News: Articles & Press

Darren Showalter Slides to Two Wins in Reining Event

Darren Showalter, a well known trainer of reining horses in the Santa Ynez Valley, recently scored a double victory in the Central Coast Reining Horse Association competition held in Solvang on August 16.

Showalter, riding Shining Slidewinder better known as “Thumper” and owned by Elise Bloomenthal, captured first place in the Two Handed Bridle Class. Later in the same competition, he won three designated titles of the National Reining Horse Association; the Open, the Intermediate Open and the Limited Open, aboard License To Shine a.k.a. “Derby”, a palomino quarter horse stallion owned by Carol Zipper.

Mr. Showalter, a native of Nebraska and formerly associated with the large horse training establishments in the Carolinas, brought his equine talents to the Santa Ynez Valley about one year ago. He has his Reining Horse Training operation based at Bella Cavalli Farms in Solvang and can be reached at (805) 294-2577.

Originally appeared in the Santa Barbara News Press – August 29, 2008

Daren Showalter, trainer, riding Shining Slidewinder, owned by Elise Bloomenthal