Working Cowhorse
Rice and Moonstruck Pepto Top Circle Y Ranch Open Derby Herd Work/Koch, Hansma, Williamson, and Phillips Top Open Divisions
The 2012 National Reined Cow Horse Association Celebration of Champions began Saturday, January 28. The Celebration of Champions is one of the NRCHA's premier events - and there are actually three different competitions held during the nine days of competition. Along with the Circle Y Ranch Derby, the Celebration of Champions also plays host to the NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere, and the NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman.
The Circle Y Ranch Derby is decided in one go-round, and the herd work phase of the contest is now complete. Taking the lead of the Open division was Boyd Rice, Spearman, Texas, and Moonstruck Pepto with a score of 149, worth $2,465. Rice and Moonstruck Pepto, owned by Cowan Select Horses LLC of Purcell, Oklahoma, were the 2011 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Reserve Champions. Moonstruck Pepto, by One Time Pepto out of Moonstruck Cat.
Jan 30, 2012, 11:16
Working Cowhorse
John Murphy and Pepto Pepermint Top Circle Y Ranch Non Pro Derby Herd Work/Blake Wins Non Pro Limited Herd Work
The Non Pro competition of the Circle Y Ranch Derby kicked off the National Reined Cow Horse Association Celebration of Champions on Saturday, January 28. The Celebration of Champions, held at the First Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas, also featured the NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere and the World's Greatest Horseman competition.
Taking the lead not only in the Non Pro, but also the Intermediate Non Pro, Novice Non Pro, and Amateur divisions was John Murphy and Pepto Pepermint. Murphy, of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada, and Pepto Pepermint marked a 145. All total, Murphy collected $1,311 for the herd work high scores.
Jan 30, 2012, 11:15
Working Cowhorse
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.
Jan 12, 2012, 15:18
Working Cowhorse
Todd Crawford Becomes the NRCHA’s First $2 Million Rider
National Reined Cow Horse Association leading rider Todd Crawford has made history once again, becoming the association’s first $2 Million Rider.
Crawford, who won the 2006 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, has also been named the American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horseman of the Year. His earnings in the National Reining Horse Association exceed $866,000, and he is a two-time United States Equestrian Federation Champion.
In the reined cow horse world, Crawford passed the million dollar mark in 2006, when he won the Snaffle Bit Futurity on Smart Crackin Chic, and was the association’s leading open rider in 1999, 2005-2007, and 2009.
He achieved $2 million rider status at the 2011 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and he now has NRCHA earnings of $2,012,000.
Crawford won over $75,000 on five horses during the Snaffle Bit Futurity, led by Cat Can Dew with $38,875. He also won money on Fancy Boons N All, Sinful Cat, Hes A Stylish Rey, and Ill Be Skeets.
Jan 12, 2012, 15:16
Working Cowhorse
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."
Dec 8, 2011, 23:47
Working Cowhorse
Anne Reynolds and More Magic Please Win NRCHA Derby Non Pro Bridle Spectacular
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby Non Pro Bridle Spectacular was dominated by King Hill, Idaho, competitor Anne Reynolds and More Magic Please. Reynolds marked a 218.5 in the first leg of the competition on Thursday. She returned to the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, Saturday evening to finish the job, marking 219 in the rein work and 220 in the cow work for a 657.5 total.
"He was really great," she said of her horse. "We had a challenging cow and made a huge first turn. I was really happy with him."
Reynolds and More Magic Please, by Chic Please and out of Magical Lena, were the 2005 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Champions. The 9-year-old stallion has lifetime earnings exceeding $80,000. "He's extremely well-balanced and strong, and everything is easy for him." Reynolds, an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, added, "He is a little quirky about cows - he's a little scared of them in the herd. However, he never takes his eyes off them!"
Nov 28, 2011, 09:47
Working Cowhorse
Ron Emmons Wins NRCHA Derby Open and Intermediate Open Championships on Reygans Smart Lena
Queen Creek, Arizona, might be Ron Emmons' new favorite place. On Saturday night he piloted Olena Oak to the Championship of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby's Holy Cow Performance Horses Open Bridle Spectacular. He returned to the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center on Sunday to win the headline event in the Open and Intermediate Open division on Reygans Smart Lena.
