OPEN DERBY CHAMPIONS

Hesa Dual Bet joined Corey Cushing’s training program following the 2021 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stallion Stakes that ended April 3. It was a quick get-to-know-you period for Cushing and the dark bay stallion owned by Teton Ridge Ranch, but by watching the pair in the show pen, spectators wouldn’t know it.
WATCH THE RUN

Wearing the colors of Rios of Mercedes, Cushing rode the son of Bet Hesa Cat out of Rjj Miss Viagara Pep (by Dual Pep) to a composite 664 (H:218.5/R:224/C:221.5), securing the top spot and $40,000.

HEAR FROM COREY CUSHING IN THE OPEN DERBY CHAMPION VIDEO

For the win, Cushing took home a custom Bob’s saddle from the NRCHA and a Gist Buckle from the Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health, a straw hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, and a gift certificate for product from Platinum Performance.

Reserve Champion Clayton Edsall and Heza Rowdy Cat (Bet Hesa Cat x Dear Little Boon Bar x Boon Bar), owned by Kim Basterrechea and bred by Clyde Wilmott, rode to a 663.5 and earned $29,050.36.
WATCH THE RUN

The reserve title won a certificate from Farnam valued at $300, a $25 UltraCruz gift certificate from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a pair of Ice Boots from Classic.

INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY
Riding for a total $63,403.56 purse, the Intermediate Open Derby Champion title goes to Russell Probert riding owners Laurie Woods'/Lexi Kastanis' 2016 stallion Roo To Do (One Time Pepto x Roosters Chicaroo x Gallo Del Cielo), bred by Jim & Jo Anne Carollo. It was a special win for the young trainer who has only had his shingle hung out solo for a year.

“This is the biggest [win] for me; there have been some highlights but this probably tops it off,” said the Joseph, Oregon, horseman. “He’s the first one I’ve gotten to take all the way through from a yearling into a show career and it is pretty special to put the work in and have it pay off. He’s special; it’s really cool.”

Probert had the high scoring run in the Open and Intermediate Open herd work preliminaries with a 222.

“We had a really good prelims and drew good in the herd work, enough to get some good cows,” he said. “We had a really good cow in the fence work but he toughed it out and we got it done.”

In the Intermediate Open, the pair scored a 661.5 (H:218/R:222.5/C:221) for the win and earn recently new owners Woods and Kastanis $12,046.68. They took home a Gist buckle from the NRCHA, a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product and a $50 UltraCruz gift card.
WATCH THE RUN

Reserve Champion Tucker Robinson piloted 2017 gelding Smooth Outta Style (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualin Curly Pep x Dual Pep), owned by Julie Weinhardt & F Velazquez and bred by Kerry & Jenny Frazier, to a 661 composite that earned $8,876.50.
WATCH THE RUN

The reserve also won a certificate for Farnam valued at $300, a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and Ice Boots from Classic.

LIMITED OPEN DERBY
Veronica Swales began the preliminary events at the DT Horses Western Derby confident in her horses. She had two horses in the Open Derby, Desires Sweet Pepto and Aint No Nag. During her cow work preliminary run on Aint No Nag, the horse tangled with the cow and took a fall that left Swales in the dirt. After a clean bill of health from the doctors, she came back to compete at WestWorld of Scottsdale, especially eager to compete in the Sunday Finals.

After the judges blew the horn for a new cow in the Finals, Swales breathed a sigh of relief. Then, the native Canadian focused in on mastering the new cow.

“I felt pretty awesome coming in. I was a little bit worried after my first cow came in because it was pretty wild; I got a second one and I was pretty happy,” she said. “I was super happy with my horse, he was great. I had a few concerns going in, but when that black cow lined out down the fence I felt good.”

A 2016 stallion, Desires Sweet Pepto (Sweet Lil Pepto x Desires Lil Scoot x Scootin Boon), was bred by Leea Arnold/Dudley Caraway and is owned by Robin Lynn Morrison. Swales and Morrison grew up together. Though the Canadian owner was not able to attend, Swales says that she was watching.

"I think she is super happy and wishes she could be down here, but with everything with COVID she hasn’t been able to come down,” Swales said. “She’s been watching and is pretty stoked. We’ll finish out this year with the derbies on him and then I am going to try and get him qualified for the hackamore for the World Show. Then, hopefully, his owner will come down [from Canada] next year and get to enjoy [showing] him.”

The pair rode to a composite 659.5 (H: 217.5/R:220.5/C:221.5) to earn the win and $4,322.97. They won a Gist buckle from the NRCHA, a Cow Trac system from Cow Trac,  a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product.
WATCH THE RUN

In reserve was Abigayle Mixon aboard owner Kathryn Rippatoe's 2016 gelding Vintage Ambrosia (One Fine Vintage x Miss Fancy Juice x Smart Like Juice), bred by Mike & Linda Silver. With a composite 646.5, the pair earned $3,458.38. The reserve also won a certificate for Farnam valued at $300, a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and Ice Boots from Classic.
WATCH THE RUN

As hot as the weather in Arizona, it was hotter in the show pens at WestWorld of Scottsdale on Saturday, June 12! The day started out with horse show action in the North Hall and Equidome arenas.

