JEN VANNIETVELT & KRYPTTONITE TAKE HOME DERBY WIN

NRHA LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY CHAMPIONS

Jen Vannietvelt & Krypttonite christened their new partnership with a Derby win. Though they have only been a team for a little over one month, they qualified for the NRHA Non Pro Finals on their first run together and improved on that in the Finals, marking a 217.5.

Taking the reins

Jen is often known behind the scenes as the person capturing everyone's best moments. She's the media brains behind PHPH. This time, she got her chance to be on the other side of the camera with her new horse, Krypttonite, affectionately known as Superman or "Suups."

" I just got him after the NRBC and I have had a lot of fun already getting to know him," Jen said.

Krypttonite was bred by Pond Hill Performance Horses by Gunners Special Nite and out of PH Mare, Genuinely Jo. He was shown as a three year old by Jack Daniels, marking a 219.5 at the NARS Open Futurity. As a derby horse, it seemed clear that he would be a great fit for Jen.

"Jack started and trained him from the beginning. He has him so broke and easy to ride, and he's just a really kind horse," Jen describes, "he has a great personality."

The new pair made good use of their time before the Derby, and their hard work paid off.

The FIRST SHOW  

There's nothing like jumping into the deep end like showing at the NRHA Derby. The competition is tough, but the rewards can be big. Jen and Krypttonite marked a 214.5 in the first go, leading them to earn $3,707.66 in the Tamrach Ranch Non Pro 4 Yr Old Stakes.

"...for our prelims ride, Jack had him really ready to go for me and he felt great, but I didn't push him hard enough in the showpen [to make the Level 4 NP Finals]," Jen recalled. She would get another chance at it in the Finals, and take the chance she did. She and "Superman" marked a 217.5 which held throughout the night to win the Level 1 Non Pro Derby Championship.

Jen talks about her Finals run: "He was ready for me again today, and I trusted him a little more and am happy I was able to show a little more on what he's capable of. He's just 4 years old and is so much fun to ride and show."

The pair earned another check for $5,000, totalling $8,707.66 for the week. When asked about the team's Non Pro success, Kaci O'Rourke had this to say: "I'm so happy for Jen. She has worked really hard for this. The NRHA Derby is one of the toughest shows all year - it's a huge achievement to come home with a win."

Kaci talks about the partnership between horse and rider, "I think as she and that horse get more comfortable and confident together they can really do big things. I'm also happy for "Superman". Jack and I have always liked that horse. He's so kind and honest. This is the perfect fit."

Reflecting and going forward  

Jen and Krypttonite have their sights set on the 100X series coming up in both Waco and Tulsa. "I'd really like to build on our rides here. He feels like the kind of horse that is going to stay really honest... he's great inside and outside of the pen and I think he's just going to keep getting better. I'm super excited to see what we can do."

Jen also wanted to take time to recognize those who have helped her with her win.

"I'd like to thank Jack for having this horse so ready for me. He's as broke as he can be, and Jack is a great teacher and is passionate about it. I'd like to thank Kaci for all of her help preparing us as well and for pairing us up. She thought this horse would be a good fir tfor me and couldn't have been more right."

"I'd like to thank my husband, Nimi for all of his support. He always has my back and I love that we can do this together. I'd like to thank the whole team at Pond Hill. It's really a great group and everyone is happy to lend a hand and help each other. It makes for a fun atmosphere, which makes a fun horse show!"

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