"It's been an amazing weekend - that's for sure!" For Sunday's performance, Emmons won $36,011, a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by SPONSOR, two pairs of Rios of Mercedes boots, two bits from Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, and two CR Morrison trophies.
Nov 8, 2011, 23:52
Working Cowhorse
Brandon Buttars Pilots Halo Cat to NRCHA Derby Open Hackamore Championship
Brandon Buttars and Halo Cat had a little bad luck in the herd work of the preliminary round of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby. When the Snowville, Utah, trainer realized that he wouldn't make the finals, he rushed to the show office to see if he could still enter the Open Hackamore class.
"I entered the class at the last minute. I guess we got lucky and won," Buttars said modestly. He and Halo Cat, owned by Deirdre Hill, marked a 219 in the rein work and a 219.5 in the cow work for a 438.5 total, worth $2,864. "He was really good today in the hackamore. He was actually better in the Hackamore today than he was in the snaffle bit in the Derby."
Nov 8, 2011, 18:48
Working Cowhorse
The Numbers Are Up! 2011 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales Presented by Markel Insurance
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales, presented by Markel Insurance Company, are some of the most highly-anticipated in the western horse industry. This year, the Sales were held September 29-October 1 at the Reno Livestock Events Center.
NRCHA Sale Committee Chairman Sandy Collier reported the final numbers to the NRCHA Board of Directors during the October 11 Board Meeting. Overall, the sales showed strong gains over the previous year. Gross sales were $1,694,750, and that was 2% higher than 2010 at $1,1664,750, with 43 fewer horses.
Overall, the average sale price of $9363 was up 17.5% from $7,965, and the median price rose 42.5% to $5,700 from $4,000 in 2010.
Oct 26, 2011, 01:16
Working Cowhorse
Tina Fry and TF The Gus Man Win Cinch Intermediate Open Championship
The Cinch Intermediate Open Championship of the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity was decided Saturday, October 1, in the Reno Livestock Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
Tina Fry and TF The Gus Man marked a 216 in the herd work, and followed that with a 216.5 in the rein work. "I had great herd help. I thank Jon Roeser, Ted Robinson, Doug Williamson, and Jake Gorrell. They helped me pick great cows," she said. "The rein work was iffy and I figured I could make that a little better, but we still scored ok."
Fry and TF The Gus Man, by WR This Cats Smart and out of Classy Remedy, went into the Finals tied for fourth place. But their cow work score of 222 clinched the Championship with a 654.5 composite. "It felt great. He's been a good fence horse from the very beginning. It's nice to come to the finals knowing I have the horse that can do it," she said. "Travelers' Farm has been very good to me by allowing me to ride some great horses."
Oct 17, 2011, 10:01
Working Cowhorse
Todd Bergen and Shiners Dun Juan Win 2011 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity is a test of endurance. The contestants are the epitome of perseverance - and the winners always inspire. On Sunday, October 2, another chapter in the history book of the NRCHA was written as one horse and rider team bested the field of 25 to take the Open Championship.
Todd Bergen and Shiners Dun Juan finished the finals with a 657.5 composite to win the coveted Open title and accompanying $100,000 paycheck. Bergen received a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Jeffrey Matthews and One Time Pepto, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Lone Oak Veterinary Clinic - John Migliore, a Cinch vest from Bob's Custom Saddles and Platinum Performance.
Owner Janiejill Tointon received an original CR Morrison bronze sponsored by Farnam Horse Products, a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Lyle Lovett, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Hooker Creek Ranch - Matt and Lesley Day, a 100x hat from Shorty's Hattery, an ESP saddle pad from Classic Equine, custom designed boots from Rios of Mercedes, Platinum Performance, a Cinch vest from Bob's Custom Saddles, a Farnam Horse Products gift basket, a $100 gift certificate to Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, and a CR Morrison trophy and commemorative medallion.
Oct 15, 2011, 14:36
Working Cowhorse
Zane Davis and Reymanator Win Open Hackamore at NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity
Two years after winning the National Reined Cow Horse Association's largest event, Zane Davis and Reymanator returned to the Reno Livestock Events Center to claim the Open Hackamore Championship. Davis and the 5-year-old cow horse marked 215.5 in the rein work and 226 in the cow work for a 441.5 total to win $9,520.
