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.
