Executive Director: Emily Konkel | Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers Director of Incentive & Sponsorship: Patty Tiberg | Director of Judges: Bill Enk Director of Programs: Tara Carter | Director of Shows: Tina McCleary Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales | Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion
REINED COW HORSE NEWS
CEO: Tom Winsor | Editor: Jennifer Paulson | Managing Editor: Jennifer Denison Art Director: Michelle Miller | Production Manager: Stacey Horne | Prepress Specialist: Brad Burleson Advertising Sales: Shawn McCoy, 817-929-8597, advertising@nrcha.com
Reined Cow Horse News (ISSN 2380-3975, USPS 024-906) is published six times a year by the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Known office of publication: 256 N. Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas 76258. 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 inany 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,256North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258. Subscription rate is $25 a year. Periodical postage paid at Pilot Point, Texas, 76258 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reined Cow Horse News, 256 North Hwy 377, Pilot Point, Texas, 76258.
FEATURES
54 A Horseman and an Innovator
Remembering NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee and Million Dollar Rider Bob Avila.
58 The Moment of Truth
e year-long journey to an NRCHA National Championship reveals competitors’ true mettle, and these horse-and-rider pairs rose to the challenge.
92 2024 NRCHA Regional Champions
NRCHA members saddled up to earn regional titles across the U.S., Canada and around the globe during the 2024 show season.
154 2024 Merit Award Recipients
e NRCHA Merit Award Program recognizes outstanding equine performers at all competition levels.
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to 2025.
What a great year for our cow horse family! We made many strides in 2024 as an association, including introducing the new NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive, which changes the game for our horses and breeders. We increased our go-round payouts for the 2024 World’s Greatest Horseman®, dramatically increasing participation and exposure for this incredible event. Along those lines, we revamped the boxing eligibility, opening opportunities for exhibitors. We reinvigorated our NRCHA Foundation, hosting its first-ever gala, which raised more than $100,000. Overall, we worked hard all year to make things bigger and better for the industry, our association and our horses.
Last year was just the start of the good things for NRCHA. In 2025, we look forward to building on the Cow Horse Incentive’s momentum and looking at how we can improve and support our judging and affiliate programs. We have members worldwide, and I look forward to learning how to ensure everyone finds a place in the cow horse family.
I believe we’ll continue to see how valuable the cow horse is to many facets of the Western performance industry, and we want to continue to show that to the world, including rodeo and other opportunities. How we talk about cow horse, how we present our horses and the welcoming atmosphere of our events— large and small—opens so many doors for our horses, breeders and exhibitors. We’ll continue to show that we have a place for anyone to play.
Thank you for your role in making 2024 incredible and continuing to be part of our sport in 2025. With members like you who breed, train and exhibit the outstanding horses we see at every event, the New Year looks great for the cow horse family.
—Emily Konkel
Emily Konkel, NRCHA Executive Director
CALLIE BOEVERS
FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR
An NRCHA judging seminar can open your eyes to the intricacies of our sport.
If you can attend an NRCHA judging seminar— whether you are a judge, want to become a judge or are interested in what judges are looking to lookfor —you should take advantage of the opportunity. NRCHA judging is a constant, eye-opening experience. If you want to stay current, seminars will improve your judging and showing skills.
At the 2024 judges’ seminar in Fort Worth, Texas, we had a Judges Committee meeting to discuss ways to improve the transparency of cow horse judging. There are always gray areas in judging runs that, with some thought and common sense, could probably be more connected to the attempted maneuver. For example, the rundown and stop in the reined work are scored in the stop maneuver. If the rundown is poor and the stop is very good (+1), is the score still a +1, or does the poor approach make it almost impossible for the stop maneuver box to remain a +1? If you graded the approach poor (-½) and the stop very good (+1), the final score would be either a 0 or a +½ at the most. This is an example of a gray area where it’s fairly easy to only remember the +1 stop and not factor in the approach correctly. The better judges know how to balance the scoring of the maneuvers, but coming up with the correct scores is a constant challenge.
Finishing the cow work with the circles has presented some gray-area challenges in the past. One of the main challenges has been the horse that has credit-earning circles but was reluctant to switch from one circle to the next. It wasn’t the circle that was poor; it was only the switch. The question is, how do you document where the problem occurred on the score sheet? The first thing we’ve done is to put a “P” (working out of position) over the circle boxes. That explained that something happened somewhere during the circle maneuvers even though the circles were still credit-earning. The object was to pinpoint where the infraction occurred. We’ve developed an improved way to document the facts and remove some gray areas from the circle maneuvers.
Credit applies to circles through control. The more control a horse and rider have when committing to the circles, the more chance for credit-earning circles. Currently, the scoring of the first circle starts when
the exhibitor commits to circling the cow and includes the first circle’s quality. Credit is earned by having the cow measured and in control when starting the first circle. Assuming a controlling position on the cow and remaining there long enough to show the judges you’re in control are also credit-earning situations. On the other side of the coin is committing to the circles with too much distance between the cow and the horse, then temporarily assuming a controlling position when circling before prematurely switching sides. Two non-credit-earning maneuvers happened here: a poor management decision when committing to the first circle and not enough consistent control when circling to show control. The correct way to evaluate these two parts for the first circle maneuver would be a check minus for the approach to the first circle and a check minus for the circle itself, resulting in a score of check minus for the first circle. Basically, you average the approach and the quality of the circle to come up with the correct score for the first circle.
The second circle includes the switch and the quality of the second circle. A smooth setup and switch allow the judges to reward credit for the switch’s quality and the second circle itself. To earn a full plus on the second circle box, the horse would have to have a switch while remaining in control without noticeable resistance. Promptly assuming and maintaining a controlling position on the cow until the whistle is required for a full plus in the second circle box. Here’s another scoring scenario: The switch has some resistance and a noticeable change of stride but no penalty. Then, the second circle was above average but not far enough up on the cow to exhibit a completely controlling position. The switch would be in the check minus area and the circle in the check plus area. The average of the two parts would result in a check for the second circle box. Scoring the circles in this complete manner accurately describes what happened from the time of committing to the circles until the whistle blows to end the run. That’s the goal.
Judges need to be able to justify and back up their scores through the score sheet. This helps the exhibitors understand their scores. It also helps the judges stay consistent and balanced with their scoring.
—Bill Enk “
JUDGES NEED TO be abLe TO JuSTIFy anD baCK uP THeIr SCOreS THrOuGH THe SCOre SHeeT.”
Bill Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges
Sire of o spring earning $38.7 Million NRCHA $2 Million Sire with o spring earning $2.4 Million in Reined Cow Horse money
Highlights
• LTE $500,037.51
• NCHA Horse of the Year NCHA Hall of Fame Horse
• Finalist 43 times
• Multiple Championships
• His dam was an NCHA Futurity Non-Pro CHAMPION
• Never missed a show due to injruy and retired sound
Accomplishments
• The ONLY NCHA Horse of the Year to sire 2 OPEN Horses of the Year
• Sire of multiple NCHA, NRCHA and AQHA World Champions
• For 5 consecutive years, sire of the Top Selling Yearling at the Western Bloodstock Yearing Sales held during the NCHA Futurity.
• Sire of the ALL-TIME NCHA ARENA RECORD HOLDER (Will Rogers Coliseum) for the highest score – Holly Is Smooth marked a 233.
• The MOST AFFORDABLE sire on the NRCHA/NCHA list of top sires.
Compare his show career and sire credentials with the top performance horse stallions; then factor in his breeding fee, and you’ll see… he is without a rival!
FROM THE
NRCHyA did a lot of good and had fun last year!
I’m happy to say 2024 was one to remember. We experienced some great highlights that spotlighted our youth members and showed what a great group we are. NRCHyA hit it out of the park this year at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
This year’s youth events included the Boot Race, Cow Horsin’ Around, Leadline, Stick Horse Race and Youth Buckaroo. As we watched the participation, it was a joy to see the opportunities that these kids have to learn teamwork and leadership skills, all while having fun in the dirt!
The 2024 Celebration of Champions kicked off the year and was enjoyable. We had our first annual “A Cowboy’s Valentine” Dance, which kids enjoyed for free, and we plan to make this a continuous event in the hope that the fun will continue throughout the years! The NRCHyA held a Stick Horse Race for the youth kids during the World’s Greatest Horseman® finals. A great crowd of kids showed up, and it was a blast to watch! It also succeeded as great entertainment while setting up for the next event in the finals.
At the Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, our youth made the best out of the time spent there by participating in daily activities. The Dummy Roping Jackpot was a great way for the community to come together and cheer each other on! Our Egg and Spoon Obstacle Course was full of laughter and support from the youth and cow horse family. The money from both those events supported NRCHyA. Messy Kickball was one to remember. The kids not only had fun in the competition but also encouraged and helped each other along the way. These events were crucial for our youth to learn leadership, teamwork and focus, disguised as games and fun!
Thank you to everyone who puts their hard work and love into the youth—we appreciate you so much! To the NRCHyA board members, thank you for your dedication and time. We hope to make more great memories in 2025.
—Lilly Gilson, NRCHyA Reporter
FROM THE
The Roy Edsall Scholarship recognizes an outstanding NRCHyA member.
Each year, NRCHA and the Edsall family award the Roy Edsall Memorial Scholarship, honoring Roy Edsall, an NRCHA professional who freely gave his time and expertise to our sport’s youth. Roy valued good horsemanship, connection with horses, sportsmanship and the cow horse community.
The primary goals of the Roy Edsall Memorial Scholarship are to identify future leaders within the Western disciplines and distinguish outstanding youth for their integrity and positive contributions to the sport. Applicants should be students 18 years of age and under who are or are related to an active member of a Western equine association, such as but not limited to NRCHA, American Quarter Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association and National Stock Horse Association.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to promoting equestrian sport, serve as positive role models for peers, and exhibit characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles—just as Roy did in his life. Community involvement in equestrian activities and
involvement at any level of competition (local, regional, or national) are additional requirements. Applicants can apply yearly but will only be eligible to receive this scholarship once.
NRCHA helps promote the scholarship, and the Foundation chooses the top applicants for the Edsall family to consider. We watch the finalists at the Celebration of Champions to see how they interact with other youths, care for their horses and support their fellow competitors.
We award the scholarship following the herd work of the World’s Greatest Youth Horseman® this year on Saturday, March 1. The recipient will receive a scholarship based on donations and other prizes, such as custom romal reins made by Jan Boogaerts, a custom bit made by Jess Morgan and prizes from Classic Equine and Kimes Ranch.
As members of the Edsall family, we’re happy to collaborate with the NRCHA Foundation to create this opportunity for youth members. We’re excited to learn about this year’s applicants, and we hope you’ll join us on March 1 when we announce the recipient.
Chelsea Edsall, NRCHA Foundation Chairperson
BAMACAT
(High Brow Cat - MH San Tules Dually, by San Tule Freckles)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
METALLIC ROYAL MATE
(Metallic Cat - Royal Red Rinpoche, by Smart Mate)
Fee: $1,800 + chute fee
BET HESA CAT
(High Brow Cat - Bet Yer Blue Boons, by Freckles Playboy)
Fee: $4,500 + chute fee
MR PLAYINSTYLISH
(Playin Stylish - Tari Chick Gay, by Doc Tari)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
WALLA WALLA STARBUCK
(Walla Walla Whiz - Silvernbluestarbuck, by Smart Starbuck)
Fee: $1,500 + chute fee
WR THIS CATS SMART*
(High Brow Cat - The Smart Look, by Smart Little Lena)
Fee: $4,350 + chute fee
DOC SEAS WHISKEY
(Paddys Irish Whiskey - Tos Miss Twelve Four, by Ten O Sea)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
QUAHADI
(Bet Hesa Cat - Ginnin Attraction, by Tanquery Gin)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
FIDDLE AND STEEL
(Metallic Cat - Lil Bit Reckless, by CD Royal)
Fee: $3,000 + chute fee
ROCKIN W
FINALS BOUND
(Gunnatrashya - Wimpys Little Chic, by Wimpys Little Step)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
(Dual Rey - Boon San Kitty, by High Brow Cat)
Fee: $1,500 + chute fee
KREYZY
HORSE
(Dual Rey - Shes Twice As Smooth, by Smooth As A Cat)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
ROYAL FLETCH*
(Jae Bar Fletch - Royal Blue Dually, by Dual Pep)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
SADDLING AT SUNRISE
(WR This Cats Smart - Sunshine Ingredient, by Mr Sun O Lena)
Fee: $2,000 + chute fee
owned by james & lisa strickland » shown by rodrigo taboga » standing at valley equine
2020 BLUE ROAN STALLION
BROW CAT X MOMS STYLISH SCOOT
FOALS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR: VALLEY EQUINE SUPER STALLION INCENTIVE, NCHA SUPER STAKES, NRCHA COW HORSE INCENTIVE, PCCHA
CIRCLE UP UP
Keep Cow Horse Connected
SMOOTH TALKIN STYLE BECOMES NRCHA MILLION DOLLAR SIRE
NRCHA welcomes Smooth Talkin Style (Smooth As A Cat x Stylish Play Lena x Docs Stylish Oak) to its ranks as a Million Dollar Sire. Owned by Teton Ridge, the 2011 sorrel stallion has National Cutting Horse Association earnings of $305,284 himself, having been named the NCHA Open Futurity Reserve Champion in 2014 and the NCHA Horse of the Year.
“Smooth Talkin Style stands out as a sire due to his exceptional versatility and ability to produce top-tier athletes across multiple disciplines, boasting over $7.5 million in offspring earnings,” shared John Sanislow of Teton Ridge. “His progeny consistently showcase sharp minds, adaptability and a strong competitive spirit. SJR Talkin Diamonds, the 2024 The American Performance Horseman Reined Cow Horse Champion with earnings of $203,312, is a perfect example of the high-caliber horses he sires. What truly sets him apart is his ability to pass
on both physical talent and a keen mental edge, making him a standout among sires of his class.”
NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel said, “We’re proud to add another cross-discipline stallion to our prestigious list of NRCHA Million Dollar Sires. ‘Talker’s’ contributions to reined cow horse are undeniable.”
Smooth Talkin Style’s highest-earning offspring in NRCHA competition are:
• SJR Talkin Diamonds (out of Shinders Diamond Girl): $198,845.36
• Whatutalkinabout (out of Smart Blues): $89,167.39
• Smooth Outta Style (out of Dualin Curly Pep): $64,379.01
• Smooth Rey Talker (out of Reyleann): $57,499.39
• Chittchatt (out of Bet On Nurse): $47,326 “Reaching the $1 million milestone in reined cow horse offspring earnings marks a pivotal moment in Smooth Talkin Style’s legacy,” Sanislow continued. “It reflects his growing impact in the reined cow horse arena, where his offspring are making their mark. Horses like SJR Talkin Diamonds are leading the charge, showcasing the adaptability and excellence of his bloodline. His inclusion in the NRCHA incentive program further cements his status as a key sire in this discipline, positioning him for continued success. His foals are now eligible for major incentive programs, including the NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive, NRCHA Stallion Stakes, Breeders Invitational, Chrome Cash and the Valley Equine Reproduction Super Stallion Incentive. This ensures that Smooth Talkin Style’s influence will continue to grow, securing his place as a dominant force in reined cow horse competitions for years to come.”
2024 NRCHA SNAFFLE BIT FUTURITY ® OWNERS INCENTIVE FUND
Thank you to these supporters contributing to the added money purse for the 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®!
BMW Quarter Horses
Larry & Kathy Barker
Stuart Ranch
Carol Rose/Shining Spark
Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate
Valley Equine Reproduction
Hat 6 Ranch
Ann Matthews
Honeysuckle Rose Boutique
Woodglen Investments
Red Arrow Ranch LLC
Steve and Lori Roseberry
War Ponies
Elite Paint Cowhorses
Spahn Law Firm PLLC
Moncrief Quarter Horses/
Kit and Charlie Moncrief
Rocking Nine Four Ranch
Shawn Hays
Triple D Ranches
Smooth Talkin Style, owned by Teton Ridge, is the latest NRCHA Million Dollar Sire club addition.
ANNA KRAUSE PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JAMIE HILL
FACES OF NRCHA
Marilee Nies brings her expertise from business banking to running her own business as NRCHA’s Accounting Associate.
Born and raised in Redding, California, Marilee Nies has a lifelong love of horses. She recalls getting her first pony before age 5 and never looking back. The Redding Rodeo was a big part of her young horse life, where she participated in the Redding Rodeo Drill Team. She remembers attending gymkhanas and allaround shows, which she continued to do when her daughters were young.
While living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for 15 years, Nies’ daughters showed all-around horses and participated in 4-H and horse judging. She served as a board member, treasurer and president of various clubs in the all-around world. She even dabbled in custom show apparel design. Her oldest daughter continues to show in all-around events, and Nies has considered returning to the show pen.
Nies’ business education allowed her to work in business banking and operate her own boutique in Monterey, California. She and her husband recently relocated to Pilot Point, Texas, which allowed her to take on the position with NRCHA.
RCHN: How did you learn about cow horse and NRCHA?
MN: Being from California, I’ve enjoyed attending events on the West Coast in years past. I have great respect for the events and talented riders. I knew NRCHA was in Pilot Point, and upon our recent home purchase in the area, the timing was perfect for being more involved in the association.
RCHN: What excited you about working for the association?
MN: Being a part of a leading association in the horse industry is undoubtedly a privilege and an honor. It’s one thing to observe the hard work involved on every level to accomplish a well-organized, successful event, but it’s quite another to be a part of a team that truly holds a passion for its members and a deep desire for all to enjoy the event to its fullest extent. There are many moving parts to organize such great success, and being a small piece, it moves you as well. You feel the pride of America coming together when each event takes place. There’s just something special about the horse industry, no doubt.
