RCHN: May/June 2026

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 2020 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 VINTAGE SMOKE 2024, 2025

•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 BOONIN 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

•BITTYLITTLE 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

•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

•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

•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

•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

OVER$80KPAIDTOSTALLIONSUBSCRIBERS

OVER$50KPAIDTOOFFSPRINGNOMINATORS

NOMINATE NOW

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

Scan the QR code to learn more.

•METALLIC SPARK 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

•METALLIC UNO 2024, 2025

•METALLIC WIZARD 2024, 2025

•METALLICS MVP 2024, 2025, 2026

•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

•MYPISTOLS 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

•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

• 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

PRESENTED BY:

•SHINERS VOODOO DR 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

•SHINEY DUAL REY 2025

•SHINEY OUTLAW 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

•SHINING CD LIGHT 2024, 2025

•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

•SJRTALKIN 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

•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

•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

•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

NRCHA Derby May 26–June 6

NRCHA Hackamore Classic July 12–18

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® October 9–24

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

Ensure that your 2026 foals are nominated to the Cow Horse Incentive program! Learn more online at nrcha.com/nrcha-incentive-program.

Volume 31, Number 3

NRCHA 9702 Mineral Wells Hwy, Weatherford, TX 76088 Phone: 940-488-1500 | Fax: 940-488-1499 | info@nrcha.com | www.NRCHA.com Official Publication of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Published by Equine Network

NRCHA OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

President: Paul Bailey | Vice President: Ben Baldus | Treasurer: Todd Crawford | Secretary: Lori Wyman

Executive Director: Emily Konkel | Interim 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 inany form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior written permission from the NRCHA. Opinions expressed in articles and advertising in Reined Cow Horse News do not necessarily reflect the positions or opinions of the NRCHA or its officers and members. Accuracy of material is the sole responsibility of the authors.Unsolicited materials are submitted at the sender’s risk and the NRCHA accepts no responsibility for them. Please address all submissions to: Reined Cow Horse News, 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

FEATURES

70

Honoring Their Legacies

e NRCHA Hall of Fame banquet celebrated four people and one horse for their cow horse contributions.

By Jennifer Paulson

84

2026 Affiliates of the Year

NRCHA a liates create opportunities for cow horse competitors and owners of all levels.

By Paige Brandon

92

A Way About a Horse

NRCHA Hall of Famer Johnny Brazil Jr. leaves a legacy of grit, horsemanship, and humility.

By Larri Jo Starkey

98

Bobby Ingersoll on Bits and Bitting

NRCHA Hall of Fame member Bobby Ingersoll shares wisdom from his experience with bits.

By Bobby Ingersoll

40 Million reasons to breed to him.

He has just reached another milestone with offspring earning in excess of $40.7 Million!

Best value for your breeding dollar. 1st breeding $2500 | 2nd breeding Half Price

There’s still time to book for 2026. Limited supply, but no limit per customer.

• LTE $500,037.51

• NCHA Horse of the Year

• NCHA Hall of Fame Horse

• Currently Ranked #5 for All-Time Leading Performance Sires

• The only NCHA Horse of the Year to sire 2 NCHA Open Horses of the Year

• Sire of multiple NCHA World Champions

• Sire of multiple NRCHA World Champions

• Sire of multiple AQHA World Champions

• NRCHA $2 Million Dollar Sire with $2.6 Million in Reined Cow Horse earnings

• Sire of the All-Time NCHA Arena Record Holder for Highest Score in the Will Rogers Coliseum

Worldwide impact felt across multiple disciplines including cutting, cow horse and roping.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NRCHA is what it is because of you. Thank you.

As I sit down to write my final Executive Director letter for the Reined Cow Horse News, I want to take a moment to say thank you. This association has meant a great deal to me over the past eight years.

I was fortunate to join NRCHA in 2018, and from that moment on, I had the opportunity to grow alongside this incredible organization. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the strength, resilience, and heart of this association, and it’s been an honor to be a part of its continued growth. NRCHA will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Looking back, I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We launched the NRCHA Cow Horse Incentive Program; reinvigorated the NRCHA Foundation—raising over $100,000 from just one event with more to come—expanded exposure to our sport through clinics and educational programs; and strengthened our judging program with better training, education, and clarity. We’ve continued to elevate our premier events, significantly increased payouts, and modernized our software systems, all while bringing in outstanding staff who care deeply about this industry. We’ve also put a strong focus on elevating our special events—from the Hall of Fame Banquet to after-parties to back-number ceremonies, and more—because celebrating the people and moments in this sport matters. And one of the things I’m especially proud of is that we’ve started documenting and honoring our history through the Reined Cow Horse Docuseries, featuring some of the most legendary people in the sport of reined cow horse.

We also just wrapped up an incredible NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes— congratulations to all of our champions. The Cow Horse Incentive program continues to be something truly special, and I want to thank everyone who participates in and supports it. Programs like this give reined cow horses the recognition they deserve as some of the most talented horses on earth.

And that’s really just the start of it. None of this happens without the membership. Your support, involvement, and belief in this organization are what keep it moving forward. I’m very grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me during my time here. I also want to sincerely thank the NRCHA Board of Directors. Their work is often behind the scenes and not always easy, but they put in countless hours to do what’s best for this association.

To our sponsors—thank you. We couldn’t do what we do without your support and your belief in what we’re building together. Your partnership makes every event, program, and opportunity possible, and it is truly appreciated.

To our owners and breeders—thank you for your commitment to producing and developing the horses that define this sport. Every year, they continue to raise the bar, and that’s a credit to your dedication and horsemanship.

Emily Konkel, NRCHA Executive Director

To our members—thank you for your passion, your loyalty, and your belief in this organization. The pride you carry for this sport is something special, and it’s been an honor to serve you.

And to the NRCHA staff—thank you. Your hard work, long days, problem-solving, and dedication to this industry do not go unnoticed. I’ve been lucky to work alongside you.

While this chapter is coming to a close, this isn’t goodbye. It’s simply, see you down the road.

With sincere gratitude, —Emily

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Wish I Woulda Called

The Kind of Consistency that is Built over Time

FROM THE JUDGE’S CHAIR

Judging isn’t as easy as it might seem.

BY BILL ENK

The purpose of these judging articles is to help answer judging questions, as well as how to address what happens in the show arena. Believe me, when you think you’ve seen it all, something new happens that you’ve never seen before.

One year, I judged the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, and at that time, the draw went from the lowest qualifier to the highest qualifier. Everyone kept making errors to the point I was getting a little nervous about having a “good winner.” Finally, Bob Avila steps up and is having an excellent, winning kind of run. He has a +1 spin the first way in the center. Then, on the second spin, his horse jumps forward about a half a horse length when starting. The rest of the spin was in the +1 area. Now, mind you, when the work is over, you have to radio in a score—no time to think or review, just the score, please. I had to come up with a score that considered everything that just happened and do it right now.

My thinking went like this: It was a +1 spin without the jump forward, which was very poor, so I took a -1½ off the +1 and came up with a -½ for the maneuver. I still don’t know if my answer was right, but I had to come up with something that I could defend and do it right now. Three of us had Bob winning; maybe it was luck. The point is, sometimes there isn’t a clear-cut winner, so you have to stand up and make a call and hope you’re in the game. That’s where experience is helpful.

Usually, at our major events, either the judges or I will see something that needs to be discussed so everyone is on the same page and has some idea of how it should be addressed and recorded. The following are some things that have been discussed in the past.

The first example is boxing during the cow work. Did the exhibitor stay too long because the cow looked a little too “aggressive,” and they wanted to knock a little more of the fresh off before attempting to go down the fence, or did they read it right? The situation will be answered at the finish of the work. Did the cow quit at the end, or was there enough energy left to finish? Sometimes staying too long on the end numbs the cow and makes a workable cow very difficult, which is a pilot error. From the judges’ standpoint, if a cow wouldn’t allow you to gain any credit on the boxing phase, you’re better off taking your chances of gaining credit on the fence work than knocking too much juice out of the animal on the boxing phase. It’s a risk, but the odds are usually better for having a successful cow work.

When attempting a fence turn and you see daylight between the cow and the horse as you initiate the turn, either the animal was really tricky and didn’t give the horse a fair read as you entered the turn, or the horse didn’t read the cow and missed the entry. Either way, the entry was poor. When the entry is missed, the form of the turn is basically neutralized because the animal isn’t where the turn is exhibited. Now, the question is, how much daylight was there, and how long did it take for the horse to get back to a controlling position on the cow? If the animal slowed down and the exhibitor promptly regained control, they might get away with a check turn. If they definitely lost working advantage, a one-point A could be applied along with a negative evaluation for the turn, depending on how much loss of control was displayed. Poor eye appeal can be addressed in multiple ways: either on the maneuver when it happens, or, if it happens frequently, it could be addressed in the eye appeal box or

Bill Enk, NRCHA Director of Judges THE POINT IS, SOMETIMES THERE ISN’T A CLEAR-CUT WINNER, SO YOU HAVE TO STAND UP AND MAKE A CALL AND HOPE YOU’RE IN THE GAME.”

—Bill Enk “

both. This could happen in the snaffle bit, hackamore, two rein, or the bridle. If the horse is rude and resistant to its headgear, it should be addressed in eye appeal. Judges should try not to double-dip the contestant, if possible, but use the scorecard to record the good and poor parts of the run, so they can come up with a score that makes sense and also lets the exhibitor know why they scored what they did.

FROM THE

Our NRCHYA competitors are leaving their marks on all levels.

Ifirst want to congratulate some of our NRCHYA Youth Board Members on an outstanding job at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes.

Southwest Representative Ricky Nicolazzi earned the Youth Boxing and Youth Boxing 13 & Under championships. President Jack Kimes placed seventh in the Youth Cow Horse. Treasurer Darcy Callahan placed in the top 10 in the Youth Boxing and showed in the Non Pro Box Spectacular. Vice President Kixi Meador showed in the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular. Northwest Representative Reese Pederson showed in the Youth Boxing.

I also want to wish good luck to our NRCHYA members who’ll compete at state high school rodeo finals across the United States in the coming weeks. Many of them will go on to compete at the National High School Finals Rodeo in reined cow horse, as well as in other events. For those who don’t know, reined cow horse began phasing in at National High School Rodeo Association-sanctioned events in the fall of 2014. Both associations acknowledge that reined cow horse will elevate the riding ability of NHSRA members who choose to learn and participate in the event. If you’d like more information about how to compete in reined cow horse at your local or regional high school rodeo association, reach out to the NRCHA office. It’s a great experience!

Finally, I want to congratulate the West Texas A&M University ranch horse team and Lance Baker for winning the Division 1 National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association National Championship, as well as the Tarleton State University ranch horse team and coach Bobbie Walton for winning the Division 2 NIRSHA National Championship. Several successful former NRCHYA members helped their teams achieve these championships, and both coaches are an extremely valuable part of the NRCHA community.

—Kaleigh Belk, NRCHyA Reporter

FROM THE

The NRCHA family once again comes together to support our youth members.

The Delaplaine Youth Grant provides financial support to youth riders whose financial needs prevent them from competing at the level they’d like. It has deep family roots, dating back to 2001, when George B. Delaplaine, Jr.; his wife, Bettie; and their four sons established the Delaplaine Foundation, Inc., dedicated to enriching communities, families, and the quality of life for all. Their granddaughter, Kelsey, has been deeply involved with horses her whole life and has spent the last six years competing as an NRCHA non pro. She has a strong passion for the NRCHA family, especially the youth. She wanted to help more youth get involved in NRCHA, so she created the Delaplaine Youth Grant.

The 2026 Delaplaine Youth Grant recipients are Abigail Benoy, Charlie Bowden, Lily Hairston, Ariella Cohen, Siiri Riutta, and Taylor Triche. Each recipient will receive a $5,500 grant, plus prizes donated by Kimes Ranch, Santa Cruz, Saddle House, Kelsey Fulmer, and Cuttinup Show Blankets. The NRCHA Foundation is proud

to be part of creating opportunities for youth riders.

Our biggest focus for 2026 is our inaugural Big Guns in Cowtown, held during the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® presented by Metallic Cat. The event will take place at the historic Stockyards Coliseum on October 21, 2026. The venue offers a fresh dynamic for the cow horse family and an opportunity to amplify our sport’s visibility, driving membership, ownership, and support for reined cow horse. Watch NRCHA’s social media platforms and visit nrcha.com/big-guns for links to buy tickets and sponsorship opportunities for this first-of-its-kind event.

2026 NRCHA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairperson: Chelsea Edsall

Vice Chairperson: Kristen Cushing

Secretary: Mindy Barkemeyer

Treasurer: Todd Crawford

Board Members: Abrian Bass

Frank Costantini

Amanda Kimes

Linda McMahon

Kathryn Phillips

CIRCLE UP

Keep Cow Horse Connected

FAREWELL, SHINEY TARI

NRCHA Million Dollar Dam

Shiney Tari (Shining Spark x Tarizana x Taris Catalyst) passed away on March 24, 2026, at age 26. Owned by Aaron Ranch and bred by Carol Rose, the mare left an indelible mark on not only her owners but also the industry as a whole.

“She was laid to rest under the big pecan tree out front of our barn next to Peptoboonsmal,” shared Cresha Aaron. “We feel incredibly blessed to have owned such an extraordinary mare. Shiney Tari did so much for our program and will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on.”

NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider Sarah Dawson has shown Shiney Tari’s top NRCHA earners: Shine Smarter ($366, 919.89 NRCHA lifetime earnings) and Smart Chic An Tari ($308,315.03 NRCHA lifetime earnings). Dawson recognizes the significant influence the mare has had on the sport of reined cow horse.

“When Cresha told me she had some sad news to share, my heart dropped instantly,” Dawson said. “Shiney Tari has not only played a major role in our lives, but the industry as a whole has lost one of the greats. The babies this mare has produced have literally launched careers, and we’ll be eternally grateful for all of the ones she gifted us to ride. Shiney Tari, you’ll be missed, girl, and you’ll never be forgotten.”

GENETECH AND NRCHA PARTNER FOR THE FUTURE

NRCHA proudly announces its partnership with GeneTech Animal Reproduction, an advanced equine reproduction center based in Purcell, Oklahoma, with additional locations worldwide specializing in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and advanced semen analysis services.

By using cutting-edge technology, highly skilled veterinary practitioners and embryologists, and a deep understanding of equine genetics, GeneTech sets new benchmarks in the equine breeding industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their comprehensive suite of services, which encompasses every aspect of the ICSI process, as well as their continued in-house research.

“GeneTech and NRCHA share a deep-rooted commitment to the equine athlete and the advancement of horsemanship,” shared Thiago Boechat, co-founder of GeneTech Animal Reproduction. “Both organizations are dedicated to supporting the breeders, owners, and competitors who shape the future of the sport. GeneTech provides the advanced reproductive tools and technology that allow breeders to preserve and extend elite bloodlines, while NRCHA elevates those same bloodlines through competition and recognition. Initiatives like the Cow Horse Incentive further strengthen this alignment by rewarding performance excellence and enhancing the value of horses bred for success in the arena.”

Additionally, GeneTech and NRCHA share a respect for and a commitment to the legacy and the sense of community the sport has nurtured.

“Breeding represents the past, present, and future of our industry, and partnering with GeneTech, a leading equine reproductive center, positions NRCHA and its members to have access to and support from the most cutting-edge technologies and highly trained experts,” shared NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel. “We’re excited to welcome GeneTech to the NRCHA family.”

Boechat agreed with that excitement for this partnership.

“By supporting programs like the Cow Horse Incentive, GeneTech is proud to help advance the development of elite equine athletes and contribute to the continued growth, performance, and excellence of the sport,” he said.

Learn more about GeneTech by visiting genetechvet.com

For a complete list of NRCHA sponsors and to learn about partnership opportunities, visit nrcha.com/sponsors

2026 NRCHA CINCH STALLION STAKES BUCKLE UP PROGRAM SPONSORS

NRCHA offers sincere gratitude to the Buckle Up program sponsors who generously provided buckles for our youth competitors during the 2026 NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes. Thank you to Michelle Horton and the Sherri Gilkerson Foundation.

Michelle Horton founded Ray Shell Ranch, a boutique breeding operation, with her family. Horton provides deep support to NRCHA and its programs. The ranch strives to raise exceptional horses with purpose, pride, and integrity.

The Sherri Gilkerson Foundation provides scholarships and seeks to enhance the lives of youths through education, sport, and charity.

