 With a 640 composite, Nick Dowers and Smarter Image claimed the Limited Open Championship of the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity, held annually at the Reno Livestock Events Center in Reno, Nev.
Dowers and Smarter Image, by Very Smart Remedy out of Teena Cash Flo, began the finals with a 210 in the herd work, followed that with a 214 in the rein work, and finished with a 216 down the fence. "We had a clean run - nothing too fancy - in the herd work, but everything stayed clean. I liked everything about the rein work because my horse was really good," he said. "Our cow work went well and we had a really good cow."
The Limited Open Championship garnered $6,260, a Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Doug Granade, a 100x hat from Shorty's Hattery, an ESP saddle pad from Classic Equine, Platinum Performance, a Cinch vest sponsored by Bob's Custom Saddles, and a CR Morrison trophy and commemorative medallion.
Dowers, who works for Anne Reynolds in King Hill, Idaho, began riding "Wilbur" a couple months ago. "Todd Bergen trained him and did all the work. I got him a couple months ago before the pre-futurity and have just been trying to maintain what Todd had and get him shown to his ability," he said.
Benton Bland rode Savannahboonsmal to win the Limited Open Reserve Championship, $5,008, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by 3 Peaks Ranch/Esther and Bill Jackson, Platinum Performance, a Cinch vest from Bob's Custom Saddles, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. Savannahboonsmal, by Peptoboonsmal out of Savannah Hickory, is an NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Sale alum, and was the high-seller in 2010. The talented mare was purchased and currently owned by Circle Y Ranch of Aubrey, Texas. |
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