The 2025 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel continued its momentum in the Adequan® Arena with a full slate of Non Pro ancillary action that celebrated riders across generations and experience levels. From seasoned veterans to promising new partnerships, the arena was alive with powerful runs and heartfelt victories as exhibitors competed for titles in NRHA Non Pro and Green Reiner classes. Each champion not only walked away with a coveted title but also set the tone for a week of thrilling reining in Oklahoma City.
NRHA Non Pro & NRHA Prime Time Non Pro Champions: Kathleen Armenta and Off N Running
| 2015G (Walla Walla Whiz x Spook Off Sparks) | Owner: Armenta Quarter Horses, Gainesville, TX |
| Score: 143 | Breeder: Arcese Quarter Horses USA, Weatherford, TX |
“It sets the tone when you do well the first time,” said Armenta. “I don’t show again for another nine days, but it’s always fun to start with a win.”
NRHA Intermediate Non Pro Champions: Kylie Baker and Happy Dreams
| 2019G (Hollywoodstinseltown x Shes A Dreamin) | Owner: Kylie Baker, Dripping Springs, TX |
| Score: 142 | Breeder: Matthew Wilson, Las Animas, CO |
“This win means a lot because I don’t know him very well. This is my first real show with him,” said Baker. “I’m actually showing him in the Non Pro Derby, so today helped us get a feel of each other. He was so good; he went above my expectations. It set our confidence up for the rest of the week.”
NRHA Limited Non Pro Champions: Victoria Crettenand and Magnetizm
| 2017G (Magnum Chic Dream x Calatrava) | Owner: Victoria Crettenand, Whitesboro, TX |
| Score: 141 | Breeder: Gail Klapper, Lakewood, CO |
“This is pretty special for me; we are preparing to go in both of the maturities so hopefully the streak will continue for us,” said Crettenand. “I am excited that it started off good for us.”
NRHA Masters Non Pro Champions: Karen Shedlauskas and Gunnabetya
| 2017M (Gunnatrashya x Chic Of My Dreams) | Owner: Karen Shedlauskas, Reddick, FL |
| Score: 142 | Breeder: Kathy Hinton, Whitesboro, TX |
“For me, this means a lot. I just got her back yesterday,” said Shedlauskas. “She’s been in Texas the past four months to get bred. I rode her last night and showed her today, thank God, she picked up where we left off. It means that I got my girl back. I’ve been missing her.”
NRHA Legends Non Pro Champions: Sherman Lauder and Gunner Magic
| 2011G (Gunner x Jacs Shining Fancy) | Owner: Cheryl Lauder, Weatherford, OK |
| Score: 134.5 | Breeder: Grady Kimbrell, Santa Barbara, CA |
NRHA Classic Equine Green Reiner Levels 1 & 2 Co-Champions: April Gentry and Alpha Onespecialnite
| 2017G (Gunners Special Nite x One Last Corona) | Owner: April Gentry, Oak Point, TX |
| Score: 143 | Breeder: Tom McCutcheon, Aubrey, TX |
“He’s a fun horse to show,” Gentry said. “He’s really fun to learn on, and everytime we go out, something new gets exposed, we find new things to work. He’s really fun to show and we have a lot of fun out there.”
NRHA Classic Equine Green Reiner Levels 1 & 2 Co-Champions: Angel Baer and Whiz Wound Up
| 2017G (Walla Walla Whiz x Wound Up Wimp) | Owner: Steven Deskin, Dallas, TX |
| Score: 143 | Breeder: Carl Lambert, Hempstead, TX |
“This win is great,” Baer said. “This is actually not my horse, it’s my teammate’s horse. I’ve been riding him a lot, this is our second show and he’s been really fun.”
With first wins in the books and confidence riding high, today’s champions in the Adequan® Arena proved that determination, partnership and passion are alive and well. The excitement continues tomorrow with the Rookie Levels 1 and 2, Prime Time Rookie and Youth classes, where the next wave of talent will take center stage. For schedules, draws and more, visit nrhaderby.com and follow along as the action unfolds at the World’s Hottest Reining.