RCHN: What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
MN: My hope for 2025 is that we not only continue the success of NRCHA’s 75th anniversary but also continue to build on our influence as an association in the horse industry, including leading with even more pride, passion and consideration for not only our fellow contestants but fellow Americans, and especially holding to the value of the animals we’re privileged to work with.
MEMBER ROUNDUP
Meet Our NRCHA Members
KNOW THE PRO
Horsepower is in Ricky Nicolazzi’s blood.
BY MEGAN ARSZMAN | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RICKY NICOLAZZI
Most teenage boys find themselves dreaming of hundreds of horsepower under the hood. NRCHA Professional Ricky Nicolazzi knows a lot about horsepower, whether under the hood or the saddle. Nicolazzi grew up in Italy in a family. His family had a Ferrari dealership in Northern Italy, and it seemed he’d join the family business until a friend introduced him to the original horsepower, and he’s been captivated by horses ever since.
“I grew up skiing and riding motorcycles, but every time I’d see a horse, I’d stop what I was doing and watch,” Nicolazzi said. “I was captivated.”
When he finished school as a teenager, Nicolazzi dove into the horse world. He worked for Marco Manzi, a pioneer reiner in Italy who had trained under NRHA Hall of Famer Tim McQuay in America.
“There was more opportunity for trainers in Italy with reining,” he explained.
During a trip to Oklahoma City in 1993, Nicolazzi witnessed Bob Avila win the Co-Reserve Open NRHA Futurity Championship aboard Smartin Off. He then went to work for Don Boyd in Italy before moving to the United States to work for Avila. After a few years, he returned to Italy, where he competed in reining and reined cow horse. A true student of cow horses, in 2009, Nicolazzi obtained a working visa to return to the United States so he could focus on cow horses in California. For someone born and raised in Italy, Nicolazzi can tell you the history behind reined cow horse, the founding fathers and the up-and-comers.
He’s had success with multiple horses, such as Jos Neat, Its Bingo Time and Short
N Catt, all owned by Sarah Davis. Nicolazzi earned a coveted placement in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Finals aboard Metallic Rays (also owned by Davis), which boosted his career.
Now, Nicolazzi is the head trainer of the Rogers family’s Heaven Sent Ranch, LLC, in Tucson, Arizona, where he focuses on breeding and training cow horses. Alongside his wife of 22 years, Anna, and his children, Aurora,18, and Ricky, Jr., 12, he’s built the life he dreamt of in Italy.
“The first few years, we struggled a little,” he recalled. “But I’ve been so lucky to work alongside the Rogers, and we’ve had some success with horses like Metallic Slayer. I want to thank NRCHA, the Rogers and Heaven Sent Ranch for everything they’ve done for me. Thank you to all the people who’ve helped me for the last 30 years. When you come from another country, it’s not easy. But the system works; if you do it right, it works. I wouldn’t be able to do what I am doing today without the love of my family.”
Reined Cow Horse News: What makes reined cow horse stand out in the Western performance world?
Ricky Nicolazzi: First, it’s the all-around horse itself. We can do a lot of things on our horses. It takes a true horseman to understand the horse. That’s why tradition is important, especially in terms of how to train the horse. Then there’s the crowd— cow horse is about the excitement. When
Top: Ricky Nicolazzi trains for Heaven Sent Ranch, LLC, in Arizona.
Above: Nicolazzi relies on the support of his wife, Anna, and their two children, Aurora, 18, and Ricky, Jr., 12.
it comes to the fence work, it’s exciting for the people. They come in, and they might not know much about it, but it’s exciting when they see the speed and watch you go down the fence to control the cow. It’s awesome. Then everyone wants to try it. They might try it once or twice, and they’ll understand that it’s hard and unpredictable. But there’s something about it. You’ll get hooked and keep trying.
RCHN: What do you look for in a reined cow horse prospect?
RN: I know myself and I need to have a horse with a lot of cow sense because sometimes I can take the cow away from the horse a little. So, sometimes, I want more structure first, and then I release them to the cow. I won’t release them if they’re not very broke. I like to feel spots on the cow where we can land and have a big stop and a good turn. Sometimes, I get in trouble because I want a lot of control, but right now, I know I want a lot of cow in the breeding, so that will help me when I get them broke and start releasing more and they come back into the cow. For many years, I struggled to let the horse express himself to the cow. But in the last few years, it’s gotten better because a lot of people have helped me, and I worked a lot on it to f ind my own style. In the last couple of years, it started to all come together.
RCHN: What do you think about having the influx of the reining trainers doing reined cow horse?
RN: We all come from Bob Avila. He was one of the first, then came Todd Crawford. During this time, Todd Bergen worked for Bob Avila as his assistant. When you come from reining, you have the horseman mentality. You respect the horse and know how to show the horse to the best you can. A horseman will let the horse tell you what he wants to do. Does he want to be a straight reiner? Then keep him a reiner. Does he like the cows? Then let’s work the cows. Now, breeding has refined the difference between the two sports. A cow horse will be alright in the reining, but it would be way out there to think that you could win the NRHA Futurity with a cow horse-bred horse because there’s
so much finesse on the reining breeding, which makes it harder to beat them.
RCHN: If you could ride any horse, dead or alive, who would it be?
RN: Junie Wood. She was an extremely athletic cutting mare trained by my good buddy John Mitchell. She’s an NCHA Hall of Fame mare and Open Horse of the Year. I can see myself on that horse. She was fast and had a big stop. She can do things a lot of horses wouldn’t be able to do. She was one of the best mares. She was outstanding.
RCHN: What gets you up to go to the barn in the morning?
RN: The drive for me every morning is to chase a win, for sure. I like the beauty of training a horse. I enjoy training a horse. I like to see the reward of a horse at the end of the day, just getting better day by day. I’m a planner—I know what I’m doing when I wake up in the morning because I already know my week. I know I can’t control it, but I set a weekly goal for my horses because I want them to reach their potential. I know I can’t accomplish that goal every week, but I know I’m getting that horse in that direction. And when I’m getting that horse in that direction, I say I’m doing something right. Then that rewards me to come back the next day, and I can’t wait to see if what I did the day before was the right thing. The horse will tell you.
It takes a lot of years of feel to become a horseman and learn the mechanics of the horse. You have to have the finesse to get the reward from the horse. That will make you win because you try to bring the horse to the level he needs to be to be a great competitor.
RCHN: When driving to the next show, what’s something to keep yourself awake?
RN: I like to drive at night, with less traffic, to arrive at the show with at least half a day left to work. I listen to a lot of podcasts, like those by Chris Dawson, Russell Dilday and Andrea Fappani. I like to listen to music and snack. I do a lot of cheese and crackers—typical Italian. I pack snacks so I don’t need to stop.
Q
ARCHN: What advice would you give someone looking to get into NRCHA?
RN: Don’t give up. Keep going—you’ve got this! Stay focused and keep putting in the effort. It’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere; success doesn’t come overnight, and it takes time to build the experience and skills needed to be consistently good across three events. The key is to keep after it, even when progress feels slow—growth takes time, but trust the process. Building a strong work ethic will help you progress as it’s not just about doing the tasks at hand; it’s about showing up every day, being responsible and giving your best, even when no one is watching. Understand that it can be tough initially, but many of us have been there and made it through by sticking with it. If you work hard and with the right people, you’ll be treated well in return, as they appreciate your efforts and will support you as long as you stay engaged. Show that you’re committed to the team and loyal to the work—it’s something I truly value.
Kenli Worley made a name for herself in cutting, and now she’s taking on reined cow horse all on her own.
BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KENLI WORLEY
Growing up a cowgirl on her family ranch in Oklahoma, horses are at the core of Kenli Worley’s world. Her father, Tommy Marvin, trains cutting horses professionally, and Worley breeds and raises cutters and has experienced success in the cutting pen. But she found herself with an itch to get into reined cow horse. She dove in headfirst in 2022 with her family’s stallion, CP Jesse Cat (High Brow Cat x Jessies Starlight MS x Grays Starlight), shown by her father, mother and herself to more than $150,000 in National Cutting Horse Association Lifetime Earnings, and hasn’t looked back.
GETTING STARTED
In 2019, Worley developed a severe case of covid. She was hospitalized, and the dire circumstances forced her to look at her life.
“The doctors sent me home from the hospital to say my goodbyes because they needed my room for someone who stood a chance at recovering,” she shared. “But God wasn’t done with me yet. When He gifted me this second shot at life, I decided to go ahead and live it. The cow horses were my dream. I spent a lot of time being too scared to do it and worried I’d look silly. Now I wish I hadn’t wasted all that time!”
Worley pulled her then-17-year-old stud out of retirement to learn about cow horse, taking a chance at fulfilling her lifelong dream.
“We learned the reining maneuvers together,” she said with a laugh. “Neither of us had ever done it. We entered our first cow horse show in 2022, showing in the Bridle class at the Hackamore Classic.”
That led to purchasing two prospects and her f irst NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. Worley entered her first limited-age event in 2023, unaware that, unlike the NCHA Futurity, these 3-year-olds may be shown before the marquee event.
“I showed up with two horses that had never been shown, and I’d only shown in the cow horse a handful of times ever in my life,” she recalled. “I saw that other horses already had earnings and were so much more trained than mine. I did OK, and my horses were nice enough that I sold them both.”
That first aged event set the stage for Worley to experience the success she’d worked for in 2024.
A COLT WITH A STORY
Worley’s family friends had bred one of their mares to CP Jesse Cat, and the resulting black colt, born on Worley’s family ranch, soon came down with a mystery illness that left him in grave condition. They found Banditos Gun (CP Jesse Cat x FLS Playin On Time x Playgun) lying in his stall, unresponsive.
“My dad and brother picked him up and hauled him to the trailer,” she said. “The vet didn’t have a very good prognosis once he examined ‘Gonzo,’ but they called a few hours later and said he was up and nursing. He’d go down and then get back up; he’d be OK, and then he wasn’t. It was such a nightmare. He racked up a huge vet bill, but nothing was proven wrong, and there wasn’t anything to fix. Once he got better, the breeders took him home.”
At the end of Gonzo’s yearling year, he proved too big and slow for what the owners wanted. Worley knew she had to have him.
“I’m sure people had to be asking, ‘What on earth is happening?’ when I said I wanted him,” she said. “My family thought he should just be a trail horse. He didn’t
CP Jesse Cat helped Kenli Worley find her feet in reined cow horse and set her on a pathway to successfully training and showing her own mounts.
come across as super talented. But I had to have him, so I bought and trained him myself.”
Worley’s choice proved a solid one. She built on her experience from training her snaffle-bit horses in 2023 and parlayed it into a few big wins in 2024. The pair won the Level 1 and regular Boxing classes at the prefuturity, setting them up for success at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, where they won the Level 1 Boxing and made the Non Pro Boxing finals, placing fifth. She credits the support of her parents, Tommy and Susan Marvin, and her husband, Ty Worley, as major contributors to her success.
INSPIRING OTHERS
When Worley set out on her cow horse journey, she knew it wouldn’t be easy—even with her extensive experience in cutting. She’d always wanted to do it after watching events such as the World’s Greatest Horseman® and the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. She hopes her willingness to take a risk inspires others to chase their dreams, too.
“I always thought it was so cool,” she recalled. “It’s something I always wanted to do but never seemed possible. I had no one to help me learn it, so I just started watching. When I took ‘Jesse’ to the Hackamore Classic and showed in the Bridle class, I experienced it for the first time in real life and became fascinated. I knew I could do it! Even what seems impossible is possible with enough try.”
Worley credits the cow horse community’s friendly environment and welcoming spirit for her positive experiences that kept her going early in her NRCHA career and said it helps her be more welcoming to newcomers in the cutting, too.
“I found it very easy to make friends at the cow horse shows,” she said. “Being raised in cutting, I never had to show up and not know where the show office is or not know any people. I took it all for granted. When I got into cow horse, we might be showing at the same facilities I’ve been in, but it’s set up completely differently! The practice pens are completely different. I’m newly married, so I have a new last name that might not be familiar to everyone, so they don’t just know me from cutting. But everyone is so genuinely friendly. They ask about your run, and they mean it. The show secretaries are so nice and helpful. I had to learn all new equipment rules, so I’d take my bridle in when I’d get my back number to ask if it was legal!”
On top of learning new rules, Worley faced the daunting task of learning new training and showing techniques. She even had to change how she rides in the cutting to adapt to the herd work, which could make someone second-guess giving it a try. But she stuck to it.
“One of the first times I showed in the herd work, I marked like a 210,” she shared. “Chris Dawson asked, ‘Aren’t you supposed to be good at this?’ He told me to get up there and make that cow move. Cutting is so different! Your herd help brings you your cow, but in this, the judges want to see you keep stepping up until you have your cow separated and make that cow move. I had to learn to be more aggressive.”
On top of advice from those experienced in the cow horse industry, Worley said attending a judging seminar immensely helped broaden her understanding of the sport, and she recommends it to anyone new to NRCHA events.
“My advice to other non pros is just to do it,” she said. “The part of your brain that controls if you’re nervous or excited can be convinced one way or the other. Talk yourself into being excited! I was so anxious before my reined work at the
futurity that I didn’t know if I’d make it in the pen. My draw was after a really good competitor. I sat there thinking, ‘Maybe I can just go home now.’ But then I told myself I had prepared myself, I had prepared my horse, and that I believed in us. It worked!”
Worley looks forward to showing Gonzo at the Celebration of Champions and has two prospects aiming for the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® in the Boxing classes.
Above: Worley said she smiles all the time when she
Left: Worley noted how different cutting and herd work are, requiring her to adapt her lifelong experience training cutters when she started out in reined cow horse.
rides Banditos Gun (“Gonzo”).
ADMIRABLE ASSISTANT: JESSE SPENCE
From the first time he swung a leg over a horse, this up-and-coming reined cow horse trainer has aimed for the stars with a million-dollar work ethic and a plan.
STORY BY JADE CURRID
Growing up in Northwest Oregon in the rural, picturesque town of Yamhill as the son of highly regarded NRCHA professional Jim Spence and his wife, Becky, Jesse Spence was immersed in the cow horse world from the start.
“Yamhill, Oregon, is a cool place to grow up and get involved in reined cow horse, because for a long time it was a huge part of the cow horse industry for such a small town, especially being where Bob Avila trained for a long time and where a lot of big trainers worked for Avila,” Spence shared.
Spence set his sights on becoming a reined cow horse trainer from Day One. Under the expertise of his father, Spence developed an action plan to materialize his dream, including the goal to work for NRCHA Million Dollar rider Todd Bergen, which he eventually reached.
“I always planned on going to work for Todd Bergen, and I always planned on being a horse trainer,” Spence revealed. “That’s where my dad told me I needed to go. So, I eventually worked for Todd for four years and started showing in the Open.”
In 2014, Spence won the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHyA) Working Cow Horse World Championship on TC Lena (Lenas Wright On x Sugari Colonel x Just Plain Colonel).
“My youth horse that I won the AQHyA Working Cow Horse World Championship on, TC Lena, was a really special horse to me, owned by one of my dad’s clients who was more of a family friend than anything,” Spence shared. “They had kind of retired the horse, and I didn’t have anything to show as a youth, and they were kind enough to offer him to me and let me show him for a couple of years, which was really cool.”
Spence earned another monumental achievement in 2017 when he piloted his first limited-age event horse, A Stylish Spark (Stylish Rey Gay x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark), to win the NRCHA Hackamore Classic Amateur Championship. The dynamic horse-and-rider pair also claimed the NRCHA Open Derby Amateur Reserve Championship that same year.
“A Stylish Spark was really good for me,” he said. “NRCHA Hall of Fame member Don Murphy partnered on him with me and gave me him to ride and show. He basically let me have him until I sold him, and then I paid him for after that.”
Jesse Spence and CD Metallic (Stevie Rey Vox x High CD Rates x High Brow CD), owned by Allison Trimble, execute a sliding stop while competing in the 2024 NRCHA Western Derby.
In 2019, Spence earned both the Intermediate and Novice Non Pro Championship titles at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes aboard Hes Got The Luck (Smart Luck x Peppys Little Orphan x A Little Shady Jac). Spence also piloted the savvy stallion to win the Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro National Stock Horse Association (NSHA) Derby that year.
Spence’s family acquired the stallion as a 3-year-old year after Bergen had started him. Spence’s dad often worked with the stallion leading up to the colossal wins.
This year has marked the beginning of Spence’s tenure as an assistant trainer for Two Million Dollar Rider and NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champion Justin Wright.
“Justin is super supportive in the showing aspect, and he’s somebody who loves to win and wants to figure out how to do that to the best of his ability and help you win,” Spence related.
In less than a year of working for Wright, Spence received an opportunity to show an Open horse for one of Wright’s customers and made his first straight Open finals on CD Metallic (Stevie Rey Von x High CD Rates x High Brow CD), owned by Allison Trimble.
At the 2024 NRCHA Stallion Stakes, Spence piloted CD Metallic to win the Limited Open Championship, Intermediate Open Reserve Championship and place fourth in the Open.
The demanding nature of reined cow horse events, which requires various advanced horsemanship skills and the exhilaration of a well-executed run, appeals the most to Spence.
“The excitement and the challenge of doing three events is really fun, versus some of the other ones where you’re just so focused on one event,” Spence said. “You always get to do something different. And, the excitement of the fence work is one of the biggest draws for people who compete in reined cow horse events.”
As one who understands that the discipline requires immense dedication and grit, Spence imparted sage advice for aspiring reined cow horse trainers.
“Be ready to work,” Spence said. “There will be a lot of hours no matter how many horses you have. There will always be a lot of hours and tough hours at shows and home.”
