RCHN: Aug./Sept. 2026

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

The official publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association

and capped the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic.

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THE INCENTIVE PROGRAM THAT IS TRANSFORMING THE SPORT OF

REINED COW HORSE

Years listed indicate the stallion’s subscription year, which aligns with the foal year for nomination eligibility.

The 2024 subscription year is an exception and includes offspring foaled from 2021 through 2024.

• A CAT UNDER THE HAT 2025, 2026 • A LENA TIMES TWO 2024 • A SHINER NAMED SIOUX 2024, 2025 • A TALE OF THE CAT 2026 • A VERY SHINEY INFERNO 2026, 2027 • A VINTAGE SMOKE 2024, 2025, 2026 • AIR JORDANS 2025 • ALL THAT BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • AMERICASNEXTCHANCE 2024, 2025 • ANNIES SMART CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • APOLLO CREED 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • ARA REBEL KING 2026 • ARC SPARKIN CHICS 2024 • AREYBE 2026, 2027 • ARMANI CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ARMOUR 2027 • ARRISTOCRAT NAPPIN 2024, 2025 • AUTOMATIC CAT 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • BADBOONARISING 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BADGERS SMART PEPPY 2024, 2025 • BAMA JELLY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BAMACAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BAY BOON IN STYLE 2026 • BET HE SPARKS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BET HES BLU 2026, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2030 • BET HESA BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BET HESA CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BET HESA SHINER 2024, 2025 • BET YER A SMARTALLIC 2024 • BITTY LITTLE BOON 2025 • BLEAU 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • BLEU ON BLACK 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • BLIND SIDED 2024, 2025 • BLU GENES 2026 • BOB HES QUICK 2024 • BONAFIDE HUSTLER 2024, 2025 • BOON TOO SUEN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BOONIFIED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BOONS REFLECTION 2025 • BOWMANS GUN 2025, 2026 • BOWMANS METALLIC CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • BREYKIN BAD 2026, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2030 • BROTHER JACKSON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CALL ME MITCH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CALLING DR DREY 2026, 2027 • CANT KICK A PLAYBOY 2024, 2025

• CARIBBEAN CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CAT FROM IPANEMA 2024 • CAT SCRATCH 2027 • CATALLIC 2024, 2025 • CATATOMIC 2024, 2025 • CATOLENA CASHIN IN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CATS PAINTED ILLUSION 2024, 2025, 2026 • CATS PICASSO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CATS ROYAL BOON 2024, 2025, 2026 • CATTALOU 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CATTY HAWK 2024 • CD DIAMOND 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CD DYNA CEE 2024, 2025 • CD HIGHLIGHTS 2024, 2025 • CD LIGHTS 2024 • CD METALLIC 2026, 2027 • CEE MR HICKORY 2024 • CHECK YER METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CIELO HICKORY 2026 • COLOR PROOF 2024, 2025 • COOL GUITAR 2025, 2026 • COOL N HOT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • COUNTIN HOT CHECKS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CR GOTCHA COVERED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CR HES A TUFF ONE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CR HIGHLIGHT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CRACKLIN KAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • CSR DUAL GLO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • CT SHOW ME YOUR GUNS 2024, 2025, 2026 • DANDY CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DEEPER SHADE OF BLU 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DELTA HELLCAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DOC SEAS WHISKEY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DONN JULIO 2024, 2025 • DONT STOPP BELIEVIN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DSR NU MALICE CAT 2026 • DUAL DELTA REY 2024 • DUAL EQUIS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL PEP 2024 • DUAL R SMOKIN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL REY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • DUAL REYISH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUAL SMART REY 2024, 2025, 2026 • DUALIN BLU MOON 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • DUALIN BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • DUALLY VON REY 2025

• DYNAMITE DUNN IT 2026 • EIGHT MILE 2027 • FARMER JONEZ 2024, 2025 • FIDDLE AND STEEL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • FINALS BOUND 2024 • FIVE SUGAR COWBOY 2025 • FLAMES WITH ROYALTY 2024, 2025 • FM COTTONWOOD 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • GENUINE MASTERPIECE 2024 • GOTTA GO GET IT 2024, 2025 • GRACEFUL SMART CAT 2024, 2025 • GUNNA BET MY BOON 2025 • GUNNABEBIGTIME 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • GUNNASTEPYA 2025 • GUNNATRASHYA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • GUNNER ON ICE 2024 • HA SHINE OAK SHINE 2024, 2026 • HAIL CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HALF TIME REPORT 2024, 2025 • HASHKNIFE KING 2024 • HASHTAG BLUES 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • HASHTAGS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HASHTAGS GONE WILD 2025, 2026 • HAZARDOUZ MATERIAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HEADLINNER 2026 • HENDRIXX 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HERE COMES THE BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HES WRIGHT ON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HESA BLUHADI 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • HESA DUAL BET 2024, 2025, 2026 • HEY BABE 2025, 2026 • HICALIBER CAT 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • HICKORY HOLLY TIME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HIGH BROW CAT 2024, 2025, 2026 • HIGH BROW JACKSON 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • HIGH COST OF METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HIRED GUN 2024, 2025, 2026 • HIT THA FLO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HONKY TONK DREAMS 2024 • HOTT ROD 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HOTTISH 2024, 2025 • HOTTISH METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • HQ HELLUVA CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • HUERFANO RIVER BLUE 2027 • IM COUNTIN CHECKS 2024, 2025 • IM TOO HOTT 2027

• IMA DIRTY WHITE BOY 2025 • ITS TIME TO SMOKUM 2024, 2025, 2026 • JANS REY CUATRO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • JAYMES BOND 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • JOHNNYS LIL CASH 2025, 2026 • JUDGE BOON 2024 • JULGUN 2025, 2026 • KINKY BOOTZ 2025, 2026 • KIT KAT SUGAR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • KR FANTALLICKA 2024, 2025, 2026 • KREYZY HORSE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • LAST CALL FOR TEQUILA 2026 • LBR HANGEM 2026 • LEFTY STARLIGHT 2024 • LEGAL N TWISTED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • LIL JOE CASH 2026 • LIL STORMY JONEZ 2026 • LIZZYS GOTTA PLAYER 2024 • LONE WOOLF 2026 • MAGGIC MIKE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MAGICAL VOODOO 2024, 2025 • MAGICALITY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MAKE IT RAIIN 2026 • MARKED FOR GREATNESS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MASTER MERADA 2024, 2025 • MC COWHAMMER 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MEGICIAN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CAJUN 2024, 2025 • METALLIC CASANOVA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CATTACK 2024, 2025, 2026 • METALLIC CHROME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC CHROME CAT 2024, 2025 • METALLIC HEAVEN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC MALICE 2024, 2025, 2026 • METALLIC MASTERPIECE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC PEACEMAKER 2026, 2027 • METALLIC REBEL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC REY MINK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC ROYAL MATE 2024, 2025, 2026 • METALLIC RUANO 2027 • METALLIC SLAYER 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • METALLIC SPARK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METALLIC UNO 2024, 2025 • METALLIC WIZARD 2024, 2025 • METALLICS MVP 2024, 2025, 2026

COW HORSE INCENTIVE SUBSCRIBED STALLIONS Untitled-2 2

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

OVER $1.5 MILLION PAID OUT IN THE LIMITED AGE EVENTS AT THE 2026 STALLION STAKES

OVER $80K PAID TO STALLION SUBSCRIBERS OVER $50K PAID TO OFFSPRING NOMINATORS

NOMINATE NOW One-time nomination makes your horse eligible for NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive payouts.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

• METELES CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • METILION 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MINKISH 2027 • MISTER MONTANA CHIC 2024 • MISTER SMARTS 2024 • MOMS STILISH CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MR PLAYINSTYLISH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • MY BOOTS ARE ROYAL 2026 • MY PISTOLS HOTT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NATURAL BOTTOM 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NICS BLACK DIAMOND 2024 • NO MORE TRASH TALKIN 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • NORTHERN METALLIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NOTHING BUT BLU 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NRR CAT KING COLE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • NU N SHINEY 2024 • NU ONE TIME BLUES 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • NU SMOKETANA 2024 • NZ SCOTCH TIME 2025 • OFFERS ARE CHEAP 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • OHICKORY REY 2026, 2027 • OLENA OAK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ONCE IN A BLU BOON 2024, 2025 • ONCE UPON A BLUEBOON 2024, 2025 • ONE FINE VINTAGE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ONE OH NINE 2024, 2025 • ONE SHINEY METALLIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ONE TIME PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026 • ONE TIME ROYALTY 2024 • ONE TIME UP NORTH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • OPUS CAT OLENA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PABLO PICATSO 2024, 2025 • PADDYS IRISH WHISKEY 2024, 2025 • PALE FACE DUNNIT 2024, 2025, 2026 • PATRIOT 2024, 2025, 2026 • PEDEL TO THE METALL 2024, 2025 • PEPTO BRO CD 2024, 2025 • PEPTOBOONSMAL 2024, 2025 • PEPTOREY 2024, 2025, 2026 • PEPTOS STYLIN TIME 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PG HEAVILY ARMED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PHIL N DANGEROUS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PLAIN CATTY 2025, 2026 • PLAYGIRLS MERADA CAT 2024 • PLAYGUN 2024, 2025, 2026 • PLAYIN FOR SMOKE 2026

• PLEASE PLAY ME 2026, 2027 • POCKET FULLA PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PORR QUE 2024, 2025, 2026 • PRF PURRFECT STAR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PRIDE AND JOYY 2025, 2026 • PSR POISON CAT 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • PURE PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • PURRN LIKEASMOOTHCAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • QUAHADI 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RAWHIDES SLIDE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RAZOR SCOOTER 2025 • RED HOT METAL 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RED TACHITA DOC 2027 • REEL DEAL 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • REMINICAT 2024, 2025 • REYNSHINE 2024 • REYS A SHINE 2024, 2025 • REYZIN CANE 2025, 2026 • REYZIN STYLISH CASH 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • REYZIN THE BOON 18 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • REYZIN THE CASH 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • REYZIN THE LIMIT 2027 • RICATO SUAVE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • RL STYLING REY 2024, 2025 • RN HIGHBROW LENA 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROANMEO 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • ROCKIN W 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROLLZ ROYCE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROO TO DO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ROYAL FLETCH 2024, 2025 • RTR ALL RISE 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • RUSTY BLUE METALLIC 2026 • SADDLING AT SUNRISE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SANCTUS 2024, 2025 • SANNMAN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SCOOTER KAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SENOR SHINEY CAT 2024, 2025, 2026 • SEVEN S GRAND SLAM 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SEVENS STAR GLO 2025, 2026 • SF HOTTISH LUMI CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINE CHIC SHINE 2025 • SHINERS NICKLE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINERS VOODOO DR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINEY DUAL REY 2025 • SHINEY OUTLAW 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SHINING CD LIGHT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030

PRESENTED BY:

• SHINING IN TOWN 2026 • SHINING SPARK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SIXES BLUE POWDER 2024, 2025 , 2026 • SIXES PICK 2024, 2025, 2026 • SJR DIAMOND MIST 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SJR REYSON 2026 • SJR SMOOTH CADILAC 2024, 2025, 2026 • SJR SUMKINDAROCKSTAR 2024, 2025, 2026 • SJR TALKIN DIAMONDS 2026, 2027 • SLR SMART AS A CAT 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • SMART BOONS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SMART CHIC OLENA 2024, 2025 • SMART REYVOLUTION 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SMART WITH CHICKS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • SMOKEDCHA 2026, 2027 • SMOKETANA CHEX 2024 • SMOKIN CUSTOM CROME 2024 • SMOKINN 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SMOKNHOLLYWOOD 2025 • SMOOTH AS A CAT 2024, 2025 • SMOOTH TALKIN STYLE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SNAPDRAGONS 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SNIPERR 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • SOUTHERN PATRON 2027 • SPOOK N BOON 2025, 2026 • SPOOKS GOTTA WHIZ 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SPOTS HEFF 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SPOTS HOTTIST 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • STAREY 2026 • STEP TO THE LIGHT 2024 • STEVIE REY BOON 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • STEVIE REY VON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • STILL SLIDIN DR 2026 • STINGS COLOR 2024, 2025 • STORYTELER 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • STUNNED 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • STYLIN METAL 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • STYLISH METALLICA 2024, 2025 • SUGARR DADDY 2025, 2026 • SUN UN DUN 2024, 2025 • SURELY A PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • SWEET LIL PEPTO 2024, 2025, 2026 • SWING WIDE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • TAGGLINE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • TALK IT WALK IT 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • TARIS CATALYST 2026

• TEE BOONE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • TEN THIRTY 2024, 2025 • THE ANIMAL 2024, 2025, 2026 • THE BOON 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • THE BOON DOT COM 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 • THE DANE GER ZONE 2026 • THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030 • THE REYL MCCOY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • THE ROYALTY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • THIRD EDGE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • THIS CATS STRESSIN 2024 • THIS CATT SHINES 2024, 2025, 2026 • THIS ONE TIME 2024, 2025, 2026 • THIS ONE TIME CAT 2025, 2026 • THOMAS E HUGHES 2024 • TIME FOR THE DIAMOND 2024 • TIME TO GLO 2026 • TIN MAN 2024, 2025 • TIN SOLDIER 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • TINKER WITH GUNS 2026 • TOMCAT CHEX 2024, 2025 • TOTAL BLAM BLAM 2024 • TRACER BULLET 2024 • TRAVELIN JONEZ 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • UNO WHAT TIME IT IS 2024 • VALENTINES HICKORY 2025, 2026 • VENOM BOONSMAL 2026, 2027 • VERY BLACK MAGIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • WHISKI SAUER 2025 • WHIZKEY N DIAMONDS 2026 • WICKED ECHOS 2024 • WICKED PRETTY 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • WIND HER UP NIC 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 • WOODY BE TUFF 2024, 2025, 2026 • WR THIS CATS SMART 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • WRANGLERED 2024, 2025 • XTRA NEW PAL VOODOO 2024, 2025 • XTRA RISE N SHINE 2024 • YOR THE ONE 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ZAK 34 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 • ZIGZAGG 2026

Find the most list of stallions at nrcha.co/subscribed-stallions Stallions listed are subscribed into the Cowcurrent Horse Incentive assubscribed of 11/11/24

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NRCHA.COM

Mark your

CALENDARS for 2026!

W HAT TO LOOK FOR

ONLINE

Be sure to view, download, and review the 2026 Rule Book before you head to the show pen!

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® October 9–24

CHECK OUT ALL NRCHA-APPROVED SHOWS AT NRCHA.COM/SCHEDULE.

2026 RULE BOOK

Ensure that your 2026 foals are nominated to the Cow Horse Incentive program!

Learn more online at nrcha.com/nrcha-incentive-program.

Find it at nrcha.com/ rule-book.

Volume 31, Number 4

Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Published by Equine Network

NRCHA 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088 Phone: 940-488-1500 | Fax: 940-488-1499 | info@nrcha.com | www.NRCHA.com NRCHA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS President: Paul Bailey | Vice President: Ben Baldus | Treasurer: Todd Crawford | Secretary: Lori Wyman Executive Director: Patty Tiberg Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers | Director of Judges: Bill Enk Director of Programs: Tara Carter | Director of Shows: Taylor Meek Official NRCHA Photographer: Primo Morales | Official NRCHA Videographer: Equine Promotion

REINED COW HORSE NEWS CEO: Tom Winsor | Editor: Jennifer Paulson | Managing Editor: Jennifer Denison Director of Art and Production: Philip Cooper | Production Manager: Stacey Horne | Prepress Manager: 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: 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088. All contents are copyright of the National Reined Cow Horse Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission from the NRCHA. Opinions expressed in articles and advertising in Reined Cow Horse News do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of the NRCHA or its officers and members. Accuracy of material is the sole responsibility of the authors. Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender’s risk and the NRCHA accepts no responsibility for them. Please address all submissions to: Reined Cow Horse News, 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088. Subscription rate is $45 a year. Periodical postage paid at Weatherford, TX 76088 and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reined Cow Horse News, 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088.

4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026

FEATURES

62

Offense and Defense Learn to control a cow while boxing with your horse’s body position using these tips from NRCHA Four Million Dollar Rider Corey Cushing.

By Abigail Boatwright

70

Financial Fence Work for Professionals Consistency is key for NRCHA professionals who desire financial success now and in the future.

By Zachary Haydon, with Larri Jo Starkey

74

Bringing in the Big Guns The first-ever Big Guns in Cowtown brings together top rodeo athletes and NRCHA Professionals for a showcase you won’t want to miss.

By Abigail Boatwright

6 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026

DEPARTMENTS 12 From the Executive Director 16 From the Judge’s Chair 20 From the NRCHYA 184 Horse Health

EVENT COVERAGE

CIRCLE UP

Ranch Derby Horse 126 Kimes Show Highlights

26 NRCHA News of NRCHA: 34 Faces Cami Toliver

Kimes Ranch Derby 82 NRCHA Open Kimes Ranch Derby 92 NRCHA Non Pro RCHA Kimes Ranch Derby 108 NSpectaculars

World’s Greatest 136 NRCHA Non Pro

46

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ 140 NRCHA Hackamore Classic Open MARS EQUESTRIAN™ 148 NRCHA Hackamore Classic Non Pro

MEMBER ROUNDUP the Pro: Jonathan 38 Know Himes

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ 158 NRCHA Hackamore Classic Spectacu-

Non Pro: Linda 46 Notable Cellini

lars

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ 168 NRCHA Hackamore Classic Boxing

Assistant: 50 Admirable Paige Smoroden

Battle in the Saddle

Connection: 56 Cowboy Charlie Hall

82

On the Cover:

In an exciting tie-breaker, Life By The Drop and Tyler Merrill came out the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Champions. Photo by Primo Morales

Show Highlights

MEMBER RESOURCES

186 NRCHA Committee Directory 188 Affiliate List 190 Suspended Member List 192 NRCHA Sanctioned Events

On the Inside Cover: Halreycious came back from an injury to reach his potential, winning the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby with Boyd Rice. Photo by Primo Morales Insert Cover Front: Cats Tell Secrets and Shawn Hays topped the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular. Photo by Primo Morales Insert Cover Back: Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet won their second NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro. Photo

by Primo Morales

MARS EQUESTRIAN™ 170 NRCHA Hackamore Classic Horse

148

8 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Looking ahead together.

TAYLOR TIBERG

S

erving as Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association is a true honor. As I begin this new role, I want to thank our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and members for the confidence and support you’ve shown throughout this transition.

Just over two years ago, I joined the NRCHA team because I was drawn to the people and the culture of this association. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with several outstanding organizations, but there was something different about the reined cow horse community.

The authenticity of our members, the deep ranching heritage, the quality of the horses, and the genuine sense of community made me feel at home from the very beginning.

As I step into this role, my commitment is simple: to build on the strong foundation already in place. NRCHA has an incredible history, passionate members, dedicated volunteers, and loyal partners who care deeply about our sport’s future. My responsibility is to help strengthen the association in ways that create greater value for our members while preserving the traditions and values that make reined cow horse so special.

That commitment means continuing to invest in our people, strengthening our partnerships, improving communication, and creating opportunities that benefit members at every level. As our association continues to grow, we’re also building an exceptional team in the Weatherford, Texas, headquarters to better support our members, events, sponsors, and committees, while positioning NRCHA for continued success.

One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I believe leadership starts with listening. Whether you have a question, a concern, or an idea, I hope you’ll introduce yourself at a show, email me, or give me a call. Some of the best ideas come directly from our members, and I value those conversations.

The future of NRCHA is incredibly bright. Together, we have an opportunity to honor our heritage while continuing to strengthen our association for future generations. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this organization and look forward to working alongside each of you as we write the next chapter of NRCHA’s story.

Patty Tiberg, NRCHA Executive Director

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FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR How judges approach looping a cow.

BY BILL ENK

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renas and cattle each present different challenges when attempting the cow work. At the 2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby, the cattle were generally fast and a bit reluctant to be headed on the first run down the fence, causing some exhibitors to loop the cow. A loop happens when an exhibitor attempts a fence turn and the animal exits the turn into the open field, causing the exhibitor to circle the animal back to the fence for the next attempt at a fence turn. It’s preferable to keep the animal on the fence during the cow work, but sometimes a loop is inevitable given the degree of difficulty the cow presents.

The judges were challenged in evaluating the fence works that involved loops. The first question a judge should ask is, “Why did the animal end up in the open field in the first place?” The second question is, “What action did the exhibitor take to get the animal back to the fence to complete their fence work?”

With fast cattle that are reluctant to turn, the exhibitor often gets into a foot race with the cow. The farther down the arena they go, the closer the exhibitor gets to the cow. This puts the horse in a compromised position when attempting the fence turn because the horse is too close to the fence and doesn’t have enough room to block the cow and complete the turn. This usually results in a late exit from the turn and a potential onepoint “loss of working advantage” penalty.

At the same time, the cow gets into the open field instead of being turned and headed back up the arena along the fence.

Now that the exhibitor is in the open field, they have a decision to make: 1.) Do you quickly pursue and loop the cow back to the fence and stay on the offense? 2.) If the cow is heading for the other fence and has the jump on you, do you change sides, take the

one-point penalty, and finish your work? 3.)

Do you pursue the cow and get into position to attempt an open-field turn? 4.) Or do you get into position to rate the cow back to the fence, make a controlling turn at the fence, and finish the work?

Each scenario has pros and cons. In the first scenario, if the horse exits the turn close to the cow and makes a loop in good position, this could be a credit-type situation. On the other hand, if you’re late exiting the turn and don’t keep the heat on during the loop, this could drop the turn score, incur a onepoint penalty for a loss of working advantage, and affect the position and control box. In the second scenario, if the animal obviously wants to be on the other fence, it sometimes makes sense to switch sides and finish the work from there. The theory is that the exhibitor stays on the offense rather than making a loop and hoping the animal doesn’t try to change sides again.

For the third situation, making a credit-earning open-field turn is very difficult if you’re late and trying to catch up with the animal. Most of the time in this situation, the turn ends up lacking form. For credit, the turn must display some rate and form, and gain and maintain a positive working position. In the final situation, if you can quickly gain position in the open field, rate the cow back to the fence, and then make a difficult, controlling turn before finishing the fence work, credit can be earned. This is a difficult maneuver to accomplish successfully, so it should be rewarded if you can pull it off.

The key to credit on this approach is how well the horse rates and how good the timing and turn are when the horse, cow, and fence all intersect at the same time.

The key to judging fence works with a lot happening in a short period of time is for the judge to use their scribe and scoresheet

Bill Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges

“

SOMETIMES A LOOP IS INEVITABLE GIVEN THE DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY THE COW PRESENTS.” —Bill Enk

to document the facts accurately. To do this correctly, the scribe must know how a judge wants to mark the scoresheet, and the judge must be focused enough to stay up with the work as it progresses. When the run is complete, the judge should have a feel for what the run was worth, and hopefully the scoresheet will reflect that. Getting the score in the right area is key: average (69 to 71), pretty good (71.5 to 73.5), and really good (74 and above).

Here’s some food for thought when judging or attempting the fence work. Greg Ward, one of the cow horse greats, once told me, “What are the exhibitors doing out in the open field? I thought the idea was to work and keep the cow on the fence.”

He said that a long time ago, and it’s still relevant today.

