What to know before attending the 2016 Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales.
Recognize and combat the symptoms of equine ulcers. 34 Great in the Golden State
Some Kinda Merada puts it all together with a huge 227 fence work to win the NRCHA Derby Open Championship with Todd Bergen in the saddle. 52 Smooth and
With a phenomenal display of grit and style, Smooth N Cash and Jake Gorrell win the $50,000 added CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular. 56 Show Time!
Non Pro Bridle Spectacular and Horse Show Champions crowned during the NRCHA Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial Derby.
Jake gorrell rode smooth n Cash (smooth As A Cat x Dox gavacash x miss n Cash) to the $22,350 bridle spectacular Championship at the nrCHA Derby held in paso robles, California.
it’s About tHe HoRse
I typically use this space in Reined Cow Horse News to discuss current initiatives for the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s growth and vitality. While those remain the utmost priority for me and our Board of Directors, this time, I choose to reflect upon the fundamental reason we are all involved with reined cow horses.
This isn’t a new revelation, because we all know we are here because of the horse. Love of the horse brought us, directly or indirectly, to the NRCHA. Love of the horse led us to treasured relationships with exceptional and likeminded people. Through the inevitable ups and downs, it is love of the horse that keeps us here.
To form such a bond with any animal is to promise ourselves future pain, because their lives are almost always shorter than our own. This magazine contains news of the loss of two significant equines: the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, Starlight Kisses; and one of our sport’s ultimate allstars, Topsails Rien Maker. Their deaths devastated the people closest to them and sent wide ripples of shared grief through the extended NRCHA family. The impact of those losses underscores that the horse is our “why.” It is why we choose a lifestyle which itself does not typically create personal wealth in large measure, but rewards us in countless other ways.
Change is constant, in life and the NRCHA. I urge you to think about this: No matter the variations we make in our association, whether it be the location of our Premier Events, revisions to our rulebook, or implementation of various programs, the love of the horse endures. Collectively, it is our “why,” and the foundation upon which our evolving association is constructed. Always nurture it.
All the best, Jay Winborn
Volume 21, Number 4
Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association
Published by Quarter Horse News
NrchA
1017 North Hwy 377 | Pilot Point, TX 76258
Phone: 940-488-1500 | Fax: 940-488-1499
info@nrcha.com | www.NRCHA.com
NrchA oFFicers & Directors:
President: Todd Bergen
Vice President: Paul Bailey
Secretary: Sandy Collier
Treasurer: Trey Neal
NRCHYA Foundation: Ted Robinson
NrchA stAFF
Executive Director: Jay Winborn
Executive Assistant: Kelley Hartranft
Membership: Barbara Nahlik
Shows: Allison Walker
Website: Creative Ammo
Accounting: Joy Galvan
reiNeD cow horse News
Publisher: Patty Tiberg
Editor: Bonnie Wheatley
Communications Manager: Stephanie Duquette
Contributing Writers: Bonnie Wheatley, Stephanie Duquette, Mark dePaolo, DVM
Production Manager: Sherry Brown
Art Director: Susan Sampson
Graphic Designers: Charles McClelland
Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales
Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion
Advertising Sales
Breeders: Karen Barnhart, 620-951-4026
Commercial: Jenn Sanders, 940-627-3399
Sales Customer Service Manager: Diana Buettner, 817-569-7114
Sales Customer Service
Lindsey Missel, 817-569-7106
Advertising, Fax 817-737-9633
Reined Cow Horse News is published bi-monthly (six times a year). All contents are copyright of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission from the NRCHA. Opinions expressed in articles and advertising in Reined Cow Horse News do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of the NRCHA or its officers and members. Accuracy of material is the sole responsibility of the authors. Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender’s risk and the NRCHA accepts no responsibility for them. Please address all submissions to: Reined Cow Horse News, 1017 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258. Subscription rate is $25 a year. Periodical postage paid at Pilot Point, Texas, 76258 and additional mailing offices. USPS number, 024-906. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Reined Cow Horse News, 1017 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258.
2016 NRCHA OPEN STAKES CHAMPION, SJR DIAMOND REY, SHOWN BY NRCHA MILLION DOLLAR RIDER COREY CUSHING
Q&A with NRCHA PResideNt todd BeRgeN
Reined Cow Horse News: In this issue, we’re covering the 2016 NRCHA Derby, and it’s your photo on the cover as the Open Champion - congratulations!
todd Bergen: Thank you! Winning a major event is something we all strive for. The finals at the Derby was full of horses that could have stepped up and won it, and it just happened to be my day. I heard a lot of positive feedback about the Derby. People seemed to enjoy the schedule, the weather was amazing, and there are always opportunities to do some fun things outside the show grounds. Our entry numbers held pretty steady compared to last year, and overall, I would say it was a very successful Premier Event.
RCHN: There was more evidence during the summer that our Youth program is growing, when we saw a couple of huge reined cow horse classes at the Oklahoma State 4-H show in June. What does that say about the future of our sport?
tB: It says great things about our future, and it’s so encouraging. At the one 4-H event in Oklahoma, there were 28 kids in the 13-and-under boxing class and 22 kids in the 14-18 boxing class. This was the first year that cow
horse was offered through 4-H and it’s yet another positive trend for growing our youth program, along with the continued success of reined cow horse as a National High School Rodeo Association event. There are several of our NRCHA Professionals who are volunteering a lot of effort and time to develop our youth program and we all appreciate what they are doing.
RCHN: We are closing in on the last, and biggest, Premier Event of 2016, the Snaffle Bit Futurity. What are some of your thoughts as we head toward Reno, Nevada, for the last time?
tB: The Futurity is a major highlight of our show year, no question about it. And the Board of Directors did vote to move the Futurity to Fort Worth, Texas, in 2017. This decision did not come easily. As we discussed the pros and cons, the Board held true to the goal of what was best for the NRCHA. Regardless of the place we hold the Futurity, it will always be about great horses, great riders, and the challenge of showing a 3-year-old in three events. We’re looking forward to being in Reno this fall, and excited about the future in Fort Worth.
reined Cow horse Association
President todd bergen, eagle Point, oregon, is one of the Western performance horse industry’s leading professionals. in his highly decorated show career, he has captured nearly every major accolade in both the reined cow horse and reining arenas. he is only the second rider to achieve NrChA two million dollar earnings status, and he is also a two million dollar rider in the National reining horse Association. our NrChA President welcomes your feedback! he can be reached via email at toddbergen@hughes.net.
national Reined Cow HoRse assoCiation seleCts new snaffle Bit futuRity Venue
the NrCHA’s largest premier event moves to Fort Worth, texas, in 2017.
after months of deliberation, the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Board of Directors has announced the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, one of the largest and most prestigious events in the Western performance horse industry, will be held at the historic Will Rogers Equestrian Center in Fort Worth, Texas, beginning in 2017. The NRCHA has committed to hold the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Fort Worth for the next three years, through 2019.
In December 2015, the NRCHA announced it was seeking a community partner to host the Snaffle Bit Futurity in 2017 and beyond. More than a dozen facilities made initial contact after the public request for proposal. Four facilities—located in Denver, Fort Worth, Reno, and Scottsdale—submitted complete written bids detailing suitability and interest. The NRCHA outlined specific selection criteria, including facility location and amenities; availability of incentive and sponsorship money; and reasonable access to cattle.
the NrCHA snaffle bit Futurity relocates from reno, Nevada, to Fort Worth, texas, in 2017.
“The Board took its time with this decision. All the proposals we received were attractive, with Fort Worth providing the most appealing package overall. The Will Rogers facility was much more affordable than the other locations, as far as what it is charging the NRCHA to hold the Futurity there. The amenities, cattle supply, and the central location in a great city like Fort Worth, convinced the Board that it would be the ideal home for the Snaffle Bit Futurity,” said NRCHA President Todd Bergen, Eagle Point, Oregon.
Further adding to Fort Worth’s appeal was a substantial Futurity added money offer from a group of reined cow horse owners, breeders, exhibitors, and professionals, representing all regions of the U.S. This coalition supported the Fort Worth location by pledging a large bonus to the payout for three years if the Futurity moved there. The bonus added money currently stands at six figures and growing, as more supporters join the effort.
“This additional money means we will be awarding the 2017 through 2019 Futurity Open Champion a check for $125,000, as compared to our traditional $100,000 payout,” said NRCHA Vice-President Paul Bailey, Sparta, Tennessee. “Furthermore, it is our hope that this funding will allow us to award all the Futurity Open finalists a check for at least $10,000, as well as increase the payout for the Futurity Non-Pro divisions.”
Besides the venue change, the 2017 Snaffle Bit Futurity will also come with a date change, tentatively scheduled for October 1-14. Exhibitors can also look forward to a more forgiving show schedule, because the NRCHA will have access to the entire Will Rogers
Equestrian Center complex, including all show, warm-up and sale arenas, barns, and exhibit space. This will permit the association to streamline the schedule to better accommodate participants and spectators, while continuing to offer an exciting lineup of Snaffle Bit Futurity Horse Sales and a vibrant shopping experience at the popular trade show.
“We anticipate growth across the board at the Snaffle Bit Futurity in 2017 and beyond,” Bergen said. “Moving to Fort Worth puts our biggest event in the middle of the country, within easier reach for participants, and we are expecting growth in entries. As if the Futurity didn’t give a reined cow horse fan enough reason to come to Fort Worth in early October, that time of year usually means wonderful weather, not to mention all the recreational and cultural opportunities outside the show arena.”
Bergen emphasized the gravity of the Board’s decision to relocate the Futurity from its historic home on the West Coast. While the California cities of Fresno and Sacramento have both been host sites, Reno has been home to the majority of Snaffle Bit Futurities.
“There is an emotional attachment to the Snaffle Bit Futurity being a West Coast event, and I believe all of us on the Board acknowledge the history with Reno. The Board labored long and hard over this decision. We were very engaged in the process of trying to ensure that we chose what was in the best interest of the NRCHA for its future growth. We look to the future with optimism, feeling as if we have taken a positive step for the entire association,” Bergen said.
mark your Calendars! important dates & deadlines for 2016 nRCHA Premier events
nRCHA HACkAmoRe Cl AssiC september 18 - 25, reno, Nevada (in conjunction with the snaffle bit Futurity) entries must be postmarked on or before August 15.
nRCHA snAffle Bit futuRity september 18 - October 1
multiple deadlines:
open & non Pro Progressive Payments (cannot be sold)
Nomination fee February 15
payment 2 - march 15 payment 5 - June 15
payment 3 - April 15 payment 6 - July 15
payment 4 - may 16
open & non Pro slot Payments (can be sold)
payment 1 - march 15
payment 2 - may 16
Last day to purchase Open or Non pro slots from NrCHA Office - may 16
payment 3 - August 15 - this is also the deadline to name slots buying and selling of slots must be complete to secure a draw position and avoid going into the slot draw by 2:00 p.m. Cst, August 31
Amateur & non Pro limited Payments: (cannot be sold)
payment 1 - April 15
payment 2 - may 16
payment 3 - June 15 (last Non pro Limited payment)
payment 4 - July 15 (last Amateur payment)
Additional fees (cattle/office/video) due for ALL snaffle bit Futurity entries/ALL divisions: August 15
snaffle bit Futurity Draw: september 1, 2016
snaffle bit Futurity slot Draw: september 17, 2016
All snaffle bit Futurity Horse show Classes postmark deadline August 15
All snaffle bit Futurity payments must be postmarked on or before the above due dates. there will be no grace period. Late fees will be assessed per the terms and conditions for each event. please read all terms and conditions carefully.
Questions? Contact the NrCHA Office at 940-488-1500.
SANTA YNEZ, CALIFORNIA • WEATHERFORD, TEXAS
Shady Lil Starlight x Sheza Sparklin CD
2016 Filly
Heza Shiney Kodo x Smooth Missin Jewels AURORA
FEE:
shinette
waRd RanCH Raffle Colt
imagine it only cost $10 to buy a horse and enter it in the 2017 Snaffle Bit Futurity. Sounds impossible? Just go with it, please.
No, really: Justgowithit Please (Smart Little Pepinic x Be Lona x Mister Dual Pep) is the 2016 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Raffle Colt, and he could be yours for just $10, the price of a raffle ticket. The raffle colt is donated annually by NRCHA Breeder Sponsor Ward Ranch. Like all the Ward Ranch Raffle horses, Justgowithit Please comes with a paid entry to the 2017 Snaffle Bit Futurity in Fort Worth, Texas, in the new owner’s choice of the Open, Non Pro or Amateur division. He will also be well started under saddle by the time of the drawing; the brown 2014 gelding is currently in training at Ward Ranch, with NRCHA Professional Chris Krieg.
There is no limit to the number of raffle colt tickets per buyer. From now until Futurity time, tickets can be purchased through the NRCHA Office by calling 940-488-1500. Once the Snaffle Bit Futurity is underway, the tickets will also be available in the show office.
The winning ticket will be drawn October 1, 2016, during the Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Finals in Reno, Nevada. Ticket buyers do not need to be present to win.
The Ward Ranch has an approximately 30-year history of contributing royally-bred 2-year-old raffle candidates from its historic reined cow horse breeding program. Built in 1972 by the late Greg Ward, a member of the NRCHA Hall of Fame, Ward Ranch has raised numerous champions, many of them descended from the famous mare, Fillinic.
All of the money from raffle ticket sales goes to support the NRCHA Futurity, half of which is put into the NRCHA 2-Year-Old Select Sale Purse, an incentive program which pays the highest-scoring Snaffle Bit Futurity Sale horses at the following year’s Futurity.
Several Ward Ranch Raffle alumni have returned to Reno as 3-year-olds to claim their own Futurity paychecks. The most successful was Gypsy Reminic (Reminic x Tontos Gypsy Bar x Tonto Bars Folly), the 1988 raffle filly. She became the 1989 Futurity Open Reserve Champion with Ted Robinson aboard. Gypsy Reminic has $37,406 in cow horse money, according to Equi-Stat. She also went on to produce 10 performing foals that have earned nearly $75,000 in cutting, cow horse and reining.
One lucky winner will take home the 2016 Ward ranch raffle Colt, Justgowithit please (smart little pepinic x be lona x mister Dual pep). the 2014 gelding is currently in training with Ward ranch assistant Chris Krieg.
Justgowithit please. Christina r uddy
Goodbye to leadinG nRCHa peRfoRmeR topsails Rien maKeR
By Stephanie Duquette
Kidney failure claimed the life of one of the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s most decorated and beloved performers, the 1999 stallion Topsails Rien Maker (Topsail Cody x Jameen Gay x Toby Gay Bar), the only horse in NRCHA history to win the coveted World’s Greatest Horseman title three times, and the first reined cow horse Breyer model. His death was announced May 24 by Dilday Ranch, Wynnewood, Oklahoma,
where Topsails Rien Maker lived with his trainer, Russell Dilday, and family. Dilday co-owned the stallion, nicknamed “Slider,” with his friend, Kevin Cantrelle.
With $335,612 in NRCHA winnings, Topsails Rien Maker was the association’s top money earning horse from mid-2010 until mid-2015. Dilday piloted the stallion to almost all of those paychecks. The dynamic duo posted substantial earnings every year from
the partnership between topsails rien maker and co-owner/trainer russell Dilday was evident in many ways, including this bridleless pasture roping session captured by photographer Darrell Dodds.
2002—when the stallion was 3—to his most recent NRCHA show appearance in 2013. Although he earned money in every phase of reined cow horse competition and was named a Supreme Reined Cow Horse in 2007, Topsails Rien Maker made his biggest impression in all-around bridle horse contests.
His keen herd work, smooth reining maneuvers, effortless roping runs and dynamic trips down the fence garnered an unprecedented three NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman titles, with Dilday aboard, in 2008, 2009 and 2011.
Although reining blood dominated Topsails Rien Maker’s pedigree, he was a unique individual and a cow horse all the way. He was only 14.2 hands tall, but the diminutive stallion stood out in a crowd with his round belly, refined head and doe eyes peeking through a luxurious forelock. In competition, his full-throttle approach to the fence work left spectators cheering and breathless as he circled every cow with his trademark cheek-to-cheek style.
Bred by the Stellato Revocable Trust, Redding, California, Slider was owned by Dana Roulet when he came into
topsails rien maker’s fans were delighted when the stallion became a breyer model in 2012, the first reined cow horse to be commemorated by the famous toy company.
Dilday’s program as a 2-year-old. By the time the stallion was 3, Dilday knew he had something special.
“He was so easy, it wasn’t even like work. He never tried to cheat, he
always stopped, always turned around, always went with the cow,” Dilday said in a 2010 interview with the NRCHA’s Communications Manager, Stephanie Duquette. “I was just riding around doing the most basic things. Go right with the cow, go left with the cow, spin him around, run him down there and stop him. He was simple. Simple to train. And never cheated you in the show pen—never. That’s what made him such a great little show horse. He was just a great horse.”
Topsails Rien Maker has sired 33 foals that have competed in the NRCHA arena, with combined earnings of just over $100,000. The leading Topsails Rien Maker offspring is Miss Prize Maker (x Miss Colonels Prize x Smokums Prize), a 2011 mare with $29,141 in NRCHA earnings.
Goodbye To 2015 snaffle biT fuTuRiT y CHampion sTaRliGHT Kisses
By Stephanie Duquette
The reined cow horse industry suffered the loss of another exceptional equine athlete when Holy Cow Performance Horses announced April 30 that its 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, Starlight Kisses, had passed away following a breedingrelated injury.
Starlight Kisses (Shady Lil Starlight x Kiss My Shiny Lips x Shining Spark), a 2012 mare, was bred and owned by Nancy Crawford-Hall’s Holy Cow Performance Horses. The fancy sorrel, heavily decorated with roan markings like her sire, was trained and shown by NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Jake Telford, Caldwell, Idaho. The untimely loss of the talented performer, nicknamed “Ferrari,” hit hard, as expressed in Holy Cow Performance Horses’ announcement on its Facebook page:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce that our very special “Ferrari,” Starlight Kisses, is grazing the sweet, green pastures of Heaven. It has been, and will be, an extremely difficult time for us letting go. Our memory of her greatness will never be forgotten. May you always remember her beauty and talent as well,” it read.
Those who saw Starlight Kisses’ winning performance at the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity will surely remember her grit and style as she worked her way to the NRCHA’s most coveted limited-age
event championship, the first for Telford and for Holy Cow Performance Horses. She scored a 656 composite for the win (216 herd/218.5 rein/221.5 cow).
“She’s family. I love her,” Telford said, referring to his feelings for Starlight Kisses during an emotional interview immediately following the Snaffle Bit Futurity win in Reno last October.
Telford had shown Starlight Kisses’ sire, Shady Lil Starlight (Grays Starlight x Shady Little Cat x High Brow Cat) and her dam, Kiss My Shiny Lips (Shining Spark x Lipschic x Smart Chic Olena), both owned by Holy Cow. Starlight Kisses possessed the winning traits of
both her champion parents, according to Telford.
“It’s extremely special to ride one that you’ve rode both their parents. I can’t tell you how much it means to ride one that’s homegrown,” he said.
Starlight Kisses, even though her show career was cut terribly short, is the number-one offspring by Shady Lil Starlight and the top money-earner out of Kiss My Shiny Lips. With her Snaffle Bit Futurity Championship and her top10 finish at the 2015 National Stock Horse Association Futurity, “Ferrari” brought home $103,347 in reined cow horse paychecks.
the untimely passing of the 2015 snaffle bit Futurity Champion, starlight Kisses, was sad and shocking news for the entire reined cow horse industry. she was bred and owned by Holy Cow performance Horses and shown by NrCHA million Dollar rider Jake telford.
2016 APHA WORLD SHOW
Each of the following NRCHA-approved events count as a minimum of one show. To qualify for cattle classes at the APHA World Show, a registered Paint Horse must have participated in at least two shows:
*No qualification is required to participate in the AjPHA Youth World Show or in added-money challenge classes at the APHA World Show. For more information, visit apha.com/cowhorse
★ June 2016—Colorado RCA Mountain High Horse Show & Bridle Spectacular
★ June 2016—North Central RCHA Slide Into Summer Horse Show
★ July 2016 —Colorado RCHA Firecracker Special
★ July 2016—East Coast Reined Cow Horse Classic
★ July 2016—Northwest RCHA WOW Cow Horse Spectacular
★ July 2016—Arizona RCHA Tall Pines Extravaganza
Lenas Buddy Nic & Jake Telford, 2016 NRCHA Celebration of Champions
Photo by: Primo Morales
THRougH YouR Lens
We had foal overflow from the last issue of reined cow horse News, and couldn’t resist including some more of the 2016 crop. meet “baby ruth,” registered as sugar Yes please (Kit Kat sugar x smart Ann x smart Little Lena), a filly bred and owned by holy cow performance horses at their Weatherford, texas, location.
Fuzzy foals grow up to be fierce cow horses like tr miss graygun (playgun x JK carlita bruce x Doc bruce), a 2004 supreme reined cow horse shown and owned by birgit self, pilot point, texas.
baby love! Deb Dickson submitted this sweet moment featuring her filly sired by smart boons and out of her NrchA World champion Appaloosa mare, signed prescription (x high sign Nugget).
