World's Greatest Horseman Competition Begins Today

Amarillo, TX - June 5, 2003 - The National Reined Cow Horse Association's showcase event for All Around competition, the World's Greatest Horseman, begins today in Amarillo, Texas as part of Cowboy Roundup USA.

Kicking off the event, which takes place June 5-7 at the Amarillo National Center in Amarillo, Texas, was a special reception hosted by the American Quarter Horse Association for the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Held at the AQHA Heritage Center, the party saw over 150 attendees, according to Kellye Debord, AQHA Director of Alliance Partners.

AQHA Executive Vice President Bill Brewer welcomed contestants, owners and officials, and expressed his thanks for the National Reined Cow Horse Association holding the event in Amarillo. A highlight of the night came when Carol Rose, who is the NRCHA Secretary and Board of Directors member as well as an AQHA Director,presented the 27 World's Greatest Horseman contestants with their specialcommemorative back numbers.

Preliminary competition beginstoday at 10:00 with the herd work, followed by the rein work. On Friday, thesteer stopping and cow work will help decide the ten finalists for Saturday. Aspecial Ranch Cowboy division of the World's Greatest Horseman is also beingheld. Ranch Cowboy contestants from 12 ranches will compete in three of theevents - the herd work, steer stopping and cow work - in a single round ofcompetition.

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, Classic Equine, Bayer Corporation, Cinch, Inc., MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, Western Horseman magazine, Quarter Horse News magazine, the Reno Hilton, horsecentral.com, Rios of Mercedes, Bob's Custom Saddles, 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.