Leonardo Kellermann & Frozen Starburst take NRHA Futurity Levels 1 & 2 Open Championships
Leonardo Kellermann made the most of his first National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity Open Level 4 finals and took home two championship titles on Frozen Starburst (SG Frozen Enterprize x Hollywood Starburst x Hollywood Dun It).
Kellermann and Frozen Starburst were entered in every level at the NRHA Futurity and the duo proved more than just competitive. In the section 2 finals they mareked a 222.5 to take home eighth place honors in the level 4; worth $52,919, tie for the reserve championship in the level 3; for $35,644, and win levels 1 and 2 for $13,000 and $50,000 respectively. Overall, the duo banked an impressive $151,563 for one successful reining pattern.
Kellermann tipped his hat to the crowd before stepping off of his horse and hugging him. * Photo by Amy Olson
“It was just amazing to be in there and be able to show a good horse in a crowd like that,” Kellerman said. “It was a dream.”
So what kind of horse does it take to pull checks like that?
“I moved to Seven Lakes about a year ago and that’s when I started riding him, that’s when I saw the potential he had,” Kellerman explained. “He’s just an amazing minded horse with all the manuvers and just a gorgeous horse.”
Kellermann teared up when he spoke of his family being able to travel and watch him at the futurity for the first time. Kellermann made the move from Brazil to come work for American reining trainers a few years ago.
The stallion he rode, like Kellermann came from Brazil. Owner Janice Laney purchased him from Ubere Agropecuaria Eireli of Brazil and he came to the States while he was a yearling.
“He was incredible. He showed me everything he had,” said Kellermann. “He turned big, stopped big, and did everything I asked. It was just amazing to be in there and be able to show a good horse.”
The duo found success early this season at the 100X Classic, then ran into some snags in Scottsdale, Arizona but had them worked out by the time they reached Oklahoma City. The Brazilian trainer focused on his mental wellbeing before and during the show so that he could ride his horses to their best scores.
“We have a mental coach and walking through the run is something we do all the time. He’s a great part of this, to help me prepare for this, for my first major event, to be in the finals and be able to keep my focus in such a big spot like that,” Kellermann explained.
Leonardo Kellermann and Frozen Starburst marked a 222.5 in the finals. * Photo by Amy Olson
Kellermann credited the buckskin for being so strong but willing. He mentioned how the horse can give one hundred percent and run fast and hard but then come right back and lope his slow circles. In the immediate future, the stallion has earned some time off but Kellermann has big plans for him in the years to come.
“It’s just turning him loose in the pasture and let him rest the rest of the year,” Kellermann said. “He deserves it. I’m for sure going to show him next year, we’re going to make a plan and see what shows he’s going for but you guys will see him again next year.”