To submit your photos for our Through Your Lens page, email a JPG file at least 1 MB in size to Stephanie Duquette, NRCHA Communications Manager, at stephanie@NRCHA.com.
the flag flew high above the Atlantic reined cow horse Association’s new president, Frank prisco, smithtown, New York, at the affiliate’s April show.
barb and ray brunton welcomed a colt by cat Ichi and out of cr tuff gypsy rose (x Woody b tuff) in march. “stetson” is growing up strong in creswell, oregon.
As resident trainer at Wagonhound Land & Livestock in Douglas, Wyoming, NrCHA champion horseman matt Koch and his show horses do plenty of outside work on the ranch’s more than 200,000 acres. matt’s wife, brianna, captured matt preparing the Wagonhound-bred and -owned gelding, Hesa Hickory Cat (Wr this Cats smart x shiney miss Hickory x shining spark) for a day of managing some of Wagonhound’s 3,000 red Angus cattle.
Brianna Koch
notable non PRo
Jen Van Cura-Frame went from jumping fences in the Windy City to chasing cows in the sunshine state.
By Stephanie Duquette
it was an urban horseback experience early in life for National Reined Cow Horse Association Non Pro Jen Van Cura-Frame, who grew up in Chicago, Illinois.
“I rode hunter-jumpers. We didn’t have too many cows in Chicago,” she said.
As Van Cura-Frame’s life path took her to Ohio and then Kentucky, she swapped jumping horses for reiners. But she didn’t discover how much fun the Western performance disciplines could be, until she tagged along to a friend’s cutting horse lesson and went face-to-face with a cow for the first time.
“He let me sit on that horse, and I couldn’t stop giggling. It was unlike anything I had ever done. That was my first experience with cow horse,” she said.
Since then, Van Cura-Frame has slowly but surely become immersed in the reined cow horse industry.
“I got serious when I got hooked up with [NRCHA Professional] Jay Holmes at Triple J Ranch [in Sarasota, Florida]. I had shown some before, but that was when I knew this is what I really wanted to do,” she said.
The camaraderie among the Triple J riders, as well as the success they had in the show pen, drew her in.
Jen Van Cura-Frame and her stallion, Junkyard Cat, will return to Non pro limited derby competition in 2016.
“They did very well and always seemed to be having fun and supporting each other. I hadn’t really experienced that before, and I knew I was going to feel at home there,” Van CuraFrame said.
Feeling at home at Triple J Ranch is more than just a figure of speech; Van Cura-Frame purchased a residence on the back side of the facility last December. The work-from-home Doctor of Pharmacy still maintains an address in Kentucky, but spends most of her time in sunny Sarasota, within walking distance of the barn and her horses.
Van Cura-Frame earned her first NRCHA paycheck in 2010. The Non Pro Limited competitor has just over $6,200 in earnings, including multiple Regional Championships. The 2016 season will be a busy one, as Van CuraFrame competes with two horses. She is enthusiastic about showing her 2010 stallion, Junkyard Cat (High Brow Cat x Aristocratic Cookie x Smart Aristocrat), in the Non Pro Limited derbies, thanks to a new eligibility rule which allows
6-year-old horses to show in that division.
Van Cura-Frame’s show string also includes a bridle horse, the 2007 mare Im Dun R U (Dun It Big x Lion In Wait x Photon), that she purchased last fall.
“You learn so much from each different horse. I think the two I have now are the best ones I’ve ever had,” she said.
Welcoming Junkyard Cat’s first foal crop was a thrill for Van Cura-Frame, another milestone on her overwhelmingly positive reined cow horse journey.
“What I love most about the NRCHA is the people and the opportunities,” she said. “I would say to somebody thinking about getting into cow horse — it may look intimidating when you first see it. But I’ve really found NRCHA has levels for everybody. Try it — get involved and see what it’s all about. It’s been such a positive experience for me. It’s a big organization, but it has a small feel to it, because the people are so friendly and helpful.”
HigHeR eduCation
The National Reined Cow Horse Association has released a new instructional video, “High School Rodeo Reined Cow Horse: Ride Safe & Stay On The Plus Side!” designed to help National High School Rodeo Association Reined Cow Horse contestants earn top scores while avoiding risky situations in the challenging reined cow horse event.
Produced by the NRCHA and its Official Videographer, Equine Promotion, the video breaks down the rein work and the cow work step-by-step, describing what the judge is looking for in a top-scoring run. Contestants will gain an understanding of proper position and control in the fast-
paced cow work, and they will see detailed analysis of each rein work maneuver. The video is full of tips on how to earn maximum credit and stay out of the penalty box in both the rein work and the cow work.
This valuable tool is free to view and download, and can be found on the NRCHA High School Rodeo Reined Cow Horse resource page: nrcha.com/nhsrareined-cow-horse/, or via the NRCHA Vimeo channel. National High School Rodeo Reined Cow Horse rules, patterns, judges sheets, and other useful information can also be found on the NRCHA High School Rodeo Reined Cow Horse resource page.
Featured riders and commentators include NRCHA Two-Million Dollar Professional Todd Crawford, Blanchard, Oklahoma; and champion reined cow horse trainers Chris and Sarah Dawson, Aubrey, Texas. The NRCHA Director of Judges, Bill Enk, provides insight from the judge’s chair.
The NRCHA offers a full range of resource materials and support for High School Rodeo Reined Cow Horse contestants nationwide. For details, contact the NRCHA Office in Pilot Point, Texas, at 940488-1500, or visit the association’s NHSRA Reined Cow Horse resource page.
topsails rien maker and russell Dilday, three-time World’s greatest Horseman Champions.
Ranch Facebook tribute to the late Topsails Rien Maker
Stephanie Duquette
Wyatt Fisher rode Nu Cash Cutter to the 2015 National High school Finals rodeo reined Cow Horse Championship.
Darrell DoDDS
FUN IS PRETTY BIG AROUND HERE.
IN NEED OF A LITTLE FUN? Go Big in the Biggest Little City at the Silver Legacy! We’re right in the middle of Reno’s 24 hour fun buffet – the perfect place to explore all the new restaurants, nightlife, entertainment and gaming that the Renossance has to offer.
GET THE GUARANTEED LOWEST RATE WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR ROOM DIRECT AT SILVERLEGACY.COM
AUGUST 6
Daughtry It’s Not Over... The Hits So Far
Bill Burr Reno ballroom
AUGUST 27
Andrew Dice Clay
AUGUST 12
TRACE ADKINS
AUGUST 26
ALABAMA
RENO EVENTS CENTER SEPTEMBER 10 yes SEPTEMBER 2
wHeRe ARe THey now?
Catching up with past National reined Cow Horse Youth Association Officers.
By Opal Harkins, NRCHYA Reporter
The NRCHYA is growing fast, and the National Student Officers are to blame! The Student Officer positions consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Reporter and eight Regional Representatives. Each office comes with specific jobs to help promote and improve the NRCHYA. Duties include: marketing, social media, providing financial support for clinics, planning activities at NRCHA Premier Events, launching fundraisers, giving back to the community through charities/outreach programs, and recruiting more youth cow horse competitors. During our monthly conference calls, the Student Officers follow parliamentary procedure when discussing these ideas, all while learning important life skills that will help us in the future.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with past NRCHYA Student Officers like Morgan Holmes, of Sarasota, Florida. Morgan, now 21, was the first President of the NRCHYA, serving from 20102011. Morgan currently attends Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, where she is a member of the Ranch Horse Team and competes in Stock Horse Association of Texas (SHOT) shows. Morgan grew up on her parents’ training facility, riding reined cow horses and rope horses. She plans to continue raising, training and showing horses after college.
“being an officer really taught me how to be a leader and negotiate with my peers, even when you all have different opinions.” –Nolan Self
Reflecting on her experience as a NRCHYA officer, Morgan said, “I learned about leadership and positivity. It was a great opportunity, and I will cherish the memories that we all created.”
When asked what she would say to youth members considering running for a National Office, Morgan said, “Do it! It’s a blast. Even if you are new to the NRCHA, they are so welcoming. It’s
Asan awesome opportunity, and colleges love to see that you are taking leadership opportunities.”
Alexa Beaty served as the 2012-2013 NRCHYA Secretary, then as Reporter the following year. Alexa, now 20, is entering her sophomore year at
you can see, we are proud of our past NrCHYA members who have continued their success and love of reined cow horse. the NrCHYA is a fun, growing, opportunity-filled, rewarding association. the National student Officers take their jobs seriously and play a key role in the continued growth and success of youth activity within the NrCHA. if you are interested in becoming a NrCHYA member, we would love to have you. if you have never been a member before, visit NrCHA.com and join for Free. You can also follow us on Facebook and snapchat. the NrCHYA is an incredibly welcoming organization that is always open to new members and new ideas. National student Officers are elected during the NrCHA Celebration of Champions, held in February in Fort Worth, texas. We also strongly encourage youth to run for a NrCHYA student Officer position. it is an opportunity you will never regret or forget.
past NrCHYA president Nolan self addresses youth members at the National Youth meeting in Fort Worth, texas.
Opal Harkins, NrCHYA reporter
Oklahoma State University. Alexa, who began riding reining horses at age 13 with Steve and Carol Metcalf, is on a scholarship to compete as a NCAA D1 athlete on the OSU equestrian team. She earned four NRCHA World Championships and two Reserve Championships. During her NRCHYA Officer years, Alexa and her fellow officers advertised at the AQHA World show to attract NRCHYA members. They also did major fundraising through raffles and silent auctions.
Reflecting on her time as a NRCHYA officer, Alexa says, “It definitely gave me the opportunity to meet new people and practice leadership skills. It was great to get involved, and it also helped with my resumé.”
Nolan Self, Pilot Point, Texas, served as the 2015-2016 NRCHYA President. Nolan has been involved in horse activities since he was 4 years old, and will be attending Texas A&M University this fall where he hopes to compete on the Stock Horse Team. Nolan currently competes in NRCHA Non Pro classes at the Affiliate and Premier Event levels. Some of the most important memories Nolan recalls while serving as President are when the NRCHYA Student Officers came up with the idea of a safety video for the National High School Rodeo contestants, and the dramatic growth of NRCHA youth participation.
“Being an officer really taught me how to be a leader and negotiate with my peers, even when you all have different opinions. It also taught me how to be a good public speaker,” he said.
MCLaugHLin Joins nRCHa MiLLion doLL aR CLub
NrCHA
welcomes Jay mcLaughlin as its newest million Dollar rider.
By Stephanie Duquette
The National Reined Cow Horse Association’s list of top money earners continues to grow, as professional horseman Jay McLaughlin passes the seven-figure milestone to become the 12th NRCHA Million Dollar Rider. As of July 11, McLaughlin’s earnings were $1,005,275.69.
“Among horse trainers, the Million Dollar Rider is an awesome title. It’s cool to be at the very top, and it’s an honor I have always wanted to have,” McLaughlin said.
He was born in 1974, into a Missouri family where horses were a primary focus. McLaughlin’s father, Mike, was a versatile professional horse trainer who prepared Quarter Horses for many disciplines, including reining, pleasure, halter, western riding, horsemanship, trail, barrels, poles, and more. His mother, Julann, built a successful 4-H program from the ground up, and operated it for decades. McLaughlin credits her for instilling his strong foundation as a rider and competitor.
“the cow horse is the most difficult discipline that I’ve ever been associated with.”
I didn’t do the lead line. I always set my goals higher,” McLaughlin recalled. “Her rule for me was, I had to show in the horsemanship, the showmanship, all of that stuff, before I could do any of the reining or the barrels or the poles or any of the other fun classes. I think that has a lot to do with my horsemanship skills. It was fun for me because I’m very competitive, so I excelled at those too. I wanted to win. It’s hard for anybody to be second, but I really took it hard.”
–Jay McLaughlin
McLaughlin’s competitive nature served him well as he grew up and followed in his father’s footsteps, starting his professional horse training career at age 18. His initial focus on reining soon turned to the adrenalin-fueled challenge of reined cow horse.
“When I was 10 years old, I wanted to ride in the ‘canter classes,’ as I called them. I didn’t want to do the walk-trot,
“The cow horse is the most difficult discipline that I’ve ever been associated with. You can only ride so many cow horses a day. You have to learn how to train those horses in three events, or two events, depending on the age of the horse, not burn them out, and strive to have something that will go mark a 75 in every event,” he said.
According to NRCHA records, McLaughlin earned his first reined cow horse paycheck in 1999. Just five years later, in 2004, he made his debut at the Snaffle Bit Futurity, enjoying success that few first-timers can claim, qualifying for the Open and Intermediate Open Futurity Finals on SS Rosa (Sailing Smart x Snowmans Rose x Snowman Doc), owned by Julie Gibbons.
“I can still remember my scores that got me into the Open finals the first year I ever went. I marked a 209 in the herd, a 217.5 in the rein work, and a 219 down the fence. You can’t do that any more. There’s no way you could make the Open finals marking a 209 now. That’s how much I think it has changed. It wasn’t very long ago, and it’s that much more competitive,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin credits his wife, Wendy, for her stalwart support during his
million-dollar journey, with its inevitable ups and downs.
“She’s put up with a lot of headaches, and the times we didn’t have any money, and living in a trailer, like every horse trainer has done once or twice, or still is, in their life. She’s pushed it all the way. She’s always there whooping and hollering, whether I suck or I don’t. That’s a pretty big deal. She sure has backed me 190 percent, and I love her, and that’s a big deal,” he said.
The McLaughlins and their sons, Ryder and Cutter, live in Commerce, Texas, where Jay is resident trainer at Aaron Ranch. Cutter, a successful NRCHA Youth competitor, seems on track to continue the McLaughlin family horsemanship tradition—and Jay predicts his son will be able to achieve NRCHA Million Dollar Rider status more quickly than he did.
When Jay mclaughlin piloted one of his all-time favorite horses, CD Dee Vee Dee, to third place in the 2016 CD survivor memorial bridle spectacular at the NrCHA Derby in paso robles, California, the $14,900 paycheck elevated him into the elite ranks of the NrCHA million Dollar riders. mclaughlin is the 12th horseman in NrCHA history to achieve that honor. CD Dee Vee Dee (CD lights x shiners missy Jay x shining spark) is a 10-year-old gelding mclaughlin and his wife, Wendy, own.
“I don’t think it will take as long for the younger guys to get it, now that the NRCHA is growing and adding more money all the time. I think that growth will make it a little easier for those guys to get the milestone if we keep climbing like we’re climbing. The NRCHA has a huge future ahead, if it keeps going like it’s going,” McLaughlin said.
Besides his new status as a NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, McLaughlin’s resumé also includes 12 NRCHA and American Quarter Horse Association World Championships. He was the 2013 NRCHA Futurity Open Reserve Champion and the 2015 NRCHA Stakes Open Champion aboard Aaron Ranch’s Blind Sided (Peptoboonsmal x Lil Miss Shiney Chex x Shining Spark), and he has claimed numerous other championships, finals berths and top placings in reined cow horse and reining competition.
McLaughlin already has his sights set on becoming a NRCHA Two Million Dollar rider, and predicts the best is yet to come.
“I’m not done, by any means. I’m not going to retire and say, ‘I’ve won what I need to win,’” he said. “At the end of this story, I want you to put, ‘stay tuned,’ because there are going to be some more great horses, I’m telling you. It’s a fun ride!”
Stephanie Duquette
ARCHA kiCks off 2016 seAson
the Atlantic reined Cow Horse Association celebrates 2015 champions and a record-breaking 2016 season kick-off.
After being recognized as the National Reined Cow Horse Association Affiliate of The Year in 2015, the ARCHA proudly held its year-end banquet April 22, 2016, noting the function as its most well attended of the past decade. Additionally, the first show weekend of the 2016 ARCHA season, which was held April 23-24, saw record-setting entries totaling 227, plus welcomed 14 new members.
Friday evening festivities found members, family and friends enjoying a night filled with laughter, great food and the 2015 ARCHA champions being honored at the Barnhouse Village in Bath, Pennsylvania. The awards presentation ceremony followed a delicious buffet-style dinner, and was emceed by Tom Iannotti and new incoming president Frank Prisco. Members of the association’s awards committee outdid themselves again this year, presenting beautiful prizes designed and created by Skyline Silversmiths.
Judy Iannotti, Lashon Bussell, Edie Petaccio, Debbie Gastelu and Joanne Hatchen were all presented with beautiful Bandera pocketbooks in recognition of their hard work throughout the year. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a custom headstall and Tom Balding Bits & Spurs gift certificate, which was presented to outgoing ARCHA president Dom Conicelli.
Submitted by ARCHA
Outgoing ArCHA president Dom Conicelli receiving a custom headstall and gift certificate from tom balding bits and spurs. l-r: Dick rosell, Dom Conicelli, tom iannotti, and frank prisco.
It was also announced that the 2016 ARCHA $1K Non Pro Limited champion will receive a ranch cutting saddle graciously donated by Dick Rosell and Meg Rosell-Pursel of Rosell Trailer Sales located in Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania.
A variety of generous donations made the association’s annual silent auction fundraiser held during the event a success. Aside from donations provided by members, several businesses graciously donated items for the auction, including the Kinda Silly Cafe, Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, Skyline Silversmiths, Sue Rosell, who donated a fabulous pencil drawing of Gus from Lonesome Dove; Tackroominc.com, Henderson Western, Bill Pursel Tack and Ashley Eitel, just to name a few.
The morning following the banquet began with 2016 ARCHA horse show action featuring two full days of NRCHA/ARCHA/AQHA classes. Hosted by beautiful Willow Brook
Farms in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, the inaugural show of the season welcomed many new faces. Kinda Silly Café, spearheaded by Edie Petaccio, prepared over a dozen crock-pots filled with hot meals for all to enjoy throughout the day. Members also contributed their favorite dishes from morning to evening.
Thanks to non-pro members Lyndra Bills and Liz Parsons, who have stepped up again this year and supplied Green Rider Hi-Score awards at each show, the Green Rider division is attracting a large turnout of entries.
The ARCHA would like to wish Frank Prisco the best of luck as he takes over the presidency. Lastly, thanks to each individual who works so hard putting in long hours to make ARCHA shows what they are. The support and the camaraderie of the membership truly shines. With the record amount of entries at just our first show, the 2016 season is off to a fantastic start.
John R. h ofmann
R eaT in TH e Golden sTaT e G
some Kinda merada puts it all together with a huge 227 fence work to win the NrCHA Derby Open Championship with 2 million Dollar rider todd bergen in the saddle.
The classy, yet casual city of Paso Robles, California, which in Spanish means “Pass of the Oaks,” is home to the National Reined Cow Horse Association Jack & Phoebe Cooke Memorial Derby, the NRCHA’s largest Premier Event for 4- and 5-year-old reined cow horses. Tucked in the mountains of the central California coast, the show grounds at the Paso Robles Event Center, as well as the surrounding community, are favorites of reined cow horse competitors. Dining and lodging are conveniently located, and during lulls in the cow horse action, there are plenty of ways to relax in and around Paso Robles, which is known for its wineries, easy access to Pacific Ocean beaches, and attractions like the lavish Hearst Castle.
Central California has long been recognized as the heart of cow horse country, a fitting location to showcase the talents of horses that are taking the next step in their limited-age event careers as derby competitors.
Some of the 2016 Derby finalists had already proven themselves as Premier Event Champions in limited age competition, while others were still striving to put all the pieces together at the highest level for a big win. As any NRCHA competitor will attest, on any given day, any
of the finalists could have stepped up to claim the Derby Open Championship title.
OpeN CHAmpiON
As Eagle Point, Oregon, horseman Todd Bergen prepared for the NRCHA
By Stephanie Duquette
Open finals on a hot Saturday afternoon in Paso Robles, California, he knew there was no room for error if he wanted to claim the nearly $31,000 Championship paycheck. He had two horses in the finals: Boonlight Roan Bar (Bet Hesa Cat x Cat Boonlight Jewels x Boonlight Dancer), a
2012 stallion owned by Tony Grover; and Some Kinda Merada (Cats Merada x Ima Fern Believer x Peptoboonsmal), a 2011 mare owned by Mike and Cindy Warn’s Cable Creek Ranch, Aurora, Oregon.
Bergen had guided both horses to performances in the preliminary rounds that, while solid, were not uppermost on the results sheet. Some Kinda Merada finished 12th in the prelims with a 653 (215 herd/224 rein/214 cow), and Boonlight Roan Bar had tied for 18th with a 651 (219 herd/214.5 rein/217.5 cow).
In the clean-slate finals, all the horses had a fresh chance to shine. After competing in the herd work on Friday, June 17, both of Bergen’s horses were right in the middle of the pack of 21 worthy competitors.
During Saturday’s rein work, Some Kinda Merada spun and slid her way to a 225.5, the second-high score behind the 226.5 top run from Smooth Bellingrath (Smooth As A Cat x Very Special Peppy x Peppy San Badger), shown by Dyer, Nevada, horseman Nick Dowers for Triple D Ranches, LLC. After the rein work, three horses were tied for first place with a 443.5 going into the allimportant fence work finals: Some Kinda Merada, Smooth Bellingrath, and Lil Bay Hawk (Catty Hawk x Little Gray Freckles x Playgun), shown by Santa Maria, California, professional Justin Wright for owner Stephen Silva.