According to Spence, consistency in cueing and correcting a horse is also key to a trainer’s success.
“I think consistency is one of the most important things,” Spence revealed. “I think Todd really instilled in me always to be consistent and ask the same way and then make the same corrections because that’s how the horses learn.”
Achieving success in the reined cow horse industry from an early age requires a team effort, and Spence readily demonstrates gratitude for those who have saddled up with him along his horsemanship journey.
“My parents got me involved early and always helped me find something to show,” Spence said. “Don Murphy and Todd Bergen have helped me since I was very young, and now Justin Wright has been really good about getting me horses to show and helping me go to the next level.”
Spence uses each day as an opportunity to advance his goals in the reined cow horse arena.
“My goals are to keep trying to get better in the show pen and compete at a higher level than I had been and to use my time as a non pro to figure out how to compete at the next level,” Spence shared.
Jesse Spence and crew are all smiles after he piloted CD Metallic (to win the 2024 NRCHA Limited Open Stallion Stakes. Pictured (from left to right) are Jesse’s father, Jim Spence; Jesse Spence aboard Metallic CD; owner Allison Trimble; and Jesse’s mother, Becky Spence.
Above: Jesse Spence turns a cow on CD Metallic while competing in the 2024 NRCHA Western Derby.
Left:
COURTESY
COWBOY CONNECTION
Competing in reined cow horse hones Orren Koontz’s horsemanship and stockmanship for ranch work.
BY JENNIFER DENISON | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ORREN KOONTZ
Ranching and cow horse competition require adaptability and quick resolve. Neither have a steady routine, and things can change quickly when working with horses and wily cattle. Orren Koontz, a lifelong working cowboy and horseman, has learned to adjust to whatever happens on the ranch or in the arena and to make the most of the situation.
Last February, at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Rancher’s Reunion, held during the NRCHA Kalpower Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas, Koontz and DT Hickorys Sedona (Hickory Holly Time x Savanah Cat x Cats Merada), owned by Durrett Cattle Co., claimed the Cowboy Class championship. Later in the year, the duo won the Limited Open Two Rein at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. In between, he came close to placing but missed the mark.
“The thing about cow horse is you can have really good parts to your runs and that keep you going, but to get all the parts to come together to win something is pretty tough,” he says.
Raised on a ranch 30 miles north of La Junta, Colorado, Koontz says horses and cattle are what he knows best. He and his sister grew up helping his father, Vondell Koontz, on the ranch he managed. His mother, Cody, worked alongside her family and was their biggest supporter, Koontz says.
“It was a grazing association, and we took care of about 1,500 mama cows and about 3,000 yearlings from May 1 until about November 15; then we’d ship everything off that ranch,” he explained. “In the winter, we’d help my dad do repairs and upkeep on the ranch, start colts, train horses and rope.”
After graduating from high school, Koontz married his wife of 16 years, Leah, and worked for horseman Mike Major on his ranch in Southern Colorado. A year
later, he returned to the ranch where he was raised to help his father, who’d been injured in a horse accident, and Koontz soon became the assistant manager. From there, he managed a yearling operation and trained horses.
Seven years ago, Durrett Cattle Co., based in Amarillo, Texas, hired him to oversee daily operations at the Paradise and Winecup divisions outside of Des Moines, New Mexico. He, Leah and their six children, ranging in age from 2 to 14, continue to reside there, and his older daughters often work with him.
His first exposure to the show pen was at Ranch Horse Association of America events, starting as a teenager. He qualified for the RHAA finals for the first time in 2008 and won the Cowboy Class that year and in 2021 on a Durrett-bred horse, Fano Rio (Huerfano River Blue x Chipolena Belle x Royal Chipolena), that he owned. In between, he focused on roping and training horses.
When he went to work for the Durretts, the ranch had a breeding program, and their stallion, Deeper Shade Of Blu, was in training with Kyle Trahern. Koontz spent a few days with his friend and fellow horseman Tripp Townsend at his ranch in Earth, Texas, while Townsend was preparing to show his first 3-yearold at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. It didn’t take long for Koontz to get hooked on cow horse.
In 2022, he showed Deeper Shade of Blu in the Hackamore Classic and competed in his first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® riding two Durrett horses in the Level 1 Open: Metallic Big Swing and DT Hickorys Sedona. In 2023 and 2024, he rode the stallion in the World’s Greatest Horseman®.
Koontz rides his show horses outside the arena as often as possible and works cattle in a controlled environment.
Q&A
COWBOY CONNECTION
The ranch is restructuring its breeding program, so Koontz doesn’t have any 2-yearolds in training at the moment; however, this year he hopes to enter Deeper Shade Of Blu in the World’s Greatest Horseman® and ride the stallion and DT Hickory Sedona in the limited open bridle. He also shows one of Deeper Shade of Blu’s sons, DT Fancy Like, and looks forward to getting on more of the stallion’s offspring.
“It’s because of the opportunity that Will and Romni Durrett have given me and the help and support of my wife that I’ve been able to even enter the show pen,” he said.
Reined Cow Horse News: Why is showcasing the connection between cow horse and its ranching roots important to you?
Orren Koontz: First, you can take a good cow horse and do anything. You can ranch on about any cow horse, but you can’t compete in cow horse on just any ranch horse. It’s neat how we train a cow horse for the maneuvers and all the parts of the competition, but it’s also important to remember why we need a horse to know how to do those things. It came from everyday ranch work. So, to have a horse that’s so well-rounded that you can do all three [phases] on it is super enjoyable to do your work on, as well as to compete on.
RCHN: How do you use your cow horses on the ranch?
OK: We don’t use them a whole lot because our country is so rough, and we don’t want to cripple one. I have a string of big, tough horses that can handle the rocks and brush. But we try to ride everything outside as much as possible to give them a break [from the arena], and we work cattle on them in a controlled setting, like when we’re branding calves in the spring or sorting in the pens and shipping in the fall.
RCHN: How do you think competing in cow horse has made you a better cowboy?
OK: It makes you more aware. For example, when working one out of the herd, you’re constantly aware of how you’re trying to shape your cut and the direction in which everything is going. Even though I’ve sorted cattle my whole life, it’s a different deal to try to shape that cut. And now that I’ve done it, whether it’s competing at a ranch rodeo or sorting out a dry cow, I’m a lot more direct on where I want that cow’s head.
And then you have to be able to read a cow and read your surroundings so well in a fence run because you always need to understand where the pull of the gate is, where your fences are at and be able to make your fence turns correct and accurate. Then you have to get that cow to the middle and circle in both directions.
You have to be aware of your surroundings, which is similar to working cattle in rough country. Anytime you go to rope or sort something, you have to be aware of where the rocks and trees are, and you want to keep that cow from getting the advantage over you where it can get away. In the reined work, so much goes into making a horse comfortable through a whole run and staying in frame between your reins in the bridle. A lot goes into training these horses, and when you ride one every day, it all blends together.
Top: Koontz and his wife, Leah, have six children they’re raising in ranching.
Above: Koontz and DT Hickorys Sedona won the Limited Open Two Rein at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat.
Horseman Innovator AND AN A
Remembering NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee and Million Dollar Rider
Bob Avila.
BY JENNIFER PAULSON
Bob Avila left his mark on many facets of the horse industry, from breed shows to premier Western performance events. All that considered, the reined cow horse industry might be where he left his biggest mark. His sudden death at the 2024 American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show left the cow horse family feeling a significant loss.
GROWING UP COWBOY
“When people asked Bob’s mom his favorite event as a kid, his mom would laugh and say, ‘The gate opening,’” recalled Avila’s wife, Dana. “He just wanted to ride and compete.”
That love of all things horses and competing with them meant Avila tossed his hat in the ring for just about every Western discipline, plus halter, but he always gravitated toward the Western working events. That remained true throughout his career as a professional horseman—successfully competing in just about everything, but truly loving reined cow horse, reining, cutting and roping.
Growing up in Northern California, Avila’s handiness and horsemanship led him to start his career working for the great Tony Amaral and Bob’s father, Don, and he admired trendsetters of the time, such as Don Dodge and Matlock Rose for their horsemanship and Don Burt for his judging knowledge.
THE ARENA STAR
Avila’s countless wins in the arena cemented him as one of the greatest horsemen ever. Dana commented that the top two wins of his career in his mind would be his two World’s Greatest Horseman® titles, followed
Bob Avila’s horsemanship made him successful in the arena. Sharing his knowledge and expertise helped him shape the entire horse industry.
“Our horses look and feel their best when they are on the Platinum program. We have tried many different feed regimens through the years, and nothing compares to how our horses perform on Platinum.”
LEE DEACON
This 2022 NRCHA Intermediate and Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion recognizes the power of nutrition. He’s been a Platinum client since 2019.
Results don’t happen overnight. It takes passion, dedication, hard work and the right nutrition to reach your goals. For nearly 30 years, Platinum Performance® has been improving the lives of horses by impacting health, from the inside, through advanced nutrition. No matter the level of achievement we seek, the love and care for our horses start from a place deep inside of us all.
THE POWER OF NUTRITION STARTS WITHIN.
nutrition supporting Lee’s team includes:
by his NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Championships. Add to that his AQHA World Championships in working cow horse, which were at the time some of the highest-paying bridle classes of the sport, and it’s clear his mark on reined cow horse stands the test of time.
Avila won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® three times: In 1988 on Smart Little Calboy (Smart Little Lena x Miss Cal Sen x Cal Bar), in 1999 on Smart Zanolena (Smart Chic Olena x Zanee Lynx x Docs Lynx) and in 2003 on Chics Magic Potion (Smart Chic Olena x Remedys Magic Potion x Remedys Reply). His World’s Greatest Horseman® titles came in 2000 on Paid By Chic (Smart Chic Olena x Oaklynn x Docs Oak) and in 2007 on Light N Fine (Grays Starlight x Lenas Fine Freckle x Doc Olena). He also won the NRCHA Stallion Stakes a record five times. For each of these major wins—and any other successful endeavors—Avila gave the credit to his horses, which he loved, all for different reasons.
“Chics Magic Potion [‘Magic’], bar none, was his favorite,” Dana said. “His heart was
so big, and he was so kind. That made him a special horse and endeared him to Bob. That horse never tried to outsmart Bob, and their bond—I’ve only seen it in two other horses, which we still have here: Brother White and Always Do [Dana’s AQHA ranch versatility horse]. Lite N Fine was another favorite, but he couldn’t have been more different than Magic. He was studdy and not as personable as Magic, but he was an athletic freak of nature. That part of him mirrored Bob so much. Bob knew how to get along with him.”
Becoming an NRCHA Million Dollar Rider also meant a lot to Avila because he did it in a time with purses that in no way measure up to those of today’s premier events. He put in the work, earning $100 at a time sometimes, and then made an effort to legitimize his earnings because earnings record-keeping wasn’t as accurate as it is now.
SHAPING THE SPORT AND ITS FUTURE STARS
While the trophies and accolades are an easy focus, Avila’s real legacy comes from how he
shaped the events he competed in and the young horsemen and horsewomen he influenced to become future greats.
“I read a book about the second half of our lives (after age 40),” said NRCHA Director of Judges Bill Enk. “It said you go from being in the limelight, making lots of money, etc., to being a teacher, mentor and role model. This can bring as much pleasure as the first half when you are more highly visible if you approach it in the right manner. Bob assumed this role by mentoring many young trainers, teaching them how to run a business and create a positive culture. He was a confidant and role model to many in our community. Bob was innovative and forward-thinking. He had a lot to do with improving the reined work at our NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.”
The trainers he guided crossed all disciplines. But in the cow horse, NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Todd Bergen comes directly from Avila’s influence, having worked for him as an assistant for many years. Other notables from Avila’s program include Ricky Nicolazzi (who speaks about
Avila’s influence in this issue’s “Know the Pro” department on page 38), Jim Spence, Trent Pederson and Avila’s son, B.J., are just a few on the list. The shared knowledge went well past reading cattle, changing leads or moving through the training phases. Avila taught them to run their businesses effectively, set themselves up for financial success, gain—and keep—valuable customers and provide excellent care for their stock.
“No matter what Bob did, he was an innovator,” recalled NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider and Avila protégé Todd Bergen. “He always thought outside the box, and I felt progressed the sports he competed in and the industry as a whole to new levels in all facets. On the competition side, he changed the style a little and brought a little more show horse to the reined work in the cow horse. On the business side, he was an example of putting yourself out there and doing clinics, magazine articles and more. Whatever it was, he was the leader and at the forefront. I don’t think anyone in the industry would argue with that.”
Avila shared countless pieces of advice with anyone who asked—he was always willing to help—but Bergen said the best advice Avila gave him that still sticks with him today was always to consider your training operation a business. This was much less common 20 years ago before those who worked for Avila went out on their own.
Avila shared his many talents with up-and-coming professionals and non pro riders alike. His contributions to magazine articles, clinics and his own Heroes & Friends events cement him as one of the great educators of the Western industry.
APRIL 10-13, 2025
COLUMBUS, OH, Ohio Expo Center
• An Unparalleled Educational Program for all disciplines spanning seven different venues.
• The Largest Horse-Related Trade Show in North America.
• The Fantasia — Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, and an Adoption Affaire — Enjoy meeting horses of all sizes, breeds, and colors!
• Cowtown in Cooper (sponsored by Western Life Today) — Learn all about cow and ranch events in this western lifestyle experience!
• The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition — A fast-paced timed and judged race through an obstacle course with $5,500 at stake!
North America’s Premier Equine Exposition & Equestrian Gathering
Featured Clinicians:
Ryan Rose
Julie Goodnight Tik Maynard
Cole Cameron
Luke Reinbold
Barbra Schulte (Cutting & Sports Psychology)
Luke Gingerich (Liberty & Bridleless Horsemanship)
Marcie Quist (Driving)
Sandi Simons (General Training & Cowgirl Dressage)
Jennifer Truett (Dressage)
• The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge — A fun activity for equestrians to exercise their barnyard skills and win prizes, no horses needed!
• NEW! Donkey Extravaganza — Learn all about donkeys through clinics, demos, educational exhibits, and more!
“He always focused on customer service and the business side of things,” Bergen shared. “It’s so easy to get caught up in winning and chasing a check—and that is a big part of what we do—but we also have to think about where our money goes, how we manage it, how we invest in our future. He let me in on a lot of that stuff, and it set me up better when I went out on my own and today in my business.” For all you need to know, consult equineaffaire.com or call (740) 845-0085.
• NEW! Breed Bonanza (sponsored by Sentinel by Kent and Blue Seal) A unique under saddle class showcasing the best features of horses from all breeds!
• Youth Activities, a College & Career Fair, a Consignment Shop, and much more!
Traci Brooks (Hunter/Jumper)
Ty Evans (Mules)
Wendy Murdoch (Biomechanics & The Murdoch Method)
Kellie & Sam Rettinger (Draft Driving)
Mary Miller-Jordan (Mustangs)
Canadian Cowgirls (Drill Teams) And many more to be announced!
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH
The yearlong journey to an NRCHA National Championship reveals competitors’ true mettle. The following horse-and-rider pairs rose to the challenge.
The road to winning an NRCHA National Championship is long, winding and paved with obstacles while hauling many miles to shows. Contenders for the coveted achievement must adopt a strategic mindset when it comes to lining up shows and how they ride in an event on any given day in ways that enhance their chances of winning. A horse that’s solid to the core and a gritty rider focused on making consistent runs are the most likely candidates for the honor. The following 16 NRCHA National Champions demonstrated prowess in their respective divisions.
BY JADE CURRID PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE AWARD RECIPIENTS
OPEN BRIDLE
Move That Rock & Ashley Deacon, owned by Debbie and Lyle Proctor
Winning a national championship title wasn’t initially on Ashley Deacon’s radar for herself and Move That Rock (That CD Rocks x Smokums Dual Move x Mister Dual Pep), also known as “Riley.” However, the strong partnership and prowess of the standout horse-and-rider pair propelled them to win the Open Bridle Championship with 276 points. Owners Debbie and Lyle Proctor approached Deacon a couple of years ago to oversee Move that Rock’s training.
“I’ve known them for a long time, and those guys have always believed in me,” Deacon said. “They’ve always been great people to be around, and so when we got them as customers in our barn two years ago, it was special to me.”
The initial plan entailed Deacon assisting Debbie in showing Move That Rock in the Non Pro division. Deacon said Debbie kindly insisted she and Move That Rock pair up in the show pen.
“She’d been telling me the whole time that she thought Riley and I were going to be a match,” Deacon said. “Toward the end of the 2023 show season, Debbie allowed me to go show that horse like I wasn’t preparing him for her or schooling him for her and show him for myself and him.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Ashley Deacon: Probably the fence run on Move That Rock (That CD Rocks x Smokums Dual Move x Mister Dual Pep) at [the Hackamore Classic] in Tulsa [, Oklahoma]. We were at The Run For A Million qualifier, and I think we finished sixth or something, but his fence run was just outstanding. It’s hard to pick just one because I’ve had a lot of good fence runs on that horse this year.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
AD: Earlier this year, I struggled with my fence work—I had a huge mental block at the Western Derby in Scottsdale [, Arizona]. I didn’t get any of my horses down the fence, which took a lot of confidence out of me. Then I came home from that show and had a pretty good heart-to-heart [conversation] with Debbie Proctor, the owner of Move That Rock and she said some powerful things to me. She trusted me with that horse even though I had a mental block. I have several customers who were the same way. They believe in me, even when I’m not at my best, but Debbie really said some powerful stuff and then allowed me to have complete control of “Riley” and show him and go and enjoy him and allowed me to get that confidence back. That horse and that customer got me over a serious mental block down the fence.
RCHN: What is your horse’s most special physical talent?