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NRCHA FUTURITY SALE

October 23th & 24th • Will Rogers Equestrian Center, Fort Worth, Texas Registered Name

DOB

Color

Sex

(Sire - Dam, Dam’s Sire)

Cold Steel Cat

4/22/25

red roan

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Markin This Cat, by WR This Cats Smart)

Fiddle N Blus

5/7/25

black

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Stressin The Blus, by Once In A Blu Boon)

Rey Of The West

3/22/25

sorrel

colt

(Stevie Rey Von - Shiners Diamond Lady, by Shining Spark)

Reys Of Steel

4/16/25

sorrel

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Reys Stressin Melody, by Reys Dual Badger)

Rock Solid Steel

4/30/25

sorrel

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Rockin Opus, by Rockin W)

Steel Shines On

4/22/25

red roan

Steel The Diamonds

4/7/25

red roan

(Fiddle And Steel - Annies Time To Shine, by One Time Pepto) colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Shiners Diamonds Lady, by Shining Spark)

NCHA FUTURITY SALE

Decemeber 6th - 12th • Will Rogers Equestrian Center, Fort Worth, Texas Registered Name

DOB

Color

Sex

(Sire - Dam, Dam’s Sire)

Prince Of Steel

2/9/25

bay roan

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Princess Betty Rey, by One Time Royalty)

Reckless Martinis

4/14/25

chestnut

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Miss Martini Boon, by Peptoboonsmal)

Steel N Martinis

1/29/25

sorrel

colt

(Fiddle And Steel - Miss Martini Boon, by Peptoboonsmal)

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RETURN TO THE REMUDA SALE September 26th • 6666 Ranch, Guthrie, Texas

Registered Name

DOB

Color

Sex

(Sire - Dam, by Dam’s Sire)

Catty Twist

3/15/25

red roan

colt

(WR This Cats Smart - Twist One Time, by One Time Pepto)

Classy Savannah Rey

5/7/25

sorrel

Genuine Fiddle Girl

4/21/25

palomino

Genuine Partygirl

2013

palomino

Grit N Good Times

5/3/25

buckskin

Lookin Genuine

2014

palomino

gelding

(Genuine Masterpiece - Smart Lookin Girl, by WR This Cats Smart)

Metallic Chic

2015

sorrel

gelding

(Smart Chic Olena - Metallic Tenina, by Metallic Cat)

Mister Blu To You

2018

palomino

gelding

(Once in a Blu Boon - Miss Shiner Dear, by Shining Spark)

Raise A Smart Cat

2012

sorrel

gelding

(WR This Cast Smart - Raise The Best, by Mr Sun O Lena)

Right On Time Chic

5/16/25

sorrel

(Time Marker - Tassa Smart Chic, by Smart Chic Olena)

Shesa Steel Fiddler

4/4/25

red roan

(Fiddle And Steel - Bet Shesa Melody, by Bet Hesa Cat)

Shine Like An Oscar

2016

sorrel

gelding

(Dual Rey - Miss Shiner Dear, by Shining Spark)

Shiner Dear Rey

2014

palomino

mare

(Reys Dual Badger - Miss Shiner Dear, by Shining Spark)

Steal To Shine

4/18/25

palomino

colt

(Graceful Smart Cat - Time To Shiner Dear, by One Time Pepto)

Steel Hearted Babe

3/31/25

red roan

Tassa Smart Chic

2016

sorrel

This Babe

5/4/25

sorrel

Twist One Time

2012

red roan

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(Graceful Smart Cat - Savannahs Dual Rey, by Dual Rey) (Fiddle And Steel - Genuine Partygirl, by Genuine Masterpiece) mare

(Genuine Masterpiece - Partyware, by High Brow Cat) (Fiddle And Steel - Party With Patron, by Dual Patron)

(Fiddle And Steel - Babe Im Believin, by Dont Stopp Believin) mare

(Smart Chic Olena - Tassas Sugar Cat, by WR This Cats Smart) (WR This Cats Smart - Babe Im Believin, by Dont Stopp Believin)

mare

(One Time Pepto - Some Kinda Twister, by Freckles Fancy Twist)

8/6/26 4:53 PM

NRCHYA YOUTH CLINIC

FROM THE

PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

A memorable week in Scottsdale: competition, learning, and fun.

For the second consecutive year, the NRCHA Derby offered an incredible opportunity for cow horse enthusiasts of all ages to learn from some of the top NRCHA trainers. If you haven’t joined us yet, watch for details so you can attend next year!

W

hat a fun time we had in Scottsdale, Arizona, at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby! Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our events. We had a blast putting on the Cow Horse Olympics, the youth clinic, and the ride-a-buck.

It sure wasn’t easy to choose our ride-a-buck winner.

Participants had to work a live cow, and our winner was Brook Carpenter!

At our Cow Horse Olympics, Kaleigh Belk, NRCHYA Reporter we had eight teams, and some trainers joined us, including Trevor Carter, Abigayle Mixon, and Erin Taormino! Our winning team was Phillip Carter, William Carter, and Mason Merrill. The prizes were amazing as well.

We awarded speakers, magnetic phone chargers, tail bags, and HydroJugs!

I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the trainers who made the clinic possible. We were blessed to gain knowledge while having fun. We had 50 participants, including 24 clinicians and 12 new members, at the clinic. I’d also like to thank our sponsors who made this possible: the NRCHA Foundation, Kimes Ranch, Bet He Sparks, Red Arrow Ranch, Royal B Threads, and the Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Foundation!

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CIRCLE UP NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

Keep Cow Horse Connected

NRCHA MEDIA TEAM

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NRCHA ANNOUNCES 2027 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

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RCHA will honor one rider and two horses by inducting them into the NRCHA Hall of Fame: champion non pro rider Laurie Richards, standout reined cow horse Smart Time Tuck, and NRCHA’s leading sire Metallic Cat. Additionally, rider and trainer Bozo Rogers will receive the association’s Vaquero Award, which recognizes contributions to the sport of reined cow horse.

Richards has more than $500,000 in NRCHA lifetime earnings. She’s a two-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Champion, finished reserve at that event three times, was reserve champion at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes once, and holds many non pro bridle and bridle spectacular titles. The accomplished horsewoman resides in Paso Robles, California.

Smart Time Tuck was a 1997 gelding by Senors Lil Brudder and out of Smoke Time Tuck, by Doc Tom Tucker. He earned $150,086.78 in NRCHA competition after entering the pen 215 times and earning a check 71% of the time during his career.

Some of Smart Time Tuck’s most prestigious titles include the 2002 NRCHA Hackamore Classic Open Champion, 2004 and 2005 NRCHA Open Bridle World Champion, four-time champion at the Salinas Rodeo Open Bridle class, and 2002 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Hackamore class winner.

Known across the Western performance industry for his siring prowess, 2005 stallion Metallic Cat (High Brow Cat x Chers Shadow x Peptoboonsmal) has sired NRCHA earners of more than $9 million. He has one NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion, five NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® Champions (four of those in consecutive years), and one NRCHA Hackamore Classic Open Champion. He’s owned by Rocking P Ranch LLC and continues to build his legacy across Western performance sports.

Bozo Rogers has spent his lifetime building a successful career as a horse trainer and judge. He’s officiated every NRCHA premier event, and he’s a notable trainer and coach, giving lessons and clinics to riders around the country. His extensive ranching background led him to be a pioneer in many aspects of the evolution of versatility and ranch horse classes that are popular across the Western industry.

The NRCHA Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place during the 2027 NRCHA Stallion Stakes at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit nrcha.com for full event details and to buy tickets once they go on sale.

2025 NRCHA Snaff le Bit Futurity® Owners’ Incentive FUND Thank you to these supporters for

Bet Hesa Cat Syndicate Best Kept Secret Ranch BMW Quarter Horses Fults Ranch Hat 6 Ranch Rock Creek Ranch Shawn Hays Shining Spark/Carol Rose Stuart Ranch Valley Equine Reproduction

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STANDLEE LAUNCHES FORAGE FOUNDATION™ TO ADVANCE THE ROLE OF FORAGE IN EQUINE NUTRITION

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tandlee, a trusted leader in premium Western forage since 1981, announced the launch of Forage Foundation™, a new feeding approach built around one simple principle: forage is the nutritional foundation of every horse’s diet.

Forage Foundation reinforces the essential role premium forage plays in supporting digestive health, body condition, wellness, and performance. By combining practical feeding guidance with trusted nutrition education, the approach helps horse owners make more informed decisions and build balanced feeding programs with confidence.

“Forage Foundation™ represents what Standlee has known for more than four decades: forage is the nutritional foundation of every horse’s diet. Our goal is to simplify equine nutrition by helping horse owners better understand the role forage plays and providing the trusted knowledge and premium forage solutions they need to feed with confidence,” said Standlee Vice President of Marketing Jessica Wright.

As horse owners continue to seek trusted nutrition guidance, Standlee is supporting Forage Foundation through an ongoing educational initiative designed to make equine nutrition easier to understand and apply.

Educational resources will explore topics including forage quality, digestive health, feeding consistency, seasonal nutrition, and practical feeding strategies that support horses across every life stage and activity level.

Since 1981, Standlee has been committed to growing, harvesting, and delivering premium Western forage and animal wellness products through a vertically integrated seed-to-feed process that helps ensure consistent quality from field to bale. That commitment has made Standlee a trusted partner for horse owners, retailers, veterinarians, nutrition professionals, and industry leaders across North America.

Forage Foundation builds on that legacy by providing a clear framework that reinforces the importance of premium forage while connecting horse owners with trusted nutrition resources and premium Western forage products that support healthy feeding programs.

“Forage is more than just part of the diet; it is the foundation of every strong feeding program,” said Standlee President Scott Plew.

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Buckle Up for Youth Program Sponsors Thank you to these sponsors for supporting our youth competitors.

2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Kimes Ranch Red Arrow Ranch Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Foundation

2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Foundation

“Through Forage Foundation™, we’re reinforcing the importance of building every horse’s diet around quality forage because that’s how their digestive system was designed to thrive.”

Following its launch, the Forage Foundation™ educational initiative will continue to expand through articles, videos, expert insights, retailer resources, and digital content designed to help horse owners confidently apply practical nutrition principles in their everyday feeding programs.

To learn more about Forage Foundation™ and Standlee’s premium Western forage products, visit standleeforage.com/ forage-foundation/.

THERAPEUTIC EQUINE SPAS

Your Horse Deserves a Cold Creek

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Visit our booth at NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity.

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CONTACT T ACT US 865.724 .2211 ColdCreekEquine.com

1/20/25 4:05 PM

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HIP HIP SUE REY NAMED NRCHA’S NEWEST $500,000 DAM

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RCHA recognizes Hip Hip Sue Rey as the association’s newest NRCHA $500,000 Dam, honoring a mare whose influence continues to shape the future of the reined cow horse industry through an exceptional group of offspring. The milestone was reached during the first qualifier for the 2027 The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge at the 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, when One Ata Time secured the championship, pushing Hip Hip Sue Rey’s offspring earnings beyond the half-million-dollar mark.

Owned by Rocking BS Ranch and bred by Frank and Belinda Vandersloot, Hip Hip Sue Rey is a 2006 mare by Dual Rey and out of the legendary Meradas Little Sue, one of the National Cutting Horse Association’s most accomplished mares. A talented competitor in her own right, Hip Hip Sue Rey earned more than $34,000 in NCHA earnings

before embarking on an impressive career as a producer.

Her success as a broodmare is evident in her offspring’s accomplishments across the reined cow horse industry.

Leading the way is Ricato Suave (2017 stallion by Metallic Cat), whose lifetime NRCHA earnings exceed $259,000, highlighted by an NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Co-Reserve Championship and multiple premier event victories. Close behind is One Ata Time (2017 stallion by One Time Pepto), now surpassing $121,000 in lifetime earnings after claiming the first qualifier for the 2027 The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge. Another standout performer with over $41,000 is Hippster (2019 gelding by Metallic Rebel), further contributing to the mare’s remarkable legacy and demonstrating the consistency and versatility she passes on to her foals.

The NRCHA Half Million Dollar Dam designation recognizes mares whose offspring have earned more than $500,000 in NRCHA competition. Introduced in 2022, the program honors the extraordinary mares whose genetics and influence continue to elevate the sport and strengthen future generations of reined cow horses.

For more information about the NRCHA Half Million Dollar Dams, visit nrcha.com.

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GALLENTINE TOPS FIRST 2027 THE RUN FOR A MILLION COW HORSE CHALLENGE QUALIFIER

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yan Gallentine of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, rose to the top of the leaderboard during the first qualifier for the 2027 The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge, held in conjunction with the 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic.

Gallentine and One Ata Time earned a composite score of 448.5, including 221.5 in the reined work and a standout 227 in the cow work, securing the win and Gallentine’s first trip to The Run For A Million.

“It means everything to do it for the owners,” Gallentine said. “They’ve stuck with me the whole time.

Steve and Julie [Mattson] have been with me for the better part of 10 years—through the ups and the downs— and they never wavered.”

Gallentine piloted One Ata Time (One Time Pepto x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey) to the qualifier championship. The victory also helped Hip Hip Sue Rey surpass $500,000 in offspring earnings, officially making her an NRCHA Half Million Dollar Dam. Joining Gallentine in earning invitations to the 2027 The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge were Lee Deacon of Marietta, Oklahoma, Matt Koch of Seneca, Kansas, Boyd Rice of Weatherford, Texas, and Cayley Wilson of Rosston, Texas.

The remaining 10 invitations to the 2027 Cow Horse Challenge will be awarded through two additional qualifiers. Five spots will be available at the 2026 National Stock Horse Association Pre-Futurity in August, and the final five will be awarded at the 2027 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby next June.

For more information on The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge, visit therunforamillion.com/cowhorse-challenge/.

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FACES OF NRCHA: CAMI TOLIVER As NRCHA’s Sponsorship Manager, this Southern horsewoman brings her passion for the equine industry to work every day.

Cami Toliver grew up on her family’s farm and cattle feedlot in Columbia, Missouri. Her introduction to horses came early, as she rode through pastures and pens, helping check her family’s cattle. At 12 years old, Toliver began barrel racing, which eventually led her to compete in the National High School Rodeo Association and, later, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business.

After college, Toliver’s passion for horses led her to Weatherford, Texas, where she and her husband, Blake, began building their rope-horse training program together. Their business gave Toliver a firsthand understanding of the dedication, community, and lifestyle that make the Western performance horse world so special. She always knew she wanted to combine her passion for this way of life with her interest in business and marketing, and she’s been fortunate to do just that through her work as the NRCHA Sponsorship Manager.

Reined Cow Horse News: How did you learn about NRCHA and cow horse?

Cami Toliver: My introduction to the cow horse industry came at the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®. I thought rodeo was the most exciting sport on dirt until I watched a cow horse go down the fence for the first time. I vividly remember the electric atmosphere—the music playing, dirt flying, and the crowd erupting with every run. The intensity and athleticism immediately drew me in, and I was hooked from that moment on. I’ve attended the event every year since.

RCHN: What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

CT: I’m incredibly excited about the upcoming Big Guns in Cowtown event in Fort Worth, Texas, held during the 2026 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented

by Metallic Cat. This event is special to me because it brings together the high-energy Western performance atmosphere I grew up around and the precision, athleticism, and finesse of the reined cow horse. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the sport in a way that is authentic and engaging for a broader audience.

RCHN: What excites you about working for NRCHA? CT: The incredible growth and opportunities ahead for the association. This sport is experiencing tremendous momentum, and it’s exciting to watch competitors and spectators discover and appreciate all it has to offer. It’s also been especially exciting to see outside brands increasingly eager to enter the space as sponsors, recognizing the sport’s value, audience, and unique opportunities that the sport of cow horse provides.

NRCHA has exciting initiatives and opportunities on the horizon that will continue to elevate and grow the sport.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of an organization that’s helping shape the future of cow horse, and I’m excited to contribute to that growth in a meaningful way. eaningful way.

RCHN: Tell us about your personal horse life.

CT: One of the most meaningful parts of my current horse life has been sharing it with my younger sisters, both of whom started learning to ride this year.

Seeing them step into horses at the same age I did has made the experience a special, full-circle time. It’s been extremely rewarding to teach them not only how to ride but also to begin understanding the values and work ethic that come with this lifestyle and how it can shape a career in this industry. One of the most meaningful moments for me was when my youngest sister told me, “I want to do what you do.”

Hearing that reminded me of how impactful this way of life can be and also how fortunate I am to be part of an industry that inspires the next generation in my own family.

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KNOW THE PRO: JONATHAN HIMES

Once a pattern-follower, this horseman is charting his own path in a lifestyle he’s craved since childhood.

BY MEGAN ARSZMAN

J

COURTESY OF JOANNA HIMES

onathan Himes might not have started out on horseback, working cattle, growing up, but he got there as quickly as he could. His childhood was spent among the orange groves and cattle ranches outside of Tampa, Florida. It was the perfect setting for a young boy who dreamed of being a cowboy.

“You’d go to lunch at the local diner, and trailers would be pulled alongside, full of horses. I just loved it,” Himes said.

“I thought it was the neatest thing. When I was little, all I wanted to do was work in the cow pens.”

But the local cowboys told him he had to be at least 12 years old. Himes started a countdown, and as soon as he turned 12, he had boots on the ground, working in the pens and learning the art of cowboying.

“Once they allowed me do it, I couldn’t get enough of working cattle, horses, and horse training,” he recalled. “I was hooked for sure.”

Himes got his start on ranches down the road from his grandfather’s place, working with Brandon and Debbie Minser and learning from Al Pryor. “(Al) was an older man, but I learned a

Jonathan Himes has paved a new path for himself in the performance arena, transitioning from competing in the all-around to focusing on cow horse events and finally accomplishing a childhood dream.

lot of neat things from him—he made cow whips and hackamores,” Himes said.

But what would a cowboy be without his horse? Although Himes’ family didn’t have horses at the time, he knew he needed

one of his own.

“My dad and grandfather told me, ‘You can get a horse, but we’re not buying it for you,’ so I saved my own money from working at the ranches,” Himes said. “I looked

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///////// MEMBER ROUNDUP “By the time I could drive, I had a circuit where I’d ride for people every day after school,” he said.

With each ride, Himes learned not only how to be a cowboy but also how to be a horseman. Growing up in an era when the internet wasn’t what it is now,

Himes circles Blue Chip, by Once In A Blu Boon and out of SR Sassy Cat, at the 2025 Southeastern Reined Cow Horse Association’s Travelin Jonez Derby, Bridle Spectacular & Horse Show.

Himes subscribed to as many magazines as he could, reading articles on training and horse shows. He watched videotapes from clinicians such as John Lyons and the series “Heroes and Friends.” Himes worked alongside Lew Sterrett at his clinics and on his ranch, soaking up everything he could about horses and life.

Without the privilege of growing up among Western events, Himes learned about reined cow horse by seeing an ad for the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®.

“I didn’t have a way to watch it, but I

PHOTO BY NICOLE POLS

in the newspaper classifieds every morning until I bought my first horse. He was $600 and came with a Simco saddle, which tells you what kind of horse he was. “‘Buddy’ wasn’t anything special—a grade gelding who was aged, skinny, and had a habit of running off ... a lot,” he

continued. “But that didn’t take away the excitement and motivation from Himes.

“I think he eventually got tired of running because I ran him a lot,” he said.

Now a true cowboy with his own horse, Himes knew he wasn’t finished. By the time he could drive, he’d sold Buddy and begun buying and selling horses, as well as starting colts for himself and others in the area.

read about it and thought, ‘That is so cool!’

That’s what I wanted to do,” he said.

However, it took about 20 years before Himes made it to the cow horse pen.

“I didn’t know how to break into cow horse, or even how to start; it seemed almost impossible to me,” he recalled. “So I kept working with problem horses, breaking colts, or riding anything else that needed to be ridden.”

When Himes married his wife, Joanna, a graduate of the University of Findlay, he began learning about the show-horse world from her. The couple moved to Georgia, where he was surrounded by fewer cattle ranches and more pleasure and all-around horses.

“Someone asked if I could make a horse go slow, and I said, ‘Sure,’” he said. “I didn’t realize what I was getting into, but it turns out I could make a living working with all-around horses, and we got to the point where we had some pretty good horses.”

Himes found success at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, the National Snaffle Bit Association World Show, the American Quarter Horse Association World Show, and other prestigious events.

Yet something was still missing. In 2021, he took a leap of faith and decided it was time to pursue his passion.

“I told everybody I wasn’t going to any more shows that didn’t have any cows in it,” he said.

The chance Himes took, with support from his wife and two sons, Silas and Caleb, has proven successful. While he’s charting new territory in a region less known for cow horses than the Southwest, Himes feels he’s on the right path.

“There’s been a lot more interest in cow horse, and the knowledge of its existence is growing,” he said. “I was a little surprised at how many people wanted to try it when I finally got going—suddenly, people started coming out of the woodwork wanting to try cow horse. The riders are here. People have been excited that there’s someone doing it here. I’m not the only one; there are others around, but it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it might be at one point to develop that part of our business.”

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Reined Cow Horse News: What are the parallels in training trail class horses and cow horses?

Jonathan Himes: I spent as much time as I could around (trail-class extraordinaire) Tim Kimura, listening to him and getting help from him in trail classes. I learned from him that the position to lope over a pole, whether it’s a single pole or

Cow horse is very particular and precise, just like trail. When I realized there are rules for working a cow, just as there are rules for following a trail pattern, it changed how I approached it. Even when everything feels like it’s happening fast, if you can slow your mind down and trust the process, you start to recognize situations and think, “I know what to do here.”

they hear me; they’re loping their horse off, they hear my voice in their head; when they stop before a turn on a cow, they hear me telling them to focus. You want them to remember the things you say over and over until they hear them in their heads.

I don’t think I’m that patient with it, but when they do well, come out smiling, and we see progress among me, the horse, and the rider, that’s a neat thing.

PHOTO COURTESY ANNA INGRAM/AVID PHOTOGRAPHY

Himes found success in the all-around show pen before his success in the cow horse pen.

10 poles, it’s all about the position: how you get there and the path you use. It’s not so much about going over the pole; how you get there is more important than the pole itself. If you can envision getting over it, it takes care of itself. I began to realize that the cow horse is the same way—yes, the cow moves, but it’s still the same thing. When you’re in position, it works. When you’re not in position, you can’t make it work.

That confidence helps you get into the right position and gives you a better chance to make the right move.

RCHN: What makes a good non pro and youth coach?

JH: I’m still working on that. I think it’s patience and the ability—and I’m not saying I’m good at this, I don’t think I am— to explain what you’re doing, to be OK with repeating yourself a lot, and not let it bother you. You have to say something so many times that they hear you all the time—they’re putting a halter on the horse,

RCHN: What makes a good youth or non pro horse?

JH: They have to be good-minded. They have to handle some inconsistency. Two people are going to ride differently, no matter what. They need to be quiet, but in cow horse you still need speed, and that’s a tough combination to find and train. How do you get a horse to run all out and still be quiet and soft? I really enjoy that challenge.

RCHN: Do you feel that any particular bloodlines f it you best?

JH: No. I think it’s a combination of how they’re raised and trained, a combo of the sire and dam, and the dam has a lot to do with it. Even then, you don’t know how it’s going to work until you ride the horse. You can have full siblings who are very different from each other. I do have some that I have kept my attention on to do both the non pro and the open, like the Woody B Tuff and Smooth Talkin Style lines. They seem to fit what I like for the feel—they can be quiet, and when you teach them to be in a position, they tend to figure out how to get there.

42 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS

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NOTABLE NON PRO: LINDA CELLINI

She’s only competed in cow horse for 10 years, but she’s been a horse lover for nearly 80.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON / PHOTOS COURTESY OF LINDA CELLINI

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orn a “horse-crazy girl,” NRCHA non pro Linda Cellini first rode a horse at age 9, taking lessons and becoming more serious about riding. Her family was stationed in Europe, so her first lessons were in English and jumping, which gave her a strong foundation but were worlds apart from reined cow horse.

Cellini has done a little bit of everything horseback, but her riding in versatility ranch horse events was the bridge that got her hooked on cow horses. She signed up for a clinic with NRCHA professionals Blue Allen and Dave Dillman, which she didn’t realize would focus on cow horse. After building a relationship with Dillman, she started going to him for versatility lessons. Two years later, Cellini went all in and bought her first bridle horse, Lenas Lil Dancer, to use in the boxing classes. Cellini was instantly hooked. The day before our interview, she purchased her first aged-event horse.

At 79 years old, Cellini rides up to three or four days a week. She’s also starting a breeding program to keep herself connected to cow horse, even when she can no longer compete in the show pen.

Reined Cow Horse News: What NRCHA classes do you compete in?

Linda Cellini: I do the boxing. It’s a practical matter and something I talked over with Dave a few times. Even though I feel really good and am very capable, my bones aren’t young anymore. If I go down the fence and get hurt, it will take me a long time to heal.

Linda Cellini loves the challenge of reined cow horse.

She strives to improve with every ride, whether at a show or at home.

RCHN: What do you like about riding with Dave Dillman?

LC: Dave cares more about my success than I do. He’s very invested in his non pros and wants to see all of us succeed. He’s the most caring man, an excellent horseman, and a great teacher.

RCHN: Tell us about your horses.

