December 26, 2002 – The National Reined Cow Horse Association's showcase event for hackamore horses, the Hackamore Classic, will return for the second year to Winnemucca, Nevada's Humboldt County Events Center in 2003.

Slated for May 1-3, the Hackamore Classic features cow horses 5-years-old or under shown in a traditional hackamore in herd, rein and cow work.

 “We are really pleased to have the NRCHA Hackamore Classic return to Winnemucca,” said Kim Petersen, Director of the Winnemucca Convention & Visitors Authority. We know we can count on NRCHA to produce a first-class event and we look forward to our relationship continuing for the long term.”       

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the world-wide governing body for cow horse competition, also produces the annual NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno. The Winnemucca event represents the next step in the traditional vaquero training program which dictates that horses begin their careers in a snaffle bit,  then are ridden for a couple of years in a hackamore before finally becoming finished "bridle horses."

According to NRCHA Sponsor Committee Chairman Carol Rose, the Winnemucca Visitors & Convention Authority has returned as the major supporter of the Hackamore Classic, and has committed a cash sponsorship of $10,000 added towards the total purse for the 2003 event.  Rose commented, "We really appreciate their support and look forward to growing the Hackamore Classic with them."

She continued, "The Humboldt County Events Center is a beautiful facility and a perfect place to show a horse. The location is great – very accessible to several surrounding states where there is a lot of interest in reined cow horses."

Lyn Anderson of Madera, California, won the 2002 Hackamore Classic on Smart Time Tuck, owned by Kathryn Schaefer.  "I am very excited that the NRCHA Hackamore Classic is returning to Winnemucca in 2003," said Anderson. "It is a first class arena and the events center staff is wonderful to work with. Everyone in town is so friendly – even the blackjack dealers!"