Performance Horse Photography
Colorado Trainer Wins Back-to-Back RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining at the National Western Stock Show
Operating a training and breeding barn in Franktown, Co., National Reining Horse Association professional Devin Warren didn’t have to travel far for a payday at the 2024 National Western Stock Show in Denver. Warren pocketed $7,150 and clinched the championship title at the $27,500 RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining with his horse, Lil Joes Cash n Gold, better known as Joey.
Warren’s strategy is as unique as his bond with Joey. It’s not just about the ride; it’s about the perfect harmony between horse and music. This synergy has led them to the winner’s circle for the past two years, scoring an impressive 233 this year while performing their routine to “Noel” by Lauren Diagle.
While Warren has had success the past two years on the same horse, he’s expressed that if the music doesn’t match the horse's style—being a fast or slow song—he won’t hesitate to change the tune or ride a different horse that matches the song better. It’s this precision and careful planning that makes his performances stand out.
Having competed at the RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining for nearly two decades, it’s the only freestyle event that Warren competes at. This dedication comes from a desire to connect each performance to his life, making every routine more than just a show—it’s a story.
“I've been asked to do multiple different ones, whether at the NRHA Derby or the AQHA Congress,” Warren said. “I am not Mr. Creative, and I just can't put together a ton of creative routines and be successful several times a year. So if I'm going to do it, I want to do it really, really well. The freestyles have to be a little bit of an insight into what's going on in my and my family’s lives. There's a little bit more of a message and a little bit more of a purpose.”
This year’s performance to “Noel” was a connection to resiliency and God showing you that you have a good life, even when things feel like they are going all wrong behind the scenes.
“There were parts of the year that were absolutely miserable in our personal lives and moments that felt like the biggest obstacles,” Warren said. “But God was showing us, ‘Hey, I'm making you tougher, and I'm going to make you ready.’ Then as the year was closing down, we had another NRHA level four top 10 that came out of our breeding and training program, showing us that we can’t forget what God has done for us, even when things didn’t exactly go right in all aspects of life. And that was the theme for the year—don’t forget what God has done for you in the good and the bad.”
Aside from putting together heartfelt performances that deeply resonate with Warren and the audience, his two-time victory is especially notable given the event's exclusive nature. The RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining at the NWSS, held on Jan. 7, 2024, in Denver, is an invitational event where only 14 of the top riders in North America are chosen to compete. This strict selection process ensures that only the best talent is showcased under the bright lights of the National Western Stock Show. Warren's success at this event is a testament to his exceptional skills and training ability. In addition to his back-to-back wins, he has consistently placed in previous years, proving he has what it takes to dominate the CINCH Arena.
With consistent sold-out performances, the event brings together horse enthusiasts of all backgrounds and never disappoints in delivering a show of high-caliber horsemanship. The event has been a crowd favorite for 29 years at the NWSS, a hub for agriculture, equestrian, and livestock education and competition.
The allure of the RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining lies in the freedom it offers riders to use costumes, props, and special effects, which, combined with their impressive riding skills, create a spectacle that brings the crowd to their feet. Warren’s repeated victories in such a prestigious and selective event highlight his remarkable talent and solidify his status as a top rider and trainer.