Open and Non Pro Hackamore class champions were named before the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular and Youth Cow Horse, and Youth Limited Spectacular and Youth Limited class winners were announced. In the Equidome, the Non Pro Limited riders had the spotlight – this class had $10,000 added at this event! Following that class, the Beginning Fence Work wrapped the classes.

NON PRO DERBY CHAMPIONS

Non Pro Champion Abbie Phillips rode CR Tuff Guns N Roses (Woody Be Tuff x Gypsy Rose Rey x Dual Rey) to a commanding lead, earning the win by 8 points. Phillips' 2016 gelding was bred by Center Ranch. Their composite score of 659.5 (H:220/R:224.5/C:215) earned $8,207.55.
WATCH THE RUN

Hear from Abbie Phillips in the DT Horses Non Pro Derby Champion Video.

For the win, Phillips took home a custom Bob’s saddle and a Gist Buckle from the NRCHA, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health, a straw hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, and a gift certificate for product from Platinum Performance.

Landon Luce, 17, earned the Amateur Derby win earlier in the week, and tonight followed that up with championships in the Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro divisions with a 651.5 (H:216/R:217.5/218), which also won the Non Pro Reserve. Time To Lay It Down (One Time Pepto x Katies Kitty x High Brow Cat), a 2016 mare bred by Newt White and owned by Andrea Luce, carried Landon to more than $11,000 in earnings tonight.

It’s only been a year since Landon began riding the mare, and the success he’s had has been “crazy.”

“It’s kind of surreal to finish so high riding with these amazing riders. I look up to all of them! I knew she was a good horse, but I did not think this show would end up like this,” Landon said. “This is my first year showing a limited age horse and I’ve [only] been riding cow horse for two years. It’s been a blur. I’ve gone through all kinds of stuff, where for the first year all I heard was ‘don’t pinch your cow.’ Everything’s gone so fast! My family, all the trainers, everybody—thank you!”
WATCH THE RUN

The reserve title won Landon a certificate from Farnam valued at $300, a $25 UltraCruz gift certificate from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a pair of Ice Boots from Classic. Winning the Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro, Landon won two more buckles and a total of $100 in UltraCruz gift cards as well ass gift certificates from Platinum Performance.

Reserve Champion in the Intermediate Non Pro and the Novice Non Pro was Cutter McLaughlin riding Bush Whacked (Blind Sided x Smart Bunny Lena x Smart Little Lena), bred and owned by his parents, Jay and Wendy McLaughlin. With a 642.5 composite (H:214.5/R:207.5/C:220.5), the Clarendon, Texas, Youth took home a slew of prizes including a Farnam gift certificate in total of $600 in value, $50 in gift certificates for UltraCruz from Santa Cruz Animal Health and two pairs of Ice Boots from Classic.
WATCH THE RUN

NON PRO LIMITED SPECTACULAR
Cheryl Chown has had the trip of a lifetime at the Derby—or, the second trip of a lifetime here at WestWorld. Thirty-three years ago, she met her husband, NRCHA professional Robert Chown, here at a horse show. Chown had not since attended the NRCHA Derby or shown here in Scottsdale until she heard about the $10,000 added to the Non Pro Limited horse show class. That added money and confidence in her horses led Chown to make the trip out, and what a memorable trip it has been. 

On Saturday, June 12, Chown earned the Non Pro Limited Spectacular Champion win aboard Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak), bred by Chown Quarter Horses and co-owned with her husband, to a 439 (H:145/R:147/5/C:146.5) to earn the win and $3,730.
WATCH THE RUN

Chown didn’t plan to show the 2016 mare and instead entered two other horses.

“Robert was in the Derby but just missed the finals so I late entered her,” Chown said of Xtra Short Trick, who she showed in the Non Pro Limited Derby, too. “Starting in the herd work, she had been good for me across the board all week, even in the Derby. I didn’t pick good cows in the Derby so our scores weren’t that great in it. My favorite thing I did here was the boxing in the Derby on her when we marked a 223. It’s my second favorite boxing run, ever! I’ve only been doing this for four years. The other one was on her mother [Short And Royal] at the Snaffle Bit Futurity.”

In the Non Pro Limited Spectacular, Chown showed three horses. She finished third on 2016 stallion The Metal Doctor (Metallic Cat x Doctress Orders x Dual Rey) earning $2,611 and tied for 10th on 2015 gelding DCR High As A Cat (High Brow Cat x The Doctress Orders x Dual Rey) earning another $373. 

“[Xtra Short Trick] was actually the third one, the last one, I showed today. I started to get a little weak, but I went in there an wasn’t going to back [down]. She has just been great,” she said.