LC: I recently purchased a 4-year-old gelding that will be my derby horse. This is a new venture for me, going back to riding two-handed and learning something entirely new. I’m pretty excited about it! His name is Call Me A Prize (Call Me Mitch x Prizes Nu Girl x Smokums Prize). His previous owner made the finals in the Intermediate and Limited Non Pro at the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. I hope to take him to

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the Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association Firecracker show in a couple of weeks in Douglas, Wyoming. I might not be ready, but I’d sure like to give it a try. I’ll only enter the Non Pro Boxing—not the derby—in case I have to scratch. We’ll also show in Montrose, Colorado, and possibly in Montana.

I’ll also show him in Southern Colorado Cutting Horse Association shows.

RCHN: What do you enjoy most about being part of the NRCHA family?

LC: It’s a family. You make connections in your barn and with people who ride with other trainers. It feels universal that people cheer for each other, regardless of who you ride with. It’s very special. Most people seem genuinely happy when you do well.

My personal family is my barn family—both Dave and Reanna Dillman.

RCHN: What accomplishment, in or out of the show pen, are you most proud of ?

LC: I don’t think of it as being proud, because that word implies a lot of ego, and I try not to have a big ego. But the fact that I was able to transition from my background to cow horse is something I’m proud of. Cow horse is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done on a horse, and I’ve done a lot. I competed in jumping, eventing, dressage, versatility, barrels … I even team roped for a while. Nothing challenged me the way cow horse does. That’s where the addiction comes from—always striving to do better. It’s infinite. There’s no end in sight—there’s always work to be done, improvements to be made. It’s never boring. I feel so fortunate that I can still do this at my age and have no plans to quit. I’ll be 80 later this year.

RCHN: What advice would you give to other non pros like yourself who came to cow horse later in life?

LC: Don’t be afraid of the number— age is only a number. Don’t think you

can’t try this just because of a number.

Don’t give up. I see people set very high expectations. When those aren’t met, they get disappointed and quit. Set realistic expectations. Don’t set your bar so high that you have trouble achieving it.

I expect to do a little better every time I go into the show pen. When I’m riding at home with Dave, I want to do better than I did last time. That’s an achievable expectation.

RCHN: What’s your favorite part of the cow horse sport?

LC: I’m fascinated by the herd work.

I started going into the herd last year.

We’re introduced to the idea in the boxing, but you don’t even know the challenge until you walk into the herd. I love it.

RCHN: What are your goals for this year? What do you want to achieve with your new horse?

LC: I’m setting a realistic expectation: I want to get to know this horse. I want to enter my first boxing derby. I want to keep improving. I have a picture in my head of myself on this horse, and I see myself doing better with him every time. I’m not a highly competitive person. I love to get a check, but I don’t care whether I beat other people. I just want to do the best I can, which on some days means not falling off my horse!

A few years ago, I started breeding my show mare, who’s now retired. I have a couple of 2-year-olds right now that are promising. My hope is that the 2-yearold by Hazardouz Material will do well with Dave riding him in the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. I so badly want to see Dave on a horse he can really do well with. Breeding good reined cow horses is important to me. I figure that one day I won’t be able to throw my leg over a horse anymore, but I can still watch the ones I bred in the show pen.

Top: Breeding cow horses is a high priority for Cellini. When she’s no longer able to ride at NRCHA shows, she looks forward to watching horses she bred compete.

Bottom: Cellini encourages older riders not to let their age hold them back from competing in cow horse. She enjoys the practicality of the boxing classes, which let her experience the action without taking as much risk.

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ADMIRABLE ASSISTANT: PAIGE SMORODEN This young NRCHA professional took her shot, and now she’s winning at just 20 years old.

BY JOSIE MAC HOLLAND

P

PHOTO BY OUTCROSS MEDIA

aige Smoroden grew up riding her grandfather’s rope horses in Creston, British Columbia, Canada. She learned her grandfather’s foundation of basic horsemanship: feel, softness, timing, and release, on their backs and in the arena while competing in the Extreme Cowboy Association.

Now an assistant to NRCHA World Champion Ben Baldus, she’s expanding her skill set while still applying those same principles to reined cow horses. The Canadian native made her way to Texas at age 17, before graduating from high school.

A longtime fan of all performance horse events, Smoroden had followed reining, cutting, and reined cow horse trainers on social media for years. She had a friend coming to Texas to work for a rope horse trainer, so Smoroden began to send emails to anyone who might have a job for her in the same area. National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Rider Nathan Piper was the only one who responded, and he had a job for her in his barn that started at the beginning of the next month.

COURTESY OF PAIGE SMORODEN

Her post-high-school plans quickly pivoted from attending college in Canada to working in Texas. Completing the reset of her classes from afar, Smoroden packed two suitcases, got on a plane bound for Texas, and started by cleaning stalls and grooming horses.

Hard work, patience, and a few freshly baked cookies led Smoroden to her job with Baldus and to recent titles aboard multiple horses. On Tuff Beans (Woody Be Tuff x Hot Shiney Lights x CD Lights), owned by Michael Robin, she was the Level 1 Open Derby Stakes Champion and a finalist in the Intermediate and Limited Open at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes. At the Stallion Stakes, A Canadian cowgirl at her core, Smoroden grew she also earned the top score up roping, rodeoing, and in the Level 1 Open Derby competing in the Extreme fence work with a 220 aboard Cowboy Association Gunna Be Smokin Hot (A Vinbefore moving to Texas tage Smoke x Gunna Be Mine and switching to reined cow horses. x Gunna Smoke).

Paige Smoroden is not afraid of hard work and learning as an assistant trainer for NRCHA World Champion Ben Baldus.

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The 20-year-old horsewoman overcame two knee surgeries to make it into the show pen and win.

Reined Cow Horse News: How did you get started training reined cow horses?

Paige Smoroden: I didn’t know that I wanted to train reined cow horses, though I’d thought about it periodically. In high school, I’d buy less expensive horses, then train and sometimes sell them, but I never considered making a career of horses.

My grandma was pretty set on me going to college, and I went through the whole process. I’d applied to the University of Lethbridge in Canada to earn my animal science degree and then go to vet school. I was accepted, paid my seat fee, and was ready to start college the next fall. Training horses wasn’t what I originally wanted to do, but I thought it would be fun to try. It never crossed my mind to make it a full-time career.

RCHN: How does it feel to be pursuing reined cow horse full time now?

PS: It’s incredible. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunities I’ve had, especially coming from where I grew up in Canada. The closest big-name trainer we had was probably six hours away. So, getting to ride these incredible horses and look back and say, “Wow! Look where I started and all the lesser horses I rode and survived on.” To get to do this is incredible. I’m very thankful for the great opportunities to ride amazing horses.

RCHN: How did you begin working for Ben Baldus?

PS: Ben told me not to lie when they asked why he hired me—it was because of the cookies.

When I was still working for Nathan, I was holding horses for the farrier, Glenn Spradling. He asked me what I wanted to do long term, and I told him that ultimately, I’d been drawn to the cow horses. I did it on my

own in high school with high school rodeo. I still loved working for Nathan and starting colts, but I didn’t want to pursue reining as a career. I like the cow horse, but I didn’t know any trainers.

Glenn said he shod Ben Baldus’ horses and that I should call and talk to him. I gave it a shot but never got an answer, so Glenn called Ben and asked if Ben would reach out to me. Ben wasn’t looking for anyone at the time, but he let me go over to his place to watch them train when I had some free time.

I ended up needing emergency surgery on my knee due to a complication from a previous knee surgery. My kneecap broke in half. Nathan was so kind as to let me stay while I recovered. He had me do book and office work and haul mares around because I was still able to drive.

One day, I asked Glenn if he thought Ben would let me go out and sit in the viewing stand to hang out and learn, since I didn’t have anything else to do when I wasn’t hauling mares or doing office work.

I called Ben and said, “I don’t know if you remember me, but I came out a couple of months ago. I hurt myself and was wondering if I could come out to watch and learn.”

He told me to come, so I think I sat in Ben’s viewing stand for two months while my knee was in a solid brace. I’d go out in the mornings to watch for a couple of hours, then go back to Nathan’s and haul mares.

After watching the cow horses for a couple of months, I really got the bug and decided this was what I wanted to do. During those two months, I’d take Ben’s crew cookies I’d baked because I had a lot of free time on my hands. Ben jokes now that he hired me because I bribed them with cookies.

When I did go ride with Ben to possibly start working for him, I’d only been released to ride again for a week.

Ben put me on some good horses, and it’s all worked out!

RCHN: What would you tell someone who wants to do the job you have now?

PS: Do not be afraid to work really hard. Nothing in this industry comes easily. You have to put in the time and effort, and that will be rewarded above all, especially at home, behind the scenes, where nobody’s looking. My goal is to be the hardest-working assistant there is, and there are many hard-working assistants out there. If not the hardest working, then strive to work as hard as the next person.

Work hard and don’t be afraid to learn, because you have to be teachable in this industry. I learn a lot by watching, and I’ve spent a lot of time doing so. Whenever I have a free second, either at home or in the warm-up pen at a show, I do my best to watch how everyone schools.

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COWBOY CONNECTION: CHARLIE HALL

Cowboying on ranches has given Charlie Hall extensive horseback experience. Now he’s refining his horsemanship and stockmanship through NRCHA clinics and local ranch horse competitions.

BY JENNIFER DENISON NRCHA MEDIA TEAM

L

ast summer, Charlie Hall invested some of the money he earned from selling a horse he’d trained into his horsemanship education. He attended a Craig Johnson reining clinic, rode with Nevada horseman Dave Thacker, and participated in the NRCHA Priefert Cowboy Clinic in Fallon, Nevada. He rode Cee Heart Bravo, a horse he bought as a 3-year-old from Lucas and Melinda Stolhammer. The couple, along with Melinda’s parents, Clayton and Sally Cord of Cee Heart Quarter Horses, helped Hall get his start cowboying and developing his horsemanship.

The three-day clinic, featuring NRCHA professionals including Flint Lee, Jimmy VanBelle, Shane Steffen, Jake Telford, Ron Emmons, and Darrel Norcutt, prepared working cowboys like Hall for the NRCHA Cowboy Class. Hall has worked for Crawford Cattle Company, north of Winnemucca, Nevada, for about five years. He and his wife, Brittany, are raising two young cowgirls there: Quincy Jean, 2, and infant Trudy Belle.

Although he rides daily and his horses know how to work cattle, he realized that he and his horses needed to refine their skills before entering an NRCHA Cowboy Class competition.

“Doing the clinic and being around good cowboys have changed the trajectory of my horsemanship,” he said. “I learned fundamentals I’d never had a chance to learn. I’d always gotten the job done, but it wasn’t pretty, and my horses didn’t get better throughout the day. But last year, I got to be around knowledgeable horsemen who could tell me what I was doing wrong and show me how to improve.”

Reined Cow Horse News: How did you get your start cowboying on ranches?

Charlie Hall: I was raised in Illinois and dreamed of being a cowboy, but I didn’t even know cowboying still existed. The extent of my cowboying experience was riding my horse over to the neighbor’s house and watching them team rope on Tuesday nights.

In my early 20s, I met an acquaintance at church who started colts and cowboyed in South Dakota, and I was like, “You really do that?” A year later, I went out to visit him, and the ranch owners said I could come back the next summer to help on the ranch and do some wildland firefighting. I had a desire to make a living horseback, and that was my first opportunity.

From there, I sought other ranch jobs, trained horses, and day-worked around New Castle, Wyoming, where I met my [future] wife, Brittany, who grew up on a

Nevada cowboy Charlie Hall attended his first NRCHA Priefert Cowboy Clinic last year to learn the fundamentals of cow horse and to refine his horsemanship and stockmanship skills.

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In 2018, I was getting into ranch bronc riding and met some guys from Nevada. They told me about a ranch job in Austin, Nevada, so I drove out there with a trailer load of horses and everything I owned in the cab of my pickup. I’ve pretty much bounced around ranches in Nevada ever since, except to start colts one summer for Clayton and Sally Chord of Cee Heart Quarter Horses, and I pursued a ranch-management job in Arizona for a short time.

NRCHA MEDIA TEAM

RCHN: How did you get interested in reined cow horse?

CH: When I left that job in Arizona, Crawford Cattle Company hired me back to work in their backgrounding yard, sorting and processing between 700 and 1,000 calves a week and turning them out on grass. I discovered that my circle horses were not up to the job. I thought I could handle a cow until I had to do it every day. I realized I needed to get handy or go home. I’d always been around good horsemen, and I could rope at a branding, but not as consistently as I needed to for this job.

I’d heard about reined cow horse but didn’t know much about it. I had a friend who handles cattle at some of the shows in Winnemucca, Nevada, and his girlfriend competed in cow horse, so I went to watch and was like, “This is exactly the stuff I need.” I wanted to start training and selling horses for extra income, and my friend, Lucas Stolhammer, said I needed a way to show what they could do in front of people. That spurred my interest in reined cow horse—it required the fundamentals I wanted every one of my horses to have to work cattle. I made some contacts that helped me learn about the NRCHA Priefert Cowboy Clinic.

RCHN: Do you use your show horses for ranching and vice versa?

CH: I don’t have any show horses, per se; these are all horses I’ve ridden 15 times, and then gone to the desert to gather cows. Now I’m trying to take them to town. What I’d say is different about a cowboy cow horse is I’ll get on him and sort at least 500 calves in six to eight hours without stopping. It takes stamina.

COURTESY OF CHARLIE HALL

RCHN: During the clinic, what did you learn about your and your horses’ strengths and weaknesses?

CH: The cow work was the easy part. My horses know how to do that; it’s not pretty yet, but they can get the job done.

Most of my holes were in the reining, because I don’t do that stuff when working cows. I discovered that getting to that level of refinement is where the proof lies. If your horse can do a reining pattern, you can control a cow and make it do anything you want.

Top: Riding one of his young horses in training, Hall received guidance from several NRCHA professionals, which exposed holes in his horsemanship that he continues to work on improving.

Left: Hall and his wife, Brittany, live in northern Nevada at Crawford Cattle Company. Their 2-year-old daughter, Quincy Jean, loves riding her dad’s wrangle horse any chance she gets.

The couple recently welcomed another daughter, Trudy Belle.

RCHN: What horse will you take to the clinic and show this year?

CH: I’ve got a Hondas Dry Pep horse I bought from Bar Y Quarter Horses in Geneva, Idaho. He has Hancock, Driftwood, and Peptoboonsmal [in his pedigree]. He’s the first horse I’ve owned with modern cow horse bloodlines, and he’s taught me a lot. He’s made me realize he’s smarter than I am. When I was schooling him and he’d act up or do something I didn’t like, he’d start the correction I’d use before I’d even ask. He’s 8 years old now, and we’ve gone through our rounds, and both came out learning something. He’s my go-to horse, and I think he’ll be fun to take to some small [cow horse or ranch versatility] shows.

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OFFENSE AND DEFENSE

Learn to control a cow while boxing with your horse’s body position using these tips from NRCHA Four Million Dollar Rider Corey Cushing.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT

NRCHA Four Million Dollar Rider Corey Cushing offers his best insights for the boxing portion of fence work to get the most out of your cow.

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he cow work portion of the reined cow horse sport is what sets it apart from other Western performance events. Learning to read your cow quickly so you can set up yourself and your horse for success is a key skill. Here, Corey Cushing shares his advice on tackling the boxing section of a cow work run. With these tools, you’ll be ready to partner with your horse to achieve a credit-earning score.

DETERMINE PRESSURE

As you gain experience working with cattle for this event, you’ll start to notice when a cow needs more intense pressure from the horse and when it’s better to ease off, Cushing said.

“There will be times when you need to be bold and very up into the cow with the pressure point you’re putting on the cow,” Cushing said. “But there are also times when you need to get away, read the situation, and feel how the cow takes [the pressure].”

Adjust your pressure on the cow to match the situation and the cow’s nature.

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The ideal cow trots into the middle of the pen and accepts your horse’s presence to change direction, without getting to an unmanageable speed.

EVALUATE When the cow steps into the pen for your run, observe its behavior.

“What is the cow’s energy when it enters the arena?” Cushing asked. “Is it one that comes in, sees me, and gets stronger, coming at me? Or is it one that’s quick to snap, like I’ve just surprised him? Or does it see me coming, and I’m creating energy? Does the cow not care if I’m here, so I’ll need to get a hold of him and get him to look at me so I can set up the run? That’s where you determine if you’re on offense or defense.”

As the cow enters the arena, Cushing advises walking forward toward the cow. Think about which way the cow will most likely want to travel and face your horse that way. Determine if the cow needs to get comfortable with you or if it’s ready to go.

“I may need to step to the cow to get it to go back the other way to see how it responds,” Cushing said.

THE IDEAL COW In one scenario, you have a nice cow that trots down the middle of the pen from the gate. Cushing said most of the time, the cow will enter from the middle, but if not, position yourself even with the gate. If it’s off-center, you’ll probably need to step toward the cow so it acknowledges you.

“With a cow like If an aggressive cow comes toward you this, I can get as close and gains speed, you want to be on the as I want, depending offense and show control by getting the on the speed I want cow stopped and turned. You’ll probably need to work the cow from farther away. to go,” Cushing said.

“To me, that’s an ideal cow. I can step to the head, and it stops and goes the other way. If I stay on its hip, it travels comfortably across the pen. The closer I get, the faster it goes. The more I let off, the more it slows down. To me, that’s the best cow I can ask for.”

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A softer cow requires more defense—you may need to work closer to the cow to get him moving.

ON OFFENSE In another scenario, the cow comes through the gate and starts coming toward you. Its head is rising, its skin is tightening, it may start snorting—even if you’re a ways away—and it’s coming at you.

“Obviously, don’t run right at it, because right now it knows it can beat you, and it’ll run right through you—it’s stronger than you,” Cushing said. “This is a bold situation, and the cow is very aggressive.”

In this situation, you still need to show control—you don’t want to stop because the cow is too tough and hope for a new cow.

“You have to challenge yourself to get the cow stopped and make an effort,” Cushing said. “There’s your offense. You don’t want to get any closer, but you do need to get up to the cow’s head.”

If you can get the cow stopped and can gain control of it, you might find yourself with a high-scoring run.

“Some of those cows can turn into some of the best fence works we’ve seen,” Cushing said. “How many times have we watched the finals, and the cattle are workable, but they’re very aggressive?”

With this kind of cow, you need to change your angle of approach. You want to approach with caution and give the cow room to breathe. You’ll go up and to the cow, but at the same angle as the cow, mirroring him—just from farther away.

ON DEFENSE As a third scenario, a soft cow may come into the arena, chewing its cud, not paying attention to you. With this cow, you’ll want

COREY CUSHING Corey Cushing is NRCHA’s highest-earning professional, and he’s racked up several accomplishments, including four-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion, threetime NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® champion, threetime NRCHA Stallion Stakes Open Champion, and four-time NRCHA Derby champion. He’s located in Weatherford, Texas.

to get its attention, but carefully.

“Approach cautiously—you may not think the cow cares for you, but it could suddenly see you and be in a big hurry,” Cushing said. “I’ve seen soft cows that I didn’t think were going to run at all, and the rider doesn’t box very long, and all of a sudden, it turns into a foot race across the arena.”

You may need to work closer to the cow, pushing into it more than you would with a more aggressive cow.

SPEED CONTROL No matter the type of cow you’ve drawn, you want to assume

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Working a horse versus a cow can allow you to practice different angles and speeds with your horse to help teach him how to handle a situation.

control of its speed. Put yourself and your horse in the correct position. Going on offense or defense will dictate the level of speed you want to maintain.

“Pressure on the cow—how close or far away you are—dictates your speed,” Cushing said. “If you want to go faster but you’re too far away, the cow may not move faster. If you get too close, the cow may increase his speed to get away.”

SCHOOLING WITHOUT A COW There are many benefits to working a horse and rider rather than a cow when schooling. This allows you to work on problem areas for you and your horse, like using a flag. You can practice the necessary angles to get the responses you want from your cow.

You can ask the rider to speed up or slow down to help teach your horse how to handle a situation.

“At the end of the day, what we have to do is control the cow and get to its head,” Cushing said. “This is a way you can help teach your horse, so when he’s in that situation in the show pen, both you and your horse are comfortable going to that spot [to work the cow],” Cushing said.

You can also hone these skills with “dry work,” guiding your horse back and forth across the back fence at a trot, pretending to work a cow.

“Challenge yourself without riding away from the fence, to open up a bit,” Cushing said. “Using your feet and contact with your hands, ask him to open up his body.”

THE BENEFITS OF OPENING UP

If you miss your stop and turn with the cow, you’ll be left behind and need to catch up with the cow going the other direction. This is a prime time to change your angle and get to the cow’s head.

When you need to open up your horse, move his hips and body away from the cow. This allows the cow the freedom to feel like it can slow down and gives the horse the ability to get out and around the cow to turn it.

“We have to open up and get out and around to get back in control of the cow,” Cushing said. “Hopefully, when you do get the cow stopped and going back the other way, you can be more accurate with your horse, so you don’t put yourself in that position again, because once a cow’s done it once, it’s more likely to do it again.”

MOMENTUM While keeping all of this in mind—offense, defense, pressure, and opening up your horse—don’t forget that you also want to aim to stay at the same speed as the cow. As you step toward the cow and apply pressure, it will likely speed up.

“As you get closer to the cow, he’ll move faster,” Cushing said. “You want to move faster, too, but don’t overdo it with a much higher rate of speed. Your momentum may take you too far past the cow. If the cow trots off, you don’t have to rush to the cow across the pen. Instead, remember to match the cow’s energy.”

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STOCK.ADOBE.COM

PROFESSIONALS

BY ZACHARY HAYDON, WITH LARRI JO STARKEY

A

STOCK.ADOBE.COM

FINANCIAL FENCE WORK FOR

Consistency is key for professionals who desire success.

professional relationship, I’m not your financial adviser. Please consult a financial adviser who understands your specific financial goals to help you make these decisions.

s an NRCHA professional, you’re immersed in the cow horse indusMAKE SOLID PLANS try. You know success isn’t accidental. It’s built, prepared for, As competitors, we don’t get to pick our cows when and shaped over time through we go down the fence. What we can control is how consistency and an unwavering commitment well we prepare at home. We school for the soft cow, to the long game. Across premier events and the fast cow, and the tough cow—the one that tests affiliate shows, the indusboth horse and rider. Preparation helps try demands the very best us be ready for whatever we draw. from us and our horses. The Your finances should work the same CONSISTENCY TURNS way. You need accounts intentionally same principles that build a great cow horse can and designed to prepare you for whatever POTENTIAL INTO should be applied to building life draws for you.

GREATNESS, WHETHER “cow” success in our personal and •Short-term accounts are your IN A HORSE, A TRAINING financial lives. “soft cow” preparation. These funds PROGRAM, YOUR FINANC- should be stable and accessible, not I’d like to take a few minutes to address the professionals in subject to market swings, and able ES, OR YOUR FUTURE.” our industry. Each horseman and to cover near-term expenses or unex–Zachary Haydon horsewoman pours time, effort, pected needs. As trainers and business and energy into raising horses for owners, you often need these balances us to enjoy riding or watching, but the financial to be higher than average because expenses fluctuate side of the business is sometimes pushed aside. and overhead costs don’t stop. The goal is safety and The theme I’ll discuss here can be broken down stability while earning interest. into three key points: have a plan, stay consistent, •Intermediate-term accounts are like preparand don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s— ing for a fast cow. This preparation takes a little more just as with your journey with horses. thought and effort. These funds are earmarked for Before we start, remember that I’m a finangoals five, seven, or 10 years out, such as a down cial adviser, but unless we’ve established a payment on a place of your own, purchasing an elite

“

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discussed here. That plan will look different for each operation. A 2-year-old program with income concentrated over eight months might contribute heavily during those months. A non pro coach might allocate a percentage of lesson fees or coaching income. A trainer focused on showing limited-age horses could allocate a percentage of earnings into each of these categories.

The key is to understand your cash flow and work with a professional who understands your business. A strategy without action won’t reach your goals—just as a horse trained inconsistently won’t win a futurity or become a standout bridle horse.

STOCK.ADOBE.COM

prospect, or upgrading equipment. Because you have time before you need the money, these accounts can be structured for growth, not just preservation. The purpose is different, so the strategy should be, too.