AD: Oh, everything. He’s that horse. He can’t put himself in a bad spot on a cow down the fence. There isn’t a spot that the horse can’t get out of because he’s so smart with how to use his body and reads a cow so well. No turn is too fast, too tight or too hard for that horse. There’s never a question in my mind if that horse can get out of a jam. I can just put him there, and he will clean up whatever mess I might put him in.
LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE
Backseat Dryver & Pete Hunt, owned by Pete Hunt
Pete Hunt and Backseat Dryver (Hydrive Cat x ARC Little Rubylena x Smart Little Lena) topped an outstanding season with the crowning achievement of winning the 2024 Limited Open Bridle National Championship with 174 points.
“It was a good year for Backseat Dryver and me to campaign for the year-end-award,” Hunt said. “It was an enjoyable experience and nice to have a goal to work toward.”
Hunt also attributes his success to everyone who supported the horse-and-rider pair.
“I want to thank all those who helped me,” Hunt said. “Bozo Rogers told me to look up. Shawn Hays told me to slow down. Aaron Brookshire told me to watch my cow. I’m also thankful to Nelle Murphy for leading my cheering squad at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Pete Hunt: Winning the Limited Open Bridle title was so exciting. It was like a successful rain dance. Timing is everything.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
PH: I’m 73 years old, and riding requires more effort now than it used to.
LaDona D. Emmons & Scrub Oak, owned by LaDona D. Emmons
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
LaDona D. Emmons: For my horse and me, I don’t know that I can say one show. I just enjoyed showing him all year. He’s fun to show; there are no tricks, and he’s always there for me.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
LE: Putting my hand down and letting my horse do his job. I still struggle with that sometimes. I think that’s one everyone does, for sure.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
LE: I think he is good on the cow if I let him do his job.
LaDona Emmons embarked on the 2024 season with a goal for her and Scrub Oak (Olena Oak x Two Kitties x Smooth As A Cat) to consistently improve each ride and enjoy the process. Such focus drove the horse-and-rider pair to win the Non Pro Bridle Championship with 248 points. It wasn’t until the season progressed that Emmons realized they were contenders for a national championship.
“I never looked at the standings until probably late August,” Emmons said. “So, I have been showing him and trying to be better than I was the time before that I showed.”
Her husband, 2013 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion and Hall of Fame member Ron Emmons, showned Scrub Oak in the two rein during the 2023 season.
“Scrub Oak is kind,” Emmons said. “My husband and I made sure that he rode him as a 6-year-old in the two rein, because I know that my horses are always better if Ron has a good year on them in the two rein or in the bridle to season him for me.”
After showing him in the Non Pro Bridle division at the 2023 Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity, Emmons committed to showing him during the 2024 season. The couple bought Scrub Oak sight unseen when he was a gangly colt.
“He’s always been a tick homely,” Emmons said. “But I’ve always believed in him and thought he’d be fine. We didn’t show him much as a 3-year-old. I think I showed him a little bit as a derby horse. Ron ropes and brands on him, and he’s just a good horse and a nice gelding.”
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE
Paris M. Starn & Santanas Rey Gun, owned by Paris M. Starn
Paris Starn was determined to make her last year of eligibility showing in the Intermediate Non Pro division count, and she achieved that goal and more on her powerful 2018 gray gelding, Santanas Rey Gun (Hired Gun x Chickita Rey Santana x Short of Santana). The duo seized the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Championship with 264 points.
“I’m 26 years old,” Starn said. “I’m proud to be able to hang with some people who’ve been doing this for a lot longer. I’m very proud of our program and the horses that we show.”
The pair also won the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle and the Non Pro Two Rein at the 2024 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Western Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona. The horse-and-rider pair have progressed from the day Starn first laid eyes on the 2-year-old broncy colt she bought for $6,500 on Facebook. Starn saw potential even as she watched him buck nonstop in the pasture that first day.
“I knew he had a lot of physical talent,” Starn said. “I chipped away at it until he was the first horse I rode every morning, and then I’d unsaddle him, and I’d ride him again most afternoons. By the end of the summer of his 3-year-old year, I had a very nice snaffle-bit horse, and we took him to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. He made all three divisions’ finals that year and was in the top 10 of all three.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Paris Starn: We had a good time at the Western Derby. This is a 6-year-old two rein horse, but he did well in the bridle class this year. We’re just ecstatic. With the Derby being a hometown (show)— we live in Litchfield Park, Arizona—that was fun.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
PS: I think it’s a long year. We ask our horses to go so hard in many different places, and being consistent to get a national title isn’t easy. I’ve been second several times, so this is my first time winning a national title. So, that’s nice because I’ve chased it to the end, and it hasn’t worked. Asking a horse to be consistent can be challenging, and this gelding was so consistent for me all year. Not many horses can be so consistent all year round and win two premier events.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
PS: My horse is a wonderful fence horse. He’s one of the fastest horses. Usually, you don’t really [associate cow horse events with being a] fast thing, but that horse is so fast, and he can make any bad cow a great cow. The stronger the cow, the better he gets shown, so I’d say his physical talent is that he’s just so fast and so good down the fence. That’s what has made him so successful this year: he’s consistently a big fence horse.
LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE
Kelly R. Mingus & Hesa Bit Bossy, owned by Kelly R. Mingus
Kelley Mingus entered the 2024 show season with a goal of staying focused and ensuring that he and Hesa Bit Bossy (CD Lights x Shiney Bit O Ivory x Shining Spark) performed consistently. Such diligent preparation led Mingus and Hesa Bit Bossy to claim the 2024 Level 1 Non Pro Bridle National Championship with 202 points. Mingus bought the 2015 gelding from a friend three years prior when he first began showing in reined cow horse and was searching for a savvy bridle horse to help him gain experience and learn. Mingus said something clicked for the horse-and-rider pair during this third year of showing together.
Mingus credits the caliber of Hesa Bit Bossy and the trainers who started him and developed him along the way for their monumental win.
“I feel like winning is all about your horse,” Mingus said. “And if you have great horses and can win, it’s not a reflection of me but more of a reflection of that horse and how he was trained. He (Hesa Bit Bossy) was started by Chris Dawson, who had him for a couple of years, and then Shane Steffen, who had him for a few years. Those guys created that foundation on that horse. Now he’s just an awesome horse.”
Mingus said while he plans to keep showing Hesa Bit Bossy, his son will start showing him this coming year.
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Kelley Mingus: I didn’t win anything during the year. I didn’t take first anywhere, so I didn’t have this great memorable moment. We were focused on trying to be consistent, and we were super consistent.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
KM: I wasn’t with a trainer; [I was on my own] on how to prepare my horse to keep him ready to be shown all the time.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
KM: His brain. He’s super level and consistent and takes care of me most of the time.
Shes Reys Cat & CJ Shopbell, owned by Michelle Shopbell
CJShopbell entered the 2024 season with a laser-like focus on making the finals on Shes Reys Cat (WR This Cats Smart x Shes Playin Rey x TR Dual Rey) every time they showed. Determination and grit propelled the pair to claim the Open Hackamore Championship with 257 points. He said breeder Gregg Lafitte brought Shes Reys Cat to the Shopbells as a yearling to start.
“We fell in love with her,” Shopbell said. “She looked just like her mother. My wife had to have her. We ended up buying her as a yearling.”
The Shopbell family also cherished the 2018 mare’s dam, Shes Playin Rey.
“I rode her mother, and we trained her mother from a 2-year-old all the way through being a bridle horse. I won a world title on her and a non pro won a world title on her. My daughter won on her, too. She was just such a special horse to us.”
Shopbell expressed gratitude for the support that surrounds him.
“My greatest supporter is my wife,” he said. “She’s by far my greatest supporter. She’ll tell me when it looks great and when it doesn’t. She’s always got my back on it. Other great mentors helped me throughout this deal—Don Murphy has been a big one.”
Shopbell said he wants to show Shes Reys Cat in the Hackamore and that making a bid for The Run For A Million is at the top of his list.
“I think she’s enough horse for us to do it, and I think that would be neat,” Shopbell said.
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
CJ Shopbell: We went to so many shows. It seemed that we were gone every other weekend, whether it was a local show schooling to go to a major one or we were at a major [show].
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
CS: It was just an uphill battle. She was always in the money, and the biggest thing for us was to keep her getting a paycheck everywhere. I guess it would be just the struggles of showing horses; it’s just how the cookie crumbled.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
CS: That mare is a phenomenal stopper. She’s been a phenomenal fence horse. No matter how hard I run her or how hard of a cow we get, that mare always has my back. That’s probably her best quality. It doesn’t seem like she ever quits me.
LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE
Hard No & Clint Johnson, owned by Clint & Jordan Johnson
Clint Johnson entered the 2024 season with the primary goal of qualifying for the NRCHA World Show in the Limited Open Hackamore on Hard No (High Brow CD x Ginger Pepto x Peptoboonsmal). Although winning a national title wasn’t an initial consideration, the pair claimed the 2024 Limited Open Hackamore National Championship with 153.5 points. He and his wife, Jordan, bought the 2019 gelding at the Solo Select Sale during his 3-year-old year.
“We changed his name to Hard No because she [Jordan] was out on it in the beginning,” Johnson said. “I started riding him, and he started coming along. I thought he was the best horse I’d ridden at the time—especially one I had a shot to show. Midway through that year, I went to work for Boyd Rice and changed my program a lot. I started doing a lot of things differently.”
Johnson said they could not progress much with Hard No during his 4-year-old year, but he kept showing and trying to win on him.
“My wife started showing him in the boxing as well, and he’s been a good horse for both of us,” Johnson said. “I can ask him for as much as I want, and he will give it to me. Then she can get on him right afterward, and he’ll go and be as well-behaved and perfect as he can be for her.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Clint Johnson: Probably the Hackamore Classic. We won the Level 1 Derby and the Hackamore class. It was the first show I could get that horse shown most closely to his potential.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
CJ: Getting him really [solid] in the hackamore. I mostly showed him in the hackamore to qualify him for the World Show. At the beginning of the year, I didn’t rush it. I let him come along a bit and get more solid. It took a little time, but once he started figuring it out, it started coming on as the year progressed.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
CJ: He can be a big hard-stopper. During his 3-year-old year at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, I made some plus-one stops on him. And I’ve made some plus-one stops somewhat regularly on him. He goes to the ground hard and has that cool, hard stop that makes him stand out.
Bee Silva
NON PRO HACKAMORE
Gianna
S. Hansen & Calling Dibs, owned by
Gianna Hansen
Gianna Hansen and Calling Dibs (Call Me Mitch x Shine Di Light x Boonlight Dancer) displayed tremendous effort, grit and passion throughout the show season amidst trials and tribulations. The pair triumphed and emerged as 2024 National Non Pro Hackamore Champions with 145 points.
“It’s pretty special,” Hansen said. “This is my first national title ever, and I’ve been doing cow horse for over 15 years. It’s not an easy task to accomplish. It means everything to do it on a home-raised horse, especially one that no one wanted because I tried to sell him for years, and everyone passed on him.”
Since the beginning, Hansen recognized Calling Dibs’ ability and standout qualities despite his small stature and status as a late bloomer.
“He doesn't know he’s small,” Hansen said. “He’s always in position. He always tries so hard, and he has the biggest heart. It’s a privilege to have him and enjoy him.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Gianna Hansen: It’s a tie. I won the prelims and had my highest lifetime fence (score) showing at Tulsa in the Hackamore Classic. They ran the horse show concurrent with the derby since we were all in the Hackamore class. I was 221.5 down the fence to win the prelims and help us win the Non Pro Hackamore there. I think that was his highest-paying show and my highest score. After the Western Derby in June, I had multiple ankle surgeries. I was in a walking boot the entire month between the Western Derby and the Hackamore Classic. I had turned him out with my yearlings and just hopped on and went and showed. For him to perform at that level for me when I wasn’t 100% and he wasn’t prepared shows what a special horse he is.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
GH: This horse is so good. The biggest challenge has been to trust myself because, as soon as I trusted myself and trusted him, we started winning everywhere. He won three majors. The only show we didn’t go to was the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. He won every other one. He’s the only horse I had. Usually, I show multiple horses, so it put a lot of pressure on him and me to just say, ‘I’ve only got one.’ He hit the bullseye every time for me. It’s been a very special year, especially because I bred and raised him.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
GH: Going down the fence and his ability to read a cow. That’s where I had to learn to trust him.
Abilene Spectacular 5/6 Open CHAMPION
Cattlemen’s Derby Open CHAMPION
The Non Pro Derby Open CO-CHAMPION
Breeders Invitational Open Finalist
NCHA Super Stakes Open - 5th Overall
NCHA Futurity Open Finalist
OPEN TWO REIN
Jordan W. Williams & Jaymes Bond, owned by Bonds Ranch
Jordan Williams entered the 2024 show season thankful and thrilled for the opportunity to compete on Jaymes Bond (Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey) in the Open Two Rein division. The pair exceeded expectations and claimed the Open Two Rein National Championship with 243 points.
“It is a new venture,” Williams said. “It is something I’d never done. That was exciting for me, and it was challenging at times. He’s a good show horse.”
Among their many achievements, Williams and Jaymes Bond won the Open and Intermediate Open Two Rein divisions at the 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, won the 2024 South Reined Cow Horse Association (SRCHA) Wild Rag Classic Open Two Rein Spectacular and won the Open Two Rein for HS1 at the 2024 South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association (STRCHA) Futurity.
Jaymes Bond incurred a suspensory injury early during his 4-year-old year, which cost him most of the show season. After he recovered, Williams began showing him again during his 5-year-old year. Despite having less time to prepare, the duo made the finals at all the major events in the Open Derby.
“The first time we stepped him in the pen as a 5-year-old, he felt like an aged horse,” Williams said. “He’s a show horse. He loves to be in the show pen. That’s his thing.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Jordan Williams: Winning the Open Two Rein at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
JW: I’ve never had a horse long enough to go through the whole process [and get a horse into the bridle], so it’s been learn-as-we-go, but he’s a nice horse so that part has been easy. It’s more me learning than him.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
JW: He loves working a cow and can run and stop. He is a huge stopper.
NON PRO TWO REIN
Meryl Reber & Full Send, owned by Meryl Reber
Winning a national title wasn’t at the forefront of Meryl Reber’s mind upon entering the 2024 show season. Reber and Full Send (Metallic Cat X Kittys Ruby x Dual Rey) overcame a major setback and won the Non Pro Two Rein Championship with 151 points.
“It’s a big deal for me,” Reber said. “I didn’t go into the year even trying for something like this. About July, I looked at the standings and thought, ‘Whoa, we're right up there.’ And then, with him being off for 45 days, I thought, ‘Well, that’s the end of that.’ But we were able to come back and show a couple more times and ended up winning it, which was a surprise and a very big deal for me.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Meryl Reber: I entered the Two Rein Spectacular in Idaho in May, and we had the high herd score and won the Spectacular and horse show class.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
MR: I had to bring him home from the trainer in June because he was diagnosed with severe ulcers. He was out for 45 days, so I missed the middle of the show season with him. Getting those healed and him healthy again was the biggest challenge of the year.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
MR: He has a lot of them. He’s very cow smart. He’s like driving a sports car. He’s very quick, cat-like and athletic. Sometimes, I need just to hang on.
YOUTH COW HORSE
Brent Shopbell & Shiney N Sporty, owned by Ann Matthews
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Brent Shopbell: The fence challenge at the beginning of the year when I was in Fort Worth, Texas, at the [Forth Worth Stock Show & Rodeo].
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
BS: The reining; he was a little sticky.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
BS: The fence work; she’s big down the fence.
Brent Shopbell entered the 2024 show season with the mindset of ensuring that he and Shiney N Sporty (Shining Spark x Starlight O Lena x Paddys Irish Whiskey) were consistent in their runs. The pair claimed the Youth Cow Horse National Championship with 159 points. Shopbell credits his parents, CJ and Michelle, and the horse’s owner, Ann Matthews, as his greatest supporters.
“My dad is always out there every day giving me lessons,” Shopbell said. “And Shiney N Sporty's owner, Ann Matthews, lets me show ‘Sporty’ and is a big supporter of mine.”
Shopbell’s horsemanship journey with Sporty has been a special one.
“This is my last year on Sporty,” Shopbell said. “I will show one of her babies next year as a futurity horse.”
NON PRO BOXING
Elizabeth Poor & Mik Jagger, owned by Paul George Poor
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Elizabeth Poor: In June at the Western Derby, Doug Williamson watched me ride and show “Mik.” Doug has been such a huge part of my riding career. He was my first reined cow horse trainer for 16 years. For him to show up, cheer me on and give me his thumbs-up as I walked out that back gate still brings me to tears. I’ll never forget seeing him leaning over the concrete wall and saying, ‘Great job’ to me that day.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
EP: One would be getting through my nerves and having fun without letting my nerves win. Second would be my herd work and boxing—to read the cattle better and get into the right position for Mik to be set up and do what he does best. I’ve gotten to where I put Mik in the right position. When that cow comes out, he works his magic. He’s so talented in the herd work and the boxing. He gets down so low; it is the best thing to me.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
EP: Mik has many physical talents, but that’s me being biased. I’d say his herd and cow work are the best. He’s talented all the way around; he can slide for miles and spin on a dime.
Elizabeth Poor embarked on the 2024 show season with a focused and positive mentality of improving as a rider, strengthening her partnership with Mik Jagger (Metallic Cat x Reeds Instant Magic x Abrakadabracre) and enjoying the process.
“My goals for 2024 were honestly get to know him better and for us to go show and have fun,” Poor said. “But the biggest thing would be for me to become a better rider, and ‘Mik’ has truly made me the rider I am today. He’s taught me so much.”
The pair's diligence and dedication showed during their runs, and they emerged as Non Pro Boxing National Champions with 343 points.
