Friday Highlights from the 2016 Cactus Reining Classic

Cactus Classic competition began at 8 am sharp Friday morning and the warm, beautiful weather made it a certainty everyone wore a smile to start the day. In the outdoor Arena 4 Stacey Hamilton and Whiz I Was Smart posted a sizzling 73 to win the Novice Horse Non-Pro Level 2. One point behind her, Scottsdale locals, Wimpys Cat Step and Sheley Brien took reserve honors. In the Novice Horse Non-Pro A Fine Lil Peppy and Kelsey Duede spun into the winner’s circle while Brenda Joyce teamed Dun Lost My Mercedes to second place honors. Arena 6 featured the Ladies Non Pro, won by Kathleen Jackson and Shine Spook Shine, while David Weller won the DRHA Gents NP with Hollywood Chocolena. There were some impressive entries, both numbers and talent, in the Rookie classes. Diamond Oak and Paige Barton took the buckle in the Rookie Level 2, beating the balance of the 43 total entries. With one less entry to defeat in their group, Taylor Bradshaw and Tinselena Nic won the Rookie Level 1. Janet Bache and Sailing With Tejon won BOTH the Prime Time Rookie and the DRHA DRHARK Rookie.

Officially there were 14 competitions slated for Friday, March 4th at the Cactus Reining Classic, ALL of them were important to more than a few “somebodies”, but it was difficult to keep folks from focusing all of their attention on the $40,000 Added Protect The Harvest Non Pro Derby. Harper Connor of Dallas, Texas had the best runs of the Level 4 group, placing first on Jacs Princess and reserve on Vintage GQ. Harper was also 11th with Revolutionary Jewels, taking home around $10,000 for his efforts overall. Julie Ridgeway showed her beautiful Palomino mare to third and won the PT Non Pro Aged Event. Kim Muehlstaetter and Lil Magnum Chex won the Level 3 Intermediate Non-Pro just a half point ahead of Camela Essick and Hollier Than Thou. Samantha Belcher won the Level 2 Limited Non Pro Aged Event on Taser Gun and Morris Kulmer and Chics Dream won BOTH the Level 1 Non Pro Aged Event and Masters Non-Pro Derby.

At the beginning of Friday evening Brumley Management hosted a delightful Taco party in the Equidome with all the trimmings at the west end of the rotundra in the Equidome. All together it was a sweet evening with lots of people drifting in and out of the dinner area, enjoying good food and iced tea. It was just a wonderful, family way to catch up with friends and fellow horsemen, compliments of Brumley Management and the Cactus Reining Classic show.