Category Archives: Derby

The 2023 edition of the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel kicks off Friday, June 16, with the first section of the Open preliminary round. While the official Derby start is still days away, the OKC Fairgrounds is a hive of activity, as facility and show staff ready for an event that’s already breaking records.

As of noon Tuesday, the total stalls reserved for the event exceed 1,700 – a seven percent jump from the record set in 2022.

“The reining industry has experienced incredible growth in recent years,” noted NRHA Show Manager Cheryl Cody. “Every Derby since 2019 has broken the record set the year before – in number of stalls, entries, and total payout.”

All indications point to a record year again – in each of those categories. “The reining industry is riding a tremendous wave of prosperity, and we expect this Derby to continue that streak,” noted NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter.

“Specifically, the growth in participation at the Derby can be attributed to the increase in purses as well as the additional opportunities to show more horses in the different divisions,” Carpenter added, referencing the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse, the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes, the Colston Paving Non Pro Stakes, and the Story Book Stables Amateur divisions.

Of course, the show’s expansion comes at a time of transformation for the OKC Fairgrounds, as construction has commenced on the new Coliseum that will be completed in 2025. This has led to challenges for all participants attempting to navigate around the work area. The NRHA Events Team released a map to help with move-in.

“We appreciate the patience of our exhibitors in navigating through and around the construction area,” said Cody. “I think there is a sense of excitement as people arrive and see the changes that have already been made in the facility. Our Adequan® Arena and Arena 6 have had facelifts and look so much brighter.”

While construction in the Jim Norick Coliseum has blocked off many areas used for vendor spaces, NRHA Events Vendor Coordinator Bre Colburn said the new layout has provided an opportunity. “The smaller area available for booth space means that we’ve created sections that will be more densely populated with potential customers,” she shared.

Colburn added that there would be plenty of new and returning vendors in 2023, including CS Custom Silver, Cutco, Shine Equine, Haala Denim, Shorty’s, Mystique, Robin Wolf & Susan’s Jelly, Equilume, Ranch Girls, Jewelry Parlour, Just Stitch It, Show Stoppin, GeneTech, Show Girls, Wild Plains, Serna, Star Glow, APHA, NRCHA, Kyle Tack, Express Pony Ranch, Dechra, Hart Trailers, Toyon Ranch, Pastor Mike Seay, Davis Boots, Equine Oasis, Bluebonnet Feeds, Platinum Performance, Markel, Reining Horse Foundation, MS Diamond, Stevenson Show Shine, John Deere, Kiser, Silver Spur, Whistler, Rodeo Carts, Scott Cleaners, Adequan, Superior Saddlery, Ferguson Tack, and Frank’s Shoe Shine.

The 6666 Ranch NRHA Derby presented by Markel is held June 15 – 25 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Okla. To keep up with the latest news, schedule, and more, visit NRHADerby.com.

6.25.23: Ancillary Champions Crowned on Final Day of 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.25.23: Jennifer Flanagan Wins Dechra Para-Reining Championship at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.24.23: Ancillary Action Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.24.23: Casey Deary & Down Right Amazing Dazzle in Open Finals at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.23.23: Schumacher Pilots CS Sailing Gun to Win Non Pro Championship at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.23.23: Defreitas Wins Novice Horse Open Ancillary Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.22.23: Ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Titles Awarded at 6666 Derby presented by Markel

6.22.23: Taylor Zimmerman Wins Invitational Freestyle presented by OKCVB

6.21.23: Defreitas, Bell & Gauthier Win Novice Horse Open Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.21.23: Non Pros Are Finals Bound at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.21.23: Vazquez, Morgenstern, Schumacher, and Kapu Win Early Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.20.23: Gina-Maria Schumacher Leads Non Pro Preliminaries at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.20.23:Rapp & Hill Win Novice Horse Non Pro Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.19.23: Ancillary Competition Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.18.23: First High Point Championships Awarded at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.18.23: Flarida, Schmersal, and Salgado End Open Prelims with Championships at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.18.23: Open Finalists Decided for 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.17.23: Best Shine & Jason Vanlandingham Maintain Lead in the Open Preliminaries at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.17.23: Ancillary Action Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.16.23: First Ancillary Winners Crowned at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.16.23: Best Shine & Jason Vanlandingham Lead Open Preliminaries at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

6.15.23: 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Begins Tomorrow

6.14.23: 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel Payout Predicted to Surpass $1.5 Million

6.13.23: 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel Already Setting Records As Move-In Starts

Visit nrhaderby.com for more!

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is excited to host the $20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Sponsored by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, this must-see event will take place on Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m., is free to the public, and is sure to have the whole family on the edge of their seats!

