The final curtain of the 2025 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel fell with the brightest spotlight on the future of reining. The youth riders took center stage on the last day of competition, showing off their talent, dedication and pure joy for the sport in the Adequan® Arena. From Short Stirrup standouts to seasoned 14–18 contenders, these young athletes wrapped up the World’s Hottest Reining in true Derby fashion—proving once again that the next generation of reiners is ready to ride.

Photo – Etta Piper winner of the Short Stirrup Slate 2 Championship

Short Stirrup Slate 2 Champions: Etta Piper and Nite And Day

2012M (Gunners Special Nite x Big Time Sunshine)
Score: 144.5
Owner: Linda Hoppe, Gause, TX
Breeder: Wendy Lind, Hayden, TX

NRHA Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup High Point Champions: Joseph Trautman and Smart Whizard Spook

2015G (Smart Spook x Miss Poco Whizard)
Owner: Christine Trautman, Reedsburg, WI
Breeder: Andre Lauzon, St-Placide, Canada

NRHA Youth 13 & Under High Point Champions: Millie Piper and Never Outta Dough

2013G (Outta Dough x Chex Writing Queen)
Owner: Millie Piper, Whitesboro, TX
Breeder: Ryan Appleton, Brady, TX

NRHA Youth 13 & Under Slate 2 and American Quarter Horse Association 13 & Under Slate 2 Champions: Deanna Davidson and Gotta Queen

2019M (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Shiney Little Queen)
Score: 141.5
Owner: Deanna Leigh Davidson, Nacogdoches, TX
Breeder: G2 Performance Horses, Scottsdale, AZ

NRHA Youth 14-18 Slate 2, NRHA Youth 14-18 High Point, and NRHA Unrestricted Youth Slate 2 Champions: Brooke Banks and A Customized Vintage

2019G (A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Barbie)
Score: 144.5
Owner: Kristie Banks, Redwood City, CA
Breeder: Marc Gordon, Scottsdale, AZ

As the dust settles on another unforgettable edition of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, it’s clear that the future of reining is in good hands. The heart, grit and sportsmanship on display in the youth divisions speak volumes about where this sport is headed.