PHPH Non Pros earn Reserve Championships at the Brazos Slide
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Blair McFarlin and Jennifer Vannietvelt earn Reserve Championship Titles in The Non PRo Derby
Sundrop and Blair McFarlin mark a 221 to take the Reserve Championship in the Level 4 Non Pro Derby.
Krypttonite and Jennifer Vannietvelt mark a 217 to earn the Reserve Championship in the Level 1 Non Pro Derby, Level 1 & Level 2 Novice Horse Derby.
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Always Dependable
Blair McFarlin's home bred gelding, Sundrop, is no stranger to the winners circle. At six years old, by Hollywoodstinseltown and out of a mare that Blair showed as a youth, Sheza Chic Olena, "Sunny" has become a beloved member of the family and a barn favorite at Pond Hill Performance Horses.
Sundrop began his training with Pond Hill Performance Horses as a two year old in the Class of 2022 and has remained in the barn ever since. In 2025, Blair and Sundrop took home the Championship in the Level 2 Non Pro Derby at the NRHA Derby. This year, Blair made the Level 4 Non Pro Finals at both the NRBC and the NRHA Derby.
"I really love watching Blair and Sundrop show. The bond between them is undeniable," trainer, Kaci O'Rourke said. "They made the Level 4 Finals at the NRHA Derby and really had a great chance to deliver another big run there. Unfortunately, 'Sunny' was acting colicky in the warm up and we all made the decision that he shouldn't show that night. It was dissappointing because I think we all knew they could really do well, but there was never a doubt to put the horse first. Coming to Waco was a great opportunity for them to have the run we knew they could."
The Brazos Slide was another chance for Blair and her trusted gelding to showcase their ability. Their 221 score was enough to hold on to second place in the Level 4 in a tough derby.
"Sunny is the kind of horse I can always depend on. He loves his job, gives his best every time, and is the most fun to show. I am so grateful to have him!" Blair said.
The run earned the team $4,873.41, bringing Sundrop's lifetime earnings to $51,789.33.
Coming Together
Coming off of their win at the NRHA Derby, Jen Vannietvelt and Krypttonite seem to be on a roll. Krypttonite, a 4 year old gelding by Gunners Special Nite and out of PHPH Mare, Genuinely Jo, has delivered two for two winning runs for his new rider.
For trainer Jack Daniels, its rewarding to watch the pair compete; "It's so nice to see a horse that you have bred, started, trained, and shown go on to be successful for another rider - particularly in the Non Pro - as 'Superman' has with Jen. She fits him very well and puts in a lot of time and effort. She works very hard."
At draw 11, Jen and "Superman" rose to the occasion, marking a clean and pretty 217. The run held throughought the day in multiple divisions, and the pair finished Reserve in the Level 1 Non Pro Derby, Levels 1 & 2 Novice Horse Derby, also finishing near the top in the Levels 3 & 4 Novice Horse Derby, and Level 2 & 3 Non Pro Derby.
"I am really starting to love this horse. He is Mr. Consistent every day and that is something I really appreciate about him. He has shown great for me every time and for only being 4 years old he's very mature. Our next stop is the 100X 4 Year Old Stakes in Tulsa, and I'm excited to push him even more there and see what we can do!" said Jen.
Jen and Krypttonite earned $6,299.91 pushing "Superman's" lifetime earnings to $15,008.57.
First Run Success
Brad Zanin competed for the first time on his home bred gelding, Face The Reality at the Brazos Slide. Face The Reality, or "Owen" as he is called, came to PHPH in the spring of 2025 as an early 3 year old.
By Pale Face Dunnit out of Brad's own mare Shineadoodledoo, the now 4 year old gelding recently made the NRHA Derby Open Finals with PH Assistant Taylor Herring. He also won the Level 2 Open Futurity with Taylor at the Waco Warm Up Series just last year. Now he is pulling double-duty in the Rookie Class.
"Our goal with this horse was always for Brad to be able to show him as well. The 4 year old year is a transformative one for any reining horse. I think him showing up the way he did for Brad and being so honest in there really shows how good minded he is," said Kaci. "Brad is an awesome guy, and to see him have a nice run and end up Reserve Champion in their first show together is really great for the whole team."
Brad and "Owen" marked a 70.5 in Sunday's Rookie Class, earning them 2nd Place. This is just the beginning of a great team.
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