The second Open finalist to go down the fence, SJR Diamond Rey (Dual Rey x Shiners Diamond Girl x Shining Spark), shown by Corey Cushing, earned a 222.5 to take the lead with a formidable 663.5 composite. All the riders in the threeway tie needed a 220.5 or better to move Cushing out of first place.
“I’ve always believed in this mare. she’s always had the ability.”– Todd Bergen
Working in the second set, Bergen and Some Kinda Merada seized first place with authority, working a gray cow to the tune of 227 points from the judges. The resulting 670.5 composite proved untouchable. Dowers and Smooth Bellingrath were the Reserve Champions, SJR Diamond Rey and Cushing finished in third place, and Bergen earned the win for longtime client Cable Creek Ranch by a six-point margin.
“It never gets old,” the veteran competitor and NRCHA 2 Million Dollar Rider said. “This event has gotten so tough and so deep. Everybody’s always rooting for each other. Any one of us—we could run this whole thing again tomorrow, and it could change around completely. Any time you come out on top, it’s a thrill. I don’t care how many times you show or compete, it’s always gratifying.”
Some Kinda Merada’s 227 fence work— the highest score of the Open finals—was an example of what can happen when a well-prepared horse draws the right kind of cow.
“I’ve always believed in this mare. She’s always had the ability. So much of this event depends on what you draw, what kind of cows you cut in the herd work, and what kind of cow you get down the fence. So many of theses horses are capable of marking a 227 down the fence. It just happened to be my day today. I’m happy and I’m grateful,” Bergen said. “You just have to show with what’s dealt to you, what comes through that gate. That cow seemed real stoppy. I felt he
some Kinda merada was well prepared and drew the right cow in the NrCHA Derby fence work finals, scoring a 227 to seal the Open Championship with 2 million Dollar rider todd bergen at the reins.
Photos by Primo Morales
smart bellingrath, shown by Dyer, Nevada, professional Nick Dowers, shined all week in paso robles, winning the Derby Open prelims and finishing as the reserve Champion.
was going to head real good and I didn’t want to stay too long on the end and take that out of him. I didn’t plan on making four turns on the fence, but I couldn’t get any clearance and get around him and get circled, so I went ahead and made another turn. Sometimes that can be detrimental, but this time it worked out,” Bergen said.
Some Kinda Merada came into Bergen’s program when he purchased the mare for Cable Creek Ranch as a 3-year-old. She arrived in Paso Robles with just over $24,000 in lifetime cow horse earnings. A major championship had eluded her until the Derby win, which, with one paycheck, more than doubled what she had earned previously in her career.
“This has been a great mare for a long time, and I just have never got it all put together. I was starting to scratch my head and wonder why. I told myself just to trust her, and just do it, so that’s what I did and it worked,” Bergen said. “I have to thank [NRCHA Professional] Justin Wright and [Some Kinda Merada’s previous owner] Eric Freitas for selling
us this mare as a 3-year-old. They didn’t really have to, she was a really good mare, and I really liked her and she fit for Cindy [Warn, of Cable Creek Ranch], so I have to thank them for allowing us to purchase her. And I’m sorry it took so long for me to show everybody what she could be.”
Bergen achieved NRCHA 2 Million Dollar Rider status at the 2015 Snaffle Bit Futurity, only the second to pass that milestone. The first was leading professional Todd Crawford, Blanchard, Oklahoma. The last time Bergen won the Derby Open Championship was in 2010, also on a horse owned by Cable Creek Ranch—the stellar performer Smart Luck (Very Smart Remedy x Gunna Be Lucky x Gunna Smoke), a 2006 stallion with earnings of more than $245,000 in the reined cow horse and reining arenas.
“That goes to show you just how great a customer Cindy is. She supplies me with good horses and trusts my program and my judgment about what to do with these horses, and where to go with them. I can’t thank her enough. This mare just
got an embryo flushed out of her about a month ago to Smart Luck, so hopefully in a few years we’ll be riding that baby,” Bergen said.
Championship prizes included a custom saddle from Scottsdale Western World and Silver Spurs Equine, sponsored by Eric Freitas and Korie Baker; a Gist buckle; boots from Rios of Mercedes; and gift certificates from San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health and Platinum Performance.
Bergen’s other Derby Open finalist, Boonlight Roan Bar, tied for 10th place with a 651.5 (217.5 herd/219 rein/215 cow), earning $4,573.
For the Reserve Championship, Dowers and Smooth Bellingrath earned $23,283 and took home a pair of Rios of Mercedes boots and gift certificates from Farnam and Platinum Performance.
INtermeDIAte OpeN CHAmpION
Dualin Stargun (Dual Rey x Amanda Stargun x Playgun) and Justin Lawrence, Alzada, Montana, are two-for-two at National Reined Cow Horse Association Premier Events in 2016. At the NRCHA Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas, Nevada, in April, the pair won the Intermediate Open Championship and qualified for the Open finals. They did the same thing in Paso Robles, scoring a 661.5 composite (220 herd/218 rein/223.5 fence) to win the Intermediate Open title and finish fifth in the Open.
“I was excited at the Stakes, and probably more excited now, because you wonder if it was a one shot deal. He was better this whole trip. Better in the prelims, better in the finals. It was such a tough finals, with great horses and great riders. I’m pretty stoked!” Lawrence said.
The Intermediate Open Championship paid $6,583, and Lawrence collected another $11,641 for the top 5 Derby Open finish. He and his wife, Kelcie, own the 2011 stallion with another couple, John
and Heather Kennedy, as the Dualin Stargun Partners.
“They [the Kennedys] make everything possible. I don’t know if we’d venture that far on our own paycheck, and they’re always there and always supportive, and it makes it easier to go to the shows,” Lawrence said.
The little gray stallion may barely make 14 hands in height, but Lawrence says he possesses the grit and heart of a horse three times his size—something he proved again in Paso Robles. Lawrence showed Dualin Stargun in the hackamore throughout the preliminaries and the finals, and said he was most proud of their fence work in both go-rounds.
“In the prelims cow work, we were a 224.5. The cow—I’ll be the first to say it wasn’t the fastest cow—but it was 100 pounds bigger than he was, and he pushed it around. Today in the finals, the cow was faster, and he stepped up and handled it,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence and his wife, Kelcie, purchased Dualin Stargun as a yearling to train and consign to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Select 2-Year-Old Sale. However, the colt bruised his knee and did not sell, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The Lawrences established the partnership with the Kennedys, which allowed Justin to continue showing the horse that has become a special one in his program.
“I’ve waited a while to have one like this that’s so consistent and gives me his heart,” Lawrence said. “He’s easy. He’s kind of a quirky little horse, but on the ranch, if we rode him 20 miles one day, the next morning he’s always fresh feeling. We get along good. He’s real honest, whether he’s in the pen or doing a day’s work. That’s what makes me happiest with him.”
In the two-and-a-half months between his win at the Stallion Stakes and his win at the Derby, Dualin Stargun spent most
of his time doing honest work on the Lawrence’s cattle operation.
“After the Stakes, I didn’t school him until about two weeks ago. We were in full-blown calving, and I don’t know how many calves we tagged and pairs we put out. He’s my go-to horse. If I’ve got something in the lot, a heifer calving, and I have to get it up to the pen, I go get him.”
Lawrence is looking forward to Dualin Stargun’s first foal crop arriving in 2017, and enjoyed having his wife, Kelcie, with him at the Derby and coaching their daughter, Dallie, through her first reined cow horse run at a NRCHA Premier Event.
“It’s good to have family with me,” he said.
Besides the two paychecks, Lawrence took home a Gist buckle and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance. The Derby earnings elevated Dualin Stargun’s NRCHA record just above the $64,000 mark, and Lawrence’s lifetime show record is just shy of the $300,000 mark.
montana horseman Justin Lawrence says he has waited a long time to have a horse as consistent as Dualin stargun, who carried him to the intermediate Open Championship and a top 5 finish in the Open.
The Intermediate Open Reserve Champion was Metallic Masterpiece (Metallic Cat x Kings Masterpiece x Peppy San Badger), shown by Kyle Trahern, Walsh, Colorado, for owner Silver Spur Operating Co., LLC. They scored a 651.5 (214.5 herd/221 rein/216 cow), earning $4,851.
LimiteD OpeN CHAmpiON
The 2016 NRCHA Derby was the first time for Ryan Thomas, King Hill, Idaho, to make the finals at a National Reined Cow Horse Association Premier Event. He marked the occasion by winning the Limited Open Championship and finishing eighth in the Intermediate Open aboard Magicat (Metallic Cat x Magical Lena x Little Lenas Legend).
Thomas and the 2011 mare worked their way to a 646.5 composite in the finals (211 herd/215.5 rein/220 cow), winning the Limited Open Championship by a 26.5point margin. Their combined paychecks totaled $6,930. Thomas also took home a Gist buckle and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance.
“I’m just happy I did it right,” Thomas said. “It’s only my second time to show her, and I didn’t get her shown very well the first time [at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes in Las Vegas]. I’m grateful to be able to show her, especially at two major events.”
For the past four-and-a-half years, Thomas has worked as an assistant trainer to NRCHA Hall of Fame Professional and Million Dollar Rider Anne Reynolds, King Hill, Idaho. Magicat was raised and trained at Reynolds’ Why Worry Ranch. She is owned by Reynolds’ mother, Joyce Pearson, as part of the mother-and-daughter team’s joint breeding program.
“There are a lot of real good horse trainers who have trained on her, and I just got to capitalize on that this week,” Thomas said. “Nick Dowers started her and Nic Brunelli [Reynolds’ former assistant] rode her, and Annie rode her, and Gusti [Buerger, another former assistant to Reynolds] rode her a little bit. Now
I get to show her—how lucky am I?” Thomas said, smiling.
Thomas acknowledged the mare’s particular talent for the fence work, and noted that their rein work performance in the preliminary round, where they scored a 218, was a personal best and a mental victory for him.
“She’s a machine down the fence, as long as she’s relaxed, and she was super relaxed here,” he said. “The fence work was fun, in the prelims and in the finals. The rein work prelims were awesome for me as well because I never have scored a 218 at a major event.”
He thanked Reynolds and Pearson, and also appreciated the motivation and coaching from two other mentors in particular.
“I’m grateful to Annie for letting me show her, and to Joyce for raising awesome horses, and all my help—Jake Telford is an inspiration, and Nick Dowers is an inspiration, and I’m fortunate to be around those guys as much as I am.”
There was a tie for the Limited Open Reserve Championship between Showmethe Cat (Cat T Masterson x Say Showmethe Money x Nu Cash), shown and owned by Brendon Clark (see Level 1 Limited Open coverage); and Truckin On Ice (NMSU Truckin Chex x Legendary Ice Princess x Little Lenas Legend), shown by Roger Bias, Edison, California, for owner Anna Rippy. Bias and Truckin On Ice scored a 620 composite (207 herd/220 rein/193 cow). Both riders took home $4,158 for the placing.
LeveL 1 LimiteD OpeN CHAmpiON
The Level 1 Limited Open Championship was determined by scores from the preliminary go-rounds. Winning the title by a tremendous 20.5-point margin was Showmethe Cat (Cat T Masterson x Say Showmethe Money x Nu Cash), owned and shown by Hollister, California, horseman Brendon Clark.
The 2011 gelding earned a 640-composite score (210 herd/213 rein/217 fence), and took home a $6,929 check. The Level 1 Limited Open title also came with a Gist buckle, a CowTrac system sponsored by CowTrac, and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance.
Clark also qualified Showmethe Cat for the Limited Open finals, where he finished as the Reserve Champion with a 620 composite (209 herd/210 rein/201 cow), earning another $4,158.
Clark, a former professional bull rider, was elated with the win, his first NRCHA Premier Event Championship.
“There are a lot of similarities between bull riding and the cow horse, in that it’s very unpredictable. You have two animals involved, and anything can happen. People laugh at me when I say this [reined cow horse] is the toughest thing I’ve ever done, but I mean it. Riding bulls is tough and physically demanding, but there are so many variables in this sport—cattle, horses,
brendon Clark rode his own horse, showmethe Cat, to the Level 1 Limited Open Championship and reserve in the Limited Open.
top: magicat needed no sorcery, just good solid performances, to win the Limited Open Championship with idaho professional ryan thomas aboard.
Caymus
by
keeping your horse sound and happy. One day you come out and everything’s good, and then it can all fall apart. It’s a whole different ball game when
you come to the show and walk into that arena by yourself. It truly is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Clark said.
Clark credited some of his horsemanship mentors, leading NRCHA professionals Phillip Ralls, Nick Dowers and Corey Cushing, as well as reining specialist Warwick Schiller, for helping him through challenges in the training process.
“It’s easier to make mistakes than it is to do things right, and I wouldn’t be here or be able to win anything if it wasn’t for everybody helping me,” Clark said.
The Level 1 Limited Open Reserve Champion was Gunna Smokum Alittle (Little Lotto Lena x Mia Gunna Smokum x Smokum Oak), shown by Daniel Sanchez to a 619.5 (200 herd/201 rein/218.5 cow) for owner Linda Tayne. They collected a $4,619 check.
OpeN NOviCe HOrse CHAmpiON
The preliminary round also decided the Champion in the Open Novice Horse. The Novice division is for 4- and 5-year-old horses with less than $5,000 in NRCHA earnings.
The Open Novice Horse Champion was Caymus Pepto (Peptoboonsmal x Bet On Merada x Bet On Me 498), shown by NRCHA Hall of Fame horseman Ken Wold, Wilton, California, and owned by Joe Putnam.
Wold said the win lifted the cloud that had been hanging over the 2012 stallion’s limited age event career.
“He’s kind of been a hard luck horse. Every aged event we took him to, something happened that wasn’t his fault. At Reno, he stubbed his toe in the cutting and didn’t make the finals. We took him to the Stallion Stakes and he was on track to make the finals, but drew a rotten cow down the fence. I brought him to the Mother’s Day Quarter Horse Circuit [in Paso Robles in May] and in two reining and fence runs, he won 28 AQHA points, but at the aged events, he’s just been snake bit,” Wold said.
right:
pepto, shown
NrCHA Hall of Fame horseman Ken Wold, earned the Open Novice Horse Championship and a spot in the intermediate Open finals.
The Performance Saddle. Martin will help you ace every performance. Specifically engineered and designed for the reiner and working cow horse competitor, review them online now at martinsaddlery.com
Todd Crawford #1 Lifetime Reined Cowhorse Rider NRCHA Hall of Fame
Todd Bergen 2015 NRHA Derby Champion $2 Million Dollar Rider
Caymus Pepto put all the pieces together at the Derby, scoring a 649 (216 herd/214.5 rein/218.5 cow), winning $2,910 and a gift certificate package from Platinum Performance and San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Animal Health. The composite score was also enough to put the stallion into the clean-slate Derby Intermediate Open finals, which is positive for Wold’s program all the way around.
“Having this Novice Horse division, his owner felt comfortable to keep going with him, and now he wins a good check, makes the finals, and is on track again,” he said.
NoN pro, INtermeDIAte NoN pro AND NovICe NoN pro CHAmpIoN
Canadian competitor Keri Hudson Reykdal guided SLR Won Smart Wolf (Paddys Irish Whiskey x Smart Miss Wolf x Smart Trip Olena) to a clean sweep of the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro divisions.
Reykdal, a veterinarian from Ashern, Manitoba, Canada, piloted her 2011 gelding to a 642.5 composite (215 herd/211 rein/216.5 fence), and her three paychecks totaled more than $12,000.
“I really lucked out with a good draw in the herd. My trainer, John Swales, I believe is the best help here for picking cows. Between him and Cody [McArthur] and Cayley [Wilson], they always pick me awesome cows, always, so I knew I could count on them for that. In the rein work, we’re still struggling and just trying to get through, so I was happy to mark over a 210 again. This horse is amazing down the fence, so I know I can count on him. He was a little hot today and wanted to go, but we were able to make it through, so I was happy,” Reykdal said.
The Non Pro division was sponsored by Pony Tail Sportswear. For winning all three divisions, Reykdal collected a pile of prizes including a Scottsdale Western
World and Silver Spurs Equine saddle; boots from Rios of Mercedes; a triple stack of Gist buckles; multiple gift certificates from Platinum Performance and San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Animal Health; and a pair of Pony Tail Sportswear underwear for riders. The Non Pro divisions also received award sponsor support from the City of Fort Worth, Texas.
The Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Reserve Champion was Sanalea Chex (Tomcat Chex x Smart Little Sanalea x Ill Be Smart), owned and shown by Kathy Wilson, Clarksburg, California. The 2011 mare scored a 642 composite (214 herd/213 rein/215 cow), earning $5,728 for the Non Pro and $2,693 for the Intermediate placing. Wilson also took home boots from Rios of Mercedes and gift certificates from Farnam and Platinum Performance.
The Reserve Champion in the Novice Non Pro was Jennifer Neel, Millsap, Texas, riding a homebred mare, Z Martinalena (Zezes Pepto Cat x Fussy Hanky x Lotsolena). They scored a 641 (209 herd/220 rein/212 cow). Neel
was also a finalist in the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions, and her three paychecks totaled $8,029.
AmAteur CHAmpIoN
The Derby Amateur Champion was Sonya DiStefano, a 17-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, who was showing in her first NRCHA Premier Limited Age Event on her first derby horse. In the Derby Non Pro preliminaries, which determined the Amateur Champion, DiStefano guided her gelding, Reys Stylish Bell (Dual Rey x Blues Stylish Bell x Doc’s Stylish Oak) to a 632.5 composite (217 herd/215.5 rein/200 cow). She earned $1,268 and claimed a Gist buckle and gift certificates from Platinum Performance and San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Animal Health.
“I was intimidated and nervous to come here for the first time, because I haven’t shown in a big derby, just our local ones. I just showed my horse like I did at home, and he was good,” the polite, soft-spoken teen said.
Keri Hudson reykdal and sLr Won smart Wolf claimed a triple helping of championships, winning the NrCHA Derby Non pro, Intermediate Non pro and Novice Non pro titles.
DiStefano has only owned and ridden Reys Stylish Bell, known around the barn as “Trouble,” for a couple of months, but the pair looked like an experienced team as they worked cattle and performed the reining maneuvers.
“My horse was really good in the rein work and really good in the herd work. We had a little tough luck down the fence, but we had enough of a lead from our first two events that we were able to hold our spot in the Amateur,” DiStefano said.
DiStefano also qualified for the Novice Non Pro finals, where she scored a 633.5 (209 herd/212 rein/213.5 cow), for fifth place and $587.
DiStefano has been riding with Canadian professional Cody McArthur for the past three years. She started her NRCHA career showing a bridle horse, and when she was ready to shop for a derby horse, McArthur thought Reys Stylish Bell, who belonged to his wife, Farrah, might be a good match. The deal was made, and DiStefano took her new horse’s reins in April, after the NRCHA Stakes in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I love him. I couldn’t be happier. He’s so sweet and easy to ride, and he does his job. You don’t have to train hard on him. He’s calm and relaxed and talented,” she said. “I’m hoping to do the Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association Derby [in October], and I’m hoping to get him qualified in the hackamore to go to the NRCHA World Show. Then he’ll be a bridle horse and I want to do spectaculars and everything with him, so I’m very excited for the future with him.”
DiStefano thanked her support group, both in the barn and at home, for helping her achieve her dreams.
“My mom and dad are so supportive of what I do, and the horses and the training and traveling. They’re so great. My
coach, Cody, is amazing. I love him—he’s taught me so much, and Farrah has been a huge support.”
NoN pro LimiteD CHAmpioN
It was the first time for Anne Albert, Roy, Washington, to show at the NRCHA Derby, and she had her work cut out for her to win the Non Pro Limited Championship, which had to be decided by a box-off tiebreaker.
“I’ve always wanted to come to this horse show, and to come here the first time and win it—I’m ecstatic,” Albert said.
After the first two events, the rein work and herd work, Albert and her gelding, White Knight Time (One Time Pepto x Little Lady Stylish x Smart Little Uno), were tied for first place with Erin Mendes and Recklessly Abandoned (Smart Little Pepinic x Wright Now Ima Star x Lenas Wright On). Both riders had 424.5 composite scores. A third rider, Linda Wood, was just a half-point behind
sonya Distefano, a youth rider showing a brand-new horse at her first major NrCHA Limited Age event, kept her cool, showed her best, and won the Derby Amateur Championship.
them heading into the third phase, the cow work.
“I thought that was so fun, to be going into the boxing with the top three so close. You want everybody to win. I want her to win, and her to win...but darn it, I want to win too! I would have been just as happy for one of the others if they had been the one to win,” Albert said. “It could have been anybody’s win. Those girls were so game-ready! It was fun.”
But as it turned out, one round of boxing wasn’t enough to break the tie: both Albert and Mendes guided their horses to identical 217.5 cow work scores, which left them with a matching 642 on three events. First-place ties are broken by the cow work score, but because those were also the same, determining the championship came down to the question of a coin toss or work-off. The competitors opted for a work-off. Mendes boxed her second cow for a big score of 218, while Albert scored a bigger 222 for the win.
Albert took home a check for $1,592, along with a Gist buckle and a gift certificate from Platinum Performance. It was the second consecutive NRCHA Premier Event title for Albert. She and “Rudy” had claimed the Non Pro Limited Stallion
Stakes Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the end of March.
