Photo credit: Heather Baumgardner

It began as the California Reined Cow Horse Association, but as the thrill of reined cow horse competition spread, the budding organization had to make a change. Years ago, the CRCHA amended its name, becoming the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Since then, cow horse competition has spread across the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.

On Friday, February 3, that international flair was evidenced as two Canadians took the top spots in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle of the NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere. For the third year in a row, Suzon Schaal will return as a World Champion to the Wild Rose Country of Alberta, Canada.

“It feels pretty good. I’m having a hard time believing that it’s actually happened,” Schaal said of winning her third world title in three years. Schaal was riding Genuine Brown Gal, who she’s ridden for every championship. “She’s been very good to me.”

Schaal and Genuine Brown Gal, by Listo Pollito Lena and out of Genuine Emerald, marked a 217.5 in the rein work and 222 in the cow work. “The rein work felt good, even though our first stop could have been a little better,” she said. “The cow work could have been a little tighter and quicker, but it was enough for today and I’m really happy.”

On Saturday, Schaal and Genuine Brown Gal will take another stab at a world championship in the Non Pro Bridle. Schaal, an equine veterinarian, said her friends, family, and co-workers were a large part of her success. “I couldn’t do it without them. They help me so much,” she said. “I also thank my trainer John Swales. I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s been a huge supporter and keeps me calm.”

Schaals took home $3,318, a Bob’s Custom Saddle, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Smart Boons, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, a vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, a CR Morrison trophy and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.

Jackie Miller won the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Reserve World Championship on her horse, Pepinics Fancy, with a 427. Miller, of Okotoks, Alberta, won $2,607. The Reserve Championship garnered a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Smart Boons, custom spurs from Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, a tool notebook from Classic Equine, a vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.

Pepinics Fancy is by Pepinics Master and out of Docs Fancy Dudette.

The NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere is held as part of the NRCHA Celebration of Champions, held January 28-February 5 at the First Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas. The Celebration of Champions also features the Circle Y Ranch Derby and the World’s Greatest Horseman competition.

The big news at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Circle Y Ranch Derby Non Pro divisions was an un-assuming 18-year-old named John Murphy. He and his family traveled more than 40 hours from his home in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, to the West Texas town of San Angelo to claim the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Novice Non Pro, and Amateur Championships!

“He was a good boy,” Murphy modestly said of his horse, Pepto Pepermint, after the awards ceremony. Murphy took home four Gist Silversmiths buckles, four monogrammed jackets from Circle Y Ranch, and a $50 product gift certificate from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies. He also won $5,652 from the Championships alone. He also won $3,094 from the go-rounds, including the high Amateur cow work score. “He was pretty much the best he’s ever been. He was solid and he worked like he does at home.”

Murphy and Pepto Pepermint, by Surely A Pepto and out of Haidas Pepermint, competed in 2011 at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and were tied for the lead of the Amateur division going into the cow work. Unfortunately, a bad fence work took them out of contention. “We definitely had a screwup. I watched a lot of people while I was there and got some videos of different people – like Boyd Rice – and when I came home I worked to change his style and do an overhaul on him. It worked,” he said.

Murphy’s parents, Eugene and Maria Murphy, own Pepto Pepermint, and were on-hand to cheer him on. “I thank my parents for all their support. I’m lucky that they help me do this and I get to go to the big shows,” he said. “I also thank Boyd Rice, Robbie Boyce, John Swales, Brad Peterson, the people I came with, and everyone else who has helped me.”

Rhoda Rein, of Watkins, Colorado, marked the high cow work score for the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, and Novice Non Pro divisions with a 146. She was riding her horse, Dig My Peppy Steps, and won $975. Dig My Peppy Steps is by Diggers Rest out of Pep In My Step.

Clovis, California, Non Pro Tish Wilhite finished as the Non Pro Reserve Champion with a 428 composite, and collected $1,966. Wilhite was riding Smokin My Cash, by Smokums Prize out of Cash My Lean. She received a Gist Silversmiths buckle, a monogrammed jacket from Circle Y Ranch, and a $50 gift certificate from Santa Cruz Biotechnologies.

Lorna Neel, of Millsap, Texas, took the Reserve title in the Intermediate Non Pro and Novice Non Pro divisions on Tex Me A Pepto. Neel and Tex Me A Pepto, by Zezes Pepto Cat and out of Texas Switch, marked a 422.5 to win $1,024 in the Intermediate Non Pro and $341 in the Novice Non Pro. She was also presented with two Gist Silversmiths buckles and two monogrammed jackets from Circle Y Ranch.

The Amateur Reserve Championship went to Carolyn Edson and Daphne Doo Right with a 408.5. Edson, of Anacortes, Washington, took home a Gist Silversmiths buckle and a monogrammed jacket from Circle Y Ranch, as well as a check for $1,175. Daphne Doo Right is by Chex My Freckles out of Little Dolly Mac.