The National Reined Cow Horse Association recognized its 2002 Year-End champions during the Annual NRCHA  Awards Banquet, held February 15, at the Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino in Reno.

The event, held in the Silver Baron Ballroom, was the culmination of a year's competition for the new champions. Attendees were glad to enjoy the steak dinner and watch the 2002 commemorative Gold Champions video on the big screen.

Winners received an array of awards that included Bob's Custom Saddles donated by Avila Pro Shop, Bob's Custom Saddles, 3L Tack and Cinch. The new Gold champions also received Skyline Silversmith buckles,  a pair of boots from Rios of Mercedes plus a copy of the 2002 Champions video from Galloping Video. Gold Reserve Champions received buckles, with third place receiving Classic Equine Sensor-Flex saddle pads. Classic Equine/Martin Saddlery trophy leather headstalls with silver buckles and conchos were awarded to fourth and fifth place winners. Silver Champions earned Skyline Silversmith buckles, reserve champions got Classic Equine Sensor-Flex saddle pads, third in the Silver year-end received Classic Equine/Martin Saddlery trophy breast collars and fourth and fifth were given Classic Equine/Martin Saddlery trophy leather headstalls.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association's Merit Awards Program recognizes the achievements of outstanding reined cow horses and the top designation is that of Supreme Reined Cow Horse. That designation is made for horses who have shown and won in all divisions of NRCHA competition – snaffle bit, hackamore and bridle. One horse earned that distinction in 2002 – Teninolenas Angel, owned by Doren and Lorraine Ellis of Eagle, Idaho and ridden by Dan Roeser.

The NRCHA Superior Cow Horse title is given to horses that have earned $5,000 in NRCHA competition in any NRCHA class or combination of classes. Horses earning Superior Cow Horse awards were Alfred Ernest, owned by Deborah Hunt of Plant City, Florida; Captain LWC Olena owned by Joanie Cohn of Cedar city, Utah; Docs Tuff A Lena owned by Nancy Tingey of Fresno, California; Ill Be A Lil Smarter owned by Ramona Wold of Wilton, California; Just Plain Nick owned by David and Barbara Archer of Clovis, California; Lenas Quick Draw owned by Tim and Jennifer Wilson of Damon, Texas; Rooster Lee Cogburn owned by Larry Nizzoli of Galt, California; Waterdog Willy owned by Gary Schenck of Danville, California ; and Will He Boogie owned by Carol Roberts of Ojai, California.

Horses who win $500 in any NRCHA class or combination of classes are rewarded with a Certificate of Ability. Those distinguished equines earning NRCHA Certificates of Ability in 2002 were Alfred Ernest owned by Deborah Hunt of Plant City, Florida; Braz Us owned by Marilyn Fleek of Fall City, Washington; Captain LWC Olena owned by Joanie Cohn of Cedar City, Utah; Cash For A Playgirl owned by Cindy Roberts of Petaluma, California; Docs Tuff A Lena owned by Nancy Tingey of Fresno, California; Ill Be A Lil Smarter owned by Ramona Wold of Wilton, California; Just Plain Nick owned by David and Barbara Archer of Clovis, California; Rooster Lee Cogburn owned by Larry Nizzoli of Galt, California; and Waterdog Willy owned by Gary Schenck of Danville, California.

The American Quarter Horse Association also recognized the 2002 NRCHA Best of America's Horse.  The Open Bridle Best of America's Horse was Quite The Reflection, owned by Laura Delfino of Martinez, California and ridden by Jake Gorrell.

In the Open Hackamore division the winner was Smart Time Tuck, owned by Kathryn Schaefer of Castorville, California and ridden by Lyn Anderson.

The Non Pro Bridle Best of America's Horse was Plain Frosty Doc, owned and ridden by Debby Sanguinetti of Farmington, California.

The AQHA also recognized the 2002 AQHA Leading NRCHA Sire and Dam. Shining Spark, owned by Carol Rose of Gainesville, Texas was the 2002 AQHA Leading NRCHA Sire. Docs Hickory Nut, dam of NRCHA Futurity Champion Doc At Night, was the 2002 AQHA Leading NRCHA Dam. She is owned by Loyd Forrest, Wilton, California.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bayer Corporation, Bailey Hat Company, Cinch, Inc., MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Purina Mills, Inc., Skyline Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, horsecentral.com, Bob's Custom Saddles, Classic Equine, Rios of Mercedes and the Silver Legacy, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry.  For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.