“Mik is a pretty special horse,” Poor said. “He’s what they call the once-ina-lifetime horse or the priceless horse. Mik is so kind, goofy and patient. He’s taught me to have fun and laugh at our mistakes. He is almost human, and I can’t thank him enough for being the perfect horse. I’m so grateful I get to share this win with him.”
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INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING
Emma Dilts & Shiny Lil Catillac, owned by Lee Ann McDaniel
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Emma Dilts: Probably the Stallion Stakes when I won with “Elvis.” Lee Deacon told me just to put everything out there and not get in your head or anything like that, and we did, and it worked out for us.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
ED: Elvis can be a tough horse to figure out how to show, so finally figuring out all his buttons and everything was cool.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
ED: He’s a good stopper.
Emma Dilts embarked on the 2024 season ready to give her all with Shiny Lil Catillac (WR This Cats Smart x Sashas Lil Angel x Shining Spark). And Shiny Lil Catillac would give it their all. However, winning a National Championship wasn’t initially in her sights. The pair exceeded expectations and won the Intermediate Non Pro Boxing National Championship with 236 points.
“I had no words,” Dilts said. “I didn’t even expect it. We went out there and did our best, and we won. I wasn’t trying for that, but here we are. It was a good boost for me and ‘Elvis.’ We’re good enough to do this.”
Dilts began riding and showing Elvis a few years before at her mom’s encouragement.
“He is my mom’s horse,” Dilts said. “So, I just started riding him three years ago. He was supposed to be my brother’s horse to show in NRCHA, but he went off to school and Elvis was just in the pasture. So, we started, and here we are. He’s super-fast. He loves the cows.”
Dilts said that she considers Lee and Ashley Deacon, whom she has been riding with for the past couple of years, and their crew as her greatest supporters.
YOUTH BOXING
Grace Callahan & SCR King Of The Road, Owned by Mickey Callahan
Starting the 2024 show season, Grace Callahan set her sights on developing her skills as a rider and having fun in the show pen. Callahan and SCR King of the Road (Sannman x SCR Crackin Light x Boonlight Dancer) exceeded expectations and won the Youth Boxing National Championship with 161 points.
“I’m super grateful to have such a cool horse,” Callahan said. “‘Seagrams’ not only does all the maneuvers well, but he takes care of me, especially in the show pen. I appreciate all the encouragement and coaching from Jay McLaughlin and the friendships I’ve made as part of Team JM. I’m excited and ready for the next show season!”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Grace Callahan: My most memorable NRCHA show moment was competing at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. I was lucky enough to win Youth Boxing and Limited Non Pro Boxing. I have a great trainer and a special horse, and it was great to put two consistent runs together.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
GC: Juggling the chaos of senior year and moving to the East Coast for college was a challenge this show season. There have been lots of flights and early mornings, but it’s paid off.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
GC: “Seagrams” is a big stopper! Now that we’ve figured each other out, he’s a blast to ride.
2024 NCHA Futurity Open
Cricket Reyzin Cash & Morgan Cromer
$258,071
2024 NCHA Futurity Amateur
Deluxe Cashh & Tony Smith
$65,294
LIMITED NON PRO BOXING
Never Short On Cash & Craig R. Cheetham, owned by Melinda L. Cheetham
Craig R. Cheetham aimed for a national title on the 2015 mare Never Short On Cash, also known as “Bella,” at the encouragement of his wife, Melinda, and their daughter, Sam, who also serves as his trainer. The pair made its mark and won the 2024 Limited Non Pro Boxing National Championship with 394 points.
“I was kind of surprised that it happened,” Cheetham said. “My daughter was keeping track of points. She said, ‘Well, you’re getting close. We better go to this show.’ It was a little bit of a surprise. I’m still pinching myself.”
Cheetham shared Bella’s progression.
“Sam didn’t have her until she was probably four or five, maybe,” he recalled. “Bella was a hard mare to train. Many people didn’t give her too much of a chance in the beginning. But my daughter is patient with them. She kept working with her, and slowly, she came around.”
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Craig Cheetham: One that I remember clearly was the Hardy Murphy show early this spring. I did well on “Bella.”
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
CC: My biggest challenge was learning to box my cow properly and not trying to manhandle my mare as much as I do sometimes and letting her do her job.
RCHN: What’s your horse’s most special physical talent?
CC: In the reined work, she’s a hard stopper. She draws well on the cow. My daughter, Sam, works her down the fence in the Open, too, so she can go either way, which is a strong suit for a non pro like me.
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BOX DRIVE
Sydney G. Whitling & Extra High Caliber, owned by Sydney Gay Nesky
RCHN: What was your most memorable NRCHA show moment in 2024?
Sydney Whitling: My most memorable moment was at the Western Derby. It was my first trip to Arizona. It was an overall good show, but that was my first major to show in the Box Drive, and I didn’t know what to expect. It ended up going well out there. I think I scored 148.5 in the cow work, which was exciting and motivated me to continue in the class throughout the year.
RCHN: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the show season?
SW: Staying consistent to help my horse. He’s been shown quite a bit at this point, so I tried to keep everything consistent for him so that on every trip in the pen we could be as good as we could and be smart about where I needed, which shows I needed to ask for more at, and which shows I needed to be smart and school through my runs just to be safe.
RCHN: What is your horse’s most special physical talent?
SW: He’s so consistent. Every time we get him out—every time I ride him at the house, every time I ride him at a show, every time I show him—he’s the same horse, so he never throws me any curveballs or anything like that.
Sydney Whitling embarked on the 2024 show season focusing on making the most of Extra High Caliber’s last year to compete in the Boxing Derby.
“I didn’t have any goals set out,” Whitling said. “It was his last derby year for the Boxing Derby, so I wanted to capitalize on that. I didn’t have plans for the Box Drive. I just wanted to get my feet wet and bring one around the corner to get ready to go down the fence eventually. He ended up being good in the Box Drive class.”
Whitling and Extra High Caliber (Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex) exceeded expectations and claimed the Box Drive National Championship with 223 points. Whitling shared their progression over the years.
“I got him as a 2-year-old with only 30 days on him,” Whitling said. “I’ve done everything with him since I bought him. I showed him in the reining as a 3-year-old and then as a 4-year-old.”
Whitling said she eventually began riding him in the reined cow horse events and didn’t show much after initially switching disciplines.
“I maybe showed him three or four times, and then in 2023, I won the Limited Non Pro Boxing World and National Championships and did well in the Intermediate Boxing. I never imagined that he would take me this far.”
20 24 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS
NRCHA members saddled up to earn titles across the U.S.,
NRCHA members saddled up to earn regional titles across the U.S., Canada and around the globe during the 2024 show seaso
CANADIAN REGION
Open Bridle
HORSE: Hendrixx
(One Time Royalty x Smooth Miss Trona x Smooth As A Cat)
RIDER: John C. Swales
OWNER: Monica Wille
POINTS: 115
MONEY EARNED: $3,062
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Reydas Sugar Kat
(Kit Kat Sugar x Royal Reyda x Dual Rey)
RIDER: Sarah Wolfs
OWNER: Sarah Wolfs
POINTS: 94
MONEY EARNED: $3,458
Open Hackamore
HORSE: Blindfolded
(Blind Sided x Smart Nu Annie x Smart Shiner)
RIDER: Clint C. Swales
OWNER: Sheila Mowat
POINTS: 87
MONEY EARNED: $4,334.50
COMPILED BY JENNIFER PAULSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF AWARD RECIPIENTS
CANADIAN REGION
Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Purdy Bossy
(CD Lights x Purdy Metallica x Metallic Cat)
RIDER: Massimo Garlanda
OWNER: Laureen Little
POINTS: 45
MONEY EARNED: $2,270
Open Two Rein
HORSE: My Purrfect Cat
(Annies Cat x Prettiest Mate Yet x Smart Mate)
RIDER: John C. Swales
OWNER: Terry Hewitt
POINTS: 111
MONEY EARNED: $3,192
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Son Of A Sweet Shine
(KR Sweet Shine x Shining Echo Of TC x Shiney Men Can Jump)
RIDER: Randi McCook
OWNER: Randi McCook
POINTS: 73
MONEY EARNED: $2,130
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: Reysin Some Scoot
(Reys From Heaven x Annies Scootn Lady x Annies Cat)
RIDER: Chelsea Gail Beaton
OWNER: Chelsea Gail Beaton
POINTS: 13
MONEY EARNED: $1,100
Non Pro Bridle/Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Boom To The Max (Maximum Echo x Docs Chickaboom x Doc Boomernic)
RIDER: Kate V. Wedderburn
OWNER: Kirsty Wedderburn
POINTS: 103.5/53
MONEY EARNED: $3,247/$1,781
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: CD On Fleek
(That CD Rocks x Ginger Spats x Colonel Spats)
RIDER: Bonnie Youngs
OWNER: Bonnie Youngs
POINTS: 129.5
MONEY EARNED: $2,926
CANADIAN REGION
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Fever Chase
(Woody Be Tuff x CR Too Catty x Cat T Masterson)
RIDER: Randi Caitlin McCook
OWNER: Randi Caitlin McCook
POINTS: 64
MONEY EARNED: $3,360
Youth Boxing
HORSE: Baraka Lights
(CD Lights x Baraka 072 x High Brow Cat)
RIDER: Tehl Bell
OWNER: Johanne Bell
POINTS: 48
MONEY EARNED: $573
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing/ Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Stylish Rascal
(Boons Play x Miss Acre Style x Bob Acre Doc)
RIDER: Hanna M. Bedard
OWNER: 1362150 AB LTD
POINTS: 46/131
MONEY EARNED: $2,235/$3,320
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Ferns Whiz
(Whizmatic x Fernolena x Shawn O Lena)
RIDER: Krystal Meade
OWNER: Krystal Meade
POINTS: 106
MONEY EARNED: $1,954.50
Box Drive
HORSE: Jazz Time Darlin
(One Time Pepto x Otes Little Darlin x Hickoryote)
RIDER: Bonnie Koetsier
OWNER: Dick Koetsier/Bonnie Koetsier
POINTS: 78
MONEY EARNED: $1,672
CANADIAN REGION
INTERNATIONAL REGION
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Pep My Kim
(Star G Grand Peppy x Cream Kimberley x Dears Little Wimpy)
RIDER: Marco Breitenbach
OWNER: Marco Breitenbach
POINTS: 11
MONEY EARNED: $221.18
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: First Cats Got Luck
(Cats Got Freckles x Latexa Glo x Latexo Luck)
RIDER: Sylvia G. Bate
OWNER: Sylvia G. Bate
POINTS: 4
MONEY EARNED: $180
Open Hackamore
HORSE: DG Sirius Rey Scoot
(Roany Red x Smartys Rockin Scoot x Smart Lil Scoot)
RIDER: Philipp M. Haug
OWNER: Andreas Braeuer
POINTS: 15
MONEY EARNED: $929
Non Pro Bridle/Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: CD Fortunate Son (Metallic Cat x CDs Lucky Gal x CD Olena)
RIDER: Vera Walliser
OWNER: Vera Walliser
POINTS: 45/22
MONEY EARNED: $1,089.02/$119.04
INTERNATIONAL REGION continued
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Ans Mokie Vaquero
(Ans Mokie Cat x Junes Little CD x CD Olena)
RIDER: Segura Raimundo
OWNER: Raimundo Segura De Lassaletta
POINTS: 16
MONEY EARNED: $543.74
Open Bridle
HORSE: Bet Command Rey (Dual On Command x Dots My Bet x The Smart Bet)
RIDER: Giovanni Campanaro/Markus Schopfer
OWNER: Green Mountain Quarter Horses
POINTS: 44
MONEY EARNED: $1,901.83
Open Two Rein
HORSE: Henry Royal Rey (Roany Rey x Mariah Pep x Hickoryote)
RIDER: Giovanni Campanaro
OWNER: Lorenzo Colombo
POINTS: 19
MONEY EARNED: $506.88
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: Elta Buccaneer (Super Little Chic x Einsteins Senorita x Great Resolve)
RIDER: Jan-Luca Waizenegger
OWNER: Jan-Luca Waizenegger
POINTS: 7
MONEY EARNED: $320
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: MA Liones Cat (SDP Justice Is Comin x Trust In Me Today x Ans Wyatt Pep)
RIDER: Kerstin Breitenbach
OWNER: Kerstin Angermueller
POINTS: 7
MONEY EARNED: $230.40
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing/ Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: CB Blazinhot Quixote (Flamboyant Quixote x Nita S Pep O Bayly x ML Nita Smart Boy)
RIDER: Andreas Kopf
OWNER: Andreas Kopf
POINTS: 6/6
MONEY EARNED: $132
Box Drive
HORSE: Snapper Lil Bingo (Peptos Lil Bingo x Snappers Victoria x Snapper Cal Bar)
RIDER: Frank Kunkel
OWNER: Kirsten Kunkel
POINTS: 13
MONEY EARNED: $179.04
THE RIOS OF MERCEDES FAMILY OF BRANDS
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Open Bridle/Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: RPL Boon
(Boon Too Suen x RPL Ich This x Cat Ichi)
RIDER: Aaron J. Goldade
OWNER: Nancy J. Winkelman
POINTS: 145/95.5
MONEY EARNED: $4,614.44/$1,828.61
Open Two Rein
HORSE: Reyzin The Boon 18 (Reyzin The Cash x Pinkolena Boon x Peptoboonsmal)
RIDER: Travis J. Young
OWNER: Cassidy C. Jesperson
POINTS: 78
MONEY EARNED: $2,505.35
Open Hackamore
HORSE: SJR Diamond Luna (CD Diamond x SJR Smooth Gina x Smooth As A Cat)
RIDER: Debbie Crafton
OWNER: Debbie Crafton
POINTS: 45
MONEY EARNED: $1,249.75
Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Shes A Leap Of Faith
(Hes A Leap Of Faith x BLS First Choice x SR Instant Choice)
RIDER: Aaron J. Goldade
OWNER: Emma Kay
POINTS: 41
MONEY EARNED: $1,219.65
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Nics Black Gold (Nic It In The Bud x Shinersdiamondjackie x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Charles A. Jesse
OWNER: Charles & Kelly Jesse
POINTS: 33
MONEY EARNED: $857.5
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Glamour Royallty
(One Time Royalty x Kitna Rey x Dual Rey)
RIDER: Kristy Kay Miller
OWNER: Kristy Kay Miller
POINTS: 98
MONEY EARNED: $3,331.50
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: Blu My Cover
(Once In A Blu Boon x Lil Play Rey x Reys Dual Badger)
RIDER: Kristy Kay Miller
OWNER: Kristy Kay Miller
POINTS: 33
MONEY EARNED: $1,377
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Little Lucky Affair
(Smart Luck x Miss Basic Affair x Black To Basics)
RIDER: Nicki Seehafer
OWNER: Daris Jutten/Nicki Seehafer
POINTS: 46
MONEY EARNED: $769.25
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Boxo Opus Magnum
(WR This Cats Smart x Opus Chic x Smart Chic Olena)
RIDER: Jecca R. Ostrander
OWNER: Box O Quarter Horses
POINTS: 58
MONEY EARNED: $1,196.45
CANADIAN REGION
continued
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
continued
Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Money In The Hood
(Meradas Money Talks x Hood River Melody x Mr Melody Jac)
RIDER: Gracyn Saffert
OWNER: Emily Saffert
POINTS: 66
MONEY EARNED: $604
Non Pro Boxing/ Intemediate Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Sheza Good Bet
(Bet Hesa Cat x Smart Mariah x Smart Little Lena)
RIDER: Kelly Ann Preisser
OWNER: Kelly Ann Preisser
POINTS: 121/130
MONEY EARNED: $1,780.85/$1,674.42
Youth Boxing
HORSE: Mister Ballistic
(Metallic Cat x Playgun Is Smart x Playgun)
RIDER: Colt W. Jesperson
OWNER: Cassidy C. Jesperson
POINTS: 46
MONEY EARNED: $249.32
Limited Non Pro Boxing/Box Drive
HORSE: SDP Jedi Knight
(Light N Lena x SDP I Got Good Genes x Dual Rey)
RIDER: Lauren E. Rampey Hutton
OWNER: Lauren E. Rampey Hutton
POINTS: 163/92
MONEY EARNED: $1,138.75/$1,129.60
NORTHEASTERN REGION
Open Bridle
HORSE: Senor Shiney Cat
(WR This Cats Smart x Shiney Senorita x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Mark A. Sigler
OWNER: Kinda Silly Farm LLC
POINTS: 74
MONEY EARNED: $3,048.60
Open Hackamore
HORSE: Mister One Time
(One Time Pepto x Misters Peppy Girl x Mister Dual Pep)
RIDER: Chet Martin/Shelley L. Hagan
OWNER: Shelley Hagan
POINTS: 32
MONEY EARNED: $1,660
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Mind Your Peaches
(Yellow Roan Of Texas x Pinkaboo x King Fritz Too)
RIDER: Matthew Lipka/Rebecca L. Lipka
OWNER: Donald S. Jr. or Lynn Lewis
POINTS: 76
MONEY EARNED: $898.40
Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Stil InThe Starlight
(Lena Inthe Starlight x Seven S Sparketta x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Cody B. Sabila
OWNER: Kimberly A./Cody Sabila
POINTS: 42
MONEY EARNED: $652.80
CANADIAN REGION
NORTHEASTERN REGION
Open Two Rein
HORSE: Wild Sided
(Blind Sided x Chicks Misty Morning x Bets Smart Lena)
RIDER: Matthew Lipka/Rebecca L. Lipka
OWNER: Daniel & Kerri Detweiler
POINTS: 59
MONEY EARNED: $879.70
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Bet Lucky 13
(Bet Hesa Cat x Miss Lucky Starlight x Grays Starlight)
RIDER: Allysn Light
OWNER: Robert and Allysn Light
POINTS: 26
MONEY EARNED: $660
Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Prince Rey
(Dual Smart Rey x Principessa x Peptoboonsmal)
RIDER: Jacob Partridge
OWNER: Lauren K. Partridge
POINTS: 30
MONEY EARNED: $1,039
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Bet Shes A Royal Cat
(Bet Hesa Cat x RCC Royal Oak x RCC Oaks Signet)
RIDER: Krista Diane Larouche
OWNER: Krista Larouche
POINTS: 69
MONEY EARNED: $1,014.40
CD OLENA X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (SHINING 2012 NRCHA OPEN FUTURITY CHAMPION #1 NRCHA 2012 HORSE OF THE YEAR MILLION DOLLAR SIRE
CD OLENA X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL SPARK) 2012
2018 LTE: $153,320 8 PANEL: N/N
LTE: $179,883
PANEL:
LTE: $203,712
8 PANEL: N/N
TALKING STYLE X SHINERS DIAMOND GIRL (SHINING SPARK) 2024 THE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE HORSEMAN REINED COW HORSE CHAMPION
NORTHEASTERN REGION continued
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: Hard Time Train
(One Time Royalty x Sliden Wright By x Smart Little Lena)
RIDER: Victoria Seip Eisses
OWNER: Victoria Seip Eisses
POINTS: 39
MONEY EARNED: $975.60
Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Hollywood Cat Scan
(Latigo Cat x Hollywoods Royal Pep x I Could Too)
RIDER: Dannan O’Hearn
OWNER: Dannan O’Hearn
POINTS: 76
MONEY EARNED: $573
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Stylish Vixen
(Mr Playinstylish x Playboys Vixen x Hickoryote)
RIDER: Kasey N. Snow
OWNER: Kasey Snow
POINTS: 36
MONEY EARNED: $998
Youth Boxing
HORSE: Peeka Snow Bunny
(Peeka Pep x Hickorys Bunny x Docs Hickory)
RIDER: Martin K. Justick
OWNER: Martin Kelsey Justick
POINTS: 64
MONEY EARNED: $303.20
Below are some of the APHA-registered sires with competing foals: Two ways to APHA registration:
1. Lineage – If your AQHA horse has at least one APHA-registered parent, your horse is eligible for APHA registration REGARDLESS OF COLOR.