KOCH SURPASSES $2 MILLION IN NRCHA EARNINGS AT 2026 NRCHA CINCH STALLION STAKES

Amilestone moment unfolded at the 2026 NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes as Matt Koch officially surpassed the $2 million mark in NRCHA earnings, joining only seven other NRCHA professionals who’ve achieved this impressive accomplishment. Koch added $68,218 in earnings during the event, which helped tip the scales in his favor. A significant portion came from a strong performance in the Open Stakes finals, where he placed fifth aboard Shine Yer Sugar (Kit Kat Sugar x Shine Yer Gun x Shiners Nickle), owned by She’s The One Ranch, earning $40,000.

While the achievement marks a major career benchmark, Koch was quick to reflect on the horses that helped shape his journey.

“There’s been a bunch,” Koch said. “SJR Hitime Shine has been a really good horse, and he’s so much fun to show. SDP Blue Blood back in the day, that was the first horse I got into this. And every other one that let me train them and go show.”

SJR Hitime Shine (High Brow Cat x Shiners Little Oak x Shining Spark), owned by San Juan Ranch, has contributed $230,701 to Koch’s earnings, while SDP Blue Blood (Laredo Blue x SDP I Got Good Genes x Dual Rey), owned by Blue Blood Partners, accounted for $111,583. Despite the magnitude of the accomplishment, Koch remains grounded.

“I never really thought it was something I would ever do, honestly,” Koch said.

NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel praised Koch’s achievement and the consistency behind it.

“Matt’s career is a reflection of dedication, horsemanship, and competitive excellence in the arena,” Konkel said. “Reaching the $2 million mark is a significant accomplishment, and it speaks to his level of commitment and success.”

Learn about all the NRCHA Million Dollar Sires at nrcha.com/nrcha-million-dollar-riders/.

Equilume is designed to deliver innovative solutions that maximize equine fertility, performance, and well-being.

EQUILUME JOINS NRCHA’S SPONSOR ROSTER

NRCHA is excited to share its partnership with Equilume, a cutting-edge product designed to deliver innovative, science-based solutions that maximize equine fertility, performance, and well-being.

“NRCHA was an obvious choice for Equilume, as the competition horses travel frequently and are expected to perform at high levels in multiple events,” shared Equilume Global Head of Marketing Robyn Volkening. “Cow horse owners, breeders, and trainers strive for every advantage in optimal health and performance, breeding, and strong foals. Equilume can be a valuable tool to support these horses in every stage of their lives.”

Equilume will sponsor the NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro competition, held during the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby in Scottsdale, Arizona, May 26–June 6, 2026.

“At Equilume, we recognize the dedication it takes for non pro riders to compete at the highest level while balancing careers and life outside the arena,” Volkening said. “The NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro represents the pinnacle of achievement in Western performance for these riders, and we’re proud to support their pursuit of excellence.”

Equilume’s science-backed light technology—through the PRO Light Mask and Stable Lights—offers a convenient, natural, and economical way to support equine performance and well-being, helping horses stay on track even when they’re turned out or when busy owners can’t always manage lighting schedules themselves.

“We’re excited to partner with NRCHA and support the talented non pro riders who put so much time and dedication into their horses,” Volkening continued. “We respect true horsemanship and are proud to offer tools that help riders and their horses succeed—from breeding all the way through peak performance.”

NRCHA Executive Director Emily Konkel echoed enthusiasm for this new partnership.

“Reined cow horse competitors, owners, and breeders appreciate innovation that can help their horses, from the breeding barn to the show pen,” Konkel said. “Equilume is an exciting brand and one that will resonate with all our members.”

Learn more about Equilume by visiting equilume.com

For a complete list of NRCHA sponsors and to learn about partnership opportunities, visit nrcha.com/sponsors

2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity ® OWNERS’ INCENTIVE FUND

Thank you to these supporters for contributing to the added-money purse for the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®!

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

MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENTS

When

horse owners make the most of their financial investments, they help make their dreams sustainable for years to come.

BY ZACHARY HAYDON, WITH LARRI JO STARKEY

Cow horse owners share a deep love for horses and the Western lifestyle. As an owner and competitor myself, I want to discuss something that doesn’t always come naturally to our industry: managing our investments. While I’m speaking primarily to the owners in this piece, many of these principles apply to everyone.

Let’s acknowledge that horses are an investment, and think about whether we, as horse owners, are maximizing our assets and resources. I’m guessing the answer is not always. Horse owners are already hardworking people, so working harder isn’t the answer. Instead, we need to be more strategic with what we have and more intentional about the future we’re building.

future generations in a better place than it was when we began our involvement. We’d also like some longevity for our own dreams. I challenge you to consider how you view your operation as an owner: owning horses is more than passion—it’s an investment.

WHAT TYPES OF ASSETS DO WE OWN?

I believe we all agree that we want our industry to be sustainable for years to come and to pass it along to

CONSISTENCY BUILDS LEGACIES

THE KIND THAT SUSTAIN GENERATIONS. THIS APPLIES TO BUILDING

A HORSE, A BRAND, A RANCH, OR A LIFESTYLE.”

–Zachary Haydon

Not all assets are created equal. As a financial adviser, I examine two types of assets to evaluate and understand them. Appreciating assets include land, breeding stock with strong lineage, and infrastructure that improves efficiency. Depreciating assets include trucks, trailers, tractors, and equipment that lose value over time.

We must own both types of assets to operate our businesses, but how are we positioning and allocating those assets? Certain accounts allow tax-deductible

ZACH HAYDON

contributions, and those accounts can appreciate over time as the market grows. We might need the new truck now, but in 10 years, what will the truck be worth compared to the value of an appreciating, tax-deferred investment? How are we investing in assets that will grow over time to build the generational business and industry we all hope to have?

And how do we use losses to better position ourselves? In my conversations with other owners, I recognize that we all have deductible expenses throughout the year. Some years’ expenses are greater than others, depending on show outcomes, training or vet expenses, or a horse purchase. During those years, are we using those larger losses to reset some cost basis on our investments or take gains from other sources? It all comes down to having a strategy to maximize our investments, no matter what each year brings, because we all want assets that will appreciate over time or generate future income for our operation.

WHAT TEAM IS IN YOUR CORNER?

Who makes up your herd help? These are people you trust, who know you and your horses. They’re people who are trying to help set you up for success, whether they cut your specific cow for your horse or make sure there’s enough action in the middle of the pen to be on the plus side of the scorecard. They guide you through your run.

Let’s apply this concept to our business. Who are the professionals in your business corner? Do you have people who know the ins and outs of your business and are giving you advice that’s in your best interest? To provide the best possible advice and guidance, these professionals need to understand the industry we’re involved in, as there are challenges specific to our equine industry regarding cash and investment management.

This list isn’t all-inclusive, but it’s a great starting point for a professional team that includes a certified public accountant, banker/lender, financial adviser, and an attorney. This team should know each other and work together to create and implement strategies to help you maximize your assets regarding protection, compliance, growth, and informed decision-making for your operation.

WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?

Think of the one horse that stands out to you as the horse—the one whose fence run defined a moment or whose dominance

Strategy

left a mark on the industry. Consider what it took for that horse to create the legacy you remember. From an investment standpoint, the horse was invested in for years, from the right professional to train and manage the horse to the ownership investment, no matter whether it was a good or bad training month. Consistency was key in that dominant horse’s life.

Investments follow the same principle. We need to stay consistent regardless of the environment. Consistency builds legacies—the kind that sustain generations. This applies to building a horse, a brand, a ranch, or a lifestyle.

We’ve all seen tremendous resources poured into our industry during the past several years, and the key questions we should ask are: Are we seeking sustainability? And how do we grow the resources we’ve been blessed with?

I’m reminded of a verse in Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”

We’ve been given resources to steward. Building a strategy to grow them is essential to preserving our Western way of life.

All financial situations are different. While I’m a financial adviser, I might not be your professional adviser, unless we have established a professional relationship. I want to encourage you to consult your professionals and integrate them into your business. If you currently don’t have a group of professionals, find those experts in their respective fields who understand the equine industry and can advise you on your specific situation.

Allow these professionals to help you grow your assets and create a generational legacy. There are many ways to use your finances and encourage diversification among asset classes. Diversifying among asset classes is vital, and there are many ways to use your resources—whether in horsepower, equity markets, real estate, or other investments—to create and build appreciating assets.

FACES OF NRCHA: DEBBIE BRANCH

Debbie Branch serves on the NRCHA Board of Directors as the chairperson of the Owners Committee and the Ethics Committee.

Growing up on a cattle operation in Cleveland, Oklahoma, Debbie Branch developed her appreciation for good cow horses early in life. That cattle ranch is now home to Redbud Performance Horses, which Branch owns with Lori Hollister of Stockton, California. They aim to breed, produce, and acquire top-notch cow horses that find success in the sport they love: reined cow horse. Along with being a cow horse breeder, Branch is a successful lawyer, which she believes will allow her to be as asset to the NRCHA Ethics Committee.

Reined Cow Horse News: How did you get involved with NRCHA?

Debbie Branch: I’ve been involved with NRCHA since 2000, when I attended my first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® in Reno, Nevada. I started out as a spectator and gradually began actively participating in Open competition.

RCHN: What’s your favorite memory involving NRCHA?

DB: There are so many, but the most recent would be watching John Swales show for his sister, Veronica, and win the 2025 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® with Bowie Nights.

RCHN: What’s your role on the NRCHA Board of Directors, and what are your goals for serving on the board?

DB: Currently I serve as Chairman of the Owners and Ethics committees. One of my goals for serving on the board is to bring forward many of the initiatives being generated by the Owners Committee. That committee went through a period of dormancy, and we’ve been working to change that, letting members know that we’re active and here to serve their interests and needs. We’re working on several initiatives that we’d like to see addressed by the board, chief among them are board representation, affiliate support, and payout distributions. The board is moving

toward long-range planning in an effort to keep pace with the association’s rapid growth. The committee’s hope is to see many of its initiatives considered through that process. Professionally, I’m a lawyer, and I believe that’s the reason NRCHA President Paul Bailey asked me to serve as Chairman of the Ethics Committee. My goal there is simply to be fair to all parties and to follow and enforce the rules of the association.

RCHN: What else would you like NRCHA members to know?

DB: I’d like for all members to feel that they have a voice through the Owners Committee as well as the board, and if they have concerns and changes they’d like to see addressed, to let us know. The board has many challenges as it works to stay astride the growth NRCHA has experienced in recent years. The office staff has done an amazing job of helping it do that. But to maintain effectiveness, a board must always work to be relevant and responsive to its membership, and that involves active involvement and communication.

The only FDA-approved PSGAG for the treatment of equine arthritis proven to:1,2

• • Reduce inflammation

• • Restore synovial joint lubrication

• • Repair joint cartilage

• • Reverse the disease process1,2

Adequan® i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. WARNING: Not for use in humans. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a of a licensed veterinarian.

BRIEF SUMMARY: Prior to use please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. INDICATIONS: Adequan® i.m. is recommended for the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. PRECAUTIONS: The safe use of Adequan® i.m. in horses used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy, or in lactating mares has not been evaluated. For customer care, or to obtain product information, visit www.adequan.com. To report an adverse event please contact American Regent, Inc. at 1-888-354-4857 or email pv@americanregent.com.

adequan.com/horse-owners/talk-to-your-veterinarian

2003; 166: 52-57.

study on uptake and distribution of intramuscular tritium-labeled

KNOW THE PRO: BAILEY KIMBALL BEARUP

For Bailey Kimball Bearup, experience is the best educator in the saddle.

BY MEGAN ARSZMAN

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BAILEY KIMBALL BEARUP

Bailey Kimball Bearup grew up in the saddle, riding alongside her dad, Beano Kimball, on the CV Ranch in Paulden, Arizona, which he managed for Richard Smyers for 16 years. The family also rode horses for the Kieckhefer family’s K4 Ranch in Prescott, where her dad still works today. Much of her horsemanship and training foundation came from working with him from a young age. By 13, Bearup was starting colts and working cattle. She began cutting and competing at local shows and in high school rodeo. She then discovered cow horse and started competing at small local shows and high school rodeos.

After graduating from high school, Bearup dove into training Western performance horses. She

spent a year with Clay Cerny in Brazoria, Texas, riding 2-year-olds and starting colts. Bearup returned to Arizona to work under Jade Keller, who at the time was based out of Al Dunning’s Almosta Ranch in Scottsdale. Keller was a cutting horse trainer, but Bearup still rode some cow horses. The opportunity to work under an up-and-coming trainer and alongside an NCHA Hall of Famer was exactly what she needed to find direction in her career.

“That was a good opportunity to step up my game a little,” she said. “I learned how to give lessons, and I had more opportunities to show.

“[Al] watches you work a horse and he’ll tell you what he thinks,” she continued. “He’s very blunt about it. He has a good way of talking to people and getting your attention on what you need to work on. I still have a good relationship with him. He’s like family now.”

if your run is good or bad; you walk out of the pen, pet your horse, and if something didn’t go right, you can work on it another day. That’s always been something I really appreciated. As a showman, you can’t train the day of the show; you go with what you’ve got. That’s something I really appreciated about those guys.”

While working with Keller, she met her now-husband, Karter Bearup. The two started as friends, and the relation-

Under Keller, Bearup’s experience grew as she worked with a variety of horses, from 2-year-old cutting horses to Thoroughbreds. Along the way, she never failed to ask for help when needed and absorbed everything she could from Keller, Dunning, and everyone else she worked with.

“Always keep a good attitude and stay professional,” she said. “One of the things I learned from Al and Jade is never to show emotion in the show pen. It doesn’t matter

ship grew from there. When it was time to look for new places to grow, the pair was offered the chance to move their tack to Vera Earl Ranch and Performance Horses in Sonoita, Arizona. The opportunity allows them to work horses for both the ranch and the show pen. Bearup also oversees the breeding side of things with the ranch’s three stallions: Blu Masterpiece (Once In A Blu Boon x Highbrow Masterpiece x High Brow Cat), Full Metal Metallic (Metallic Cat x Teletrona x Little Trona), and VE Arizona Outlaw (Shiney Outlaw x Cats Bar Lena x Smart Little Lena).

“[Vera Earl owners] Ian and Kristin

Tomlinson helped me and Karter jump-start our career when we went out on our own,” says Bearup. “They’ve raised some very nice horses, and we’re excited to see what we can continue to do to grow their horse program.”

It’s also where Bearup met the mare that’s helped launch her show career in cow horse. VE One Hired Gun (Hired Gun x One Autumn Breeze x One Time Pepto) was 4 when Bearup started at Vera Earl Ranch in 2022. Their first show together taught Bearup about perseverance and not giving up after a tough ride.

“She taught me a lot,” Bearup said. “The first time I showed her, I was a nervous wreck. Being a Playgun mare, she’s got some spice. But we survived. It really got my butt back in gear to know that even though this mare is really broke, I need to work at this. She’s shown me a lot, and it was a great opportunity. Braden Johns put a great foundation on her, so it’s fun to be able to learn on her.”

Since then, Bearup has competed in the Art of the Cowgirl World’s Greatest Cowgirl competition four times, and the team has brought home numerous titles, most recently the NRCHA Celebration of Champions Limited Open Bridle Reserve Championship.

In the four years that the Bearups have been at Vera Earl Ranch, the pair has found its niche within ranch operations and the Western performance industry.

“Now, we’re at the point that we get to pick and choose what colts we think will go to the show pen and what ones are used on the ranch,” she said. “We ride them all, and we can help choose which horse would work for which cowboy on the ranch. Karter likes showing in the cow horse as well, but he’s more into the cutting and the roping.

Reined Cow Horse News: Is there something you wish you’d done growing up before you settled down working on a ranch?

Bailey Bearup: I wish I had gone to work for some cow horse trainers a little longer. I feel like there might’ve been more I could’ve picked up, especially knowing that I’d be doing more cow horse stuff like

I do now. But I do try to ride with other trainers and get in the loop on trying and learning new things. I’m always open to learning, whether it’s from an open rider or a non pro. I’m open to someone giving their opinion, and if it looks like something

RCHN: When you’re looking for a cow horse, what do you look for?