The Gainesville, Texas, Non Pro also took the top honors in the Non Pro Limited class, the one that sparked her desire to attend the DT Horses Western Derby. Aboard Xtra Short Trick, Chown earned another $3,375. She’s taking home a C.R. Morrison NRCHA bronze finish trophy from the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, a straw hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a gift certificate from Platinum performance for product. The pair were also Non Pro Limited Derby Reserve Champions.

In reserve was Landri Lisac of Pueblo, Colorado, riding Cat Walks Into A Bar (WR This Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark), bred by Garth & Amanda Gardiner. Her composite 437 earned $2,984 and she took home a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a Sensor Flex Wool Top Pad from Classic.
WATCH THE RUN

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR
Earlier in the week, Lannie-Jo Lisac piloted red roan mare LooksLikeLuckToMe (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep), bred by Kevin & Sydney Knight and owned by Timothy & Katherine Miller, to the Non Pro Spectacular win. On Saturday, she added another title, the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular Champion! The Pueblo, Colorado, Youth rode to a 435.5 to earn $480.

With so many runs, Lannie-Jo, 17, tries to focus on not over-preparing the mare. 
WATCH THE RUN

“I keep ‘Marsha’ calm and at her best when showing at long events in several classes by making sure I do not overdo her but at the same time keeping her in the right mindset,” she said. “I also make sure to wake up early with my trainer, Todd Crawford, and go fix any problems we may have before we go show. The [Oklahoma Equine Hospital] spa also helps keep Marsha stay at her best!”

Both Lannie-Jo and her sister Landri walked away with wins on Saturday. It was a memorable show for the family. For Lannie-Jo, it really did come down to the cow work to really create a memory.

“The best part of my Spectacular run today was my cow run,” she said. “Marsha and I have struggled a little down the fence lately so it's nice have a good run under our belt. She was so great today and all week, I could not be any happier with her!”

For the win, Lannie-Jo takes home a C.R. Morrison NRCHA bronze finish trophy from the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health, a Sensor Flex Wool Top Pad from Classic and a gift certificate from Platinum performance for product.

Reserve Champion in the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular was Tylor Todd riding her 2011 gelding Mr Stylish Cat (Mr Playinstylish x Lil Sally Cat x High Brow Cat). She rode to a 433 to earn $400 and the reserve title. He won a $25 UltraCruz gift card frm Santa Cruz Animal Health, and from Classic a Classic Equine saddle pad and a Sensor Flex Wool Top Pad and a Classic Cooler Bag.
WATCH THE RUN

YOUTH LIMITED SPECTACULAR
The eight entries in the Youth Limited Spectacular entries rode for a $1,300 purse. Caroline Buchanan topped the Youth Limited Spectacular with a 438 composite (H:143.5 /R:147.5 /C:147) aboard A Time For Jazz (One Time Pepto x Starlight And Jazz x Grays Starlight), bred by John McCoy. The 2010 gelding is owned by her mom, Anne, who earned $520 for the win.
WATCH THE RUN

For the win, Caroline took home a C.R. Morrison NRCHA bronze finish trophy from the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health, a Sensor Flex Wool Top Pad from Classic and a gift certificate from Platinum performance for product.

In reserve was Landri Lisac of Pueblo, Colorado, riding Cat Walks Into A Bar (WR This Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark), bred by Garth & Amanda Gardiner. Her composite 435 earned $390 and she took home a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a Classic Equine saddle pad.
WATCH THE RUN

Thursday, June 10, was a spectacular day in Scottsdale! Not only were several horse show classes decided, but the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular, the CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular and the inaugural CD Survivor Bridle Horse Super Spectacular for Open and Non Pro competitors all thrilled those watching from home and from the arena stands. Two arenas ran to accommodate all the entries and all the National Reined Cow Horse Association action!

Today entries in the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular, the Youth, Youth Limited and Non Pro Limited Spectaculars and those in the Finals of the Non Pro and Open Derby all take a turn out of the herd. All the action will take place in the main Equidome arena at the 2021 DT Horses Western Derby.

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

Congratulations to Lannie-Jo Lisac riding LooksLikeLuckToMe to the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular win with a composite 437 (H:146/ R:146/C:145). The 2013 mare was bred by Kevin & Sydney Knight and is owned by Lannie-Jo's grandparents, Timothy & Katherine Miller, who earned $4,200.

Though Lannie-Jo has shown “Marsha” several times, this show is where the duo finally put it all together for a Spectacular win. The young lady was all smiles following the win.

“We’ve tried it at a lot of shows, but it was nice that it all came together,” she said. “We are finally clicking, getting to know each other and we drew good cows. It just kind of worked.”
WATCH THE RUN

While Lannie-Jo is only 17 years old, she’s ridden and competed for many years. However, riding in the Non Pro Spectacular still feels exciting.

“Everybody riding in that class has such nice horses and they’re great riders. To be on top is kinda cool,” Lannie-Jo said. “I feel like she put together our reining and I’ve worked hard on herd work. I finally cut good and it worked out.”

For the Non Pro Spectacular win, the Pueblo, Colorado, youth earned $4,200 at the DT Horses Western Derby and a C.R. Morrison trophy courtesy of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, a straw hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance for product.