2. Markings – If your horse has two inches of solid white hair in the qualifying area (above the hock/knee & behind the eye)
• BADBOONARISING
• BROTHER JACKSON
• CATOLENA CASHIN IN
• CATTY HAWK
• DANDY CAT
• DONT STOPP BELIEVIN
• DUAL REYISH
• GUNNATRASHYA
• HYDRIVE CAT
• MC COWHAMMER
• METALLIC MALICE
• METALLIC MASTERPIECE
• METALLIC REY MINK
• METALLIC REBEL
• ONE TIME ROYALTY
• QUEJANAISALENA
• REYZIN THE CASH
• SMOOTH AS A CAT
• SMOOTH TALKIN STYLE
• SNAPDRAGONS
• STEVIE REY VON
• ZEZES PEPTO CAT
CANADIAN REGION
NORTHEASTERN REGION
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: TimeForLightening
(One Time Pepto x SDP Gretchens Kitty x Hydrive Cat)
RIDER: Lisa M. Bowman
OWNER: Flying B Ranch
POINTS: 71
MONEY EARNED: $923.50
Box Drive
HORSE: JMP Long Nose Nate
(Peptomatic x Lil Katie Lena x Little Dors Lena)
RIDER: Jessica A. Martin
OWNER: Jessica Martin
POINTS: 92
MONEY EARNED: $947.30
Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Chics Call Me Smart (Imasmartpepto x Party Chics x Smart Chic Olena)
RIDER: Kevin M. Seidl
OWNER: Kevin Seidl
POINTS: 178
MONEY EARNED: $562.80
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Uno Can Dew It (Uno What Time It Is x Dew It Flo x Mr Peponita Flo)
RIDER: Richard A. Rosell
OWNER: Richard A. Rosell
POINTS: 49.5
MONEY EARNED: $875.20
EQUINE THERAPEUTIC SPAS
PromotesHealing
Prevents Injury
Aids Recovery
Minimizes Inflammation
ReducesPain & Soreness
EnhancesPerformanceCapability
Durabletouchscreen
Allows
Trackstreatment
Fully
NORTHWEST REGION
Open Bridle
HORSE: Light On The Whizkey
(Whizkey N Diamonds x Starlight On The Bay x High Brow Cat)
RIDER: R. Scott Seeklander
OWNER: Joanne Pettit
POINTS: 139
MONEY EARNED: $4,300
Open Hackamore
HORSE: Just Call Me Rich
(Call Me Mitch x Roosters Miss Fritz x Gallo Del Cielo)
RIDER: Michael D. Helsen/Stephanie A. Helsen
OWNER: Michael D. Helsen
POINTS: 144
MONEY EARNED: $6,192.50
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Xtra Showoff Shooter
(Tinker With Guns x Spook Off Sparks x Smart Spook)
RIDER: Samantha J. Robbins
OWNER: Sherry K Robbins
POINTS: 90
MONEY EARNED: $1,900
Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Smokin Lika Fox
(Heart Of A Fox x Miss Tibar Pep x Mister Dual Pep)
RIDER: Montgomery A. Nelson
OWNER: Montgomery Nelson
POINTS: 28
MONEY EARNED: $1,675
CANADIAN REGION
NORTHWEST REGION
continued
continued
Open Two Rein
HORSE: Rok N Roll
(Sannman x Peek of Faith x Peeka Pep)
RIDER: Dan Roeser
OWNER: Jodi Charrier
POINTS: 126
MONEY EARNED: $4,871
Intermediate Non Pro Bridle/ Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Hesa Bit Bossy
(CD Lights x Shiney Bit O Ivory x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Kelley R. Mingus
OWNER: Kelley R. Mingus
POINTS: 148/185
MONEY EARNED: $3,411.20/$3,607.50
Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Guitar Town (Smart Little Pepinic x Whose Your Papa x Poppa Chex)
RIDER: Heather Tiel-Nelson
OWNER: Heather Tiel-Nelson
POINTS: 141
MONEY EARNED: $5,910
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: TC Fillyn My Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Lenas Fillynic x Lenas Wright On)
RIDER: Tara L. Matsler
OWNER: Tara and Cody Matsler
POINTS: 74
MONEY EARNED: $2,970
NORTHWEST REGION
continued
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Full Send
(Metallic Cat x Kittys Ruby x Dual Rey)
RIDER: Meryl Reber
OWNER: Meryl Reber
POINTS: 119
MONEY EARNED: $3,844
Youth Boxing
HORSE: DT Hickorys Delta
(Hickory Holly Time x Cats About Wright x Cats Merada)
RIDER: Kinsey M. Haaby
OWNER: Tenley Haaby/Rick Littleton
POINTS: 90
MONEY EARNED: $1,185
Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Stylish Heritage
(Docs Stylish Oak x Miss Meow x High Brow Cat)
RIDER: Karlee Vandersnick
OWNER: Russ Vandersnick
POINTS: 96
MONEY EARNED: $1,588.75
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Boonylicious
(Smart Boons x Shine Smartly x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Nancy J. Moffitt
OWNER: Nancy J. Moffitt
POINTS: 162
MONEY EARNED: $3,444
CANADIAN REGION
NORTHWEST REGION
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Light On The Whizkey
(Whizkey N Diamonds x Starlight On The Bay x High Brow Cat)
RIDER: Joanne Pettit
OWNER: Joanne Pettit
POINTS: 130
MONEY EARNED: $1,911.13
Box Drive
HORSE: Whitney Rooston
(Gallo Del Cielo x Houstons Lone Star x Hey Houston)
RIDER: Kelly J. Gully
OWNER: Kelly J. Bergo-Gully
POINTS: 129
MONEY EARNED: $2,196
Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Olena Tejon
(Listo Pollito Lena x Chex In Excess x Wright A Chex)
RIDER: Karen Wartluft
OWNER: Karen Wartluft
POINTS: 125
MONEY EARNED: $2,398.01
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Open Bridle
HORSE: Smooth Rein
(Real Smooth Cat x Rein My Belle x Topsails Rien Maker)
RIDER: Russell A. Dilday
OWNER: Claire L. Edwards
POINTS: 276
MONEY EARNED: $5,058.50
Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Hard No
(High Brow CD x Ginger Pepto x Peptoboonsmal)
RIDER: Clint Johnson
OWNER: Clint and Jordan Johnson
POINTS: 153.5
MONEY EARNED: $3,779.25
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Backseat Dryver (Hydrive Cat x ARC Little Rubylena x Smart Little Lena)
RIDER: Pete Hunt
OWNER: Pete Hunt
POINTS: 174
MONEY EARNED: $2,009.54
Open Hackamore
HORSE: Venom Boonsmal (Peptoboonsmal x A Black Widow x High Brow Cat)
RIDER: Sarah L. Dawson
OWNER: Aaron Ranch
POINTS: 213
MONEY EARNED: $15,416.10
CANADIAN REGION
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Open Two Rein
HORSE: Jaymes Bond
(Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey)
RIDER: Jordan W. Williams
OWNER: Bonds Ranch
POINTS: 179
MONEY EARNED: $7,334.13
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Starlight Driver
(Hydrive Cat x Starlights Lynn x Grays Starlight)
RIDER: Kelsey D. Fulmer
OWNER: Kelsey DeLaPlaine Fulmer
POINTS: 123
MONEY EARNED: $1,568.05
Non Pro Bridle/ Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Smooth Rein
(Real Smooth Cat x Rein My Belle x Topsails Rien Maker)
RIDER: Claire L. Edwards
OWNER: Claire L. Edwards
POINTS: 141.5/146
MONEY EARNED: $2,402.30/$1,441.10
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: I Believe
(Dont Stopp Believin x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Cutter W. McLaughlin
OWNER: Jay and/or Wendy McLaughlin
POINTS: 64
MONEY EARNED: $1,726
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
continued
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Boon Doxx
(Sannman x Docs Stylish Liz x Docs Stylish Oak)
RIDER: Stefani Wagley
OWNER: Stefani Wagley
POINTS: 133.5
MONEY EARNED: $2,755
Youth Boxing
HORSE: SCR King Of The Road
(Sannman x SCR Crackin Light x Boonlight Dancer)
RIDER: Grace Callahan
OWNER: Mickey Callahan
POINTS: 128
MONEY EARNED: $1,850.25
Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Shinen Metallic Cat (Metallic Cat x Winenshineme x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Taylor R. Allen
OWNER: Taylor Allen
POINTS: 149
MONEY EARNED: $2,453.30
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak)
RIDER: Cheryl Chown
OWNER: Robert and Cheryl Chown
POINTS: 242
MONEY EARNED: $7,614.75
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Shiny Lil Catillac
(WR This Cats Smart x Sashas Lil Angel x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Emma L. Dilts
OWNER: Lee Ann McDaniel
POINTS: 201
MONEY EARNED: $2,335.35
Box Drive
HORSE: Extra High Caliber
(Snipers Smoking Gun x Extra Dry Dazzel x Extra Dry Chex)
RIDER: Sydney G Whitling
OWNER: Sydney Gay Nesky
POINTS: 157
MONEY EARNED: $1,518.20
Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Never Short On Cash
(Lil Joe Cash x Short And Royal x Short Oak)
RIDER: Craig R. Cheetham
OWNER: Melinda L. Cheetham
POINTS: 394
MONEY EARNED: $2,581.05
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Open Bridle
HORSE: Bright Cd Lights
(CD Lights x Jennys Spark x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Brandy Johnson
OWNER: Jennifer J. Richards
POINTS: 59
MONEY EARNED: $1,874
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Henrys Surprise
(Jerry Lees Surprise x Hung Up On The Girl x Hangten Peppy)
RIDER: Tim W. Anderson
OWNER: Melissa L. Perez
POINTS: 39
MONEY EARNED: $759
Open Hackamore/ Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Blizzard Martini
(Metallic Cat x Miss Martini Boon x Peptoboonsmal)
RIDER: Jordan Futch
OWNER: Wheatley Ranch LLC
POINTS: 71/73
MONEY EARNED: $3,714/$1,702
Open Two Rein
HORSE: Colonel Short Stuff
(One Time Pepto x Short Stuffs Oh Cay x Oh Cay Quixote)
RIDER: Shane A. Campbell
OWNER: Kyle W. Sanders
POINTS: 61
MONEY EARNED: $1,313
Non Pro Bridle/ Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Time Enough For Love
(This One Time x Shining Peptolena x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Frances Labourdette
OWNER: Frances Labourdette
POINTS: 53/59
MONEY EARNED: $1,817.50/$1,725
CANADIAN REGION
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Mister Hickory Smoke
(Mister Dual Pep x Mary Jo Hickory x Docs Hickory)
RIDER: Liz Waguespack
OWNER: Elizabeth Waguespack
POINTS: 144
MONEY EARNED: $2,303.50
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Strawberry Boon Time
(Hickory Holly Time x Betting On Chiquita x Sport N Bet)
RIDER: Tiffany L. Stratton
OWNER: Tiffany Stratton
POINTS: 48
MONEY EARNED: $1,290
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: What About Reyz
(Reyzin The Cash x Spookys Smooth Kitty x Smooth As Cat)
RIDER: Debra R. Motichek
OWNER: Debra R. Motichek
POINTS: 44
MONEY EARNED: $2,025
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Happy To CD Sun
(Sundoctor x Happy CD x CD Olena)
RIDER: Josie L. Mansfield
OWNER: William C. Swanner
POINTS: 80.5
MONEY EARNED: $1,180.50
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Stylish Rebel Boy
(Metallic Rebel x Mom In Style x Lizzys Gotta Player)
RIDER: Melinda L. Frye
OWNER: Melinda L. Frye
POINTS: 79
MONEY EARNED: $1,233.50
Youth Boxing
HORSE: Smart Dualin Pepinic
(Smart Little Pepinic x My Wife x Mister Dual Pep)
RIDER: Scarlett R. Cason
OWNER: Christopher Cason
POINTS: 104
MONEY EARNED: $1,218.25
CANADIAN REGION
SOUTHEASTERN REGION
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: TimeForLightening
(One Time Pepto x SDP Gretchens Kitty x Hydrive Cat)
RIDER: Lisa M. Bowman
OWNER: Flying B Ranch
POINTS: 61
MONEY EARNED: $933.50
Box Drive
HORSE: Hickory Jonez
(Travelin Jonez x Hickory Played Bingo x Bingo Hickory)
RIDER: Robert T. Marx
OWNER: Robert T. Marx
POINTS: 109
MONEY EARNED: $1,534.38
Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Blizzard Martini
(Metallic Cat x Miss Martini Boon x Peptoboonsmal)
RIDER: Kristina Wheatley
OWNER: Wheatley Ranch LLC
POINTS: 241
MONEY EARNED: $2,414.15
SOUTHWEST REGION
Open Bridle
HORSE: My Boots Are Royal
(Royal Fletch x My Boots Are Tuff x Woody Be Tuff)
RIDER: Boyd J. Rice
OWNER: Moncrief Quarter Horses LLC
POINTS: 213
MONEY EARNED: $8,665
Open Hackamore
HORSE: CR Tuff N Stylish
(Woody Be Tuff x CR Stylish Play Rey x Dual Rey)
RIDER: Ken L. Wold
OWNER: Daniel J. Perez
POINTS: 185
MONEY EARNED: $9,510.50
Limited Open Bridle
HORSE: Genuinely Irish
(Paddys Irish Whiskey x Desire A Doc x Genuine Doc)
RIDER: Haley E Garcia
OWNER: Haley Garcia
POINTS: 112
MONEY EARNED: $3,062.50
Limited Open Hackamore
HORSE: Chex Harlan Ian (Playboy Jack Fever x Chex Harlan Dolly x Chex To Get)
RIDER: Frank J. Heinrichs
OWNER: Greg F. Harlan
POINTS: 52
MONEY EARNED: $2,760
CANADIAN REGION
SOUTHWEST REGION
Open Two Rein
HORSE: My Boots Are Royal
(Royal Fletch x My Boots Are Tuff x Woody Be Tuff)
RIDER: Boyd J. Rice
OWNER: Moncrief Quarter Horses LLC
POINTS: 145
MONEY EARNED: $5,383
Level 1 Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Boonafide Royalty
(One Time Royalty x Boonafide Cowgirl x Peptoboonsmal)
RIDER: Teresa L. Fisher
OWNER: Jayson and Teresa Fisher
POINTS: 89
MONEY EARNED: $1,725.70
Non Pro Bridle/ Intermediate Non Pro Bridle
HORSE: Scrub Oak
(Olena Oak x Two Kitties x Smooth As A Cat)
RIDER: Ladona D. Emmons
OWNER: LaDona D. Emmons
POINTS: 248/251
MONEY EARNED: $7,325.75/$5,737.70
Non Pro Hackamore
HORSE: Calling Dibs
(Call Me Mitch x Shine Di Light x Boonlight Dancer)
RIDER: Gianna S. Hansen
OWNER: Gianna S. Hansen
POINTS: 124
MONEY EARNED: $7,170
SOUTHWEST REGION
Non Pro Two Rein
HORSE: Wood U Just Do It
(Woody Be Tuff x Spookys Cash x Miss N Cash)
RIDER: Jayson J. Fisher
OWNER: Jayson and Teresa Fisher
POINTS: 77
MONEY EARNED: $2,864.20
Youth Boxing
HORSE: Lucky Money
(Meradas Money Talks x Lucky Baylite x Grays Starlight)
RIDER: Avalon J. Goldstein
OWNER: Avalon J. Goldstein
POINTS: 113
MONEY EARNED: $1,409
Youth Cow Horse
HORSE: Cat Walks Into A Bar (WR This Cats Smart x Sue C Shiner x Shining Spark)
RIDER: Landri Lisac
OWNER: Landri Lisac
POINTS: 60
MONEY EARNED: $1,248.50
Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Mik Jagger (Metallic Cat x Reeds Instant Magic x Abrakadabracre)
RIDER: Elizabeth Poor
OWNER: Paul George Poor
POINTS: 343
MONEY EARNED: $7,601.08
CANADIAN REGION
SOUTHWEST REGION
Intermediate Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Mo Beta
(Bet Hesa Cat x Mo Fletch x Royal Fletch)
RIDER: Melissa Alvarez
OWNER: Melissa Alvarez
POINTS: 138
MONEY EARNED: $2,627.90
Box Drive
HORSE: Gotta Go Get It
(Smart Little Pepinic x Got Mister x Mister Dual Pep)
RIDER: Diane L. Shaffer
OWNER: Danny R. or Diane L. Shaffer
POINTS: 153
MONEY EARNED: $1,916.05
Limited Non Pro Boxing
HORSE: Gypsy In the Bud (Nic It In The Bud x Gypsys Miss Oak x Starlights Gypsy)
Preliminaries: Open Bridle / IOB Derby Cow Work: Open Divisions - L1/NH
COLISEUM - 8:00 AM
JUSTIN - 10:00 AM Preliminaries:
20 24 MERIT AWARD RECIPIENTS
The NRCHA Merit Award Program recognizes outstanding equine performers at all competition levels.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association Merit Award Program recognizes equines that have performed at a consistent level of excellence in reined cow horse. Using their show record, which encompasses an entire career rather than single major event titles, as criteria enables the horse to earn distinction by winning smaller checks at regional and national competitions across the United States. The NRCHA Merit Award Program is a testament to the longevity of those stalwart athletes whose owners and/ or trainers can depend on them to bring home a win.
