Kristen Galyean captured her second championship in 10 days riding Harley, a gelding trained and also shown as a NCHA Derby Open semi-finalist by Kristen’s husband, Wesley.

Kristen has been showing cutting horses for just two years.

“The other night, I think we did well because Harley is so creative and made the run with the cool things he does out there,” said Galyean of her NCHA Derby Non-Pro Limited championship win.

“Tonight we had a tough run that had me sweating a couple of times. The cows were pretty testy, but Harley was right there and not about to give up.”

Harley is sired by Spots Hot, the stallion that Wesley showed to win the 2004 NCHA Futurity, as well as five other major events and over $500,000.

“I don’t know what Spots Hot felt like to ride, but Wesley always described him as a shark in the water — so fast and explosive, but so smooth at the same time.

“I think I feel that on Harley because he gets left and right so fast and you don’t even know how he got there. It’s like no other feeling I’ve ever had riding.

“He has amazing control over his body.”

Reserve champion Carl Smith scored 218 points on Mr Rister sired by Mr Boonsmal To You.

“I’ve been third four times (at major events), so I was real glad to move up a notch,” said Smith, who owns Third Cutting, winner of last year’s NCHA Open Derby and this year’s NCHA Classic Challenge with Boyd Rice.

Smith had gone back to the barn with Mr Rister after the lights went out and the cattle were removed, following the first set.

“We thought it would have to be (resumed) the next day,” said Smith. “But about the time we got his saddle off they said they were going to close the gate in 15 minutes.

“We just relaxed and had fun.”