Darby Gardner and In Like A Lady have hit their stride together, winning the SWRHA Futurity Novice Horse Level 1 [2] Championship and as well as the High Point for the class with a score of 73.5 Wednesday evening.
“Yesterday I walked in, and she was just so chill and laid back. She turns great and I never really have to worry about that, just shutting off at the right time. She circled so nice, and it was really just a fun run,” Gardner said. “I really wanted a clean pattern and to get out of there with no penalties. Anything extra on top of that was great.”
Gardner has owned In Like A Lady since the mare was two years old and, they competed in the NRHA Futurity together last year.
“This year has been a game changer for us,” Gardner said. “I’m really excited to see how the rest of our derby years go.”
Sired by In Like Flinn and out of Ally Gun, Garner plans on enjoying the mare’s derby years and breeding her.
“I want to thank Franky [Vazquez] and his whole team. They’re all so supportive cheering me on. And my parents for helping me get here and funding my horse addiction,” Gardner said.