SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After a prolific rainy season, the “rein-y” season seems to have kicked off this spring, and Californians are claiming their share of titles.

At the venerable Cactus Reining Classic, held March 22-26 at Westworld, major winners from the Golden State included Tom Foran in the Open Derby Level 2 and 3 and Non Pro Dana Avila in the Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 1 and 2 as well as Intermediate Non Pro.

This year, the event was pushed into late March, a move that didn’t slow down Temecula-based rider Avila. With her gelding Gunna Spook Ya, by Smart Spook and out of Gitty Annie Gun, by Gunner, Avila won the High Point Championships in Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 and 2, and Intermediate Non Pro.

“I opted not to show my horse in the Derby ,as my husband, Bob, and I felt he wasn’t quite as seasoned as the other Derby horses,” Dana said. “I ended up having a terrific show. As they say, winning is always fun.”

Once again, the $70,000-added Lucas Oil Open Derby, with 74 horses in the competition, did not disappoint the spectators. It took a 220.5 to place 15th and be in the money. When Arno Honstetter, of Scottsdale left the arena after his run on Gunnafoolya, by Gunnatrashya, owned by Marilyn Overgaard, with a smoking score of 226, the crowd thought they had seen their winner.

Then, Arno’s assistant trainer, Daniel Schloemer riding Dun Spooked Us, owned by Jenanne Overgaard, marked a 226 to tie his mentor and the crowd went wild with anticipation of a run off.

However, as they say it’s not over until….. Inferno 66 and rider Franco Bertolani entered the arena. The stunning chestnut stallion by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya walked in as though he owned the place. The excited crowd fell silent in anticipation as the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve Champion duo hesitated in the middle of the arena to begin their pattern. Soon the cheering, whistling and goosebumps came from the appreciative spectators. Then the ride was over. The moments waiting to hear the score had folks on the edge of their seat. When the score of 228.5 was announced there was an explosion of exhilaration for the 2017 winner of the Lucas Oil Level 4 Open Derby Champions Inferno 66 and Franco Bertolani.

Their efforts earned them a custom Gist trophy buckle, custom bronze trophy and a check in the amount of $13,788.50. Arno Honstetter and Daniel Schloemer tied for Reserve Champions and each earned a check of $7,343.88 in the Level 4 division. Daniel Schloemer and Dun Spooked Us also won the Level 3 division adding another $6,203.10 for a total win of $13,546.98 and a Bob’s Custom Trophy Saddle.

The Level 2 Open Derby Championship and Level 3 Reserve Championship went to Foran, of Burbank and Sleipner, LLC’s Walla Walla Starbuck, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz. Their paycheck totaled $7,780. The eye-stopping palomino stallion Woodys Toy Gun, sired by Hollywoodstinseltown and ridden by Chuy Chavez from Gilroy won the Level 1 Open Derby division, tied for third in the Level 2 and earned themselves a check in the amount of $3,770.63 for owner Karin DiNapoli.

Johanna “Jojo” Anstensen, from Anacortes, Wash., and her horse SLJ Custom Style by Custom Legend and out of a Smart Like juice mare, were all smiles after winning the Limited Non Pro High Point Championship. After an exciting run off, the pair took home a gorgeous custom trophy saddle presented by Equine Oasis and custom Gist trophy buckle.

“This is my first time showing in Arizona,” Anstensen said. “I had a great time, and had lots of fun showing my horse. He was just amazing.“

The Rookie divisions were dominated by Robi-Kay Lynn Pederson, a 16-year-old rider from Scottsdale, Ariz. Pederson won High Point Championships in three out of four Rookie divisions: Rookie 1 and 2, and DRHA Rookie on her horse Showhiz, an 8-year-old gelding by Conquistador Whiz.

This theme of big winning sweeps continued at the Cactus Reining Classic on Saturday with the SmartPak Non Pro Maturity. Shelby Clausen riding Smart Tinseltown, a 7-year-old gelding by Smart Spook, marked 219.5 to win the Levels 4, 3, 2 and 1 divisions and a paycheck of $1,566.53.

“We got Shelby’s horse from Robin Scholler last year at the NRHA Futurity,” said Shelby’s trainer, Patrick Flaherty. “This is only the third time she has shown him. She did well on him at the Arizona Sun Country Circuit. Shelby is only 15 years old and has been riding with me for the last three years.”