There was a tie for reserve in the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular. With a 433.5, Tylor Todd rode 2011 gelding Mr Stylish Cat (Mr Playinstylish x Lil Sally Cat x High Brow Cat), bred by Kit & Charlie Moncrief, to tie with Amy Bailey riding 2012 gelding Electra Tuff  (Woody Be Tuff x Electras Boots x Doc O Boots), bred by the W.T. Waggoner Estate. Both earned $2,925.

WATCH TYLOR TODD
WATCH AMY BAILEY

CD SURVIVOR MEMORIAL OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR
A tremendous 227 in the cow work propelled Jay McLaughlin and Shiney Outlaw (Shiners Nickle x Mereyda x Dual Rey) to the top of a talented field of Open Bridle horses, earning McLaughlin’s second CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular title.

The déjà vu feeling started in the herd work on Monday, June 7, when the pair scored a 214.

“We didn’t get the cattle cut like we wanted to [in the herd work], so I started off a tick like the World’s Greatest this year,” the Clarendon, Texas, trainer said. During the 2021 DT Horses and Hashtags’ World’s Greatest Horseman, the pair rallied to reserve after a disappointing herd work.

“The rein work, I thought I had him prepared, but he got pretty wound up when the crowd was getting it,” he continued. “He feels it when the crowd is electric! He ended up being really good there. I knew that the cattle were tough here but he has worked tougher cattle. I’ve scored higher, but this is really special to me.”
WATCH THE RUN

McLaughlin piloted CD Dee Vee Dee to the same title at a previous event. Showing a bridle horse is something the NRCHA Million Dollar Rider aims to do with every horse he trains.

“Nancy Crawford is very much into the longevity of the horses, and I am and so is my whole crew. We try on every one to make it there [to the bridle] and if they can make it all the way through, that is pretty special,” he said. “I didn’t [train] this one all the way through but he has had some pretty special hands on him, and I am just following in their footsteps.”

The buckskin stallion and McLaughlin rode to a composite 661.5 (H:214/R:220.5/C:227), earning breeder and owner Michelle Cannon $11,160 for the win. As the CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Champion, Shiney Outlaw’s connections took home the perpetual trophy for the event, a C.R. Morrison trophy courtesy of the Arizona Quarter Horse Association, a Gist buckle from Holy Cow Performance Horses, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance for product.

There was a tie for the Reserve Champion spot. Justin Wright rode Light And Sassy (CD Lights x Dual Sass x Dual Pep), bred by Winston Hansma and owned by Shelly Franklin, to tie Kelby Phillips and Duals Lucky Charm (Dual Smart Rey x TRR Ms Pepcid Olena x Pepcid), bred by Carolyn and Mark Murray and owned by JB6 LLC, both with a 660.5. Both horses earned $8,091.
WATCH LIGHT AND SASSY
WATCH DUALS LUCKY CHARM
 
Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular
Congratulations to the 2021 DT Horses Western Derby Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular Champion Shadd Parkinson and Metal Storm (Metallic Cat x CowStruck x Smart Little Lena), bred by Reata Cutting Horses and owned by Bronwyn McCormick, rode to a 654 composite (H:214.5/R:219.5/C:220) to earn the win and $2,800. 
WATCH THE RUN

As Intermediate Open Champion, Metal Storm’s connections take home a C.R. Morrison bronze trophy courtesy of the NRCHA, a Gist buckle from Holy Cow Performance horses, a one-ear headstall with rawhide and silver accents from Dennis Moreland Tack, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a gift certificate for product from Platinum Performance.

Reserve in the Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular was Wyatt Fisher aboard Prize Winning Gal (Smokums Prize x Ill Be A Winning Gal x Ill Be Smart), bred by Justin Wright and owned by Jayson and Teresa Fisher. The pair marked a 651.2  (H:213.5/R:216.5/C:221.5), earning $2,200 and won a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a certificate for Farnam products valued at $150.
WATCH THE RUN

CD SURVIVOR BRIDLE HORSE SUPER SPECTACULAR
Twenty-eight horse and rider teams backed in the box to throw a loop for the CD Survivor Bridle Horse Super Spectacular Open muley steer stopping, and a slew of big scores followed. When the last steer left the chute, the top spot in the steer stopping was claimed by Randy Paul riding LenaLilToTheWright (Lenas Wright On x Shining Survivor x Shining Spark), owned by Linda Katz and Richard Bell.
          
Paul, from Santa Maria, California, elicited cheers when his 231.5 steer stopping score was announced. He edged out Phillip Ralls and Short N Catt (Sophisticated Cat x Shortys Sugar Sue x Shorty Lena), bred by Tommy Mather and owned by Sarah Davis, who marked a 230.
        
In the end, though, it was Ralls and the 2011 bay gelding that claimed the inaugural CD Survivor Bridle Horse Super Spectacular Open Champion title. Their composite 886.5 (H:218.5/R:220/C:218/S:230). Holy Cow Performance Horses added $5,000 overall to the Super Spectacular event, and Open won $1,000.
         