“He’s an easy, super fun horse to show,” she said, describing the gelding she purchased sight-unseen from the National Cutting Horse Association 2-year-old
NrCHA & Futurity spoNsors
sale in Fort Worth, Texas. “I think every non pro should have a horse like him. He’s so polite and so funny. He’s like a gentleman with a real wicked sense of humor. You can always count on him to open a door or pull out your chair. Mister polite, but funnier than heck.”
Albert thanked her previous trainer, Dean McCann, Graham, Washington, who she credits with teaching Rudy plus-quality reining maneuvers. She now spends “every weekend I can, about three weekends a month,” riding with her current trainer, Cayley Wilson, at his facility in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.
“Cayley and his wife, Katie, are really nice. I’ll go up and stay overnight and hang out for the weekend. They’re so kind. They are the nicest people. Katie’s so helpful and supportive, and Cayley is so positive—always with a smile,” she said.
Anne Albert and White Knight time won the Non pro Limited Championship after an exciting box-off tiebreaker.
NRCHA Derby Awards
OpeN Derby CHAmpION
Scottsdale Western World/ Silver Spurs Equine Saddle
Sponsored by Eric Freitas and Korie Baker
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat
Rios Stock Boots
Sponsored by Rios of Mercedes
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
OpeN Derby reserVe CHAmpION
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Rios Stock Boots
Sponsored by Rios of Mercedes
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
INtermeDIAte OpeN Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
INtermeDIAte OpeN Derby
reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
LImIteD OpeN Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
LImIteD OpeN Derby reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
OpeN NOVICe HOrse Derby CHAmpION
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
OpeN NOVICe HOrse Derby reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
LeVeL ONe LImIteD OpeN Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
Cow Trac System
Sponsored by Cow Trac
LeVeL ONe LImIteD OpeN Derby reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
NON prO Derby CHAmpION
Scottsdale Western World/
Silver Spurs Equine Saddle
Sponsored by Pony Tail Sportswear
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Rios Stock Boots
Sponsored by Rios of Mercedes
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
NON prO Derby reserVe CHAmpION
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Rios Stock Boots
Sponsored by Rios of Mercedes
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
INtermeDIAte NON prO Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
INtermeDIAte NON prO Derby
reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
NOVICe NON prO Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
NOVICe NON prO Derby
reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
AmAteur Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
AmAteur Derby reserVe CHAmpION
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
NON prO LImIteD Derby CHAmpION
Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Mark Rauch
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
NON prO LImIteD Derby
reserVe CHAmpION
$300 Farnam Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Farnam
OpeN brIDLe speCtACuLAr CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy
Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat Gist Buckle
Sponsored by Holy Cow Performance Horses
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
OpeN brIDLe speCtACuLAr reserVe CHAmpION
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
NON prO brIDLe speCtACuLAr CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
NON prO brIDLe speCtACuLAr reserVe CHAmpION
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
NON prO LImIteD speCtACuLAr CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
NON prO LImIteD speCtACuLAr reserVe CHAmpION
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
OpeN brIDLe CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance LImIteD OpeN brIDLe CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Estelle Roitblat
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance NON prO brIDLe CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance INtermeDIAte NON prO brIDLe CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance NOVICe NON prO brIDLe CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
OpeN HACKAmOre CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
LImIteD OpeN HACKAmOre CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy
Sponsored by NRCHA
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
NON prO HACKAmOre CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
OpeN tw O reIN CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
NON prO tw O reIN CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by NRCHA
Santa Cruz $50 Gift Certificate/Cooler
Sponsored by San Juan Ranch/ Santa Cruz Animal Health
NON prO LImIteD CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate
Sponsored by Platinum Performance
$5,000 NON prO LImIteD CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
$1,000 NON prO LImIteD CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
yOutH brIDLe CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
yOutH LImIteD CHAmpION
C.R. Morrison NRCHA Trophy Sponsored by Will Rogers Memorial Center
Platinum Performance Gift Certificate Sponsored by Platinum Performance
seLeCt NON prO LImIteD CHAmpION
Spur Straps
Sponsored by Joey Jemison Custom Leather
seLeCt brIDLe CHAmpION
Spur Straps
Sponsored by Joey Jemison Custom Leather
yOutH LImIteD 13&uNDer CHAmpION
Spur Straps
Sponsored by Joey Jemison Custom Leather
yOutH brIDLe 13&uNDer CHAmpION
Spur Straps
Sponsored by Joey Jemison Custom Leather
mootH and speCtaCulaR s
With a phenomenal display of grit and style, smooth N Cash and Jake gorrell win the $50,000-added CD survivor memorial bridle spectacular.
Bridle Spectaculars at National Reined Cow Horse Premier Events deliver some of the best action a reined cow horse fan will ever see. The bridle is the highest level of traditional vaquero horsemanship, and these horses are the veterans of the NRCHA, with all the ingredients: talent, training and years of experience. The CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular, named in honor of the late stallion owned by NRCHA sponsor Holy Cow Performance Horses, is a $50,000-added contest that never fails to thrill spectators, year after year.
The 2016 edition of the CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular, held in conjunction with the NRCHA Derby in Paso Robles, California, drew 14 elite equines. The championship was decided by a single go-round of herd work, rein work and fence work. This year, a perennial crowd favorite horse, often in striking distance of first place but never before named the champion at this event, rose to the top.
By Stephanie Duquette
Shown by Hanford, California, professional Jake Gorrell, the gritty 2005 gelding Smooth N Cash (Smooth As A Cat x Dox Gavacash x Miss N Cash), claimed the $22,350 championship check when he scored a 668 composite (222 herd/220 rein/226 cow), winning the title by a six-point margin. Smooth N Cash had the high score in the herd work, and the second high score in the rein and fence work.
It was the first time for Gorrell and the little sorrel he calls “Gadget,” owned by
Don and Bonnie Roloff’s Roloff Ranch, Temecula, California, to win this particular coveted title. They have come close before—the closest was in 2013, when they were Reserve Champions behind Smart Luck (Very Smart Remedy x Gunna Be Lucky x Gunna Smoke) and 2 Million Dollar Rider Todd Bergen.
“It’s awesome. It’s nice to put it all together, finally. Last year I fell down [and had a zero in the fence work], the year before I had a switch [penalty in the herd work], came back and marked a 232
smooth N Cash, shown by NrCHA professional Jake gorrell for owner roloff ranch, won the $50,000-added CD survivor memorial bridle spectacular.
[down the fence] and almost got a check, but this was the first time for me to win it,” Gorrell said.
The CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular paycheck elevates Smooth N Cash’s NRCHA earnings right to the $230,000 mark. They also took home a Gist buckle, a CR Morrison Trophy, products from Platinum Performance and San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Animal Health, and they will have their names inscribed on the perpetual CD Survivor Memorial Trophy.
Gorrell and Smooth N Cash have enjoyed a long and successful career together, especially in the demanding all-around bridle horse classes. They have qualified for the World’s Greatest Horseman Finals five times (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016), and in 2014, they won the Open Bridle Spectacular Championship at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes. Over the years, Smooth N Cash has won the hearts of many fans due to his particular flair for the fence work. His grit and ability in that event shined again in Paso Robles.
“He fell on the first turn, and he almost fell down. He still gathered himself up and ran down there and made a turn in the middle. There’s no better horse. I’ve never trained one like that. I’ve never had one train ME like that,” Gorrell said, laughing. “He’s like my best friend. I started him. My clients who own him are the best in the world.”
Gorrell operates his reined cow horse training facility in Hanford, California, with his wife, Sonia, and their son, Chet. Before Gorrell became a horse trainer, he obtained a business administration degree in his home state of Idaho from the prestigious Albertson College, now known as the College of Idaho, the state’s oldest private liberal arts college.
Although his classroom days are behind him, Gorrell’s pursuit of higher education with horses has been never-ending, as evidenced by his willingness to take off Smooth N Cash’s bridle when schooling in all three events—herd, rein and fence work. Gorrell’s father, Jerry Gorrell, also a professional horseman, has video of those bridleless practice works on his smartphone.
Practicing without a bridle taught Gorrell that, “you don’t need your hands as much as you think. Horses can do a lot on their own, and it really helped me because I had to figure out how to break things down and simplify things. When you don’t have your hands, you have to be simple. It helped me trainingwise, and gave me more confidence in
///// CD surviv Or memOriAL
Nancy Crawford-Hall of Holy Cow performance Horses, a leading Quarter Horse breeding operation with locations in santa Ynez, California, and Weatherford, texas, is the driving force behind the annual CD survivor memorial bridle spectacular. Crawford-Hall adds $50,000 to the class purse each year in memory of the late Holy Cow-owned stallion, CD survivor, whose life was cut short following an accident in 2009. CD survivor (CD Olena x Have A Lil Lena x peppy san badger), a 2001 stallion nicknamed “Clark,” was in his prime, just beginning his career as a bridle horse at age 8 when he died. shown by NrCHA million Dollar rider Jake telford and NrCHA Hall of Fame professional sandy Collier, CD survivor earned $152,723 during his lifetime.
my horses to let them do it on their own more,” he said.
Smooth N Cash’s fans can expect to see him at the next two NRCHA Premier Events this fall and in early 2017. When he’s not getting ready to win paychecks at a show, the stalwart gelding can be found doing an honest day’s work outside the arena.
“We’ve turned him into a ranch horse—been punchin’ cows on him a little bit. We’ll go to Reno [for the Open Bridle class at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity] and then back to the World’s Greatest Horseman [in February 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas],” Gorrell said.
Gorrell had unlimited admiration for his fellow competitors and the caliber of horseflesh represented in this year’s field of Open Bridle horses.
“The bridle horse deal is hard, because very few horses make it to this level. They have to be physically exceptional, mentally exceptional, and there’s not many that can go do that like these top horses. It’s awesome. These are awesome horses. They’re unbelievable,” he said. “There is no other discipline besides ours that gets horses that broke.”
He also thanked Nancy Crawford-Hall of Holy Cow Performance Horses for establishing the CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular as a showcase for bridle horses.
“It’s impossible to give Nancy and Holy Cow enough appreciation. They’re so great,” he said.
While the big 226 fence work by Gorrell and Smooth N Cash was goosebumpinducing, it wasn’t the highest fence score of the night. That particular honor belonged to the CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular Reserve Champion, High Brow Shiner (Shining Lil Nic x High Brow Meow x High Brow Cat), a 2009 stallion shown by NRCHA Million
Dollar Rider Doug Williamson for owner Belle Meade Ranch.
The pair scored a 228 down the fence, an exceptional wrap-up to their other performances, a 216 in the herd work and 218 in the rein work. The 662 composite came with an $18,625 paycheck.
the reserve Champion was High brow shiner, shown to a phenomenal 228 fence score by NrCHA Hall of Fame Horseman Doug Williamson for owner belle meade ranch.
“That’s the most fun you can have with your clothes on!” Williamson exclaimed, laughing, after the tremendous run on the fancy palomino he calls a natural at the fence work.
Williamson, of Bakersfield, California, rallied the crowd’s support every time
he stepped into the arena. The timeless horseman, who celebrated his 74th birthday in March, is in the NRCHA Hall of Fame. He has Million Dollar Rider status, and his resume boasts countless accomplishments, including two Snaffle Bit Futurity Championships. Williamson credits High Brow Shiner, nicknamed “Samson” for his superior ability down the fence.
“That horse is such an amazing fence horse. He just loves his job, and I go along for the ride,” the perennial champion said. “A great bridle horse has to have heart. That horse has so much grit, so much heart. I’ve showed his wheels off, every time I go someplace, and he’s quiet. If a cow attacks him, he says, ‘No way can you beat me.’ He just has it in him. He’s such a great horse.”
H ow T ime s !
Non pro bridle spectacular and Horse show Champions crowned during the NrCHA Jack and phoebe Cooke memorial Derby.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Jack and Phoebe Cooke Memorial Derby is the largest and richest limited age event for 4- and 5-year-old cow horses, who shared the spotlight with some of the NRCHA’s other show divisions. With more than $20,000 added money for the Non Pro and Non Pro Limited Bridle Spectaculars, and a full slate of horse show classes in the Bridle, Two Rein, Hackamore, Non Pro Limited and Youth classes, the caliber of competition was top notch.
The Derby Horse Show class champions took home C.R. Morrison trophies. Other prizes for the champion and reserve champions included gift certificates from Platinum Performance and San Juan Ranch/Santa Cruz Animal Health, and spur straps from Joey Jemison Custom Leather. The NRCHA extends a special thanks to award sponsors Estelle Roitblat and the Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, Texas, for supporting these horse show classes.
By Stephanie Duquette
Photos by Primo Morales
NoN pro briDle speCtACul Ar
Terri Holowath, Cayley, Alberta, Canada, won the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular with three solid performances adding up to a 641 composite (214.5 herd/214.5 rein/212 cow) aboard Red Hot Jade (Smart Little Pepinic x Miss Nica Dual x Mister Dual Pep), a 2009 gelding she owns with her husband, Bart. The championship paid $3,138.
“I’m happy! It was a good day. He’s only 7 years old, so I didn’t have a lot of
expectations. It takes a long time to build a good bridle horse,” Holowath said. “We drew up last in the cutting, and I am totally cutting impaired. It’s not one of my best events. But [trainer] Cody McArthur picked the cows for me, and I kept him straight and stayed out of his way and it worked out. In the reining, he felt a little fresh out there, but I didn’t let it bother me. I just kept riding and he kept doing the maneuvers. Down the fence, the cow was a little softer than I expected.
Non pro bridle spectacular Champion terri Holowath and red Hot Jade.
California cattle are way different than Canadian cattle, so over the last five years we’ve been coming down here, I’ve been challenging myself to try and get better on your cattle, and it just means staying straight and not getting so close, so that’s what I tried to focus on.”
Red Hot Jade arrived in Paso Robles with just over $43,000 in prior NRCHA earnings. He was shown in limited age events by Holowath’s trainer, Cody McArthur, in the Open; and by her husband, Bart, in the Non Pro. Terri started showing him last year, and the pair quickly formed a winning partnership, despite her initial concerns.
“Bart and Cody both encouraged me to get on him. I thought he was too hot for me, but he’s not hot at all,” she said. “He’s athletic and serious about his job. He knows what to do out there.”
The husband-and-wife Holowath team had more than one reason to celebrate in Paso Robles; Bart qualified for the Derby Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro finals on the couple’s gelding, SDP Blu Rey (TR Dual Rey x Sues Lil Dusty x Meradas Blue Sue).
“It’s great. I can’t imagine not doing this with my partner. Bart is so supportive and we have a lot of fun,” Holowath said.
The Derby horse show class lineup offered a herd work, rein work and boxing spectacular for Non Pro Limited riders. The Champion was Tori Simons, riding her gelding Nics Back In Black (Nic It In The Bud x Shinersdiamondjackie x Shining Spark). She collected $937 for her 439 composite (146 herd/145.5 rein/147.5 cow). Simons and Nics Back In Black were co-champions in the Run To Reno Boxing with a 148, tying with Greg Foutch.
OpeN briDLe
Hot Pink Brakes (Peptoboonsmal x Sticky Brakes x Grays Starlight) was smokin’ in Paso Robles, winning the Open Bridle Championship with Moorpark, California, professional Dan Daponde in the saddle. They earned a 289 composite (143 rein/146 cow) to take home $1,500 in first place money for owner John Scheck.
Open bridle Champion Dan Daponde and Hot pink brakes.
Non pro Limited spectacular Champion tori simons and Nics back in black.
NoN pro briDle/iNtermeDiAte NoN pro briDle/ NoviCe NoN pro briDle
Lindsey James, of San Luis Obispo, California, pulled off championships in triplicate when she garnered the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro Bridle titles aboard Maximum Spoonful (Hes A Peptospoonsful x PG Maxine x Playgun). With a score of 287 (144.5 rein/142.5 cow), James collected paychecks totaling $3,232.
In the Limited Open Bridle, Daniel Sanchez guided Donna Russo’s Earthly Riches (Tulare x Cmon Tell Us x King Fritz Two) to the top of the results sheet, scoring a 286 (144 rein/142 cow) for a $1,500 paycheck.
opeN HACk Amore
What did Mo Style (Mr Playinstylish x Mo Fletch x Royal Fletch) and Tucker Robinson do the day after finishing in the top five of the Derby Intermediate Open finals? Win the Open Hackamore Championship, of course! The NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion horseman guided Charlie and Kit Moncrief’s 2011 gelding to a big 294 (146 rein/148 cow) for the $2,864 winning paycheck.
limiteD opeN HACk Amore
Palo Nita Cat (Palo Duro Cat x Miss Nita Olena x Mr San Olen), shown by Turlock, California, professional Rod Burr, was the Limited Open Hackamore Champion. The 2011 gelding, who Burr owns, worked his way to a 281.5 (139 rein/142.5 cow) for a $2,000 payday.
lindsey James and maximum spoonful.
limiteD opeN briDle
limited open bridle Champions Daniel sanchez and earthly riches.
tucker robinson rode mo style to the open Hackamore title.
limited open Hackamore Champions
palo Nita Cat and rod burr.
NoN pro HACk Amore
Canadian competitor Mark Parsons made the Derby Non Pro Finals on Saturday with Colorful Illusion (Cats Illusion x Smart Lil Bonus x Color Me Smart), and on Sunday, he saddled up to win the Non Pro Hackamore, adding another $996 to his successful week in Paso Robles.
Gay VerSteeg, Porterville, California, had the winning run in the Non Pro Two Rein aboard Dual Chexx (Dual Rey x Starlight Chexx x Grays Starlight) with a 283 composite (138.5 rein/144.5 cow). The win paid $1,128.
opeN t wo reiN
Chicky Bobby (Dontmesswithmychic x Noopy Dillon x Top Dun Cody) and Ashley Deacon left no doubt when they laid down two big runs to win the Open Two Rein Championship by nine and a half points. Their 299.5 composite (149 rein/150.5 cow) paid $1,860. Chicky Bobby is owned by Deacon Equine, the Marietta, Oklahoma, facility Ashley and her husband, Lee, own and operate.
NoN pro LimiteD
In the Non Pro Limited Derby, Claire Armstrong and her mare, Hal O Matic (Halreycious x Miss Hickory Hill x Doc’s Hickory) picked up a nice third place paycheck. A few days later, they won the Non Pro Limited horse show class with a 294 composite (145 rein/149 cow), adding another $1,225 to their Paso Robles winnings.
open two rein Champions Ashley Deacon and Chicky bobby.
Non pro Hackamore Champion mark parsons rode Colorful illusion to the win.
NoN pro t wo reiN
Non pro two rein Champion gay Versteeg and Dual Chexx.
Non pro Limited Champion Claire Armstrong and Hal o matic.
$5,000 NoN pro LimiteD
The $5,000 Non Pro Limited Champion was Chandler Daddino, a Clovis, California, youth who rode Smart Rockin Pepinic (Smart Little Pepinic x Peppys Rockin Angel x Hot Peppy Doc) to a total of 293 (146 rein/147 cow), taking home $650.
$1,000 NoN pro LimiteD
In the big $1,000 Non Pro Limited class, Elizabeth Kretz, Bermuda Dunes, California, rode away with the win in the field of 35 entries, scoring a 144 (72 rein/72 cow) aboard Gypsy Chic (Nu Remin Cash x Dry Double Chic x ARC Matt O Lena). Elizabeth’s paycheck was $604.
youtH
LimiteD
The Youth Limited Champion was Maggie Cincotta, Vista, California, aboard Chics Got Guns (Spooks Gotta Gun x Cremes Chic Olena x Smart Chic Olena). She scored 144.5 (71.5 rein/73 cow), earning $225.
Tova Barden captured a pair of championships with Smokums Dixie (Smokums Prize x Peppy Jaynelena x Jay Doc O Lena), winning the Youth Bridle with a 143.5 (71.5 rein/72 cow) and the Run To Reno Fence Work with a 143. The Snoqualmie, Washington, youth’s combined paychecks totaled $1,070.
the $5,000 Non pro Limited Champions Chandler Daddino and smart rockin pepinic.
youtH briDLe/ruN to reNo FeNCe
tova barden and smokums Dixie earned the youth bridle title.
elizabeth Kretz and gypsy Chic won the $1,000 Non pro Limited.
youth Limited Champion maggie Cincotta and Chics got guns.
b reeder d irectory
Aaron Ranch, Commerce, Texas, is Performance In Color, raising horses that can truly do it all. They are working to preserve the versatile Blue Valentine bloodline. Aaron Ranch is the home of legendary reined cow horse and cutting horse sire Peptoboonsmal. The ranch also proudly stands A Shiner Named Sioux, a two-time World Champion with earnings of more than $179,000—and Blind Sided, the 2013 Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Reserve Champion and 2015 NRCHA Stakes Open Champion.
Aaron Ranch also supports the NRCHA as the title sponsor of the Aaron Ranch Cow Horse Classic Derby, held at the Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas. Visit Aaron Ranch on the web at www.AaronRanch.com.
DUAL R SMOKIN is a 2005 Quarter Horse stallion sired by NRCHA Million Dollar Sire
Dual Rey, and out of the Peptoboonsmal daughter, Smokin Pepto. Dual R Smokin is an earner of more than $220,000 in the National Cutting Horse Association. Among his many titles is the 2011 NCHA Super Stakes Classic Non Pro Championship.
