January 19, 2004 - As the time nears for the National Reined Cow Horse Association 2005 NRCHA Stakes, excitement is building over its move to the new location at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona. The show, slated for March 30 – April 3, 2005, is sponsored by Don and Suzanne Rogers’ Heaven Sent Ranch of Tucson.

Carol Rose, NRCHA Sponsor Committee Chairman, noted, Don and Suzanne and their trainer Kevin Stallings were instrumental in laying the groundwork for moving the Stakes to the Pima County Fairgrounds. She said, “We’re thrilled that the Rogers have now made the commitment to sponsor this event. They themselves are owners and Non Pro exhibitors, and have been interested in having an NRCHA Major Event in Pima County for quite a while.”

Don Rogers added, “My wife Suzanne and I are proud to be a new sponsor of the NRCHA Stakes in our hometown of Tucson, Arizona. Starting our breeding program with some of the top reined cow horses and working with Kevin Stallings as our trainer, we are looking forward to many great years with the association. We wish everyone the best of luck in Tucson.”

The Pima County Fairgrounds is approximately fifteen miles east of Tucson on Interstate 10 and three miles south on Rita or Houghton Roads. The NRCHA Stakes is an event for four- and five-year-old reined cow horses sired by NRCHA Subscribed Stallions. The horses are shown in a snaffle bit or hackamore in herd, rein and cow work. Running concurrently with the Limited Age Event is a full slate of NRCHA Classes as well as an Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectacular.

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, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, EQ Solutions, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Rios of Mercedes, Great American Insurance Company 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.