Thursday was a full day of competition in the Adequan® Arena at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel. In addition to the class winners, there were several high point championships awarded in the Novice Horse Open and Novice Horse Non Pro classes.

Abigayle Mixon Wins Novice Horse Open Level 1 [2] on Thischicsdunwhizit:
With a score of 144.5, Abigayle Mixon and Thischicsdunwhizit won the Novice Horse Open Level 1 [2], adding $788 to the horse’s lifetime earnings. “She was really good. She went in quiet, turned good, and circled great. She might be the funnest horse I’ve ever circled. Then she ran and stopped really well, so I was really happy with her,” Mixon said. “My last show before COVID-19 was Tulsa this spring, and then we came to the Redbud before this.”

Thischicsdunwhizit, owned by Deborah Thompson and Diane Witkin, is by Walla Walla Whiz and out of This Chic Dun It. “I got her last summer and rode her for a while. She needed some time off at the first of the year, but I’ve had her pretty steady recently,” Mixon said. “I thank the owners Diane and Deborah. They’re great. They give this mare anything she needs, which makes my job easier. I also have a great support system at home with my husband and family, and my staff is amazing.”

Rodrigo Nieves and Hesa Rockin Whiz Tie for Win of Nov. Horse Open Level 2 & 3 [2]:
With a score of 144, Rodrigo Nieves and Hesa Rockin Whiz tied for the win of the Novice Horse Open Levels 2 and 3 and finished second in the Level 1. All totaled, the pair won $1,538. “Yesterday Duane Latimer gave me the opportunity to show this horse in the Novice Horse Open. Thank you Duane Latimer and XCS Ranch for the opportunity,” Nieves said.

“Duane showed this horse last year, and now I have the opportunity to show him. This was the first show I had with him, but the plan is to show at the NRBC this year together,” Nieves said.

Hesa Rockin Whiz is by NRHA 12 Million Dollar Sire Topsail Whiz and out of A Bueno Poco Dunit. The 4-year-old stallion is owned by Roxanne Koepsell.

Michelle Chapman and Reyny Day Dreamer Win Nov. Horse Open Level 2 & 3 [2] Co-Championship:
Michelle Chapman and Reyny Day Dreamer claimed the co-championship of the Novice Horse Open Level 2 & 3 after marking a 144 in Thursday night’s competition. The wins were worth a cool $1,023. “He was really good. We tried some different warmup techniques for this run,” she shared.

Reyny Day Dreamer, by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Reyny Chex, is owned by Carolyn Tracey Brose and Maron Neff. “He’s been a really special horse. He’s homegrown and home raised, so that has been super awesome for my customers Tracy and Maron,” Chapman said. “I started him as a baby and showed him here at the NRHA Futurity where we made the Level 1 finals. I’ve ridden him a long time and he’s been a joy to train and go show.”

Chapman is looking ahead to the next event, which will likely be the Summer Slide in Denver, Colorado. “We’re excited to go compete there and give it a try,” she said. “I thank God. He’s number one in my life. Thanks to Tracy and Maron who own the horse, my husband and family who support me, and all the people along the way who have been great to me.”

Trevor Dare and Ruffed Up Spooks Win Nov. Horse Open Level 1 & 3 High Point:
Trevor Dare and Ruffed Up Spooks put together two consistent runs in the Novice Horse Open classes to win the high point buckle for Levels 1 and 3. “He’s a little greener but is a really good, strong horse. I thought we would try to show him in the novice horse classes here,” Dare shared.

Ruffed Up Spooks, a 4-year-old stallion, is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun out of All Ruffed Up. “I’ve had him since the first of January. He was in training with Duane Latimer last year, and Duane got him really broke and feeling really good. It was fun to take over,” Dare said.

Dare made a couple minor tweaks between the two slates of classes. “The first day I trusted him a little too much in his stops. The ground was a little faster than he’s used to, so I didn’t want to pick up on him too much. The second run I got him stopped a little stronger, but he was similar on both runs. I think he will be a horse show horse,” Dare said. “He’s for sale so if someone buys him, that’s awesome, but if not I hope to continue to show him.”

Jared Leclair Wins Nov. Horse Open Level 2 High Point on Lime A Rita:
Jared Leclair and Lime A Rita can constantly be found near the top of results, and on Thursday the duo clinched the Novice Horse Open Level 2 high point championship. Lime A Rita, owned by Susan Meyer, is by Custom Legend and out of She Slides Wright.