Dual R Smokin is bred for success, with a pedigree that will bring strength to the cutting horse industry and lead to opportunities in the reining and reined cow horse industries as well.
Dual R Smokin is under the guidance of Constance Jaeggi, owner of J5 Ranch Management, LLC, who has been working diligently to create an award-winning breeding program. She works in partnership with J5 Ranch resident trainer Chubby Turner, who assists in breeding, training and showing. Learn more about this outstanding performer and sire at www.JFiveRanch.com.
Holy Cow Performance Horses, LLC, with locations in Santa Ynez, California, and Weatherford, Texas, has become a leading breeder and owner of reined cow horses, reining horses, and cutting horses. Breeding, raising and showing quality performance Quarter Horses is a passion at Holy Cow where dedication to raising quality performers that are world class in their respective fields is paramount. Holy Cow is home to some of the finest broodmares in the industry, including top reined cow horse producer Sheza Shinette. The stallion roster includes Shady Lil Starlight, Nabisco Roan, Once A Von A Time and Heza Shiney Kodo. Their sponsorship and support of the NRCHA includes the $50,000 added CD Survivor Memorial Bridle Spectacular, a showcase for the industry’s elite bridle horses, at the NRCHA Derby in Paso Robles, California. Learn more about Holy Cow Performance Horses at www.HolyCowPerformanceHorses.com.
Michael and Michelle Miola built Silver Spurs Equine out of a passion for great horses and the sport of reining. Located in Cave Creek, Arizona, their world-class training and breeding facility is home to great stallions, including NRCHA Million Dollar Sire, Nic It In The Bud.
Visit www.SilverSpursEquine.com to learn more.
Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch of Tucson, Arizona, was founded by the Rogers family in 2005, starting out with just two personal horses. Since then, Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch has grown into a full service facility, breeding and showing some of the best Quarter Horses the industry has to offer.
Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch also maintains an organic alfalfa operation and they raise Certified Organic Black Angus Beef. Learn more about them on the web at www.RogersHeavenSentRanch.com.
Matthews Cutting Horses, owned and operated by Jeffrey and Sheri Matthews, is the home of NRCHA Million Dollar Sire One Time Pepto (Peptoboonsmal x One Time Soon x Smart Little Lena).
Matthews Cutting Horses is well known for superior performance horse bloodlines. The Matthews’ breeding program is built on extraordinary pedigrees and exceptional performance.
His first foals came of show age in 2010, and in 2014, One Time Pepto was the No. 1 NRCHA Sire. In 2015, he was the leading sire of NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sale horses. One Time Pepto’s performing foals have earned more than $10 million in all disciplines.
Learn more about One Time Pepto at www.OneTimePepto.com.
NRCHA Breeder Sponsor, Smart Boons, is a stallion with lifetime show earnings of nearly $200,000.
The red roan son of Peptoboonsmal is out of Smart Little Easter, a daughter of Smart Little Lena. He is owned by Eric and Wendy Dunn—and has been trained and shown for most of his career by NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Corey Cushing.
The Dunns are very excited about Smart Boons’ future as a leading sire—and they invite you to share their passion! Learn more at www.SmartBoons.com.
The Ward Ranch was founded in 1972 by NRCHA Hall of Fame member and Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion Greg Ward and his family.
The Ward Ranch name is synonymous with great cow horses. Throughout its history, the Ward Ranch has produced more than 140 NRCHA Futurity Finalists including nine Open Champions and five Non Pro Champions.
The Ranch also supports the National Reined Cow Horse Association by donating a royally bred raffle colt each year.
Visit them on the web at www.WardRiverRanch.com.
Photo by PRIMO MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY
quine i nsu R an C e e
By Stephanie Duquette
protecting your horses and your equine facility against costly losses may be easier and more affordable than you think.
owning, training, breeding and showing horses can be an enjoyable lifestyle and a rewarding labor of love. As a National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Corporate Partner, Markel is dedicated to educating horse owners about the proper insurance to help protect their horses and businesses. This lifestyle
and business opportunity can come with unwelcome—and expensive—surprises. A promising youngster runs into a fence and suffers a nasty laceration. A latenight bout of serious colic strikes a world champion stallion. A truck and trailer full of a family’s horses and dreams slides off an icy road on the way to a show. Virtually every owner and rider has per-
sonal experience with the myriad ways a beloved and valuable equine can get itself into trouble, and the high cost of repairing the damage.
While people who choose the equine way of life wouldn’t trade the experience, they know all too well that maintaining horses and facilities are expensive and time-consuming. To protect that invest-
Costly and unexpected losses can impact horses and horse facilities. those losses are less painful with solid insurance from a reputable, equine-savvy company.
Stephanie Duquette
ment, it is wise to enlist a reputable equine insurance company, according to Frank Costantini, Jr., Director of Western Disciplines for Markel Specialty.
“I tell people all the time that if you can reach into your pocket and pull out a sum of money to replace your horse, you probably don’t need to insure it. But if that would become hard for you to do, or encumber you in any fashion, you probably ought to give some thought to insuring it,” Costantini said. “I believe in insurance. It’s easy to say that in my role with Markel Specialty, but you only have to have insurance work one time to make you look at things in a different light.”
the right coverAge
Selecting a policy is a highly individualized process. A non-pro competitor who owns one horse won’t need the same coverage as a leading trainer with 30 client horses in the barn. Reputable insurance companies can provide a complete solution for the serious hobbyist or the equine industry professional. In Markel’s case, this means a wide range of products to suit a variety of horse owners.
While Costantini acknowledges there are other reputable insurance companies in the marketplace, “Markel is an insurance leader. Everybody thinks we are primarily a horse insurance company. We are. However, we also offer farm, ranch, commercial, auto, and liability coverage, which are just as important, in my opinion. We almost always have someone to take care of your needs on a 24/7 basis no matter where you are located.”
Round-the-clock support brings peace of mind, Costantini said, reiterating what horse owners already know about their four-legged friends: they seem to invite trouble at the least convenient times.
“When horses get sick or when they hurt themselves or someone else, they
don’t care if it’s Christmas, Easter, or the Fourth of July. Horses have no idea what time of year it is, and they don’t care what time of day or night it is. We’re not dealing with a normal pet. We’re dealing with a 1,000-pound animal that, under the best circumstances, demands a lot of care.”
The specialized nature of horse-related insurance is best suited to a company accustomed to dealing with equines and the unique challenges they present. While homeowner’s insurance will often cover some horse-related situations, Costantini recommends working with a company geared toward the equine industry— particularly for individuals who might be exposed to liability issues.
“Most homeowner liability policies in the marketplace are geared to protecting the homeowner who has maybe one small dog and a couple of rabbits or hamsters. It’s designed to cover their home and the contents. On a whole, homeowner’s packages do not understand the nuances
of the horse business. The homeowner’s liability will not extend to commercial risks in many cases. When you talk about taking horses to major NRCHA events— it’s not your 4-H weekend horse show anymore,” Costantini said.
Homeowners who are horse owners should consult with their insurance professional about what their policy does not cover. A liability policy from an equinespecific company like Markel extends detailed protection in cases where a horse damages property or causes bodily harm.
In cases of a professional horse trainer, that liability protection can extend even further. What most trainers don’t realize is that a liability policy offers protection for them and for the negligent acts of their employees. A scenario as simple as a horse getting loose, running onto the road and causing someone to swerve creates an exposure of not only property damage for the vehicle, but also can expose you to bodily injury if someone should get hurt
No owner wants to contemplate a major medical procedure on their equine partner or, worse yet, premature death. While insurance cannot erase the emotional loss, it can ease the financial burden.
top: Fortunately, the horses and people involved in this frightening 2011 trailer wreck were not seriously injured. in these situations, insurance can guarantee a positive financial outcome.
right: When a promising horse increases in value as it develops in training, a reputable insurance company will upgrade coverage accordingly.
in the accident. Costantini believes that’s one of the many areas that liability insurance can provide protection.
Another advantage of working with a horse-savvy insurance company is the ability to adjust the value of a prospect that develops in training and becomes worth more money over time. For instance, if you paid $30,000 for a quality prospect at the 2015 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Select 2-Year-Old sale, placed it in training, and watched it improve dramatically over the last 10-12 months, you and your trainer may decide your initial $30,000 investment has more than doubled. You’ve invested a year’s worth of training and other expenses, so with your trainer’s advice, you can evaluate
whether the colt is now a $75,000 colt.
Based upon Markel’s experience and knowledge of the cow horse business, and the returns people are accustomed to getting with this caliber of horse, to raise that value in a 12-month period is something you are well within your right to do. That’s why you should communicate not only with your trainer, but also with your insurance professional three to four times a year if you have a horse that is going to participate at the high level events.
sAle CoverAge - it’s AutomAtiC
As a NRCHA Corporate Partner, and the presenting sponsor of the annual Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales in Reno, Nevada, Markel automatically provides 24-hour
///// equine insurAnCe mY tH-busters
markel specialty’s Director of Western Disciplines, Frank Costantini, Jr., clears up the common misconceptions about markel specialty equine insurance.*
Myth: it’s too expensive.
Truth: “that’s simply not true. if you purchase a $100,000 horse, we can insure it for about three percent of that value, which is $3,000 a year. to me, on a $100,000 horse, that isn’t very expensive. markel offers an agreed-value policy. We agree to the value of that horse when you purchase your policy. so if you don’t make any changes and nothing happens along the way to predicate the value going up, if something unforeseen or unfortunate does happen, you receive the $100,000.”
Myth: The insurance agent i choose is more important than the company.
Truth: “everybody talks about the agent—they’re insured with ‘so and so.’ those people are all great people, but they can only do what their carrier will allow them to do. that’s why it’s so important, in my opinion, to deal with a company that has the strength of markel. the Ceo of markel has been involved in the horse business for over 50 years, and the markel style means you are dealing with integrity and individuals dedicated to doing the right thing.”
Myth: i don’t really need equine insurance. Truth: “We live in a very litigious society these days. the liability that comes with being a horse owner is something that’s not often mentioned. Whether you have one horse or a hundred, they can all get loose, run into something, someone, and cause a litigious situation. by working with your insurance professional, and carrier of choice, they can tailor a plan suited to fit your needs. i know at markel, we can work with the individual or those folks that have a herd of 50 horses.”
Myth: doing the Markel insurance paperwork will be such a pain.
Truth: markel offers a user friendly website to help you decide if a markel equine mortality policy, or other insurance options are best for you. visit www. markelhorseandfarm.com, or contact the company at 800-924-0741.
*the information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. Contact your agent or equine specialist foracoverageconsultation. policiesareofferedthrough markel insuranceCompany,andcoverageavailabilitymayvarybystate andbasedonapplicantinformation. pleaserefertopolicyforms forcoveragetermsandconditions.24-hourcoverage“fallofthe hammer” is subject to terms and conditions at time of show, please discuss with an equine representative.
WATERSHED
coverage* (see sidebar) for horses that change hands through the sales.
“We’ve been partners with the Snaffle Bit Futurity sales for seven or eight years
now, and we provide ‘fall of the hammer coverage.’ When that horse sells, as soon as the hammer falls and that horse is purchased for any amount, we insure that
markel, as the presenting sponsor of the snaffle bit Futurity sales, provides 24-hour “fall of the hammer” coverage for each horse that changes hands through the auction ring.
horse for a 24-hour period,” Costantini said.
That one-day window allows buyers time to obtain coverage for their new horse, either through their existing insurance company or Markel, with less worry in the unlikely case of immediate misfortune.
“It gives the buyer and the seller peace of mind, knowing the buyer has 24 hours of coverage on that horse if something bad happens at that sale. In more than 20 years of doing this, I’ve not seen it happen very many times, but I have had a few instances where that insurance has been critically important,” Costantini said.
Stephanie Duquette
Strong bonds are built with great care.™
Since 1946, Farnam has been putting horses first. As we mark our 70th anniversary, we’re proud to be your continuing partner in horse care. From fly control to grooming, nutritional supplements, wound care, leather care and dewormers, Farnam offers an ever-expanding range of equine essentials to care for your horse. Thank you for trusting Farnam as your partner in horse care for 70 years!
Tools for Your Daily Ritual
Daily grooming is a great time to spot minor health concerns before they need support. The Vetrolin® family of products has everything you need to soothe, clean and groom your horse.
Quick Knockdown Power
A perennial Farnam® best seller, Tri-Tec 14™ Fly Repellent works for up to 14 days against a wide variety of flies and insect pests. Plus, it protects against ticks. Long-lasting protection comes in a water-based formula that also contains sunscreen.
Proven Ingredients
Protect hardworking joints with a Farnam® Next Level® supplement. Proven active ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, perna mussel, Ester-C® and MSM to help maintain healthy joint function and mobility for optimal performance. Available in liquid and pellet form.
$2 off any one Farnam® Vetrolin® product
& Protect
TRI-Care® Triple Action
$3
off any
one size of Farnam® Tri-Tec 14™ Fly Repellent
$4 off any one Farnam® Next Level® joint product
in tHe MARket
By Bonnie Wheatley
in addition to the allure of the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Snaffle Bit Futurity, the four horse sale sessions that run in conjunction with the show add
plenty of opportunity for prospective buyers and sellers. Slated for September 29 - October 1, 2016, the Snaffle Bit Futurity Horse Sales, managed by Parnell Dickinson, consist of the Classic Yearling and Broodmare Sale, Performance Horse Sale, Select 2-Year-Old Sale, and Select Yearling and Broodmare Sale.
The SBF Sales, first held in conjunction with the event when it took place
What to know before attending the 2016 snaffle bit futurity sales.
the snaffle bit futurity sales are slated for september 29 - October 1, 2016, in reno, nevada.
in Sacramento, California, in 1970, have long been a destination for those seeking to buy and sell quality cow horses. While buying strategies abound, and hinge upon the individual goals of those in the market, several sale savvy horsemen shared their tips on making the most of your sale experience.
“When people come to the Snaffle Bit Futurity Sales, they can expect to see a lot of high quality horses, especially in the 2-Year-Old Sale; horses that are going to be extremely competitive,” says Jake Parnell of Parnell Dickinson Sale Company. “You look at Time For The Diamond that won the Futurity in 2013, Nick Dowers purchased him from the Select Yearling Sale. CD Diamond that Corey Cushing won it on in 2012 came out of the Select Yearling Sale as well.”
the process of eliminAtion
With vast experience on both the buying and selling sides, NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider Todd Crawford, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, advises thorough research prior to arriving at the sales.
To begin narrowing the search, Crawford studies the sale catalogs in order to study pedigrees in advance.
“Find the pedigrees that jump out and strike you as what you are looking for,” says Crawford. “You may know the father of that horse, and you may know the mother, and decide, ‘yes, that’s a colt that interests me pedigree-wise, or no, that one is out.’”
Beyond bloodlines, Crawford consults video resources posted online.
“A lot of people know this, but I suppose some are still unaware, but a month to three weeks before the sales there are videos posted, which is a great way to get a first look at a yearling moving around in the round pen, for example.”
Whether he’s in the market for an open caliber horse or a non professional mount, Crawford tries to find the best
the high seller of the 2015 snaffle bit futurity 2-Yearold select sale was metallic look (metallic cat x smart lookin hi brow x high brow hickory), consigned by nrchA professional Justin lawrence and his wife, Kelcie, Alzada, montana. metallic look sold for $77,000 to fults ranch, ltd., Amarillo, texas, which owns and stands metallic cat.
////////// recent sbf sAle incentive Winners
2013 snaffle Bit Futurity
select 2-Year-old open – camilla the cat, newt White owner select 2-Year-old non pro – sDp got fancy genes, tammy hays and Walter greeman owners select Yearling open – time for the Diamond, triple D ranches, llc owner
2014 snaffle Bit Futurity
select 2-Year-old open – sumkinda maverick, cr sis, llc owner select 2-Year-old non pro – Qr hickory boon, randy and celia gamble owners select Yearling open – sumkinda maverick, cr sis, llc owner
2015 snaffle Bit Futurity
select 2-Year-old open – mr hoo ray, mike and Diana mccabe owners select 2-Year-old open – Another heart remedy, James p. cleary owner select Yearling open – pepe le Wright, Jim and linda schrack owners select Yearling non pro – sJr All time cash, lyle proctor owner
randy gamble earned the non pro select 2-year-old incentive at the 2014 snaffle bit futurity riding Qr Hickory boon (boons milliennium x melissa josey x doc’s Hickory).
horse he can that fits within the predetermined budget parameters.
“A lot of times horses that don’t bring as much money tend to fall into the non pro bracket, but just because you pay a lot doesn’t always mean it’s going be the best horse,” he says.
Finding the best prospect also means making sure it’s one with great odds of remaining sound.
“People should take advantage of the repository and review the X-rays prior to going to the sale,” says Crawford. “I believe there’s an online repository, and last year NRCHA implemented a system where I could call my veterinarian at home in Oklahoma and say, ‘I need you to look at the X-rays on Lot 45,’ and he could do that without having to be at the sale.”
The tool Crawford is referring to is the Asteris system, which makes sale horse radiographs instantly accessible to veterinarians anywhere. While radiographs are still available on-site at the NRCHA sales, the Asteris system allows veterinarians with login credentials to view X-rays
via smartphone, tablet, or computer from any location.
“All vets—like all blacksmiths and all horse trainers, for that matter—have different opinions, but at least if your vet looks in advance, you’ll get a good feel for if you can be comfortable proceeding with the purchase of that horse with some confidence in the horse being able to stay sound,” says Crawford, adding that things like OCD lesions, splints or spurs may force a prospective buyer to cull a prospect at the sale.
“If you buy one and get it home and find that it has problems, and the X-rays were there but you didn’t do your due diligence, you’re stuck with that horse. Consider resale and future vet checks, because you don’t want there to be a problem that keeps you from selling that horse later.”
identify your objectives
While some buyers prefer to shop privately, Randy Gamble is comfortable purchasing horses in the auction envi-
sbf sAle incentive guidelines
outlined below are the guidelines governing the incentives as they appear on the nrcHA’s website nrcha.com:
nRCHA Yearling Purse. this incentive is for yearlings that are eligible for the nrcHA stakes and actually sell to a new owner in the select yearling & broodmare sale or the classic yearling & broodmare sale. A nomination fee of $250 will pay the yearling up for the yearling sale purse. the $250 payment may be paid by the consignor prior to the sale or the buyer may pay after the purchase, however the payment must be made no later than the last day of the nrcHA futurity. the Added money, plus the nomination fees, will be paid to the highest advancing eligible 3 year old in the nrcHA open futurity preliminaries.
nRCHA $30,000 2-Year-old sale
Purse. consignors of the nrcHA 2-year-old sale purse incentive winners will receive $1,500 for open and $500 for the non pro from the select 2-year-old sale incentive purse funds. each year, Ward river ranch donates the nrcHA futurity raffle colt. Half of the raffle proceeds are used to sponsor the nrcHA 2-year-old sale purse. this money, plus $150 from the entry fee of each nrcHA select 2-year-old sale entry, are combined to make the nrcHA 2-year-old sale purse.
nrcHA guarantees that the nrcHA 2-year-old sale purse will be at least $30,000. only entries that sell and change ownership are eligible for the nrcHA 2-year-old sale purse. After the consignor purse is paid, the balance of the purse will be paid in the following manner: 70 percent will be paid to the highest advancing select 2-year-old sale entry in the nrcHA open futurity preliminaries and 30 percent will be paid to the highest advancing select 2-year-old sale entry in the non pro futurity preliminaries. An entry must be sold through the select 2-yearold sale and transferred to the new owner to be eligible for the select 2-year-old sale purse. An entry that was repurchased and not sold will not be eligible for the select 2-year-old sale purse.
PRIMO MORALES
“have a goal. Are you looking for a non pro horse? An open caliber horse? A futurity horse or an aged event horse? get a suitable horse for your goals and set suitable criteria when you’re looking.”
–Randy Gamble
ronment thanks to years of experience running a sale company in the ‘80s and ‘90s. His number one piece of advice to prospective buyers who are new to the sale environment is: “Do your homework! And, if you’re not experienced, get good, well qualified help.”
Gamble, Prineville, Oregon, earned the Non Pro Select 2-Year-Old Incentive at the 2014 Snaffle Bit Futurity riding QR Hickory Boon (Boons Milliennium x Melissa Josey x Doc’s Hickory). Gamble’s incentive check of $8,400 added to what he won as the Futurity Amateur Champion and earnings in the Novice
Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro and
Non Pro Futurity Finals.
When asked if the sale incentives factor into his purchasing plans, Gamble says they absolutely do.
“The first incentive horse I bought sort of happened by accident, but it’s an absolute no-brainer for me now. I won back more money than what I paid for the horse,” says Gamble, adding that he appreciates the sale environment in Reno because there are so many horses to choose from all in one spot. He personally prefers the 2-Year-Old Sale because the prospects are well prepared and ready to ride.
“The 2-year-old deal takes a lot of the risk out to me, I’m older and time is of the essence,” he laughed. “People always ask how I pick. I know what I like, and I’m buying for value. I watch the videos they post online and whittle it down to eight to 10 horses. When my wife and I get to Reno, we chip away until we have it down to three or four. I always buy geldings, and a person always wants to buy pretty for resale potential in case
the horse doesn’t pan out for your purposes.”