“Growing up with my dad [Ron Ralls], that was always our biggest focus, a horse’s longevity in their career,” said Ralls. “We don’t want them to be done as 3-year-olds but to go through the whole process. I take a lot of pride in my bridle horses and the finished product that can show at these big events. These are the most exciting events to go to and there are always great horses, great riders, and to show these horse’s true all-around talents is important. It doesn’t get any more exciting.”
          
Ralls appreciated the opportunity to try out Short N Catt in a four-event format, much like the World’s Greatest Horseman.
           
Paul and LenaLilToTheWright finished in reserve for the overall Super Spectacular with a composite 878 (H:210/R:218/C:218.5/S: 231.5) and earned $800.

In the Non Pro, the CD Survivor Bridle Horse Super Spectacular championship and muley steer stopping high score went to Cutter McLaughlin riding CD Dee Vee Dee (CD Lights x Shiners Missy Jay x Shining Spark). Coming off his win at the 2021 World’s Greatest Youth Horseman, presented by MARS Equestrian™, McLaughlin was thrilled to have another chance to rope off his good cow horse.
           
“It is always fun to get to rope with the other three events,” he said. “It was cool because it was roping at a cow horse show, which we don’t have many of. We rope enough at home to keep us remembering how to do it, but this is fun.”
           
The Clarendon, Texas, horseman scored a 225 in the steer stopping. In total, his composite 653 (H:145.5/R:143.5/C:139.5/S:225) topped the division by 10.5 points.
          
In reserve, Ali Norcutt and Soulas Hickory Star (Soula Jule Star x Tun Liz Loose x ), bred by Ken & Ramona Wold and owned by Darrell Norcutt, rode to a 642.5 (H:143.5/R:143/C:146.5/S:209.5) to claim the second-high spot for the Super Spectacular overall.

The four-event Super Spectacular brought out a full crowd for last night’s action. Thank you to Holy Cow Performance Horses, Cre8ive Event Rentals’ Scott Aswege and Jayne Vatcher for hosting the exhibitor reception and to everyone who joined online and in the stands to make the event a success.

June 9, 2021 - Several tough classes were decided on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at the DT Horses Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona. National Reined Cow Horse Association competitors rode in multiple divisions on horses of all ages, all vying for a win.

After the arena competition, DT Horses roping instructors led a Youth Roping School for budding ropers of all ages. It was a full and fun day at the Western Derby! The action continues today, June 10, with the bridle classes. The Non Pro and Open competitors will ride in the bridle, and following the CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular champion crowning, the inaugural CD Survivor Bridle Horse Super Spectacular kicks off in the Equidome arena. Be sure to watch the live, free webcast, courtesy of Equine Promotion, for this exciting muley steer stopping event!

NON PRO LIMITED DERBY
Congratulations to Megan Waddell on earning the Non Pro Limited Derby Championship aboard her homebred mare Boonshinen (Smart Boons x Shine Up My Sliders x Shiners Vintage). She scored a composite 651.5 (H:213/R:219.5/C:219) to top a class of 34 entries vying for $15,552 in added money. WATCH THE RUN

Waddell, from Fort Worth, Texas, was jubilant to have the win, and more so on a mare that is the next horse to help continue achieving her show-pen goals.

“She is actually out of my old show mare that I’ve had since she was 4 and now she is 19; [this mare is] my first baby out of her,” Waddell said. “Chris and Sarah Dawson have been helping me with her.”

On Thursday, June 3, Waddell started off her DT Horses Western Derby with the high rein work score with a 219.5. From there, she took that confidence into the herd work.

“The highlight [of the show] was definitely winning the reining,” she said. “She’s been great all week. I am super nervous in the herd, so surviving that was nice. She’s been on all week for me.”

Securing the event win was exciting for Waddell, who earned $3,576.96 here at the DT Horses Western Derby and rode away with a Gist buckle from Two Bit Performance Horses, a one-ear headstall with rawhide accents and silver buckles from Dennis Moreland Tack, a straw hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance for product. However, now she may have sealed her boxing fate.

“I made a bet with my horse trainer, Chris Dawson, that if I won a major [event] that I would start going down the fence,” she laughed. “I hope to finish this year out in the boxing, hopefully, then maybe start going down the fence. He’s got me into that deal and now I have to live up to it. I still have some goals to hit with her, and I’d like to hit some more.”

Cheryl Chown rode Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak), bred by Chown Quarter Horses, to the Non Pro Limited Derby Reserve Championship with a 647.5 (H:207/R:217.5/ C:223), earning $2,79936. WATCH THE RUN

As reserve champion, Chown won a certificate from Farnum valued at $300, a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a pair of Ice Boots from Classic Equine.

AMATEUR DERBY
The Amateur Derby completed today with the cow work and Landon Luce riding 2016 mare Time To Lay It Down (One Time Pepto x Katies Kitty x High Brow Cat) was the champion, topping the field by three points. Luce continues his winning streak, coming off the Amateur Stallion Stakes Derby win in March of this year.