BB: A horse that’s willing and has a big heart. If they have a lot of personality, that’s even better. Sometimes they can be a little goofy. I’ve ridden a lot of horses—

horse and keep at it without getting frustrated. I can go ride them, do whatever, and not worry about perfection for a minute. It’s interesting when we swap horses. He’ll tell me what I should work on with my horse, and I’ll tell him what he should work on with his horse. I’m very blessed to have him as my teammate to work on stuff. We bounce a lot of stuff off each other. Everyone has a different feel. It’s good to have someone share their perspective on a horse. You talk with them and learn what little things you can work on with your horse.

RCHN: What makes for a good partnership between a non pro and a trainer?

I can use on my horse to help him work better, I’m always open to trying it. It’s all in God’s timing, and we had a great opportunity to go out on our own, so it’s definitely been a blessing. Karter’s and my goal is to enjoy the life God has given us and to glorify Him through our work with horses. He gave us the gift of giving every horse a shot at the discipline that fits them best.

from Driftwoods to Once In A Blu Boons and Metallic Cats—you can’t treat them the same. I always try to give them the opportunity to figure out what they want to do. A horse with a lot of heart that loves his job and is willing to do any job is huge. That’s the goal for me, whether they want to gather cows one day or work in the show pen.

RCHN: What’s it like working alongside your husband?

BB: It’s very humbling, but it’s really been a blessing. I’m the more outgoing, giggly one. He’s the more serious one. So it’s good to mix it up. We’re a good pair. He’s the one who can really work on something with a

BB: Communication. The biggest thing I’ve learned with Addy [Tomlinson, daughter of the owners of Vera Earl Ranch] is having her ride with other trainers. I know I’m a young trainer and I’m still trying to figure out my feel. I know it’s just as beneficial for her to learn from other trainers just as much as it is for me. We go ride with somebody, then we come back and ride together, talk about what we learned, and how we can apply it to our own horses. There are times we’ll be going down the fence, and I’ll ask her what she saw when I’m riding, and she’ll give me tips. It’s always good to have some outside eyes, no matter what level they are. I put her in more challenging spots by asking her questions like, “What would you do differently to get this horse to do this?” There are times I’ll take what she says and apply it to my horse, so she’s teaching me, too. I’m getting her mind going and helping her figure out how to train her horse herself.

RCHN: What advice do you have for a young trainer who’s just starting to go out on their own?

BB: Never stop learning. Always put yourself out there. Ask other trainers for guidance. Don’t be afraid to show a horse and try it. You’ll never get to where you want to be without doing it. You have to put yourself out there and into uncomfortable situations to figure it out.

NOTABLE NON PRO: GARRELL WILLIAMS

Improving as a horsewoman always stays front and center for this Arizona cowgirl.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARRELL WILLIAMS

Growing up between Southern California and Idaho, Garrell Williams saw all kinds of horses doing everything from jumping to cutting. As a young girl, she had an Appaloosa she tested in every way possible, jumping barrels and cavalettis. She then moved up into the hunter/jumper ranks and competed through high school. As is true for many non pros, horses took a backseat during young-adult life and school, but she found her way back when she bought a trail horse to enjoy. She admitted he was a bit of a handful, so she found a trainer in Temecula, California, to help her overcome the horse’s quirks. It was there she saw reined cow horse for the first time. Intrigued, she bought a cow horse to “dip her toe into cow horse,” but she was immediately hooked. Since cashing in her first official NRCHA check in 2011, Williams has gained nearly $120,000 in lifetime earnings, including winning the NRCHA World Championship Non Pro Bridle title in 2021 with Sparks On The Fence (Smart Boons x Spark Chic Olena x Smart Chic Olena), also known as “Carlee.” Today, she’s grateful to continue her journey, growing as a horsewoman every day, and remaining a strong competitor and a great supporter of her cow horse family. She and her husband, professional team roper Preston Williams, call Casa Grande, Arizona, home, where they own and operate Preston Williams Hardware, making custom bits and spurs and creating awards for various equine associations.

Reined Cow Horse News: What was it like when you made the move to cow horse as an adult after competing as a hunter/jumper as a youth?

Garrell Williams: Going from [riding with] full contact [on the bridle] to trusting a loose rein was a big adjustment. The reining part of it was a big difference. The groups are also very culturally different—going from English to the Western way of life. And the way I interact with my trainer as an adult is obviously different.

RCHN: Tell me about who you ride with now and why it’s a good fit for you and your horses.

GW: I ride with Wyatt Fisher. I’ve worked with several trainers, and I feel like every trainer helps you get to another level, even if they aren’t a perfect fit. I’ve learned from Todd Crawford and Don Murphy. Those guys are integral to why I am where I am. Geographically, it’s hard to ride with Don and Todd [both based in Oklahoma]. Wyatt is in California. At my age and where I’m at, Wyatt is a great fit. He breaks things down in a way that I can understand, and he’s so humble. He has an open mind and learns from everyone he can. He then passes that on to us [non pros]. He’s always encouraging me to be better. He slows things down when I need help in the herd. He makes it easy. I think if you find a trainer who fits you as an individual, that’s where you need to be. At the end of the day, if

Top: Non pro Garrell Williams’ commitment to learning and growing in her cow horse journey has led her to earn nearly $120,000 in NRCHA.

Left: Williams and her husband own Preston Williams Hardware, making custom bits and spurs and producing buckles and trophies for various associations.

you don’t enjoy it—at least for me— it’s not worth it.

RCHN: Do you keep your horses at home or are they in full-time training?

GW: I have Carlee and Sister [Bet Shesa Playmate (Bet Hesa Cat x Very Smart Playmate x Very Smart Remedy)] at home, along with a yearling that’ll go into training in the fall and a foal we had this spring. Carlee and Sister are trained, so I can keep them here. Wyatt has a 3-year-old that I plan to show at smaller futurities in the fall. We also have my husband’s rope horses.

RCHN: With your husband being a roper, do you also rope? Is the NRCHA World’s Greatest Non Pro in your future?

GW: No World’s Greatest Non Pro for me. My husband has won so many roping titles. People say, “You have the best roping coach in the world!” But I don’t have time to put into it. It’s his thing. But he loves coming to the NRCHA events. He’s like the mayor of the cow horse world! He’s my No. 1 fan, my coach, and my mentor. He really helps me with my mental game. He keeps me centered.

RCHN: Tell me about your business.

GW: We own Preston Williams Hardware, where we make custom bits and spurs, and we have an awards business. When we met, he was roping full time and piddling around with making bits. We worked out of a barn stall. He’d teach me to cut silver and do little things. We started from scratch. His mentor is Gordy Alderson, who taught Preston everything he knew. Then he worked with bitmaker Kim Parkey. It’s taken off to a level we never could’ve expected. I look back at what we started with, and we’ve come so far. We’ve been included in Adam Schwalm’s maker showcases, and we’re so humbled to

be part of it with legendary makers. We have a lot of support from trainers. I can’t tell you what it means to us.

RCHN: What are your goals with your horses, in and out of the arena?

GW: My long-term goal is to keep on keeping on, enjoying the ride. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so I want to enjoy every day. Short term, I hope to show in a few small futurities. I’d like to get Carlee to $100,000 in NRCHA earnings. We gave her time to have a baby, so hopefully I can bring her back and achieve that. I’d like to win a world championship on Sister. We spend summers in Nevada on the Walker River Paiute Reservation, so I’d like to spend more time there to enjoy our horses.

RCHN: Can you pick a favorite NRCHA memory?

GW: I have 3 favorite NRCHA memories. 1.) Winning the world on Carlee and having my best friends, Sareece Brown, and my husband at the back gate, cheering for me during my run and my crazy victory lap. 2.) Competing at Salinas Rodeo in 2025 on Sister. It was wild! Only four make it to the final, which takes place during the nighttime rodeo performance. The lights, the crowd, the challenge of the arena being on a racetrack, and the fact that the rodeo events were in full swing in the arena adjacent to the cow horse made it so challenging. Ted Robinson told me it would be the worst best time I’d ever have, and he was right. I’ll never forget it and hope to do it again.

3.) Watching Abbie Phillips win The Run For A Million last year. I was there, and the crowd was electric when she came in on “Style.” Her relationship with that horse is special, and to see her win that event on her heart horse was so inspiring. That girl is so humble and modest. I like to live vicariously through her.

Top: Williams calls her husband, Preston, her greatest supporter, mentor, and coach. He’s helped most with her mental game, something he’s familiar with as an accomplished professional team roper.

Bottom: Coming from the hunter/jumper world as a youth, Garrell was immediately hooked on cow horse and hasn’t looked back since.

ADMIRABLE ASSISTANT: ALEX BYROM

Alex Byrom learned from the ground up with support from his community.

BY JOSIE MAC FLADAGER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEX BYROM

Alex Byrom won his first NRCHA World Championship this year at 26 years old. Looking back eight years, a world title wasn’t on his mind—in fact, he didn’t even know how to ride then.

Byrom was born and raised in Gainesville, Texas. His mom, Betsy Byrom, prepared yearlings for trainers and sales. Alex Byrom knew how to halter-break colts, but his knowledge of horsemanship ended there until he began working for Robert and Cheryl Chown.

His work ethic developed early. He landed his first job at age 13, helping maintain and run an event venue across the road from where he grew up. When he turned 18, he began cleaning stalls for the Chowns—his nextdoor neighbors. Today he works for the Chowns and is considered an “adopted son.”

Reined Cow Horse News: How did you come to own CD Boss Is Holm (“Boss”)?

Alex Byrom: In 2017, before I even worked for Robert, my mom and I were given a broodmare. Mr. Dick Holm [a breeder] knew my birthday was that December, and he decided to give me that mare. My mom could choose who to breed her to, he’d pay for the breeding, and then we’d put the mare and her baby in my name. That foal turned out to be “Boss.”

RCHN: How did you get started with reined cow horses?

AB: I didn’t know how to start a colt. I knew how to halter-break one, but that was about it. I was, and still am, next-door neighbors with Robert. You can see my barn from his arena. I told Robert, “Hey, these horses are getting to the age where they usually leave to go to the trainer, and I don’t know a trainer besides you. Can you guide me on this?”

Alex Byrom has worked from the ground up with the help of Robert and Cheryl Chown, who started as neighbors and now consider him like an adopted son.

So, he and Cheryl helped me start training him, and it grew from there. I got him going, and Robert said I could

Byrom won his first NRCHA World Championship this past February at the NRCHA Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions in the Limited Open Bridle with his homegrown gelding CD Boss Is Holm.

RAISING YOUR NEXT CHAMPION

Byrom didn’t foresee a career with horses and didn’t even know how to ride until eight years ago, but today he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

probably sell him or keep learning how to train, and I said, “I think I want to keep him and keep learning the training.”

RCHN: Talk about the Chowns’ influence on you.

AB: Even before my mom passed away [in 2024], Cheryl would count me as her “adopted son.” There’s a stigma about getting too close to your bosses and having a relationship outside of work, but I’ve never had to worry about that. They’ve always been very good to me. I’m extremely thankful for the work and time they both have invested in me, both as a person and a horseman.

I struggle to find the words to sum up everything they’ve done for me, but they always have my best interests at heart. I’m not even sure how I ended up being called the “adopted son,” but I do know that in many people’s phones, I’m Alex Chown.

RCHN: Did you ever consider another career?

AB: In high school, I earned gas money by taking care of people’s places, cleaning stalls, house sitting—anything needed. I did everything with FFA in high school, and my list of random jobs is pretty long. I worked at an event venue that hosted a summer camp, weddings, meetings, and those kinds of things. I did groundskeeping, food service, bussed tables, wedding prep, set up, and tear down—anything that needed to be done.

My original plan after graduating from Valley View [High School] was to go to Tarleton [State University]. To do what I had no clue—an agriculture degree of some sort. I thought about animal nutrition, but I didn’t know what I would do with it. The thought of becoming an ag teacher crossed my mind because mine was so influential. However, I didn’t like the hours-to-pay ratio.

The way it worked out, I thought I’d work in the summers and then go to school, but when I tried to go to school, I didn’t see a whole lot of sense in paying my own way for something that didn’t have a clear end. So, in the end, I just kept working for Robert, and that brought us to where we are today.

RCHN: What role has your faith played in your life and career?

AB: I can see how God was working in hindsight. I had a little bit of a rough upbringing because my parents split up, and I worked to help support my mom and myself. I had to tune out a lot of noise and focus solely on God and His plan. I just had to let go because so many variables were out of my control.

Some people might call me a little ignorant to just go through life looking like I don’t care. But it’s not that I don’t care; I trust that God has a plan. I’ve had an incredible community of people looking out for me my whole life, and I want to try and do for someone what others have done for me. That’s another way Robert has helped me a lot.

Robert has helped me a lot in my faith, and he’d probably be surprised by that answer, but it’s mostly from observing him. Whether it’s about relationships or helping me see the bigger picture, he’s been extremely influential on me.

RCHN: Was the Limited Open Bridle World Championship something you had your sights set on?

AB: Not really. I did the work to get Boss qualified throughout the year, but my last couple of shows with him didn’t go the way I wanted at all. If it wasn’t one thing, it was another, and my mental aspect of the game wasn’t very strong. The last time I showed that horse was in October [of 2025], so we had a break from October to February.

I knew I had qualified for the Celebration of Champions, but I was having a battle with myself about whether to enter. Robert asked if I was going to, and I told him I didn’t really know. He didn’t say much, and then a week went by. Cheryl approached me and said, “Robert said you may not enter your horse.” I told her I was considering not entering because I didn’t want to spend the money, especially with a wedding coming up, and I didn’t want to donate the entry fee.

A few days later, I was helping Cheryl at the house, and she told me, “You need to believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. You worked hard enough to qualify, and I know you can do it. That horse deserves to be entered. You should do it.”

Her faith in me pushed me to enter, and I’m very thankful it did.

And then winning it—obviously, you enter with hopes of doing that—but I just wanted to show what our hard work has done. This event is so hard. So, championships are on the goal list, but personally, I want to help as many people as I can, just like I’ve been helped through the years.

OWNER SPOTLIGHT: SHERI JAMIESON

Owning two horses that achieved the highest honors in the sport, Sheri Jamieson shares her perspective on what makes cow horse special and why she’s been part of it for more than 20 years.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON

Sheri Jamieson’s horse life started young when she and her family lived in Turkey. After school, she’d go to the barn, saddle an Arabian, and explore the countryside. When her family returned to the United States, Jamieson’s focus shifted from four feet on the ground to catching air as she learned to fly airplanes at age 16. Her return to horses didn’t come until later, when she purchased a ranch in 2001, which she recently donated to the Navy Seal Foundation. She now calls La Jolla, California, home. Her passion for Western performance horses began in reining. A few of her ranch horses needed tune-ups, and her vet recommended she take them to Yvon Mathieu. Once she became his customer, they started talking about reined cow horse, and they decided to buy a couple of yearlings that Mathieu could train for the event. That was about 20 years ago, and now Jamieson is all in on cow horse. She’s owned multiple high-profile horses, has stock in training with two of the NRCHA’s leading professionals, and is energized by the future of cow horse and its place in Western sports.

Reined Cow Horse News: What drew you to reined cow horse?

Sheri Jamieson: I feel I got into it in a very organic way. Many people attend a major event, see the excitement, and decide to take part. I didn’t go to a major event for at least two years after buying my first cow horses. I fell in love with the training discipline first.

RCHN: Now that you’re immersed in the sport, what are a few of your favorite cow horse memories?

SJ: I’ve been very lucky, and I’ve had some really great horses. One of my favorite memories is of my horse Sonita Lena Rey (Dual Rey x Sonita Lena Chick x Smart Chic Olena) winning the 2019 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® with Corey Cushing. He was a very special horse with a great mind and heart. Corey did an incredible job with him.

In 2020, my mare Selvarey (Dual Rey x Shine Smarter x WR This Cats Smart) won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® with Sarah Dawson. It was a very big moment for all of us. That mare will be the future of my breeding program. I have a filly out of her that’s being prepared for the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® this year, and I’m very excited to see her in the show pen.

To have won both those events is a dream that many owners have, and I’m grateful for it. So many things have to go right just to make the finals. But the commitment to the sport, for me, lies in the horse meeting its greatest potential,

Top: In 2020, Jamieson reached one of the pinnacles of owning reined cow horses when Sarah Dawson piloted Selvarey to win the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.

Bottom: From theater to reined cow horse, Sheri Jamieson’s passion and dedication run deep.

whatever that might be. And it’s all about the journey along the way.

RCHN: How did you connect with Sarah and Chris Dawson?

