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From the Novice Non Pro Derby that features horses with less than $5,000 in winnings, to the Select Non Pro that’s open to riders 50 years of age and over—the non pro’s came to win at the 2024 Mars Hackamore Classic.

What Makes a Non Pro?

To get the best definition for possible, we went straight to the source. The NRCHA rule book. Here’s a synopsis.

“Non Pros must not exhibit in Non Pro classes (except as noted in 2.4.5.3) any horses owned by any third party, but shall only exhibit horses solely owned by the exhibitor or the exhibitor’s family, which is the exhibitor’s spouse, legal domestic partner, child, stepchild, parent, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, cousin, step-parent, sibling, half-sibling, spouse’s parent, spouse’s step-parent, spouse’s sibling, spouse’s half sibling, spouse’s step sibling, sibling’s spouse, half-sibling’s spouse, step-sibling’s spouse, legal ward, or legal guardian. Separate legal entities such as family corporations, trusts or partnerships, are also authorized by this rule and must meet the family requirements as stated above. “Owned” means, in addition to other legitimate methods of acquiring ownership, the bona fide legal ownership obtained for adequate consideration in reasonable relationship with the actual market value of the horse. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification from the class shown.“

Crafton on Fire in the Hackamore Classic

Debbie Crafton rode Voodoo Sweetheart to a big win and became the Non Pro Hackamore Champions. Her final score was a 645.5.

Crafton is no stranger to the winners circle, winning last year’s World’s Greatest Non Pro. She also took 2nd and 4th place, on Ohh You Betcha and SJR Diamond Luna, respectively.

Katie Fox and ShinersDiamondLights took home the wins in both the Intermediate and Limited divisions with a 641.5.

Calling Dibs

Another horse and rider team that took home some prize money in the Non Pro Hackamore was Gianna Hansen. We talked with Hansen about the show and her amazing horse, Calling Dibs. ‘Dibs’ was bred and raised by Hansen. He was the only foal born that year, and she knew she had to call dibs on this future champion.

“He’s very goofy, he sticks his tongue out all the time, he’s got a lot of personality. He’s a little quirky animal, but very kind and absolutely loves to work cows and do his job.” Hansen notes that the tongue quirk must be a sign of something great. Crafton saw Dibs stick out his tongue and immediately commented, “Oh gosh, he’s a good one isn’t he?” Crafton related Dibs to the great Lay Down Sally that Chris Dawson rides, who also likes to run around with her tongue out.

Still Going to Ride

Dibs and Hansen have had a great year. “We actually won the hackamore horse show class in Vegas and Scottsdale.” But after Scottsdale, Hansen had ankle surgery and was supposed to be down for the count. However, Hansen has the same grit and tenacity as her horse, so on the last day that entries were accepted, Hansen decided to enter. She had Tyler Merrill school up Dibs, and then jump rode him at the Hackamore Classic. Oh, and if you were wondering, she’s not cleared to ride yet, but still took home the Non Pro Hackamore Prelim Championship, marking a 437 (R: 215.5/C: 221.5.)

Even with her injury, Hansen knew she had a great horse under her and could count on him. ” He’s just pure heart. He just loves it and I trust him, and our fence run… it was the highest score I’ve had in my life. I just put my hands down and kicked and he tried to nibble the cows ear, and just did his job. I was giggling all through the run. It was just so fun.”

But sometimes, we find ourselves riding through the pain that life throws at us. ” My dad passed Sunday”, says Hansen. “I wanted to dedicate this one to him. He’d been sick for awhile, and he was my biggest supporter. He knew I committed my entire life to this and how much I love it.” So the wins that Hansen and Dibs accumulated at the 2024 Mars Hackamore Classic meant more than just titles. They were for Greg Hansen.

Non Pro Bridle Champs

Myles Brown and One Time Legend won the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular, with a score of 660.5. Stefan Wagley and Boon Doxx took the Non Pro Bridle with a 444.5, and Jennifer Holland rode Ze Sparkin to a 432 in the Intermediate Non Pro. Baily Shopbell and Dr Boonolena won the Level 1 Non Pro Bridle with a 431.5, and Jim Gauthier and Smart Boon Starlight went home with the Select Non Pro win, scoring a 417.

[Read: More About the World’s Greatest Non Pro and Myles Brown HERE]