It was a year ago that Luce first started riding the red roan mare.

“We had a hiccup at the Stallion Stakes but she was really good in the rein work here,” Luce said. “Our fence work didn’t go quite as planned and I have some work to do going into the Finals, but she took care of me. She is feeling really good.”

With a 644.5 (R:218/H:217.5/C:209), Luce piloted the 2016 mare, bred by Newt White and owned by Andrea Luce, to a $2,444.40 payday. Luce will ride in the Non Pro Finals on Saturday, June 12. The young man will ride against many riders he looks up to. WATCH THE RUN

“Going into the fence work where I saw my name right under Debbie [Crafton] and Abbie [Phillips], I thought ‘how does this happen?’ It was surreal,” he said. “I can’t thank Andy Kurtz, Trent Pederson and Don Murphy enough for helping me. Andy showed her as a 3- and 4-year-old. We got her last year at this show and it’s been full circle for us.”

As champion, Luce took home a Gist buckle from Two Bit Performance Horses, a one-ear headstall with rawhide accents and silver buckles from Dennis Moreland Tack, a straw hat from Shortys Caboy Hattery, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance for product.

Reserve Champion Mark Broeckel rode his gelding CR Dees Be Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x CR Dees Boon Meow x Peptoboonsmal), bred by Center Ranch, to a 641.5 (R:216/H:214.5/C:211) and earned $1,920.60. The reserve champion won a certificate from Farnam valued at $300, a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a pair of Ice Boots from Classic Equine. WATCH THE RUN

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR
Congratulations to the 2021 DT Horses Western Derby Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular and Non Pro Two Rein Champion Debbie Crafton riding Metallic Flame (Metallic Cat x Scooby Dooby Dual x Dual Pep). The 2015 gelding was bred by Danielle Irlbeck-Johnson. Crafton scored a composite 433.5 (H:142/R:145.5/C:146) in the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular, besting the 16-horse class.

“Metallic Flame is very cool,” Crafton said. “I got him recently from Jay McLaughlin; Justin Wright trained him. I have to give them a lot of kudos! He’s fun to ride and show. He’s good out of the herd, in the rein work and great down the fence.”

Crafton has had a successful show in Scottsdale, earning top scores in the Non Pro Derby cow work and rein work on her younger horses. However, the two rein has presented a new challenge. WATCH THE RUN

“The two rein is fun and I am enjoying it and the whole set up,” said Crafton. “It feels good on this horse, especially. It is fun to branch out [from limited age events] and do some horse show stuff. We do have a lot of horses [here at the show]! My daughter, Lori, and I, and the two little ones that are helpful, DJ and Tucker, and we are a great team. We have a little routine and we work hard together to keep it manageable.”

As Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular Champion, Crafton earned $2,580 and won a C.R. Morrison bronze trophy courtesy of the NRCHA, a one-ear headstall with rawhide and silver accents from Dennis Moreland Tack, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a straw hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery. For winning the Non Pro Two Rein class with a 291.5, she added another $1,224 in earnings and a C.R. Morrison bronze trophy from the NRCHA as well as a gift certificate for product from Platinum Performance.

Reserve in the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular was Myles Brown riding One Time Legend (One Time Pepto x HR Playin Legend x Little Lenas Legend), a 2015 gelding bred by Larry Hall Cutting Horses. The pair marked a 432.5, earning $2,064 and won a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a Sensor Flex Wool Top Pad from Classic. WATCH THE RUN

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR
Twenty-one horses were guided in the two rein head gear for a competitive and steep Open Two Rein Spectacular. When the last cow exited the arena, both the Open Two Rein Spectacular and Open Two Rein class wins went to Sarah Dawson riding Holy Cow Performance Horse's Lil Time Reymanising (One Time Pepto x Reymanising x Dual Pep), bred by Matthews Cutting Horses LLC.

While the duo has consistently made the finals, it was the first major win, and it felt super sweet to Dawson.

“He’s always been that steady Eddie that makes the finals and gets the check. For him to finally have his turn it is fun for him,” Dawson said. “He’s always been capable of winning something; it’s nice the stars finally aligned for him to have the spotlight.”

Dawson took the 2015 gelding’s reins When he was 4, after Phillip Ralls trained the horse as a 3-year-old. She said that while the horse is talented, it is his ease into the two rein that makes him special.

“Right now, he’s made the transition into the bridle really well,” said Dawson. Some horses it is a more difficult transition, but he took to it from the get-go. I was really excited to show him in the two rein because he wanted to pack it really well. Right now, his transition is his strong suit.”

The pair marked a 440.5 (H:146.5/R:147/C:147) in the Spectacular to earn $4,950, and earned another $2,324 for the class win. The pair had the second-highest cow work score of the class. WATCH THE RUN

“Nowadays, you always have to go in there and run hard, hope you draw a good cow and it get worked because it is so tough,” said Dawson. “You have to have your best run if you’re going to win. You can’t hardly leave anything on the table. Every time you go in, you have to step up and try your hardest.”

