NRCHA World’s Greatest Horsemen Entries Announced

The World’s Greatest Horseman, held during the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Bayer Legend™ Celebration of Champions, February 18-26, is perhaps the most prestigious competition in the reined cow horse industry.

This event showcases one horse and rider competing in four different disciplines – herd work, rein work, cow work and steer stopping. The entries feature the greatest finished bridle horses accompanied by some of the most respected reined cow horse trainers, this year from both the United States and Canada.

The World’s Greatest began in 1999 and has since become one of the most sought after titles in the Western horse world. Thirty-five horse and rider pairs competed in last year’s event, which awarded $135,000 in prize money - $30,000 to the champion alone. The 2006 event will see 39 teams competing for that same $30,000 first-place check and features not only horsemen, but also horsewomen.

A two-round event, each of the 39 entries will compete in a preliminary competition beginning Wednesday, February 22. The top 10 teams with the highest combined preliminary scores will advance to the finals that will take place Sunday, February 26.

Four of last year’s top-10 horses will compete again at the 2006 competition, along with 2004 champion A Chic In Time. Former Champion Horsemen Bob Avila, Ron Ralls, Ted Robinson and Jon Roeser also highlight the list of 2006 competitors. Entries are listed below.

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, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Bloomer Trailer Mfg., National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and GASTROGARD, Great American Insurance Company and the Silver Legacy Hotel, 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.