"He's pretty hot and to get him through the reining two days in a row is a hard thing - but we managed. It wasn't great, but it was good," Davis said following the awards ceremony. "In the cow work they whistled us a new cow. We could have handled the first one but the judges made the right call. I'm fortunate because he's always good down the fence - it's always been his best thing."
For the win, Davis took home a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Newt White, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Dick Hershman, a 100x hat from Shorty's Hattery, a Cinch vest sponsored by Bob's Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, and a CR Morrison trophy and commemorative medallion.
Oct 15, 2011, 12:16
Working Cowhorse
Jake Telford and Once A Von A Time Win NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Bridle
Once A Von A Time began his career as a reiner, and although he just began a cow horse career in the last year, he's already won a Championship at a National Reined Cow Horse Association premier event.
Once A Von A Time was piloted to the Open Bridle Championship at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity by Jake Telford, winning $7,420. He also earned a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Cable Creek Ranch, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Sanguinetti and Wilhite, a 100x hat from Shorty's Hattery, Platinum Performance, a Cinch vest sponsored by Bob's Custom Saddles, and a CR Morrison trophy and commemorative medallion.
"We got two cows in the cow work. The first one didn't do much, and then I was nervous about the second cow. When it left the corner it tried to come off the fence, but my horse read it perfectly. It was really good, and I knew we had a chance to win," he said. "You don't know it's a winning run - but when it's all over and you hear the whistle you know when you have had a good one."
Oct 15, 2011, 12:15
Working Cowhorse
2011 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Hackamore Finalists Decided
The Open Hackamore preliminaries of the National Reined Cow Horse Association were held Thursday, September 29, in the Reno Livestock Events Center in Reno, Nevada.
The top qualifiers from the preliminary round earned a spot in the clean-slate finals on Friday. Leading the field of 15 was Tom Neel on Zackly Right Time, by Peptotime and out of Zacks Nu Star, with a 439. Zackly Right Time is owned by Margo Mckinney of Midland, Texas.
It took a score of 432.5 to earn a finals berth.
Those finalists joining Neel and Zackly Right Time include:
Shiney N Sporty, owned by Salt Fork Cattle Co., ridden by Jay McLaughlin
Reymanator, owned by John Semanik, ridden by Zane Davis
Moon Me Pepto, owned by Barbara Hastings, ridden by Doug Williamson
Reygans Smart Lena, owned by Doug Granade, ridden by Ron Emmons
The Fresno Fox, owned by Tish Wilhite, ridden by Lance Johnston
Oct 15, 2011, 12:01
Working Cowhorse
Todd Bergen and Shiners Dun Juan Top NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Prelims
The results are in and the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Open finalists have been decided. Those lucky enough to earn a ticket to the big dance will compete on Sunday, October 2, in a clean-slate competition for the Open Championship and a piece of the $605,000 Open finals payout.
Leading the field of 25 Open finalists is Todd Bergen and Shiners Dun Juan, a Smart Shiner stallion owned by Janiejill Tointon of Longmont, Colorado.
Bergen holds the distinction of being the only rider to win over a million dollars in both the NRCHA and the National Reining Horse Association, and he's a former Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion who has won numerous NRCHA Premier Event titles.
Bergen and Shiners Dun Juan, out of Cremes Chic Olena, were solid contenders throughout the preliminary competition. They began the competition with a 220 in the herd work, and followed that with the preliminary rein work high score - a 224. With a 217 in the cow work, their total composite score of 661 gave them a one-point edge in the preliminary competition. They will receive custom designed stirrups sponsored by Terry Ratto in memory of Jason Ratto.
Oct 15, 2011, 11:36
Working Cowhorse
Mike Miller Wins NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Bridle on Bucks Little Fever
Mike Miller and his wife, Tara, made the decision to retire Bucks Little Fever to the broodmare pasture in early 2011. After breeding the stand-out cow horse to their new stallion, Special Dual Pep, they decided to apply for the mare's National Reined Cow Horse Association Supreme Reined Cow Horse Association award.
