Friday might be the last time we watch A Certain Vino and Darcy Reeve jog down the middle of the Jim Norick arena at the AQHA World Championship show. Darcy has told us that there are some big changes happening with the legendary A Certain Vino. Darcy is turning over the reins to older sister Kelley Reeve Deines who plans to show him in the Amateur Western Pleasure in 2016. Over the course of his storied show career, Vino has won an incredible 27 Congress and 14 AQHA World Championships.
“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to show Vino again. It’s been almost 10 years since I’ve been in the show pen and that was when I showed Vino as a three year-old,” Deines shares. (pictured below) “Darcy is looking to slow down a little bit, but insists Vino is not ready to retire and is at the top of his game. My very gracious sister suggested I get back into showing, and I couldn’t agree more.”
Deines, who is credited with getting the Reeve family into showing horses when she was young, is no stranger to the show pen, as well as the winner’s circle. During her successful youth and amateur career, she showed Fashionably Zipped, Caught In My Zipper and Hot N Irish. Her greatest success came at the 2004 AQHA World Championship show when she was named the unanimous World Champion in Amateur Trail with What A Fancy Zippo.
So, why the long break from showing? “I wanted to focus on my college studies and getting a job after. I became an NCAA division one equestrian coach,” Deines states. “I did that for a year, then moved back home. I sat out my five years, so I never showed for that reason. Honestly, a career and my husband and stepson have taken up so much time, I never thought it would be an option. Now with the way things are going, it’d be a perfect time to get back into showing.”
Deines adds, “One thing I’ve learned, once you get bitten by the horse show bug, it never goes away…even after 10 years. I’ll be showing him in the western pleasure but may show a little in the western riding. We will see how everything plays out.”
Darcy told us that she is excited for her sister, who got married earlier this year, to be able to show Vino. “With my life getting ever more busy, I love that Vino can continue on his successful path with someone new.”
“Growing up, Kelley always shared her horses with me, and I am excited to finally return the favor,” Darcy reveals. “I think Vino and Kelley will make a great team for the Amateur Western Pleasure, and she and Kramer will be exceptional in the Novice Amateur Western Riding. I am truly grateful to Vino for the success he has led me to, and I can’t wait for Kelley to have a shot at the same.”
Darcy will still continue to show Vino in the Amateur Western Riding, as well as Kramer in her usual all-around events. We look forward to watching Kelley back in the saddle next year!
