Sandra Bentien wowed the judges aboard her Gotta Twist It Up,then celebrated with her posse the Non Pro Derby Level 4 Championship at the 2017 Rein for the Roses.

John O’Hara photo

ELK GROVE – Good weather, good times and above all, good competition, added up to a highly successful 2017 Rein For The Roses May 4-7 at Brookside Equestrian Park.

Members and horses started prepping and showing in 90 degree temperature. However in the classic Brookside micro climate, the days cooled off and we were lovely. Host Bill Madden of Brookside greeted reiners with new sand footing in the warm-up arena – a one-of-a-kind warm-up arena for reiners in Northern California.

“It brings us back to Brookside every year,” said JoAnn Campas, President of the West Coast Reining Horse Association – the largest affiliate in the National Reining Horse Association. “Bill always does his best to provide the best warm-up and show conditions possible. The Sugar Shack is also new at Brookside. What a welcome treat right in the center of the action, providing all sorts of espresso concoctions. “

Rein For The Roses showcases Brookside Derby and Maturity Classes. The Open Maturity on Friday Night Champion was Martin Padilla showing I’m Magnificent owned by Hanna Hopper. The Friday Non Pro Derby Level 4 Champion was Sandy Bentien on her home grown Gotta Twist It up. Level 1 Champion was Jim Grech showing Shining Boon Chick. Saturday Night brought the exciting Non-Pro Maturity Champion, Jennifer Gilliam showing Hick A Shine, and Reserve Champion Hanna Hopper showing I’M Magnificent.

Open Derby Champion was Mike McEntire showing Gunrise, owned by Stanley Coats. Mike Boyle on Holly Rowdy Whiz was the Reserve Champion showing for J& T Enterprises. Open Derby Level 1 Champion was Maximum Dream shown by Liz Rammerstorfer for owner Debbie Witt.

In some top NRHA ancillary class battles, Rookie classes were dominated by Patrica Eckhoff showing Chics Love Chrome and Reserve Champion Laetitia Loubser showing Corona In Hollywood. The Short Stirrup class was taken by Evia Reid showing Taris Topsail owned by Barbara Morland. Naudia Gilliam showing Hick A Shine and Casey Skadden showing Shine Like Cash were Co-Reserve Champions.

After a lot of consistent work and perseverance, Derek Brummett was the champion across the board, showing Thischicsamistress in Intermediate Non-Pro, Limited Non-Pro, Prime Time Non-Pro and Co-Champion in Non-Pro. Rhonda Dunlap was Reserve Champion Intermediate Non-Pro, Limited Non-Pro and Prime Time Non-Pro. Jennifer Gilliam was the Co-Champion Non-Pro with Derek.

MORE ONLINE: Http//:bit.ly/706A_rein