NRCHA 2003 Year-End Champions Bios  

The Gold Open Bridle Championship went to Quite The Reflection, owned by Laura Delfino and ridden by Jake Gorrell. Quite the Reflection was the culmination of years of dreams for San Francisco native, Laura Delfino.  She and her sister, Joan Priolo, co-owned a mare named Wyammy Holly, a granddaughter of Doc Bar, who had earned the 1983 Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association Reserve Novice Champion behind the legendary Reminic.  She was bred to Colonel Freckles, and from his last foal crop raised a stallion named Colonels Reflection. 

When Delfino bred her NCHA money earning mare, Quixotes Billy, to Colonels Reflection the result was Quite The Reflection, a horse she says is "her dream come true".

The 1996 stallion debuted at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in 1999, where Ron Ralls rode him to a co-win for the highest reining score. His show career took of from there until an injury at the Snaffle Bit Futurity show two years later sidelined him. Gorrell began to show him in January of 2002.  

According to Gorrell, the horse's prior career was a "tough act to follow.  It almost became a joke when I pulled into an event and people would come and greet the horse first!"  He said "I've never had a horse before that came with his own fan club!" 

 According to Gorrell "riding Quite The Reflection has made me a better trainer.  I learned from Ron Ralls by what this horse taught me, before I did my own work on him. It's helped my training program.  Ron Ralls gets the credit".  Gorrell added "Quite The Reflection is the best reiner I've ever had. He's sure a neat little horse, a true character with a lot of heart and try, he’ll dang sure give you his all." 

 The Open Bridle Reserve Champion was Danny, owned and ridden by multiple NRCHA Champion Les Vogt of Santa Maria, California.

There Comes A Time, a 6-year-old solid palomino son of Shining Spark (out of Omelena Peppy) claimed dual titles – the Limited Open Bridle and the Open Two-Rein Championship.  Owned by Don Myers of Star, Idaho and ridden by Jake Telford of Caldwell, Idaho, the  horse  started 2002 without a show record, then stepped up to the plate and went to work in a big way, earning himself not one, but two, 2002 NRCHA Gold Year-End awards.

According to Telford, There Comes A Time, aka "Cosmo", had been injured as a 3-year-old.  He knew what to do in the reining pen, but as of January, 2002 he had not yet seen a cow.  Previously a roper, Telford showed him some cattle in the roping pen; in fact he showed him as a heeling horse.  It was immediately apparent that the horse really liked cattle.  Jake describes him as a tremendous athlete, and he says that the horse is a "freaky stopper, the hardest stopping horse I have ever ridden in my entire life!"  When he turned to the reined cow horse training on him, the horse just loved it.  He particularly loves the fence work."  Telford added that he is "a tough, gritty stud horse, with lots of try."

There Comes A Time was only shown three times in the bridle in 2002.  He shined every time however, and compiled enough points to rocket to the top of the standings late in the year. The rest of his 2002 show experience was earned in the Open Two-Rein class.

In 2003, plans are being made for There Comes A Time to return to the show pen in the bridle classes and possibly make a run for the American Quarter Horse Association Senior Working Cow Horse title.

The Limited Open Bridle Reserve Championship went to Ima Tule River Nic, owned by Whitney Ranch of Exeter, California and ridden by Joe Armstrong.

Fairleas Colonel Zip, owned by Wild Oak Ranch and ridden by Joey Moody is the 2002 Open Two-Rein Reserve Champion.

The Non Pro Bridle Championship went to Cash Mo Chex, owned and ridden by Gi Gi Gortner of Nipomo, California. It was the second NRCHA Title for this duo; In 2000 they won the Gold Year-End Non Pro Hackamore Championship title.

Gortner has ridden good horses since she was eight years old but she ranks Cash Mo Chex right up there with her most memorable ones.  She bought the now 8-year-old bay gelding from Ted Robinson when he was two, and at the 1998 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, Cash Mo Chex had the highest preliminary score as well as high rein work and fence work, ending up third overall.  He’s been a solid competitor ever since.

Gortner has a half brother to him she is targeting for the 2003 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno.

The Non Pro Bridle Reserve Championship went to Just Plain Nick, owned and ridden by Dave Archer of Exeter, California – the team that also claimed the Novice Non Pro Bridle Championship. 

This is the second consecutive Novice Non Pro Bridle Championship for 9-year-old Just Plain Nick. Archer says that, in 2002, he "really went after it! We traveled!"  Dave and the good bay gelding toured the Northwest, taking in Idaho, California, Nevada, and even venturing down to Scottsdale, Arizona.