In addition to seeking good help and doing thorough research, Gamble says it’s crucial to identify your objectives well in advance of the sales.
“Have a goal,” says Gamble. “Are you looking for a non pro horse? An open caliber horse? A futurity horse or an aged event horse? Get a suitable horse for your goals and set suitable criteria when you’re looking. I want to have my ducks in a row when I get there, and definitely stick to my goal.”
the sbF Futurity sAle incentives
The $30,000 Futurity Sale incentive purse rewards horses that change hands through the 2-Year-Old Select Sale, and then return to Reno to compete in the Futurity the following year. The high scoring sale graduate in the Futurity Open preliminaries receives two-thirds of the incentive money and the high scoring Non Pro horse receives one-third.
“The incentive program gives people a chance to get paid back in a relatively short amount of time at the 3-year-old level. I really think it’s a big-time opportunity, especially for a non pro, not to deter the open guys, but a non pro can go buy a good 2-year-old with a high level of training by some of the biggest names in our business,” says Parnell.
Crawford, who won the 2015 Open Sale Incentive check for $19,600 riding Mr Hoo Ray (Play Dual Rey x What Chics Wanna Doo x Chic Please) for owners Mike and Diana McCabe, adds that the program is beneficial to consignors as well.
“For my 2-year-old program, when I’m taking horses to the sales, I think it’s an attractive thing for buyers. I sold a nice mare there last year that I think has a good shot at doing well this year. When a buyer can come back in a year, or two years, and have a chance at more money, that’s another selling point.”
mr hoo ray, consigned to the 2014 snaffle bit Futurity select 2-year-Old sale by todd and pam crawford, returned to reno in 2015, shown by todd crawford, to win the Open sale incentive for owners mike and Diana mccabe.
CorporAte pArtners
Platinum Performance is the Official Nutritional Supplement of the NRCHA! Platinum Performance, Inc. is the manufacturer of Platinum Performance Equine Wellness and Performance Formula, a comprehensive supplement rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, bioavailable trace minerals, amino acids and joint protective antiinflammatory nutrients. This formula is designed to support the immune system, joints, bones, muscles, and provide sustained energy and enhanced performance. It is excellent for performance horses of all ages, broodmares, stallions and foals. Platinum Performance nutritional supplements were originally developed to decrease rehabilitation time after orthopedic surgeries, to speed bone growth and tissue healing, and reduce swelling complications. For more information, visit Platinum Performance at our web site at www. PlatinumPerformance.com.
Smart Boons (Peptoboonsmal x Smart Little Easter x Smart Little Lena), a 2005 AQHA red roan stallion and earner of nearly $193,000, counts the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Open Derby Championship among his many accolades. He has been trained and shown for most of his career by NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Corey Cushing. Smart Boons is proudly owned by Eric and Wendy Dunn, and they invite you to share their passion! Learn more at www.SmartBoons.com or contact Oswood Stallion Station at 817-559-4560 for breeding information.
As the official equine insurance company for the NRCHA, Markel has provided uninterrupted coverage for horses and horse-related risks for over four decades. Sharing your passion for horses and committed to the horse industry, Markel is an experienced company whose associates are horse people first and insurance people second. Their insurance products focus on protecting your horses, home, barn, tack and equipment. Whether you have one horse or an entire stable, board or train horses, Markel can fully protect you. Visit www.horseinsurance.com for more information on Markel’s products.
Quarter Horse News is one of the most visible information vehicles in the horse world. Quarter Horse News – the News Magazine of the Performance Horse industry - is the only twice-monthly news magazine dedicated to the western horse industry. For information visit the web site at www.quarterhorsenews.com.
PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs. Everything we do is for the love of dogs. As the world’s largest dog food brand, our passion is to make the world a better place for dogs. We champion causes to help dogs find loving homes, and we are dedicated to understanding dogs’ needs to make sure every dog is fed well, because every dog deserves great nutrition. PEDIGREE® products include a wide variety of treats including DENTASTIX®, MARROBONE®, and JUMBONE®. PEDIGREE® brand is proud to be a corporate partner of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. To find out more about PEDIGREE® brand visit www.pedigree.com.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is located in the heart of Reno/
Tahoe USA. Guests have access to over 40 championship golf courses, 18 legendary ski resorts, hiking, biking and equestrian trails, fishing, boating and guided tours to Tahoe, Carson and Virginia City. GSR is northern Nevada’s largest resort destination with 1,990 guest rooms, 850 of them luxury suites. The property offers a wide variety of accommodations for the everyday business traveler to the complete family vacation with amenities that include 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, branded retail shopping, headliner entertainment, a movie theater, a 50-lane championship bowling center, outdoor thrill rides, aqua golf driving range, the largest casino north of Las Vegas, plus much more.
Bloomer Trailers and Schwalbe Trucks, presented by Great West Trailers is an NRCHA Corporate Partner and Bloomer is the “Official Horse Trailer” of the NRCHA. Bloomer Trailers has raised the bar in the horse trailer industry. “If you can dream it, we can build it,” is the company slogan. Bloomer offers the highest quality standards of any trailer manufacturer and backs it up with a 10 year structural warranty. For information, see your local Bloomer Trailer dealer or visit www. bloomertrailers.com.
Nutrena® provides one of the world’s most comprehensive lines of equine nutritional products, including SafeChoice®, Vitality®, Life Design®, Empower® and XTN®. As part of the world’s largest equine nutrition company, Nutrena® offers advanced nutrition research, technology, unmatched resources and decades of experience to its customers. Since 1921, Nutrena® has been providing premier products and services to consumers throughout North America and is proud to be the Official Equine Feed of AQHA, an AAEP Educational Partner as well as the Official Feed of the NRCHA.
Team up with Classic Equine and PLAY TO WIN! Classic Equine is fast becoming standard equipment of performance champions. Just ask the professionals. Serious competitors care about their horse’s health and soundness. Classic Equine offers a variety of innovative and protective products including saddle pads, cinches, support boots and bell boots. All products are manufactured to the highest standards for quality and value. After all, the creation of a product line that satisfies the serious competitor’s high expectations of performance is what Classic Equine is all about. With input from many of today’s leading riders, each product is designed and tested for function, fit, durability and value. That is why when it comes to the horse’s protection and comfort for training and competition, champions prefer Classic Equine. For more information visit our web site at www.classicequine.com or call 1-800-654-7864.
San Juan Ranch, a Division of Santa Cruz Animal Health is rapidly becoming an industry leader in the distribution and development of Veterinary and Animal Health Care Products. The Company offers a wide range of products for the optimal care of performance horses, livestock and companion animals. The Animal Health product line includes a comprehensive, highquality, affordable line of UltraCruz™ Animal Health Supplements for horses, dogs and cats. Veterinary Prescription Drugs for a broad range of clinical applications, including antibiotics, anti-fungals, critical care, reproduction and neonatal products, are also available. San Juan Ranch is a top breeder of Performance Horses and Gelbvieh Cattle. Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., the parent company, is a world leader in the development of products for the biomedical research market. Over the past twenty years, the company has focused on the ongoing development of research antibodies, biochemicals, labware and has recently expanded into animal health care products.
DT Horses, “The Elite Brand,” owned and operated by Dean and Leslie Tuftin, is located in beautiful Bend, Oregon. Already an established breeding and training program for world champion rope horses, DT Horses has strengthened its reined cow horse industry presence with the addition of NRCHA Champion Hickory Holly Time to its stallion roster in 2016. Under the guidance of DT Horses’ resident trainer, leading NRCHA Professional Kelby Phillips, the DT Horses’ program seeks out the best genetics in the performance horse industry, to create versatile champions for every arena. Find them on the web at www.DTHorses.com.
The Silver Legacy is a National Reined Cow Horse Association Host Hotel. The Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada, combines Nevada’s turn-ofthe-century silver mining heritage with state-of-theart architecture and unrivaled entertainment theming. Encompassing over two blocks in the heart of downtown Reno, Silver Legacy features 1,720 guest rooms and suites. With dark woods, marble floors and rich, vibrant carpeting, the elegant and refined Resort Casino has six uniquely themed restaurants. Silver Legacy showcases the world’s largest composite dome, measuring 180 feet in diameter. The interior of the dome, an astounding 75,000 square feet, reflects the dramatic skies of Reno, and depicts an entire day from sunrise to sunset. The indoor sky is one of the largest indoor murals ever painted. For information, visit www.silverlegacy.com or call (800) 687-7733.
Wear Cinch to Win! It’s the Official Clothing of the NRCHA! Lead...don’t follow and wear the choice of champions - Cinch jeans and shirts. When performance counts, the members of the NRCHA turn to Cinch jeans. Cinch is the brand of choice for some of the world’s best horse trainers like Bob Avila, Teddy Robinson and Todd Bergen. Why? Because Cinch jeans offer the kind of fit and comfort that allow riders to focus on the work at hand. Plus Cinch jeans and shirts always look good. You’ll find Cinch jeans and shirts at your favorite Western store or via catalog. Or, visit www.cinchjeans.com to find the retailer nearest you. “Cinch up” with Cinch jeans and shirts. Wear the choice of champions.
Legendary performance horse breeder and National Reined Cow Horse Association Hall of Fame horsewoman
Carol Rose is the sponsor of the NRCHA’s alliance with the National High School Rodeo Association. Carol has been a longtime supporter of the NRCHA Youth program, and her lifetime commitment to raising versatile performance horses makes her a natural fit as the NRCHA helps the NHSRA develop and implement the new cow horse event in High School Rodeo. Carol Rose Quarter Horses is now a breeding facility. Situated in Gainesville, Texas, this legendary program has produced some of the finest American Quarter Horses to compete in AQHA, NRHA, NRCHA and NCHA events. Focusing on standing the finest stallions and offering quality mare care services, Carol Rose Quarter Horses is the place for you to begin the process of raising your next champion. Visit www. CarolRose.com.
Kalpowar Quarter Horses, based in Parker County, Texas, has a long history of supporting the NRCHA and the entire Western performance horse industry. Kalpowar is owned and operated by the Larry and Ellen Bell family. Both Larry and Ellen are from families who have been involved in agriculture since the late 1800’s. It is with great pride that they continue to breed top quality American Quarter Horses for the arena and the ranch. Visit them on the web at www.Kalpowar.com.
With future generations in mind, the vision of Hooray Ranch evolved into a place where the avid hunter or wildlife enthusiast could escape for an unprecedented, all inclusive experience. The Ranch features over 20,000 acres of intensively managed prime wildlife habitat in the heart of Kansas. Located in the peak migration pattern of the Central Flyway, Hooray Ranch offers the best waterfowl hunting in North America. To find out how you can enjoy “The Hooray Experience,” visit www.HoorayRanch.com.
The Nutro Company is a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products sold exclusively at pet specialty stores. The company has been making premium pet food for more than 80 years and is dedicated to quality, excellence and innovation in dog and cat nutrition offering healthful formulas for every pet’s life stage, activity level and size. The Nutro Company’s family of brands includes MAX® dog and cat food, NATURAL CHOICE® dog and cat food, and ULTRA™ food for dogs in addition to the GREENIES® brands, which include the #1 veterinary-recommended pet specialty dental chews, and PILL POCKETS® and JOINT CARE® treats. For more information, please visit www.thenutrocompany.com and www.greenies.com.
Gist Silversmiths: Crafting a Legend Piece by Piece - Gist Silversmiths is proud of its partnership with the NRCHA as its “Official Silversmith”.
For 40 years, Gist has been considered the industry leader in customized trophy and award buckles for champions of all disciplines. Gist Silversmiths believes there is no substitute for the finest in quality, superior craftsmanship and reliable service. Attention to detail is evident in each of their finely sculpted motifs and logos; quality enhanced by unique buckle designs. An award buckle is presented to commemorate a significant achievement and each recipient should be honored with a buckle reflecting the pride of a champion. For more information, visit the Gist Silversmiths website at www. gistsilversmiths.com.
Discount Tire/America’s Tire, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the world’s largest tire and wheel retailer, doing business as Discount Tire in most of the U.S. and America’s Tire in Oregon, and parts of Washington and California. The company currently operates more than 875 stores across the country. In 2010, Discount Tire/ America’s Tire marked its 50th year in business. Serving more than 40 million customers, the company has built its success on the motto: “Be fair, be truthful, work hard, be there on time and help people.” For more information about Discount Tire/ America’s Tire, visit discounttire.com or americastire. com.
Rios of Mercedes is one of the last truly handmade all leather boots produced in the United States. There is no secret to making top quality boots. All you need is the finest leather and true bootmakers with years of experience and the desire to be the best at their craft. Rios has remained true to its roots by making boots for folks who are involved in performance and working horses, raise livestock and in general make their living outdoors. Rios has never cheapened their product by taking shortcuts, lowering standards or chasing fashion trends. We make boots for people who know what a pair of boots is intended for: all day comfort whether horseback or afoot.
Rios of Mercedes is famous for fit. Most people who experience the fit of a pair of Rios are customers for life. The lasts, dies and cutting patterns used by Rios of Mercedes have developed over the last 150 years until we now have refined the fit to one of comfort yet the boot is not loose on the foot. But these refinements are not only in lasts and patterns but are evident in the details of fine stitching, the hand lasting and the care in sole trimming, heel shape and the balance of the boot. The old fashioned channeled leather welt is the only method that will give a boot that slim profile to the foot that all too often is lost when the maker uses synthetic insoles and synthetic box toes. To our way of thinking this is what gives value to our product and renders it unique in today¹s cookie cutter world.
Visit riosofmercedes.com to see some of the styles we offer through our retailers. If you are looking for a retailer one can be found on that same website. Rios of Mercedes, the Official Boot of the National Reined Cow Horse Association.
n R aveling e quine u l C e R s u
recognize and combat the symptoms of equine ulcers.
By Mark DePaolo, DVM
Performance horses are finely tuned athletes that are asked to travel frequently and compete multiple times at one event. For many, the performance stress and continual change of environment will be too much to avoid a common health problem: ulcers.
Oftentimes changes in attitude, performance and body condition are due to ulcers. The longer the event, the more time your horse spends standing in a stall with little to no turnout or grazing, while adapting to bright lights (often throughout the night), loud speakers, less sleep, unfamiliar noises and significantly
more handling. In as little as five days, an overly acidic stomach can result in mild to severe lesions of the stomach lining and throughout the digestive tract. Ulcers can lead to stomach perforation and in some cases, may even be fatal.
A study published in the March 2005 issue of the Journal of Equine Veterinary
Photos courtesy DePaolo Equine
the horse’s stomach is designed for grazing, where there is a constant intake of forage to use up the steady flow of acid being produced.
Science notes that as many as 90 percent of performance horses have some kind of ulcer. The sheer numbers underscore the importance of promoting digestive tract health and understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments for ulcers and related gastrointestinal issues. During a two-year gastric ulcer study by Merial, 75 percent of veterinarians in the study agreed that equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is under-diagnosed. It was originally believed that the strenuous physical demands of training and racing were the primary causes of equine ulcers. With additional research on all types of horses, it is now understood that both physical and emotional (psychological) stress can impact the equine gastrointestinal tract.
t
ype of ulcers
Equine ulcers fall into two primary categories – gastric (stomach) ulcers and hindgut ulcers.
the Digestive process
Stomach Ulcers (EGUS)
Gastric ulcers are the most common and easily diagnosed. They are caused by excessive amounts of stomach acid not having enough buffer (saliva) or food to digest. Elevated acid levels compromise the stomach’s lining and eventually lead to the formation of painful lesions. These are usually located in the top one-third of the stomach.
Exercise on an empty stomach may contribute to the problem. Acid and enzymes will slosh around in the stomach and continuously splash into the sensitive area of the upper stomach. Stress during training can also make a horse anxious, thereby creating more acid production.
Another contributing factor to stomach ulcers is botfly larvae. They create small holes in the stomach lining, which become very painful when exposed to acid. These burning pits may also allow bad bacteria to thrive, causing further damage and illness.
When horses have to deal with painful stomach ulceration, they often don’t eat or drink well. This simply makes the problem even worse by reducing the saliva buffer and decreasing fiber consumption. The acidity level increases and even more ulcers can develop.
Hindgut (colonic) Ulcers
Hindgut ulcers happen when mucosal damage occurs in the large intestine. These sores are typically the result of a disruption in the colon’s pH balance, a condition known as hindgut acidosis. When excessive amounts of undigested starch pass into the colon, lactic acid is produced and pH levels decline. The drop in pH can impede the production of protective mucous and affect the balance of microbes that aid in digestion. This leaves the colon and hindgut vulnerable. A shift in hindgut pH can kill off helpful microbes and release endotoxins that trigger colic and allow harmful microbes
the bottom two-thirds of the stomach is lined with glands that secrete acid, enzymes, mucous and bicarbonate. the top portion is less protected, which makes it more susceptible to ulcers.
Non-glandular
Margo plicatus
Glandular
to take their place and possibly cause damage to the intestinal lining.
Hindgut ulceration has also been linked to the use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like bute. These drugs can affect mucous production and blood flow.
ulcer sYmptoms
Gastric and hindgut ulcers share many symptoms and external indicators. While some horses are extremely stoic and do not show symptoms of digestive distress, the main behaviors to watch for are:
• Loss of appetite; picky or slow eaters
• Weight loss
• Recurrent colic
• Cinchiness
• Over-sensitive to leg pressure
• Excessive tail swishing
• Poor hair coat
• Decreased performance
• Failure to train up to expectations
• Behavioral changes
• Chronically sore back
• Teeth grinding
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Cribbing
Horses with hindgut ulcers may also express a reluctance to extend, collect or flex properly. They also have a tendency to suffer from colic and anemia due to inefficient digestion and nutrient absorption. The presence of any of these indicators may suggest the onset of gastric or hindgut ulcers and the need for further diagnostic investigation.
DiAgnosis
Scoping: The traditional veterinary approach to diagnosing ulcers often relies on endoscopy to evaluate the upper gastrointestinal tract. This relatively costly approach involves the use of a small camera at the end of a three-meter long tube to look for lesions.
The horse will remain standing during the exam. Sedation is necessary in order to pass the tube through a nostril, down the esophagus and then into the stomach. Your veterinarian will only be able to see ulcerated tissue up to this point in the digestive tract. Scoping offers no way to diagnose intestinal or cecal lesions, so this procedure will not completely rule out ulcers as a cause of your horse’s discomfort.
The exam requires fasting for a minimum of 12 hours and no water for up to three hours prior to scoping. This puts the horse under stress. If the horse already has ulcers, this will almost certainly make them worse. Studies have used this technique in order to create ulcers for research purposes.
Palpation: A simple and fairly accurate indicator of possible digestive tract ulceration involves palpating acupuncture points near the horse’s girth area. These points are on the meridian that
starts just behind the withers, runs down the horse’s side (behind the elbow) and crosses the sternum. This acupuncture meridian is closely associated with the digestive tract.
If you elicit pain or sensitivity reactions while palpating, it’s very likely that your horse has an ulcer. You may also notice a defensive or reactive response when cinching or brushing near this area. Often, very sensitive withers or chronic sore backs are caused by severe acidosis and undiagnosed ulcers.
Exercise caution. Let your horse know you’re there before starting the palpation process. Start by touching in an area near to, but not on, the acupuncture point. Once your horse is comfortable with the touch, use just your fingertips and apply moderate pressure (about how hard you would press a doorbell) to the acupuncture points.
In order of sensitivity, here are the five points to palpate:
behavioral changes in the horse can be a manifestation of ulcer pain.
1
The first point is Pericardium 1. It lies in the sixth rib space about a hand width behind the elbow at the level of the point of the elbow. If your horse has an ulcer, this point will be sensitive but the area around the point will not. Look for your horse to pin his ears, turn to touch your hand, and/or possibly bite you if this point is painful.
2
The second point is CV17. Put your fingertips (not nails) in the groove between the front legs. Move your hand toward the tail until two to three of your fingers fall into a depression about a hand width back from the front leg on the midline. If your horse raises their back sharply, cow kicks, pins his ears or tries to bite you, the point is demonstrating sensitivity for ulcers.
3
The third point is Bladder 42. You will find this point by moving from the highest point of the shoulder blade, down and back until your fingers rest in a hole between the scapula and the shelf of the ribs. This is where the bars of your saddle lie. If moderate pressure elicits a muscle twitch or pain response, like raising the head with ears pinned, more than once (meaning you can repeat the reaction) then your horse has more than mild ulcer pain.
4
As ulcer pain progresses, your horse will be sore where the withers become the back. You palpate this point by placing a finger on either side of the withers and applying five to 10 pounds of pressure as you proceed toward the tail. If your horse hollows the upper back and drops toward the ground this represents probable stomach ulceration.
If you receive a mild pain response in any of the four above points you should plan on giving a daily digestive health supplement. A
A simple and fairly accurate indicator of possible digestive tract ulceration involves palpating specific acupuncture points as demonstrated here.
moderate to severe pain response indicates the need for incorporating omeprazole into your treatment plan.
5
When hindgut acidosis is present, you will be able to elicit a reaction over the loin like you did with the withers. At this stage, you must choose a treatment that will relieve hindgut ulcers as omeprazole will only treat ulcers of the stomach.