•Long-term accounts are the unpredictable cow—the one that tests your future. This is the toughest cow to prepare for because we, as the riders, may not be able to anticipate the cow’s next move. Similarly, these plans are the hardest to make because they force us to think beyond the day-to-day grind. At some point, you may want to slow down or downsize your business: fewer horses in training, fewer non pros on the road, or fewer shows. That often means less income. Long-term, tax-advantaged investment accounts can provide an additional income stream to help replace what the business no longer generates.

These three investment buckets working together create flexibility and protection in both your personal and professional life.

Retirement, or simply slowing down, is achievable, but only with intention, strategy, and planning.

FOCUS ON YOUR OWN JOURNEY

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Comparison runs deep in the horse world. Someone draws the cow you wanted, buys the standout prospect you had your eye on, nails a huge score, or reaches your dream first. But what we see in the arena is only a fraction of the story.

We don’t see the setbacks, stress, expenses, or sacrifices behind it.

Financial comparisons are even more dangerous because people only show the highlights.

Here’s the truth: Your journey is yours. Success might mean owning your place, running fewer horses, spending more time with your family, building stability, or slowing down without fear of running out of income. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version of success.

As I look back on conversations with professionals, I understand that many plan to retire by selling land, facilities, or horses accumulated over a career. This can absolutely be part of the strategy, but I’d also challenge you to invest in liquid assets to build comfort in other investment areas. Eventually, retirement requires income, and experience managing liquid investments gives you flexibility and confidence when large assets are sold and need to be reallocated. Diversification helps keep your goals secure regardless of timing or market conditions.

MAINTAIN STRATEGIC FOCUS Consider the consistency in making a bridle horse. Breeders first select bloodlines for talent, temperament, cow sense, and performance, and then choose yearlings for mind, movement, and presence. The 2-year-old year is crucial, where steady work builds softness, confidence, control, and lasting habits toward the futurities. Derby years add miles, maturity, and responsibility, shaping longevity. Bridle horses ultimately reflect years of patient, consistent development, without shortcuts over time with purpose and discipline.

Your financial life follows the same path. It’s built over decades through consistent contributions, disciplined planning, and commitment to long-term goals. You wouldn’t expect a yearling to handle a cow, and you wouldn’t expect a 3-year-old to show in the bridle. Likewise, long-term financial success doesn’t happen instantly.

Consistency turns potential into greatness, whether in a horse, a training program, your finances, or your future. Applying consistency financially means regularly funding the three buckets

BUILD YOUR FUTURE A great bridle horse isn’t built overnight or by taking shortcuts.

It’s built through strategic planning, consistency, patience, and focused discipline, without comparison.

Your financial future is no different. Build it intentionally and consistently, with the same discipline and heart you give your horses. Build it with a financial professional who understands your unique business and is invested in your success.

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BRINGING IN

THE BIG GUNS The first-ever Big Guns in Cowtown brings together top rodeo athletes and NRCHA Professionals for a showcase you won’t want to miss.

BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT / COMPETITOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF NRCHA

C

owboys, assemble! The NRCHA Foundation’s newest fundraising event, Big Guns in Cowtown, pairs professional rodeo athletes with top NRCHA Professionals for a one-night event at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards on October 21, during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.

Jackie Crawford

Chris Dawon

ADAM ROYE

Sarah Dawson

Head to Cowtown Coliseum for Big Guns in Cowtown.

Tuf Cooper

Nick Dowers

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Participants at Big Guns in Cowtown include: PRCA/WPRA Rodeo Athletes • Ben Anderson • Sarah Angelone • Luke Branquinho • Paden Bray • Wyatt Casper • Tuf Cooper • Jackie Crawford • Joseph Harrison • Clayton Hass • Tilden Hooper • Hailey Kinsel • Jacob Lees • Shad Mayfield • Shelby Meged • Haven Meged • Sage Newman • Clayton Sellars • J.D. Struxness • Linsay Rosser-Sumpter • Fallon Taylor • J.R. Vezain • Chancey Williams • Hali Williams NRCHA Professionals • Clayton Anderson • Ben Baldus • Todd Bergen • Trevor Carter • Todd Crawford • Chris Dawson • Sarah Dawson • Russel Dilday • Nick Dowers • Clayton Edsall • Taylor Gillespie • Jake Gorrell • Chris Krieg • Matt Koch • Jay McLaughlin • Abbie Phillips • Kelby Phillips • Phillip Ralls • Erin Taormino • Jake Telford • Clay Volmer • Justin Wright

Clayton Edsall

Hailey Kinsel

This event grew out of the NRCHA Foundation’s search for a broader stage to showcase reined cow horse, says NRCHA Foundation Chairperson Chelsea Edsall.

“The idea was to pair the sport’s elite horsemen with some of rodeo’s biggest names in one head-turning showdown—a run down the fence—timed to launch during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®,” Edsall said.

“It’s also the first time the NRCHA has held an event at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards, giving the debut a venue with its own built-in Western heritage story.”

The event’s proceeds benefit the NRCHA Foundation and

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charities the competitors support, including Matt Koch Western Sports Foundation, Golden Circle of Champions, and Spur Your Way Out. NRCHA Executive Director Patty Tiberg says this fun night for the whole family is a way to give back in the truest sense.

“The NRCHA Foundation is the heart of our cow horse family,” said Tiberg. “Between preserving our history, investing in our youth, and standing behind members through our crisis fund when times get hard, this Foundation shows up for our community in every way that matters.”

Over two dozen Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association athletes have each been paired with an NRCHA reined cow horse professional who donated time to train and coach them for a cow-work run. Each rodeo athlete will compete aboard a horse provided by NRCHA riders and owners and will take a turn going down the fence with a cow. The teams compete for a $30,000 purse split among the top three teams, plus championship buckles and additional prizes.

Every competitor’s run, regardless of the outcome, will trigger a $2,500 donation to each athlete’s chosen charity.

“Attendees can expect a fast-paced, rodeo-style production featuring team introductions, exciting fence-work runs from each

|

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Abbie Phillips

Erin Taormino

Justin Wright

Shad Mayfield

athlete, live commentary, and an awards presentation honoring the top three teams. The evening wraps up with the Kimes Ranch After Party, featuring Josh Weathers LIVE,” Edsall said.

This event will not be livestreamed, so being in the Cowtown Coliseum is the only way to experience it live.

“Our goal is to create a unique in-person experience while ensuring we can thoughtfully share the event's best moments,” Tiberg said. “By capturing and releasing content on our own timeline, we’re able to highlight the competition in the highest quality, while creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone.”

The Kimes Ranch After Party with Texas-based singer Josh Weathers is a great way to cap off the event, says Amanda Kimes, founder of Kimes Ranch.

“At Kimes Ranch, we’re proud to celebrate the Western lifestyle in all its forms, and there’s nothing quite like bringing together the worlds of cow horse, rodeo, and live music in one unforgettable event,” Kimes said. “The Kimes Ranch After Party with Josh Weathers is about honoring our Western heritage, bringing our community together, and creating memories that

extend well beyond the arena. Supporting the NRCHA Foundation is especially meaningful because it helps preserve the traditions, opportunities, and educational programs that ensure the cow horse industry’s future for generations to come. We look forward to celebrating with everyone.”

HIGH-PROFILE PROS Edsall says over 20 rodeo competitors have agreed to participate in Big Guns in Cowtown.

“We’re thrilled with the list of impressive rodeo athletes we’ve confirmed so far, such as Shad Mayfield, Fallon Taylor, and Hailey Kinsel, just to name a few,” she shared. “Athletes have really responded to the charitable and high-profile nature of this event.”

NRCHA Professionals lined up to coach include, Jake Telford and Abbie Phillips “Honestly, the momentum has taken on a life of its own,” Edsall said. “We’re now getting requests from athletes who want in, and we’ve started a waitlist just to keep up.”

For more info and to purchase tickets, go to nrcha.com/big-guns.

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Congratulations TYLER MERRILL & LIFE BY THE DROP

2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY - INTERMEDIATE OPEN CHAMPION

HOLYCOWPERFORMANCEHORSES.COM

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY

COMEBACK KID Halreycious Rebel overcame a six-month layoff to win the 2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Open title.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

H

alreycious Rebel (Metallic Rebel x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious) has been with Boyd Rice since owner Robert Grieve bought him as a yearling. The 2021 stallion came along nicely and placed fourth in the 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat. However, in the spring of 2025, his show career came to a stop.

“He hung his leg in a panel,” Rice shared. “He tried to tear that thing plumb off.”

The horse spent six months recovering, but Rice said he never missed a beat when he returned to training.

“He came back good, so it wasn’t that big of a deal, but it did take us a while to get him healed back up.”

They returned to the show pen at the 2025 National Stock Horse Association Futurity, Derby, and Horse Show, placing second in the Open Derby. Next, they had some tough luck at the 2026 NRCHA Stallion Stakes. But the 2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby was their ultimate comeback, winning the Open Derby with a 664.5 (H: 220/R: 221/C: 223.5). The $60,000 check pushed Halreycious Rebel over $200,000 in NRCHA lifetime earnings despite limited competition.

“He’s an unbelievable athlete,” Rice shared. “He can do anything. His fence work is incredible because he can get so far underneath himself, no matter how fast he’s running, and slide so far. He’s easy to make fence turns on. That stop comes through in the reining, too, and he’s a good horse to cut on, too.”

2026 OPEN DERBY TOP 10 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Scores/Money)

1. Halreycious Rebel; Boyd J. Rice; 21S (Metallic Rebel x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious); Robert B. Grieve; 664.5 (H: 220/R: 221/C: 223.5); $60,000 2. Stuck In Overdrive; Russell A. Probert; 21S (Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Mink x Dual Rey); Wayne A. Miranda; 664.5 (H: 225/R: 220/C: 219.5); $42,500 3. Black Atcha; Corey D. Cushing; 22S (WR This Cats Smart x Reys Stressin Melody x Reys Dual Badger); Lita W. West; 661.5 (H: 217.5/R: 222.5/C: 221.5); $32,500 4. HSR Metalic Kit Kat; Ricky Nicolazzi; 21M (Kit Kat Sugar x Metalic Clay x Metallic Cat); Red Arrow Ranch LLC; 660.5 (H: 220/R: 220/C: 220.5); $21,250 4. Mahogany Teakwood; Phillip J. Ralls; 21S (Call Me Mitch x CR Tuff Boonie x Woody Be Tuff); Moore Farming LLC; 660.5 (H: 221/R: 219.5/C: 220); $21,250 6. Razor Scooter; Russell A. Dilday; 21S (High Brow Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey); Russell and Tanna Dilday; 657.5 (H: 215/R: 221/C: 221.5); $13,500 6. Holly Jonez; Abigayle A. Mixon; 21M (Hickory Holly Time x Travelin Miss Jonez x Travelin Jonez); Paige Brummund; 657.5 (H: 215.5/R: 222/C: 220); $13,500 8. Rock O Rama; Shane L. Steffen; 21G (Bet Hesa Cat x Very Mild Remedy x Very Smart Remedy); Kandu Ranch; 656.5 (H: 219/R: 219.5/C: 218); $10,500 9. Reyguns Metallic Cat; Brady E. Weaver; 21M (Metallic Cat x SJR Reygun x Dual Rey); Gary F. Ewell; 655 (H: 218/R: 217.5/C: 219.5); $7,500 10. Teen Rebel; Gusti W. Buerger; 21S (Metallic Rebel x Peptos Little Gal x Peptoboonsmal); Home Ranch Perf Horses LLC; 654 (H: 219/R: 219.5/C: 215.5); $7,500

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Halreycious Rebel (Metallic Rebel x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious) and Boyd Rice claimed the 2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Open Championship for owner Robert B. Grieve, with a composite 664.5 (H: 220/R: 221/C: 223.5). The win earned $60,000.

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In the herd work finals, Rice noted that the cattle were stirred up, even though he drew second in his set.

“It took a lot of patience and luck to get through them, but we did,” he said. “The cattle ended up being good, but I didn’t cut any of the ones I wanted because of the way they were stirring around there. I had to cut what would stay out there for me.”

The reined work came together well, with the horse’s monster stops setting him apart.

“He has an impressive stop,” Rice reiterated. “He slides a long way, he’s good with his front end, and he’s good with his chin. It’s natural for him to stop like that. He gets his rear up underneath him so far. He’s also a great circler.”

The pair’s fence work sealed

their win, breaking a tie with Stuck In Overdrive and Russell Probert with a 223.5.

“My cow didn’t run as hard as I expected,” Rice said. “But it was the same deal—my horse’s ability to get under himself and stop made fancy fence turns that set him apart. Then the cow popped right out into the middle of the pen, letting me circle it right there. It was a

picture-perfect run, even if the cow was a little soft.”

Rice has high hopes for Halreycious Rebel’s future, including being a mount for a future run at the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® title.

“He sure knows his job, and he goes out there and does it,” Rice said.

OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Stuck In Overdrive/ Russell Probert (Metallic Cat x Dual Rey Mink x Dual Rey) Score: 664.5 (H: 225/R: 220/C: 219.5) Money: $42,500 Owner: Wayne Miranda Breeder: Los Jaboncillos Ranch INC

INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY CHAMPION Life By The Drop/Tyler Merrill (Stevie Rey Von x Sheza Dancingdiamond x Diamond J Star) Score: 658 (H: 218.5/R: 216/C: 223.5) Money: $17,000 Owner: Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas, LLC Breeder: Holy Cow Performance Horses, Texas, LLC

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

INTERMEDIATE OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Razor Scooter/Russell Dilday (High Brow Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey) Score: 657.5 (H: 215R:221/C: 221.5) Money: $12,500 Owner: Russell & Tanna Dilday Breeder: Aaron Cook

LIMITED OPEN DERBY CHAMPION Tuff Beans/Paige Smoroden (Woody Be Tuff x Hot Shiney Lights x CD Lights) Score: 649.5 (H: 215/R: 219.5/C: 215) Money: $5,000 Owner: Michael Robin Breeder: Scott Wagner

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

LIMITED OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Pixxy/Hunter Hays (Scooter Kat x Ethell x Metallic Cat) Score: 648 (H: 213.5/218.5/C: 216) Money: $4,000 Owner: Tammy Jo Hays Breeder: Slate River Ranch

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY CHAMPION/ NOVICE HORSE OPEN DERBY CHAMPION Katies Kat/Hunter Hays (WT This Cats Smart x One Timin Katie x One Time Pepto) Score: 654 (H: 213/R: 216/C: 225) Money: $4,000; $6,000 Owner: Orlando Gonzalez Breeder: Orlando Gonzalez

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

LEVEL 1 OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION LR Miss Blue Rey/Pietro Soragni (Stevie Rey Von x LR Miss Blue Thunder x Bet Hesa Cat) Score: 652 (H: 216.5/R: 214.5/C: 221) Money: $3,250 Owner: Lassen Ranch Breeder: Richard Montarbo

NOVICE HORSE OPEN DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Canyon Battle Tour/ Abbie Phillips (Bamacat x Wall Canyon x Justa Swinging Peppy) Score: 652.5 (H: 219.5/R: 217.5/C: 215.5) Money: $4,800 Owner: Ashley Weaver Breeder: Burnett Ranches LLC

OPEN DERBY CHROME CASH CHAMPION Tha Rizzler/Nicholas Dowers (Metallic Rebel x Starlight Playmate x Grays Starlight) Score: 664.5 (H: 220/R: 223.5/C: 221) Money: $3,666 Owner: Triple D Ranches LLC Breeder: Kalpowar Quarter Horses

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY

MEANT TO BE It was a first-time NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Non Pro win for Jayson Fisher and his brand-new ride, Scooter Rabbit.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

J

ayson Fisher wasn’t looking for a new horse, but a chance meeting when he was working on NRCHA professional Justin Wright’s arena in Texas changed his mind.

“It was about three weeks before the [NRCHA Kimes Ranch] Derby,” he said. “I tried him out there—just riding him around— and really liked him. I fell in love with him the first time I threw a leg over him. I was going to let my son [NRCHA professional Wyatt Fisher] show him in the Open, but I felt like that might be a little rushed, so I figured I’d show him. Now I don’t think Wyatt will get him back!”

Fisher has experience with Scooter Kats—with horses ranging from weanlings on up—so he’s familiar with how they typically go, but hooking up with one so quickly and so successfully was a surprise to him. That meantto-be connection led Fisher and Scooter Rabbit (Scooter Kat x Cut N Klass x Light N Lena) to earn a 659.5 composite (H: 219/R: 219/R: 221.5), winning the NRCHA Derby Non Pro title by a whopping 6.5 points. Even better: It was Fisher’s first time winning the event.

“It didn’t feel real, to be honest,” he said about his first NRCHA Derby win. “I couldn’t believe it. I’ve won the NRCHA Stallion Stakes before, and it was amazing, but that was a long time ago. The non pro is so tough these days. You have to be mounted, and you can’t make any mistakes. I was pretty proud to accomplish this in the later part of my career.”

2026 NON PRO TOP 10 (Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Scores/Money)

1. Jayson J. Fisher; Scooter Rabbit; 22S (Scooter Kat x Cut N Klass x Light N Lena); Jayson and Teresa Fisher; 659.5 (H: 219/R: 219/C: 221.5); $10,500 2. Lanham W. Brown; Believe In Dynacat; 21M (Dont Stopp Believin x Little Dyna Cat x Neat Little Cat); R A Brown Ranch; 653 (H: 221/R: 218/C: 214); $8,000 3. Hope A. Mills; Shesafighttrisk; 22M (Bet He Sparks x Seven S PrettySmart x Dual Smart Rey); Hope A. Mills; 652.5 (H: 219.5/R: 218.5/C: 214.5); $6,650 4. Debbie R. Crafton; SJR Sumkinda Mist; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda PinkCadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie R. Crafton; 650 (H: 216/R: 218/C: 216); $5,250 5. Danielle Griffiths; Vesspa; 21M (Scooter Kat x Tangledupinblu x Once In A Blu Boon); D & S Performance Horses; 649.5 (H: 215.5/R: 215.5/C: 218.5); $4,000 6. Paris M. Starn; Rascal Rey; 21S (Stevie Rey Von x Reysin Autumn x Dual Rey); Paris and Clayton Williams; 648 (H: 213/R: 213.5/C: 221.5); $3,250 7. Tajah Braganca; So Riddle Me This; 21M (This One Time x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights); Tajah Braganca; 647 (H: 217/R: 217.5/C: 212.5); $2,750 8. Debbie R. Crafton; Boot Scootin Flo; 21M (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat); Debbie R. Crafton; 646 (H: 218/R: 213.5/C: 214.5); $1,933.33 8. Crue Dowers; Cabanna Girl; 21M (WR This Cats Smart x Shining Madonna x Shining Spark); Triple D Ranches LLC; 646 (H: 213/R: 219/C: 214); $1,933.33 8. Debbie R. Crafton; Reynowned; 21S (Dual Rey x Stylish Play Lena x Docs Stylish Oak); Debbie R. Crafton; 646 (H: 216/R: 217.5/C: 212.5); $1,933.33

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Only a few weeks into their partnership, Jayson Fisher and Scooter Rabbit (Scooter Kat x Cut N Klass x Light N Lena) earned a 659.5 (H: 219/R: 219/R: 221.5) to claim the 2026 NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Non Pro title and $10,500.

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“

“HE WAS LIKE, 'I'VE GOT THIS!' HIS TIMING WAS SO GOOD." —Jayson Fisher

The pair topped the herd work in the preliminary round, and that success carried over into the herd finals, where they marked a 219.

“He was very good,” Fisher said. “He probably didn’t even need me up there [in the prelims]. He was like, ‘I got this!’

His timing was so good.”

After getting to know his horse a little more throughout the show, Fisher felt comfortable pushing Scooter Rabbit in the reined work finals.

“I stepped on it a little,” Fisher shared. “I had started to know him a lot better, and I knew what he could do.”

They wrapped up the finals with a 221.5, tying for the high score in that phase.

“He didn’t miss a click,” Fisher said. “I felt like I could’ve handled an even tougher cow, because it felt like he wasn’t even challenged. It’s crazy to think that with his score, but it felt really easy. And that’s how it’s supposed to feel. I haven’t felt like that in a long time.”

The horse’s intensity stays in the show pen. Fisher joked about Scooter Rabbit’s laid-back demeanor when he’s not working.

“You wouldn’t know [about his work ethic] when you go to

the stalls,” he said with a laugh.

“He’s always sleeping or just hanging out with his bottom lip hanging. But in the pen, he knows his job very well.”

Fisher knows he has a special horse in his string and doesn’t take it for granted.

“It usually takes me a bit [to connect with a horse],” he said.

“That’s why I like to ride a lot of my own horses, because I have to click with them. This one was so easy to get to know—I can’t even explain it. It was so easy.

We meshed right off the bat, and that made it really special, like it was meant to be.”

NON PRO DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Lanham Brown/Believe In Dynacat (Dont Stopp Believin x Little Dyna Cat x Neat Little Cat) Score: 653 (H: 221/R: 218/C: 214) Money: $8,000 Owner: R A Brown Ranch Breeder: Scott & Patricia McClurg

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION/ LIMITED NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION Danielle Griffiths/ Vesspa (Scooter Kat x Tangledupinblu x Once In A Blu Boon) Score: 649.5 (H: 215.5/R: 215.5/C: 218.5) Money: $4,500; $2,250 Owner: D & S Performance Horses Breeder: Kit Hall

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION/ LIMITED NON PRO DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Tajah Braganca/So Riddle Me This (This One Time x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights) Score: 647 (H: 217/R: 217.5/C: 212.5) Money: $3,500; $1,750 Owner: Tajah Braganca Breeder: Jason Patrick

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LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION Faith Showalter/ Especially Smooth (SJR Smooth Cadilac x Shesa Special Pastel x Pastels Smart Lena) Score: 636.5 (H: 211/R: 216.5/C: 209) Money: $2,000 Owner: Caitlyn Showalter Breeder: Caitlyn Showalter

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO DERBY CHAMPION Amy Bailey/Rey Von Moon (Stevie Rey Von x Reylena Moon x Dual Rey) Score: 636.5 (H: 212/R: 213.5/C: 211) Money: $1,500 Owner: Paul & Amy Bailey Breeder: Kalpowar Quarter Horses

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

LEVEL 1 NON PRO DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION/ NOVICE HORSE NON PRO DERBY RESERVE CHAMPION Chesney Reeves/KK Gotcha Onmy Radar (CR Gotcha Covered x Paw Patrol x Metallic Cat) Score: 627.5 (H: 210/R: 216/C: 201.5) Money: $1,500; $1,125 Owner: Chesney Reeves Breeder: Cooper Smith

NON PRO DERBY CHROME CASH CHAMPION Paris Starn/Rascal Rey (Stevie Rey Von x Reysin Autumn x Dual Rey) Score: 655.5 (H: 214/R: 218.5/C: 223) Money: $1,278 Owner: Paris & Clayton Williams Breeder: Coyote Rock Ranch

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

NON PRO BOXING DERBY DJ Crafton/Catty Reytallica (Metallic Cat x Dual Reys Belle x Dual Rey) Score: 650.5 (H: 215.5/ R: 213.5/C: 221.5) Money: $7,500 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: David Pratt

NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE Emily Kirchenschlager/ SCR Stevie Rey Bay (Stevie Rey Von x Maderas Crown x Playgun) Score: 649.5 (H: 213.5/R: 216/C: 220) Money: $5,000 Owner: Emily Kirchenschlager Breeder: Sarco Creek Ranch

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LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY Katie Ray/Rokkin The Look (Stevie Rey Von x Tejons Smart Lena x Tejons New Star) Score: 630.5 (H: 211/R: 207.5/C: 212) Money: $2,000 Owner: Rockin KR LLC Breeder: Deborah Sanders

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE Kelly Grewing/Sadies Gotthe Blus (Once In A Blu Boon x Chickery Lena x Smart Chic Olena) Score: 627.5 (H: 213.5/R: 208.5/C: 205.5) Money: $1,500 Owner: Kelly Grewing Breeder: Lesley Marshall

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SELECT NON PRO BOXING DERBY Anita Lacher/Boot Skootin (Skooter Kat x Bet Shesa Fancy Cat x Bet Hesa Cat) Score: 649.5 (H: 214/R: 216.5/C: 219) Money: $846 Owner: Anita Lacher Breeder: Jared Graham Jones

SELECT NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE/NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHROME CASH CHAMPION Lori Adamski-Peek/ Licensed To Steal (Stevie Rey Von x Dual Peppy Kitty x Dual Pep) Score: 645 (H: 212.5/R: 216.5/C: 216) Money: $705; $1,135 Owner: Lori AdamskiPeek Breeder: 70 Ranch Performance Horses

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY

Cats Tell Secrets (WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel x One Time Pepto) and Shawn Hays won the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular with a 665 (H: 224/R: 220/C: 221), adding $14,070 to the horse’s lifetime earnings.