SJ: I sent some horses to them around 2016 to tune up and sell. I clicked with both of them. They’re both outstanding people.

RCHN: What’s your life like outside of horses?

SJ: My life is primarily in the theater world. I just stepped down as chair of the board of the La Jolla Playhouse. We’ve sent many projects to Broadway, like Jersey Boys and The Outsiders Recently, I’ve been instrumental in a musical called The Heart, which will open on Broadway this fall. I have a son who’s married and has two sons, ages 6 and 9, who live in Los Angeles. My son is a producer, and my daughter-inlaw is an actress. So my circuit is L.A., La Jolla, Texas, and New York.

RCHN: People who are involved with NRCHA often speak about the “NRCHA Family.” Do you also see the organization in this way?

SJ: It’s very interesting because a lot of people get into a sport like this and, for many different reasons, lose interest. Maybe they haven’t connected with others, or their values don’t resonate. It’s different in NRCHA. Everyone in NRCHA is so supportive of one another. The

caliber of the people and the level of integrity make me want to stay connected. There aren’t many organizations like that, where you keep finding reasons to participate year after year.

RCHN: What advice do you have for new owners?

SJ: Study the sport for a while. Go to big and small events. Meet different trainers and other owners. Spend time around the horses and visit different training barns to see what resonates with you. Everyone has their own reason for getting involved. What are your goals? How do you want to approach it? That’s how you’ll design the right program for yourself. You must be committed and persevere. All the owners I’ve ever met are very interesting, multidimensional people who are willing to share experiences and thoughts. Listen with an open mind and be willing to learn. Winning a major event might be your dream, but I’m not sure that’s the best reason to get into the sport. You have to really love the horses and understand the discipline and the organization.

RCHN: Are you involved with any NRCHA committees?

SJ: At this time, I’m not, but that’s something I’d like to explore. The year before the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® moved to Fort Worth, Texas, Jay Winborn spoke with me about reimagining the Hall of Fame banquet and then asked me to lead that effort. We needed to make it something people outside the organization would want to attend. It was fun and laid the groundwork for the Hall of Fame Banquets we have now.

RCHN: What excites you about the future of reined cow horse?

SJ: The trajectory has been phenomenal. The most striking thing that’s happened is the level and quality of horses and the training. It’s so competitive now. As someone who’s been in it a while, I find it a real challenge to breed or buy the caliber of horse that will be competitive. More and more people are drawn to cow horse because they realize what a great discipline it is and how talented the horses have to be to compete. I only see it getting more amazing in the coming years.

Honoring Their

LEGACIES CE

The NRCHA Hall of Fame banquet celebrated four people and one horse for their cow horse contributions.

EBY JENNIFER PAULSON / CEREMONY PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

very year, the cow horse family gathers to celebrate the people and horses who were and remain the architects of the sport as it is today. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the sport’s past, honor those who’ve given so much to it, recognize what makes cow horse different, and set sights on new goals for the future.

Here are the stories of the 2026 NRCHA Hall of Fame inductees, along with those who received the Merit and Vaquero Awards.

The 2026 NRCHA Hall of

celebrated the contributions of

Since he was young, Robert Chown trained horses to sell, which meant other people had to be able to ride them—not just him. That background has helped him immensely as an NRCHA professional in both coaching non pros and selling horses that have longevity in the sport.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE:

ROBERT CHOWN

Growing up in California and now calling Texas home, NRCHA professional Robert Chown has always had horses in his life. His father operated a facility with about 150 horses that were to be broke, trained, and sold. Alongside that part of the business was a kids’ riding camp, which meant many lessons were given, and Chown and his brothers played a role in all aspects of that business.

“All of those things together, I think they served me later [and helped me get] to where I’ve gotten today,” Chown said.

Well before he was training horses to sell and giving lessons as a young man, Chown went to the horse show at Del Mar. He sat in the stands, watched the action, and had a life-changing experience. He saw Ronnie Richards showing Wimpys Hired Hand in the Stallions and Gelding Class.

Choc-O-Late. With Chown’s training, the rodeo horse proved to be a great cow horse, qualifying for and winning the Junior Stock Horse Championship at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® in Reno, Nevada.

“I was hooked,” he said.

As a young trainer, Chown never worked as an assistant, but he soaked up knowledge from his dad and brothers and kept a close eye on the sport’s masters.

“I didn’t even know what I was looking at,” Chown recalled. “But I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. At that point in time, I knew I’d be a horse trainer.”

At around age 15, Chown began receiving cow horse lessons from his brother, Leonard Davis. He spent a handful of long weekends learning the ropes with his horse Mighty Might. When he got home, he wanted to try his new training knowledge on his junior rodeo horse Chubbs

“When I say ‘my training program,’ I mean my own stuff and a lot of pirated stuff from people I’d plug in here or there,” he said with a smile. “I do the same thing now. We have so many talented young people in NRCHA. I’m not going to let them run over me that easily. I’m going to take some of their stuff, too.”

Many horses helped Chown get to where he is today, but Short And Royal was his first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® finalist—an accomplishment that came after a 20-year hiatus from cow horse to focus on reining. The mare won the Southwest Pre-Futurity leading up to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.

“I knew she was extremely talented, but when she won the Southwest, there was no way I wasn’t going to buy a slot in the [NRCHA Snaffle Bit] Futurity®! It was the first time I’d ever made the Open finals.”

With a fifth-place finish, Chown added $40,000 to his and his mare’s records. But that was only the beginning of the pair’s story.

hears the name of a horse he trained called at a show or receives a message from a rider who’s having success with a Chown-trained mount.

“I’ll get a message that this horse is still showing after I sold them 10 or 15 years ago, and now a little kid is showing and getting so much joy from it,” he said. “I take a lot of personal pride in the fact that I’ve somehow improved that person’s life through a horse, and that horse is now a loved member of their family.”

Cheryl recognizes the depth and importance of that legacy.

“He’s helped a lot of people and a lot of customers fulfill their dreams in this industry, and I think he’s done it by being an honest, honorable person,” she said. “When you can give somebody a dream and an accomplishment they want, that’s one of the ultimate gifts you can give, and he’s done that for a lot of people.”

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: JO ANNE CAROLLO

Atascadero, California, horsewoman Jo Anne Carollo is quick to say she has been horse-crazy since birth—her mom even said Carollo’s first word was “horse.”

“I have no idea why I love horses the way I do,” she said with a grin. “I think it was God’s gift to me as a child because that’s all I ever thought about, all I dreamed about. All I ever wanted to do was be involved with horses.”

Chown’s wife, Cheryl, won multiple titles on the mare, and their daughter, Riley, did the same. The mare also became a cornerstone of the Chown breeding program.

Chown has always been a contender in competition, but much of his reputation comes from the success of the horses he’s trained for non pro and youth riders, as well as from coaching those riders.

Her parents weren’t horse people, but they supported their daughter’s passion, starting with a horse Carollo and her sister shared. That grew into riding horses of all kinds, from barrel racing to team roping to ranch work. At a branding in 1988, Carollo had an encounter that would change her life.

“Going back to my roots, we always rode horses to sell,” he said. “That meant somebody else had to be able to ride them when I was done training them. I’ve trained horses that can go a long time and that a lot of different people can ride. Our place wasn’t built on training bills; it was built on horses we raised, trained, and sold.”

“I was sorting cattle on a 3-year-old when someone asked me how old my horse was,” she recalled about Docs Lucky Lynx. “They then asked if I was taking it to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. They told me all about the event and then hooked me up with John Holman. I can’t remember if I rode with him maybe 60 days, and then we went off to the Futurity.”

Diving right into the deep end of the cow horse world brought learning opportunities. Carollo’s first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® didn’t go as planned, but despite her disappointment, she was hooked.

Chown finds a lot of gratification when he

“When I left that arena, I had so much

in different arenas, from the National Reining Horse Association to the National Cutting Horse Association.

“I’m pretty proud to be able to ‘switch hats’ and go into their world,” she said.

Around 2016, Carollo faced a fork in her road as a horsewoman: Would she continue as a non pro or hand over her card and become an open rider? She considered her journey and how much she valued the help those around her provided to help her succeed. She chose to go pro.

“I didn’t have a clue what was going to come through that gate,” she said with a smile about her new clientele. “I’ve discovered there are so many people who want to get into cow horse, who admire it and watch the big events, but they don’t really have access to the knowledge or help they need.”

Carollo became that essential resource.

adrenaline,” Carollo said. “I was like, ‘I’ll be back!’ And that was it. I don’t think we missed a show for at least 25 years. It was like we were addicted.”

In the following years, Carollo learned as much as she could from professionals such as Les Vogt and Ron Ralls. She honed her riding style and learned to work within the timelines dictated by event schedules. In 1997, she won her first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Championship with Nicilena. She recalled having tough stock in the cow work, but her horse didn’t weaken.

“Wherever I was thinking and trying to get, he was helping me get there the best he could,” she remembered. “I left the arena in tears because I was so happy. I knew he gave me everything. I didn’t even know if I’d won—it didn’t matter. It was about the connection with the horse and the partnership.”

“It’s been very rewarding to watch people take a horse and go through the process like I did,” she said. “Learn to train their own horse and then go show it and see the success of winning their first buckle or trophy—I know exactly how it feels to do it yourself, and it’s hard.”

Carollo never expected to be inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame, and she’s proud to be among others who share her dedication to the horse.

“When I look at the people in the NRCHA Hall of Fame and see that they share the same passion for the horse and the sport that I do, being recognized for that passion and for something I’ve lived my whole life for, I don’t think it could get any better than that. It’s almost like winning my first NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®—you don’t believe it’s really happening. I hope to be remembered as someone with good sportsmanship, win or lose, and as someone who helped others, as others have helped me.”

Carollo went on to win the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® two more times—in 1999 with Roosters Chicaroo and in 2001 with Plan To Win, a homebred gelding. Carollo attributes her success to working across disciplines to get the best knowledge from the top professionals.

“I always wanted to be better,” she said. “I’d go ride with cutters because I wanted to cut like a cutter. I wanted to rein like a reiner and go down the fence like a cow horse person. I’d venture out and ride with my friends [from other disciplines]. It was fun. I always wanted to keep improving my horsemanship.”

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE: VERY SMART REMEDY

Carollo’s best horses went on to be contenders

Annie Reynolds first saw Very Smart Remedy (Smart Little Lena x Remedys Response x Doc’s Remedy) at a practice cutting in Jordan Valley, Oregon. Jon Roeser was riding the horse, and Reynolds was awestruck.

“He was the star of the show,” she recalled. “He was a 3-year-old, and we were all drooling over him because he was fabulous on a cow, very quick-footed, and cowy. He had a lot going for him, and the rest of us were wishing we could

out of Katie Starlight). Magicality ($102,844.31, out of Magical Lena) is another top earner and is still competing.

do what he was doing.”

While the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® didn’t go as planned for Very Smart Remedy, it opened the door for Reynolds to buy the horse, with plans to keep him in training with Roeser. She brought him home, where he was humbled by the broodmares. Roeser then took him to the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, and from there on out, Very Smart Remedy and Roeser became a dominant force.

“He did well at that show, and from then on, he did well,” Reynolds recalled. “There was never a time he wasn’t there with Jon 100%.”

Roeser remembered the horse as athletic and instinctual.

“He wasn’t really big, but he was very quick and well-made,” he said. “He was very trainable, and it makes it easy when a lot of it becomes instinctive and natural. From the get-go, he wanted to be good on a cow.”

“In my experience in the horse business, it seems like there are a lot more things that can go wrong than right,” Reynolds admitted. “But my intuition and thought process about buying Very Smart Remedy and crossing him to our mares, and how that could work for us all, came true. All the colts were exceptional, and they had a more modern body style, which is what we needed. We’re still riding the grandchildren, and they’re just as great. I’m interested in raising the best horses ever, and it’s what I enjoy most. He skyrocketed me in the right direction. I’m very grateful for that.”

An NRCHA Hall of Fame induction is special, but also not surprising, according to Roeser.

“He certainly deserves it,” Roeser said. “It pays tribute to the horse, but also to his breeders and Annie in what she’s done. I believe to this day he’s one of the best Smart Little Lena stallions there ever was. He’s just one of those special horses.”

Very Smart Remedy won the 2003 NRCHA Derby and Hackamore Classic, the 2004 NRCHA Derby, and the 2005 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman®, among other victories, finishing his NRCHA career with almost $84,000 in NRCHA lifetime earnings. He also successfully competed in NCHA events with Russ Westfall.

Very Smart Remedy’s breeding career led him to be an NRCHA Two Million Dollar sire, with his top offspring including Smart Luck ($190,154.75, out of Gunna Be Lucky), Gunna Be A Smartie ($164,234.59, out of Gunna Be Mine), and Smartly Starstruck ($163,883.91,

Reynolds agreed with Roeser.

“I was very grateful to get the call, and I think he deserves it,” she said. “He competed successfully, and now he’s become a very successful sire of reined cow horses. He’s made a very unique and important contribution, and I’m glad he’s being recognized for it. One of the most exceptional experiences with Very Smart Remedy was his first foal crop showing in the [NRCHA] Snaffle Bit Futurity®; he had five in the Open finals. That’s a large percentage and a major accomplishment.”

HALL OF MERIT INDUCTEE: LINDA MARS

Linda Mars’ passion for horses has deep, expansive roots that extend into multiple breeds and disciplines, from Arabians to Quarter Horses and from racing to reined cow horse. They all trace back to a pony in Australia that took her on her first ride.

“I got started with horses in Australia when I learned to ride there because we were living there at the time. And can I tell you that I started on ponies and ponies, well, they teach you how to fall, and you hang on to the reins because it’s a hell of a walk home afterward if you don’t.”

Her friend, Sherri Gilkerson, introduced Mars to reined cow horse. Gilkerson explained that the sport is similar to three-day eventing, with different phases. That connection led Mars to immerse herself in the NRCHA family, sponsoring events such as the NRCHA Tres Osos Derby.

“I was walking on air,” she said about winning the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®. “Wow— we did it. We expected it to take much longer than it did [to win the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®]. I mean, really seriously, when you look at the people that are in the industry, and you realize, my gosh, we just had a horse win, that may never happen again, might be our one horse. But you know what? It was fun.”

Mars would like to be remembered as an advocate for the horse in both her breeding and training programs.

“I was asked to step up and sponsor the Derby, and I said, ‘Sure, why not?’” Mars recalled. “Our 3-yearolds are not the be-allend-all. We want 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds so we can get to our bridle horses.”

“I’d like to be known for breeding good horses,” she said. “I would also like for the industry to realize that you also need to have happy horses. A happy horse comes out of the ring going, ‘Yeah, that was good. I was having fun.’ That’s what you want.”

VAQUERO AWARD RECIPIENT: TOM BUCKINGHAM

Mars’ business partners, Dave Mize and Paula Gentry, recognize Mars’ generosity and love of horses, making Mars a prime candidate for this recognition.

“She’s extremely kind and very generous,” said Dave Mize. “She doesn’t really know a stranger. If someone needs something, Linda will help them out and help things grow. She doesn’t want anything in return. I think recognizing her for that is pretty major.”

In true NRCHA family fashion, members step up to show gratitude for Mars’ efforts, and she appreciates that.

“The best thing about being a sponsor, honestly, is you get these thank-you notes,” she said. “I got a thank you note from one of these shows, and it said, ‘Thank you very much for sponsoring this show. And by the way, thank you for making M&Ms.’ That's the best.”

In addition to her support for the association and its members, Mars also breeds cow horses and has reached the pinnacle of success with her stock. She owned the 2022 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Open Champion Travelin Jonez and the 2025 NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman® Champion Hazardouz Material.

Tom Buckingham’s roots in cow horse run deep, even before the formation of NRCHA. He worked for Great Basin ranchers who were very particular about their bridle horses and took a lot of pride in their training practices. Buckingham showed in cowboy classes with those ranchers, refining his craft and working his way into the horse show world. For a while, he trained as a professional and competed in the Open division of NRCHA classes, but he regained his non-pro status and went on to win the Non Pro division of the 1990 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® on Colonel De Boon. He also made the finals on other homebred and home-trained horses.

Buckingham now sticks to training horses with his wife, Carmen, for ranch classes and for his own mounts on their cattle operation in Bruneau, Idaho. He’s also a highly respected AAAA NRCHA judge and has officiated at every premier event. He’s quite proud of how the judging system has evolved and leveled the playing field for all competitors.