For the Spectacular win, the champion took home a C.R. Morrison bronze trophy courtesy of the NRCHA, a one-ear headstall with rawhide and silver accents from Dennis Moreland Tack, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health. Winning the Open Two Rein class won a C.R. Morrison bronze finish trophy and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance for product.

As Reserve Champion in the Open Two Rein Spectacular Shadd Parkinson rode Jerilynne Micheals’ 2015 gelding Hes Pistol Packin (Smooth As A Cat x Shiners Lil Pistol x Shining Spark), bred by Roxanne Koepsell. The pair scored a composite 437.5 (H:148/R:145.5 x C:144) which earned $3,960 and took home a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a Sensor Flex Wool Top Pad from Classic. WATCH THE RUN

DT HORSES YOUTH ROPING SCHOOL
Following the show on Wednesday, the arena was set for an all ages Youth Roping School. From DT Horses, Jeff Gleason, Lane Paul, Reno Eddy and Keley Bonnet helped aspiring ropers with their skills.

Several NRCHA professionals also joined in the fun, helping the youngest youth to rope a dummy and the older riders mounted to catch the Hot Heels.

Classic Equine and EquiBrand provided youth ropes and gloves for the participants. Thank you to all the parents, youth, NRCHA professionals and the DT Horses team for a great event!

June 7, 2021 - The first 2021 DT Horses Western Derby champions were crowned in sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, yesterday, June 8, 2021. All divisions of the Open Derby completed preliminary cow work, and the entries in the Level One Limited Open and Open Novice Horse divisions completed their Derby competition. It’s been an exciting first six days at the Derby with smoking hot runs and an entertaining array of Youth activities.

The Derby finals with competitors in Open, Intermediate Open and Limited Open, as well as the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro begin on Friday, June 11, with the herd work. The Non Pro division rein and cow work finals are on Saturday, June 12, in the afternoon. The Open division rein and cow work finals are Sunday, June 13, in the Equidome at Westworld of Scottsdale. Draws, scores and results are available at www.NRCHA.com.

OPEN NOVICE HORSE
The DT Horses Western Derby saw 53 entries eligible for the Open Novice Horse division. Following a high cow work score of 220.5, Weatherford, Texas-based trainer Kelby Phillips and Julie Strenge’s 2017 palomino stallion Peptilion (One Time Pepto x Sparktilion x Shining Spark) took the top spot and the championship title.

Phillips, an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, took over training Peptilion following the 2021 NRCHA Stallion Stakes in April. Following only one schooling show, the duo clicked in the Equidome arena at Westworld of Scottsdale.

“Jake Telford trained him and did a really good job with him,” Phillips said. “I took him to a schooling show to get with him, but it feels like the more I ride him, the more we get together. A win like this helps me build confidence in me with the horse.”

The pair started the Derby off with a strong 220.5 in the rein work, then followed it up with a 215.5 in the herd work before taking the division high score in the cow work. The hard-stopping stallion has impressed Phillips with his abilities in the show pen. (WATCH THE RUN)

“In the fence work, he’s been solid. He is reading a cow really good and obviously stops really big, which is one thing I like about him—he can run and stop,” he said. “We got a new cow after we made a huge first turn, the cow fell down. But he did it again and had a nice run.”

For Phillips, the Open Novice Horse division offers an opportunity for horses that had challenges in the show pen when they were younger. This horse, like many others, would have a hard time competing in the Open, but in the Novice Horse, eligibility is limited to 4- and 5-year-old horses with earnings less than $12,500, allowing another opportunity for late bloomers to find the spotlight.

“I think [this division] is awesome. This is obviously an Open horse, but he’s had some bad luck here and there,” he said. “They raised the limit from where you could win out in one show. Now, you have a chance to win money in more divisions. This doesn’t mean the horse isn’t good [to be in Novice Horse], it just means they had some bad luck or circumstances didn’t work out. There is now a chance for the horse and the owners to win some money. It is so hard for some of these 4-year-olds to compete against these 5-year-olds, and this division is a big deal.”

Phillips thanked Stenge for giving him the opportunity to work with Peptilion. The win boosts his confidence in the horse headed into the next premier event. For the win, the Champion Open Novice Horse receives a Classic Equine saddle pad from the company and a Platinum Performance gift certificate for product as well as $4,906.80.

There was a tie for the reserve spot in the division. Lil Starlight Cat (High Brow Cat x Lil Foxie Starlight x Grays Starlight) and Lance Johnston tied CR Tuff Star War (Woody Be Tuff x Shortys Starlight x Grays Starlight)  with a composite 654.

Lil Starlight Cat is a 2017 stallion bred by Glenn and Debbie Drake and owned by Kenneth and Karen Haugland. With Johnston riding, the pair marked a 219 in the rein work, a 216.5 in the herd and a 218.5 in the cow work to earn $3,496.10. Johnston will also ride the stallion on Sunday, June 13, in the Open Finals.