This busy commercial general contractor thanks his family and his employees for the freedom he had to pursue his dreams.  He also is quick to give credit to his trainer, Lyn Anderson, who he describes as having " a humongous work ethic". He added, "She loves to see her horses and riders accomplish their goals, but her expectations are high. All the riders at Lyn's barn are very supportive of each other, there is a real team atmosphere there which helps everyone be their best."

Archer made a clean sweep in the Novice Non Pro Bridle for 2002, also claiming the Reserve Championship on Smokum Jessica. 

Archer's trainer, Anderson, claimed a year-end title on her own, the Open Hackamore Championship, on Smart Time Tuck, owned by Kathryn Schaefer of Aromas, California.

Adding yet another jewel to an already dazzling champion's crown, Smart Time Tuck marched steadfastly to dominate the Open Hackamore class not only in 2002 NRCHA events, but in reined cow horse history.  Stops along the way included career wins at places many reined cow horse fans only dream about, such as the NRCHA Championship Futurity Horse Show at Reno (2001 and 2002, only the second horse in history to win it back to back), the Hackamore Classic, the Salinas Rodeo, The Derby at Woodside, Paso Robles, Fresno, and the Idaho Reined Cow Horse Futurity and Derby (both wins).  Together they have stocked a tack room full of saddles!

Anderson said that "Zip" has always been really fun, very curious and happy-go-lucky, although a little more excitable as a 3-year-old.  Now 6, the affable bay gelding has grown into a true professional, who "lives to dominate a cow", according to Anderson.  She said "he enjoys the heck out of the cow work part!"

Smart Time Tuck is by Senors Lil Brudder and out of Smoke Time Tucker.  He shares his winning ways with his full brother, Smart Tucker Smoke, ridden by Ramona Koch of Paicines, California.  It turns out that there is a 3-year-old full sister which Kathryn Schaefer also owns.  According to Anderson, fans can look for this filly at futurities in 2003 

The Open Hackamore Reserve Championship went to Dry N Freckles, owned by Jay Wright and ridden by Mike Zebarth, and this duo also claimed the Limited Open Hackamore Championship. This smart buckskin stallion, by Docs Dry Jess, has utmost respect from his trainer Mike Zebarth, of Kimberly, Idaho.  Although Zebarth has only had him since last January, the pair hit it off and they shared a lot of miles together campaigning for this year's win. 

Zebarth credits owner Jay Wright, of Jerome, Idaho, with giving him the green light to take his horse where they needed to go to wrap up the year-end win.  He also is quick to credit all his help at home, and thanked God for the opportunity.  In feelings echoed by many, but well spoken by Zebarth, he added "I would always like to do this again, but realize it could be a once in a lifetime deal.  I feel lucky just to have gone". 

Zebarth began training reined cow horses in 1993; however he called it off for several years while his daughter was involved with high school rodeos.  He just started up again a couple of years ago.  Although reluctant to talk about his own achievements, Zebarth's enthusiasm was less restrained when it came to talking about Dry N Freckles.  "He’s an awesome little horse" he said. "He's the most athletic horse I've ever been on, the most horse I've ever had. It's hard to explain, but I have sure learned a lot from him."  He added that the cattle can't out run him and they can't out-turn him, and he loves to go down the fence. 

The handsome buckskin stallion has a few babies out already, notably one 3-year-old filly which Corey Shelman is slated to take to futurities this year.  Dry N Freckles will stand to a limited number of mares, and then return to the show pen later this year in the bridle classes. 

The Limited Open Hackamore Reserve Champion was Im No Barfly owned by Judy Gough of Nampa, Idaho and ridden by Jake Telford. 

Finishing at the top of the pack in the Non Pro Hackamore Competition was Kathy Wilson of Wilton, California on her Ill Be A Winning Gal.  Wilson, a multiple Non Pro Futurity Champion, had a good placing on the mare at the NRCHA Stakes in Scottsdale, Arizona in March and that set the pace for the year.  She continued to work well, but had some luck problems along the way.  She had a good show where it counted at the World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity, splitting fourth there.  She was also in the top six at the Ricotti Triple Crown in October.  All in all, steady placings brought her to the year-end Gold and she said it was her first saddle to win in ten years!. 

