys Catalyst scoring an impressive 145.5.

“I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to own such a perfect horse,” said Taylor. “He is a black unicorn! He goes in and delivers, and I have the best time.”

Xtra Wimpys Catalyst is a 9-year-old stallion by Wimpys Little Step and out of Im Not Blonde. Bred by Milholland Training Inc., Taylor has owned the stallion since 2021, and together, the duo has earned many titles.

“He takes care of me while I sit up there and act like I know what I am doing when I don’t,” said Taylor with a laugh. “He delivers big scores, and he is the best horse in the world.”

Riding her 10-year-old gelding Mega Mag, Nancy Murfin-Moxley won the first slate of the Masters Non Pro, a class created for riders older than 60.

“He is such a special individual. I feel blessed and honored to own a horse like him,” said Murfin-Moxley. “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He’s just so honest every time I ride him. He’s happy; It’s an honor to get to ride such a special horse.” 

Mega Mag is by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream, out of Big Gold Chex, and was bred by Garth Hystad.

“I can’t give him enough accolades for what he deserves,” said Murfin-Moxley of the gelding she dreamed of owning while watching NRHA Million Dollar Rider Casey Hinton show him throughout his derby years.

Sherman Lauder took home top honors the Legends class, created for riders over 70, with a 137.5 on Gunner Magic.

“Tickled me to death to win,” said Lauder. “I was really pleased with the run. Our trainer works really hard and my wife and everyone supports me. I am lucky enough to win once and awhile.”

After the gelding didn’t work out as an open derby horse, his wife, Cheryl, tried him. As a former Quarter Horse jockey, she thought he felt too lazy to her, Sherman felt fortunate to get a chance to show him.

“He is so special to us because we raised him, and he is a great horse to have around,” said Lauder. “The legends class is a really good deal for people my age and gives us an advantage to keep showing. My kids are old enough to show in the prime time now, so this is a true opportunity. I told Cheryl, ‘If you can’t beat them, you have to outlive them.’”

Lauder also won the platinum class at the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association Ride & Slide this year on the 13-year-old gelding by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunner and out of Jacs Shining Fancy.

Green Reiners Take the Show Pen

At the end of the first slate of the Classic Equine Green Reiner, there was a three-way tie for first place in the Level 1 and 2 with a 140.5. The three women taking top honors proved there is a place for everyone in the Classic Equine Green Reiner classes as ages spanned from 15-59.

On June 17, Harper Kiseljack will have officially been an NRHA member for one year. Although the 15-year-old recently joined, she has already earned more than $400 in youth, rookie and green reiner classes on her own Smart Taz Olena, an 8-year-old gelding by $7 Million Sire Smart Chic Olena out of Smart Pep Chickasha.

“I’ve had ‘Cheeto’ for almost two years now,” she said. “I showed him in the cow horse, but he wasn’t very cow-y so he did a lot better in the reining. We’ve only started reining this year and it’s just fun!”

Elle Russel rode Magnums Half Moon, a 4-year old gelding by Magnum Chic Dream and out of Barbies Half Moon. The 15-year-old said, “He’s an amazing horse, the best horse I’ve had!” 

Susan Fiely rode her own Cash Made Easy, an 8-year-old gelding by NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of Easy Lil Lady.

“He is full of personality,” said Fiely. “He flaps his bottom lip when we run. It’s just a little thing he does that I find quite endearing because it keeps me relaxed.”

Join us tomorrow in the Adequan^® Arena for the Intermediate Open, Limited Open and Rookie Professional.