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LIVING

TRADITION The NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby Spectaculars and Super Spectaculars celebrated the sport’s roots and the many talents of cow horses.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

T

he NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby is famous for highlighting the talents of two rein and bridle horses through Spectacular and Super Spectacular classes that allow them to display their skills in the herd work (Spectaculars and Super Spectaculars) and steer stopping (Super Spectaculars). The Spectacular class range includes many divisions—Open, Non Pro, Youth, Select, and Boxing. They’ve all become can’t-miss events for spectators and exhibitors alike. Here are the stories from Scottsdale, Arizona.

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR The NRCHA CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular in Scottsdale draws a crowd to watch an incredibly deep class of bridle horses. This year’s winner, Cats Tell Secrets (WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel x One Time Pepto), won it in style with a 665 (H: 224/R: 220/C: 221), taking home a $14,070 check for owners Katalyst Performance Horses.

“We’ve had him in our barn almost two years,” said NRCHA professional Shawn Hays, who piloted Cats Tell Secrets to the win. “Matt Koch started him and showed him during his derby years. Then Orlando Gonzalez showed him in the Non

Pro Boxing for a while. Orlando wanted to sell him, so we bought him in partnership with Katalyst Performance Horses. I knew he had the potential to do the [NRCHA] World’s Greatest Horseman®. I qualified for last year’s The Run For A Million on him, showed there, and we’ve qualified again this year.”

Adding to his accolades as a bridle horse, Cats Tell Secrets and Hays won the World’s Richest Stock Horse event, an Open Bridle Spectacular, in 2025 and built on that success at the NRCHA Derby.

“We were lucky and got an early draw [in the herd work],” Hays said. “I got three good cows cut on him and got off to

a really good start with a 224. In the reined work, he was good.

I think he was good in all the other maneuvers, but his right turnarounds got sucked back a little. Overall, he was good. He came back in the fence work, and we worked the cow the best we could and marked a 221. I felt like we got all we could out of that cow, and it worked out good in a very tough Bridle Spectacular class.”

Next, Hays and Cats Tell Secrets will lock in on The Run For A Million, with a possible stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™.

“He’s not one that takes a lot to put back together after a show,”

Hays said. “He’s one of those that’s very laid-back and always looking for a place to slow down.

“For The Run For A Million, we don’t cut,” Hays continued.

“So, you have to be really good across the board in the reined and the cow work. I’ll work with him to try to squeeze a few more points out of the reining, and then the cow work is the luck of the draw.”

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR Debbie Crafton doesn’t want to sound sappy, but her relationship with FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) is what makes them so successful. It’s a true love that doesn’t come around often. She shares the horse with her kids and continues to top classes in the ultra-competitive Non Pro division.

“He’s such a good horse,” she said. “It’s a special deal.”

That connection led them to win the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular with a 657 (H: 217.5/R: 220.5/C: 219).

“He was really good in the herd,” she said. “We cut three

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Debbie Crafton and her trusty mount FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) topped the NRCHA Derby Non Pro Bridle Spectacular with a 657 (H: 217.5/R: 220.5/C: 219), earning $5,948.

good cows, and he’s so smart about a cow that I can show with confidence. We can pick any cow, drive it to the judges, and cut. He holds a cow so well.”

The reined work exceeded Crafton’s expectations with a 220.5.

“I’ve shown this horse a lot,” she said. “He’s still so honest to show. He circled good, ran and stopped good, turned so good.

I was pretty excited when they announced that score. He’s typically a 217 or 218 in the reined work. He showed up.”

A 219 down the fence wrapped

up the title.

“The cow was pretty tough,” she said. “That heifer came out to me, we stopped her a couple of times, but she was pushing on me. He read her and stopped her strong. She made really good first and second turns. We went out to circle and went good to the left. To the right, she was pushing and laying on me. He made her take it. It was a lot of cow, and a lot of horses wouldn’t have handled that aggressive of a cow. He’s such a team player.”

Crafton’s son, Tucker, also showed the horse in Youth,

Intermediate, and Limited Non Pro Boxing classes. She attributed his ability to make that many runs to their connection.

“I think he’s truly just a good-hearted, good-minded horse,” she said. “He loves me and I love him. It sounds sappy, but it’s true. We understand and love each other and are there for each other. He likes the kids, so he shows up and wants to be a good horse. He’s good at what we’ve designed him to do.

He loves the cow horse and the people who ride him. To keep

him fresh, we use him outside.

I think that keeps him applying himself in the show pen. But ultimately, he loves his family and shows up for us.”

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR When Kixi Meador speaks about her horse Dual N Tomcat (Tomcat Chex x Dual N Mary x Dual Rey), aka “Tom Tom,” you can hear the love she has for him in her voice.

“We absolutely adore him,” Meador said. “We love him so much, and he’s been

///// MEET CD SURVIVOR The NRCHA Derby Open Bridle Spectacular is named in memory of CD Survivor (CD Olena x Have A Lil Lena x Peppy San Badger), orphaned as a foal to earn the name “Survivor.” He was best loved by his owner, Nancy Crawford of Holy Cow Performance Horses, who puts up added money for bridle spectacular classes held each year at NRCHA premier events. The added money started in 2010, and Crawford hasn't wavered in her support of the finished bridle horse.

“The goal of the bridle spectacular and why it exists in the first places to have [incentive] for a fully trained bridle horse to compete,” she said. “I think it’s really important to have those fully trained bridle horses that just about anybody can ride.”

The CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular Champion, presented

by Holy Cow Performance Horses, receives a perpetual trophy and the rider’s name and the horse’s name are added annually.

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KIMESRANCH.COM

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Kixi Meador and Dual N Tomcat (Tomcat Chex x Dual N Mary x Dual Rey) won the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular with a 432 (H: 142/R:142/C: 148), earning $975.

Ellie Haaby and Ima Lil Cow Fresh (Hashtags x Six Boon x Boon Too Suen) put in the work to earn two titles: the Non Pro Boxing Spectacular and the Youth Boxing Spectacular with a 435 (H: 144.5/R: 144/C: 146.5) in the Non Pro Boxing and a 435.5 (H: 146/R: 144/C: 145.5) in the Youth.

so great for me. I can’t thank him enough. I’d describe Tom Tom as a very elegant, young British man. He’s really such a sweet horse and has sweet intentions all the time.”

In Scottsdale, the pair proved their strong connection by winning the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular with a 432 (H: 142/R: 142/C: 148). Meador admitted the herd work can be tough for her, but her horse stepped up for her.

“It’s one of the things I struggle with, and he seems to pull me through it every time,” she said. “I really appreciate that.

He was good the whole run— he stayed hooked to the cows and also hooked to me at the same time. I can count on him every single time.”

The reined work allowed

Meador to show off her favorite maneuver with Tom Tom. “My favorite part is definitely the circles,” she said. “I have a lot of confidence going in there knowing that one of the first maneuvers is the circles, so I’m going to send it through there. He runs and rates really nicely and changes leads like a dream. When we run and stop, he pulls through for me every time. I know I can send him down there and he’ll stop good for me. He can really turn, too.”

The cow work saw Meador achieve a new standard: her first 148 down the fence.

“Mindset is a huge thing for me; my mom and I work on it a lot because I can be hard on myself,” she said. “So, I need to go in there knowing and thinking that he’s going to pull

through for me, and I’m going to go out there and do the best I can—and we did that.”

Meador’s father, Wade, sat at the corner of the pen as Meador boxed the cow and hollered at her when it was time to go down the fence.

“We went around the corner and got really nice fence turns,” she said. “We went and circled— it was phenomenal. He stayed so hooked to that cow but still hooked with me and listening.

The judges gave me my very first 148, and I was just ecstatic. He was amazing for me.”

NON PRO AND YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULARS Competing in both the Non Pro and Youth Boxing Spectaculars meant that Ellie Haaby and Ima Lil Cow Fresh

(Hashtags x Six Boon x Boon Too Suen) entered the pen six times in Scottsdale. The pair topped both classes, scoring a 435 (R: 144/H: 144.5/C: 146.5) in the Non Pro and a 435.5 (R: 144/H: 146/C: 145.5) in the Youth, earning a total of $7,900 across those classes.

“I think he got tired by the end of it,” Haaby said with a laugh. “We had him in the spa every day, and he was pretty well taken care of. I think he held up pretty good.”

Not only did she compete in the Spectaculars, but she also participated in the youth clinic held during the NRCHA Derby, which you can read about on page 20.

Haaby and her horse particularly excel in the herd work.

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Metallic N Shine (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark) and Clayton Edsall’s cow work helped them break a tie to win the Open Two Rein Spectacular with a 439 (H: 143/R: 147.5/C: 148.5), earning $6,426.

“That’s our favorite event,” she said. “He’s super fun, and I just tried to make sure I got clean cuts, got my cows driven out, and that I kept my hand down.”

In the reined work, one maneuver stands out for Haaby.

“He definitely got a lot of points from his stops because of how he devours the ground,”

she said. “His spins are good, and his circles are getting better. He’s pretty solid, but our stops are definitely our thing.”

In each of their fence works, Haaby and “Wager” tried to keep it clean and stay out of each cow’s way.

“I’m pretty sure he dreams about the cow work,” she said.

Haaby has competed in

boxing for a handful of years, but Wager has only been her partner for about a year and a half.

“He’s really sweet,” she said.

“He loves to stop. He’s really fun. My mom says he’s like a sports car. He begs for treats and is really friendly.”

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR

The Open Two Rein Spectacular was a tight race to the end between two pairs: Metallic N Shine (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark) and Clayton Edsall, and Swoop Dogg (Metallic Cat x Blue Rey x Dual Rey) and Jake Barry.

Swoop Dogg and Barry gained

DOUG WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL AWARD

BY NRCHA STAFF

For the second consecutive year, Sarah Dawson found herself accepting one of the most meaningful honors presented at the NRCHA Derby.

Dawson and Juliette Jonez earned the 2026 Doug Williamson Memorial Award after marking a 224 in the cow work, the high score of that phase in the Holy Cow Performance Horses CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular, which also helped them take home the championship title in the Open Bridle division.

The award holds special significance for Dawson, who won the inaugural award in 2025 alongside Abbie Phillips. "[This means] everything—I mean, that guy's my hero," Dawson said about Williamson. "It goes back to my youth years riding with him, so that's the coolest thing I could’ve won today.”

The winning run came aboard a mare with

strong family ties. Juliette Jonez is by Travelin Jonez and out of Shine Smarter, by WR This Cats Smart, the same mare Dawson rode to earn this award a year ago.

"She's a very special one because she's by our and Linda Mars’ stud, Travelin Jonez," Dawson explained. "And she's also out of Shine Smarter, which everybody knows that mare. She's also owned by Linda, so it's all in the family, really.”

The pair's 224-point performance came against a cow that brought plenty of intensity from the moment it entered the arena.

"That cow was mad when it came out,"

Dawson said with a laugh.

"My only thought was, 'I wonder if they're going to blow me a new cow, and if they do, should I go with it?' But they made my decision easy because they didn't call a new cow.”

Instead, Dawson committed to the run and

trusted her mare.

"I was hoping it would last through the run," Dawson said. "Sometimes those cows get so mad and get themselves so worked up that they kind of die off. But it kept going through the run, and the mare didn't miss a beat.

She was awesome.”

With a standout run aboard a mare carrying familiar bloodlines and a connection to last year's award-winning horse, Dawson's backto-back Doug Williamson Memorial Award victories served as a fitting tribute to one of her longtime heroes.

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Chantz Stewart Bond rode Peptos Lil Pet (Peptoboonsmal x Shiners Playful Pet x Shining Spark) to win the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular with a 432.5 (H: 141/R: 144.5/C: 147). They added $2,550 to their lifetime earnings.

a 2.5-point advantage in herd work. The two pairs tied in the reined work, and Metallic N Shine and Edsall claimed the victory by breaking the tie when they won the cow work by 2.5 points. In the end, Metallic N Shine and Edsall earned a 439 (H: 143/R: 147.5/C: 148.5) and took home $6,426 for owner Andrea Luce.

“Jake was pretty big in the herd,” Edsall said. “I just kept clicking away at him and was able to get ahead with the cow.”

Edsall has had the mare in his barn since early in her 2-yearold season. His assistant, Josh Briggs, showed her in the 2023 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® and as a 4-year-old, and then Edsall took the reins in her 5-year-old year.

“She had a really big 5-yearold year,” he shared. “Then we won the two rein at the [NRCHA Stallion] Stakes in Las Vegas this year, and then came here and won the Two Rein Spectacular and horse show class. She’s an outstanding horse.”

Edsall was proud of how his mare worked out of the herd, despite some chaos.

“I was first out,” he explained.

“We talked about three or four cows we liked. I walked in there, and one I liked wandered out and then tried to run off. The herd went everywhere. It was a bit of a mess, but I was extremely proud of her because she didn’t do anything wrong. There was every reason to lose a cow.”

They stayed consistent in the reined work. Her stops particularly stood out.

“She circles good,” Edsall said.

“She’s a big mare, so it doesn’t look like she’s going fast, but she runs her circles great. She can turn, too, but she can scorch the Earth with her stop. It’s unbelievable how hard she can stop.”

Their fence work got them the win.

“She’s always been pretty easy in the fence work,” he said. “She lets me get close to the cow and doesn’t scare it. She runs down the fence and does an unbelievable job gauging how far to slide or stop hard with her hind feet. It’s something I wish I could train them all to do, but she does it naturally. Everything was tight.”

Edsall looks forward to his

future with the mare.

“I think we’re going to see her in a lot of win pictures,” he added.

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR Peptos Lil Pet (Peptoboonsmal x Shiners Playful Pet x Shining Spark) has been part of the Bond family since she was 2. The now-10-year-old mare was in cow horse training until she was 5 or 6, then shifted to roping. Chantz Stewart Bond took on the special mare last year to prepare her for the 2026 World’s Greatest Horsewoman at the Art of the Cowgirl, where they were finalists. When they learned the mare was eligible for the two rein, Bonds focused on that, which paid off with a win in the NRCHA Derby Two Rein Spectacular. The pair earned a 432.5 (H: 141/R: 144.5/C: 147), building on each phase as they progressed through the event.

“I’ve been mostly working on her herd and reined work,” Bond said about “Pebbles,” owned by her in-laws, Trevor and Tiffiny Bond. “She’s an amazing fence horse in her own right.”

They were first out in the second set of herd work and set a solid tone for the event, though Bond admits it’s her weak spot.

Her herd help—Tucker Robinson, Al Dunning, Jay McLaughlin, and Cara Glaze—guided her to success with a score of 141.

“Everyone told me to go in there, cut clean, cut correctly, and just make it through,” she said. “As long as I made it through the herd, I knew I could clean it up everywhere else.”

A 144.5 in the reined work kept their momentum going.

“She was stellar,” Bond said.

“She was honest through her circles and lead changes, turned around pretty good, and she’s a huge stopper. She was right there with me.”

A 147 in the fence work confirmed Bond’s belief in her mare’s abilities.

“My cow came out pretty soft, and I kept it on the end an extra lick,” she explained. “When I went to take it down the fence, it widened out, and she stayed right there with it. We were able to take control and get it over to the fence. We got two big turns and circled in the center.”

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Coming off a third-place finish in the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® earlier this year, Smooth Outta Style (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualin Curly Pep x Dual Pep) and Tucker Robinson topped the Open Bridle Super Spectacular with an 880 (H: 217.5/R: 216/C: 220/SS: 226.5).

Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan) topped the Non Pro Bridle Super Spectacular as well as the NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro with an 878 (H: 216/R: 218.5/C: 218.5/SS: 225).

Bond knows she has something special in her family’s mare and appreciates many things about her.

“She has a heart of gold,” she said. “She’s always willing, is a massive stopper—which makes everything easy—and she’s a pleasure to be around. She’s always the first horse to meet you at the gate. She wants to win right along with you.”

This fall, Bond and Pebbles will compete at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show in Amateur Cow Horse, Heading, and Heeling.

Next year, they plan to breed the mare to start building her legacy.

OPEN BRIDLE SUPER SPECTACULAR Smooth Outta Style (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualin Curly

Pep x Dual Pep) has been with NRCHA professional Tucker Robinson since the gelding was bought as a yearling at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Western Bloodstock Sale.

“We started him and have had him his entire career,” Robinson said. “He’s a little quirky, but he’s super cowy, and he’s real pure and honest. When horses are that good, the little quirks don’t matter. You don’t pay attention to it because you know you can go win on that horse. It doesn’t matter where we go, I feel like he’s got me.”

Smooth Outta Style proved to once again have Robinson’s back in the Open Bridle Super Spectacular at the NRCHA Derby.

They won the title and added $1,200 to his earnings with an 880 (H: 217.5/R: 216/C: 220/

SS: 226.5) for owners Julie Weinhart and Frank Vasquez.

With solid scores across the first three phases, Robinson knew he was in the hunt, and a big score in the steer stopping made them undeniable champions.

“Faron Hightower has been helping me with the little things in the herd work,” Robinson shared. “I felt like my horse was pretty dialed in. I know that horse, and I know he’s not going to let a cow get by him no matter what.”

Robinson felt he left a few points on the table in the reined work, but he was pleased with that run and the horse’s performance down the fence.

“He probably didn’t fire the way I’d like him to there [in the reined work], but it’s been getting better and better for

him. He was good in the fence work. He’s real pure down the fence. I was happy.”

It was the steer stopping where Robinson and Smooth Outta Style really showed their stuff, earning a 226.5.

“It helps that I like to rope,” Robinson said with a laugh. “He knows his job in the roping, and I spend a lot of time on it. I saw my start, and he ran right to it. When I got him roped, the steer hit the end of that rope and jumped, but it didn’t scare my horse at all. Roping muleys is fun because you never know how they’ll run.”

At the end of the summer, Robinson will take Smooth Outta Style to The Run For A Million for the Cow Horse Challenge. It’s their first time competing in the event, and Robinson is excited about the opportunity.

NON PRO SUPER SPECTACULAR When Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet won the NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro, presented by Gastrobim™, the pair also claimed the Non Pro Bridle Super Spectacular title with an 878 (H: 216/R: 218.5/C: 218.5/ SS: 225). Read more about their journey on page 136.

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Jaymes Bond/Jordan Williams (Metallic Cat x Shortys Jay Ray x Dual Rey) Score: 663 (H: 217.5/R: 225.5/C: 220) Money: $9,673.13 Owner: Bonds Ranch Breeder: Fults Ranch LTD

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR CHAMPION CR Hes A Tuff One/Brendon Clark (Woody Be Tuff x Cat Digs Lucinda x High Brow Cat) Score: 657.5 (H: 220.5/R: 220.5/C: 216.5) Money: $6,934.50 Owner: Red Arrow Ranch LLC Breeder: Center Ranch

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION A Starlights Magnum/Kyle Trahern (Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight) Score: 657 (H: 214/R: 224/C: 219) Money: $5,427 Owner: Kyle Trahern Breeder: Terry Van Martin

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Cody Halford/WCR Who Spooked It (Shine N Spook x Whiz Dun A Creme x Who Whiz It) Score: 653.5 (H: 214.5/R: 218.5/C: 220.5) Money: $4,758.40 Owner: Jessica Halford Breeder: Marsha Halcrow

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION/ INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Swoop Dogg/Jake Barry (Metallic Cat x Blue Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 439 (H: 145.5/R: 147.5/C: 146) Money: $5,140.80; $3,855.60 Owner: Jake Barry Breeder: Trey Fricke

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Teles Moore/Jake Barry (Meteles Cat x No Way In Hal x Halreycious) Score: 438 (H: 148/R: 145.5/C: 144.5) Money: $3,029.40 Owner: Chris & Melissa Garbrick Breeder: Kathleen Moore

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///////// 2026 NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Mindy Barkemeyer/MSU Here Kitty Kitty (Senor Shiney Cat x CD Savannalena x CD Olena) Score: 431.5 (H: 143/R: 143.5/C: 145) Money: $2,125 Owner: Mindy Barkemeyer Breeder: Dominic L Conicelli Estate

NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Heather Vatcher/Royal Stunner (One Time Royalty x Absolutely Stunning x Smart Little Lena) Score: 433.5 (H: 145.5/R: 144/C: 144) Money: $5,480 Owner: Heather Vatcher Breeder: JLC Performance Horses LLC

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Ricky Nicolazzi/Sippin Boons Farm (Smart Boons x Peppy Nicolena x Nic It In The Bud) Score: 434.5 (H: 144/R: 144.5/C: 146) Money: $787.50 Owner: Heather Vatcher Breeder: Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CHAMPION Darby Callahan/Bet Hese All That (Bet Hesa Cat x Cowgirl Sparkles x Shining Spark) Score: 429.5 (H: 142/R: 141.5/C: 146) Money: $812.50 Owner: Mickey Callahan Breeder: Dorothy Queen

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///////// NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY

HORSE SHOW

HIGHLIGHTS

The NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby saw hot competition across the horse show classes.