Ill Be A Winning Gal was a green started 2-year-old when Kathy bought her, and she trained her under the helpful guidance of neighbor Ken Wold.  Wilson describes the 4-year-old sorrel mare as "good on a cow, with lots of expression" and she added "the mare is consistent and very talented, all in all, a great little mare".

Wilson is returning to the same bloodline, Ill Be Smart, for the third time in 2003, with a gelding she has selected to aim for the World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity.The Non Pro Hackamore Reserve Championship went to Bonzarlo, owned and ridden by Laurie Ward.

The Youth Bridle Champion was Smart Cuttin Fool, ridden by Jamie Schrack and owned by her parents, Jim and Linda.

Although she has "always had horses", Jamie Schrack, of Selma, California, has had a special year with one horse in particular. She started showing Smart Cuttin Fool (aka Martin) at the end of 2001, not particularly by choice, but because her good old horse, Ho Ho Tari got hurt.  At first, she had a hard time getting "with" the bay 5-year-old gelding, but once the two hit a rhythm, it was a green light all the way to the year-end Gold Championship. 

Jamie went to Lance Johnston last April for some pointers on how to get along best with Martin.  It certainly paid off as the pair won their very next show; the Spring Classic at Exeter, California.  They never looked back, and also won the Valley Cow Horse Youth Working Cow Division on their way.  Jamie describes Martin as "so funny, really cool with lots of character."  She adds "Martin can be bouncing out of his skin ready to show - he was literally bucking at Exeter, and yet he's totally safe to ride.  He's just like that". 

Martin was bought by the Schracks at the Fresno Futurity Sale in 1998 as a green broke product of the Cal Poly program.  He went to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity under the guidance of Brian Moody and showed lots of promise in the fence work.  When Jamie's good horse was hurt, fate took a hand and Martin was the obvious choice.

Jamie is a high school junior involved in FFA and the Horse Judging Team.  She plans next year to try a snaffle bitter herself.  Suzanne Foxy, a sorrel mare purchased last year at the World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity sale, will get the nod if all goes well, as Schrack's mount for Reno.  

The Youth Bridle Reserve Champion was Fancy Day Olena, owned and ridden by Michael Sposito of Gilroy, California.

Taylor Knapp, of Boise, Idaho, became the Youth Limited Champion on Smoken Julio Olena, owned by Larry  Knapp.

For a soon-to-be teenager, what could be more fun than traveling with your dad to far away places, showing champion horses together, and "hanging out" with some of the most successful trainers in the National Reined Cow Horse Association?  For  Knapp,  the best way to top off that scenario was to end the year with the year-end Gold Youth Limited Championship.

This engaging seventh grader travels an hour every day just to get from the Knapp ranch to Cole Valley Christian School in Meridian, Idaho.  But travel is not daunting to a young man who has covered the Northwest searching for Gold; NRCHA gold, that is.  Taylor has been riding since he was three, and he credits his first horse, a dun gelding named Pecos, with being his teacher.  He says he always "liked the speed stuff", running barrels and poles, so when they became interested in reined cow horses, it was a perfect fit.  He has participated in reined cow horse events now for two years; however last year was his debut with the NRCHA. 

Taylor calls his current horse, Smokin Julio Olena, "a real character, who has taught me lots of horsemanship".  He started showing him mid-summer of 2001, and says "Julio" is really strong, really fast and really cowy.  Evidence of that was Julio's prior history, as he was 1999 Intermountain Region Bridle Horse of the Year for Dan Roeser.

Taylor is looking forward to going down the fence next year on Julio, and his new horse JR High and Dry.  He says he has tried going down the fence at home now, and it is "very cool, a real rush!"

Taylor wanted to thank Dan Roeser and Wade Reaney for helping "keep him straight".  

The Youth Limited Reserve Champion was Laramie Weimer on LS Mint, owned by Edward Weimer of Pocatello, Idaho.

The Non Pro Limited Championship went to Colonel Leo Lux, owned and ridden by Hoot Gibson. For a fellow who wasn't even "into" horses a decade ago, it's fair to say that Gibson has taken the plunge. Gibson owns a nursery business in Boise, Idaho and eight years ago he was moving some trees for a client.  He noticed a horse in the pasture which seemed to be "unemployed", and he reasoned he could always use him for a hunting horse, so he offered the owner $200 for what turned out to be his first horse.  As happens to so many people in the industry, "it's been expensive ever since!"