However, when Tara called the NRCHA Office, she found that Bucks Little Fever still had about $500 left to earn in order to receive the award. "That was about six weeks ago, and she was out in the broodmare pasture. We made the decision to bring her here not long after that, so she's only been out of retirement for about a month," Mike explained. "We're really happy that she was able to win that money to be a Supreme Reined Cow Horse. She's retired now - this really was her last show."
Oct 6, 2011, 15:25
Working Cowhorse
Shawn Renshaw Wins NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Rein Work Prelims/Murphy and Naglestad Lead Amateur Division
The second leg of Non Pro preliminary competition for the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity concluded Saturday, September 24. With a 220, Shawn Renshaw and Gennys Prize claimed not only the top spot of the rein work for both the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro - they also took an 8.5 point lead in the Non Pro preliminary composite with a 437!
For the Non Pro rein work high score Renshaw and Gennys Prize, by Smokums Prize out of Genuinely Perfect, won $1,500. Renshaw took home an additional $1,000 for topping the Intermediate Non Pro division.
Oct 6, 2011, 03:29
Working Cowhorse
McKenzie Merrill Claims Non Pro Hackamore Title at NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity
It was an emotional win for McKenzie Merrill. Two years ago, she and her talented cow horse, Ill Be Skeets, won the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Intermediate Non Pro Championship and Non Pro Reserve Championship in Reno, Nevada.
On Friday, September 23, she and "Tweeder" won the Non Pro Hackamore title, collecting $3,898, a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Cathy Corrigan Frank, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Salt Creek Performance Horses - Hillary Zimmerman, a Cinch vest from Bob's Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, a CR Morrison and medallion.
While Merrill has enjoyed showing Tweeder, she had made the decision to sell him in order to buy another Snaffle Bit Futurity prospect for 2012. "It felt amazing today. It's bittersweet because I am selling him in the Snaffle Bit Futurity Performance Horse Sale next week. I just wanted to have one last really good ride on him - and this was perfect," she said. "I wish I could keep him forever but I want a Futurity horse. He'll make someone else a really nice horse."
Sep 27, 2011, 14:10
Working Cowhorse
Todd Bergen and Shiners Dun Juan Win NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Rein Work Prelims
The National Reined Cow Horse Association's premiere triathlon event - the Snaffle Bit Futurity - completed the second leg of Open preliminary competition Monday morning.
Eagle Point, Oregon, trainer Todd Bergen topped the rein work prelims on Shiners Dun Juan, by Smart Shiner and out of Cremes Chic Olena.
Other competitors made a bid for the lead, including Jay McClaughlin and Guapo Lena - who scored a 223 - but nothing could budge Bergen's score.
Along with a check for $1,500, Bergen and Shiner Dun Juan's owner, Janiejill Tointon, will be rewarded with some special prizes at the annual NRCHA Hall of Fame Banquet on September 29. They'll receive a Mehl Lawson Bronze from the National Reining Horse Association, and a Gist Silversmiths buckle, sponsored by Ken Wold Training Stables.
Sep 27, 2011, 14:08
Working Cowhorse
Pamela Smith Wins NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Two Rein on Alberts Bro Rusti
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity, held annually in Reno, Nevada at the Reno Livestock Events Center, is the largest reined cow horse event in the world. But along with the Futurity - strictly for 3-year-old cow horses - the event also boasts a full slate of NRCHA-approved ancillary classes.
The first of the ancillary champions was crowned Friday, September 23, when Pamela Smith won the Non Pro Two Rein championship. Smith was riding Alberts Bro Rusti, owned by Karl Smith.
Smith and Alberts Bro Rusti, by Chex In My Genes and out of Shotgun Maggie, marked a 278.5. "He felt really good - it was actually the best I've ever felt him feel. I just knew it was going to be a good day," she said following the awards ceremony, where she received a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a CR Morrison trophy, a Cinch vest sponsored by Bob's Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, and a CR Morrison trophy. "It's my first time to win here and it was way exciting!"
