Clay Volmer and Metallic Casanova Claim Tres Osos Cow Horse Open Derby

With 152 Open entries stepping up to the plate during the Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions, it was a tough battle to come out on top. Metallic Casanova and Clay Volmer made it look easy, though, racking up a composite score of 663 to win the Open title and collect $35,000 for owner Pitzer Ranch/Dack Cattle LLC.

The pair kicked off the competition by marking a 219.5 in the herd work, despite a late draw. That score put them in a good position going into the rein work, where they marked a 220. It was the duo’s fence work, though, where they scored a 223.5, that elevated them to the top of the leaderboard.

“He loves the fence work. He just craves it so much,” Volmer said. “He’s probably one of the most intense fence horses I’ve ever ridden, and I’ve ridden a lot of good ones. He lives for it.”

Metallic Casanova (Metallic Cat x Dark And Sultry x Spots Hot), a stunning 5-year-old red roan stallion with a long, flowing mane, was bred by Kelly Mahler. The Tres Osos Derby was his first major title to win.

Clint and Debby Matthews-bred Stylin Metal (Metallic Cat x Stylin Playgirl x Docs Stylish Oak) carried Justin Wright to a 662.5 (H: 221/R: 221.5/C: 220) for the Open Reserve title. The pair collected $26,000 for owners Jim and Linda Schrack.