cruze-mode-alex-rose
Photo by Lillian Kent.

Alex Rose Finally Prevails in NRCHA Youth Limited

The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Youth Limited World Championship came down to a nail-biting conclusion Friday in the John Justin Arena. As the competitors dwindled during the awards, it was announced that the final two remaining had tied with a 430.5 — and the champion would be determined on the cow score. 

When the dust settled, Alex Rose of Gallipolis, Ohio, was the victor. On 2009 gelding Cruze Mode, Rose had finally gotten his World Championship, winning $830. 

“They left the radio really loud [in the alleyway] so me and Breanne Faris — the Reserve champion — were actually joking when we walked in [for awards], we thought we had tied, so it was either runoff or coin flip, I don’t know how they decided it.”

With his champion neck ribbon, Rose and Cruze Mode took one more — enthusiastic — lap around the arena. The gelding is sired by Equi-Stat Elite $11 million sire Wimpys Little Step and out a Smart Chic Olena mare Smart Lassie Chic. Owned by Kim Jividen-Rose of Gallipolis, Cruze Mode was bred by the W.T. Waggoner Estate of Vernon, Texas. “Cruze” has three money-earning progeny, although he has since been gelded. 

Showing in the NRCHA for 14 years, 19-year-old Rose said he got his start “in a small association in Ohio” and is excited to hone his craft in the NRCHA non-pro division. 

According to Rose, years of coming in second place to Luke Paulus encouraged him to keep working, and with Paulus finally going down the fence exclusively, it was Rose’s chance to shine in the Youth Limited. Rose described Paulus as a brother, saying they traveled the country showing together showing and grew up together. 

“It’s definitely something different. I’ve never really felt the true feeling” of being the champion, Rose said, “It’s definitely awesome and I’m very thankful and very blessed to be here.”

Rose thanked his supporters at Deacon Equine as well as his family and girlfriend, Diamond Holden. 

Reserve Champion was Faris and Wranglers Lat Attak, a 2008 gelding (Starlights Wrangler x Smart Attack x Smart Little Lena). Bred by Adair Reiners LLC of Mesa, Arizona, Wranglers Last Attak is owned by Jody Faris of Pueblo, Colorado. Faris scored a 430.5 composite.

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