“A lot of effort has gone into making it fair,” he said. “Today, anybody from anywhere can win with the right horse. They all know they have a chance if they do their part and we, as judges, do our part.”

Buckingham also gives credit to ongoing education for judges and to technological advances that enable judges to enhance their skills and continually improve.

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The NRCHA Hall of Fame banquet, held during the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes, is one of the can’t-miss events of reined cow horse. Cow horse fans and family come together from all over the country to celebrate the sport, its heritage, and the people and horses who’ve made it great.

2026 AFFILIATES OF THE YEAR

NRCHA affiliates create opportunities for cow horse competitors and owners of all levels.

BY PAIGE BRANDON/PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SRCHA

NRCHA affiliates create local opportunities for competitors worldwide and give riders the chance to show close to home. NRCHA annually recognizes outstanding affiliates as vital parts of the industry. This year, Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance claimed the 2026 Affiliate of the Year title, with the Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association named Reserve.

2026 AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR: SOUTHERN REINED COW HORSE ALLIANCE

The Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance grew as a new organization by initiating successful partnerships. The late Larry

Westmoreland, a revered horse trainer, mentor, and NRCHA 2A judge, founded the organization in 2019. In just seven years, the organization has tripled in size.

The SRCHA chose to end with “Alliance” rather than “Association,” a common choice for affiliate names, to emphasize their partnerships.

“We thought, to have a successful organization, we needed to have an alliance with the Louisiana Quarter Horse Association, Southeast Stock Horse Association, Louisiana Stock Horse Association, and other equine folks who have similar interests,” explained SRCHA President Lee Alford.

During its formative years, SRCHA worked with local

organizations to ignite interest and kick-start its growth.

“We had joint shows with LQHA, and we began with having shows on the same weekend, in conjunction with LSHA,” Alford said. “Now, we’ve evolved to having our own shows. That’s the reason for the Alliance. We still believe it’s a part of what we need to do, and it’s also part of developing future members for us.”

These partnerships resulted in an application through the Louisiana Equine Promotion and Research Board, under the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. The direct support from the LEPRB jump-started the Louisiana Classic, arguably the organization’s largest show with a derby, futurity, spectacular, and two horse shows, plus nearly $150,000 in added money.

“As a part of that larger group, we became aware of the potential there,” Alford said.

In 2022, SRCHA received a $65,000 grant to use in 2023. The organization immediately applied it to its current horse shows and used it to create the Louisiana Classic, with $35,000 added. This success garnered a second grant of the same amount the following year. By August 2024, the Louisiana Classic had grown to payouts of $115,000 and included the Louisiana Lagniappe Eastern Circuit and the Louisiana Bred Incentive. The momentum only continued.

The following year, SRCHA guaranteed an $80,000 grant from the LEPRB. The 2025 Louisiana Classic amassed $141,220 in total payout. They’ve been approved for a grant of the same amount to sponsor the 2026 Louisiana Classic. In less than five years, their $35,000-added show grew to nearly $150,000-added.

In addition to the Louisiana Classic, SRCHA featured the Tres Osos Eastern Qualifier and Hazardouz Material Derby during their November 2025 show.

SRCHA is proud of its success as a young association, and Alford described this as a driving motivation behind the Affiliate of

the Year award. He explained that the award recognized the hard work that many have put into the association to make it prosperous over a short time.

“We ended up creating a fairly large association, and as a new organization, I thought it was outstanding and deserving of the potential of that award,” he said.

SRCHA spans the Southeastern U.S., attracting competitors from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Oklahoma and boasted 248 members in 2025. Alford explained that participation in the Louisiana Classic increased their membership. SRCHA works to maintain its active member base and aspires to continue growing. To do this, the organization will bring in trainers and clinicians to help their members.

“We have to import some expertise here in the region—bring in trainers and clinicians, and things like that to keep that learning growing,” he said.

As a newer organization, SRCHA emphasizes building a strong foundation and establishing the right structures for long-term success.

“Our needs are around solidifying the organization—growing and building that base level and building the leadership,” Alford explained. “How do we make sure we have the board and the officers and so forth with the best knowledge and best disciplines to continue to run the organization?”

Currently, SRCHA has a “broadbased” board, as Alford described. They have members representing Texas, Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi on their board. Alford has served as president of SRCHA since its formation and credited former Vice President Westmoreland, namesake of the Larry Westmoreland Memorial Circuit during the Louisiana Classic, as instrumental in the organization’s development. Alford also wanted to thank Guin Ranches, home of Metallic Rebel, for their foundational support in starting their affiliate, and to War Ponies Elite for

their ongoing efforts. Other notable sponsors include Monroe/West Monroe CC, Sleepy Creek Farms, MVP Equine, Goldman Equipment, RAMMCO, and others that Alford wanted to thank endlessly.

The SRCHA has adopted the motto, “Laissez les bon temps rouler,” a common phrase in Cajun meaning “Let the good times roll” as a token for the fun and the welcoming environment of their horse shows.

2026 RESERVE AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR: NORTHWEST REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION

The Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association has been dedicated to building a supportive local community across the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years. Founded in 1997, NWRCHA hosts shows in Oregon and Washington that attract competitors from Canada to California. With a current membership of over 100, the organization takes pride in organizing well-managed horse shows for horse-and-rider pairs of all skill levels, creating an approachable and welcoming entry into the cow horse industry. The association offers Club Classes open to novice and green riders, giving them a chance to step into the show pen.

NWRCHA’s community efforts include actively hosting clinics

year-round and providing a trainers’ directory on its website, making it easy for members to find a local horse trainer. The NWRCHA’s typical show season runs from March through August, with events held at the Oregon Horse Center and the Washington State Horse Park.

The NWRCHA offers year-end awards for its members, including two namesake awards honoring NWRCHA Hall of Fame members: the Jerry McCann Sportsmanship Award and the Bruce Gilchrist Competition Award.

The Bruce Gilchrist Competition Award was first presented in 2012 to NRCHA Hall of Famer Dan Roeser and Roosters Miss Fritz (Galla Del Cielo x Miss Fritzie Bug x Fritz Command) for the horse-and-rider duo with the most points in NRCHA-approved classes at NWRCHA events during a single show season. This award is given in perpetuity and is open to all pairs across all divisions and classes.

The Jerry McCann Sportsmanship Award is a member-voted honor recognizing individuals who exemplify sportsmanship. They compete for enjoyment, their love of horses, and with respect for fellow competitors.

McCann, a longtime Washington horseman, was also inducted in 2012. He was an avid supporter who watched his kids show for years until he stepped into the show pen himself. It was said that he’d shown over 800 times through the American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, and NRCHA.

The NWRCHA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals for their achievements and contributions to reined cow horse in the Pacific Northwest. Criteria include their involvement with the organization, show records, and influence on NWRCHA. The first inductees were avid competitor Bonnie Christiansen and Ebony Power (Power Light x Poco Tena x Poco Bay). Christiansen’s son originally showed the horse to success in youth classes. Years later, Christiansen decided to bring Ebony Power out of retirement to show herself. The pair became a living example that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

As the NRCHA Reserve Affiliate of the Year, NWRCHA will receive a $1,000 award from the NRCHA Foundation.

A WAY ABOUT A HORSE

NRCHA Hall of Famer Johnny Brazil Jr. leaves a legacy of grit, horsemanship, and humility.

STORY BY LARRI JO STARKEY PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHARLENE BRAZIL

NRCHA Hall of Famer Johnny Brazil

Jr. had a way about a horse.

He was a sharp man—driven, observant, and always able to see another way to get a problem solved. That’s what made him a great trainer and a great man.

He preserved the vaquero traditions and became a founding member of the California Reined Cow Horse Association—the origin of today’s NRCHA. He was a breeder, a trainer, and a cattleman, riding the hills of Sonoma County, California, with his daughters while working cattle on his show horses. He died in March at 104.

“

one of his daughters.

“He was always on top of things. He knew everything. And he went down somewhat, but even at 95, 100, he could do anything he set his mind to.”

Brazil ended his education after the eighth grade, but never stopped learning,

EVEN AT 95, HE COULD DO ANYTHING HE SET HIS MIND TO."

–Charlene

Brazil was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame in 1997 at age 75, after a remarkable show career. The year before, Brazil had made the 1996 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Finals on Spots Shadow.

“He was very astute,” said Charlene Brazil,

“When I grew up, he read the dictionary,” Charlene said with a laugh. “I didn’t know that not everybody read the dictionary. He built a playhouse for my kids, loaded it on a truck, and hauled it here two hours away. He built it so well, my grandkids are still playing in it.”

Brazil

At 13 years old, Johnny Brazil already knew the importance of getting back on the horse. “The horse bucked him off three times in a row, apparently,” recalled his daughter Charlene Brazil. "And then the fourth time, the horse tripped when it was trying to buck him off and he stayed on.”

Brazil was born in 1922. His father had arrived in the United States from Portugal and was eventually in the dairy business. When Brazil saw a neighbor spin a horse, his path was set for a life in the saddle.

Brazil served in the U.S. Army, where he learned the importance of precision. He was part of the invasion of Normandy. Later, he received a Bronze Star for rescuing a wounded soldier during the

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Battle of the Bulge. He worked for Cutter Laboratories, caring for cattle used in animal vaccine tests while training horses. He wasn’t training them in his free time—any time he was on a horse, he was training it.

was teaching me how to do fence work: run the animal down the fence and cut it off,” Charlene said. “My horse turned very fast, and I flew off, of course. I was on the ground, and he came up, and he had the horse. And he said, ‘Sorry, it’s a bump. Get back on.’ I didn’t want to get back on, but that was a life lesson. You just gotta keep on working, keep on moving, and keep on doing it.”

It was a life lesson he lived.

Bottom: Brazil’s appreciation for a good horse never waned. In 1996, at age 74, he made the Open finals of the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®.

He later managed a ranch where he became known for the quality of the ranch horses he trained with quiet, slow precision.

“He trained his horses to be able to help him with the cattle, gather the cattle, separate the cattle,” Charlene said. “Some people train horses to just do [things] at the horse show in the arena while they’re practicing, but not like in the hills, going up and gathering cattle and separating cattle and all that stuff that he did. And I did with him a lot when I was a kid.”

Eventually, Brazil was so moved by the quality of the horses he was working with that he wanted to show them. In 1949, he helped write the rules for the California Reined Cow Horse Association, an act that still influences how reined cow horses are shown today.

Commitment, integrity, and respect for the horse were his nature, and his horses returned that respect. And toughness was paramount.

“I remember when I was pretty young, and he

“I have a great photo of him on a horse when he was 13,” Charlene said. “The horse bucked him off three times in a row, apparently. And then the fourth time, the horse tripped when it was trying to buck him off and he stayed on.”

Brazil was a humble man, who never touted his own accomplishments at home.

“

YOU JUST GOTTA KEEP ON WORKING, KEEP ON MOVING, AND KEEP ON DOING IT."

“I have one memory of him from when I was quite young, when he would get down on his hands and knees and pretend he was a bull, chasing me around the house,” she said. “He always had this big grin on his face. My daughter’s son is about to turn 5. When he was 1, my dad did the same thing to him on the floor, you know, on his hands and knees when he was 100 years old.”

If there were hard times—and there always are hard times in the cattle and horse businesses—Brazil never mentioned them at home. He always made the best of a bad situation. Charlene didn’t realize he was famous—really famous—until he was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame in 1997.

“I went to horse shows with him all the time, and I do remember that he won a lot,” she recalled. “It wouldn’t come as a surprise when he won a class. At some point, he lost a piece of his finger. But he called it his magic finger. He’d do little tricks with my kids about his magic finger, and he never acted like that was a bad thing.”

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FROM THE MOUTHS OF LEGENDS:

BOBBY INGERSOLL ON

My name is Bobby Ingersoll, and I’m a student of Spanish horsemanship, bits, and bitting. The knowledge of “bitting the horse” is the most important part of horsemanship, and yet the least understood. Bitting the horse is one of man’s oldest problems. The search for a bit that will give complete control of the horse has been going on for centuries. In his book Bits, Bitting, and Spanish Horses, Arnold R. Rojas said, “More horses have been spoiled and ruined by bitting than any other cause.”

The function of any bit in the horse’s mouth is about leverage, signals, and the muscular strength of the rider. In the beginning, the horse was a chain of food and, as time went on, the horse became a warrior

NRCHA Hall of Fame member Bobby Ingersoll shares wisdom from his experience with bits.

BY BOBBY INGERSOLL

for man in controlling the lands and used in warfare. The cavalry from the Moors of North Africa invaded Spain, bringing their horsemanship and a style of riding that spread throughout the country. Horses were sent to the New World, into Mexico, and eventually California. In the beginning, the calvary and the Spaniards trained their horses for war, not for use as reined cow horses.

but just as many are worthless and of no use for the horse.

“ IT’S A GOOD BIT IN GOOD HANDS, AND A BAD BIT IN BAD HANDS.”

Bobby Ingersoll

The Spanish vaqueros and Californios were unique in developing the bit as a signaling device and not as a lever. There are numerous styles and designs of bits, many useful,

The Spanish half-breed and spade bits are made to have balance with the horse’s mouth, the romal reins, and rein chains. If the cheeks of the bit are too high and the shank is too short, the contact will always be on the headstall and poll, not on the bars of the horse’s mouth. The bit without balance will produce intense pain because it has become a lever. Using the half-breed and spade bits to signal the mouth comes from the braces on the spade and Burqueño half-breed and the spoon on

the spade with contact to the tongue and the cannon to the bars in his mouth, along with contact to the chin strap on the bridle. The spoon on the spade only reaches the roof (or pallet) of the mouth because of the muscular strength of the rider.

NOT ALL HORSES’ MOUTHS ARE THE SAME

It’s important to remember that, due to conformation, including head and neck placement, the bit measurements that suit one horse perfectly may not suit another. That’s the reason bits are made with different mouthpieces. The curb and half-breed are distinguished by the length of their shanks and not by the shape of the mouthpiece. The pull on the snaffle bit works crosswise on the tongue and bars.

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FROM COLLECTION

Here are just a few of the many bits Bobby Ingersoll has in his tack room.

UNDERSTANDING MOUTHPIECES

The mouthpiece or cannon that has a straight bar instead of a tongue space is the least severe because the horse uses its tongue to cushion and absorb the shock of the bars in its mouth. Mouthpieces, whatever their shape, have one function: to bear on the tongue and bars of the mouth to apply pressure. The Burqueño and spade are the best for the horse’s mouth because they fill his mouth, and he will learn to “hold the bit.”

“ THE BIT IS A LEVERAGE OR SIGNAL.”

Bobby Ingersoll

At a horse’s young age, a good foundation using the snaffle bit and hackamore will prepare him for the stiff curb, half-breed, and the spade bits. A horse with a mature mouth and of mature age is ready to be introduced to the stiff bit using the two rein. Through time, this will give the horse the opportunity to understand the bit. Knowing how whatever bit you use on a horse is functioning in his mouth is most important. When bitting and riding the horse, remember the bit is a leverage or a signal (depending on the hands that hold the reins). When introducing the bit, it’s about going slow to give him time to understand and be relaxed and comfortable.

125,000

PAYDAY!

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

GCorey Cushing brought four horses to the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes finals, and his efforts brought a monumental payout.

oing into the fence work of the 2026 NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes finals, the top eight competitors were within two points of each other, demonstrating the depth of talent competing for the $125,000 payout. In the end, Smart Dressed Dude (Stevie Rey Von x Smart Crackin Chic x Smart Chic Olena) took the title with Corey Cushing for owners Bar One Land & Cattle LLP. It’s a repeat win for Cushing, who earned the championship last year aboard ARA Rebel King.

points still had a shot at a really good check. [Smart Dressed

“It was really anyone’s game,” Cushing said about the tight race going into the fence work finals. “There was a pack within two points of each other, and even those within three or four points still had a shot at a really good check. [Smart Dressed Dude] was the third horse in, and I knew he could pull it off and be right there in the moment with everything and stay tight. It turned out really good.”