Often compared to figure skating, the performances also use choreographed music and are paired with astounding costumes, props, or often additional characters! Freestyle reining allows one to creatively use core reining maneuvers (circles, spins, stops, flying lead changes, etc.) and magnify them with music and choreography. The fan-favorite freestyle reining has been an NRHA tradition since 1986, with the first-ever freestyle reining held at the NRHA Derby in St. Paul, MN. Veteran spectators of the event may mention it is always a surprise who may show up to compete.

The 2022 NRHA Invitational Freestyle Reining Champion, Hava Vital, blew away the competition last year with her breathtaking performance to the “Moulin Rouge” hit song “Lady Marmalade.” Coming in two points behind Hava as Reserve Champion, Abby Budd paired a bridleless routine with the song “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” Watch her performance here!

“As the horse show capital of the world, we are always excited to host reining events here in OKC,” said Zac Craig, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau president. “We look forward to welcoming these participants and showing them all there is to do in the Modern Frontier.”

Confirmed 2023 Freestyle contestants include Karen Knight, Gabe Garrison, Ari Mischo, Brogan Hill, and Caitie Holtzman.

The 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is full of other events throughout the week, including a tradeshow, Non Pro and Open Finals, and more. Visit NRHADerby.com or Facebook for the latest updates.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly announces the group of judges chosen for the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, held June 13-25, 2023. As the second largest NRHA-approved event of the year, preparation for the prestigious show has started, including finalizing who will evaluate each run.

Kelly Hedges, Jan Hay, Dean Bogart, and BJ Riberio have been chosen for the Adequan^® Arena classes. The Judges Monitor will be Bob Kail.

The Jim Norick Coliseum will be judged by Bub Poplin, Ollie Griffith, Mack Weaver, Gabe Davide, and Manu Maiocchi, with Jeff Buckley as equipment judge. The Judges Monitor is Eugenio Latorre.

“The selection of judges for an NRHA Event is thorough, fair, and rigorous,” said Patti Carter, Senior Director of Education and Officials. “The NRHA Judges Committee is confident this group of judges will represent NRHA and its athletes with consistent and accurate maneuver and penalty application throughout the event. We look forward to working with this amazing group of selected NRHA Judges.”

The NRHA Derby and Futurity judges are recommended by the Judges Committee, submitted to a sub-committee appointed by the NRHA President, and given final approval from the Executive Committee. The recommendations are made by the following criteria:

• Each eligible judge is contacted for their availability for the event
• All available judges are compiled into a list and sent to each member of the Judges Committee
• Judges Committee members make selections from the list to fill the allotted slots for the event
• These names are compiled into a shortlist and discussed on a conference call with all members of the Judges Committee.
• The committee members, except for the chair, then rank their choices, and each ranking equates to a certain number of points. The points are compiled and submitted to the committee chair.
• The committee chair reviews and makes recommendations based on the outcome of the vote and the needs of NRHA.
• The ranked list with the Judges Committee Chair recommendations is submitted to the subcommittee for final selection.

For more information, visit NRHA.com/judges. 

Over the last couple years, the National Reining Horse Association and the Cowboy Channel have collaborated to bring reining to the channel’s viewers. That partnership continues Monday, October 11, when the Cowboy Channel will air the recap of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

NRHA Commentator Steve Ross will join Cowboy Channel host Jeff Medders to share highlights, insights, and stories from the Derby, which was the largest in the event’s history.

The recap will be broadcast at 8 and 9 p.m. EST, and can be found on DirecTV (Channel 603), DISH (Channel 232), or on the Cowboy Channel + app (available on Apple, Android, Amazon Fire, and Roku devices).

For more information about the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, visit NRHADerby.com

About The Cowboy Channel: The Cowboy Channel is the official network of ProRodeo and the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. Headquartered in the Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls. The network reaches 42 million homes on cable/satellite systems on Altice, Charter Spectrum, DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Verizon FIOS TV, and many other rural cable systems. The Cowboy Channel can also be streamed online via The Cowboy Channel Plus at cowboychannelplus.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package. For more information, please visit thecowboychannel.com Facebook: @CowboyChannel | Twitter: @Cowboy_Channel | Instagram: @TheCowboyChannel

The 2021 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel kicked off Saturday, June 19, with a full day of horse show action. Increased entry numbers for the event necessitated a few shifts and adjustments to the schedule and location, so the first slate of the Non Pro NRHA classes was moved to Arena 6, while the first section of the American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association Open classes were held in the Adequan® Arena.


Morris Kulmer & NVR What A Lucky Joe – Non Pro (1) & Prime Time Non Pro (1)

It’s the last year of Derby eligibility for Morris Kulmer’s standout gelding NVR What A Lucky Joe, and the pair seem primed for success after marking a 145.5 to win the first slate of the ancillary Non Pro and Prime Time Non Pro on Saturday. The two collected checks totaling $1,131.

