royalisabella kferguson

Ferguson Tops Three Divisions in NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non-Pro

royalisabella kfergusonKathy Ferguson & Royal Isabella • Photo by Kelsey PecsekKathy Ferguson, of Cottonwood, California, pulled off a clean sweep of all three National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Snaffle Bit Futurity Discount Tire Non-Pro, Intermediate Non-Pro and Novice Non-Pro championships on Sept. 30, at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center.

Ferguson, who arrived in Reno with just over $17,000 in prior NRCHA lifetime earnings, had plenty of experience showing bridle horses and derby horses, but virtually no prior futurity experience. 

She piloted Royal Isabella (One Time Royalty x Oaks Rowdycat x High Brow Cat) to a 644.5 composite score (217 herd/ 215.5 rein/212 cow), winning the Non-Pro Championship by a 3-point margin.

“I wanted a derby horse, and the only way I could get one was to futurity it, so now I have my derby horse,” she said, smiling. “I knew she could do it. I’m amazed I was with her on the trip. I didn’t think I could do it. I knew she could, but I didn’t think I could.”

Her triple paychecks totaled $28,951. Ferguson also won a Scottsdale Saddlery Custom Saddle, presented by Discount Tire; a Don Rich Custom Saddle and a Bob’s Custom Saddle, presented by the NRCHA; an original CR Morrison Bronze and two CR Morrison Trophies, sponsored by the NRCHA; three Gist custom buckles, sponsored by Jon and Jody Semper, Stuart Ranch, and J.T. and Sandra Neal; three $500 CR Ranchwear Gift Certificates; three JW Brooks Custom Hats; boots from Rios of Mercedes; polar fleece coolers sponsored by Classic Equine; and product from Santa Cruz Animal Health and Platinum Performance.

Ferguson’s husband, Dave, was also a Snaffle Bit Futurity Non-Pro finalist, finishing seventh on Metalic Dual (Metallic Cat x Dual Whisper x Kit Dual). Kathy said typically, her husband shows the futurity horses and then she takes the reins during their derby years.

“He did really good. He’s taking it really well. I’ll disappear now. He can have his futurity horses, and I’ll keep my derby horses,” she said.

Ferguson purchased Royal Isabella from Million Dollar Rider Corey Cushing, with the help of NRCHA Professional Erin Taormino. Ferguson admitted she had her heart set on a different horse, but Taormino urged her to take a second look at the blaze-faced sorrel mare. 

“I’m glad I did,” Ferguson said.

The Reserve Champion in all three divisions was Jenny Newman, of Bly, Oregon, who collected combined paychecks totaling $22,198 when she scored a 641.5 (213 herd/214 rein/214.5 cow) aboard One Kool Moon (Cats Full Moon x One Stylish Babe x One Time Pepto).

For complete coverage of the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, subscribe to Quarter Horse News.