2026 CINCH STALLION STAKES

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

APRIL 2–12, 2026 (Horse/Rider/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Smart Dressed Dude; Corey D. Cushing;21G (Stevie Rey Von x Smart Crackin Chic x Smart Chic Olena); Bar One Land & Cattle LLP; 665 (H: 220/R: 220/C: 225); $125,000

2. Talk To The Prince; Clayton Edsall; 21G (Smooth Talkin Style x Princess Clarence x Peptoboonsmal); Neal or Jody Wanless; 660.5 (H: 217/R: 223.5/C: 220); $85,000

3. Gibberissh; Abbie Phillips; 22S (Smooth Talkin Style x Hiss N Vinegar x Dual Smart Rey); Jeff and Jennifer Foland; 660 (H: 217/R: 223.5/C: 219.5); $75,000

4. RSR Closing Time; Justin Wright; 21S (Stevie Rey Von x Lillys Bugatti x A Shiner Named Sioux); Ray Shell Ranch LLC; 659 (H: 221.5/R: 219.5/C: 218); $55,000

5. Shine Yer Sugar; Matt Koch; 22M (Kit Kat Sugar x Shine Yer Gun x Shiners Nickle); Shes The One Ranch; 657 (H: 221.5/R: 219.5/C: 216); $40,000

6. Memreyble; Corey D. Cushing; 21S (Dual Rey x Stylish Play Lena x Docs Stylish Oak); Don & Teresa Martin; 656.5 (H: 215.5/R: 217.5/C: 223.5); $30,000

6. Scooter Rabbit; Justin Wright; 22S (Scooter Kat x Cut N Klass x Light N Lena); Janet Handtmann; 656.5 (H: 218/R: 219/C: 219.5); $30,000

6. SDP OffToNeverland; Sarah Dawson; 22M (Sannman x Miss Sweet CD x High Brow CD); Wendy K. Buehler; 656.5 (H: 217.5/R: 222.5/C: 216.5); $30,000

9. SJR Mists Natasha; Matt Koch; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x SJR Oaks Natasha x One Time Pepto); San Juan Ranch; 656 (H: 216/R: 216/C: 224); $20,000

9. Scoot On By; Jared Jones; 21G (Scooter Kat x Cee Dee Cee Tee x CD Royal); Becky Stockett; 656 (H: 218/R: 223.5/C: 214.5); $20,000

11. Tazzy Es Savvy; Jordan Williams; 21M (CR Gotcha Covered x Mizz Savannah Taz x Pepto Taz); Bonds Ranch; 655.5 (H: 218/R: 216.5/C: 221); $15,000

12. Von Jovii; Corey D. Cushing; 22G (Stevie Rey Von x She Wood In Time x One Time Pepto); Bar One Land & Cattle LLP; 655 (H: 220.5/R: 219.5/C: 215); $15,000

13. DT Lil Big Time; Chris Dawson; 21S (Hickory Holly Time x Lil Miss Shiney Chex x Shining Spark); DT Horses LLC; 654.5 (H: 216.5/R: 217.5/C: 220.5); $11,500

14. Stevies Blondie; Justin Wright; 21M (Stevie Rey Von x ShineyDiamondJackie x Shining Spark); Felizardo Elizondo; 653.5 (H: 216/R: 218/C: 219.5); $11,500

14. Teen Rebel; Gusti Buerger; 21S (Metallic Rebel x Peptos Little Gal x Peptoboonsmal); Home Ranch Performance Horses LLC; 653.5 (H: 219/R: 219/C: 215.5); $11,500

2026 TOP NOMINATORS

THE 2026 NOMINATOR PAYOUT WAS OVER $50,000. Nominator Nominator Payout

Bar One Land & Cattle LLP

Neal or Jody Wanless

Jeff and Jennifer Foland

Ray Shell Ranch LLC

Shes The One Ranch

Kathleen Moore

Russ Mothershead

Chris Dawson

Home Ranch

$6,266.36

$3,788.96

$3,206.04

$2,331.67

$1,748.75

$1,687.92

$1,327.48

$1,320.80

$1,285.91 Performance Horses LLC

Janet Handtmann

RESERVE OPEN STAKES/CHROME CASH OPEN STAKES

Talk To The Prince/ Clayton Edsall

(Smooth Talkin Style x Princess Clarence x Peptoboonsmal)

Score: 660.5 (R: 223.5/H: 217/C: 220)

Payout: $85,000/$4,074

Owner: Neal and Jody Wanless

Breeder: Double Dove Ranch

$1,238.70

Cushing has had Smart Dressed Dude in his barn since the gelding’s 2-year-old year, when Bar One Land & Cattle LLP purchased the horse. The endeavor led Cushing to meet Seth and Chantel Murphy, owners of Bar One Land & Cattle LLP.

“That morning before the [Western Bloodstock NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®] sale, Seth and I decided to have breakfast and get to know each other,” Cushing recalled. “At the end of the conversation, he said, ‘If you see a horse you like, let me know.’ Smart Dressed Dude wasn’t too far into the sale, and long story short, we ended up taking him home. We were super excited about him.”

Cushing and “Dude” made the finals of the 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® as well as the 2025 NRCHA Stallion Stakes.

“He had a nice finals at the Stakes last year, but he needed to mature,” Cushing shared. “We went home and worked on some stuff. As last year went on, we got to November and December and decided to geld him.”

That decision seems to have been best for the horse, as Cushing said he’s come along great this year.

“He’s a very easy horse, and he’s kind,”

Cushing said. “He doesn’t like messing up. He has a ‘bubble,’ like most of the good ones—he can be a little scared of cattle at times, especially when things get going fast. So, I was super proud of him in the Stakes finals when he kept his big-boy pants on, so to speak. He had to get up there and lean on the cow a little bit to be in the right spot at the right time.”

Cushing wasn’t surprised by Dude’s willingness to step up; he just wasn’t sure it would ever happen in the show pen— that it might only be something he experienced at home in the practice pen.

“He can try to get ahead of me, but he didn’t this time,” Cushing said. “We were spot on, getting some good cows in the herd work and getting good cows in front of him. I was able to present a really good picture on him in all three events.”

In the end, Dude and Cushing earned a 665 (H: 220/R: 222/C: 225) to take the title. With four horses, including Dude, in the Open finals, Cushing brought home more than $175,000 from Vegas.

“It’s life-changing,” Cushing said. “Yes, first place pays $125,000, but when you look at the entire payout, it’s incredible. You go do your job and hope everything comes together.”

INTERMEDIATE

OPEN STAKES

Happened In Denver/ Todd Bergen (Metallic Cat x Dontt Happen Twice x Woody Be Tuff)

Score: 657.5 (R: 220/H: 221.5/C: 216)

Payout: $40,000

Owner: Kathleen Moore

Breeder: Waco Bend Ranch LTD

LIMITED OPEN STAKES

Painted Shadows/ Myles Brown (Scooter

Kat x Miss Scarlets Cat x Metallic Cat)

Score: 653.5 (R: 217/H: 224/C: 212.5)

Payout: $11,000

Owner: Hall Brown LLC

Breeder: Myles Brown

RESERVE INTERMEDIATE OPEN STAKES

Magical Katt/Tucker Robinson

(WR This Cats Smart x Smoke N My Wranglers x Wranglers Starlight)

Score: 655 (R: 223/H: 215.5/C: 216.5)

Payout: $30,000

Owner: Julie Weinhardt & F. Velazquez

Breeder: Dan & Linda Macedo

RESERVE LIMITED OPEN STAKES

Diamonds R Cheesy/Amber Johnson

(Here Comes The Boon x Diamonds R Metallic x Metallic Cat)

Score: 648 (R: 213/H: 213.5/C: 221.5)

Payout: $8,000

Owner: Lance & Tammy Johnston

Breeder: Gretchen Lemoine & LB Johnston

LEVEL 1 OPEN STAKES

Tuff Beans/Paige Smoroden

(Woody Be Tuff x Hot Shiney Lights x CD Lights)

Score: 651.5 (R: 220.5/H: 213.5/C: 217.5)

Payout: $6,500

Owner: Michael Robin

Breeder: Scott Wagner

NOVICE HORSE

OPEN STAKES

SDP Offtoneverland/Sarah Dawson

(Sannman x Miss Sweet CD x High Brow CD)

Score: 657 (R: 217.5/H: 219.5/C: 220)

Payout: $10,500

Owner: Wendy Buehler

Breeder: SDP Buffalo Ranch

RESERVE LEVEL 1 OPEN STAKES

Tik Talker/Hunter Hays

(Smooth Talkin Style x Zacks Fifth Avenue x Zack T Wood)

Score: 651 (R: 216.5/H: 215.5/C: 219)

Payout: $5,500

Owner: Walter Greeman & Tammy Hays

Breeder: RCJ Cutting Horses LLC

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Scooter Kat Scooter Kat Partners $9,444.97

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Dual Reyish Billy Wolf $2,206.46

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RESERVE NOVICE HORSE OPEN STAKES

Grayzin/Clay Roeser

(Reyzin The Cash x Little Gray Freckles x Playgun)

Score: 654 (R: 221/H: 216/C: 217)

Payout: $8,500

Owner: Kalpowar Quarter Horses

Breeder: Cowan Ranch Inc.

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FOUR OF A KIND

Debbie Crafton brought four horses back to the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes Non Pro Finals for around $64,000 in finals earnings.

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

Debbie Crafton and Boot Scootin Flo (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat) are no strangers to the winner’s circle, having won the 2025 NRCHA MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Hackamore Classic Non Pro. In April, the pair took the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes Derby Non Pro title, solidifying their spot as contenders to watch in the remaining derbies this year.

Crafton often qualifies multiple horses for a finals, and Las Vegas proved no different, as she brought four horses into the NRCHA Stallion Stakes Derby finals. For a non pro, that can be a big challenge, but Crafton has a solid team of family behind her to ensure that every horse is ready to roll.

“[Qualifying] four for the finals with 18 horses total coming back is challenging, and yet I’m accustomed to it,” Crafton shared. “I’ve pushed myself to show several and try to get them back to the finals— that’s always my goal and a personal achievement. I’ve learned how to prepare and what I need to do to get those horses shown to the

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

APRIL 2–12, 2026

(Rider/Horse/Pedigree/Owner/Score/Money)

1. Debbie Crafton; Boot Scootin Flo; 21M (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat); Debbie Crafton; (H: 220/R: 216.5/C: 215); 651.5; $22,000

2. Carmen Buckingham; TC The Duke; 22G (Stevie Rey Von x Catnips x Gunnatrashya); Tom/Carmen Buckingham; (H: 217.5/R: 214/C: 218.5); 650; $16,000

3. Debbie Crafton; SJR Sumkinda Mist; 21M (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal); Debbie Crafton; (H: 216/R: 216.5/C: 212); 644.5; $12,000

4. Addison Fjelstad; Big Whoopie Dual; 21G (Metallic Rebel x Kitty Can Dual x Dual Rey); Veta Grande Ranch LLC; (H: 216/R: 208.5/C: 218); 642.5; $10,000

5. Lanham W. Brown; Believe In Dynacat; 21M (Dont Stopp Believin x Little Dyna Cat x Neat Little Cat); R.A. Brown Ranch; (H: 217.5/R: 205/C: 217); 639.5; $6,750

5. Debbie Crafton; Covered In Smoke; 22G (CR Gotcha Covered x Sheza Smokin Hot Gal x Hottish); Debbie Crafton; (H: 213/R: 214/C: 212.5); 639.5; $6,750

7. Corey Bender; Get N It; 21G (Bet Hesa Cat x Tamu Senorita Olena x Sonitanovemberlena); Bender Cattle Co; (H: 215/R: 212.5/C: 210.5); 638; $5,000

8. Jayson J. Fisher; High Priced Chyna; 21G (High Brow Cat x Chyna x Peptoboonsmal); Jayson and Teresa Fisher; (H: 215/R: 214/C: 208); 637; $4,000

9. Danielle Griffiths; Vesspa; 21M (Scooter Kat x Tangledupinblu x Once In A Blue Boon); D & S Performance Horses; (H: 215/R: 215.5/C: 204.5); 635; $3,000

10. Nicole Myer; This Cats An Outlaw; 21S (Shiney Outlaw x Metallic Cat Rose x Metallic Cat); Spring Haven Ranches; (H: 212/R: 210/C: 211); 633; $3,000

Debbie Crafton and Boot Scootin Flo (Scooter Kat x Hustle And Flo x Metallic Cat) earned a 650 composite (H: 220/R: 216.5/C: 215) to top the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes Derby Non Pro and a check for $22,000. The 2021 mare was bred by Russ Mothershead.

RESERVE NON PRO STAKES

Carmen Buckingham/TC

The Duke (Stevie Rey Von x Catnips x Gunnatrashya)

Score: 650 (R: 214/H:

217.5/C: 218.5)

Payout: $16,000

Owner: Tom & Carmen Buckingham

best of my ability. The herd work isn’t as challenging because I have a routine. At this show, I had DJ and Tucker [my kids], my son JT, and Isy Scheffel to help me so I could watch cattle. The reined work can pose more challenge. You don’t have as much time, so I know where my horses are and what they need. Cow work is just about going to work the cow. It pushes me to be better, and I tend to like that.”

The mental toll can be high when a rider is focusing on four horses.

“I’m not going to say, ‘No, I’m not tired,’” she admitted. “By the time you’re getting on your third horse, you have to tell yourself not to weaken. I’m a little mentally exhausted, and it’s going so fast that it poses a lot of mental challenge. You dig a little deeper and go do your best.”

Crafton and her mare tied to top the herd work with a 220, and Crafton was pleased with that performance.

“I have to give her credit in the prelims [222 to win] and in the finals,” she said. “She was really accurate. We cut steers for the prelims and heifers for the finals, so a totally different style. She’s so electric on a cow.”

In the reined work, Crafton and Boot Scootin Flo earned a 216.5, tying for second in that phase.

“She was really good,” she said. “She’s a little Ferrari

and can get ahead a hair. With a run-in pattern, I wasn’t sure if it would run her motor stronger. She was so much better in the finals than in the prelims. She was really good there. I trusted her more than I had other times. When I did that, it paid off.”

The cow work earned a 215 and the win.

“The heifers were smaller and struck me as green enough that they weren’t confident to try you,” Crafton said. “I was second out on her. I didn’t get a feel for the cattle, going that early. We didn’t know if they’d run or what they’d do, so I boxed quite a while. I was trying to get a feel for it. I felt like the heifer was a little soft or green. The first turn, she set up early, but my mare was good and read that. The second turn, the heifer ran up the wall and fell off me because we were off the wall. My mare read that great. We got circled and made the best of what we had to work with. I felt like we got all we could out of that little heifer.”

The train keeps rolling for Crafton and Boot Scootin Flow as they head to Scottsdale, Arizona, next for the NRCHA Kimes Ranch Derby.

“She’ll derby all she can this year,” Crafton said. “She’s maturing so much. I love showing 5-year-olds because now they’re getting solid and confident in their job. It’s a lot of fun to show them.”

INTERMEDIATE

NON PRO STAKES/ LIMITED NON PRO STAKES

Addison Fjelstad/ Big Whoopie Dual (Metallic Rebel x Kitty Can Dual x Dual Rey)

Score: 642.5 (R: 208.5/H: 216/C: 218)

Payout: $8,000/$4,000

Owner: Veta Grande Ranch

LLC

Breeder: Lone Oak Performance Horses LLC

LEVEL 1 NON

PRO STAKES

Mary StaubStevenson/Reyl Tuff

(Woody Be Tuff x Reygina x Dual Rey)

Score: 642.5 (R: 214/H: 215.5/C: 213)

Payout: $3,000

Owner: MS Horses LLC

Breeder: Janet Handtmann

SELECT NON

PRO STAKES

Kirk Druey/Stylish

Woody

(Woody Be Tuff x CD

Stylish Girl x High Brow CD)

Score: 631.5 (R:

213.5/H: 213/C: 205)

Payout: $1,536

Owner: Lucky D Performance Horses LLC

Breeder: Madalyn Cowart

RESERVE INTERMEDIATE NON PRO STAKES/ RESERVE LIMITED NON PRO STAKES

Corey Bender/Get N It (Bet Hesa Cat x TAMU

Senorita Olena x Sonitanovemberlena)

Score: 638 (R: 212.5/H: 215/C: 210.5)

Payout: $6,500/$3,000

Owner: Bender Cattle Co.

