The 2006 National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic kicked off Friday, April 28, at the Mid State Fairgrounds in Paso Robles, California. Smokey Pritchett, from Red Bluff, California, picked up the early lead in the Open while Jo Anne Carollo, of Atascadero, California, leads the Non Pro.

The event, designed for horses 5 and under that have never been shown in a bridle down the fence at any judged reined cow horse event, runs through Sunday, April 30. Horses are shown in a traditional hackamore at the Hackamore Classic and compete in herd work, rein work and cow work.

Open and Non Pro divisions competed in the herd Friday, with Smokey Pritchett and Jasons Peptolena marking a 150 to lead the Open and Intermediate Open. Jasons Peptolena, by Peptoboonsmal and out of Amys Little Date, just earned the 2006 NRCHA Intermediate Open Stakes Championship last month with Smokey. The stallion is owned by Terry Ratto of Los Altos, California.

In the Limited Open, Mark Matson, from Temecula, California, and 2005 NRCHA Open Hackamore World Champion Smart Little Whizard lead with a 143. Smart Little Whizard, by Whizard Jac and out of Smart Blonde Chic, is owned by Loren and Debi East of Bountiful, Utah.

NRCHA Non Pro Stakes Champions Jo Anne Carollo and ARC Hollys Chicadee lead the Non Pro division. Jo Anne and her mare, by Chic Please and out of Hickorys Holly Cee, marked a 148 in the herd for the lead.

Carol Roberts, of Ojai, California, and Cashs Travelin Gal, by Nu Cash and out of Travelena Gal, marked a 144.5 to lead the Intermediate Non Pro. In the Amateur division, Laurel Morais, from Pleasanton, California, and Brooksinics Sis earned a 142.5 in the herd for the lead. Brooksinics Sis, by Brooksinics Badger and out of Chantillys Sis, carried Laurel to win the NRCHA Stakes Amateur Reserve Championship last month while her husband, Danny, topped the Limited Open Stakes with the mare.

Friday afternoon, Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectacular entries also competed in herd work. John Ward, of Tulare, California, and the Ward Ranch’s Smart Little Pepinic, by Smart Little Uno and out of Pepinic, marked a 149 to lead the Open. In the Non Pro, Ramona Wold, from Wilton, California, set the pace with a 147 riding Ill Be A Lil Smarter, by Ill Be Smart and out of Sis Royal Mohogany.

The Hackamore Classic continues Saturday, April 29, with the rein work in all divisions and the conclusion of the Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectaculars. For a complete schedule of events in Paso Robles, including the Hackamore Classic and a full slate of horse show classes, or for results from the show, please visit the NRCHA’s official website at www.nrcha.com.

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 Bailey Hats, Bayer Corporation, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Bloomer Trailer Mfg., National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Reno Hilton, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and GASTROGARD, Great American Insurance Company and the Silver Legacy Hotel, 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 www.nrcha.com