Gibson has sod farms in Caldwell and Meridian, Idaho, but he also has "a bunch of horses".  One of his favorites is Colonel Leo Lux, a bay 6-year-old gelding that carried him to the year-end Gold Championship.  He said "Sunday" is even tempered and fun to be around, but domineering on a cow.  Gibson bought Colonel Leo Lux, by LH Colonel Hank, as a 3-year-old after seeing him at Jake Telford's.

Neither Telford nor Gibson had competed at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity before; in fact Gibson went for the first time in 1999 just to watch.  However they both liked their horse, so Gibson said "Let's go to Reno!"  Telford showed the horse for him at the World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity where he made the Limited Open Snaffle Bit Finals, and as a 4-year-old he made the Limited Open Hackamore Finals.  Gibson's first year to ride the horse was 2002, and he hauled him to NRCHA shows in Idaho and Utah, culminating in the year end title.  Gibson confesses that he has lots of horses now, and he is going to be a busy man having lots of fun campaigning them all.

  The Non Pro Limited Reserve Champion was Wyo Peppy Tari, owned and ridden by Teresa Home of Santa Ynez, California. 

SILVER YEAR END CHAMPIONS

 The Silver Open Bridle Championship went to Artistchic, owned and ridden by Leonard Davis. Artistchic is a 7-year-old solid bay quarter horse gelding.  He is also the product of many traditions. 

In the tradition of the vaquero, this horse was never shown a bridle until he was a 5-year-old.  He is the culmination of years of careful training, never pushed as a youngster, steady and solid as a rock as a 7-year-old. 

In the tradition of the old time cow horses, he is out of an unshown ranch mare.  That mare however, was a true producer who began her days on the King Ranch.  When bred to Smart Chic Olena she produced stalwart sons such as Chic Please – winner of the NRHA Futurity and Reserve Champion of the Snaffle Bit Futurity – Fantastchic, and Artistchic. When bred to Peppy San Badger she produced another stallion familiar to cow horse breeders – Mr San Olen – sire of Doc At Night. 

In the tradition of the modern true working cow horse, Artistchic is an all-around athlete, ready, willing, and more than able to do any job he is asked.  He has proved that in 2002 by wrapping up the Silver year end Open Bridle Championship, while picking up several All-Around Championships along the way.

Owner, trainer and rider Leonard Davis, of Pilot Point, Texas, describes him as "a horse's horse, a cowboy's horse – He's got lots of personality and I like that".  Davis picked him out as a two year old, at first trying him out for reining horse trainer Brent Loseke. After riding Artistchic for a month, Davis decided he had better own him, and has had him ever since. 

He added, "Artistchic is pretty tough down the fence, and he's good in the herd too.  I haven't put a lot of 'show' on him, just let him stay a cow horse, he has a lot of cow in him." Davis has invested 5 years in training Artistchic, and he looks forward to a lot of years to enjoy showing him saying "this horse has the world ahead of him".

This isn't Davis' first time to win an Open Bridle Championship, as he won it in 1982 aboard a horse named Black Hawk Willy: that he bought from Don Murphy.  When he's not showing cow horses,  Davis starts 2-year-olds for cutting horse trainers in the Pilot Point area.    

The Reserve Silver Open Bridle Champion was No Fat Chicks owned by Kathryn Garnett and ridden by Oklahoma trainer Marilyn Peters. Peters also piloted LDL Silk Purse, owned by James Peters to the Silver Open Hackamore Championship.

LDL Silk Purse is by Little Dors Lena (hence the LDL), a stallion the Peters own, and out of Okies Arrivaleo, a grand old show mare Marilyn showed to AQHA ROM's in 5 events. The mare died  last fall at 31 – and LDL Silk Purse was the last foal in a set that included almost all ROM's, and 1 honor roll Junior Working Cow Horse. 

LDL Silk Purse was reserve champion of the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Futurity as a 3-year-old, plus a finalist at the Colorado and Wyoming Futurities and finalist and money earner at the Florida Orange Blossom Special. She was a finalist at every derby she entered. She will be shown in the two-rein and bridle this year, and then be a par of the Peters' broodmare band. 

Marilyn, an NRCHA judge, began showing at  reined cow horse events in 1981.  She helped organize the original Oklahoma Reined Cow Horse Association in the 1980's and it was this group that eventually evolved into the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association

The Reserve Silver Open Hackamore Champion was Dun It Big owned and shown by Jay Holmes of Sarasota, Florida.

Dudley Robertson rode Flame N Cheetah, owned by Katie Robertson, to the Limited Open Hackamore Championship.     

