The First NRCHA World Champions - The Class of 2003

Open Two Rein World Champion
Smart Little Coach
Ridden by Marilyn Peters
Owned by Stephanie LeGrande

Oklahoma trainer Marilyn Peters had quite a year. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, Peters is located within striking distance of two of the newly implemented NRCHA Regions, the North Central and the South Central Region. She saddled 3 different horses to take 4 Championship titles in two regions.

Although Smart Little Coach won the Open Two Rein World Championship at Stephenville, bear in mind he already had scored a leading title in the regional championships as well - Open Bridle Champion for the North Central Region. Smart Little Coach (Little Dors Lena X Misty Lee Okie X Kim's Okie Leo) is owned by Stephanie LeGrande, also of Edmond. By Peter's stallion – Little Dors Lena (Smart Little Lena X Docs Missy Val X Doc's Val d'Or) – She has ridden the bay gelding since he was a 2-year-old. Together they have earned several futurity placings, and won the Southern States Derby when he was a 4-year-old.

According to Peters, "He is an awesome fence horse, and has unbelievable acceleration for his size". In 2003 she was most proud of his showing at the two-day 2003 Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association Futurity Show in Pueblo, Colorado. He marked composites of 299, 297.5 and 297. His fence runs scored 150, 151, and 152. "It was awesome and really fun!" Peters added.

At the World Show, Smart Little Coach leaped into the action with a sterling 581 score, and won $1,050.

Open Two Rein Reserve World Champion
Honky Tonic
Ridden by Ramona Koch
Owned by Susan Modic

Susan Modic, of Tres Piños, California, purchased Honky Tonic to be a ranch horse and just to use at local shows. He totally exceeded all the expectations of Modic, and trainer Ramona Koch, of Paicines, and now he can add a World Show title to his list of accomplishments.

Koch and Modic call him the 'Little Iron Man'. Koch said, "He never has any problems. He is coming on really good in the cow, and has great stops. He's really a cute little guy."

Koch started showing the 1997 bay gelding (Tuckers Tonic X Docs Sassy Remedy X Doc's Remedy) as a 5-year-old in the hackamore, and then this year moved him into the two rein. Koch related, "He really came on as a show horse." He came on indeed, and scored a 569.5 at the World Show and rewarded his people with a $875 check.