Sep 25, 2011, 08:40
Working Cowhorse
Roxanne Peters Wins Non Pro Limited and $5K Non Pro Limited at NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity
Winning one class at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno, Nevada, is an accomplishment. But Roxanne Peters made her debut on Friday, September 23, and won two!
Peters and Make Mine Grey marked a 289.5 to win both the Non Pro Limited and $5K Non Pro Limited. She won $2,338, and took home two Bob's Custom Saddles from the NRCHA and the Santa Ynez Valley Cow Horse Association, two Gist Silversmiths buckles from the NRCHA and Ramona Koch Training Stables, two Cinch vests from Bob's Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, two CR Morrison trophies and two CR Morrison commemorative medallions.
Sep 25, 2011, 08:38
Working Cowhorse
Zane Davis Wins NRCHA Snaffle Bit Open Herd Prelims on Chickarey
John Semanik might have another champion on his hands. In 2009, Zane Davis rode John's horse Reymanator to win the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity $100,000 Championship. On Wednesday, September 21, Davis piloted a new Semanik horse - Chickarey - to the high score of the 2011 Futurity's Open herd work preliminaries.
Only 25 horses plus ties will advance to the clean-slate finals on Sunday, October 2. With a score of 222, Chickarey took a two-point lead in the 200+ horse field going into to the second leg of competition. The 3-year-old cow horse is by Dual Rey (sire of Semanik and Davis's last Futurity champion Reymanator) and out of Sonita Lena Chick.
The preliminary herd work win comes with a check for $1,500, a bronze trophy sponsored by the National Cutting Horse Association, and a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Lightning L Ranch - Stacy Lynch.
Sep 25, 2011, 08:29
Working Cowhorse
NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Returns to Reno!
The 42nd Annual National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity is coming to the Reno Livestock Events Center September 20 - October 2! This unique event perpetuates the tradition of the California Vaquero, blending the heritage of the American west with today's most precise contemporary horsemanship.
And, it is big business. The Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion will receive a paycheck of $100,000 at the end of competition, and the show will pay out over $1.1 million for the fifth year in a row!
The economic prosperity isn't limited to the exhibitors. The Futurity has a monstrous monetary effect on the Reno community. According to the American Horse Council's economic impact formula, with more than 1,100 horses coming to Reno over thirteen days of competition, the event brings over $5.5 million into the community, and the economic impact on Reno exceeds $20 million.
Sep 25, 2011, 07:59
Working Cowhorse
Kelly Valdez Claims Second NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Youth Limited Championship!
Kelly Valdez might have been fighting an attack of nerves at the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno, Nevada - but no one could tell as she piloted her Smart Tic Tack to a 289 to take the Youth Limited Championship!
Valdez and Tic Tack, by Smart Mate out of Tic Tackatoo, also won the title in 2010. "It feels really good to win it again," she said. "I was really surprised that I was more nervous this year than last year. I don't know why."
The 13-year-old noted that while Tic Tack did well in the show pen, the mare didn't inspire confidence the evening before. "Last night she didn't work well, but my mom rode her this morning and she was fine. She did really well for me today," she explained.
Valdez took home a check for $975, a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Wilson and Susan Lyle, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Triple J Ranch - Jay Holmes, a Cinch vest from Bob's Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, and a CR Morrison medallion and trophy.
Sep 24, 2011, 16:41
Working Cowhorse
Kelly Valdez Claims Second NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Youth Limited Championship!
Kelly Valdez might have been fighting an attack of nerves at the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno, Nevada - but no one could tell as she piloted her Smart Tic Tack to a 289 to take the Youth Limited Championship!
Valdez and Tic Tack, by Smart Mate out of Tic Tackatoo, also won the title in 2010. "It feels really good to win it again," she said. "I was really surprised that I was more nervous this year than last year. I don't know why."
The 13-year-old noted that while Tic Tack did well in the show pen, the mare didn't inspire confidence the evening before. "Last night she didn't work well, but my mom rode her this morning and she was fine. She did really well for me today," she explained.
Valdez took home a check for $975, a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Wilson and Susan Lyle, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Triple J Ranch - Jay Holmes, a Cinch vest from Bob's Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, and a CR Morrison medallion and trophy.
Sep 24, 2011, 16:41
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