Bergen rode Eric Storey’s 2016 gelding, which was bred by Center Ranch, to a 221.5 rein work score, a 215 in the herd and a 217.5 in the cow work to earn $3,496.10. He and CR Tuff Star War will also compete in the DT Horses Western Derby Open Finals.

Reserve Champion Open Novice Horse receives a $300 gift certificate for product from Farnam and a pair of ice boots from Classic Equine.

LEVEL 1 LIMITED OPEN
Of the 26 entries in the Level 1 Limited Open, Cara Hencratt piloted two. Earlier in the show, Move That Rock (That CD Rocks x Smokums Dual Move x Mister Dual Pep) took the spotlight, earning high run scores in the reining and herd work, yet, it was Magical Couper Ride (Little Red Coupe x Very Smart Choice x Very Smart Remedy) that took Hencratt to the division win.

Bred and owned by Las Vegas-based Rocking BS Ranch, Magical Couper Ride is a 2017 mare that Hencratt’s mentor and boss, Lance Johnston, showed at the futurities. With Hencratt in the saddle, the duo scored a composite 648.5 (R:218/H:213/C:217.5).

This is only Hencratt’s second show with the mare. Johnston joked with her that they would beat Move That Rock, though Hencratt felt more confident on the gelding since she’d ridden him longer.

“She did really well for me and we get along really well. She was really honest for me all week,” said Hencratt. “I just wanted to make three clean runs. He kept joking this past month that we would do well, but they were both really, really good for me. This mare had a really good cow for her down the fence.” (WATCH THE RUN)

Hencratt started working for Johnston the day after the Derby in Arizona last year. She grew up in California rodeoing. Through family friend and fellow NRCHA competitor Polly Bremmel, Hencratt got the cow horse bug. With two talented mounts to show at NRCHA premier events, she’s gotten hooked for life.

She’ll pilot Magical Couper Ride in the Intermediate Open and Limited Open Finals on Sunday, June 13, and will also show Move That Rock in the Limited Open Finals that day. She’s looking forward to showing Magical Couper Ride with more confidence.

“She’s really fun in the herd because she has a lot of expression and excels in the herd,” she said. “I was nervous to open her up in the prelims, but I hope to show off what she can do in the finals. I made the Intermediate and Limited Open finals on her.”

The Level 1 Limited Open Champion receives a Gist buckle courtesy of the NRCHA, a $50 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health, a one-ear headstall with rawhide accents and silver buckles from Dennis Moreland Tack and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance for product.

The Level 1 Limited Open Reserve Champion HQ Wiilma Gotta Kitty (Meteles Cat x Wilma Gotta Gun x Spooks Gotta Gun) and Sarah Murphey found themselves near the top again at a premier event. The duo were the division champions at the 2021 NRCHA Stallion Stakes. This time, the 2016 roan mare bred and owned by Reid Hockenson earned $2,865.60 for the composite 641 (R:215/H:208/C:218). Reserve Champion in the Level One Limited Open receives a $300 Farnam gift certificate, a $25 UltraCruz gift card from Santa Cruz Animal Health and a pair of ice boots from Classic Equine.

OPEN DERBY HIGH SCORES
There were 14 sets of Open preliminary cow work at the DT Horses Western Derby on Tuesday, June 8. Here are the top scores for the day.

OPEN & INTERMEDIATE OPEN — Ron Emmons and 2017 mare Playguns Pepto (One Time Pepto x PG Special Edition), owned by Jill Pierre and bred by Flag Ranch, LLC, topped the cow work with a 222. WATCH THE RUN

LIMITED OPEN – Abigayle Mixon rode Eight Karat Diamond (CD Diamond x Whiz Guinevere), a 2017 mare bred by San Juan Ranch and owned by Dr. Harry and Patricia Prince, to a 219. WATCH THE RUN

After three preliminary rounds, here are your division total on three high scores.
 
OPEN & INTERMEDIATE OPEN - Russell Probert piloted Roo To Do (One Time Pepto x Roosters Chicaroo), bred by Jim and Jo Anne Carollo and owned by Laurie Woods/Lexi Kastanis, to a composite 661 (R: 220.5/H: 222/C:218.5).

LIMITED OPEN - Abigayle Mixon and Eight Karat Diamond (CD Diamond x Whiz Guinevere), a 2017 mare bred by San Juan Ranch and owned by Dr. Harry and Patricia Prince, have the high total on three with a 649.5 (R:217.5/H:213/C:219).

In the Open Finals, 20 teams will return to compete, all with a composite score of 652 or higher. The Intermediate Open has 20 teams returning, with scores of 645.5 or higher, and in the Limited Open eight teams, plus ties, with a 638 composite or higher are competing.

Official Draws, Scores & Results

Daily you can find official draws, scores and results through the homepage located under our live feed, which is provided by Equine Promotion. The only official scores, results and posting of money won is through our site, be sure to bookmark it and check back regularly.

NRCHA Draws, Scores & Results

By NRCHA Press Release