Shining Lil Nic Bridle Spectacular to Debut at 2012 Hackamore Classic

National Reined Cow Horse Association Sponsor Committee Chairman Carol Rose has announced that Shining Lil Nic will be the sponsor of the Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectaculars at the Hackamore Classic.

The Hackamore Classic moves to its new home in Pueblo, Colorado, in 2012 and is set for May 3-6. "It's great that we will be able to sponsor this event in our home state," Shining Lil Nic's owner Janiejill Tointon, of Longmont, Colorado, said. "We're very proud of "Nic" and we are proud he came from Colorado."

The Bridle Spectaculars at NRCHA events differ from normal bridle classes in that they include herd work in addition to rein and cow work. Because being ridden in the bridle is the final stage of the traditional vaquero style of training, the horses who compete in the bridle are considered the most elite of the cow horse world.

"The Bridle Spectaculars came about to highlight the fact that these horses are trained in all three events. Twelve to fifteen years ago, once you were finished with the futurities and derbies you rarely showed out of the herd again, unless you happened to go to the cutting pen," NRCHA President Kathy Gould explained. "We extend a big thank you Bill and Janiejill Tointon for helping ensure the success of the Hackamore Classic with its move to Pueblo, Colorado."

"I just love the tradition of the reined cow horse - that's what drew me to it," noted Tointon, who, with her husband Bill, have long supported the NRCHA. "Being able to support the association in this way and help ensure that the tradition stays alive means a lot to me."

Shining Lil Nic is the headline stallion for the Diamond Double T Ranch. An NRCHA World Champion, Shining Lil Nic has over $133,000 in lifetime earnings. "His first babies are turning three in January. We will actually have four competing in Reno next year," Tointon explained. The Diamond Double T Ranch has had a lot of recent success, with Shiners Dun Juan winning the 2011 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity with NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Todd Bergen.

For more information about the Diamond Double T Ranch, or for information about breeding to Shining Lil Nic, visit the website at www.diamonddoubletranch.com.

The NRCHA, now in its 62nd year, is the governing body of reined cow horse competition. The NRCHA 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 Bob's Custom Saddles, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Cinch, Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, John Deere, Markel Insurance, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, Nutrena, Pfizer Animal Health, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, San Juan Ranch - A Division of Santa Cruz Biotechnology, and the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, 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.