Therapeutic Trial: An additional less invasive method than scoping uses drug therapy or supplementation for horses suspected of having ulcers based on the presence of common symptoms. If the horse responds to treatment, then it can be concluded that digestive ulceration was present.
treAtment
There is more than one approach to treating equine ulcers. The most common drug therapies focus on decreasing gastric acid. While they each provide
some benefit, at this time there is no single solution that will cure all types of ulceration.
H2 Antagonists: This class of drug diminishes hydrochloric acid secretion. The most commonly prescribed medications include Cimetidine or Ranitidine. While they have a low cost, they are not always very effective. They also require a minimum of three times a day dosing, which is simply not very convenient for most horse owners.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI’s): This is a different class of drug that blocks the secretion of acid. It includes the most commonly prescribed paste medication for horses, which is Omeprazole. Omeprazole has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of equine ulcers. The mechanism of action with omeprazole is more effective and longer lasting than that of the H2 Antagonists. While more expensive, it is only necessary to
dose one to two times per day. These medications require a minimum of five days of treatment to reach full effect.
For sensitive horses, or those known to have gastric ulcer issues, veterinarians often advocate the use of an omeprazole product a few days before hauling or competition. The drug’s acid reducing and neutralizing traits enable owners to minimize the risk of stress-induced ulcers associated with increased work regimens, stressful new environments and extensive hauling.
Since the drug therapies listed above hinder the production of acid, they are only useful in treating stomach ulcers (EGUS). Decreased stomach acid leads to an inability to properly break down feeds and absorb certain minerals. It is not recommended that these drugs be used long term. A maximum of 30 days of drug treatment is necessary to avoid protein and mineral deficiencies. In order to prevent long-term use of drug therapy, it is important to incorporate a daily digestive health supplement into your horse’s diet.
As effective as omeprazole products are in the treatment of gastric ulcers, they provide no relief for hindgut ulceration. Reducing stomach acid production has no impact on hindgut issues tied to excessive lactic acid release and gas production related to microbial fermentation in the large intestine and colon. The best treatment for colonic ulceration is prevention.
Sucralfate: Sucralfate is a drug that can be used with H2 Antagonists and PPI’s to help with hindgut ulcers. It reacts with stomach acid to form a gel that can adhere to the surface of ulcers. This protects the ulcerated tissue from further damage, which allows healing to take place.
Compounded Drugs: Caution should be exercised if using compounded omeprazole products because they can
be broken down and made ineffective by stomach acid. Cutting edge compounded products will include an acid buffer to insure proper omeprazole therapeutic effect. These can be difficult to find, so consult your veterinarian.
Supplements: Ulcers and hindgut acidosis can be managed through use of digestive health supplements. Most of these products contain natural ingredients designed to soothe, reduce inflammation and promote a healthy pH balance. This helps to promote a nourishing environment for beneficial bacteria in the cecum and colon.
Look for products that have aloe vera, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, prebiotics and probiotics, which are combined to support the digestive tract. This type of nutraceutical is complementary to drug therapy and is recommended to begin on the fourth or fifth day of drug treatment.
For minor cases of digestive discomfort such as intermittent diarrhea, a supplement alone can be very effective. Make sure the product does not include ingredients like soy, grains, processed grain bi-products or the toxic metal aluminum or Bentonite type clays, which contain aluminum.
prevention
The first step in preventing ulcers is feeding the proper diet. Any grain should be carefully reviewed to ensure it has a low glycemic index, as high-sugar feeds cause increased levels of acid production during digestion and promote ulcer formation. High amounts of carbohydrates and sugars can also result in a rapid decrease in hindgut pH, which puts your horse at a higher risk of acidosis and hindgut ulceration.
Carefully transition to low glycemic index, moderate fat or high fiber feeds such as rice bran and alfalfa pellets. It is
For sensitive horses, or those known to have gastric ulcer issues, veterinarians often advocate the use of an omeprazole product a few days before hauling or competition.
Celebrate the future
important to note that all feed changes should be conducted gradually, over the course of seven to 10 days, as studies have indicated that nearly one-third of colic cases can be linked to recent dietary change.
During mealtime, longstem alfalfa is a great feed to buffer acid. It takes a lot of chewing to break down the stemmy parts, which produces more saliva that will neutralize the acid in the stomach. Try using a small mesh hay net to slow eating and keep hay in front of your horse all day.
periods of fasting, which ensures that there is always food in the stomach to prevent unchecked acid from irritating
“Feeding smaller meals more often is better for your horse than feeding just twice each day. this is especially important while traveling.”
Research suggests that horses allowed to move at will have a lower incidence of colic and ulcers than those that remain stall bound. Group turnout can be even more effective, given the social nature of horses.
Feeding smaller meals more often is better for your horse than feeding just twice each day. This is especially important while traveling. Having high fiber hay available at all times will prevent
the stomach lining. It also reduces the hindgut ulcer risk associated with large quantities of undigested, carbohydrate laden feeds being passed to the cecum and large intestine.
Whenever possible, horses should be given the opportunity to graze. This will continually put saliva and fiber into the stomach to neutralize the negative impact of constantly produced gastric acids.
Aside from a carefully planned feed protocol, a quality digestive health supplement can help reduce inflammation and provide a soothing effect to a previously ulcerated digestive tract. Many of the digestive supplements also incorporate yeast cultures, probiotics and prebiotics. These additives encourage healthy populations of micro flora to aid nutrient absorption and normalize the digestive tract, thus reducing the threat of hindgut issues.
Most supplements are not strong enough to prevent ulcers when horses are subjected to the higher stress levels associated with competition. When you know your horse will be encountering this type of major stress, consider using an omeprazole product for a few days prior to and throughout the event.
Remember that if your horse is sedated, given vaccines, antibiotics or NSAIDs, etc., their gut flora will be temporarily negatively affected. This is a very important time to provide digestive support in the form of probiotics, prebiotics and digestive conditioners to avoid ulcers or colic.
A last consideration in the fight against ulcers involves external and emotional stress. Performance horses are regularly subjected to hauling, training sessions and variable feed times. It is important to provide as many opportunities for regularity as possible. In general, the healthiest horses are invariably those that are allowed to live as natural a life as possible. Preventing ulcers is not only better for your horse, it is much more cost effective.
Hauling long distances can cause enough stress to initiate acid production. Add several days of competition, a change in environment, and possibly a change of feed, and you have a recipe for ulcerated tissue.
osPHos: A CleAR CHoiCe foR nAviCul AR syndRome
Question: What is navicular syndrome?
Answer: Equine navicular syndrome is a chronic forelimb lameness associated with pain arising from the navicular bone and the closely related soft tissue structures. These structures include the collateral suspensory ligaments of the navicular bone, distal sesamoidean impar ligament, navicular bursa and the deep digital flexor tendon. When a horse has navicular syndrome, the problem can arise from the navicular bone itself, the surrounding soft tissue structures, or both. Navicular syndrome is a multifaceted disease and the treatment options are not always clear. When radiographic signs indicative of bony changes associated with navicular syndrome are present, OSPHOS is a clear choice.
Q: What is OSPHOS® (clodronate injection)?
A: OSPHOS is an injectable bisphosphonate solution for the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses four years and older. OSPHOS inhibits bone resorption by binding to calcium phosphate crystals (inhibiting their formation and dissolution), and by exerting direct cellular effects on osteoclasts.
Q: How is OSPHOS administered?
A: OSPHOS is administered at 1.8 mg/kg by intramuscular injection up
to a maximum dose of 900 mg per horse (one vial). The total volume is divided evenly into three separate injection sites (discard unused vial contents). OSPHOS is provided in a single use vial and does not contain a preservative. If there is no response to initial therapy, the horse should be re-evaluated. For horses that initially respond to OSPHOS but do not maintain their clinical improvement for six months, OSPHOS may be re-administered at three- to six-month intervals based on recurrence of clinical signs. For horses that respond to OSPHOS and maintain clinical improvement for six months, OSPHOS should be readministered after clinical signs recur.
Q: What results can I expect with OSPHOS?
A: In clinical trials, the success rates were 74.7 percent for horses treated with OSPHOS and 3.3 percent for horses treated with saline placebo. The difference in success rates is significant at P=0.0028. A horse was considered a treatment success if the lameness grade in the primarily affected limb improved by at least one AAEP grade and there was no worsening of lameness grade in the other forelimb on day 56 post-treatment as compared to the pre-treatment assessment. The clinical effectiveness of OSPHOS noted in the field trial was independent of any corrective shoeing or other therapies for navicular syndrome. Clinical improvement is most
osphos is an injectable bisphosphonate solution for the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses four years and older.
evident at two months post-treatment. Of the horses that responded to treatment with OSPHOS in the field study, 65 percent maintained their level of improvement through the six-month evaluation.
Q: What side effects can I expect with OSPHOS?
A: In field studies, the most common side effects reported were signs of discomfort or nervousness, cramping, pawing and/or colic within two hours post-treatment (9 percent of horses treated: n=10). Eight out of ten of these horses had resolution of their clinical signs within 10 to 15 minutes of hand walking. In one horse, clinical signs resolved without hand walking. Only one experienced colic requiring treatment. That horse also developed hives and recovered after treatment with flunixin and dexamethasone.
For more information about OSPHOS as indicated for treatment of navicular syndrome, visit www.OSPHOS.com.
HigH Fat diets F oR PeRF oRmanCe HoRses
Advice from national reined Cow horse Association sponsor nutrena on feeding elite equine athletes.
Horses performing at high levels can have up to twice the calorie requirements as horses that do not face similar demands. Owners and trainers of performance horses often give more feed to meet that calorie need. However, many performance horses have a difficult time consuming the large quantities of feed needed to get the calories required. Because horses can use fat as a calorie source efficiently, and fat contains more than double the calories of starch, high-fat horse feeds make perfect sense to increase the energy intake without greatly increasing the amount of feed.
Feeding higher-fat, controlled starch level feeds may play a role in lowering the chance of colic and laminitis by reducing the amount of starch in the ration.
Here’s why:
• Horses consuming a high grain ration are often at risk because feeding high levels of grain can cause starch overload in the small intestine and cecum.
• Overloading the small intestine with starch allows that extra starch to pass in to the cecum and large colon, which is where forage is digested.
• Fiber digestion is accomplished by the bacterial and protozoal populations residing in these organs. When starch enters the cecum the pH drops and this bacterial population dies.
• This can result in a cascade of events that may include colic, laminitis and even death.
Keep in mind that starch is still a crucial part of a horse’s diet, and is required for proper muscle function. As horse owners, it is best to work toward an optimal balance of all nutrients in the diet, not the use of one to replace another.
Other reasons for adding fat to a feed ration include improved endurance, heat tolerance, hair coat and attitude.
Horses on fat supplemented diets experience increased endurance because of a glycogen sparing effect. Glycogen is the fuel for muscular activity that is stored in the muscle cells. Horses that are on high fat diets conserve glycogen, which can help them finish a performance event stronger. This is particularly important in disciplines or activities that require high performance over time.
Horses trained in hot, humid environments show improved heat tolerance because fat supplemented rations gen-
Achieving optimal balance of all nutrients in the equine diet is necessary to keep your horse performing well.
erate less heat as a by-product of digestion. This becomes important in parts of the country where heat is prevalent. A shiny hair coat, a side benefit of added fat in the diet, is important to horse owners who are showing or selling horses. Higher fat levels, especially those that contain a balance of Omega3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, are good choices for those in the show ring.
Horse owners often report that horses that are fed lower-starch diets with added fat have a calmer attitude than those that are fed a conventional high starch and forage diet.
A proper balance of controlled starch levels, along with increased fat levels in the horse feed, will help deliver a horse that is ready to do the work asked and has the fuel in the tank to keep on going.
Nutrena® Equine Feeds provide many feed options for all types of horses. To learn more, visit www. NutrenaWorld.com.
courtesy nutrena
CiRCling TuRns
NrChA director of Judges bill enk explains the need for separation between turning and circling a cow in the fence work.
The importance of getting and staying in a good working position to control the animal being worked cannot be overstated. Setting up, keeping and working an animal on the fence are prime examples. Sometimes, for various reasons, such as difficulty of the animal or the exhibitor being late exiting a turn, the animal gets away from the fence into the open part of the arena. This is where “circling turns” come into play.
A circling turn occurs when the exhibitor gets far enough forward on the animal being worked to cause it to reverse direction, or turn. However, the circling
turn has no form or quality. The horse is basically “running” the turn. If you took a still photo of the turn in progress, it would be hard to distinguish whether the exhibitor was turning or circling the cow.
Without switching sides on the animal between the turn and circle, it is difficult to recognize where the turn was completed and the circle begins. Failing to separate those maneuvers can negatively impact the exhibitor’s score in several ways. First, by not switching sides, horse and rider may be penalized one point for working out of position. Second, a “running” turn with no
Jon roeser and heart of A remedy (heart of A Fox x spd remedys response x smart peppy doc) make a credit-earning open field turn. they scored a 227 on this run to win the 2012 NrChA stallion stakes open Championship.
form or quality may receive a minus on the maneuver. And finally, the first circle on the cow can receive, at best, an average score because of the questionable start to the circle.
Having separation between turns and circles also applies to “open field” turns. A good open field turn is like a quality fence turn without the fence. It is not as necessary, with a good open field turn, to switch sides and separate the turn from the circles, but it is recognized as more difficult and credit earning. The exception to switching sides on these high quality open field turns is locating and using the open part of the arena to complete the circles. If the exhibitor is close to one end of the arena or the other it is more credit earning to circle away from the fences.
When the cattle are difficult, sometimes an exhibitor ends up in the open field through no fault of his or her own. What happens at that point exposes how well trained and athletic the horse is. Switching sides before circling makes it clearer for the judges and can contribute to a positive score.
Until next time,
Bill Enk NRCHA Director of Judges
Susan S. Abel Lamoille NV
Judges
List
of June 23, 2016
775-753-3120
Andy B. Adams Gerber CA 530-200-2229
Randall D. Alderson Sharpsville IN 765-432-9586
Blue R. Allen Alamosa CO 719-221-6098
Jeff Allen Omaha NE 402-657-6585
Lyn Anderson Madera CA 559-304-0930
Mark A. Anderson Granbury TX 254-396-5104
Ron K. Anderson Calgary AB 403-249-8215
Karen R. Arlin Escalon CA 209-602-4987
Billy Arthur Merced CA 910-290-3426
Lavert Avent Elbert CO 505-429-7180
David Avery Amarillo TX 806-679-0722
ssabel@citlink.net Judge: 1A
eightycutter@yahoo.com Judge: 3A-AQHA-CH
randallald@aol.com Judge: 1A-AQHA
blueallen@gojade.org Judge: 2A
jeffallenquarterhorses@yahoo.com Judge: 1A-AQHA
Lsanderson@wildblue.net Judge: 3A-AQHA-CH
markbernie5@yahoo.com Judge: 1A
ron.anderson@hotmail.ca Judge: 1A
K.Arlin@hmclause.com Judge: 1A
billyarthur57@icloud.com Judge: 1A
laperformancehorses@yahoo.com Judge: 1A
dkavery13@gmail.com Judge: 1A-AQHA
B. J. Avila Temecula CA 580-224-1242 norestforthewicked@aol.com Judge: 1A
Bob C. Avila Temecula CA 503-784-2513
bobavila@bobavila.net Judge: 3A
Jane A. Bagley Dimmitt TX 806-647-8303 bagleyperformancehorses@gmail.com Judge: 1A-AQHA
Lance A. Baker Amarillo TX 806-683-4145 labaker3@suddenlink.net Judge: 1A-AQHA
Margo Lea Ball Fort Collins CO 970-227-8233 margolball@aol.com Judge: 2A-AQHA
Brad W. Barkemeyer Scottsdale AZ 480-620-4759 bbarkemeyer@hotmail.com Judge: 1A
Paul E. Barnes Minden NV 775-267-5852 barnescutting@aol.com Judge: 1A
Francesca Baron Grass Valley CA francescabaron@aol.it Judge: 1A
Chairperson: Sarah Clymer shubrick3@gmail.com • 719-330-1932
Allison Walker • allison@nrcha.com
Todd Crawford • toddcrawford333@gmail.com
Jimmy Stickler • stichorses@gmail.com
Top Riders for Open LAE Eligibility in 2016
subsCRibed stallions
A Shiner Named Sioux (972) 977-6581 X X X X X X
All Reddy Smart (406) 434-5724 X X
ARC Moonstruckrey (405) 659-7394 X
ARC Sparkin Chics (661) 303-6015 X
Auspicious Cat (903) 564-3200 X X X
Autumn Acre (940) 682-7471 X
Backdoor Cat (805) 756-5469 X X X X X
Bet Hesa Cat (806) 596-4424 X X X X X X
Bets Smart Lena (940) 365-2690 X
Big Bucks To Cash (817) 596-9009 X X X X X
Blind Sided (903) 886-8836
Blue One Time (817) 279-8275 X X X
Blue Spark Olena (435) 225-2176 X
Bobs Hickory Rio (806) 373-0535 X X
Boonlight Dancer (580) 276-4830 X X X X
Briscoe Cat (806) 206-2336 X
Brother Jackson (916) 802-6668 X X
Cat Ichi (972) 342-6841 X X X X X X
Cats Merada (940) 464-0783 X X X X X X
Cats Moonshine (940) 641-1261 X X X X X
Cats Quixote Jack (817) 594-9232 X X X X
Cats Starbright (580) 276-1600 X
Catty Hawk (580) 220-1281 X X X X X X
CD Diamond (817) 599-4560 X X X
CD Lights (817) 599-0522 X X X X X X
CD Olena (903) 564-3200 X
CD Survivor (805) 688-4241 X X
Cee Mr Hickory (805) 550-8387 X
Chic Please (931) 625-9881 X X X
Chics Magic Potion (951) 375-6682 X X
CJ Sugar Lena X
Compaq Player (605) 440-0663 X
Doc At Night (661) 835-7533 X
Docs Soula (951) 375-6682 X
Drag And Fly (541) 977-5274 X X
Dry N Play (940)231-0370 X
Dual R Smokin (817) 313-2946
Dual Rey (303) 956-1887 X X X X X
Dual Smart Rey (254) 485-8280 X
Dual Spark X
Dulces Little Light (209) 603-9710
Easy Move Whiskey (208) 841-2052 X
First Fletch (806) 596-4424 X
Freckled Leo Lena (936) 870-8561 X X X X
Funny B Bluemuchamon (903) 886-8836 X
Gallo Del Cielo (580) 276-4830 X X X X
Genuine Masterpiece (307) 358-5439 x 1 X X X X X
Genuine Rednic (775) 423-4765 X X
Gotta Go Get It X
Gunnatrashya (817) 559-4560
Half Time Report (951) 529-6258
Hallmarked Playboy (406) 434-5724
Halreycious (800) 278-0785
Heart Of A Fox (661) 301-9537 X X
Hes A Peptospoonful (817) 546-3630 X X
Hes Wright On (620) 635-5632 X X X X X X
Heza Diamond Spark (406) 799-4426 X X X X
Hick Chicaroo (805) 693-1012 X X
Hickory Holly Time (817) 599-4560 X X
Hickorys Indian Pep (817) 546-3630 X X
High Brow Cat X
High Brow CD (337)584-2866 X X
High Brow Shiner (661) 706-7724 X
High Flyin Cat (559) 665-2908 X
High Roller Rey (435) 757-3487 X
High Sign Nugget (403) 749-2777 X X X
Highlightcat (817) 560-0038 X
Hottish X
Hydrive Cat (817) 560-0038 X X
Ill Be Smart (530) 865-1525 X
Im A Tuff Bueno (541) 977-5274 X X
Im Countin Checks (817) 594-9232 X X
Ima Smoking Mister (940) 686-0820 X X X X X
Imacockadoodledude (831) 335-1216 X
Jake Jacspin (620) 804-0718 X
Jasons Peptolena (903) 227-0462
Juan Bad Cat (817) 594-9232 X
Judge Boon (208) 861-0760 X
Junior Starlight (916) 686-5967 X X X
Just Like Starlight (618) 473-2339 X X
Kit Kat Sugar (254) 485-8280 X
Lena Inthe Starlight (306) 544-2421 X
Lena Peptolena (901) 826-7297 X
Lena Spark (940) 668-6469 X X X X X X
Lenas Chex N Smart (702) 491-7200 X
Lil Catbaloo (817) 599-4560 X
Lil Time To Smoke (559) 268-1115 X X X X
Little Blue Lynx (859) 221-2724 X
Little Cielo (559) 999-8146 X X X X
Little Red Coupe (702) 596-4484 X
Lotta Stuff To Shine (559) 665-2908 X X X
Matt Dillon Dun It (541) 317-4170 X X X X
Meradas Blue Sue (812) 525-0210 X
Meradas Money Talks (941) 234-7660 X
Metallic Cat (806) 622-9787 X X X X X X
Metallic CD (541) 213-8518 X
Metallic Red Cat (559) 665-2908 X
Meteles Cat (817) 599-4560 X
Mister Smart Remedy (559) 897-8616 X X X
Moms Stilish Cat (208) 866-8598 X X
Moon Me Pepto (661)303-6015 X
Movin On Hickory (918)774-9199 X X
Mr Boonsmal To You (940) 682-4370 X X X
Mr Playinstylish (806) 596-4424 X X
Mylanta Lena (805) 688-3673 X
Nabisco Roan (805) 688-4241 X X X
Nic It In The Bud (480) 563-1966 X X X X X X
Nics Black Diamond (805)688-3673 X X X X X
NMSU Truckin Chex (520) 906-4852 X X X X
No Guns Please (903) 816-3495 X X X
subsCRibed stallions
Oh Cay Quixote (217) 377-2258 X X
Olena Oak (805) 610-8320 X X X X X
Once A Von A Time (805) 688-4241 X X
One Fine Vintage (805) 610-4978
One Smart Response (208) 841-2052 X X X
One Time Pepto (910) 596-2183 X X X
One Time Royalty (817) 599-4560 X X
Paddys Irish Whiskey (806) 596-4424 X X X X X X
Peppinic (951) 218-8306 X
Peptoboonsmal X X X X X X
Peptos Boon Shadow (940) 389-3093 X
Peptos Duke (406) 434-5724 X X X X
PG Dry Fire (208) 454-5557 X
PG Gunpowder (806) 596-4424 X X X X
Play Dual Rey (940) 637-2536 X X
Playboys Buck Fever (307) 276-3748 X X X X
Playgun (580) 276-9397 X X X X X X
Playin Attraction (806) 596-4424 X X X X X X
Presidente Shiner (417) 682-6373 X
Pretty Boy Boon (208) 939-8648 X
PRF Spoonful Of Gold (817) 599-4560 X X
Rap Cat (303) 660-9595 X
RC Fancy Step (817) 560-0038 X X
RC Gay Bar Star Dust (602) 524-9047 X
Real Gun (580) 228-3272 X
Real Smooth Cat (916) 802-6668 X X X
Reed N Reminic (541) 977-5274 X
Reminic N Dunit X
Rey Dual (800) 278-0785 X X
Reys Dual Badger X
Rockin W (806)596-4424 X X X X X
Roo Star (254) 947-1292 X X X X X X
Roosters Wrangler (417) 682-6373 X X
Royal Fletch (806) 596-4424 X X X X
Scootin Boon (318) 995-7184 X
SDP Blue Blood (303) 618-0749 X X
SDP Joker (530) 200-0560 X
Self Shine (940) 637-2536 X
Seven From Heaven (806) 596-4424 X X X
Shady Lil Starlight (805) 688-4241 X X X X X X
Shine Chic Shine (940) 637-2536 X X
Shine Like Hail (360) 474-8313 X
Shiners Lena Doc (940) 665-9304 X
Shiners Nickle (210) 381-3132 X X X X X X
Shiners Suduko (405) 659-7394 X
Shiners Voodoo Dr (405) 527-5008 X X X X
Shining Lil Nic (303) 915-6444 X X X X X X
Shining Spark (940) 665-9304 X X
Short And Smart (661) 303-6015 X
Silver Gun (559) 897-8616 X X X
Sixes Pick (806) 596-4424 X X X X X X
Skeets Peppy (417) 883-8286 X
Smart And Shiney (940) 437-2470 X X X X X
Smart Blackbird (519) 913-1233 X X X
Smart Boons (817) 599-4560 X X X X X X
Smart Chic Olena X X
Smart Lena Boon (575) 760-4104 X
Smart Like Juice (217) 377-2258 X X X
Smart Lil Highbrow (559) 897-8616 X
Smart Lil Scoot (318) 995-7184 X
Smart Little Brady (406) 775-6226 X
Smart Little Pepinic (559) 897-8616 X X
Smart Santana (541) 504-8155 X X X X
Smart Spook (940) 368-6999 X X X X X
Smart Steady Date (559) 897-8616 X X X
Smart Sugar Badger (352) 303-2151 X
Smokeelan (480) 215-6577 X
Smokums Prize X
Smooth As A Cat (940) 686-2246 X X X X X X
Smoother Than A Cat X
Solano Cat (940) 686-0820 X X X X
Son Shining Rooster (806) 584-9275 X X X X X X
Sophisticated Catt (940) 665-7557 X
Soula Jule Star (580) 276-4830 X X X X
Special Dual Pep (307) 276-3748 X
Spooks Bluestem (406) 265-1424 X X X
Spots Hot (479) 571-2434 X
Starlights Wrangler (940) 437-5157 X X X X
Stone Blue Valentine (903) 886-8836 X
Stressolena (307) 358-5439 x 1 X X
Stylin Beau (970) 759-9471 X
Stylish Rey (303) 956-1887 X X X X
Sweet Lil Pepto (817) 594-6900 X X X X X X
Tangys Classy Peppy (209) 759-3323 X X X
That CD Rocks (559) 897-8616 X X
That Sly Cat (940) 682-4370 X X X
The Boon (361) 675-4695 X X
The Love Man (918) 272-5041 X
There Comes A Time (208) 896-4005 X
Third Cutting (254) 485-8280 X
This One Time (970) 226-4747 X X
Thomas E Hughes (979) 373-6241 X
Time For The Diamond (817) 599-4560 X
Tomcat Chex (707) 678-8686 X X X X X X
Topsails Rien Maker (209) 966-6793 X
TR Dual Rey (817) 560-0038 X X X X X X
Travelin Jonez (903) 564-7883 X
Tru Grrit (970) 749-3322 X
Uno What Time It Is (405) 344-6692 X X X X X X
Very Smart Remedy (208) 366-2971 X X X X X X
Waresthecat (806) 596-4424 X X X X
Western Time Zone (940) 682-4001 X
Widows Freckles (817) 546-3630 X X
Wild Haired Cat X
Willy B Gun Smart (406) 777-2664 X
Woody Be Tuff (903) 536-3286 X X X X X
WR This Cats Smart (307) 358-5439 X X X X X X
Yellow Roan Of Texas (405) 837-9873 X X
Zezes Pepto Cat (940) 859-6587 X
STALLION SUBSCRIPTION RULES
1. By nomination of a foal crop, offspring of a subscribed stallion from the nominated foal crop are eligible to show in the NRCHA Stakes both as 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds. Offspring from a nominated foal crop of a subscribed stallion are also eligible for consideration for the NRCHA Select Yearling and Select 2-Year-Old Sales. Broodmares in foal to stallions subscribed for the current breeding year (next year’s foal crop) are eligible for consideration for the NRCHA Select Broodmare Sale.