Owned by Shaleah Hester and M. Fountain, 2017 stallion Ricato Suave (Metallic Cat x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey) and Clay Volmer topped the Supreme Reined Cow Horse Merit Award list with $240,822.07 in NRCHA Supreme Total Earnings.
A Boon Named Sioux / owned by Lisa C. Reiter
Ba Da Boon / owned by Dylan A. Sponseller
Bet Hesa Badaz / owned by Timothy Willson
Bet Hesa Honeybee / owned by Tyrel And Ashley Lembke
Bet Hesa Wildcat / owned by Sabine U. Brasche
Blizzard Martini / owned by Wheatley Ranch LLC
BobCatz / owned by Scott D. Wagner
Boon Doxx / owned by Stefani Wagley
Boots Wit Da Fur / owned by Alyssa Paige Shaber
Bright CD Lights / owned by Jennifer J. Richards
Calling Dibs / owned by Gianna S. Hansen
Cat Walks Into A Bar / owned by Landri Lisac
CD Blue Halle / owned by Juliet Wickhorst
Cold Shot / owned by Jim D. Dobler
CP Metallic Dual / owned by Frankie and Amy Etcheverry
CR Tuff N Smooth / owned by Gabrielle T Crawford
DFN Spooky Cat / owned by Noreen Fenske
Dont Look Pancho / owned by Rocky Maria Oglesby
Dualin At Boonlight / owned by Sierra Jo HunewillBrown
Dualin Metal Cat / owned by Lisa Novatt
Duece Of Harts / owned by Jane A Owens
Dust Perfect / owned by Robbie or Charlotte Loudon
Eight Karat Diamond / owned by Kiana Creek Ranch
Extra High Caliber / owned by Sydney Gay Nesky
CERTIFICATE OF ABILITY 2024
I Inherited Smarts / owned by Victoria Seip
Im Q Blue / owned by STL Inc
Its Bingo Time / owned by Ruth Saldubehere
Jack B Quick / owned by Chris or Debbie Swain
Jans Shiney Rey / owned by Marcel and Erin Mendes
Lenas Gun A Smokum / owned by Kristy Johnson
Lenas Twist Of Sugar / owned by Jennifer Blake
Light On The Whizkey / owned by Joanne Pettit
Lil Joes Angel / owned by Beth Bant
Lilys Last Spark / owned by Haylie Noel Tomlinson
Little Smart Lass / owned by Mary Gandy
Lou R Smokin / owned by Scott D. Wagner
Magical Voodoo / owned by Quail Run Reining Horses LLC
Mary Janez / owned by Carolyn A. Edson
Metalic Shine / owned by Karla McDonald
EZ Breezy Solano / owned by Paul E Or Amy D Bailey
Fine Like O Lena / owned by Catelyn Hall
Hal On Ice / owned by Leslie Gale
Happy To CD Sun / owned by William C Swanner
Hard No / owned by Clint and Jordan Johnson
Here For A Good Tyme / owned by Diane A Edwards
Heres your Bud Kickr / owned by Lesli Gilbert
Hesa Bit Bossy / owned by Kelley R. Mingus
High Stakes Affair / owned by Stacey L Webb
Holly R Smokin / owned by Cuadra Las Gatas
Holly Show Lightly / owned by Diane A. Edwards
Hy On Patron / owned by Jodell B. Johnston
CERTIFICATE OF ABILITY
Metallic Hashtags / owned by Jim S Keith
Metallic Nickel / owned by Lia J. Savas
Metallic Peacemaker / owned by Rachel Cobb
Metallic River / owned by Ann Matthews
Mintgundition / owned by Rancho Santa Margarita
Miss Dixie Rey / owned by Cuadra Las Gatas
My Fancy Bet / owned by Lesli Gilbert
Never Short On Cash / owned by Melinda L. Cheetham
Nics Black Gold / owned by Charles & Kelly Jesse
No Training Wheels / owned by Diane A. Edwards
Royal Roanie Smart / owned by Chris & Jessie Nance
RTR Red Hot Remedy / owned by Abbigail Henstra
Sabbra Cadabra / owned by Judge Livestock
Santanas Rey Gun / owned by Paris M. Starn
Sassys Smooth Cat / owned by Marie Fraser
SCR Fiddle / owned by Dylan A. Sponseller
Seven S Party Favor / owned by Lynne Faust
Seven S Razzberry / owned by R A Brown Ranch
Shes Lawless / owned by Chris or Debbie Swain
Shes Reys Cat / owned by Michelle Shopbell
Shiny Lil Catillac / owned by Lee Ann McDaniel
ShowBizShoes / owned by Melinda L. Cheetham
Simply Blessed / owned by Sami Vertz
SJR Reyson / owned by Roan Ridge Performance Horses
Smart Shiney Playboy / owned by Clinton J. Marshall
Smoketta Cat / owned by Terry and Annette Christiansen
Some Sweet BettinCat / owned by Haley Rusler
Son Of A Mitch / owned by The Trust/Billie Jo Ralls DTD
Sparktallica / owned by Chris or Debbie Swain
Star Of Texata / owned by Jenna McBee
Starlight Driver / owned by Kelsey DeLaPlaine Fulmer
Stylin Metal / owned by Jim & Linda Schrack
Stylish Reys / owned by Paige Brummund
Sundoctor / owned by William C Swanner
Sweet N Reycie / owned by Carrie King
One Royal Princess / owned by Mark E. Buckley
One Shiney Metallic / owned by Don and Teresa Martin
One Time Safari / owned by Mark E. Buckley
Patriot Force / owned by Tim Swain
Peppys On Time / owned by Randy J. Paul
Quails Dun Remedy / owned by Christopher A Bethune
Red Hal Cat / owned by Erin L Baumung
Reyted Heavenly / owned by Wendy I. Dwernychuk
Reyzed By The Mob / owned by Megan Mccorkel
Ricato Suave / owned by Shaleah Hester & M Fountain
Rok N Roll / owned by Jodi Charrier
RoostersRunninShine / owned by Jaynalee Waldrip
Talkin Sally Rey / owned by 2 KM Farm & Ranch LLC
Time Enough For Love / owned by Frances Labourdette
Time For New Shoes / owned by Melinda L. Cheetham
Time For The Diamond / owned by Rod L. Dowers
Time For The Juice / owned by Paul E Or Amy D Bailey
Times The Remedy / owned by Jane D. Moulton
TR Guns And Roses / owned by Karla Steckel
Trashy Witch / owned by Lisa R. McCarthy Harrison
Whose Tuff / owned by Christa D. Hampton
Wright On Hickory / owned by Bonnie & Scot Wheatley
Wrightimetosmokum / owned by High Times Ranch LLC
Xtra Shiners Affairs / owned by Richard L. Charrier
The Certificate of Ability is the first award for which a money-earning reined cow horse can qualify. A horse will be certified after winning a total of $500 in any NRCHA class or combination of classes. It is the NRCHA’s intention that the Certificate of Ability be available to several horses that demonstrate proficiency in cow horse competition. Earnings from Category 2 Special Events are not counted toward this award.
SUPERIOR COW HORSE
A horse that has earned $10,000 in any NRCHA class or combination of classes or events may receive the Superior Cow Horse award. All earnings from reined cow horse snaffle bit events can be added to the
hackamore and bridle winnings to total $10,000 to receive this award. The NRCHA believes that any horse that wins $10,000 in a single class or combination of classes and events is certainly considered a Superior Cow Horse and should be recognized. Earnings from Non Pro Boxing, Intermediate Non Pro Boxing, Limited Non Pro Boxing, Youth Boxing, and Category 2 Special Events are not counted toward this award.
SUPERIOR REINED COW HORSES OF 2024
Ba Da Boon/owned by Dylan A. Sponseller
Bet Hesa Honeybee/owned by Tyrel and Ashley Lembke
Bet She Can Rock/owned by Molly Russell
Blizzard Martini/owned by Wheatley Ranch LLC
Boon Doxx/owned by Stefani Wagley
Boots Wit Da Fur/owned by Alyssa Paige Shaber
Bright CD Lights/owned by Jennifer J. Richards
Calling Dibs/owned by Gianna S. Hansen
Cat Walks Into A Bar/owned by Landri Lisac
CP Metallic Dual/owned by Frankie and Amy Etcheverry
CR Tuff N Smooth/owned by Gabrielle T. Crawford
DFN Spooky Cat/owned by Noreen Fenske
Duece Of Harts/owned by Jane A. Owens
Eight Karat Diamond/owned by Kiana Creek Ranch
Forge A Cat/owned by John Palleria
Full Send/owned by Meryl Reber
Hal On Ice/owned by Leslie Gale
Hard No/owned by Clint and Jordan Johnson
Hesa Bit Bossy/owned by Kelley R. Mingus
High Stakes Affair/owned by Stacey L Webb
Holly Show Lightly/owned by Diane A. Edwards
Hy On Patron/owned by Jodell B. Johnston
I Inherited Smarts/owned by Victoria Seip
Its Bingo Time/owned by Ruth Saldubehere
Jack B Quick/owned by Chris or Debbie Swain
Jans Shiney Rey/owned by Marcel and Erin Mendes
Light On The Whizkey/owned by Joanne Pettit
Lightly Armed/owned by Paul E Or Amy D Bailey
Mary Janez/owned by Carolyn A. Edson
Metalic Shine/owned by Karla McDonald
Metallic Hashtags/owned by Jim S Keith
Metallic Nickel/owned by Lia J. Savas
Metallic River/owned by Ann Matthews
Ms Chics N Dun/owned by Lesli Gilbert
Nics Black Gold/owned by Charles and Kelly Jesse
One Royal Princess/owned by Mark E. Buckley
One Shiney Metallic/owned by Don and Teresa Martin
Peppys On Time/owned by Randy J. Paul
Quails Dun Remedy/owned by Christopher A. Bethune
Ricato Suave/owned by Shaleah Hester and M Fountain
Rok N Roll/owned by Jodi Charrier
Royal Roanie Smart/owned by Chris and Jessie Nance
RTR Judge This Metal/owned by Shelley Clapp
RTR Red Hot Remedy/owned by Abbigail Henstra
Sabbra Cadabra/owned by Judge Livestock
Santanas Rey Gun/owned by Paris M. Starn
Sassys Smooth Cat/owned by Marie Fraser
SCR Fiddle/owned by Dylan A. Sponseller
Seven S Party Favor/owned by Lynne Faust
Seven S Razzberry/owned by R.A. Brown Ranch
Shes Lawless/owned by Chris or Debbie Swain
Shes Reys Cat/owned by Michelle Shopbell
Smart Shiney Playboy/owned by Clinton J. Marshall
Smart Time Peppy/owned by Paul E. or Amy D. Bailey
Smoketta Cat/owned by Terry and Annette Christiansen
Some Sweet BettinCat/owned by Haley Rusler
Son Of A Mitch/owned by The Trust/Billie Jo Ralls DTD
Sparktallica/owned by Chris or Debbie Swain
Stylin Metal/owned by Jim and Linda Schrack
Sweet N Reycie/owned by Carrie King
Time Enough For Love/owned by Frances Labourdette
Time For The Diamond/owned by Rod L. Dowers
Topsail Smoking Gun/owned by Farrah Roberts
TR Guns And Roses/owned by Karla Steckel
Trashy Witch/owned by Lisa R. McCarthy Harrison
Whose Tuff/owned by Christa D. Hampton
Wright On Hickory/owned by Bonnie and Scot Wheatley
Xtra Shiners Affairs/owned by Richard L. Charrier
SUPERIOR NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Superior Non Pro Boxing Achievement Award was first presented by the NRCHA Board in 2019 as the Non Pro Limited award. It recognized the value Non Pro Boxing horses and riders contribute to the Association, and in return, added a new award to the long-standing program. Non Pro Boxing and Youth Boxing riders meeting criteria can receive the Superior Non Pro Boxing Achievement award, a new level specifically designed for horses
that excel in their classes. To qualify, the horse must have earned a minimum of $15,000 with a minimum of $1,000 in Limited Aged Events, such as Derbies or Futurities. This money can be earned in either fence class or boxing classes. A minimum of $10,000 must be earned in Horse Show Category 1 Boxing classes, including monies earned in the Select and 13 and Under divisions. Monies earned in Category 2 classes will not count toward the award.
Mickey Callahan's 2017 gelding Voodoo Whiskey (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Whiskey On Wheels x Paddys Irish Whiskey) led the Superior Non Pro Boxing Achievement Merit Award with $50,817.78 in Non Pro Boxing Supreme Total Earnings.
SUPERIOR NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE
This is the first award for Non Pro Boxing horses to receive for their success in the arena. In order to earn this award, the horse must have earned a total of $7,500 in Horse Show Category 1 Boxing classes including Select, Youth Boxing and Youth Boxing 13 and Under.
NON PRO BOXING ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE 2024
Arc Peptos Belle/owned by S & T Kirkpatrick/ C Greene
Bonnies Fancy Twist/owned by Erin E. Russell
Cat Can Dew/owned by Loren Booth Living Trust
Cat Walks Into A Bar/owned by Landri Lisac
Chicody Leo/owned by Jennifer Woodmansee
CR Dees Be Tuff/owned by Renee L Berrey
CR Tuffs Magic Tonic/owned by Lee Ann McDaniel
Cuttin Wright Up/owned by David I. Beckett
DCR High As A Cat/owned by Sabrina Alexis Neiswanger
Docs Shiney Amber/owned by Lisa C. Reiter
Dressed Wright/owned by Tiffany Corey
Electra Tuff/owned by Brian/Angie Kilpatrick
Extra High Caliber/owned by Sydney Gay Nesky
Fine Like O Lena/owned by Catelyn Hall
Fletch Me If You Can/owned by Alison A. Brantley
Heart Of A Remedy/owned by Chris Garrett
Heza Whiz Kid/owned by Ellie Willoughby
Hick Oleana/owned by Jennifer E. Ray
Hobby Nic/owned by Rylee A McGehee
Ima Diamond J Star/owned by Michael/ Debra Brautovitch
Instantee/owned by Mattie E. Alexander
Lenas Gun A Smokum/owned by Kristy Johnson
Lenas Twist Of Sugar/owned by Jennifer Blake
Light On The Whizkey/owned by Joanne Pettit
Mary Janez/owned by Carolyn A. Edson
Master Of The Seas/owned by Ruth Jackson
Metallic Pearl/owned by Mike or Kelly Warner
Metallic River/owned by Ann Matthews
Mintgundition/owned by Rancho
Santa Margarita
Miss Jay Glo/owned by J C Paint Ranch
Oh Cay Meriah/owned by Monica Duflock
One Time Safari/owned by Mark E. Buckley
One Timin Katie/owned by Joe and Elizabeth Taggart
Paddysstarlightchic/owned by Jeffrey or Lynne Heyer
Pay Me In Nickels/owned by Barbara A. Giljum
Peppys On Time/owned by Randy J. Paul
Repeat Plan/owned by Kellie Herrington
Roosters Zack/owned by Daran & Paula Francis
RoostersRunninShine/owned by Jaynalee Waldrip
Sheza Haillion/owned by Elise Mason
Shiny Lil Catillac/owned by Lee Ann McDaniel
Short And Royal/owned by Chown Quarter Horses
Smart Chic Dot Com/owned by Kristen K. Troxel
Soulanova/owned by Lannie Jo Lisac
Starlight Driver/owned by Kelsey DeLaPlaine Fulmer
Tejons Dry Deuce/owned by Heather Good
The Metal Doctor/owned by Mickey Callahan
TR Miss Graygun/owned by Birgit Self
TR Playing Chic/owned by John and Kaitlin Ormson
Triple Colonel Bar/owned by Helen L. Horn
Voodoo Whiskey/owned by Mickey Callahan
Whose Tuff/owned by Christa D. Hampton
Wright On Forever/owned by Mary C Harris
Xtra Short Trick/owned by Robert and Cheryl Chown
SUPREME REINED COW HORSE
The Supreme Reined Cow Horse Award is reserved for the unique individual that has shown and won money in all divisions and garnered $25,000 in earnings. A horse must meet the following criteria:
a. The horse must have been shown in approved Limited Age Events (LAE) and earned at least $1,000 in these events. The horse must have been shown in the hackamore and have earned at least $1,000 in this event. Money earned at the NRCHA Hackamore Classic limited age event may count toward either LAE money or hackamore money, so long as it is counted only once. Up to $20,000 of any monies won at these two types of events can be applied to the total earnings required.
b. The horse must win a total of $25,000. After considering the totals earned from Limited Age Events and the hackamore, with the limitations previously stated, the remaining balance must be won in the bridle division.
c. Money earned in the Non Pro Boxing, Intermediate Non Pro Boxing, Limited Non Pro Boxing, and Youth Boxing classes does not count toward the Supreme Reined Cow Horse Award.
d. To fulfill the hackamore requirement, earnings must come from NRCHA Horse Show Hackamore classes or Hackamore Classic LAE money can count toward either LAE money or hackamore money, so long as it is counted only once.
e. Money earned in the two-rein class will count as bridle earnings for the merit award program.
f. Foals of 2000 and prior will be grandfathered into this program and are not required to have won the $1,000 in Limited Age Events and hackamore, but still must win a total of $25,000. As of January 1, 2002, earnings which count toward the Merit Awards are all NRCHA Approved horse shows, LAE and Category 1 Special Events.
