The National Reined Cow Horse Association’s signature event for Hackamore Horses, the Hackamore Classic, returns to Paso Robles, California in 2006.

Slated for April 28-30, the Hackamore Classic is a specialized event that celebrates the second stage of training for the traditional California Vaquero. In its third year at the Paso Robles Event Center, the Hackamore Classic is a fitting showcase of hackamore finesse

Strong support from the Paso Robles community continues in 2005, with the much-appreciated patronage and support of Jack and Phoebe Cooke, along with sponsorship commitments from George and Sue Hearst, Golden Hills Auto Center, Plaza Cleaners/Goforth Equestrian, Paso Robles Inn, and JB Dewar, Inc. In addition, Lacey Livestock Company Quarter Horses, John and Mark Lacey, will sponsor the Hackamore Classic Championship Bob’s Custom Saddle.

Open and Non Pro Champions will receive custom Bosals and Mecates from Krause Mecates. Open, Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro and Amateur Champions will receive custom tooled 1 ½ inch Breast Collars sponsored by Classic Equine.

Reserve Champions in each division will receive Krause Mecates and third through fifth place will receive High Performance Skid Boots from Classic Equine.

It will be the first opportunity for the NRCHA crowd to see the new renovations at the Mid-State Fair Grounds, newly renamed the Paso Robles Event Center.

Exhibitors and fans will be treated to a special complimentary barbecue on Friday evening (April 28), hosted by the Paso Robles Events Center Board.

Vivian Robertson, CEO of the Paso Robles Events Center, noted, “We are proud of our facility upgrades and are hopeful the NRCHA management, staff and exhibitors will be excited about them as well. The additional 140 stalls bring the total number of stalls available to 372. The stadium seating provides a new level of comfort with 22 inch seats for more seat room and arm rests.”

The competition will be intense, as well. Last year, Bob Avila won the Hackamore Classic Open Championship on Chics Magic Potion, owned by Ken Banks. Previously, Avila had ridden the son of Smart Chic Olena out of Remedys Magic Potion to the 2003 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Championship, after winning the Cow Horse Classic in Santa Ynez, California. In 2005, he added the NRCHA Stakes Championship.

Polly Bremel topped the Non Pro field on Uno Smart Starlight to claim the Hackamore Classic Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Championships.

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 Bailey Hats, 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 & Performance Horse 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.