Robertson, of Clovis, California, has ridden horses all his life.  In fact his first career was riding the mountains of the Sierra National Forest as a horseback United States Forest Service Ranger.  He says he thought he knew a little something about riding until he met his neighbor, Lyn Anderson, in nearby Madera.  Robertson quipped "I regularly got mad at Lyn at least once a year, and thought I needed a '2-barn-buffer' between us at the futurity one year".

His sense of humor is evident.  So is his deep respect for trainer Anderson's ability and influence on his horsemanship.  Robertson said he has been working with Anderson for over 18 years.  He credits Anderson for teaching him "everything he knows", and he added with a chuckle that the direct-mannered Anderson "most likely pulled her punches on me – she could have been harder on me!" 

Robertson has been showing futurity horses for over 10 years; in fact his very first time to ride into the show-pen was in a snaffle bit futurity.  He quit his job at the Forest Service in 1990, and started riding horses full time. He is proud of the fact that he has done his riding himself, and he wants to "make nice horses". 

His current mount, Flame N Cheetah, is in fact owned by his wife Katie.  Robertson explains: "I took her horse to the mountains several years ago and accidentally broke its leg.  She said she had one coming from me, and this is the one she chose so I would never sell her."  Flame N Cheetah, aka 'Annie' came to live with the Robertsons as a 2-year-old.  She was raised by Lyn Anderson, and is out of one of the last foal crops from Anderson's good old stallion Cheetah Van Bar.  Anderson has a full brother which has been a hackamore winner, and Dave Archer has a full sister he plans to take to the futurity this year.  Annie was started when Robertson bought her, but he did the finishing.  He said "it's the best job I've done training yet! This horse is one of those really nice, good ones.  She always holds up her end". 

  Margie Allen of San Diego, California earned the Reserve Limited Open Hackamore Championship on her Smokum Cutter.   

Mark Matson rode HR Legends, a horse he owns, to the Limited Open Silver Year-End Championship. HR Legends Lil Belle is an "acquired taste" according to trainer Mark Matson.  Although the bay mare was more of a challenge to train, Matson says "I really like her, she's really quick, really tough, and has loads of try".  He added "When she thinks it's time to go with the cow, you better be ready!"  He bought into a partnership on her as a 2-year-old, with Carolyn Lincoln, planning on taking her to the Snaffle Bit Futurity.  Bad luck settled in however, as injury kept her from competing her futurity year, and then during her derby year Matson was the one on the 'injured list' with a broken arm. 

Matson gave the nod to fellow horseman, Russell Dilday, who rode "Belle" to a win in the Limited Open and a high placing in the Open at the Johnny Quick Derby.  Matson came back later that year to finish as the Silver Open Two Rein Champion as well as the Silver Limited Open Reserve Champion on a little horse named Dry Mop, to help ease the pain, but 2002 was a new year for Matson and Belle.  Matson said they started the year in the hackamore, moved to the two rein, and then right on into the bridle.  He added "Her fence work is really good, but Belle is toughest in the herd work.  We plan to show her in AQHA cuttings this year."  'We' meaning Christina Hunter, Belle's new owner in 2003. Christina showed as a youth last year, and is also looking forward to NRCHA non pro classes with Belle.  HR Legends Lil Belle is by Little Lenas Legend and is out of a daughter of Little Peppy Three.

Mark Matson hangs out his training sign these days at his new facility in Temecula California. 

It's been said that nice guys finish last, but Don Johnson, of Oxford, Florida, is living proof that that's just not true.  In fact he finished 2002 with two Silver year end Championships on Playball Doc, moving up from their Reserve Championship in 2001 in the Non Pro Limited.  Beverly McLauglin, who edged him out of the neck and neck championship in 2001, said then "I give Don credit – he pushed me…Don is such a nice guy". 

In 2002 Johnson and Playball Doc really took to the fence work in a big way, although he said with a laugh "That's just Doc on auto-pilot, he loves the fence work!"  In fact Playball Doc is so fun to ride down the fence; Johnson said that after his ride he has had judges tell him "that sure looked like fun"!   

Johnson has owned the 12-year-old Appaloosa gelding by Whats Up Sef for about two and-a-half years, and he said Doc knows his way around the Florida show circuit.  In fact, he quipped "If I got lost, I just asked Doc for directions".  Johnson has had lots of horses, but Doc is his first Appaloosa.  He said "I didn't really look at bloodlines; I just wanted a horse to suit me.  I bought Doc because he is so handy; the horse really clicks with me and we just understand each other."   

