Todd Fitch Rides What Happened Uno to 2008 NRCHA Stakes Limited Open Hackamore Championship

Coming off both a Limited Open Hackamore World and Reserve National Championship, Todd Fitch had trouble believing that he and What Happened Uno could win another National Reined Cow Horse Association premier event. But they did, at the NRCHA Stakes at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, collecting a check for $1,650 and a C.R. Morrison trophy.

“This was really nice,” Fitch said. “He’s a really talented horse, and always does what he needs to. I really like him.” He continued, “He wasn’t at his best today, and the cow made us work. But I was really proud of how soft he was in the face, and he did what I asked.”

What Happened Uno – nicknamed Pal - is by Smart Pep Uno and out of Zans Blonde Whizard. The flashy palomino stallion already has two foals in training with Fitch, and his owners, Vance and Jo Anne Ward, are considering retiring him as a broodmare. “I’ll be a little sad if that happens,” said the trainer. “But I’ve been riding the babies, and I really hope I get to show one of them.”

The Reserve title went to Blake Nelson and his horse Unos Smart Tucker. Nelson actually tied with Fitch, but NRCHA rules dictate the high cow work score wins, so Nelson won the Reserve and $990. There were no hard feelings, however, as Fitch and Nelson joined each other for their win photos. Unos Smart Tucker is also by Smart Pep Uno and out of Tuckers Pistol Star.

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 Wayne Hodges 4-Star Trailers and Outlaw Conversions, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, 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.