SHAUNDA RUCKMAN & RUFANICKI
2011 NRHA NON PRO DERBY CHAMPS

The AzRHA would like to congratulate fellow member, Shaunda Ruckman of Scottsdale and her horse, Rufanicki in their amazing win at this year's Non Pro Derby. The pair scored a 222.5 to sweep Level 4, 3, 2 and 1 divisions of the Non Pro Derby. They have also dominated in their first year of competition together.... they won all four division championships at the Cactus Reining Classic Derby, National Reining Breeder’s Classic Derby and now the NRHA Derby. Shaunda rides with NRHA Professional Martin Muehlstaetter in Scottsdale. Her five-year-old stallion is by Lil Ruf Peppy and out of Chexanicki. For her championship run at the 2011 Non Pro Derby, Ruckman earned over $22,200 and lots of amazing prizes including the use of a four-horse Cimarron Trailer, NRHA Lawson trophies, Bob’s Custom Saddles trophy saddles, Montana Silversmiths trophy buckles, and gift certificates from several NRHA sponsors.

OLIVIA HARTMAN & SAILING BY STARLIGHT
USEF YOUTH 13 & UNDER CHAMPIONS
 

AzRHA Youth member, Olivia Hartman is a 14-year-old from Scottsdale, Arizona where she is a freshmen in high school.  She is an amazing young lady... In academics, she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and an honor roll student. Her accomplishments in the reining arena include AzRHA 13 & Under Reserve Champion, and DRHA 13 & Under Champion. She is very involved with both the NRHA and AzRHA youth organizations... at the local level, she is the AzRHA Secretary, and is also a NRHA National Delegate.  Olivia started riding at a young age after visiting a friend with horses.  She now rides with NRHA professional Ashley Wilson  in Scottsdale, Arizona.   Olivia rides and shows her seven year old Quarter Horse gelding Sailing by Starlight (also known as "Jeeves" around the barn).  She says he is a lot of fun to ride and has a very big personality.  He loves treats and attention.   Olivia has been riding him for several years and has had him since he was two years old.  She says he is a perpetual adolescent and the clown of the barn, and can always draw a laugh and a smile.

Olivia Hartman and Sailing by Starlight won the USEF 13 & Under Championship at this year's USEF Young Riders Championships which are held during the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City in July.  The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is the governing body of equestrian sports in the U.S. The international sports recognized by the organization are Combined Driving, Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Equestrian, Reining and Vaulting. The presence of USEF is very strong in other equestrian disciplines, giving great opportunities for youth riders. Riders must ride in qualifiers, and then the top qualified riders compete in Oklahoma City in the finals.  It is a great experience for youth reiners!  Great job Olivia!

ANDREA FAPPANI & TINKER WITH GUNS
2011 OPEN DERBY CHAMPS

OPEN DERBY FINALISTS

Dan Huss & Charisma N Chrome
Dan Huss & Baja Hollywood Whiz
Arno Honstetter & Nics Little Bud
Troy Heikes & Whole Lota Jac
Andrea Fappani & Custom Spook
Brett Stone & Smokin Whiz
Matt Mills & Custom Great Pine
Aires DeMello & Top Gun Tonite

NON PRO DERBY FINALISTS

Kim Muehlstaetter & Country Custom
Tish Fappani & Premier Diamond
Otto Stanislaw & Miss Silver Gun