Johnson was raised on Florida ranches, and has been riding all his life.  He has ridden the "Florida Cracker Horses", which are emerging as a new breed association there.  Johnson still raises cattle, and appreciates the help of a good horse.  He joined the NRCHA three years ago at the first NRCHA show he ever went to.  He said "Jack Hennig called and told me 'you need to try this'!  He was right".  Jack Hennig has been instrumental in encouraging Florida horsemen to try the reined cow horse event.   

Along with several other Florida champions, Johnson is also quick to name trainer George Aldridge as one of his mentors.  Johnson said "I ride out of George's camp; there are some good folks there."  He added that Aldridge is a Florida native, like himself, and has a long involvement in the evolution of the Florida equine industry.  Aldridge also was a big part of Playball Doc's history, helping to shape his career.  Johnson bought Doc from Marvin Stone and Debbie Hunt, and he wanted to thank them for the opportunity to own him.  Johnson also wanted to thank his family for all their patience. 

Johnson is giving Playball Doc a little time off this spring to recoup after his campaign last year.  But he's looking at the upcoming show list and just about ready to go again.  He said they may target qualifying for the first NRCHA World Show.  He added, "No matter what, I will likely keep Doc around a long time, if he gets too old to show, he can just hang back and watch Mr. Ed." 

The Non Pro Bridle Reserve title went to Gay Lenz of Guthrie, Oklahoma on Bear Essentials. Beverly McLauchlin of Lakeland, Florida and  Havegunwill Spin won the Novice Non Pro Bridle Reserve Championship.

Debbie Hunt of Plant City, Florida, rode Miss Jeepers Peepers to the 2002 Non Pro Hackamore Silver Championship.  Hunt bought the Genuine Jeep daughter as a 3-year-old from Futurity sale at Reno, from Ted Robinson.     Hunt turned her out for a year, then brought her back in a hackamore and the mare quickly qualified for the AQHA World Show.

This year, winning the Non Pro Hackamore Silver Championship was a bonus and Debbie is quick to thank and credit her success to Jay Holmes' Triple J Ranch Team, and to Marvin Stone for being so supportive of her traveling. 

Hunt is a Director of Operations for the Florida Department of Transportation, for a 12 county district and manages over 600 employees.  She has been riding for ten year, having begun with reiner Jack Hennig. When she saw a working cow horse class, she was hooked   Her goals are to be competitive on the national level for world titles in NRCHA and AQHA.

Miss Jeepers Peepers will be bred this year to Marvin Stone's Peponita MR

In the Youth Limited, Katy Lawrence and A Little After Five claimed the top spot. For a young University of Florida coed in sunny Gainesville, Katie Lawrence has some serious plans for her future and is midway through her goal of finishing Veterinary School.

The Tampa, Florida, native has been riding since before she could walk, and has ridden with trainer George Aldredge since she was 9 years old.  She explained "My mom, Carvee, has always had horses, although she didn't show.  She is my big supporter". 

Lawrence has lots of AQHYA and AQHA non pro experience in western pleasure, She added "I evolved with George (Aldredge); when he trained for western pleasure, that's what I rode.  When he went to reiners, I did too, then came the working cow."  In fact, Lawrence started the 'cow stuff' the summer of 2001, right before the USET Young Riders Finals was held at the Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey.  She remembers it very well because she and her horse A Little After Five, placed 9th in the reining there, fueling her Olympic aspirations.

Under Aldredge's guidance, the pair took quickly to cattle.  Lawrence said "I love the cow work, it's different every time you go in, and he really loves it, his ears really go forward when the cow comes in!" 

A Little After Five is a 15 hand sorrel gelding by Rugged Lark, out of a daughter of Colonel Freckles.  Lawrence picked him out four years ago at George Aldredge's barn, "for his personality, he always wants to please, and is very patient".  She said "He's my all time favorite horse!"  She added "He is so playful, and has so much fun playing tag with me and our foals".

Lawrence wanted to thank her mom and her 12-year-old sister, Ashley.  She also wanted to thank George Aldredge for his years of mentoring and guidance. 

Jake Parker of Plant City, Florida was Reserve Champion on Positively Pesemistic owned by Alan Parker.

Tina Troncale-Bader of Winter Haven, Florida won the Non Pro Limited Silver Year-end Championship on Touch Of Trash.