The $40,000 Added Protect The Harvest Non Pro Derby saw 56 competitors all vying for the big money and prizes. Always a tough competitor, Morris Kulmer from Bountiful, Utah, riding Chics Dream by Magnum Chic Dream, gave the others a run for their money by marking a 218.5 for the win in the Level 4 Non Pro, Prime Time and Masters Non Pro divisions. He earned a check for $7,787.

The Level 1 Non Pro Derby Champion saw a fresh face in the winner’s circle this year. Bobbie Dykes from Temecula rode his entry Stepinoutinhollywood, by Wimpys Little Step, and marked a 214.5 to win the Level 1 division and Reserve in the Level 2 division of the Non Pro Derby. For their efforts Bobbie won $3,345.07.

Once again, the $70,000-added Lucas Oil Open Derby, with 74 horses in the competition, did not disappoint the spectators. It took a 220.5 to place 15th and be in the money. When Arno Honstetter, of Scottsdale left the arena after his run on Gunnafoolya, by Gunnatrashya, owned by Marilyn Overgaard, with a smoking score of 226, the crowd thought they had seen their winner.

Then, Arno’s assistant trainer, Daniel Schloemer riding Dun Spooked Us, owned by Jenanne Overgaard, marked a 226 to tie his mentor and the crowd went wild with anticipation of a run off.

However, as they say it’s not over until….. Inferno 66 and rider Franco Bertolani entered the arena. The stunning chestnut stallion by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya walked in as though he owned the place. The excited crowd fell silent in anticipation as the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve Champion duo hesitated in the middle of the arena to begin their pattern. Soon the cheering, whistling and goosebumps came from the appreciative spectators. Then the ride was over. The moments waiting to hear the score had folks on the edge of their seat. When the score of 228.5 was announced there was an explosion of exhilaration for the 2017 winner of the Lucas Oil Level 4 Open Derby Champions Inferno 66 and Franco Bertolani.

Their efforts earned them a custom Gist trophy buckle, custom bronze trophy and a check in the amount of $13,788.50. Arno Honstetter and Daniel Schloemer tied for Reserve Champions and each earned a check of $7,343.88 in the Level 4 division. Daniel Schloemer and Dun Spooked Us also won the Level 3 division adding another $6,203.10 for a total win of $13,546.98 and a Bob’s Custom Trophy Saddle.

The Level 2 Open Derby Championship and Level 3 Reserve Championship went to Tom Foran, of Burbank and Sleipner, LLC’s Walla Walla Starbuck, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz. Their paycheck totaled $7,780. The eye-stopping palomino stallion Woodys Toy Gun, sired by Hollywoodstinseltown and ridden by Chuy Chavez from Gilroy won the Level 1 Open Derby division, tied for third in the Level 2 and earned themselves a check in the amount of $3,770.63 for owner Karin DiNapoli.

The Level 1 Non Pro Derby Champion saw a fresh face in the winner’s circle this year. Bobbie Dykes from Temecula rode his entry Stepinoutinhollywood, by Wimpys Little Step, and marked a 214.5 to win the Level 1 division and Reserve in the Level 2 division of the Non Pro Derby. For their efforts Bobbie won $3,345.07.

When asked to sum up the show, Amanda Brumley showed her delight for the outcome of the event. “The show was great!,” she said. “Things went smoothly and people had a fabulous time. I am extremely pleased with the new bronze trophies that were awarded and that the winners loved them too. I would have liked to see more participation in the NARHA (National Arabian Reining Horse Association) divisions, but it’s new. This is the first year. The NARHA has so much to offer for the Arabian reining industry. Once it catches on, it will be huge!”

BMG will next hold the Wild Card Reining Challenge May 24 – 27 in Las Vegas, Nev. With more than $115,000 in added money and Reining Horse Expo. There are two FREE clinics being offered. Jordan Larson will be discussing the run down and NRHA Judge Jody Brainard will return to host “Inside the Mind of an NRHA Judge.” The entire event, including the clinics, will be broadcast live over the internet through HorseShowGlobal.com BMG Events Official Broadcasting Network. If you can’t be there in person, watch the live broadcast. You won’t be disappointed.

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