The second leg of Non-Pro preliminary competition for the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity concluded Saturday, Sept. 24. With a 220, Shawn Renshaw, Nipomo, Calif., and Gennys Prize (Smokums Prize x Genuinely Perfect x Genuine Doc) claimed not only the top spot of the rein work for both the Non-Pro and Intermediate Non Pro - they also took an 8.5 point lead in the Non-Pro preliminary composite with a 437. The pair also won the herd work with a 217.

For the Non-Pro rein work high score Renshaw and Gennys Prize won $1,500. Renshaw took home an additional $1,000 for topping the Intermediate Non Pro division. Second in the Non-Pro composite is Anne Reynolds, King Hill, Idaho, and Smart Magic Trick (Very Smart Remedy x Magical Lena), who mave a 428.5 (herd-211/rein-217.5). Third is Kylie Knight, Fort Worth, Texas, and Cures All (Peptoboonsmal x Lenas Lacy Moon), a pair with 428 points (herd-211/rein-217).

See preliminary round scores

The top 15 Non-Pro entries and the top 10 Intermediate Non-Pro entries will advance to the clean-slate finals on Friday, Sept. 30.

Taking first place in the Amateur rein work was Amanda Gardiner and Whachichi Chex (Too Busy Cashin Chex x What Chics Wanna Doo x Chic Please), with a 216. The Amateur go-round win came with a check for $500.

Sept. 23, 2011
Latest from the reined cow horse action at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno, Nev., – yesterday, California horseman Shawn Renshaw worked his way to the top of the Non-Pro herd work aboard Gennys Prize (Smokums Prize x Genuinely Perfect x Genuine Doc). The pair marked a 217, which situated them at the top of the round, both in the Non-Pro and Intermediate Non-Pro divisions. But there's more to the story....

In 2000, Shawn Renshaw piloted Smokums Prize to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non-Pro Reserve Championship, and also qualified for the Open finals. Unfortunately, an injury kept Renshaw from competing in the Open - and a catch-rider had to be found. The rest was history, as NRCHA Hall of Famer Ted Robinson piloted the stallion to the Open Championship.

Renshaw will receive a check for $1,500 and a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Wilson and Susan Lyle. Because he's also eligible in the Intermediate Non Pro, Renshaw collected an additional $1,000 for that high score.

The Non-Pro preliminary competition determines which Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro entries will advance to the clean-slate finals on Friday, September 30 - but also the Snaffle Bit Futurity Amateur Championship.

Currently in the lead for the Amateur title is Liz Younger of Reno, Nevada. Younger rode her horse, This Cats Tangy, to a 213 - collecting $500.

There is a 3-way tie for second between Heather Livingston and Ooh La La Soula, Dave Ferguson and Cats Bandito, and Jens Naglestad and Itchi Mint. All three marked a 211.

The Non Pro preliminary competition continues Saturday, Sept. 24, with the rein work.