Anne Reynolds Takes Non Pro Championship by Storm - $50K Non Pro Championship to Carol Roberts

Reno, NV - October 4, 2003 - Annie Reynolds already had a good thing going at the 2003 National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Snaffle Bit Futurity, taking the Non Pro Bridle win during the first week of action on Cash Us McLain, a 1997 sorrel stallion by Nu Cash, out of Nancy McLain.

Reynolds wasn’t finished at the Futurity yet, however, as Saturday, October 4 she dominated the Non Pro Futurity Championship to capture the title by a whopping 14 points. The former Non Pro Futurity Champion (in 1998 on Magical Lena) rode Legendary Colonel, a sorrel gelding by Lenas Little Legend, and out of Colonel De Light, to a 220 in the herd and rein works, and a big 223 in the cow work for a staggering composite score of 663.

Reynolds, of King Hill, Idaho, was not surprised by her horse’s performance. She confessed that she had high hopes this year for Legendary Colonel as he is “an exceptional horse, so gifted and capable athletically”. She noted that she had high hopes for the Open Futurity as well, as “this horse was capable of winning the open”.

However in the open Reynolds suffered from the heartbeat of the reined cow horse industry – the luck of the draw. Part of the challenge of riding reined cow horses is the fact that once it’s time for the cow work, anything can happen to level the playing field. A competition is never decided until the cow work is done. Reynolds cow draw in the open was less than desirable, leaving her out of the finals.

Reynolds came back with a vengeance in the Non Pro. Her herd work and rein work set up the drama for her cow work. When her first cow turned out to be unworkable, she was relieved when she heard the judges whistle for a new cow. According to Reynolds, the 223 she then marked was ”icing on the cake!” She confessed that she was nervous before the fence run, but “I just had to get rid of those thoughts, and just do what I do”. She confessed that her 10 point lead did cause her to decide she might take a third turn on the fence if she had to, but “you really can’t make a plan, you just have to do what the cow does.” The second turn wasn’t necessary, however.

Reynolds banked $40,000 for the Non Pro win.

The Reserve Champion was Shawn Renshaw, of Cuyama, California, riding Shes Cowismatic, (Lenas Wright On X Napa Ann), owned by Shawn and Kim Renshaw. Renshaw scored a 649 to take home the $21,000 paycheck.

Winning the $50,000 Non Pro Championship was Carol Roberts, of Ojai, California. Roberts confessed “I have come to this Futurity for 17 years, and I have always wanted to win a buckle!” Roberts took home more than the beautiful Skyline Silversmith Trophy Buckle this year. She left the awards ceremony with a beautiful Bob’s Custom Trophy Saddle and a check for $2,530, as well as many other wonderful items.

She was already wearing her new buckle as she accepted the congratulations from her friends and family. Her son, Scott, had driven all night to get to Reno from Salt Lake City just to share her special win.

Roberts said,”Everything came together here for Oliver (Travelin Nu Cash, by Nu Cash X Travelena Gal). She has had the Nu Cash gelding since he was a yearling.

She never bought a yearling before and confessed she had wondered at the time, “what am I doing looking at a weanling?” She believed in the horse, as she is a long time friend of Ted Robinson, who won the Futurity in 1987 on Nu Cash, his sire.

Carol said, “I ride at Teddy’s everyday.” She just lives minutes from Robinson. Although she trained Oliver herself, she was quick to mention that she appreciates the guidance Robinson has given her through the years. “If I have a question, Teddy’s always there to answer”. She added, “I liked this horse from day one on a cow, he craves it!”

Roberts had a full plate at the show, as her “other job” is Equine Therascoping. Many of her clients were at the Futurity, needing treatments for their equine athletes. Roberts laughed “It’s been hard, as I have had to turn some work down. I had to remember to focus on why I was here!”

Reserve $50K Non Pro Champion was Stacey Warnock of Ventura, California, riding My Peppy Jeep (Genuine Jeep X Myrenes Badgerette). Warnock also claimed the Amateur Championship Last Thursday.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bayer Corporation, Bailey Hat Company, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers and Coachmen RV's, horsecentral.com, Rios of Mercedes and the Silver Legacy, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.