Winnemucca, NV - April 28,2003 - When the National Reined Cow Horse Association's Hackamore Classic kicks off this week at the Humboldt County Events Center, it will bring worldwide attention to Winnemucca, Nevada.

Slated for May 1-3, the Hackamore Classic features cow horses 5-years-old or under shown in a traditional hackamore in herd, rein and cow work. It is one of the National Reined Cow Horse Association's showcase events and represents the next step in the traditional vaquero training program which dictates that horses begin their careers in a snaffle bit, then are ridden for a couple of years in a hackamore before finally becoming finished "bridle horses."

“The Hackamore is a vital part of traditional Vaquero training," commented last year's Hackamore Classic Champion Lyn Anderson. She continued, "It's all based on the heritage of western riding."

It's the second year for the Hackamore Classic to be held in Winnemucca. "We glad to have this event return to Winnemucca,” said Kim Petersen, Director of the Winnemucca Convention & Visitors Authority. "We know we can count on NRCHA to produce a first-class event and we look forward to our relationship continuing for the long term.”

Anderson, of Madera, California, won the 2002 Hackamore Classic on Smart Time Tuck, owned by Kathryn Schaefer, and she's returning this year to defend her title and to hold a clinic following the competition.

Another instructional event will actually be held during the Hackamore Classic. Free to the public on May 3, the event will host a special Hackamore Training Demonstration by two of the cow horse industry's most revered trainers – Hall of Fame trainers John Brazil, Jr. and Ronnie Richards.

The seminar/demonstration will take place in the coliseum on Saturday, between the horse show classes and the beginning of the Classic Open Cow Work. Cheryl Magoteaux of the NRCHA Headquarters office commented, "The idea of having this came from one of our members, Dudley Robertson. He thought that plenty of people would welcome the opportunity to learn from these guys and from the response we've seen, he was right. Plus, it worked right into our longer-range concept of building this show in Winnemucca. We see this as the first step in creating an event that celebrates this traditional stage in vaquero training. Ultimately, we would like to see this expanded with a cowboy trade show and other activities centered around the traditions and history of reined cow horses."

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 Hat Company, Bob's Custom Saddles, Classic Equine, Bayer Corporation, Cinch, Inc., MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena., Skyline Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, horsecentral.com, 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.