COMPILED BY NRCHA SHOW OFFICE PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

OPEN BRIDLE Juliette Jonez/Sarah Dawson (Travelin Jonez x Shine Smarter x Shining Spark) Score: 445.4 (R: 221.5/C: 224) Money: $11,943.40 Owner: Linda Mars Breeder: Linda Mars

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE A Starlights Magnum/Kyle Trahern (Magnum With A Dream x Shiny Starlight x Grays Starlight) Score: 443 (R: 224/C: 219) Money: $3,592 Owner: Kyle Trahern Breeder: Terry Van Martin

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///////// NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE

LEVEL 1 OPEN BRIDLE

Royal Stunner/Nic Howard (One Time Royalty x Absolutely Stunning x Smart Little Lena) Score: 440 (R: 219.5/C: 220.5) Money: $2,514.40 Owner: Heather Vatcher Breeder: JLC Performance Horses LLC

Bet Hesa Dualin/Eva Rittner (Bet Hesa Cat x Dualin Darlene x Dual Pep) Score: 433.5 (R: 219.5/C: 214) Money: $1,425 Owner: Tracy Ellingston Breeder: Roberta Thompson

NON PRO BRIDLE

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE

Debbie Crafton/ Foundloveathooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 439.5 (R: 220.5/C: 219) Money: $3,565 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie Down-Cicoria

Cody Halford/WCR Who Spooked It (Shine N Spook x Whiz Dun A Creme x Who Whiz It) Score: 439 (R: 218.5/C: 220.5) Money: $2,618.75 Owner: Jessica Halford Breeder: Marsha Halcrow

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE

SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE

Cole Hawk/Stylish Boone (Stylish Rey Gay x RS Stars N Boonlight x Boonlight Dancer) Score: 438.5 (R: 216/C: 222.5) Money: $1,915.20 Owner: Hawk Family Trust Breeder: Don Murphy

Laurie Boaz/CR Tuff Star War (Woody Be Tuff x Shortys Starlight x Grays Starlight) Score: 433.5 (R: 217/C: 216.5) Money: $825 Owner: Laurie Boaz Breeder: Center Ranch

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///////// NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY OPEN TWO REIN

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Metallic N Shine/ Clayton Edsall (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark) Score: 296 (R: 147.5/C: 148.5) Money: $3,864 Owner: Andrea Luce Breeder: Andrea Luce

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN Reys Desired Rebel/ Tracer Gilson (Metallic Rebel x Reys Desire x Dual Rey) Score: 294.5 (R: 144.5/C: 150) Money: $2,318.40 Owner: Karen Haugland Breeder: HB Bartlett, DVM

LEVEL 1 OPEN TWO REIN

NON PRO TWO REIN

Alottorockthiskat/ Kennedy Mae Crosby (Kit Kat Sugar x Rockin Rollin Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 286.5 (R: 142/C: 144.5) Money: $1,000 Owner: Kennedy Mae Crosby Breeder: Lonnie D. or Barbara J. Allsup

Chantz Stewart/ Peptos Lil Pet (Peptoboonsmal x Shiners Playful Pet x Shining Spark) Score: 291.5 (R: 144.5/C: 147) Money: $1,590 Owner: Trevor/Tiffiny Bond Breeder: Aaron Ranch

OPEN HACKAMORE

INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE

Stevie Rey Wright/ Erin Taormino (Stevie Rey Von x Wright About Now x Lenas Wright On) Score: 293.5 (R: 145/C: 148.5) Money: $5,272.40 Owner: Yellow Creek Ranch Breeder: Garth & Amanda Gardiner

Razor Scooter/Russell Dilday (High Brow Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey) Score: 292.5 (R: 145.5/C: 147) Money: $1,614 Owner: Russell & Tanna Dilday Breeder: Aaron Cook

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KIMESRANCH.COM

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///////// NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPIONS

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION

One Stylish Kat/ Lausanne Hillmuth (Smooth As A Cat x Time To Play N Style x One Time Pepto) Score: 287 (R: 141.5/C: 145.5) Money: $1,345 Owner: Todd Brown Breeder: Steffany Fines

Kwic As A Cat/Hadley Aebly (Cats Merada x Shell Dual Better x Dual Rey) Score: 281 (R: 139/C: 142) Money: $1,800 Owner: Marcha Duvenage Breeder: Rick & Shelly Mowery

NON PRO/ INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION

NON PRO BOXING

Jacob Partridge/ Smartly Twisting (WR This Cats Smart x Twist One Time x One Time Pepto) Score: 285.5 (R: 140/C: 145.5) Money: $1,504; $380 Owner: Lauren Partridge Breeder: Wagonhound Land & Livestock

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING Makenna VanPelt/ Hickorys One Time (One Time Pepto x Turn Liz Loose x Docs Hickory) Score: 291.5 (R: 145/C: 146.5) Money: $ 1,361.60 Owner: McDaniel Ranch Breeder: Ken & Ramona Wold

Ellie Haaby/Ima Lil Cow Fresh (Hashtags x Six Boon x Boon Too Suen) Score: 290.5 (R: 144/C: 146.5) Money: $3,980 Owner: Tenley Haaby Breeder: Rochelle Meredith

LIMITED NON PRO BOXING Aurora Nicolazzi/Its Bingo Time (Peptos Lil Bingo x BBR Perfect Timin x A Chic In Time) Score: 289 (R: 144.5/C: 144.5) Money: $890 Owner: Ruth Saldubehere Breeder: Romina Santucci

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///////// NRCHA KIMES RANCH DERBY SELECT NON PRO BOXING

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Heather Vatcher/ Royal Stunner (One Time Royalty x Absolutely Stunning x Smart Little Lena) Score: 288 (R: 144/C: 144) Money: $750 Owner: Heather Vatcher Breeder: JLC Performance Horses LLC

BOX DRIVE Stephenie Bjorkman/ Jorge Jonez (Travelin Jonez x Pepelan x Elans Holibar) Score: 293 (R: 146.5/C: 146.5) Money: $1,821 Owner: Stephenie Bjorkman Breeder: Susan L. Melchert

SELECT BOX DRIVE

YOUTH COW HORSE

Mark Warrack/ Bethesaittybittycat (Bet Hesa Cat x Lil Miss Pepto x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 283.5 (R: 140.5/C: 143) Money: $260 Owner: Jamie Walters Breeder: Jamie Walters

Landri Lisac/ Lookslikelucktome (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep) Score: 290.5 (R: 146/C: 144.5) Money: $852 Owner: Timothy & Katherine Miller Breeder: Kevin & Sydney Knight

YOUTH COW HORSE 13 & UNDER

YOUTH BOXING/ YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER

Riley Franz/ Surely This Time (Surely A Pepto x Its That Time Again x A Chic In Time) Score: 282.5 (R: 145/C: 137.5) Owner: Karey Louthan Breeder: Karey Louthan

Ricky Nicolazzi/ Sippin Boons Farm (Smart Boons x Peppy Nicolena x Nic It In The Bud) Score: 290.5 (R: 144.5/C: 146) Money: $719.60 Owner: Heather Vatcher Breeder: Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays

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Lanham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan), owned by R A Brown Ranch, became repeat champions at the NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro, presented by Gastrobim™. They earned a cumulative score of 1,091 (H: 216/R: 218.5/ C: 218.5/S: 225/F: 213) and won $12,625.

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TWO-TIMER Lanham Brown once again took the title with Hesa Twisted Bet in the 2026 NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro, presented by Gastrobim™.

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BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

anham Brown and Hesa Twisted Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan) have a long list of accomplishments that’ve pushed the gelding’s NRCHA lifetime earnings over $100,000.

But it wasn’t always that way. Brown estimates the horse had earned about $1,500 by age 6. Then everything changed.

“He was kind of a late bloomer,” Brown shared. “When he turned 6, I started preparing him to be a bridle horse for my wife to show in the boxing. She’s had some success with him, too, and we built on it from there. He just continues to get better and better. It’s kind of wild.”

This is the second time the pair has won the NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro, presented by Gastrobim™, demonstrating the horse’s trajectory of talent.

Hesa Twisted Bet was also named Top Horse at the 2025 Working Ranch Cowboys Association Championship Ranch Rodeo—another arena where he excels.

But he’s not all business. Brown said the horse keeps them entertained.

“He’s got a lot of personality,” Brown said. “He’s always getting into something—untying himself, unlatching gates—he’s always into something.”

Starting with the herd work, Brown drew deep in the second set.

“I had great herd help,” he said. “They helped me pick some good cattle. It was maybe a little bit of a soft run, but he was solid and worked good. It was a pretty tough set of cattle, and when you look at the other scores, I was happy to get out of there with a 216.”

Hesa Twisted Bet performed as expected in the reined work, earning a 218.5.

“He did his typical run,” Brown explained. “He’s pretty consistent there—he has a lot of presence and eye appeal.”

A tough cow during fence work posed a challenge, but the pair took it step by step and marked another 218.5.

“It was one of those runs that didn’t have a lot of flow, but my horse was spot on, and I couldn’t have asked him to do anything else.”

It was the steer stopping that really set them apart, with a big 225.

“We’ve been working on him in the box and scoring steers and leaving the box flat,” Brown said. “He did all that. I tried to let that steer out a little bit because I didn’t feel like it was going to outrun us to the back end. I wanted to show my horse, and he ran up there, rated, and did his deal.”

The fence-only finals were tough on all the exhibitors with tricky cows.

“They were tough cows,” he admitted. “I didn’t feel like I was getting much done

TOP 5 OVERALL (Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Scores)

1. Lanham W. Brown; Hesa Twisted Bet; 16G (Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan); R A Brown Ranch; 1,091 (H: 216/R: 218.5/C: 218.5/S: 225/F: 213); $12,625 2. Debbie R. Crafton; FoundLoveAtHooters; 17G (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey); Debbie R. Crafton; 1,085.5 (H: 217.5/R: 220.5/C: 219/S: 214.5/F: 214); $10,100 3. Tammy J. Johnston; HeloMyNamesJohnnyCash; 14S (Cee Mr Hickory x Smart Card Chex x Ill Be Smart); Lance or Tammy Johnston; 1,082 (H: 213/R: 214.5/C: 217/S: 222.5/F: 215); $7,575 4. Jayson J. Fisher; TravalinOnMoonshine; 14G (Cats Moonshine x Travalin Miss Mosa x Travalena); Jayson and Teresa Fisher; 1,078.5 (H: 214.5/R: 213.5/C: 221/S: 215.5/F: 214); $6,050 5. Boyd Wilson; Annies Playin Cat; 09G (Annies Cat x Bob Playin x Bobs Freckle); Veronica M. Swales; 1,070 (H: 213/R: 209.5/C: 215/S: 219.5/F: 213); $5,050

boxing—I had a hard time driving the cow around much. We had a big first turn and went for the second. My horse read it perfectly, but then everything kind of came to a standstill and then the cow kept going. So, I had to kick him up and go to get that second right turn. He was good.”

Brown had Hesa Twisted Bet pointed at a big ranch rodeo in July, but the bigger goal won’t be tested until early next year: the 2027 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®, held during the NRCHA Celebration of Champions.

“I’ve shown him in it the last two years,” Brown explained. “I’ve been in the top 20, but it turns out they only take back 15 for the finals. So we’re knocking on the door, we just haven’t quite broken through yet.”

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NRCHA WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO RESERVE CHAMPION Debbie Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 1,085.5 (H: 217/ R: 220/C: 219/S: 214.5/ F: 214) Money: $10,100 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie DownCicoria

NRCHA WORLD’S GREATEST NON PRO HIGH SCORES HERD WORK

REINED WORK

Debbie Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters 217.5

Debbie Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters 220.5

STEER STOPPING

FENCE WORK

Lanham Brown/Hesa Twisted Bet 225

Cole Hawk/Stylish Boone 222.5

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///////// 2026 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC

Life By The Drop (Stevie Rey Con x Sheza Dancingdiamond x Diamond J Star) and Tyler Merrill won the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Open Hackamore

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SLOW AND STEADY

2026 OPEN TOP 10 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Life By The Drop; Tyler G. Merrill; 21M (Stevie Rey Von x Sheza Dancingdiamond x Diamond J Star); Holy Cow Perf. Horses TX LLC; 880.5 (H: 220/R: 213/C: 222.5/F: 225); $35,000 2. Tazzy Es Savvy; Jordan Williams; 21M (CR Gotcha Covered x Mizz Savannah Taz x Pepto Taz); Bonds Ranch; 880.5 (R: 218.5/H: 218.5/C: 221/F: 222.5); $25,500 3. Sally Rave On; Chris Dawson; 21M (Stevie Rey Von x CSR Lay Down Sally x CSR Lay Down Sally); Holy Cow Perf. Horses TX LLC; 878.5 (H: 219.5/R: 217.5/C: 220/F: 221.5); $21,000 4. Shine Yer Sugar; Matt J. Koch; 22M (Kit Kat Sugar x Shine Yer Gun x Shiners Nickle); Shes The One Ranch; 878.0 (H: 218/R: 217/C: 224/F: 219); $16,500

Life By The Drop and Tyler Merrill clinched their first major win at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic.

5. Suprise Bullet; Garrett Cooper; 21G (Tracer Bullet x Our Santa Fe Suprise x Nino Dream); Emily Catherine Boldt; 877.5 (H: 214/R: 225/C: 219.5/ F: 219); $12,750

BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

6. SDP OffToNeverland; Sarah Dawson; 22M (Sannman x Miss Sweet CD x High Brow CD); Wendy K. Buehler; 874.5 (H: 219/R: 219.5/C: 220/ F: 216); $11,000

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ife By The Drop gave Tyler Merrill his first win at a major event during the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, held at the Tulsa Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He’s worked with the mare, owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses of Weatherford, Texas, for a year and a half, following her time with NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider Chris Dawson, with whom she won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Championship in 2024. The mare’s return to the winner’s circle has been a slow one, but the wait was worth it.

After her big NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® win, “Delia” needed time to mature, so she was turned out to pasture at Holy Cow Performance Horses, and tasked with ranch work by Merrill.

“Nancy [Crawford, Delia’s owner] asked if I would take her outside and ride her, use her, let her relax, rope on her, and brand calves,” Merrill said. “She got to where she was really comfortable again.”

Conferring with Dawson, Merrill has been riding Delia in the Intermediate Open, and the two just clicked. They have made the finals and picked up a check every time they’ve shown this year.

“I rope on her, take her outside and gather cows, and give her a lot of decompression,

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7. SJR More Cowbell; Lee Deacon; 21S (SJR Diamond Mist x Stylish Little Oak x Playin Stylish); Bent E Quarter Horses; 873.5 (H: 218/R: 217/C: 217.5/F: 221); $9,050 8. Smart Dressed Dude; Corey D. Cushing; 21G (Stevie Rey Von x Smart Crackin Chic x Smart Chic Olena); Bar One Land & Cattle LLP; 870.5 (H: 218.5/R: 216.5/C: 219/F: 216.5); $6,350 9. The Midnight Train; Sarah Dawson; 21S (Badboonarising x Metallic Train x Metallic Cat); Beverly L. Servi; 870.5 (H: 215/R: 220/C: 220.5/F: 215); $6,350 10T. Painted Shadows; Myles Brown; 22S (Scooter Kat x Miss Scarlets Cat x Metallix Cat); Hall Brown LLC; 869.5 (H: 222.5 /R: 216.5 /C: 212 /F: 218.5); $4,990 10.T Lil Mini Scooter; Chris Dawson; 21M (Scooter Kat x Lil Play Rey x Reys Dual Badger); Russ Mothershead; 869.5 (H: 219.5 R: 215 C:221.5 F: 213.5); $4,990

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letting her be a horse,” Merrill said. “She really loves what she does.

She’s really cowy. She’s electric. She’s got a big stop, and does all the things. My forte is taking the pressure off, letting them win a lot and building their confidence.”

Delia is strong and opinionated, but Merrill lets her do things on her terms, which works well. He also lets his 9-year-old son, Mason, and his 6-year-old son, Riggs, ride her.

“She’s always there,” Merrill said. “She’s so gritty and always ready to win. She has a personality like, ‘I know what I’m doing, leave me alone. I’m ready.’ As soon as I figured that out, we got along well.”

At the Hackamore Classic, the reined work was their first event.

They had a small bobble but did well otherwise. The error landed them low in the standings with a 213 score.

“I couldn’t ask for her to be any better—that was just pilot error, and we had a low score, but we weren’t out of it because I know what kind of horse she is and had the cutting and fence work coming up,” Merrill said.

In the herd work, Merrill carefully prepped her for a cow the night before and a flag before showing. The duo scored a 220, placing fourth in the pack.

“She's very, very strong, and I just had to make sure she’s flowy and not doing too much,” Merrill said.

Delia was automatic in the cow work, so Merrill just made sure she rated through the corner. They ended up third with a 222.5.

They came back for the fence finals and scored a 225, pushing them to the top of the leaderboard.

“She reads a cow really well; she wants to circle and be next to it. She’s got a lot of speed and stop,” Merrill said.

With a composite score of 880.5, the duo won the Open title and $35,000.

“We came from behind, and it was a drawing contest,” Merrill said. “The grace of God gave us good cows in the fence work, and we got to get back in there. We were shooting for third or fourth, and she rose to the occasion with that good cow and put us back on top.”

Merrill was thrilled to win his first major event and full of thanks for the many folks who have helped him over the years.

“I couldn't be more blessed and honored, and I just thank God that it happened,” Merrill said. “Thank you, Nancy Crawford and Holy Cow Performance Horses, the Dawsons, and everybody who’s ever helped me along the way.”

OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE Tazzy Es Savvy (CR Gotcha Covered x Mizz Savannah Taz x Pepto Taz)/Jordan Williams Score: 880.5 (H: 218.5/R: 218.5/C: 221/F: 222.5) Money: $25,500 Owner: Bonds Ranch Breeder: Center Ranch

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INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION

SJR More Cowbell (SJR Diamond Mist x Stylish Little Oak x Playin Stylish)/Lee Deacon Score: 873.5 (H: 218/R: 217/C: 217.5/F: 221) Money: $8,500 Owner: Bent E Quarter Horses Breeder: San Juan Ranch

Painted Shadows (Scooter Kat x Miss Scarlets Cat x Metallic Cat)/Myles Brown Score: 869.5 (H: 222.5/R: 216.5/C: 212/F: 218.5) Money: $3,500 Owner: Hall Brown LLC Breeder: Myles Thomas Brown

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE & LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE

Tuff Beans (Woody Be Tuff x Hot Shiney Lights x CD Lights)/Paige Smoroden Score: 868.5 (H: 216.5/R: 222.5/C: 217.5/F: 212) Money: $2,500; $4,000 Owner: Michael Robin Breeder: Scott Wagner

Von Silver (Stevie Rey Von x Handle It Playgun x Playgun)/Seth Whiteley Score: 642 (H: 206/R: 216.5/C: 219.5) Money: $3,150 Owner: Sly Fox Performance Horses Breeder: Roger K Terry

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NOVICE HORSE OPEN HACKAMORE CHAMPION

NOVICE HORSE OPEN HACKAMORE RESERVE

Catty Be Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x CC Cat x Neat Little Cat)/Cayley Wilson Score: 653.5 (H: 215/R: 218/C: 220.5) Money: $3,750 Owner: Shaun Pace Breeder: Alicia Bolls

She Will Be Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x Lil Sally Cat x High Brow Cat)/Luke Jones Score: 647 (H: 212.5/R: 215.5/C: 219) Money: $2,900 Owner: Moncrief Quarter Horses LLC Breeder: Moncrief Quarter Horses LLC

OPEN HACKAMORE CHROME CASH CHAMPION

OPEN HACKAMORE CHROME CASH RESERVE

Halreycious Rebel (Metallic Rebel x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious)/Boyd Rice Score: 665.5 (H: 224/R: 224/C: 217.5) Money: $2,028 Owner: Robert B Grieve Breeder: Utah State University

The Midnight Train (Badboonarising x Metallic Train x Metallic Cat)/Sarah Dawson Score: 655.5 (H: 215/R: 220/C: 220.5) Money: $1,352 Owner: Beverly L Servi Breeder: Beverly L Servi

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THE RIOS OF MERCEDES FAMILY OF BRANDS

THE OFFICIAL BOOTS OF THE

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///////// 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC

PURE CONFIDENCE Debbie Crafton won her fifth consecutive Non Pro Classic title at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, this time with SJR Sumkinda Mist.

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BY ABIGAIL BOATWRIGHT | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

ebbie Crafton is a familiar sight in the winner’s circle. At the 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, she took home the Non Pro Classic title for the fifth consecutive year, along with several other accolades. The Crafton family brought seven horses to the event at Tulsa Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She won the Non Pro Classic with her 5-year-old mare, SJR Sumkinda Mist, and their partnership was as strong as ever.

Crafton purchased “Fancy” as a yearling from San Juan Ranch, and she’s been in her program ever since. She’s ridden many horses out of her dam’s side. Crafton appreciates her good nature and well-rounded ability.

“She just has a lot of heart and try,” Crafton said. “She’s a really great horse to be around at home—sweet and personable, and likes to go to work every day. She’s great to use outside. She’s a go-to horse at the place.”

Fancy is not only handy on the ranch, she’s also accurate, smart on a cow and confident in cow work as well as in the rein work.

“The mare has always trained so easily, and she truly trains herself—you just kind of show her something,” Crafton said. “She’s the kind that makes you feel like you’re a horse trainer, but really, it’s just that she’s that intelligent, and that easy.”

Fancy has made every premier event finals since her first outing at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, Crafton said. She won the Non Pro Hackamore World Championship in 2025, among other accolades.

“She’s just been a great show mare, and she gets better and better every time she enters the show pen,” Crafton said. “She’s purer to show now and more confident than when she was a 3-year-old.”

At the Hackamore Classic, Crafton made sure the mare was still confident and accurate in her cow work, and then went to show.

“I have so much confidence walking into the pen on her, that there’s not a whole lot of preparation, just making sure that she’s happy and comfortable,” Crafton said. “With that, she will execute to the best of her ability.

And that allows me to ride her to the best of my abilities. So the two just

2026 NON PRO TOP 8 2026 NON PRO HACKAMORE CLASSIC (Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Scores/Money)

1. Debbie Crafton; SJR Sumkinda Mist; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie Crafton; 659 (H: 146.5/R: 147/C: 148.5 F: 217); $9,000 2. Matthew Kimes; Roses Got Style; 21M (Smooth Talkin Style x Starbursts x One Time Pepto); Kimes Family Trust; 649 (H: 145.5/R: 146/C: 141/F: 216.5); $7,000 3. Ashley M. Allyn; KA Talkin Smack; 21G (Smooth Talkin Style x Purr N Cat x High Brow Cat); Ashley M. Allyn; 646 (H: 143/R: 143.5/C: 140.5/F: 219); $5,200 4. Paul Bailey; WR Smokin Gold; 22S (WR This Cats Smart x Smokin Hot Goldie x Colonels Smoking Gun); Paul E. or Amy D. Bailey; 637 (H: 142/R: 146/C: 139/F: 210); $3,675 5. Dustin Faucette; GAR Joan Jett; 21M (Stevie Rey Von x PG Selena x Playgun); Dustin Faucette; 636.5 (H: 147/R: 144.5/C: 136/F: 209); $2,750 6. Taylor Worley; Catastrophe; 21G (EBR Kitty Hawk x High Rollin Country x High Rollin Cat); Taylor Worley; 635.5 (H: 143.5/R: 142.5/C: 143.5/F: 206); $2,150 7. Danielle Griffiths; RAB Sunshine Time; 21 M (Time For The Diamond x Sparks Smart x Genuine Masterpiece); D & S Performance Horses; 635 (H: 144/R: 143.5/C: 145.5/F: 202); $1,525 8. Tajah Braganca; So Riddle Me This; 21M (This One Time x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights); Tajah Braganca; 633 (H: 147/R: 139.5/C: 145/F: 201.5); $1,525

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Debbie Crafton and SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) clinched a fifth Non Pro Classic title at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic with a composite score of 659 (H: 146.5/R: 147/C: 148.5/F: 217) to win $9,000. The 2021 sorrel mare is owned by Crafton of Ordway, Colorado.

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really came together.”

The pair drew up late in the herd work, but feeling ready, they cut three good cows, scoring a 146.5 for third place.

“I actually went down to one hand on two of my three cuts; she’s just one that I can show her one-handed and push her across on a cow,” Crafton said.

“She reads a cow and she’s so accurate, that I felt real confident there.”

In reined work, that confidence was on display again, landing a score of 147 and moving to the top of the class.

“I can circle her on a really loose rein and push her— she’s so honest and pure in the rein work, so I felt really good,” Crafton said.

In the cow work prelims, they got a good cow and had an excellent run, scoring a 148.5.

“She had two really big turns, circled really good,” Crafton said.

For the finals fence work, Crafton and Fancy had a ninepoint lead, so she walked the line between being reckless with their chances and putting in a safe ride. They made sure to read the cow and work it well.

“I felt like she went down, made a really good first turn,” Crafton said. “She had an open field on the second turn, and got circled really well.”

The 442 composite was the score going into the cow work-only finals. They marked a 217 on the cow to secure the win.

“I don’t think she could have been any better,” Crafton said.

“I think she was just so spot on in all three events that I was very, very pleased. I was very proud of her. She gets better and better each time she walks into the show pen.”

