Katy, TX - April 15, 2003 - Arena action at the National Reining Breeders Classic won’t actually begin until Wednesday morning but on Monday there was already intense competition between event sponsors, horse owners, non pro and professional riders during today’s NRBC’s Annual Reiners Golf Tournament here at Cinch Ranch Gold Club.

Following a two-hole playoff, the team of Sally and Neal Broten, and Chad Clark - all of River Falls, Wisconsin, and Greg Gottschalk, Coloma, Wisconsin won first place. The team of Texans - Dr. Jim Morgan, Pilot Point, Todd Sommers, Whitesboro, Mike Day, Houston, and Barry was second in the third annual scramble format tournament.

“We had an awesome time, perfect weather, a little break from the horse show said Neal Broten, “The Wisconsin people showed their best talents.” Broten is actually better known for another sport – and his distinguished hockey career included the unforgettable Lake Placid Team USA "Do You Believe in Miracles?" win – as well as a record-setting stint in the NHL. Sally Broten, his wife, owns last year's NRBC Champion, Starlights Wrangler.

“It’s just a fun event,” said Dr. Morgan, a veterinarian and one of the Nationaln Reining Horse Association's Leading All Time Non Pros. “It gives us all a chance to relax and enjoy the camaraderie before we start to get very serious about our reining competition.”

Terry Griffin, Dewinton, Alberta, landed a shot just feet from the hole at five to win closest to the pin. For her accuracy she took home the first place buckle award. Closest to the pin on 12 was Neal Broten, and on 16 was Jim Morgan. Finally, Elton Brownshadel landed just feet away from the hole on three. All received special NRBC Reiner's Golf Buckles.

Even a foursome that was anything but at the top of its game went home with a prize. Dave Archer, the tournament organizer, along with fellow Richmond residents Bob Long and Steve Archer, and Canadian Kingsley Archer will enjoy a dinner at El Jarrito Restaurant & Cantina to ease the pain of their last place finish.

The National Reining Breeders Classic reining competition starts Wednesday morning with the Non Pro Classic First Round at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center and runs through Sunday. Admission to the show is free each day except for the evening showcase performances on Friday beginning at 7:30 and Saturday beginning at 7. Tickets for those performances are $5.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just five years, the NRBC has grown to include over 240 subscribed stallions and nearly 9,000 enrolled foals, and the payout at the 2002 National Reining Breeders Classic exceeded $700,000. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 559-759-3939.