Since 2011, the Kentucky Reining Cup has been held in conjunction with the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and has become a fan favorite in its own right. After a thrilling day watching top riders tackle one of the toughest cross-country courses in the world, spectators head over to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena on Saturday night to watch the Freestyle Reining World Championship.
Laura Sumrall has been a successful competitor at the Kentucky Reining Cup in previous years, but this was her year to really shine. Riding the 11-year-old AQHA mare, Wimpys Top Model, owned by Hilairy Guerriero, Sumrall performed flawlessly to the ever-popular anthem, Let it Go, from Frozen.
Last year’s champion, Dan James, was back again this year in spite of a serious leg injury he sustained while working with a young horse earlier this spring. He rode his own IRA Top Gunner in an inspiring freestyle that included the liberty work James is known for. He left with a zero score as his performance did not include all of the required elements, but the fans didn’t care about that. James and Top Gunner took home the People’s Choice award.
Check out more video from the Kentucky Reining Cup at USEFNetwork.com, and visit kentuckyreining.com for full results from Saturday’s freestyle.
Leslie Potter is a graduate of William Woods University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science with a concentration in saddle seat riding and a minor in Journalism/Mass Communications. She is currently a writer and photographer in Lexington, Ky. Potter worked as a barn manager and riding instructor and was a freelance reporter and photographer for the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Horse Report before moving to Lexington to join Horse Illustrated as Web Editor from 2008 to 2019. Her current equestrian pursuits include being a grown-up lesson kid at an eventing barn and trail riding with her senior Morgan gelding, Snoopy.
Awesome ride! She did a beautiful job! Congrats!
Dan James, stay strong!!!
I was totally moved! You are an inspiration to me!!
Just fantastic, breathe taking ride and performance!
Beautiful. Excellent training. Definitely a bond between horse and rider.
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