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION Matthew Kimes/Roses Got Style (Smooth Talkin Style x Starbursts x One Time Pepto) Score: 649 (H: 145.5/R: 146/C: 141/F: 216.5) Money: $3,750 Owner: Kimes Family Trust Breeder: Diane E Athey

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE Dustin Faucette/GAR Joan Jett (Stevie Rey Von x PG Selena x Playgun) Score: 636.5 (H: 147/R: 144.5/C: 136/F: 209) Money: $3,000 Owner: Dustin Faucette Breeder: Mark and Eva Gardiner

LIMITED NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION Danielle Griffiths/ Vesspa (Scooter Kat x Tangledupinblu x Once In A Blu Boon) Score: 647 (H: 145/R: 142/C: 137/F: 223) Money: $1,425 Owner: D & S Performance Horses Breeder: Kit Hall

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LIMITED NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE

LEVEL 1 NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION

Ashley Allyn/KA Talkin Smack (Smooth Talkin Style x Purr N Cat x High Brow Cat) Score: 646 (H: 143/R: 143.5/C: 140.5/F: 219) Money: $1,175 Owner: Ashley Allyn Breeder: LIL Equine LLC

Grace Estes/ Naughtyy (One Time Pepto x Shes Precious Metal x Metallic Cat) Score: 422 (H: 143.5/R: 142.5/C: 136) Money: $1,950 Owner: Grace Estes Breeder: Tom J Kauer

LEVEL 1 NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE Parker Ralston/ Lulubella (Metallic Rebel x Im Fulla Chic x Smart Paul Olena) Score: 417.5 (H: 141/R: 136/C: 140.5) Money: $1,450 Owner: Meg GriffithRalston Breeder: Meg Griffith-Ralston

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO HACKAMORE RESERVE

Paul Bailey/WR Smokin Gold (WR This Cats Smart x Smokin Hot Goldie x Colonels Smoking Gun) Score: 427 (H: 142/R: 146/C: 139) Money: $1,375 Owner: Paul and Amy Bailey Breeder: Janet C Kubichek

Debbie Crafton/ Nu Trouble Signs Ahead (Nu Circle N Sign x Smooth And Trouble x Rey And Smooth) Score: 423.5 (H: 144/R: 146.5/C: 133) Money: $825 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Rene Cairo

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SELECT NON PRO HACKAMORE CHAMPION

NON PRO HACKAMORE CHROME CASH CHAMPION

Kristy Miller/Mizz Soda Pop (One Time Royalty x Miss Pepsi Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 409 (H: 141/R: 143.5/C: 124.5) Money: $1,140 Owner: Kristy Miller Breeder: Roger Terry

Debbie Crafton/SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 442 (H: 146.5/R: 147/C: 148.5) Money: $1,280 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: San Juan

NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHAMPION & NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHROME CASH CHAMPION Lindsay Foreman/ Will Kane (WR This Cats Smart x Dueling Chic Olena x Smart Chic Olena) Score: 436 (H: 146/R: 142/C: 148) Money: $4,250; $1,420 Owner: Dave Belson Breeder: McSpyder Ranch

NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE & SELECT NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHAMPION Cheryl Chown/Velvit Elvis (Dual Smart Rey x Duals Play Kitten x High Brow Cat) Score: 435 (H: 145/R: 142.5/C: 147.5) Money: $3,400 Owner: Robert and Cheryl Chown Breeder: Billy Martin

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LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY CHAMPION Kelly Grewing/Sadies Gotthe Blus (Once In A Blu Boon x Chickery Lena x Smart Chic Olena) Score: 424 (H: 139/R: 142.5/C: 142.5) Money: $1,500 Owner: Kelly Grewing Breeder: Lesley Marshall

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE Natalie Casey/Premiere Pepto (One Time Pepto x Mamas Primadona x Dual Smart Rey) Score: 423 (H: 140/R: 138.5/C: 144.5) Money: $900 Owner: Natalie Casey Breeder: Paula Rogers Wood

SELECT NON PRO BOXING DERBY RESERVE Melinda Frye/Scat Talkin (Smooth Talkin Style x Smart Scat x Smart Starbuck) Score: 422.5 (H: 140/R: 142/C: 140.5) Money: $624 Owner: Melinda Frye Breeder: Dottie St Clair Hill

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One Ata Time and Ryan Gallentine won their first NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC Open Bridle Spectacular Steven Mattson. The duo also ping the Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular.

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SPECTACULAR

SEASON The NRCHA Spectaculars at the MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic created showpieces for reined cow horse fans.

T

BY LARRI JO STARKEY | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES he weather in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was hot, but the runs sizzled in the spectaculars at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic. From exacting herd work to exciting reined work and flashy cow runs, the event put cow horses and their riders on display.

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

Bad luck said goodbye at the NRHCA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic for Ryan Gallentine and One Ata Time (One Time Pepto x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey). The duo dominated in the arena, capturing the Open Bridle and Intermediate Open Bridle championships, along with Open Bridle and Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular wins. Gallentine also qualified for the 2027 edition of The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge.

Since the 2017 stallion was a 2-year-old, “Uno” has been part of Gallentine’s program in Minnesota. Although he has been consistent and qualified for several finals, he has never drawn the right cow to earn a major win.

“This show, it all came together for him,” Gallentine said. “In the herd work, the horse wanted to be real good, and we cut three softer cattle. He didn’t really have enough cow for him, but he was good the whole way through.”

After a score of 216 and a day of rest, it was time for the reined work.

“The rein work was probably the best he’s ever been,” Gallentine said. “I asked a lot of him, and he was probably as honest as he’s ever been in that pen. He was pure as can be.”

Of all the maneuvers in the pattern, Gallentine says circles and stops are Uno’s strengths.

“He’s really level-headed and listens really well, and he’s probably the biggest stopper I’ve ever sat on,” Gallentine said. “The harder you run, the bigger he stops.”

A reining score of 221.5 propelled the duo into the cow work.

“It was the biggest run I’ve ever had,” Gallentine said. “The first turn was really big. The second turn was probably even bigger, and then his first circle was spot-on, noseto-nose. And then he finished the second circle strong. We got a little tight to the cow in that second circle and I was a little worried about getting close to the fence, but he willed himself there. He took care of me in there for sure.”

Scoring 227 in the cow work gave the team a composite of 664.5, which was good enough for wins in four classes.

“He has marked a lot of big 220type runs,” Gallentine said. “It’s something that I definitely knew he was capable of. I won the Intermediate [Stallion] Stakes on him as a 4-year-old and then made quite a few finals on him as a 4- and 5-yearold, but this is his first Open win.”

At home in Minnesota, Gallentine keeps Uno mentally and physically fit with plenty of trotting outside or loafing time during turnout. The stallion has developed consistency through steady work.

“We keep chipping away at little things that we need to improve on, [both] me and him,” Gallentine said.

“We really want to keep longevity in mind with him, so turnout time and not over-showing him throughout the year. We pick and choose where we show him.

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NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Debbie Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 437.5 (H: 148/R: 143.5/C: 146) Money: $4,922.40 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie DownCicoria

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR While Debbie Crafton was working toward winning her fifth consecutive NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Non Pro Hackamore Classic title, she also made time for an old friend. Aboard FoundLoveAtHooters, Crafton captured the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular championship and won the Non Pro Bridle class.

“That is a great horse,” she said. “I’ve had him since he was a 4-year-old, and he has really helped boost my career in cow horse.”

In addition to the Non Pro title, FoundLoveAtHooters also carried Crafton’s son, Tucker Crafton, to the Non Pro Reserve title along with the Intermediate Non Pro and Limited Non Pro wins in the Boxing Battle in the Saddle.

“To have that horse go horse show the way he did and then horse show for Tucker the way he did—he’s just a great horse,” Debbie Crafton said. “He’s got a lot of try. He is truly part of our family, but he’s a team player no matter what we’re doing. We use him outside, and I’ve roped on him here at the house. No matter what we’re doing, he’s a willing participant all the time.”

At the Hackamore Classic, Crafton and FoundLoveAtHooters were close to the end of the set.

“I had some cattle in mind,” she said, “but we mostly cut on feeling and shape. I have so much confidence in him that I feel like I can hold any cow. [That confidence] allows me to make really good cuts. I cut the cow that wants to be cut because I know this horse will do his job once we get there.”

The pair marked 148 out of the herd. A day after Tucker showed the 2017 gelding, his mother showed him in the reined and cow work.

The horse had to transition between each rider’s experience level.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve shared him,” she said. “He does it so well.”

On the run-in pattern, the horse stopped and circled well, she said.

“[In cow work], it’s the same thing as far as herd work goes,” Crafton said. “I feel like I can work any cow down the fence on him.

No cow is going to outrun him, and he reads one so well down the fence that as long as you put him in position and stay out of his way, this horse will make a big turn, get out of that hole, and get back in position.”

A challenging cow left Crafton feeling good about the run, and the judges scored it a 146.

“I can’t say enough good things about that horse,” she said. “I can’t say I’ve ever had a really bad day with him.”

YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR Elle Gerfen became horseless when the mare she’d been showing for a few years was injured in May. Kendra Suhling came to the rescue, offering Gerfen the chance to ride Metallic Slide at the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby.

“After a little tough luck there, we decided to give it another shot at the Hackamore Classic,” Gerfen said. “None of this would’ve been possible without the help and guidance from Abby Mixon, as well as Kendra allowing me to show ‘Mouse.’”

In Tulsa, Gerfen and Mouse posted a composite score of 432 in the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular.

“She’s a lot of fun,” Gerfen said. “She’s a cute mare. She’s super cowy, so she’s been a lot of fun to go down the fence on and then out of the herd. She stops good, and she’s really good in the reining, too.”

The Hackamore Classic was only the second time Gerfen had shown in a Spectacular.

“It has been a lot of fun learning the herd work,” she said. “It’s definitely a new challenge.”

In Tulsa, Gerfen and the mare worked well together overall.

“There are a few things I could’ve done differently as far as

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YOUTH COW HORSE SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Elizabeth Gerfen/Metallic Slide (Metallic Cat x Sliden Wright By x Smart Little Lena) Score: 432 (H: 142/R: 145.5/C: 144.5) Money: $562.50 Owner: Kendra Suhling Breeder: Beechfork Ranch

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Metallic N Shine/Clayton Edsall (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark) Score: 435 (H: 145/R: 145.5/C: 144.5) Money: $5,082 Owner: Andrea Luce Breeder: Andrea Luce

executing my cuts,” Gerfen said. “But we were clean, and that was the biggest thing I was worried about, getting on and off my cows clean.”

They added a score of 142 in the cow work to their 145.5 in the reined work.

“There are spots where she can be tricky to show in reining, so I felt lucky that I got her shown well,” Gerfen said. “She circled good, turned huge, and stopped great. I was really happy with our reining.”

After their first show together in Scottsdale, Arizona, Gerfen had taken some lessons to heart regarding fence work.

“She boxed well,” Gerfen said. “I took three turns, and they were all good. I knew spots where I needed to be better, and where I got

myself into a little bit of trouble when we were in Scottsdale. I made sure not to do that again. She’s a lot of fun to show down the fence.

If you put her in the right spot, she does her job.”

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR NRCHA Professional Clayton Edsall and Metallic N Shine have been together for a long time, and that partnership has paid off in Open Two Rein competitions.

In the Open Two Rein Spectacular at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic, they once again proved their ability to rise to the occasion, earning a composite score of 435 for the win. “[NRCHA Hall of Famer] Don Murphy manages Andrea Luce’s horses, and he brought her to us during her 2-year-old year,” Edsall

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NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Bayleigh Leathers/ Mr Blue Metallic (Metallic Masterpiece x Blue Gun Powder MS x PG Gunpowder) Score: 426 (H: 144/R: 138/C: 144) Money: $2,600 Owner: Cotton and Bayleigh Leathers Breeder: Burnett Ranches LLC

said. “Josh Briggs, who worked for me, showed her during her 3and 4-year-old years. I think he won about $30,000 on her, and I took her over for her 5-year-old year. We won a lot on her. I think we were in the top five in every derby of her 5-year-old year. I’ve won a little over $100,000 on her over the last two years.”

The mare’s athleticism shows up in her insane ability to stop, Edsall said. The herd work went well, but the reined work was her time to shine.

“She just stops so easy and turns so good that the reining’s always been pretty simple for her,” he said. “She can [run fast], and the fence work [in Tulsa] was pretty good, too.”

Then in the cow work, they met a tough cow that ran into them during the second turn and caused a stumble.

“It was probably the worst fence work I’ve had on her, and it was still enough to win,” Edsall said. “At some point, hopefully, we’ll see her in the [NRCHA] World’s Greatest [Horseman®].”

NON PRO TWO-REIN SPECTACULAR It took a whole family of riders to make a win in the Non Pro Two Rein classes. When Bayleigh Leathers’ brother, Spur, decided to focus on a different horse, she stepped up to take the ride on Mr Blue Metallic for his two rein year.

“I love that horse,” she said. “My dad, Cotton, started [the horse], and he said [the horse] was willing and good-minded. And he’s always been a really good stopper.”

Both Cotton and Spur Leathers had shown the 2020 gelding they call “Coltrane.” Bayleigh jumped at the chance to show him. She rides him mostly in the bridle at home, but when she shows, she likes the extra support the two rein gives her. It was a pragmatic choice that paid off with the Non Pro Two Rein Spectacular win at the NRCHA MARS™ EQUESTRIAN Hackamore Classic. She also won the Non Pro Two Rein Horse Show class.

It all started with herd work, admittedly not Coltrane’s strongest skill. Spur, who had shown him in the herd work before, advised Bayleigh to shoot for a 71 and be clean.

“My brother helped me through all of that,” she said.

“We worked specifically for that show. We worked [Coltrane] on the flag the night before, let him make all his mistakes, and then fixed it so he would be good for me the next day.”

In herd work, they pulled off a score of 144 before earning a 138 in the reined work.

“Honestly, I was not impressed with my rein work,” Bayleigh admitted. “He stopped really hard, and the error we had was not his fault.”

In the cow work, Bayleigh tried to be smart.

“I’d watched the cows, and a lot of them, if you boxed too long and made two fence turns, they died out pretty fast,” she said. “I could hear Spur telling me to go ahead and go with it. I hit it one more time in the boxing, then I ran with it, and it ran pretty hard.

I had plenty of cow left to go circle.”

A144 in the cow work gave her a 426 composite for the win.

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR In her second year of riding cow horses, Piper Keller concentrated on following the advice of her trainer, NRCHA Professional Todd Crawford, at the NRCHA MARS™ EQUESTRIAN Hackamore Classic. In the Youth Boxing Spectacular, that advice led to a win on CR Better Off Tuff, with a composite score of 439.

“Her name is ‘Rose,’” Keller said. “She’s 9 years old, and I’ve had her for the past five years. She’s the best horse ever. She always tries super hard and never wants to do anything wrong.

She’s super sweet.”

Keller’s bond with the horse showed in her rides. In the herd, Keller was nervous, “but I wasn’t that nervous, so it was all good.”

Before the ride, Crawford told her to stay slow and keep her eye on the cow.

For the herd work, the judges awarded her a score of 143. She followed that with a 147.5 in the reined work. Then the cow came out.

“I guess you never know what to expect when you’re working a cow,” Keller said. “Todd always tells me stuff to work on, and I feel like I achieved it and grew a lot during the show, continuing to improve on what we’ve worked on leading up to the show.”

The pair’s cow score was a 148.5.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was happy with it.”

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YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Piper Keller/CR Better Off Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x High Class Peptolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 439 (H: 143/R: 147.5/C: 148.5) Money: $600 Owner: Michael Keller Breeder: Center Ranch

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE & INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE CR Dainty N Tuff/Lee Deacon (Woody Be Tuff x Dainty Dual Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 658.5 (H: 217/R: 222.5/C: 219) Money: $7,504; $4,824 Owner: Lee Ann McDaniel Breeder: Center Ranch

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR RESERVE

OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

Matthew Kimes/Hope Shez Catty (Catty Hawk x Shes Full Of Hope x Smart Mate) Score: 435 (H: 145.5/R: 144.5/C: 145) Money: $3,867.60 Owner: Matthew Kimes Breeder: Cowan Ranch Inc.

SJR Hitime Shine/Matt Koch (High Brow Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark) Score: 433.5 (H: 143.5/R: 141.5/C: 148.5) Money: $3,557.40 Owner: San Juan Ranch Breeder: San Juan Ranch

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INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR CHAMPION

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

Jay McLaughlin/ Rebel At Play (Metallic Rebel x Lil Play Rey x Reys Dual Badger) Score: 429.5 (H: 145.5/R: 143/C: 141) Money: $2,178 Owner: Hawk Family Trust Breeder: Russ Mothershead

Stevies Miss Rey/ Robert Chown (Stevie Rey Von x Shiners Miss Rey x Shining Spark) Score: 429 (H: 142/R: 141.5/C: 145.5 Money: $1,815 Owner: L & K Barker Family Trust Breeder: L & K Barker Family Trust

NON PRO TWO REIN SPECTACULAR RESERVE

YOUTH RESERVE COW HORSE SPECTACULAR RESERVE

Kixi Rea Meador/ Stevie On Crack (Stevie Rey Von x Smart Crackin Chic x Smart Chic Olena) Score: 419.5 (H: 145/R: 137/C: 137.5) Money: $1,950; $468.75 Owner: Kixie Rea Meador Breeder: Singleton Ranches

Dual N Tomcat (Tomcat Chex x Dual N Smarty x Dual Rey) Score: 432 (H: 143.5/R: 145/C: 143.5) Money: $468.75 Owner: Kixi Rea Meador Breeder: Rick &/or Jalinda Covey

YOUTH BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE Bronlin Reddock/ DocsNaturalBlue (Bet Hesa Cat x Gins Last x Tanquery Gin) Score: 428.5 (H: 142/R: 143.5/C: 143) Money: $500 Owner: Daniel Reddock Breeder: Burnett Ranches LLC

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SECONDH VERSE

BY LARRI JO STARKEY | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

Cheryl Chown and Xtra Short Trick put their experience and focus into overdrive during the Boxing Battle in the Saddle at the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic.

istory eclipsed itself at the Boxing Battle in the Saddle, held during the 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic.

Once again, Cheryl Chown and her outstanding mare, Xtra Short Trick, proved they know boxing, winning for the second consecutive year—with an even higher score.

In 2025, Chown and her mare had a composite of 433, and in 2026, they jumped to a 441.5.

“That mare has been so good to me,” Chown said. “Really, any win is great. It’s just tough with so many great horses and competitors, and I appreciate every win I get. They’re always a little more special on that horse.”

The 2016 mare, sired by Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Short And Royal, was bred and raised by Cheryl and her husband, Robert.

Robert, an NRCHA Professional, knows Xtra Short Trick well and supports his wife’s riding career. However, when the time came for the herd work, he was showing another horse in a different arena, so he was unable to be her herd help.

A longtime competitor, Chown knows how to lean in during challenging situations, and she did just that, scoring a 145 in the herd work to take the initial lead in the three-discipline event.

“I just go in there and do my deal,” she said. “I don’t look

For the second consecutive year, Cheryl Chown rode Xtra Short Trick to win the Boxing Battle in the Saddle with a composite score of 441.5 (H: 145/R: 145.5/C: 151) and earnings of $3,945.

The pair also claimed the Select Non Pro Boxing and Non Pro Boxing Spectacular championships for an additional $687.50 and $4,922, respectively.

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NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE, INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR CHAMPION & LIMITED NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR CHAMPION Tucker Crafton/FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 439.5 (H: 144.5/R: 144.5/C: 150.5) Money: $3,156; $907.50; $658 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie Down-Cicoria

around. I don’t make competition personal. I just take each individual thing and try to focus on each part of it and do my best. I listen to my horse and what I might have when I’m out there.”

Her legendary focus meant she wasn’t thinking about winning when she was in Tulsa—even when she was in the lead. She wasn’t thinking about repeating her 2025 win. She wasn’t thinking about anything except each portion of the Boxing Battle in the Saddle and her task in that phase. Two days later, she was ready for the reined didn’t have a plan. and cow work, but she didn It’s impossible to make a true game plan, Chown pointed out, because the horse might have its own plans. In Tulsa, Xtra Short Trick was on the ssame wavelength.

“At a major [show], if I’m going to show that mare, I’m going to call on her, because you can and you have to. And she was hooked that day,” she said. “I really sent her pretty hard. In the circles, she has that jump-back-in-the-middle-of-one-stride thing for a small slow, so in that big arena, that pattern really showed it off.” drew a good cow.

Then the duo d “I really liked that cow,” Chown said. “It was challenging and kept me busy the whole time, which I like. I think she had the highest boxing score in the boxing classes that week. She marked a 151.”

Reserve champions Tucker Crafton and FoundLoveAtHootersmarked a 150.5 in the cow work, just a half-point behind the champion. Crafton’s composite of 439.5 would’ve beaten Chown’s 2025 score of 433. The jump in those scores indicates the growing prestige of the Boxing Battle in the Saddle and progress in the discipline.

It also speaks to Chown’s meticulous preparations.

“She’s a trained horse, but we prepared her for [the Hackamore Classic],” Chown said. “Robert actually rode her a little more than he usually does. Usually, I do most of the riding on her, and then he’ll get on and help me tune her up for something.”

She also specifically asks him if there’s a particular issue that needs to t be addressed.

But for the most part, Chown and Xtra Short Trick spend their time together, building a bond that is evident iin the show pen.

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE & LIMITED NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULARE RESERVE Makinley Reddock/Blu Chip (Once In A Blu Boon x SR Sassy Cat x WR This Cats Smart) Score: 437 (H: 148/R: 143.5/C: 145.5) Money: $756.25; $517 Owner: Daniel Reddock Breeder: Sassy Cat Syndicate

SELECT NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR RESERVE Ann Matthews/Metallic River (Metallic Cat x Tootsie Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 429.5 (H: 138/R: 145/C: 146.5) Money: $412.50 Owner: Ann Matthews Breeder: Michelle Cannon

“I’ve run barrels most of my life,” she said. “So I’m into a horse’s fitness and keeping it in tiptop shape. We keep her in shape. We don’t school on her all the time, but we definitely keep her in shape.”

Chown showed the mare a couple of times before the Hackamore Classic.

“Just to blow out the cobwebs,” she said. “Unfortunately, that will probably be the only spec I show her in this year. She’s tied up all spring because I’ve been pulling embryos out of her.”

Just as Xtra Short Trick is a product of the Chown breeding program, she’s invested in its future, with a foal on the ground by Hazardouz Material and an embryo by Scooter Cat. Chown isn’t finished showing this year, and she’s also not done with the Xtra Short Trick’s bloodline. She has an NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® prospect out of Short And Royal that she’s excited to ride.

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HORSE SHOW

HIGHLIGHTS

Dynamic competition defined the NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Horse Show classes in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as horse-and-rider pairs delivered standout performances across every division.

