Working Cowhorse
Kevin Stallings is a busy man – he qualified three horses for the National Reined Cow Horse Association World Championship Show Open Two Rein, and made the finals on all three! That would take a toll on anyone – but the Tucson, Arizona, trainer won not only the Championship, but also took home the Reserve title, and fourth place.
“I had a lot of great help today,” Stallings modestly answered when asked how he managed to show all of his mounts so well.
He won the World Championship on Shining Lil Nic, a 7-year-old stallion by Smart Shiner out of Dig A Lil Nic. A nice rein work put him in great position for the fence work. “He was just really good. When I wanted to go fast he went fast, and he guided well. I felt like I could really ask him,” he explained. “The cow was pretty good on the end. I did work him just a little longer than I normally would because the cow wouldn’t move a whole lot. I tried to get just a little more feel.”
Apparently his strategy worked, as the judges rewarded the rein work with a 217 and a 225 in the cow work. The win netted a check for $4,755, a Bob’s Custom Saddle sponsored by Jackson Land and Cattle Company, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Knight Haulers, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, a commemorative world finals vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, a CR Morrison trophy and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.
“He’s just so willing,” said Stallings of Shining Lil Nic, owned by Bill and Janiejill Tointon. “I thank Bill and Janiejill for giving me the opportunity to ride such a great horse. I also thank my wife, Karen.”
With Voodoo Chic, Stallings won the Reserve title with a 434 total. Voodoo Chic is owned by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch, and collected $3,804. The Reserve title came with a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Knight Haulers, custom spurs from Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, a pair of Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, an ESP saddle pad from Classic Equine, a commemorative world finals vest from Gist Silversmiths, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, now in its 61st year, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Markel Insurance Company, Wide World of Horses, John Deere, Adequan®, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, Running W Designs, and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.
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