The Buckeye Reining Series hosted their largest show to date with the Leonard Truck and Trailer No Entry Fee Derby Show, held May 25-28, 2017 at the Champions Center in Springfield, Ohio. The event drew exhibitors from near and far as each vied for the more than $80,000 in added money and prizes.
But the biggest draw for exhibitors was the second annual $50,000 added No Entry Fee Derby sponsored by Leonard Truck and Trailer, which also included both Open and Non Pro Novice Horse Derby divisions. The Open Derby boasted 101 entries in the draw as Shawn Flarida took home top honors in the Open L4 and Novice Horse Derby L4 aboard Luckie Moonstone, owned by Jason Dobrinski of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, with a score of 224. Traveling all the way from Missouri, Bobby Avila Jr and CBK Spooks Got Cash scored a 222 to win the Open L2 and Novice Horse Derby L2 as well as the Buckeye Breeders Bonus for owners William and Corliss Kellogg, of Rogersville, Missouri. The Buckeye Breeders Bonus is a free breeding to one of the stallions in the program that is awarded to the highest placing mare in each of the Open and Non Pro Derbies.
The Non Pro Derby Sunday afternoon was just as exciting to watch and featured many impressive runs from the 77 entries in the Non Pro and Novice Horse Derby divisions. David McBurney of Palo, Iowa, piloted his Fancy Steppin Whiz to a score of 146.5 to win the Non Pro Derby L4, while David McGee, of King, North Caroline, took home the Novice Horse Non Pro Derby L4 championship aboard Knaughtybynature with a score of 146. Pickerington, Ohio native, Emmie Lacey captured the Non Pro Dery L2 title aboard her mare I Think I Can Can. The duo marked a 145 to also win the Buckeye Breeders Bonus in the Non Pro divisions. Alicia Rapp, of Tampa, Florida, and Green Smokin Jacket won the Novice Horse Derby Non Pro L2 with a score of 144.5.
As each Derby division champion was awarded their bronze trophies, custom Buckeye neck ribbons and slew of other prizes, one lucky winner was also drawn to take home the beautiful Continental Saddle donated by Oliver and Heike Dusterhoff of Continental Saddlery. David McGee and Knaughtybynature were the lucky champions that got to take home the coveted trophy saddle.
While the No Entry Fee Derby was the highlight Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the entire show was a big hit for both exhibitors and spectators alike. Class sizes soared yet again as everyone joined in the fun and gave their best to win their share of money and prizes. AQHA Ranch Riding classes drew many entries which included a two-point Youth Ranch Riding class. Past Congress Champion Tinseltown Flash, owned by Beth Himes, and shown by Robin Schoeller marked a 75 to win the two-point AQHA and NRHA Open classes and past Congress Amateur Champion, Footwork Revolution with Katsy Leeman, scored a 74 to claim the AQHA and Non Pro class wins.
The AQHA Youth Reining classes grew in size yet again as each slate featured a four-point class. And with three slates of NRHA Youth Classes, even the Short Stirrup saw a surge in entries as young riders from Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia and Ohio competed for the many prizes to pick from in the Youth Prize Closet as well as the Short Stirrup gift bags prepared and donated by Gary and Kerri Marsolais, of Ontario, Canada.
Outside the show arena there was plenty to see and do with vendors galore, exhibitor parties and dinners, bounce houses, youth movie night and cowboy church. The Buckeye Reining Series wants to thank all of the generous sponsors, both big and small, that make these events possible.
The next Buckeye Reining Series event is the Buckeye Reining Series Futurity Show, August 17-20, 2017. For more information please visit www.buckeyereiningseries.com.
