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AQHA HORSE SHOW REPORTS- 2025 REINING AUSTRALIA
Non Pro Derby Champion- Tyler Smith and Q Vista Step It Up Q-95142
Our leadline Co-Champions were- Presley Baskerville and Star Spangled Destiny Q-85338 & Paiton Russell and Plum Outta Town
Gold Buckle Derby Champion Michael Toohey and Funtime Chic Q-96614
Gold Buckle Green Rider Shootout Teresa Toohey and Wimpys Chic OLena Q-85630
3yo Snaffle Bit Champion Tyler Smith and Youve Been Thunderstruck Q-99625
commanding fashion. Shane Sainsbury and Reddy Set Showtime powered to the Level 3 win with an athletic, high-energy run that combined control with flair. In Level 2, Kailie Mudge and Einstrins Dunit Downunder laid down a smooth, correct pattern that showcased the kind of consistency every rider dreams of.
On the Non Pro side, Corey Smith and HPH Whizkey At The Bar pulled off one of the most impressive performances of the week. Sweeping Levels 4( Equilume), 3( SD Hydraulics & Hoses), and 2( Natures Farmacy), Corey’ s polished, confident runs had the crowd behind them every step of the way. Their ability to also step into the Open competition and hold their own against the pros was a testament to the hours of preparation behind the scenes.
The Futurity, as always, gave us more than just winners— it gave us the first glimpse of future Derby contenders, the horses that will shape reining’ s next chapter in Australia.
DERBY DRAMA AND HISTORY If the Futurity gave us goosebumps, the Derby delivered pure, history-making magic.
In the Open Derby Level 4, sponsored by AQHA, Lana Kelderman and Nu Too Much delivered the run of a lifetime— huge, fast circles, crisp rollbacks, and sliding stops that sent waves of dust rolling into the crowd. When the score came in, the arena erupted— they had not only won the title but matched the highest score ever run in Australia.
Sharing in that exact moment of history, Tyler Smith and Q Vista Step It Up laid down a single, flawless run that did double duty— counting for both the Open Derby Level 4 and the Non Pro Derby Level 4, sponsored by Howden. That one ride not only secured Tyler the Non Pro championship but also matched the all-time highest score ever recorded in the country. Two riders, two horses, two record scores— all in the same class, all on the same night. It was Nationals magic at its best.
Australian Quarter Horse Association- www. aqha. com. au