Dell Hendricks and Jordan Larson

When announcer Wayne Wise declared that two-time SWRHA Futurity Champion Dell Hendricks had piloted Cache Of Jewels to a 229, the cheers could be heard well outside of the Hardy Murphy Coliseum.

But just three horses later, 2010 National Reining Horse Association Futurity Champion Jordan Larson and Tinseltown Wimpy also marked a 229. While the riders had the option of a run-off, the two agreed to be Co-Champions. Each received a check for $15,418 and flipped for prizes, which included a custom SWRHA Golf Cart, an NRHA Lawson trophy, and Anderson Bean boots.

"They're just 3-year-olds, and the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City is in the near future, so we want to save them," noted Larson.

Larson has ridden "Tinseltown," (Wimpys Little Step x Downtown Tinseltown) for almost a year. "Kyle Shaw rode her as a 2-year-old and did a really good job. Her owner, Ron McRorie, sent her to me on Garth Browns' recommendation," he explained.

Two months ago, Larson and Tinseltown were riding in the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, and the mare had a hard time settling down. "We did a paid warm-up, and I couldn't get her around the pen. I was glad she did so well tonight. She missed some time earlier this year, so I'm really proud of her. She's a good horse. In fact, she might be better than good."

Larson gave credit for his success to his wife, Taylor. "She does everything; I just show up and ride. She's awesome. I also thank the rest of my family and my help. I got a couple new employees, and they've been great," he said.

When James Crews charged Dell Hendricks with finding a "really good horse," the ensuing search took several months. "Dell always says a horse is really, really good if it makes his butt tingle, and he called me and said this one did," Crews said of his horse Cache Of Jewels (Conquistador Whiz x Jewels Little Sparkle). "I've had other horses with Dell, and he does a great job. I'm really excited about this horse and feel very fortunate to own him."

Hendricks said, "There's something special when you sit on a good horse. When I rode this one I only rode him about three strides and knew we had to have him. He might just be the best one I've ever ridden."

Hendricks has only shown "Bird" twice. "Every time I've made a run he's scored high. Tonight he was good. He was better than I was. I let him down a couple places, but I'll make it up to him. We'll keep doing what we're doing," he said. "I still haven't asked him for his life. He won the go-round with a 226.5, and I knew he had more. Even after tonight, I think there's more there."

Levels 3-1

Patrick Flaherty

Flaherty and Golden Secret Weapon (Easy Hollywood Buck x Tardys Golden Dance) competed in the first set of Open finals for Levels 1-3, marking a 220. That score clinched the Level 1 and 2 Limited  Championship.

"She was pretty good everywhere. She really locked in and was just perfect. She did everything with a draped rein," Flaherty said. "She really ran and drug her butt; that's where she's really good. You can push her as hard as you want."

But there were nine other Open Level 3 Intermediate entries who also qualified for the Level 4 Open, so when Scott McCutcheon and BH Is Packin Heat also marked a 222, he and Flaherty decided on a run-off. When the scores were tabulated, Flaherty and "SW" were declared the Level 3 Open Champions.

Flaherty got SW to train in August of 2010. "Bobby Logan from Utah started her and owned her. Lois Whittington then bought her and I brought her along," he explained.

SW was unregistered until after a successful showing at Reining By The Bay. "Quarter Horse News was asking about her breeding and other stuff about her, so we went through a lot to get her registered. We have her papers now," Flaherty noted. Because SW was never enrolled in the National Reining Horse Association's Foal Nomination Program, she won't be competing in Oklahoma City at the NRHA Futurity.

"She's not eligible for some of those events, but we wanted to do the Futurity stuff. We just came here to show her and try to win the [Level 2] Limited since I won't be eligible in that division next year. That was our goal, and I'm glad we accomplished it."

Finishing Reserve in both divisions were Bobby Barko and Kachina Whiz Olena (Topsail Whiz x Kachina Oak Olena) with a 221.5. The Reserve titles netted owner Lance Griffin $2,071, a pair of Anderson Bean boots, and a $100 SmartPak gift certificate.

Dell Hendricks, winner of the preliminary round