COMPLILED BY NRCHA STAFF / PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

OPEN BRIDLE & INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE One Ata Time/Ryan Gallentine (One Time Pepto x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey)/Ryan Gallentine Score: 448.5 (R: 221.5/C: 227) Money: $9,835; $2,810 Owner: Steven Mattson Breeder: Flag Ranch LLC

LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE SJR Starlit Rey/ William Akin (Dual Rey x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights) Score: 440 (R: 220/C: 220) Money: $2,107.50 Owner: William Akin Breeder: San Juan Ranch

LEVEL 1 OPEN BRIDLE

NON PRO BRIDLE

Cherry Twizzler/Seth Whiteley (CP Jesse Cat x Travalen Suggie x Travalena) Score: 429 (R: 220/C: 209) Money: $1,575 Owner: Seth Whiteley Breeder: Tommy or Susan Marvin

Debbie Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 289.5 (R: 143.5/C: 146) Money: $2,760 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie Down-Cicoria

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///////// 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE

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Landri Lisac/ LooksLikeLuckToMe (Smart Boons x Dual Lookin Pep x Dual Pep) Score: 289.5 (R: 142.5/C: 147) Money: $2,121 Owner: Timothy and Katherine Miller Breeder: Kevin P and Sydney B Knight

SELECT NON PRO BRIDLE Kristy Miller/Glamour Royallty (One Time Royalty x Kitna Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 285.5 (R: 142/C: 143.5) Money: $735 Owner: Kristy Kay Miller Breeder: Scott Murdock

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE Taylor Allen/Shinen Metallic Cat (Metallic Cat x Winenshineme x Shining Spark) Score: 288 (R: 143.5/C: 144.5) Money: $1,620 Owner: Taylor Allen Breeder: Russ Mothershead

OPEN TWO REIN Quite A Smart Rey/ Clay Volmer (Dual Smart Rey x Quite The Cat x High Brow Cat) Score: 292 (R: 142.5/C: 149.5) Money: $2,520 Owner: Ann Matthews Breeder: Rose Valley Ranch

INTERMEDIATE OPEN TWO REIN

LEVEL 1 OPEN TWO REIN

Stevies Miss Rey/ Robert Chown (Stevie Rey Von x Shiners Miss Rey x Shining Spark) Score: 287 (R: 141.5/C: 145.5) Money: $1,296 Owner: L & K Barker Family Trust Breeder: L & K Barker Family Trust

One Time N The Woods/Lucy Rulon (This One Time x Wood Boon x Smart Lena Boon) Score: 266.5 (R: 136.5/C: 130) Money: $1,050 Owner: Tami Sue McElwee Breeder: Whispering WIllows Ranch LLC

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full service communications solution provider

Innovative Reliable Efficiant Secure

CEI Communication Enterprises, Inc. 800.617.2355 | www.cei-wireless.com

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Mik Jagger | Owned by Paul Poor | Shown By Emmons Performance Horses Photography & Ad Design by Mega Equine Marketing | 661.301.0777

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///////// 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

NON PRO TWO REIN

OPEN HACKAMORE

Bayleigh Leathers/ MR Blue Metallic (Metallic Masterpiece x Blue Gunpowder MS x PG Gunpowder) Score: 282 (R: 138/C: 144) Money: $1,260 Owner: Cotton and Bayleigh Leathers Breeder: Burnett Ranches LLC

Halreycious Rebel/ Boyd Rice (Metallic Rebel x CR A Little Peek x Halreycious) Score: 441.5 (R: 224/C: 217.5) Money: $9,110.50 Owner: Robert Grieve Breeder: Utah State University

INTERMEDIATE OPEN HACKAMORE & LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE

NON PRO HACKAMORE

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE

Eddie B Tuff R A B/ Myles Brown (Woody Be Tuff x Shesa Rock Hancock x Hesa Eddie Hancock) Score: 438 (R: 217.5/C: 220.5) Money: $2,740; $1,918 Owner: Rob A Brown Breeder: Rob A Brown

Debbie Crafton/SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal) Score: 295.5 (R: 147/C: 148.5) Money: $2,220 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: San Juan Ranch

Starlight Blu/Jamie Feuquay (Once In A Blu Boon x Soula Who x Soula Jule Star) Score: 427 (R: 211/C: 216) Money: $1,950 Owner: David C Tharp Breeder: El Ray Performance Horses

Danielle Griffiths/ RAB Sunshine Time (Time For The Diamond x Sparks Smart x Genuine Masterpiece) Score: 289 (R: 143.5/C: 145.5) Money: $750 Owner: D & S Performance Horses Breeder: R A Brown Ranch

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///////// 2026 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ HACKAMORE CLASSIC HORSE SHOW BOX DRIVE & SELECT BOX DRIVE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Cheryl Chown/ Hippster (Metallic Rebel x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 294 (R: 146/C: 148) Money: $1,629.60; $420 Owner: Robert and Cheryl Chown Breeder: Beau Galyean

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING & LIMITED NON PRO BOXING Tucker Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey) Score: 295 (R: 144.5/C: 150.5) Money: $885; $810 Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie Down-Cicoria

YOUTH BOXING Piper Keller/CR Better Off Tuff (Woody Be Tuff x High Class Peptolena x High Brow Cat) Score: 296 (/R: 147.5/C: 148.5) Money: $588 Owner: Michael Keller Breeder: Center Ranch

NON PRO BOXING & SELECT NON PRO BOXING Cheryl Chown/Xtra Short Trick (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Short And Royal x Short Oak) Score: 296.5 (R: 145.5/C: 151) Money: $1,618.40; $725 Owner: Robert and Cheryl Chown Breeder: Chown Quarter Horses

YOUTH COW HORSE Catharine Paben/The Fletcherator (Royal Fletch x Naturally Smooth x San Tip) Score: 291.5 (R: 143/C: 148.5) Money: $582 Owner: Mason Ann Elliott Breeder: Jeff and Sue Dawson

YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER Liam Letner/Hallie Rey (Halreycious x Hickory Ten x Docs Hickory) Score: 282 (R: 136/C: 146) Owner: Cathy Snead Breeder: Michelle and Billy Cannon

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NO MANS WHIZKEY

XTRA LITTLE BALOU

IRISH BLU

WHIZKEY N DIAMONDS X SS ROSA

WIMPYS LITTLE STEP X LIL CHIC BALOU

ONCE IN A BLU BOON X MYO STARLIGHT

LIFE TIME EARNINGS: $94,000+

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $27,955

2025 FEE: $2,000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $1,500 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $2,000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

ELIGIBILITIES: ROYAL CROWN ROPING

ELIGIBILITIES: NRHA, NRBC, RIATA BUCKLE

ELIGIBILITIES: NRHA

STRAY CAT SI-93

TRASHINYURDREAM

WIMPYS LITTLE NITE

STORM CAT (TB) X YOUR FIRST MOON

GUNNATRASHYA X THIS CHICSDUNDREAMIN

WIMPYS LITTLE STEP X DUN IT BY CHECK

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $58, 638

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $199,000+

LIFE-TIME EARNINGS: $24,500

2025 FEE: $2,000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $2,150 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

2025 FEE: $2000 INCLUDES CHUTE FEE

ELIGIBILITIES: OKLAHOMA BRED

ELIGIBILITIES: NRHA, NRBC

BREEDING MANAGER: Madelyne Hawkins 405-288-6460 | repro@oklahomaequinehospital.com 2652 Reece Lake Rd Washington, OK 73093

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///////// HORSE HEALTH

BEAT THE HEAT

Late summer and early fall heat is important to consider for your and your cow horse’s health.

BY JOE CARTER, DVM

W

hat is the cumulative effect of heat and humidity on horses and humans? How does it affect performance, training, nutrition, and daily routines? These are the questions you should ask yourself as we reach the peak of the summer months and early fall.

The combined effects of heat and humidity can be severe. High humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, causing the body’s core temperature to rise rapidly. Horses heat up three to 10 times faster than humans and can’t cool efficiently. If untreated, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and fatal heatstroke can occur.

In humans, high humidity inhibits sweat evaporation, causing core temperatures to spike.

Symptoms can progress from heavy sweating and cramps to dizziness and nausea. Extreme heat causes fatigue and impairs decision-making, which can be particularly dangerous when handling horses.

Horses generate and accumulate heat quickly due to their large muscle mass. Working a horse in humid weather can raise internal temperatures to dangerous levels in less than 20 minutes.

While humans rely heavily on evaporative cooling, much of a horse’s sweat simply rolls off without cooling the body, leading to massive fluid and electrolyte loss. Prolonged heat stress can cause anhidrosis, a dangerous condition in which the horse partially or entirely loses the ability to sweat.

The Rutgers Equine Science Center recommends using a simple formula to determine if environmental conditions are safe for exertion: air temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) + relative humidity (%).

Here’s their scale: ·<130: Safe for normal activity. ·130–150: Monitor athletes closely for signs of heat stress. ·150–180: Use extreme caution. Limit exertion and maximize hydration. ·>180: Critical danger. Normal equine cooling mechanisms fail, and fatal side effects are highly likely even with rest.

For example, if it’s 90 degrees out and the humidity is 40%, watch out! That totals 130, and you must monitor yourself and your horse for heat stress.

Preventing heat stress in horses requires careful management of their environment, exercise, and diet. Provide unlimited access to cool, fresh water and make salt blocks available. Adding 1 to 2 ounces of plain salt or a commercial electrolyte supplement to their feed can replenish lost minerals and encourage drinking.

Schedule riding and training sessions during the coolest parts of the day—either early in the morning or late in the evening. Give your horse access to mature trees or well-ventilated run-in sheds for shade. If your horse is stabled, use fans for continuous airflow. Clip the coats of horses with heavy winter hair to improve airflow and help sweat evaporate. Consult an equine nutritionist to balance their feed, as excessive protein generates internal heat during digestion. If you have any questions about heat stress, contact your veterinarian.

During these hot months, stay alert and be smart. Don’t take risks with your horse or yourself when it comes to heat stress.

Joe Carter, DVM, Oklahoma Equine Hospital and Official NRCHA Veterinarian

“

PREVENTING HEAT STRESS IN HORSES

REQUIRES CAREFUL MANAGEMENT OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT, EXERCISE, AND DIET.”

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Paul Bailey

Vice President: Ben Baldus

Secretary: Lori Wyman

Treasurer: Todd Crawford

Executive Committee Members: Lance Johnston, Dan Roeser Board Members: Todd Bergen, Debbie Branch, Dr. Joe Carter, Corey Cushing, Jay McLaughlin, Trey Neal, Shadd Parkinson, Beverly Servi, Jake Telford, Boyd Rice, Cayley Wilson

COMMITTEE DIRECTORY

STAFF

To contact committee chairs, visit nrcha.com/board-and-committee/.

NON PRO

Executive Director: Patty Tiberg patty@nrcha.com

Premier Events Coordinator: Brittany Rogers brittany@nrcha.com

ANIMAL WELFARE

NOMINATING

Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers callie@nrcha.com

Programs & Foundation Coordinator: Jeri Copenhaver jcopenhaver@nrcha.com

ETHICS

OWNERS

Director of Programs: Tara Carter tara@nrcha.com

Sanctioned Shows Coordinator: Amber Gentry agentry@nrcha.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PROFESSIONALS

Director of Shows: Taylor Meek taylor@nrcha.com

Accounting Associate: Marilee Nies marilee@nrcha.com

HALL OF FAME

RULES

Programs & Youth Manager: Jessi Medlin jessi@nrcha.com

HORSE SALES

SHOWS

Sponsorship Manager: Cami Toliver ctoliver@nrcha.com

SPONSORSHIP

Communications & Production Coordinator: Emily Merrill emerrill@nrcha.com

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Membership & Incentive Coordinator: Trisha Cantrell trisha@nrcha.com

YOUTH

Media Coordinator: Maci Meads maci@nrcha.com

AFFILIATES

Chairperson: Jay McLaughlin Chairperson: Joe Carter, DVM Chairperson: Debbie Branch Chairperson: Ben Baldus

Chairperson: Dan Roeser Chairperson: Todd Crawford

INCENTIVE

Chairperson: Beverly Servi

JUDGES

Director of Judges: Bill Enk

MARKETING

Chairperson: Callie Boevers

NRCHA FOUNDATION

Chairperson: Lori Wyman Chairperson: Jake Telford Chairperson: Debbie Branch Chairperson: Cayley Wilson Chairperson: Dan Roeser Co-Chairperson: Ben Baldus Co-Chairperson: Shadd Parkinson Chairperson: Patty Tiberg Chairperson: Patty Tiberg

Chairperson: Sarah Clymer

Chairperson: Chelsea Edsall

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AFFILIATE LISTING Current as of July 22, 2026

Alaska Reined Cow Horse Association

Delta Reined Cow Horse Association

Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association

European Reined Cow Horse Association

Dorothy Hrncir P.O. Box 876754 Wasilla, AK 99687 Phone: 907-841-4875 Email: akcowhorse@gmail.com

Krystal Meade Unit 330, 205 Quarry Park Blvd. SE Calgary, AB Canada T2C 3E7 Phone: 403-991-4617 Email: info@cowhorse.ca Website: cowhorse.ca

Alberta Stock Horse Association

Shawna Husted 27245 TWP 350 Red Deer County, AB Canada T4G 0M4 Phone: 403-875-1369 Email: abstockhorse1@gmail.com

Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association Jeffry Heyer Phone: 508-221-1358 Email: captjrheyer@gmail.com Website: azrcha.com

Atlantic Reined Cow Horse Association

Jennifer Black 501 Second Ave. Collegeville, PA 19426 Phone: 717-433-5357 Email: archasecretary.2022@gmail.com Website: atlanticRCHA.com

California Reined Cow Horse Association Chris Krieg 11503 Avenue 184 Tulare, CA 93274 Phone: 707-293-5079 Email: info@californiacowhorse.com Website: californiacowhorse.com

Central Montana Reined Cow Horse Association

Dave Clark P.O. Box 194 Boyd, MT 59013 Phone: 307-349-0551 Email: wyoclarks@yahoo.com Website: cmrcha.com

Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association Emily Parry 21660 E Road Delta, CO 81416 Phone: 970-520-1069 Email: info@coloradoreinedcowhorse.com Website: coloradoreinedcowhorse.com

Lisa Bowman 1039 Rip Steele Road Columbia, TN 38401 Phone: 812-890-2943 Email: lmbowman1110@gmail.com Otto De Fazio Via Natalia Ginzburg 1 - 11015 Ivrea (TO) Italy Phone: +39 338 8860657 Email: ercha.otto@gmail.com Website: ercha.org

French Riders Reunion

Magic Valley Reined Cow Horse Association Kaycie Keller P.O. Box 253 Jerome, ID 83338 Phone: 208-329-0499 Email: kkayc_13@yahoo.com Website: mvrcha.com

Nevada Reined Cow Horse Association Chelsea Christoffersen 841 W Elderberry St. Pahrump, NV 89048 702-604-3797 Email: chelseachristoffersen@gmail.com www.nvrcha.org

Damien Chiari 24 Avenue Des Bruyeres Diemez, France 38790 33-65-112-7092 Email: chiaridamien@gmail.com

New York Reined Cow Horse Association

Gem State Stock Horse Association

North Central Reined Cow Horse Association

Callee Miller 301 Market Road Caldwell, ID 83607 Phone: 541-519-4748 Email: Cowhorse22@gmail.com Website: gemstatestockhorse.com

High Desert Reined Cow Horse Association Quincy Warner P.O. Box 894 Lakeview, OR Phone: 541-219-2716 Email: warnerquincyr@gmail.com Website: hdrcha.com

Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association Laura Kiracofe P.O. Box 1375 Caldwell, ID 83606 Phone: 208-409-5656 Email: laura.kiracofe@yahoo.com Website: idahoreinedcowhorse.com

Lavaca Ranch Reined Cow Horse Association Carie Patrick 1748 CR 444 Hallettsville, TX 77964 Phone: 717-600-6417 Email: laura.kiracofe@yahoo.com Website: lavacacowhorse.com

Anna Richards 2930 Shamrock Road Skaneateles, NY 13152 Email: 4richardslivestock@gmail.com Beth Brant 135 N. Lake Ave. Phillips, Wisconsin 54455 715-339-2149 bantbm19@hotmail.com

Northeastern Reined Cow Horse Alliance Kaylee Thompson 85 Brumm Road Pembroke, Ontario Canada K8A 7G6 Phone: 514-616-1506

Northern California Reined Cow Horse Association Kelly Hamblin 2450 Oro Quincy Highway Oroville, CA 95966 Phone: 530-510-0198 Email: ncrcha2023@gmail.com Website: ncrcha.info

Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association Keri Croft P.O. Box 302 Newburg, OR 97132 Phone: 503-701-3305 Email: nwreinedcowhorse@gmail.com Website: nwrcha.com

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AFFILIATE LISTING Current as of July 22, 2026

Panhandle Reined Cow Horse Association Lane Arnold P.O. Box 1053 Canyon, TX 79015 Phone: 806-341-0941 Email: panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com Website: panhandlecowhorse.com

Saskatchewan Reined Cow Horse Association

Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association Roy Rich 33175 Temecula Pkwy, Suite A, 754 Temecula, CA 92592 Phone: 951-529-6258 Email: socalrcha@aol.com Website: scrcha.com

Kimberly Rose Box 584 Lumsden, Saskatchewan S0G 3C0 306-570-7243 Email: treasurer.srcha@gmail.com Website: reinedcowhorse.net

Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance

South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association

Southeastern Reined Cow Horse Association

Tina McCleary 1951 Poe Prairie Road Millsap, TX 76066 Phone: 979-218-0633 Email: southtexasrcha@gmail.com Website: strcha.org

Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Gay Lenz 11587 Hunt Lane Guthrie, OK 73044 Phone: 405-818-7556 Email: glenz@glenzenterprises.com Website: srcha.org

Debra Motichek 18211 La Tung Road Covington, LA 70435 Phone: 985-373-8347 Website: srchala.com

Rachel Cobb 104 Murphy Hill Road Belton, SC 29627 Phone: 864-276-9678 Email: southeastcowhorse@gmail.com Website: southeasternrcha.com

NRCHA SUSPENDED LIST 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.

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 July 22, 2026

Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ

Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY

Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA

Desert Spring Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ

Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA

Andrew Ospital, Valley Springs, CA

Chris Anderson, CA Performance Horses, Marietta, OK

Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA

Susan Ray, Dream Cross

Jim Babcock, Babcock Ranch, Sanger, TX

Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX

Tara Reed, Rosston, TX

Lorena Bechtholdt, Flying P Paints & Quarter Horses, Fallon, NV Marilyn Bowling, Oasis Ranch, Inc., Jacksboro, TX Pete Bowling, Oasis Ranch, Inc., Herald, CA Donnie Boyd, Sarasota, FL Rod Brents , Childress, TX Robyn Bush, Visalia, CA Blair Bynum, Bynum Farms, Palm City, FL Marcy Campbell, Creston, CA

Pat Faitz, Lakeland, FL Robert Frobose, Modesto, CA Miguel Gonzalez, Unique Ranch, Miami, FL Roy Hockensmith, Frankfort, KY Brian Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA Cynthia Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA Brian & Cynthia, Holthouse, San Juan Bautista, CA Brandon Johnson, Nebraska City, NE

Kalli Reed, Rosston, TX Darren Roberts, Kent, NY Gordon Robinson, Big Rock Arena, Granum, AB, CANADA Gina Roidopoulos, Saddle Creek Ranch, Heath, TX Aneka Schelbeck, Del Rey Paint & Qtr Horses, Cottonwood, CA Jill Serena, Castaic, CA Vernon Smith, Santa Maria, CA Rick Steed, Steed Training, Okeechobee, FL

Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, ITALY

Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC

Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, ITALY

Jody Lemond, Andrews, TX

Tracy Wager, Bridle and Bits, Cave Creek, AZ

Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT

Newt Lemond, Lemond Cattle Co., Andrews, TX

Rita Ward, Canyon, TX

Justin Crawley, Crawley Ranch, Springdale, AR

Terry Malarkey, Lazy T Shamrock Ranch, Star, ID

Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL

Don Stockman, Dayton, TX

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SHOW SCHEDULE Current as of July 22, 2026

LAE = Limited Aged Event, HS = Horse Show Dates

Name of Show

Type of Event

Location

Affiliate

Website

Show Secretary

Phone

Email

Aug 4-10

Southwest RCHA Pre-Futurity & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Fort Worth, TX

Southwest RCHA

www.srcha.org

Jackie Cline

408-818-7556

entry@srcha.org

Aug 5-9

Magic Valley RCHA Futurity, Derby, Horse Show & Spectacular

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Filer, ID

Magic Valley RCHA

www.mvrcha.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com

Aug 6-9

California RCHA Mid-Summer Pre-Futurity & Horse Show #8

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Tulare, CA

California RCHA

www.californiacowhorse.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com

Aug 7-9

French Riders Reunion Bany Barn’s Rein Cow Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Saint-Mediers, France French Riders Reunion

Damien Chiari

33-6-51-12-70-92

chiaridamien@gmail.com

Aug 12-16

Colorado RCA Western Slope Pre-Futurity

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Montrose, CO

Colorado RCA

www.coloradoreinedcowhorse.com Keri Croft

503-701-3305

dkcroft4@frontier.com

Aug 13-16

North Central RCHA August Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Winona, MN

North Central RCHA

www.ncrcha.com

Jennifer Schueller

641-590-1041

jenschueller21@gmail.com

Aug 14-15

High Desert RCHA Show #2

HS, Cat 1

Powell Butte, OR

High Desert RCHA

www.hdrcha.com

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Aug 14-16

Central Montana RCHA The Rosebud

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Forsyth, MT

Central Montana RCHA

www.cmrcha.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com

Aug 14-16

Atlantic RCHA WrighTimeToSmokum Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Dillsburg, PA

Atlantic RCHA

www.atlanticrcha.org

Tina McCleary

979-218-0633

tina.showentries@gmail.com

Aug 14-16

Saskatchewan RCHA Classic Cow Horse Futurity & Derby

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Saskatoon, SK

Saskatchewan RCHA

www.classiccowhorse.com

Teri Clearwater

306-544-7621

justaboutaranch@gmail.com

Aug 18-23

2026 National Stock Horse Association Futurity, Derby, and World’s Richest

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Las Vegas, NV

www.nationalstockhorse.com

Kelley Hartranft

714-267-5912

nshaentries21@gmail.com

www.csshaclub.com

Bonnie DeVerniero

406-694-5234

bonnied.horseshowsec@gmail.com

Zane Fluhr

502-439-0026

mzanefluhr@gmail.com

www.nercha.ca

Andrew Eissess

705-333-4299

horseshow.nercha@gmail.com

Aug 22 San Benito County Fair Cow Horse Show HS, Cat 1 Tres Pinos, CA

www.sanbenitocountyfair.com/ entry-office/

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

www.urcha.org

Tina McCleary

979-218-0633

tina.showentries@gmail.com

www.newyorkrcha.com

Nelle Murphy

580-276-0761

nmurphy.horseshows@gmail.com

Aug 20-23

Cowboy State Classic

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Big Piney, WY

Aug 21-23

Indiana RCHA Futurity, Derby, Spectacular & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Cloverdale, IN

Aug 21-23

Northeastern RCH Alliance One Time Up North Futurity & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Clinton, Ontario

Northeastern RCH Alliance

Aug 27-30

Utah RCHA Futurity, Derby & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Salina, UT

Sept 2-6

New York RCHA Fall Finale

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Columbiana, OH

Sept 2-7

South Dakota RCHA Road To Texas

HS, Lae, Cat 1, Cat 2

Rapid City, SD

www.sdrcha.com

Keri Croft

503-701-3305

dkcroft4@frontier.com

Sept 3-6

Alberta RCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby & Cow Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Claresholm, AB

Alberta RCHA

www.cowhorse.ca

Teri Clearwater

306-544-7621

info@cowhorse.ca

Sept 5-7

Southern California RCHA September Cow Horse Classic

HS, Cat 1

Temecula, CA

Southern California RCHA

www.scrcha.com

Kelley Hartranft

714-267-5913

klsgrn@yahoo.com

Sept 10-13

North Central RCHA September Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Winona, MN

North Central RCHA

www.ncrcha.com

Jennifer Schueller

641-590-1041

jenschueller21@gmail.com

www.atlanticrcha.org

Tina McCleary

979-218-0633

tina.showentries@gmail.com

New York RCHA

Sept 11-13

Atlantic RCHA The Green Showdown

HS, Cat 1

Dillsburg, PA

Atlantic RCHA

Sept 11-13

Southeastern RCHA Fall Futurity, Derby, Spectaculat & Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Harriman, TN

Southeastern RCHA

Zane Fluhr

502-439-0026

mzanefluhr@gmail.com

Sept 11-20

Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Reno, NV

www.renosnafflebitfuturity.com

Reanna Dillman

303-895-5256

info@horseshowpros.com

Sept 15-20

Southern RCH Alliance Louisiana Classic

HS, LAE, Cat 1

West Monroe, LA

Southern RCH Alliance

www.srchala.com

Mikayla Alexander

936-900-4568

mikaylaalexander317@gmail.com

Sept 18-20

Alberta SHA September Cow Horse Show

HS, Cat 1

Claresholm, AB

Alberta SHA

www.stockhorse.ca

Shawna Husted

403-875-1369

abstockhorse1@gmail.com

Sept 23-27

Arizona RCHA Fall Championship

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona RCHA

www.azqha.org

Heidi Lane

6238698037

azqhainfo@gmail.com

Sept 24-27

Panhandle RCHA Fall Into Autumn

HS, Cat 1

Lubbock, TX

Panhandle RCHA

www.panhandlecowhorse.com

Nelle Murphy

580-276-0761

panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com

Sept 25-27

Canadian Coast RCHA Under The Sun

HS, Cat 1

Chilliwack, BC

www.ccrcha.com

Teri Clearwater

306-544-7621

justaboutaranch@gmail.com

Sept 29-Oct 3 European RCHA Futurity + Autumn Show + Horse Show #5

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Travagliato, Italy

European RCHA

www.ercha.org

Otto De Fazio

0039-338-8860657

ercha.otto@gmail.com

Oct 9-11

High Desert RCHA Show #3

HS, Cat 1

Powell Butte, OR

High Desert RCHA

www.hdrcha.com

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Oct 9-24

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Fort Worth, TX

NRCHA

www.nrcha.com

NRCHA

940-488-1500

entries@nrcha.com

Oct 14-18

Alberta SHA Jensen Silver Futurity, Hackmaore Classic & Year End Horse Show

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Ponoka, AB

Alberta SHA

www.stockhorse.ca

Shawna Husted

403-875-1369

abstockhorse1@gmail.com

Oct 23-24

Northern California RCHA

HS, Cat 1

Corning, CA

Northern California RCHA

www.ncrcha.info

Laura Norman

559-760-2769

laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Oct 23-25

Saskatchewan RCHA Moose Jaw Futurity & Derby

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Moose Jaw, SK

Saskatchewan RCHA

www.reinedcowhorse.net

Jessica Renkas

306-536-3550

jessica.renkas@gmail.com

Oct 29-Nov 1

Atlantic RCHA Code West Classic

HS, LAE, Cat 1

Dillsburg, PA

Atlantic RCHA

www.atlanticrcha.org

Tina McCleary

979-218-0633

tina.showentries@gmail.com

Nov 4-8

South Texas RCHA Road To Nowhere

HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2

Abilene, TX

South Texas RCHA

www.strcha.org

Tina McCleary

979-218-0633

tina.showentries@gmail.com

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