Breeder: TAMU Dept. of Animal Science

RESERVE LEVEL 1 NON PRO STAKES

Faith Showalter/ Especially Smooth (SJR Smooth Cadilac x Shesa Special Pastel x Pastels Smart Lena)

Score: 631.5 (R: 218/H:

197/C: 216.5)

Payout: $2,500

Owner: Caitlyn Showalter

Breeder: Caitlyn Showalter

RESERVE SELECT NON PRO STAKES

Andrea Pasek/TR

Dualin Desires (Dual Smart Rey x Desires Time x One Time Pepto)

Score: 599.5 (R: 211/H:

189/C: 199.5)

Payout: $1,024

Owner: Andrea Pasek

Breeder: H B Bartlett DVM

NOVICE HORSE NON PRO STAKES

Brent Ratliff/Night News

(Smooth Talkin Style x Catnaps x High Brow Cat)

Score: 650 (R: 216.5/H: 213.5/C: 220)

Payout: $2,250

Owner: Brent Ratliff Breeder: Double Dove Ranch

RESERVE NOVICE HORSE NON PRO STAKES

Debbie Crafton/ Covered In Smoke (CR Gotcha Covered x Sheza Smokin Hot Gal x Hottish)

Score: 646 (R: 213.5/H: 213/C: 219.5)

Payout: $1,800

Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Ty Moore

NON PRO BOXING STAKES/ SELECT NON PRO BOXING STAKES

Cheryl Chown/ Velvit Elvis (Dual Smart Rey x Duals Play Kitten x High Brow Cat)

Score: 654 (R: 218.5/H: 218/C: 217.5)

Payout: $12,000/ $1,104

Owner: Robert & Cheryl Chown

Breeder: Billy Martin RESERVE NON PRO BOXING STAKES (TIE)

Lucinda Rose David/ Off Da Rez (Stevie Rey Von x Hottness x Spots Hot)

Score: 650.5 (R: 213/H: 217/C: 220.5)

Payout: $8,500

Owner: Lucinda Rose David Breeder: Fults Ranch Ltd.

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RESERVE NON PRO BOXING STAKES (TIE)/ RESERVE SELECT NON PRO BOXING STAKES

Heather Vatcher/ Once In A Blu Bay

(Once In A Blu Boon x Reynalda x Dual Rey

Score: 650.5 (R: 217.5/H: 218/C: 215)

Payout: $8,500/$920

Owner: Heather Vatcher

Breeder: Robert Waltman

LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING STAKES

Torrey Benoit/ Just Call Me Joe (Smooth As A Cat x Justasassycat x High Brow Cat)

Score: 644 (R: 209.5/H: 216.5/C: 218)

Payout: $2,600

Owner: Torrey Anna Benoit

Breeder: Beechfork Ranch

RESERVE LEVEL 1 NON PRO BOXING STAKES

Kelly Grewing/Sadies Gotthe Blus

(Once In A Blu Boon x Chickery Lena x Smart Chic Olena)

Score: 634.5 (R: 215.5/H: 214/C: 205)

Payout: $2,250

Owner: Kelly Grewing

Breeder: Lesley Marshall

CHROME CASH NON PRO BOXING STAKES

Lindsay Foreman/Will Kane (WR This Cats Smart x Dueling Chic Olena x Smart Chic Olena) Score: 648.5 (R: 217.5/H: 214.5/C: 216.5) Payout: $1,056 Owner: Dave Belson Breeder: McSpyder Ranch

CHROME CASH NON PRO STAKES

Debbie Crafton/ SJR Sumkinda Mist (SJR Diamond Mist x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal)

Score: 655.5 (R: 217/H: 218/C: 220.5) Payout: $1,490

Owner: Debbie Crafton

Breeder: San Juan Ranch

BY JENNIFER PAULSON | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

TSPECTACULAR STAKES

OPEN BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

Vegas, Nevada, and the horses and riders made big statements in the show pen.

he Bridle Spectaculars in Las Vegas, Nevada, featured wins by three perennial winners and one newer face who’s gaining momentum with his horse.

with his horse.

Hazardouz Material (Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes x Dual Smart Rey), owned by Linda Mars, and Erin Taormino did it again. The perennial champions added another commanding win to their record with a 661 composite (H: 221/R: 219.5/C: 220.5)—five points ahead of the Reserve Champions, Magicality (Very Smart Remedy x Magical Lena x Little Lenas Legend), owned by Home Ranch Performance Horses LLC and Gusti Buerger.

“I don’t really know what I can say about ‘Skeeter’ that I haven’t already,” Taormino said with a smile. “He’s pretty special, and when you don’t know what more he can give you, he gives you even more.”

Cutting heifers in Las Vegas meant the cattle were sensitive and touchy.

ive touchy.

“He drew in the middle of his set in the herd work, and honestly, he’s been so consistent,” Taormino shared. “I wanted to make sure I knew the cows as best I could and cut the three best cows I could. He never missed a beat. He was right there with me the whole time.”

At 10 years old, Skeeter knows the reined work and coming off winning the 2025 NRCHA Ray Shell Ranch Western Bloodstock World’s Greatest Horseman®, Taormino was sure he’d be ready.

“He does what Skeeter does,” she said. “I was thrilled. He keeps showing up, and I’m just so lucky to have him.”

For the fence work, a 220.5 sealed the win and the high score for that phase.

“Working heifers, they were pretty tough; it was a little nerve-wracking,” she admitted. “We’re at the mercy of whatever cow they kick through those gates, but I drew very lucky and got a cow that allowed my horse to do his job.”

This win, paired with placing third in the Open Bridle/The Run For A Million qualifier, added more than $27,000 to Skeeter's lifetime earnings. It also makes him the highest-earning cow horse by Metallic Cat.

y

Hazardouz

NON PRO BRIDLE SPECTACULAR

656 (H: 218/R: 220/C:

Magicality (Very Smart Remedy x Magical Lena x Little Lenas Legend) and Gusti Buerger brought home the Intermediate Open Bridle Spectacular title for owner Home Ranch Performance Horses LLC. The pair earned a 656 (H: 218/R: 220/C: 217) and $4,300.

In their little more than a year since partnering up, Cooper Noland and Elevens (Metallic Cat x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark) hadn’t found their stride. But in Las Vegas, they hit it in a big way, claiming the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular title with a 435.5 (H: 145/R: 142.5/C: 148), worth $5,864.

“He felt really good in the herd,” Noland recalled. “I went out there and worked him on a practice cow beforehand. I walked back to the stalls and told Cutter [McLaughlin, son of Noland’s trainer, Jay McLaughlin], ‘He feels good. I just have to hold myself together, and I think it’s going to be awesome.’ It sure was.”

The size of the South Point Arena worked in favor of Noland and Elevens for the reined work.

“He’s a really big circler,” Noland said. “He always plusses his circles. He turns big and stops good—he’s really solid and true throughout the reined work.”

A disappointing fence work in the Youth Cow Horse class allowed Noland the opportunity to reflect on and learn from the mistakes made in that run before the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular fence work.

“He was on point when I went in there for the non pro,” he said. “I was very fortunate to get a cow like I got. We didn’t have to box very long. We went down the fence, and the cow headed really well on both turns. I knew my scores were pretty good, but I

Noland and Elevens (Metallic Cat x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark) claimed the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes Non Pro Bridle Spectacular title with a 435.5 (H: 145/R: 142.5/C: 148), worth $5,864.

didn’t know if we’d win it or not because there were still some pretty tough competitors coming up. My herd work really kept me in it.”

Noland plans to show Elevens this summer before heading to college at West Texas A&M. He looks forward to building their future together on this win.

“He’s coming around, and hopefully we can keep that [momentum] going throughout the summer,” Noland said. “I think he turned a corner in his maturity. He wasn’t shown a lot as a 5- or 6-year-old, and now he’s 8, so he’s matured and learned to put on his game face.”

NON PRO BOXING SPECTACULAR

Hippster (Metallic Rebel x Hip Hip Sue Rey x Dual Rey) is a family horse for Cheryl and Robert Chown. The husband-and-wife pair has shown the 2019 gelding in both Open and Non Pro aged events. The NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes marked Cheryl's first time showing the horse in a Non Pro Boxing Spectacular in the bridle. They started with a bang, winning the title with a 439 (H: 145/R: 146/B: 148)

“The week didn’t start great,” Cheryl admitted. “He got sick on the way there and didn’t get out of his stall until the day before I showed him in the herd. He’s really good out of the herd, so I wasn’t concerned.”

Hippster proved true to form in the herd work, taking second in that phase. Cheryl was a little concerned about the lack of preparation for the reined work.

“He was a little looky,” she said. “He got a little spooked in his right circles, but once I got through them and changed leads, he was really good for the rest of the pattern.”

The pair again finished second, sitting in a strong position for the boxing. A good cow led to another second-place finish, sealing the win.

It can be challenging for some spouses to work together the way the Chowns do, but Cheryl finds their system works well.

“We have a way we do it, and it works really well for us,” she said. “I have a lot of confidence in Robert’s program because I know it so well.”

Dual Rey) won the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes Non Pro Boxing Spectacular with a 439 (H: 145/R: 146/B: 148), earning a $5,198 check. a $5,198 check.

Hippster will continue to be in Robert’s string as the horse is fine-tuned to become a top open bridle horse, but Cheryl might sneak in a boxing class when she gets the chance.

and Hippster (Metallic Rebel x Hip Hip Sue Rey

HIGHLIGHTS HORSE SHOW

High stakes led to high scores and payouts in the horse show classes at the NRCHA CINCH Stallion Stakes.

COMPILED BY NRCHA SHOW OFFICE | PHOTOS BY PRIMO MORALES

OPEN BRIDLE

Snapdragons/Justin Wright (Gunnatrashya x Catnaps x High Brow Cat)

Score: 446.5 (R: 222/C: 224.5)

Payout: $13,566

Owner: Snapdragons Partners

Breeder: Flying V Ranch

INTERMEDIATE OPEN BRIDLE

Smooth Outta Style/ Tucker Robinson (Smooth Talkin Style x Dualin Curly Pep x Dual Pep)

Score: 440.5 (R: 220.5/C: 220)

Payout: $4,080

Owner: Julie Weinhardt & F. Velazquez

Breeder: Kerry and Jenny Frazier

LIMITED OPEN BRIDLE

OverTheLegalLimitRAB/ Myles Brown

(One Time Royalty x Billie Travis x Continental Fly)

Score: 435 (R: 217.5/C: 217.5)

Payout: $3,060

Owner: Rob A Brown

Breeder: Rob A Brown

LEVEL 1 OPEN BRIDLE

Metallics Got Shine/ Trevor Haught (Metallic Cat x Janamatomia x Reys

Dual Badger)

Score: 431.5 (R: 215/C: 216.5)

Payout: $1,650

Owner: Chloe Smith

Breeder: Greg Coalson

NON PRO BRIDLE

Lanham Brown/Hesa

Twisted Bet

(Bet Hesa Cat x R A B Twistin Dodger x Little Twistin Juan)

Score: 291.5 (R: 143/C: 148.5)

Payout: $3,780

Owner: R A Brown

Ranch

Breeder: Landy Warren

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BRIDLE/LEVEL 1 NON PRO BRIDLE

Cooper Noland/ Elevens

(Metallic Cat x Shinin Peaches x Shining Spark)

Score: 290.5 (R: 142.5/C:148)

Payout: $2,210; $1,573.60

Owner: Cooper Noland Breeder: JT III and Sandra Neal

SELECT

NON PRO BRIDLE

David Beckett/Cuttin

Wright Up (Hes Wright On x Isabellena x Quejanaisalena)

Score: 286.5 (R: 142.5/C: 144)

Payout: $610

Owner: David Beckett

Breeder: Garth and Amanda Gardiner

OPEN TWO REIN

Metallic N Shine/ Clayton Edsall (Metallic Cat x Just A Sparknshine x Shining Spark)

Score: 294.5 (R: 146/C: 148.5)

Payout: $4,585

Owner: Andrea Luce

Breeder: Andrea Luce

INTERMEDIATE

OPEN TWO REIN

Steve Stunning/ Wyatt Fisher

(Nics Black Diamond x CR Stylish Danny Rey x Dual Rey)

Score: 288 (R: 143 /C: 145)

Payout: $2,358

Owner: Jayson and Teresa Fisher

Breeder: Eric Freitas

LEVEL 1 OPEN TWO REIN

Kit Kat Queso/ Marilyn Brandt (Kit Kat Sugar x Maliblu Barbie x Smarts Boon)

Score: 285 (R: 143/C: 142)

Payout: $1,050

Owner: Alex Bos

Breeder: K & L Phillips

LLC

NON PRO TWO REIN

Colette Barnicoat/ Scooters Daisy (Scooter Kat x ILL Be Rockin x That CD Rocks)

Score: 289 (R: 144/C: 144)

Payout: $2,556

Owner: Colette Barnicoat

Breeder: Richard Wright

OPEN HACKAMORE

Memreyble/Corey Cushing

(Dual Rey x Stylish Play

Lena x Docs Stylish Oak)

Score: 439.5 (R: 219/C: 220.5)

Payout: $5,115.60

Owner: Don & Theresa Martin

Breeder: Linda Holmes

INTERMEDIATE

OPEN

HACKAMORE

Kahuna Kat/Joshua Briggs (High Brow Cat x Lahaina Lena x Dual Rey)

Score: 434.5(R: 214/C: 220.5)

Payout: $1,566

Owner: Patti Chiarelli

Breeder: Jeffery David Neidhart

LIMITED OPEN HACKAMORE

Call Me Meybe/Austin Henstra

(Call Me Mitch x Gloreyous x Dual Rey)

Score: 427.5 (R: 213.5/C: 214)

Payout: $1,305

Owner: Arrow H

Performance Horses

Breeder: Paul and Jill Pierre

LEVEL 1 OPEN HACKAMORE

TR Dualin Desires/ Natalie Dalbol (Dual Smart Rey x Desires Time x One Time Pepto)

Score: 411.5 (R: 211/C: 200.5)

Payout: $1,750

Owner: Andrea Pasek

Breeder: H B Barllett DVM

NON PRO HACKAMORE

Paris Starn/Rascal Rey

(Stevie Rey Von x Reysin Autumn x Dual Rey)

Score: 287 (R: 139.5/C: 147.5)

Payout: $2,628

Owner: Paris and Clayton Williams Breeder: Coyote Rock Ranch

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO HACKAMORE

Austin Henstra/Call Me Meybe (Call Me Mitch x Gloreyous x Dual Rey)

Score: 287 (R: 144.5/C: 142.5)

Payout: $700

Owner: Arrow H Performance Horses Breeder: Paul and Jill Pierre

BOX DRIVE/ SELECT BOX DRIVE

Lori Adamski Peek/ One Metallic Spark (Metallic Cat x One Sparking Time x One Time Pepto) Score:

290.5 (R: 143.5/C: 147)

Payout: $1,575; $580

Owner: Lori Adamski Peek

Breeder: Mark and Kimberly Rauch

NON PRO BOXING/SELECT NON PRO BOXING

Lori Adamski Peek/ One Metallic Spark (Metallic Cat x One Sparking Time x One Time Pepto)

Score: 294.5 (R: 146/C: 148.5)

Payout: $2,286.20; $660

Owner: Lori Adamski Peek

Breeder: Mark and Kimberly Rauch

INTERMEDIATE NON PRO BOXING

Tucker Crafton/ FoundLoveAtHooters

(Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey)

Score: 289 (R: 142/C: 147)

Payout: $1,191

Owner: Debbie Crafton Breeder: Connie Down-Cicoria

LIMITED NON PRO BOXING

Susie Bauman/Jerry Smoke

(Dual R Smokin x Kool Arista Cat x Cats Merada)

Score: 292.5 (R: 145.5/C: 147)

Payout: $714

Owner: J Five Horse Ranch Management Breeder: J Five Horse Ranch Management

APHA registration is the only requirement to enter Chrome Cash, a class within a class.

Two ways to APHA registration:

1. Lineage – If your AQHA horse has at least one APHA-registered parent, your horse may be eligible for APHA registration REGARDLESS OF COLOR. ---- OR ----

2. Markings – If your horse has two inches of solid white hair in the qualifying area (above the hock/knee & behind the eye)

Below are some of the APHA-registered sires with competing foals :

YOUTH COW HORSE

Riley Friesen/Bet Hesa Turnin

(Bet Hesa Cat x Stoppin And Turnin x Clays Little Lena)

Score: 292.5 (R: 144.5/C:148)

Payout: $980

Owner: Darvin J. & Tammi Strutt

Breeder: Darvin J. & Tammi Strutt

YOUTH COW HORSE 13 & UNDER

DJ Crafton/SJR

Sumkindarockstar (Smooth As A Cat x Sumkinda Pinkcadilac x Peptoboonsmal)

Score: 290 (R: 142.5/C:147.5)

Owner: Debbie Crafton

Breeder: San Juan Ranch

YOUTH BOXING/YOUTH BOXING 13 & UNDER

Ricky Nicolazzi/Sippin Boons Farm (Smart Boons x Peppy Nicolena x Nic It In The Bud)

Score: 291 (R: 144/C:147)

Payout: $588

Owner: Heather Vatcher

Breeder: Walter Greeman and Tammy Hays

FEED THE MOMENT

Standlee delivers consistent, high-quality forage trusted by horseman to fuel real performance. It’s the foundation you can count on at home and on the road all season long.