2. Any stallion of any breed may be subscribed to the NRCHA Stakes program, subject to provisions as set forth in these rules and stipulated on the entry form.
3. Nominations must be postmarked and paid by February 1 of the following year for each calendar year to avoid paying the higher fee of the following year. However, to make yearlings, 2-year-olds, and/or bred mares eligible for consideration for the NRCHA Select Sales, those stallions must be subscribed by June 1 of that particular sale year.
4. Nomination fees will be as follows:
a. Paid during the breeding year (the next year’s foal crop) - $750 (or $2,500 for current breeding year and next four consecutive breeding years)
b. Weanling year - $1,000
c. Yearling year - $1,250
d. 2-year-old year - $1,500
e. 3-year-old year - $1,750
5. 4-year-old year: Nominations received between February 1 of the 4-year-old year and the final entry deadline for that NRCHA Stakes event will be accepted at the rate of $2,500. 5-year-old foal crops that have not been previously subscribed may also be paid in for $2,500.
6. All nominators of stallions must be members in good standing of the NRCHA.
7. Nominators may be persons other than the owner or syndicate manager of the stallion in the event the stallion owner or syndicate manager chooses not to enroll the stallion. In the event that the nominator is someone other than the owner or syndicate manager of the stallion, the nominator represents that they are authorized to nominate the stallion.
8. All subscription fees will be made payable to the NRCHA in US funds or its equivalent.
9. The added purse for the NRCHA Stakes will consist of not less than the total stallion nomination fees received less 20% for NRCHA administration. The remaining 80% will be divided between the Open and Non Pro divisions in accordance with NRCHA Board policy. The NRCHA shall have the right to supplement the added-money purse for the event, but shall be under no obligation to do so. A minimum of 5% of the total purse will be used for the Stallion Nominator Award as described below.
10. There shall be no refunds of the nomination fee paid for any reason, and the fee (less 20% for NRCHA administration as set forth above) will become part of the purse for the NRCHA Stakes.
11. In the event a subscribed stallion changes ownership, any previously paid foal crops will remain eligible under the new owner. Nominator Awards will be paid to the original nominator unless otherwise specified in writing to the NRCHA and signed by both the original nominator and the new owner.
12. Stallion Nominator Award: The nominator of the stallion siring the winners of the NRCHA Stakes will receive a monetary award as set by the NRCHA Board of Directors.
13. A list of subscribed stallions nominated to this program and their eligible foal crops will be posted on the NRCHA website, and will be available upon request from the NRCHA.
14. These rules are subject to change at any time by the NRCHA Board of Directors.
NOMINATION FEES
Nominated before Feb 1, 2016
Nominated after Feb 1, 2016
STALLION SUBSCRIPTION CONTRACT
Nominations must be postmarked by February 1. Stallions must be nominated annually.**
Discount for early enrollment of stallions into Stakes Program!
Pay $750 in the breeding year to subscribe your stallion to the NRCHA Stallion Stakes.
STALLION ELIGIBILITY
Any stallion of any breed may be subscribed to the NRCHA Stakes program. Offspring of subscribed stallions are eligible to compete in the NRCHA Stakes - both as a 4-year-old and 5-year-old. All nominations are subject to stallion subscription rules on reverse side of this form. Acceptance of payment by the NRCHA is not to be considered approval of a nomination until contract is complete and all rules are complied with. Should a stallion die or become unsound for breeding while he is currently subscribed, all previous offspring will remain eligible as long as the nomination fee is paid.
BENEFITS OF SUBSCRIBING A STALLION TO THE NRCHA STAKES
Advertisement - All subscribed stallions and contact information are listed on the NRCHA website.
Opportunities - All offspring of subscribed stallions are eligible to enter and show in the NRCHA Stallion Stakes both as a 4-year-old and as a 5-year-old. Offspring of subscribed stallions are also eligible for consideration for the NRCHA Select Yearling and/or 2-Year-Old Sale.
Regulations - There are no refunds for any reason. The NRCHA reserves the right to cancel the NRCHA Stakes without notice at any time prior to the contest without liability. However, in the case of cancellation of the NRCHA Stakes, the NRCHA shall return all current year stallion fees to subscribers and all current-year entry fees to exhibitors.
Nominations must be postmarked by February 1 • Stallions must be nominated annually.**
** Unless the 5-year plan is selected
Enclosed is $_____________ Nomination Fee for _______________________ foal year(s).
See the NRCHA Stakes Stallion Subscription Rules for a complete schedule of foal years and payments.
Check one:
o Check/Money Order o Visa/MasterCard* Credit Card #: ______________________________________________________________
Payment is made to NRCHA in full on receipt of same by the nominator no later than February 1.
Acceptance of payment by NRCHA is not to be considered approval of nomination until contract is complete and all rules are complied with.
*Traditional payment methods accepted are cash and check. 3.5% convenience fee for credit cards.
I accept this offer to make the below-named stallion eligible to participate in the NRCHA Subscribed Stallion Program and agree to be bound by the conditions printed on this document. I enclose $___________________ for enrolling the stallion listed below as an NRCHA Subscribed Stallion.
Nominator Signature Printed Name
o Check here if you would like to donate a breeding for the NRCHA Stallion Service Silent Auction. A separate contract will be sent to you.
Stallion Name:
Sire: Reg #: Dam: Reg #:
Breed: Color: Year Foaled: Year of First Foal Crop: Standing at: Contact Name:
Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Website:
Owner Name:
Address: City/State/Zip:
Phone (Home): Phone (Work): Phone (Cell):
Fax: E-mail:
Contact Information to be published on NRCHA website: o Location where Stallion is Standing o Owner o Other (please fill out below)
Contact Name:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
o Home o Work o Cell Phone: o Home o Work o Cell Phone:
E-mail: Website:
Please attach a copy of stallion’s registration papers, a biography (250 words or less - including show record, lifetime earnings, offspring’s show earnings and any other pertinent information) and a high-resolution photo.
AE=Aged Event HS=Horse Show SE= Special Event BS=Bridle Spectacular AA=All Around
sHow sCHedule
as of June 29, 2016
July 23 - 24 Summer Cow Horse Roundup HS cat. 1/LAE cat. 2 Cannon Falls, MN North Central Deb Matko (612) 860-6371 chuckles@visi.com
July 22 - 24 California Rodeo Salinas HS cat. 1 Salinas, CA Cheri Carl (831) 775-3100 sdurgan@carodeo.com
July 20 - 24 Tall Pines Extravaganza HS cat. 1 Flagstaff, AZ Arizona RCHA Kathy Gould (559) 689-3101 kathy@saddleup-enterprises.com
26-Jul California Mid-State Fair HS cat. 1 Paso Robles, CA Elena Clark (805) 238-5098 elena@thegrid.net
September 10 - 11 Southern California RCHA September Show HS cat. 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA Kelley Hartranft (714) 255-7488 klsgrn@yahoo.com
September 10 - 11 Gulf Coast CHA September Shows HS cat. 1 Sarasota, FL Gulf Coast CHA Claudia Nichols (772) 321-9637 claudieone@yahoo.com
Ranch Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Email: Renew # New Member:
Of mEmbERSHIp
o 1 Year Open Membership - $75 ($65 before Jan 1)
o 3 Year Open Membership - $210 ($180 before Jan 1)
o 1 Year Non Pro Membership - $75 ($65 before Jan 1)
o 3 Year Non Pro Membership - $210 ($180 before Jan 1)
o 1 Year Owner Only Membership - $75 ($65 before Jan 1)
o 3 Year Owner Only Membership - $210 ($180 before Jan 1) YOUTH
o 1 Year Youth Membership - $40
o 1 Year Youth w/Non Pro Membership - $75
o 1 Year Associate Membership - $35
o 1 Year Canadian Membership - ADD $10
Memberships that DO NOT include subscription to Cow Horse News
o Check here if you are a TRAINER and want to be listed as such in the online NRCHA Directory.
Please be sure to complete the Non Pro Declaration. A card will not be issued without it!
Youth who wish to compete in the Non Pro MUST complete a Non Pro Declaration.
o Add Reined Cow Horse News to Lifetime - $25/year LIFE
o Lifetime Membership - $750
o International Membership - $75
Total charges: Membership Reined Cow Horse News (optional) Donation (optional)
o Add Reined Cow Horse News to International - $85
you wish to donate to the
ALL mEmbERS muST SIgN HERE
I, the undersigned, have read and understand the National Reined Cow Horse Association membership eligibility category definitions. I understand that the full responsibility concerning my eligibility rests solely on me. NRCHA, its officers, directors, employees are not held responsible for the burden of proof for my eligibility. Should I be found not eligible for said division after competing, all money, prizes, and points shall be forfeited and returned to the NRCHA office upon notification to me.
Signature:
Date: NON pRO AppLICATION - Non Pro riders must sign this section and complete a Non Pro Declaration every year o Non Pro Renewal o New Non Pro
I, the undersigned, have read and understand the National Reined Cow Horse Association Non Pro definitions and rules and will abide by them. I also understand that if there is a change in my status or eligibility that I must inform the National Reined Cow Horse Association within 30 days of that change. I understand that my Non Pro application will be reviewed by the Non Pro Committee and may be reviewed by the NRCHA Board of Directors and their decision shall be final.
Signature:
Date:
NON PRO DECLARATION
Applicant Name (please print): _______________________________________________ Occupation: _____________________________
This form must be completed prior to entering applicant’s first NRCHA Non Pro class. In the case of a youth, the legal custodian must complete the declaration. Before submitting your application, please carefully read and answer the following statements, as well as read and sign the Non Pro Code of Conduct and Ethics.
NOTE: If the following statements are not answered or it is not signed, your declaration will not be accepted and will be returned to you for completion. Non Pro status is extended on a temporary basis and is subject to revocation pending approval by the Non Pro Committee. Non Pro status will be null and void if it is determined that you do not qualify under NRCHA Non Pro conditions, as defined in the NRCHA Rulebook. A Non Pro Card will not be issued until all requirements are satisfied.
1) Have you earned more than $750 in earnings down the fence? (for eligibility)
m Yes
2) Within the past 5 years, have you given lessons for remuneration? m Yes
3) Within the past 5 years, have you shown, trained, or assisted in the training of a horse not owned by you or an immediate family member for remuneration?
4) Within the past 5 years, have you accepted payment of entry fees and/or expenses for horse(s) that you have ridden that was not owned by you or an immediate family member?
5) Do you reside on, work for, are publicly identified with or derive monetary remuneration, directly or indirectly, from a horse training facility or equine science program?
m Yes
m Yes
m Yes
m No
m No
m No
m No
m No
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, please explain below with specific dates as to when you started and/or stopped any of the above. Please use a separate sheet of paper if necessary.
A. Relationship to operation of a horse training facility:
B. Explanation of any statements answered “yes” above:
NON PRO CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS
I, the undersigned, agree to act with the utmost of integrity while participating in the sport of Cow Horse and NRCHA events. I understand that an NRCHA Non Pro Card is a privilege and not a right, and that I may be required to submit my card for review of applicability at any time. Furthermore, I understand that so long as I hold a Non Pro card, it is my responsibility to be aware of and abide by the most current Non Pro Conditions set forth in the NRCHA Rulebook. By signing this agreement, I specifically agree to:
• Understand and be bound by all rules of the NRCHA as set forth in the annual NRCHA Rulebook.
• Abide by the show conditions set forth at all NRCHA approved shows.
• Act with honesty and transparency when purchasing horses as well as competing at NRCHA events.
• Ensure the welfare of the horses I show and treat those horses humanely, and with dignity and compassion.
• Refrain from violating the Non Pro Conditions as set forth in the annual NRCHA Rulebook.
• Represent the NRCHA by refraining from any action that discredits the sport, or the association.
• Accept the decisions set forth by the NRCHA Board of Directors.
By signing below, I ACCEPT the rules and regulations relating to Non Pro membership in the NRCHA, and affirm the truth of all statements above. I also affirm that I have read and agree to abide by the Non Pro Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Signature:
Date:
Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association
Shawna Husted
Box 51
Acme, AB T0M 0A0 CANADA
Phone: 403-875-1369
Email: info@cowhorse.ca
Website: www.albertareinedcowhorse.ca
Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association
Margaret Green 2932 E Vista Dr Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 602-992-9652
Email: azrcha@gmail.com Website: www.azrcha.com
Associacao nacional de working Cow Horse
Karol Rodrigues
Rancho Karoline, Caixa Postal 199 Avare/SP/Brazil 18701-971
NRCHA membership privileges will be suspended for the second offense of bad checks, per rule 1.1.6.2 and for non payment of debt to NRCHA Show Management or NRCHA Approved Show Management. Additionally, all amounts for advertising in the NRCHA publication, Reined Cow Horse News, are due and payable within 30 days of receipt.
Agricultural Foundation , Fresno, CA
Del Rey Paint & Qtr Horses Aneka
Schelbeck, Cotton Wood, CA
Ashley Talbert, Kuna, ID
Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE
Brian & Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan
Bautista, CA
Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC
Clay Volmer, Fort Worth, TX
Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT
Dave Belson, Cave Creek, AZ
Dennis Corcoran, Livermore, CA
Desert Spring Ranch , Queen Creek, AZ
Don Stockman, Dayton, TX
Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL
Dream Cross Susan Ray, , Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL
Jill Serena, Castaic, CA
A finance charge of 1.5% per month (18% APR) will be added to all past due amounts. Membership privileges shall be suspended on accounts greater than 90 days past due and this information will be published in Reined Cow Horse News. There will be a membership reinstatement fee of $75.
Babcock Ranch Jim Babcock, Sanger, TX
Keetch Ranch , Waddell, AZ
Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA
Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA
Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL
Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo 03030, ITALY
Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo 03030, ITALY
Steed Training Rick Steed, Okeechobee, FL
Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA
Current as of June 27, 2016
Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA
Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY
Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA
Lazy T Shamrock Ranch Terry Malarkey, Star, ID
Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA
Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY
Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA
Louis The CaT
SHNMG_160800_00113.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00114.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00115.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00116.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00117.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00118.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00119.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00120.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00121.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00122.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00123.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00124.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00125.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00126.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00127.pdf was missing from LP
SHNMG_160800_00128.pdf was missing from LP
Alberta Snaffle Bit Futurity and Cow Horse Show
Canada’s Greatest Horseman
Compete with the best at the ARCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity and the Alberta Championship Cow Horse show, featuring top horses and riders in the sport.
In the Zylkène Canada’s Greatest Horseman competition, it is all about one horse, one rider, and one very impressive title! Horses compete in four events: herd work, rein work, fence work, and steer stopping. The top 5 competitors in the aggregate will compete in the short round for a whopping $10,000 to the winner.
GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW!
Not a competitor? No problem! Plan to come and watch Zylkène Canada’s Greatest Horseman Finals on Saturday night September 3rd, 2016. Go to www.cowhorse.ca for more info and entry forms SEPTEMBER 2, 3, AND 4TH 2016 CLARESHOLM AGRIPLEX (ALBERTA) CANADA