Reining enthusiasts were treated to a glimpse of future top talent at the 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel. The Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All showcased a caliber of riding that left the crowd in awe, hinting at the promising careers on the horizon for these exceptional talents and their equine partners.
Winning the Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1 and 2 and the Level 1 high-point championship was Sydney Muehlstaetter on Frederick Christen’s Xtra Voodoo Step.
Muehlstaetter and the 12-year-old mare by NRHA Hall of Famer Wimpys Little Step and out of Voodoo Chic scored a 144.5 to earn the top placing.
“She is such a sweet mare and is super happy all the time,” said Muehlstaetter. “She goes in there and is the same every time. I can trust her a lot because I know she is never going to do anything bad.
“What really makes it special is that I can trust her so much. I can go out there and I know she is going to be the same every time. She is so consistent I can put my hand there and she does everything. I just kind of sit there,” she said with a laugh.
Dick Fletcher and Rufs Got Guns (Not Ruf At All x Gunners Easter Lilly) won the second slate of the Toyon Ranch Prime Time Rookie today in the Adequan® Arena with a 141.5 on his 7-year-old gelding.
Fletcher has been competing in reining for less than a year.
“My wife and I retired and wanted to ride horses,” said Fletcher. “She actually got us into this. We started with ranch riding, and pretty quickly, she wanted to do reining. I didn’t want to be her tack boy, so I started reining last year. We have traveled all over the country and are having a great time. He is a good horse. He was my practice horse originally, and my show horse was acting funny and we couldn’t connect, so ‘Hank’ is now my show horse. He is really good for me. He doesn’t have any bad thoughts and that’s what I need.”
Lynnette Payne earned the Prime Time Rookie High-Point Championship on a 14-year-old gelding whom she leases from NRHA Vice President Mike Hancock and his wife Bryan: Dun Lost My Gun.
“I have been leasing him for three years now, but I have been doing reining since I was 16-years-old,” said Payne.
She was out of the industry for a while, then became reconnected when she was told she could lease a horse that fit her perfectly.
“Mike Hancock and his wife Bryan have been so kind to lease this amazing horse to me,” she continued. “He is the wonder horse. If you do your job when you go in the pen you will get a good score.”
Jennnie Tyler and Flinnderella earned the Rookie Level 2 high-point championship. Tyler and her own 6-year-old mare scored a 143 today to solidify the win and take home a Montana Silversmiths buckle.
The unwavering commitment and talent of these rookie athletes are a shining example of the remarkable spirit that thrives within the reining community. Continue following along with the excitement at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel through the free live stream at nrhaderby.com.