Sometimes names really fit horses.  In this case Touch Of Trash is a name that falls a "touch" short of the mark.  According to owner Tina Troncale-Bader, of Winter Haven, Florida, she does get some teasing about the name of her 6-year-old sorrel APHA gelding, but everyone agrees Touch Of Trash is a bold and gallant little fellow.  She adds that his name does aptly describe his linage however, as he is a son of the successful reining sire Trashedeous, and out of reining producer Miss Freckle Audi. 

Troncale-Bader says Touch Of Trash, better known as 'Bud', is a classic case of a horse which is physically little, but "he doesn't know it, he thinks that he's 17 hands tall and bulletproof.  He's very brave, and very confident.  You can do ANYTHING on this horse, what an athlete!" 

Touch Of Trash debuted in 2000 at the Florida Reined Cow Horse Association's Futurity, in the capable hands of his first and only trainer George Aldridge, where he finished in the top 10.  Troncale-Bader has owned him the last year and-a-half, and she said "I will never part with him."  Not only was the pair victorious in the hotly contested 2002 NRCHA Non Pro Limited Silver Year End Championship, they also finished the year with the Dixie Reining Horse Association Rookie Reserve Championship. 

Troncale-Bader grew up in Arizona and has been showing since she was a youth.  She said her family has done everything from PRCA Rodeo to racing.  She showed from the time she was 8 until age 18 in many AQHYA events, including pleasure, trail, showmanship, western riding, horsemanship, and events under English tack and earned various state championships in those events.  

Troncale-Bader moved to California when she was 20, and met her husband John there. They married and then moved to Florida where they both work for Granite Construction Company, a civil construction contractor.  She stated "Granite Construction Company has been so gracious to let me pursue my show career", and she added "I also want to thank two special men in my life; my husband John for all his support, and my trainer George Aldridge, for his time, dedication and patience, as well as the talent to build such an awesome little horse".  She also voiced her thanks to the Florida Reined Cow Horse Association for all their camaraderie and encouragement. 

Angelo Berrettini of Anthony, Florida was the reserve champion on Taris Sandman, owned by Berrettini Hay Company.

In the Open Two Rein, top year-end honors went to Jay McLaughlin on Cashew 107, a 5-year-old gelding by Smart Little Lena out of a Dry Doc 15 mare, owned by Julie Vestal-Gibbons of Highlandville, Missouri.

McLaughlin, also of Highlandville, began riding Cashew 107 when he was 3, and he won derbies as a 4-year-old. (Colorado Derby 2001)   They made the finals in the AQHA World Show Junior  Working Cow.  

Of the gelding, McLaughlin commented, "He's a pretty laid back horse; you never know he's there, easy going, big stopper, ton of cow, really good out of the herd. We call him 'the billboard' as he has 4 brands on him."

McLaughlin said he's done lots of watching and asks lots of questions.  He considers training, especially in the hackamore, an art.  He has 22 head of horses in his barn now.  He is enjoying every one of them and plans to stay and train at Highlandville.  He said "you develop a bond with these horses when you are riding them so many times every week".

NRCHA Champion Kathy Gould piloted Cash At The Backdoor owned by Marti Wardel of O'Nells, California, to the Reserve Open Two Rein Silver Championship

In the Youth Bridle, the top finisher for 2002 and a repeat winner was Megan Harrison on  Ms Sanas Chic Olena. The Dripping Springs, Texas teenager made a clean sweep in this class, taking Reserve Champion honors on Cougar In Command.

Harrison is modest about her accomplishments, and quick to thank several trainers for their direction, including Bozo Rodgers, Sam Rose, and Steve Metcalf, as well as cutters Danny Moore and Jimmy Watts. Harrison and her mother Nina Stewart, finished the training on MS Sana Chic Olena, and raised and trained her reserve championship horse, Cougar In Command.      Ms Sanas Chic Olena is an 8-year-old sorrel gelding by Smart Chic Olena and out of Ms Sanas Frost, by Peppy San.  This is Harrison's forth year with him, and the pair just keeps getting better.  Not only were they the 2001 NRCHA Silver year end champions, they also laid down a fourth place finish in the AQHYA World Show Working Cow and were third in the AQHYA Working Cow Horse Honor Roll Standings.  This year they repeated the performance with a fifth place at the AQHA World Show.  In the future Harrison plans to move even more into cutting on "Santa", and she competes in reining as well.  She says Santa is a "really personable horse, who is really reliable and consistent.  We really get along well with each other".  She added "he can get some really funny expressions on his face; he gives you some funny looks!"