Chris Dawson

Shiney Sparklette and Chris Dawson Top Aaron Ranch Derby Open


Intermediate Open

A blazing 151 fence work score in the finals vaulted CDs Catalena Cash (CD Olena x Shesa Lota Cash x Nu Cash) and California horseman Tucker Robinson into the Championship spot in the Intermediate Open. CDs Catalena Cash is owned by National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Corporate Partner San Juan Ranch. 

The pair scored a total 584.5 (142 herd/143.5 rein/148 cow/151 finals cow) to earn $2,638 for the Intermediate Open Championship, and banked another $4,665 for 5th place in the Derby Open.

Robinson also earned the Derby Intermediate Open Reserve Championship aboard Mo Style (Mr Playinstylish x Mo Fletch x Royal Fletch), owned by Charlie and Kit Moncrief. Mo Style earned a 580.5 composite (143.5 herd/144 rein/145 cow/148 finals cow) and combined paychecks of $5,082 for the Reserve and 7th place in the Open.

Limited Open

The Limited Open Champion was Smart Magnum Dun It (Magnum Chic Dream x Msmattydillondunit x Matt Dillon Dun It), shown by Jordan Williams and owned by Wes and Sarah Williams. Smart Magnum Dun It scored a total 575.5 (143 herd/143 rein/142.5 cow/147 finals cow).

Non-Pro 

The Derby Non-Pro Champion was Dave Ferguson, of Cottonwood, California, riding Shadyrools (Shady Lil Starlight x Sheza Roo x Gallo Del Cielo [Rooster]), a gelding owned by Ferguson’s wife, Kathy Ferguson. 

Ferguson and Shadyrools scored a total 570.5 (145 herd/141.5 rein/140 cow/144 finals cow), earning $2,466.

“It worked out pretty good! It just kind of fell together, and away we went,” Ferguson said of his finals fence work. “When the cow first came out I didn’t think it was going to go very fast, but then it really went.” 

Ferguson rides with Equi-Stat Elite $2 Million Rider Todd Bergen, and credited Bergen’s coaching for his success.

“Poor Todd, he’s had to put up with a lot, trying to get me to ride better,” Ferguson said with a laugh. 

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