NRCHA Celebration of Champions Returns to Stephenville in 2006

June 22, 2005 - National Reined Cow Horse Association Vice President Larry Bell announced June 22 that the association’s Bayer Legend Celebration of Champions will return to Stephenville, Texas in 2006.

Set for February 19-26, the Celebration of Champions, which combines the NRCHA’s World Championship Show, the World’s Greatest Horseman and the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association Derby into an eight-day extravaganza, is a keynote event in the western horse world. The new agreement insures that the event will be held at the Lone Star Arena in Stephenville through 2008.

A great facility that is constantly being improved, a central US location, and the support of the Stephenville community were all factors in making the three-year commitment, according to Bell. “It was obvious that this was a community-wide collaboration and that was a key element in our selection of the Stephenville bid,” he said.

Paul and Marcie Sullivan own Lone Star Arena, and Paul was excited about the announcement. “Marcie and I and our staff are all looking forward to the next three years. We feel that this is a prestigious event and it brings a high level of horses and high caliber of people to our community,” Paul said.

He continued, “The NRCHA is a trend-setter in the horse world and it’s fitting for an event that represents so much of the real authentic western horse tradition to be held in the Cowboy Capital.”

Jeff Sandford, President of the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, agreed. “Stephenville has a rich western heritage, and already hosts a variety of state, national, and world finals throughout the year. This event adds significantly to our community, and we are excited to welcome NRCHA participants from all over the country back to Lone Star Arena, here in the Cowboy Capital of the World – Stephenville, Texas! “

Phil Nivens and his wife, Vickie, own the Hard Eight Restaurant in Stephenville, and are also a part of the team that worked to bring the Celebration to Stephenville. Both were happy to hear the news that their bid had been successful. Phil said, “This event is great for our community. The people participating are wonderful and we really enjoy them being here!”

According to NRCHA President Dan Roeser, the National Reined Cow Horse Association is eager to move forward with plans and preparation for the massive show. “We sincerely appreciate the enthusiastic support we received from the Stephenville Community for the past two years and are looking forward to the next three years in Stephenville,” he said, then continued. “Thanks to Larry and the NRCHA World Show Committee for securing the bids and our special appreciation goes to those venues who pursued this event.”

Bell also complimented the other venues that bid for the Celebration of Champions, and noted, “The quality and professionalism of the bids we received were impressive. They were well-done and well thought- out and very competitive, making this a difficult decision.”

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the 56-year-old 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 Bayer Corporation, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, EQ Solutions, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Great American Insurance Company 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.