The 2025 NCHA Summer Spectacular proved to be another big event for Metallics MVP’s offspring, with remarkable performances in the last of the triple crown events in cutting. Out of a field of more than 200 Open Derby horses, two MVP-bred standouts not only made it to the finals but finished in the top six — showcasing their ability to stay sharp and competitive under pressure.
33.33% of Metallics MVP offspring entered in the Open Derby advanced all the way to the finals. That kind of percentage in a field of over 200 horses proves that even with his notably small first foal crop in 2021, his offspring are still standing out on the biggest stages.
Last fall, they were “Next in Line”… now, they’re top-six Open Derby finalists.
Both of these horses — Country Money and MVP Time — were featured in our “Next in Line” series last fall as they prepared for their debut at the NCHA Futurity. Their journey from debuting at the Futurity to landing in the top tier of the Open Derby the following year is a powerful reflection of their potential and the hard work poured into them.
Country Money, a mare owned by Slate River Ranch and shown by John Mitchell, delivered a rock-solid performance throughout the rounds. She marked a 221.5 in the first go, followed by a 215 in the second, a 219 in the semifinals, and capped it off with another 219 in the finals to secure 4th place and take home $30,106.
MVP Time, a gelding owned by Lauren Salon and shown by Matt Miller, looked more and more like his Dad during every run. He posted a 220 in the first go, a 212.5 in the second, a 218.5 in the semifinals, and a 217.5 in the finals, finishing 6th overall and bringing home $22,342.
Also worth noting are two additional Metallics MVP offspring who made their mark at this year’s event:
- Metallics Nyke, owned by 333 Silver Spur Ranch and shown by Alex Billingsley, advanced to the Limited Open Derby Finals.
- Pump The Breaks, owned by Cows and Horses Etc, and also shown by Alex Billingsley, advanced to the Intermediate Open Derby Finals.
It’s clear that Metallics MVP is passing down his hallmark traits—strength, undeniable sense for a cow, and a trainability that has allowed these trainers, also at the top of their game, to compete with these horses at a top level on the big stage. From the Open to the Intermediate and Limited divisions, MVP-bred horses continue to prove themselves in major events across the industry.
Congratulations to the owners, riders, and teams behind these incredible horses. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished at this year’s NCHA Summer Spectacular!