Merit Award applications are available at nrcha.com/nrcha-merit-awards-program/
Zycosan®
(pentosan polysulfate sodium injection)
250 mg/mL
For intramuscular use in horses only. Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert)
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION: Zycosan contains pentosan polysulfate sodium, a semi-synthetic polysulfated xylan. It is a pale yellow to brownish yellow, clear, sterile solution.
INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with osteoarthritis in horses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to pentosan polysulfate sodium or any of the inactive ingredients in Zycosan should not receive Zycosan. Do not use Zycosan concurrently with other anticoagulant drugs. Do not use in horses with clotting disorders or within 24 hours of surgical procedures (see Warnings and Precautions).
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:
User Safety Warnings: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a weak anticoagulant. Caution should be used when administering Zycosan if you are taking an anticoagulant. In case of accidental self-injection, seek immediate medical attention. If product comes into contact with skin, rinse skin thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if needed. To obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Dechra at (866) 933-2472.
Animal Safety Warnings and Precautions: Zycosan has been shown to prolong coagulation parameters up to 24 hours after injection, therefore caution should be used when administering this drug before or after strenuous activities (see Target Animal Safety). Due to the anticoagulant effects, this drug may exacerbate Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH).
The concurrent use of NSAIDs with Zycosan has not been evaluated. Due to the anticoagulant effects of Zycosan and known anticoagulant effects of some NSAIDs, caution should be used if NSAIDs are concurrently administered. Horses concurrently treated with Zycosan and NSAIDs should be monitored for hemorrhage or other clinical signs of abnormal bleeding (e.g., petechiae, ecchymosis, or epistaxis). The safety of long-term repeat use of Zycosan has not been evaluated. Pigmentary changes in the retina (pigmentary maculopathy) have been reported in human patients following long-term oral use of pentosan polysulfate occurs in horses. The safe use of Zycosan has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating horses. Other Warnings: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Injection site reactions were the most frequently reported adverse reactions in associated with clinicopathology changes in some cases. Other adverse reactions reported in more than one horse were prolongation of coagulation parameters (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)), lethargy, behavior changes, and colic. To report suspected adverse events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Dechra at (866) 933-2472 For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at http://www.fda.gov/reportanimalae.
STORAGE CONDITIONS: Store at room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C), with excursions to 59-86°F (15-30°C).
MANUFACTURED FOR:
Dechra Veterinary Products
7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525 Overland Park, KS 66211 USA
Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-559 Zycosan is a trademark of Dechra Limited.
R 01 2023
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU FEED
Learn hard lessons from last summer’s feed contamination tragedy.
BY JOE CARTER, DVM
The death of 70 rodeo horses in August 2024 reminds us why one of the things we take for granted the most can never be overlooked: feeding horses.
Livestock Nutrition Center, which provides custom-blended and premixed feeds to ranches across the United States, said in a statement that its “preliminary tests” had shown that a load of feed delivered to Beutler & Son Rodeo Co. in Elk City, Oklahoma, contained Monensin, an additive also known as Rumesin that’s common in cattle feed but toxic for horses. The drug is an ionophore, or an antibiotic-like compound.
“This likely occurred due to a combination of a failed clean-out procedure and a sensor malfunction,” said Ronnie Castlebury, the company’s president, in an official statement.
I’ve seen many deaths from Monensin in horses. It’s one of the risks of buying feed from a plant that produces cattle and horse feed, or if horses ingest cattle feed.
WHAT IS MONENSIN?
Monensin is an antibiotic added to cattle feed to improve feed efficiency and prevent bloat by improving rumen fermentation efficiency. This leads to better feed conversion. In some cases, Monensin allows producers to utilize lower-quality feeds without sacrificing weight gain, which is why it is so commonly used in cattle feed.
Horses can die quickly from Monensin toxicity, or they may die from heart failure days or weeks after consumption. Horses that survive sublethal doses may have reduced athletic performance and cardiac failure.
HOW TO PREVENT EXPOSURE
The most reliable way to ensure that your horse feed isn’t contaminated with Monensin is to buy it from a feed company that makes only horse feed at its plant. Plants that make horse and cattle feeds are always subject to cross-contamination problems and deaths like those that happened last summer. Unfortunately, human error occurs far too frequently to trust feed made in a plant that uses Monensin as a feed additive.
You can’t see or smell Monensin in horse feed. There are machines that can analyze feed and identify the presence of Monensin, but they’re impractical to use at every feeding.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE EXPOSURE
Symptoms of Monensin toxicity in horses include:
• Anorexia
• Colic
• Sweating
• Stiffness
• Lack of coordination
• Inability to stand
• Double or triple heart rate
• Labored breathing.
If you suspect Monensin toxicity, call your veterinarian immediately. There are some treatments; however, prevention is the best medicine. Be sure to check with your feed store or feed representative to confirm that the horse feed you buy is made in a plant that doesn’t make cattle feed—a plant dedicated to safely making horse feed.
Break free
Help your equine patients by controllingthe clinicalsigns associated with osteoarthritis
• The only FDA approvedpentosan polysulfate sodium injection
Aswithalldrugs,sideeffectsmayoccur.Forintramuscularuseinhorsesonly.Notfor usein humans.Pentosanpolysulfate sodiumis aweakanticoagulant.CautionshouldbeusedwhenadministeringZycosanifyouaretakingananticoagulant. Incaseofaccidental self-injection,seekimmediatemedicalattention.Ifproductcomesintocontactwithskin,rinseskinthoroughlywithwater andseekmedicalattentionifneeded. HorseswithhypersensitivitytopentosanpolysulfatesodiumshouldnotreceiveZycosan.Do notuseZycosanconcurrentlywithotheranticoagulantdrugs. Donotuseinhorseswithclottingdisordersorwithin24hoursof surgicalprocedures.Cautionshouldbeusedwhenadministeringthisdrugbeforeorafterstrenuousactivities.Cautionshouldbe usedwhenNSAIDSareadministeredconcurrentlyduetotheanticoagulanteffectsofZycosan.IfZycosanandNSAIDSareused concurrently,horsesshouldbemonitoredforhemorrhageorotherclinicalsignsofabnormalbleeding.ThesafeuseofZycosanhas notbeenevaluatedinbreeding,pregnant,orlactatinghorses.Thesafetyoflong-termrepeatuseofZycosanhasnot been evaluated.Themostfrequentlyreportedadversereactionsareinjectionsitereactions,prolongationofcoagulationparameters (activatedpartialthromboplastintime(aPTT)andprothrombintime(PT).Refertotheprescribinginformationfor completedetailsor visitwww.dechra-us.com.
Top Riders For Open Eligibility in 2025
INTERMEDIATE OPEN Open to any rider who is not on the top thirty (30) Open Rider Listing; based on Open category 1 money won in the past three years at any NRCHA approved events.
LIMITED OPEN—Open to any rider who is not on the top 120 Open rider listing based on Open category 1 money won in the past three years at any NRCHA approved events, has not earned over $350,000 in Open and Non Pro category 1 and category 2 money at any NRCHA approved events.
Top Riders For Open Eligibility in
Top Riders For Open Eligibility in 2025
Annie Reynolds
Bobby Ingersoll
Debbie Crafton
Dema Paul
Eric Freitas
Greg Ward
Jay Holmes
Jayson Fisher
Jo Anne Carollo
John Ward
Jon Roeser
$1,787,031.72
$357,295.61
$889,738.12
$695,835.60
$386,053.62
$429,321.91
$455,406.24
$365,238.22
$536,106.87
$1,210,199.37
$1,643,467.57
Justin Lawrence
Kevin Stallings
Laurie Richards
Lyn Anderson
R. Mike Miller
Robbie Boyce
Russell Dilday
Sandra Collier
Smoky Pritchett
Tammy Hays
Ted Robinson
$491,823.58
$351,829.48
$553,931.96
$976,207.90
$634,799.00
$756,090.50
$660,934.09
$806,613.19
$559,804.14
$423,490.29
$1,965,113.11
Top Riders for Non Pro Eligibility in 2025
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO Open to any rider who possesses a current Non Pro card and is not in the top 25 Non Pro rider listing based on the previous three years of Open and Non Pro category 1 money won at NRCHA approved events.
LAE LIMITED NON PRO Open to any rider who possesses a current Non Pro card and is not on the Top 60 Non Pro rider listing based on the previous three years of Open and Non Pro category 1 money won at NRCHA approved events, have not earned more than $100,000 in Open and Non Pro category 1 and category 2 money at NRCHA approved events.
Top Riders for Non Pro Eligibility in 2025
Riders ineligible for LAE Limited Non Pro based on earnings over $100,000 (see rule 10.4.8):
Bart Holowath
Bret Paulick
Bubba Petty
Carol Roberts
Gianna Hansen
Jerry Beukelman
Laurie Richards
Marc Bourdet
Michelle Cowan
$153,780.65
$137,089.64
$168,388.12
$140,805.92
$109,570.34
$107,896.72
$553,931.96
$120,873.08
$200,918.98
R. Mike Miller
Rachel Eady
Shawn Renshaw
Tammy Johnston
Terry Christiansen
Toni Hagen Heath
Trail Townsend
William Cowan
$634,799.00
$140,065.66
$317,500.32
$104,384.67
$118,167.43
$289,985.14
$100,538.70
$140,874.22
Top Riders for Non Pro Boxing Eligibility in 2025
INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING Open to approved Non Pro riders who are not in the top 50 Non Pro Boxing rider listing based on lifetime money won in the past three years at any NRCHA approved events excluding youth money.
LIMITED NON PRO BOXING—
to approved Non Pro riders who are not in the top 175 Non Pro Boxing rider listing based on lifetime money won in the past three years at any NRCHA approved events, excluding youth money and have not earned more than $5,000 in lifetime earnings, excluding youth money.
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.
Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ
Desert Spring Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ
Alexandra Roberts, Hanover, MD
Aneka Schelbeck Del Rey Paint & Qtr Horses, Cotton Wood, CA
Blair Bynum, Bynum Farms, Palm City, FL
Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE
Brian Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Brian & Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA
Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC
Carina Stephens CJC Western Horses, Runnymede, Victoria, Australia
Carol Ann Hetzel, Brownwood, TX
Chris Anderson CA Performance Horses, Marietta, OK
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.
Current as of January 1, 2025
Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL
Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL
Elizabeth Clary Dark Horse Consulting, Inc., Inkom, ID
Gina RoidoP.O.ulos Saddle Creek Ranch, Heath, TX
GoRoadon Robinson Big Rock Arena, Granum, AB, Canada
Greg Ganzkow G7 Keystone Ranch, Pawhuska, OK
Jill Serena , Castaic, CA
Jim Babcock, Babcock Ranch, Sanger, TX
Justin Crawley, Crawley Ranch, Springdale, AR
Kalli Reed, Rosston, TX
Kaylin Wright, Perrin, TX
Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX
Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA
Lorena Bechtholdt Flying P Paints & Quarter Horses, Fallon, NV
Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA
Marilyn Bowling Oasis Ranch, Inc., Jacksboro, TX
Miguel Gonzalez Unique Ranch, Miami, FL
Nicole Lucchese, Calhan, CO
Nonie Casselman-Reed Touchstone Land Ranch LLC., Stephenville, TX
Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL
Pete Bowling Oasis Ranch, Inc., Herald, CA
P.O.mpeo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, Italy
RiccaRoado Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, Italy
Rick Steed, Steed Training, Okeechobee, FL
Rita WaRoad , Canyon, TX
Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA
Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA
Rod Brents, Childress, TX
Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY
Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA
Susan Ray Dream Cross
Terry Malarkey Lazy T Shamrock Ranch, Star, ID
Thera Myers, OxnaRoad, CA
Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY
Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA
Team Professional Italia Western Show A.S.D.
LAE = Limited Aged Event, HS = Horse Show
SHOW SCHEDULE
as of January 1, 2025
Feb 7-9 South Texas RCHA Celebration HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Abilene, TX South Texas RCHA Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com Warm Up
Feb 15-Mar 1 NRCHA Celebration of Champions HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Fort Worth, TX NRCHA NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com
Feb 21-22 NvRCHA Show #2 HS, Cat. 1 Las Vegas, NV Nevada RCHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
Feb 28- Mar 9 AzRCHA Sun Country Circuit HS, Cat. 1 Scottsdale, AZ Arizona RCHA Heidi Lane 623-869-8073 azqhainfo@gmail.com
Mar 5-9 Southwest RCHA Swing Into Spring HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Ardmore, OK Southwest RCHA Jackie Cline entry@srcha.org
Mar 8-9 Lavaca Ranch RCHA March Roundup HS, Cat. 1 Hallettsville, TX Lavaca Ranch RCHA Arlynn Fulton 717-600-6417 lavacaranchcowhorse@gmail.com
Mar 13-16 Panhandle RCHA Spring Fling HS, Cat. 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 whoanelle75@gmail.com
Mar 14-15 High Desert RCHA Show #2 HS, Cat. 1 Powell Butte, OR High Desert RCHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
Mar 17-23 California RCHA Paso Robles Spring HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Paso Robles, CA California RCHA Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com Classic Derby, Spec, Horse Show #2
Mar 21-22 NvRCHA Show #3 HS, Cat. 1 Las Vegas, NV Nevada RCHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
April 16-20 Southwest RCHA April Show HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Ardmore, OK Southwest RCHA Jackie Cline entry@srcha.org
April 16-20 Nevada RC&CHA Winnemucca HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Winnemucca, NV Nevada RC&CHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com Spring Spectacular and Derby
Apr 25-27 Atlantic RCHA Dust Off The Rust HS, Cat. 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer 585-749-1764 cindypfeifer59@gmail.com
Apr 25-27 California RCHA Show #3 HS, Cat. 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 laura@californiacowhorse.com
May 9-11 Southern California RCHA HS, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5912 klsgrn@yahoo.com Jimmy Flores Sr Memorial
May 14-18 California RCHA Horse Shows #4 & 5 HS, Cat. 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
May 16-17 NvRCHA Show #4 HS, Cat. 1 Las Vegas, NV Nevada RCHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
May 22-25 Panhandle RCHA Windy City Warm Up HS, Cat. 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 whoanelle75@gmail.com
May 23 - 25 Atlantic RCHA Mike Carone Classic HS, Cat. 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer 585-749-1764 cindypfeifer59@gmail.com
May 28-June 7 NRCHA Derby HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Scottsdale, AZ NRCHA NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com
June 12-16 Nevada RC&CHA Dave Grashuis HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Winnemucca, NV Nevada RC&CHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com Memorial Spectacular and Derby
June 13-15 Atlantic RCHA Summer Shootout HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer 585-749-1764 cindypfeifer59@gmail.com
June 14-15 Lavaca Ranch RCHA Cow County HS, Cat. 1 Hallettsville, TX Lavaca Ranch RCHA Arlynn Fulton 717-600-6417 lavacaranchcowhorse@gmail.com
June 20-22 High Desert RCHA Show #3 HS, Cat. 1 Lakeview, OR High Desert RCHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com & Spectacular
June 20-22 California RCHA Horse Show #6 HS, Cat. 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
July 5-6 Southern California RCHA HS, Cat. 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5912 klsgrn@yahoo.com Grant Berg Memorial Show
July 11-13 California RCHA Horse Show #7 HS, Cat. 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com
July 25-27 High Desert RCHA Show #4 HS, Cat. 1 Powell Butte, OR High Desert RCHA Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com
July 21-27 NRCHA Hackamore Classic HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Tulsa, OK NRCHA NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com
Aug 7-10 California RCHA Mid-Summer HS, LAE, Cat. 1 Tulare, CA California RCHA Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com Pre-Futurity & Horse Show #8
Aug 8-10 Atlantic RCHA WrightTimeToSmokum HS, LAE, Cat. 1, Cat. 2 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer 585-749-1764 cindypfeifer59@gmail.com Show
Sept 6-7 Southern California RCHA September HS, Cat. 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA Kelley Hartranft 714-267-2769 klsgrn@yahoo.com Cow Horse Classic
Sept 19-21 Atlantic RCHA The Green Showdown HS, Cat. 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA Cindy Pfeifer 585-749-1764 cindypfeifer59@gmail.com
