The weekly Performance Report for May 26, 2026 features the Breeder’s Invitational cutting in review, as well as previews for Western performance horse events taking place May 27–June—including the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby—is available now.
They the big-picture scoop on the Western industry below.
Table of contents
What Happened May 18–25
Cutting: Breeder’s Invitational
Tulsa, Oklahoma | May 9–22
Check out the champions’ articles ⤵️
- Breakthrough Moment: Lance Cooper and Secretsarising Claim Breeders Invitational Open Derby Title Worth $70K
- James Payne and Jazlyn Continue $500,000 Pace with Breeder’s Invitational Classic Challenge Finals Finish
- Kenny Platt and LBR Hangem Break Breeder’s Invitational Classic Challenge Tie to Claim Open Title
This Week May 26–June 1
Cowhorse: NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby
Scottsdale, Arizona | May 26–June 6
The 2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale from May 26 through June 6, 2026, with $125,000 in added money for cow horse competitors.
The event includes Open and Non Pro Derbies, the World’s Greatest Non Pro competition, the final qualifier for the 2026 Run for a Million Cow Horse Challenge and the Holy Cow Performance Horses CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular, where the Doug Williamson Memorial Award goes to the rider with the high cow‑work score.
Find more information about the NRCHA Derby below, thanks to Classic Equine.
Cutting: NCHA 4CYTE Australia Futurity
Tamworth, New South Wales | May 24–June 7
Hillbilly Hippie leads the open futurity with a score of 436.5 following two go-rounds with breeder, owner and rider Lynda MacCallum in the saddle. Hillbilly Hippie is sired by Stevie Rey Von and out of Hells Rockin.
Looking Ahead
Cutting: PCCHA Reyzin The Cash Derby
Las Vegas, Nevada | June 5–14
The PCCHA Reyzin The Cash Derby promises $237,000 in added money alongside a Reyzin The Cash incentive paying a total of $165,000 across the derby and classic challenge.
The event is part of the Way Out West cutting series, which includes the Calgary Stampede July 2–3, the Idaho Cutting Horse Association Futurity and Aged Event Aug. 19–30 and the Cascades Futurity and Aged Event Sept. 2–14.
Cutting: The Non Pro Plus the Open
Ardmore, Oklahoma | June 5–15
With more than $100K in added money for the limited age events, plus nearly $30K in NCHA Championship classes, The Non Pro Plus the Open is a familiar, Della Hillerman-produced show within driving distance of many North Texas cutters.
Ranch Sorting: Cinch RSNC World Finals
Fort Worth, Texas | June 6–13
The nineteenth edition of the CINCH RSNC World Finals boasts more than $300,000 in added cash and prizes. In 2025, the event paid out $1.1 million to ranch sorters and looks to increase that number in 2026.
Reining: 6666 NRHA Derby
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | June 10–21
The 2026 6666 NRHA Derby 4-Year-Old-Stakes is set to pay more than $300,000 thanks to sponsors Colston Paving and Tamarack Ranch.
The postponed 2025 North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) will be taking place in OKC during the Derby. Normally held during the NRHA Futurity, the slate of classes was rescheduled due to an outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV).
In 2025, Casey Deary and Customize My Dream won the Level 4 Open Derby with a score of 233.5, christening the OG&E Colesium with a new chapter of reining champions.
Ranch Events: AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships
Amarillo, Texas | June 21–27
Find the tentative schedule here.
Taking place at the Tri-State Fairgrounds in Amarillo, the VRH World Championships is set to pay out $100,000 in added money throughout the AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships; AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge Finals; AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships. The event is sponsored by the 6666 Ranch.
Western Performance Industry News
2010 Stallion Magicality Laid to Rest Following Stall Accident
The versatile stallion Magicality has been humanely euthanized following a stall accident. The 16-year-old stallion was sired by Very Smart Remedy and out of Magical Lena (by Little Lenas Legend). He boasted earnings across cutting, reining and cow horse, amassing $197K+ in total lifetime earnings, according to QData.
A piece remembering Magicality’s impact on the industry is in the works from the Performance Report team.
The weekly Performance Report publishes at the beginning of each week on horseandriderperformancereport.com