AQHA Magazine January/February 2017 JAN_FEB 2017 AQHA_website (1) | Page 43

just held off Brooke Sestero on Jessies Dreamchaser (141). Mel came to Tamworth for this one event, to do “the best she could”. You can’t do more than win! The Reining Trainers Australia Non Pro Futurity was next and the largest number of entries to date in the event lined up to contest it. The Non Pro Futurity is gradually expanding its footprint at the National show and the crowd always gets right behind the competitors. The winning combination was Mick Taylor and Lil Gold Digger on 138. Mick took home a Reining saddle from Southern Cross (their third sponsored saddle for the show), as well as the buckle and trophy. Michelle Moore on Mooredun Smart Lil Chic (135) came in 2nd behind Mick in the Open Division of the Non Pro Futurity and this ride took her into the winning position in the Intermediate and Limited Divisions of the event. The AQHA incentive awards for the 2016 Non Pro Futurity went to Leonie Kingdon and My Chicks No Wimp. Leonie on 134½ was runner-up to Michelle Moore. The 2016 Reining Australia National Championships wrapped up on Saturday night when the big boys and girls took the stage again. The National Derby Competition returned to the Nationals after a long absence with the running of the Ariat Reining Australia Non Pro Derby and the Turnabout Farm Reining Australia Open Derby. The 2016 Non Pro Derby Champion combination, Cameron Halliwell and Gottagetagunner (139½), scored just half a point more than Errol Thomas and Shiney Nu Addition in the Reserve position on 139. There was tie for 3rd place between Erin Neylon riding Lil Miss Genius and Stephanie Cooper on Cromed By Custom. Erin and Steph were both entered in the Intermediate and Limited Divisions of the Non Pro Derby and their score of 138 put them in 1st place in those classes. The crowd was treated to a tense and exciting run-off for the two buckles with Steph and Cromed By Custom emerging as the winners, after the duo improved on their original score. The Open Derby was a hotly contested class. Cameron Halliwell on Gottagetagunner came in 5th with his score of 139½. He was just one point behind Noel Watson and Einstein Flashy Jac in 4th place. Rob Lawson aboard Tony Mitchell's imported mare Revolution Reddy took 3rd place with their score of 142½. Shaun Saunders put down a terrific run for the Reserve position on Darren Mullan’s QXH Docs Stylish Oak (143½). The man they couldn’t catch wore a green shirt. Warren Backhouse had opened his 2016 Championship account on Thursday night with a 145½ run on Checkout Hollywood in the Thomas Arena Products Open. In the final event of the 2016 Reining Australia National Championships, this pair upped the ante half a point to register a show high score of 146 to claim the 2016 National Open Derby Title. Congratulations to Warren, “Cody” and all the connections; it was a wonderful way to finish the day, the event, and the show. Cameron Halliwell’s score of 139½ on Gottagetagunner won him the Intermediate division of the Open Derby and Erin Neylon and Lil Miss Genius were consoled for their defeat in the run-off by taking home the buckle for the Limited Division of the Open Derby. Stephanie Cooper and Cromed By Custom Humpty Dumpty We had to wait until the end of the show to make one last presentation. SPH Our Touch was the highest scoring registered Paint Horse at this year's National Show. Congratulations to owner and rider Shane Sainsbury, who gets to wear the Trophy Buckle and thanks to the Paint Horse Association of Australia for sponsoring this great incentive. Where did that week go? It's always sad to come to the end of the Nationals for another year when the camps are packed up and the trucks pull out. Before we all headed off, we celebrated on Saturday night with our friends, the winners now and the winners to come, and the winners maybe never, but we had a great time being part of a great National Show. Don’t miss it in 2017! Shelley Peters Int Open Steph Cooper Int and Ltd Non Pro Derby David Simons Ltd Open Futurity Oliver Reinhardt Novice Horse Sohia Johnson Short Stirrup January • • February February • • 2017 2017 • • The The Australian Australian Quarter Quarter Horse Horse Magazine Magazine • • Page Page 43 43 January