The National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby continued Saturday, June 24, at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California, with a full day of NRCHA-approved horse show classes. John Ward, from Kingsburg, California, topped the main event – the Open Bridle Spectacular – riding the Ward Ranch’s Smart Little Pepinic.

Smart Little Pepinic, by Smart Little Uno and out of Pepinic, marked a 223 in the herd work, a 214 in the rein work and finished his run with a 222 in the cow work. John and the 13-year-old stallion earned $5,880 for the win.

In the Limited Open Bridle, Brenda Brown, from Temecula, California, earned the championship riding Missn No Chex owned by Warledege LLC. Missn No Chex, a 9-year-old stallion by Miss N Cash and out of Olenas Watchfob, earned a 217 in the rein work and a 215 in the cow work for the first-place check of $1,440.

Gusti Buerger, from Silt, Colorado, topped the Non Pro Two Rein riding A Little Too Crankie, by Little Lenas Legend and out of Crankies Tootsie. Gusti and the mare marked a 210.5 in the rein work and a 209 on the cow to earn $780. Jake Telford, of Caldwell, Idaho, won the Open Two Rein with Genuine Dual Rey, by Dual Rey and out of Gay Bar Slippers, owned by Salvador Herrara. Jake and the stallion earned a 216 in the rein work and a 218 in the cow work for the first-place check of $2,040.

In the Non Pro Hackamore, Doug Koontz, from Buhl, Idaho, took first place riding Young Widower, by Young Gun and out of Docs Widow Wilson. Doug and the horse had a 208.5 in the rein work, followed by a 219 in the cow work, and earned $1,250.

Katie Moon, from Carmel, California, topped the Youth Bridle and earned $555. Katie rode Me Col Fox, by As Smart As The Fox and out of Leah Freckles, to a 213 in the rein work and a 218 down the fence. Joie Coxon picked up the Youth Limited win riding Gallo De Diablo, by Gallo Del Cielo and out of A Smart Little Girl. Joie and her gelding marked a 218 in the rein work and a 217 on the cow to earn $316.

The NRCHA Derby will conclude Sunday, June 25, with the Derby Finals. The day will begin with the second-annual San Juan Ranch Finals Day Breakfast, sponsored by John and Brenda Stephenson of the historic San Juan Ranch located just outside of Paso Robles, and the Derby Finals action begins at 8 a.m. with the herd work. For more information on the NRCHA Derby, including results from the event, please visit the Association’s official website at www.nrcha.com.

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 Hats, Bayer Corporation, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Bloomer Trailer Mfg., National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Reno Hilton, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, 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 www.nrcha.com <http://www.nrcha.com> .