GROWN FOR THE LIFE WE LOVE ®

THE RIOS OF MERCEDES FAMILY OF BRANDS

BE EHV-AWARE

With the show season picking up, refresh your understanding of EHV and biosecurity practices.

BY JOE CARTER, DVM

Ahighly contagious and potentially fatal strain of equine herpesvirus type 1 spread across the U.S. following an outbreak linked to a large barrel racing event in Waco, Texas, in early November 2025, with cases confirmed in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and several other states. Now that the storm has passed, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to revisit EHV-1 so we can all work together to prevent another outbreak.

EHV-1 is one of the most significant viral diseases affecting horses worldwide. Although different herpesviruses exist, EHV-1 is especially dangerous because it causes various types of illness: respiratory problems, abortion in pregnant mares, and the highly lethal neurological form called equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

Because the virus is widespread and often silent, understanding its mechanisms and implementing stringent prevention strategies are essential for any horse owner or manager.

THE NATURE OF EHV-1 AND SYMPTOMS

EHV-1 is a DNA virus that typically infects horses early in life. A key characteristic of this virus is its ability to become latent, meaning that a significant percentage of horses carry it without showing symptoms. Latent infections can be reactivated by stress—such as transportation, crowding at shows, or extreme weather—leading to shedding and clinical disease.

Clinical signs of EHV-1 are categorized into three types:

1.Respiratory: Common in young horses; symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and cough.

2.Reproductive: Often causes sudden, late-term abortions in mares.

3.Neurological: The most devastating form, causing incoordination (ataxia), weakness, “dog-sitting” posture, and urine dribbling. This can progress to an inability to stand.

TRANSMISSION MECHANISM

EHV-1 spreads primarily through direct nose-to-nose contact with infected horses. However, indirect transmission is equally concerning. The virus is shed in nasal secretions and, in the case of abortion, in the fetus and afterbirth. It can easily be spread by humans through their hands, clothing, grooming equipment, tack, and water buckets. The virus can survive for 14 to 21 days in the environment, especially in cool, moist conditions.

PREVENTION AND BIOSECURITY STRATEGIES

Because no vaccine fully protects against the neurological form of the disease, comprehensive biosecurity remains the primary

line of defense.

• Vaccination: While vaccines don’t fully prevent EHM, they’re crucial for reducing viral shedding and decreasing the severity of respiratory and abortion symptoms. Discuss routine vaccination with a veterinarian, especially if your horse is traveling or pregnant.

• Isolation and quarantine: New horses, or those returning from events, should be isolated from the rest of the herd for 21 to 28 days. During this time, monitor them daily for fever and respiratory symptoms.

• Temperature monitoring: During an outbreak or when returning from a show, check rectal temperatures twice daily. A fever over 101.5 Fahrenheit is often the first sign of infection, appearing before other symptoms.

Joe Carter, DVM, Oklahoma Equine Hospital and Official NRCHA Veterinarian

“

EHV-1 IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT VIRAL DISEASES AFFECTING HORSES WORLDWIDE.”

• Hygiene and disinfection: Shared equipment is a major risk factor. Don’t share tack, water buckets, or grooming tools. Stalls, trailers, and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, especially when traveling. Common disinfectants, such as a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water, are effective against EHV-1.

• Reduce stress: Limiting travel and managing stress helps support the immune system and prevent the reactivation of latent infections.

THE BOTTOM LINE

EHV-1 is a serious, often unpredictable threat, but its spread can be managed through proactive stewardship. The key to prevention is strict biosecurity, daily monitoring of high-risk horses, and honest, prompt communication when suspected cases arise. By combining vaccinations with diligent management practices, owners can significantly reduce the risk of this devastating disease.

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

To contact committee chairs, visit nrcha.com/board-and-committee/

AFFILIATES

Chairperson: Jay McLaughlin

ANIMAL WELFARE

Chairperson: Joe Carter, DVM

ETHICS

Chairperson: Debbie Branch

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairperson: Ben Baldus

HALL OF FAME

Chairperson: Dan Roeser

HORSE SALES

Chairperson: Todd Crawford

INCENTIVE

No Chairperson at this time

JUDGES

Director of Judges: Bill Enk

MARKETING

Chairperson: Callie Boevers

NRCHA FOUNDATION

Chairperson: Chelsea Edsall

NON PRO

Chairperson: Lori Wyman

NOMINATING

Chairperson: Jake Telford

OWNERS

Chairperson: Debbie Branch

PROFESSIONALS

Chairperson: Cayley Wilson

RULES

Chairperson: Dan Roeser

SHOWS

Co-Chairperson: Ben Baldus

Co-Chairperson: Shadd Parkinson

SPONSORSHIP

Chairperson: Patty Tiberg

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Chairperson: Emily Konkel

YOUTH

Chairperson: Sarah Clymer

STAFF

Executive Director: Emily Konkel emily@nrcha.com

Interim Executive Director: Patty Tiberg patty@nrcha.com

Director of Marketing: Callie Boevers callie@nrcha.com

Director of Programs: Tara Carter tara@nrcha.com

Director of Shows: Taylor Meek taylor@nrcha.com

Programs & Youth Manager: Jessi Medlin jessi@nrcha.com

Events Services Coordinator: Ashley Valor ashley@nrcha.com

Membership Coordinator: Trisha Cantrell trisha@nrcha.com

Media Coordinator: Maci Meads maci@nrcha.com

Sanctioned Shows Coordinator: Amber Gentry agentry@nrcha.com

Sponsorship & Incentive Coordinator: Cami Toliver ctoliver@nrcha.com

Accounting Associate: Marilee Nies marilee@nrcha.com

Alaska Reined Cow Horse Association

Dorothy Hrncir

P.O. Box 876754

Wasilla, AK 99687

Phone: 907-841-4875

Email: akcowhorse@gmail.com

Alberta Reined Cow Horse Association

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

AFFILIATE LISTING

Current as of April 27, 2026

Delta Reined Cow Horse Association

Lisa Bowman 1039 Rip Steele Road

Columbia, TN 38401

Phone: 812-890-2943

Email: lmbowman1110@gmail.com

European Reined Cow Horse Association

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

Damien Chiari

24 Avenue Des Bruyeres Diemez, France 38790

33-65-112-7092

Email: chiaridamien@gmail.com

Gem State Stock 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

Magic Valley RCHA

Kaycie Keller P.O. Box 253

Jerome, ID 83338

Phone: 208-329-0499

Email: kkayc_13@yahoo.com

Website: mvrcha.com

Montana Reined Cow Horse Futurity, Inc.

Margaret Ore P.O. Box 1604

East Helena, MT 59635

Phone: 406-227-7019

Email: more@mt.net

Website: montanareinedcowhorse.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

New York Reined Cow Horse Association

Anna Richards 2930 Shamrock Road

Skaneateles, NY 13152

Email: 4richardslivestock@gmail.com

North Central Reined Cow Horse Association

Beth Brant 135 N. Lake Ave. Phillips, Wisconsin 54455 715-339-2149 bantbm19@hotmail.com

Northeastern Reined Cowhorse 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

We’ll meet you anywhere summer takes you

Whether you spend summer trail riding, showing, or attending clinics, you need to stay stocked with everything that keeps your horse happy and healthy. That’s why Chewy delivers essentials from fly control and tack to supplements and meds wherever you need them most.

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

Kimberly Rose Box 584

Lumsden, Saskatchewan S0G 3C0 306-570-7243

Email: treasurer.srcha@gmail.com

Website: reinedcowhorse.net

South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association

Tina McCleary 1951 Poe Prairie Road Millsap, TX 76066

Phone: 979-218-0633

Email: southtexasrcha@gmail.com

Website: strcha.org

AFFILIATE LISTING

Current as of April 27, 2026

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

Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance

Debra Motichek 18211 La Tung Road Covington, LA 70435

Phone: 985-373-8347

Website: srchala.com

Southeastern Reined Cow Horse Association

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.

Keetch Ranch, Waddell, AZ

Desert Spring Ranch, Queen Creek, AZ

Chris Anderson, CA Performance Horses, Marietta, OK

Jim Babcock, Babcock Ranch, Sanger, 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

Pompeo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, ITALY

Riccardo Capezzone, Castrocielo, FR, ITALY

Cody Christensen, Heber City, UT

Justin Crawley, Crawley Ranch, Springdale, AR

Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association

Gay Lenz 11587 Hunt Lane

Guthrie, OK 73044

Phone: 405-818-7556

Email: glenz@glenzenterprises.com

Website: srcha.org

Utah Reined Cow Horse Association

Morgan Miller 3185 W. 15200 N Collinston, Utah 84306

Phone: 403-279-7529

Email: utahcowhorse@gmail.com

Website: urcha.org

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 April 17, 2026

Tom Daughetee, Kemmerer, WY

Shad DeGiorgis, El Dorado Hills, CA

Laura Delfino, Martinez, CA

Kinsey Dodson, Cleburne, TX

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

Bridgette Lanham, Eastover, SC

Jody Lemond, Andrews, TX

Newt Lemond, Lemond Cattle Co., Andrews, TX

Terry Malarkey, Lazy T Shamrock Ranch, Star, ID

Thera Myers, Oxnard, CA

Andrew Ospital, Valley Springs, CA

Susan Ray, Dream Cross

Tara Reed, Rosston, TX

Kalli Reed, Rosston, TX

Darren Roberts, Kent, NY

Gordon Robinson, Big Rock Arena, Granum, AB, CANADA

Gina Roidopoulos, Saddle Creek Ranch, Heath, TX

Randall Russell, Del Cielo Ranch, Decatur, 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

Don Stockman, Dayton, TX

Tracy Wager, Bridle and Bits, Cave Creek, AZ

Rita Ward, Canyon, TX

Elizabeth Winkle, Sarasota, FL

LAE = Limited Aged Event, HS = Horse Show

Dates

June 5-7 Central Montana RCHA Clark Canyon Cow Horse Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillon, MT Central Montana RCHA

June 5-7 Atlantic RCHA Mike Carone Classic HS, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA

June 11-14 Alberta SHA Wildrose Derby & Cow Horse Show HS, LAE, Cat 1 Ponoka, AB Alberta SHA

June 16-21 Nevada RC & CHA Dave Grashuis Memorial Spectacular and Derby HS, LAE, Cat 1 Winnemucca, NV Nevada RC & CHA

June 17-20 European RCHA Hackamore Classic & Horse Show #3 HS, LAE, Cat 1 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA

June 17-21 New York RCHA Summer Spectacular HS, LAE, Cat 1 Columbiana, OH New York RCHA

June 18-21 North Central RCHA June Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Winona, MN North Central RCHA

SHOW SCHEDULE

Current as of April 27, 2026

www.cmrcha.com Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com

www.atlanticrcha.org

Mikayla Alexander 936-900-4568 mikaylaalexander317@gmail.com

www.stockhorse.ca Shawna Husted 403-875-1369 abstockhorse1@gmail.com

www.nrccha.com Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com

www.ercha.org Otto De Fazio 0039-338-8860657 ercha.otto@gmail.com

www.newyorkrcha.com Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 whoanelley75@gmail.com

www.ncrcha,com Jennifer Schueller 641-590-1041 jenschueller21@gmail.com

June 19-20 Lavaca Ranch RCHA Cow County HS, Cat 1 Hallettsville, TX Lavaca Ranch RCHA www.lavacacowhorse.com Megan Perez 651-655-7103 perezmeg86@gmail.com

June 22-28 Colorado RCA Firecracker HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Douglas, WY Colorado RCA

www.coloradoreinedcowhorse.com Keri Croft 503-701-3305 dkcroft4@frontier.com

June 25-28 South Texas RCHA Heritage Days Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 San Angelo, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com

June 26-28 Sinsheim Open HS, LAE, Cat 1 Sinsheim, Germany www.patricksattler.de Sylvia Bate 49160-844-4813 sylvia.bate@web.de

July 4-5 Southern California RCHA Grant Berg Memorial HS, Cat 1 Temecula, CA Southern California RCHA www.scrcha.com Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5913 klsgrn@yahoo.com

July 9 Calgary Stampede Cow Horse Spectacular Cat 2 Calgary, AB ag.calgarystampede.com Brett Warder 403-261-0313 bwarder@calgarystampede.com

July 10-12 Central Montana RCHA Deer Lodge Summer Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Deer Lodge, MT Central Montana RCHA www.cmrcha.com Reanna Dillman 303-895-5256 info@horseshowpros.com

July 12-18 NRCHA Hackamore Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Tulsa, OK NRCHA www.nrcha.com NRCHA 940-488-1500 entries@nrcha.com

July 16-19 California Rodeo Salinas HS, Cat 1 Salinas, CA www.carodeo.com Rose Ramos 831-775-3100 sdurgan@carodeo.com

July 17-19 Atlantic RCHA Summer Shootout HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org Carrie Nicol 614-519-2809 carrie.nicol.4@gmail.com

July 21-26 Panhandle RCHA Red Dirt Rendezvous HS, Cat 1 Lubbock, TX Panhandle RCHA www.panhandlecowhorse.com Nelle Murphy 580-276-0761 panhandlecowhorse@gmail.com

July 23 California Mid-State Fair HS, Cat 1, Cat 2 Paso Robles, CA www.midstatefair.com/fair/ Kelley Hartranft 714-267-5912 entries@saqha.org horse-show.php

July 29-Aug 1 European RCHA Pre-Futurity & Horse Show #4 HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Travagliato, Italy European RCHA www.ercha.org Otto De Fazio 0039-338-8860657 ercha.otto@gmail.com

July 31-Aug 1 Northern California RCHA Affiliate #3 HS, Cat 1 Corning, CA Northern California RCHA www.ncrcha.info Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Aug 4-10 Southwest RCHA Pre-Futurity & Horse Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Fort Worth, TX Southwest RCHA www.srcha.org

Aug 13-16 North Central RCHA August Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Winona, MN North Central RCHA www.ncrcha.com

Jackie Cline 408-818-7556 entry@srcha.org

Jennifer Schueller 641-590-1041 jenschueller21@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 14-15 High Desert RCHA Show #2 HS, Cat 1 Powell Butte, OR High Desert RCHA www.hdrcha.com

Aug 14-16 Atlantic RCHA WrighTimeToSmokum Show HS, LAE, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA

www.atlanticrcha.org

Aug 20-23 Cowboy State Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1 Big Piney, WY www.csshaclub.com

Aug 22 San Benito County Fair Cow Horse Show HS, Cat 1 Tres Pinos, CA

Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Carrie Nicol 614-519-2809 carrie.nicol.4@gmail.com

Bonnie DeVerniero 406-694-5234 bonnied.horseshowsec@gmail.com

www.sanbenitocountyfair.com/ Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com entry-office/

Sept 4-6 South Texas RCHA Labor Day Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Bryan, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org

Sept 10-13 North Central RCHA September Show HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 Winona, MN North Central RCHA www.ncrcha.com

Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@gmail.com

Jennifer Schueller 641-590-1041 jenschueller21@gmail.com

Sept 11-13 Atlantic RCHA The Green Showdown HS, Cat 1 Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org Carrie Nicol 614-519-2810 carrie.nicol.4@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 19-20 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 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 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 2-4 South Texas RCHA Snaffle Bit Warm Up HS, LAE, Cat 1, Cat 2 San Angelo, TX South Texas RCHA www.strcha.org Tina McCleary 979-218-0633 southtexasrcha@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, LAE, Cat 1 Corning, CA Northern California RCHA www.ncrcha.info Laura Norman 559-760-2769 laura.saddleup@gmail.com

Oct 29-Nov 1 Atlantic RCHA Code West Classic HS, LAE, Cat 1, Dillsburg, PA Atlantic RCHA www.atlanticrcha.org Carrie Nicol 614-519-2809 carrie.nicol.4@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 southtexasrcha@gmail.com