Reno, NV - September 24, 2004 - In the first day of Open Herd Preliminary competition at the 35th Annual NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, Boyd Rice of Spearman, Texas, put together a smoking 221 point run in the last set of the day, on Talk Dont Cry. Owned by Gary and Kathy Benton, the stallion is by Meradas Money Talks out of Biggirlsdontcry. Rice also leads the Intermediate Open division.

Second in the Open Prelims is currently held by Jon Roeser, of Lemoore, California, on Mister Smart Remedy, (Mister Dual Pep X Ima Smart Remedy). Late in the third set, he posted a 220 score that held throughout the day, until Rice worked. Mister Smart Remedy is owned by Larry Rose of Lindsay, California.

Second in the Intermediate Open and leading the Limited Open is Mark Matson on Smart Little Whizard with a 216.5. Smart Little Whizard is by Whizard Jac out of Smart Blonde Chic and is owned by Loren and Deb East of Utah. Second in the Limited is Jimmie Paul, with a 214 on Lenas San Lena (Leans Wright On X Shorty San Della) owned by Sherri Gilkerson of Silt, Colorado.

Patty Pollard Wins Non Pro Bridle on No Fat Chics

When the time came for the Non Pro Bridle competition, a new match-up proved unbeatable. Some trades are good trades, others are great trades! Just ask Patty Pollard of Gainesville, Texas. Patty traded for No Fat Chics (Smart Chic Olena X Mokie Merle) just a few weeks back. On Thursday, Patty won the 35-entry Non Pro Bridle at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity.

“I had told (former owner) Catherine Schaapveld some time ago that if she ever wanted to sell No Fat Chics I would be very interested. It just so happened I had a reining horse she wanted so we worked out a trade,” Patty explained.

Pollard has an impressive resume, having won an AQHA Reserve World Championship in Amateur Working Cow Horse, a third in the AQHA World Amateur Heading and a 5th in the AQHA World Amateur Heading. She also owns Chromium Cowboy, the horse that her fiancé, Ron Ralls, rode to the 2003 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Reserve Championship.

No Fat Chics has more than earned his share. The good gelding won the 2002 AQHA Reserve World Champion Senior Working Cow Horse title, and earned the 2003 NRCHA Open Bridle World Champion, with Jamie Peters aboard.

Patty took the last couple of weeks to get to know No Fat Chics and to “change some things to my style. The whole thing was just fun. I was really looking forward to showing him.” Patty said. “He’s just awesome. I just tried to be smooth, trust him, get out of his way, and let him show himself.”

Patty’s score of 295.5 (146.5-149) rewarded her with a check for $ 3,277.50, a Bob’s Custom Saddle, sponsored by Target Constructors/ Dave Archer, plus a Skyline Gold and Silversmith buckle sponsored by Pro Management/Cheryl Magoteaux, as well as a custom embroidered vest from Sundowner Trailers, Legacy splint boots from Classic Equine and a tub of Platinum Performance.

The Novice Non Pro Bridle Championship went to Gary Lynn Olson on Smart Little Scamp. His score of 295 (145, 150) earned $1,771 and a Skyline Gold and Silversmith buckle sponsored by Jo and Tish Wilhite, as well as a custom embroidered vest from Sundowner Trailers, Legacy splint boots from Classic Equine and a tub of Platinum Performance.

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, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, EQ Solutions, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold & Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers and Fleetwood RV's, horsecentral.com, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, 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.