“My plan going in the arena today was to just have a nice, smooth ride and wait until he made a mistake, then correct him if I needed to,” Kulmer shared. “It was a nice, smooth ride and we didn’t make any mistakes. I hope he carries that over to the Derby, but you never know. There are always last-minute things to change, but we were simply happy to show and bring it home.”

NVR What A Lucky Joe is the highest money-earner by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash and is out of What A Lucky Hit. “I thank my good friend Andrea Fappani who got me this horse. Of course, I thank my trainer Dan Huss and everyone at Huss Performance Horses. They do a great job taking care of my horses and getting them ready. I also thank my farrier, my vet, and the NRHA,” Kulmer said.

After the Derby, Kulmer will set his sights west. “We will go to Reining By the Bay, and then in August I’m excited for the Run For a Million. The reining industry is exciting right now. There is a lot of excitement, and everyone is looking for great horses, including me,” he said.

Tristan Bagby took second in the Non Pro (1) on Shina Gun (Gunner x Shiner Light) with a 144. Mindy Grey finished second in the Prime Time Non Pro with a 141.5 on Concealed Guns (Guns R For Shootin x Sweet Lena Shine).


Kalyn Sanders & Got That Iowa Shine – Int. Non Pro (1) & Ltd. Non Pro (1)

With a score of 142, Kalyn Sanders and Got That Iowa Shine took the win for the first slate of the Intermediate Non Pro and Limited Non Pro. The duo also finished third in the Non Pro, bringing their take for the day to more than $1,349.

Sanders is looking ahead to the $15,000 Added 8 & Up Maturity, which will be held in the Adequan® Arena on Wednesday. “We have a few things to smooth out before then to be ready, but I think we will be ok by then. Regardless, I’m just pleased at how today went,” she said.

“He was really good today. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this at all. We haven’t had a lot of opportunities to practice since the NRBC, but as usual he took care of me and did his job,” Sanders said of “Dillon,” an 8-year-old gelding by Smart And Shiney out of SLJ This Is My Juice.

A Business Development Manager for Chewy.com, Sanders hasn’t been able to ride Dillon as much to prepare. “I thank my fiancé, Josh Murphy, as well as his assistant Daniel Lopez who has kept Dillon legged up and ready for me when I couldn’t ride much because of work,” she said.

Finishing second in the Int. Non Pro was Paul Queen on Outta Dough (Gallo Del Cielo x Dough Olena) with a 141. Mindy Grey finished second in the Ltd. Non Pro on Concealed Guns (Guns R For Shootin x Sweet Lena Shine) with a 141.5.

Ancillary action continues Sunday with the first slate of the NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro and Open classes. A complete schedule, results, link to the live webcast and more can be found at NRHADerby.com.

The 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel was expecting a subdued look and feel. The Oklahoma State Fair implemented new protocols because of COVID-19. This included increased stall spacing, face mask requirements for staff, mandatory social distancing, and closing the event to the public.

All those measures were followed, but as the event unfolded it became clear that there was nothing subdued about the size of the show or the quality of the competition. The 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel became the largest in NRHA history. Not only was there a record number of horses, riders, and entries, the total purse for the show was also record-breaking, surpassing $1.1 million.

The combined payout for the Open and Non Pro Derbies set another record at $1,012,581. The Non Pro Derby had an all-time high payout of $354,620. The Open Derby had the third-highest payout in history, awarding $657,961.

“Our members were very happy that we were able to have this show and their enthusiasm was felt throughout,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all the exhibitors for their spirit of camaraderie and cooperation. Not only was it a huge show – it was a great one!”

That off-the-charts momentum continued in the Adequan® Arena, where the traditional horse show classes sometimes went well into the night or even the early hours of the next morning. NRHA Events Manager Cheryl Cody said, “When the unprecedented entries became apparent for the first weekend, we were able to shorten two extremely long days by showing concurrently in Arena 6. Once the Derby competition began, we could not do that. Thanks to the commitment of our staff and officials and the cooperation of our exhibitors, we were able to get through those incredibly long days.”

In 2020, there were 1,433 stalls filled – another record. That translated to 820 horses actually entered in the show – up from 664 last year.

The number of riders competing at the event rose substantially as well, going from 499 in 2019 to 637 this year. All that equated to record entry numbers, up to 3,301 entries from 2,750 the previous year.

The huge show led to several career achievements, including three unofficial millionaire milestones. Andrea Fappani’s Open win in the Adequan® Arena early in the week made Rancho Oso Rio LLC an NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner. When Jason Vanlandingham won the Level 4 Open Derby Championship on Saturday evening on A Vintage Smoke, he surpassed the NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider mark in earnings, and his horse’s sire, A Sparkling Vintage, became an NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire.