By Lorraine Smith | for the Horsetrader

ELK GROVE—This year, the Rein for the Roses May 2-5 was extra special, as show exhibitors and attendees celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Derby on the Derby, held at the beautiful facilities of the Brookside Equestrian Center. The Derby on the Derby went back to the basics by holding one special event on Saturday, which proved to be a very well-attended and entertaining event. Brookside welcomed back judges Kristen Lilley and Dave Belson to judge the show, which was the second NRHA affiliate show of the season for the West Coast Reining Horse Association.

Brookside and Drag Time worked together to get the footing in place for all to ride and slide. It takes a huge bulldozer, two large 10 wheelers, and 24 hours of dedication with Pedro Miranda, facilities foreman, and Thad Carr working to get the hunter jumper footing removed and the reining footing hauled in, leveled, and ready to show.

The weather in Elk Grove was much better than the weather in Kentucky. Cool temps allowed for some hot riding in the show pen.

Brookside presented very special anniversary trophy buckles to a few of the open classes, non pro classes, and novice horse classes. For the Derby, Brookside presented trophy buckles and trophy pads with custom designed plates that included the Rein for Roses logo and 10th Anniversary.

As usual, the show days were filled with dinners and beverages, sponsored by Mike Mallo and Shawna Smith, David and Becky Hanson, and Kevin Vondemkamp. A ringside reporter on the scene said that the Parade of Hats was top notch, and the Derby hats were stellar. New Brookside Kentucky Colonels were inducted. The Rein for the Roses Saturday schedule worked out perfectly to watch the Running of the Roses at Churchill Downs—a strange event with the winner’s historic disqualification.

Moving right along, all guests moved over to the main berm to get front row seating for a fabulous evening of Cinco de Mayo fiesta and to watch the Derby on the Derby. Non Pros came out in force and did not disappoint. The crowd cheered for each and every rider and top performances took home the hardware.

Jordan Larson, who just moved to the area from Texas, came to Brookside for the first time with horses ready to derby. He rode Roosters Who, owned by Michael Russell, to victory in the Open Derby and will have have his name added to the Rein for Roses Open Champion Perpetual Plaque on display at Brookside. Cam Essick on Loveya and Tzvika Knaani on Kind of a Big Dual were co-champions in the Non Pro Level 4.

More online: http://bit.ly/906_Roses