“It was definitely worth the trip,” laughed Jay Holmes following the awards ceremony for the National Reined Cow Horse Association Open Bridle World Championship. He had just ridden Dun It Big to the stallions second World Championship with a score of 440 (215/225). That high score also garnered a check for $7,387.

With the large size of the Lone Star Arena and the toughness of the cattle, Holmes knew he needed to strategize. “I didn’t push him as hard in the rein work, and saved him for the cattle,” he explained. “When it came out, I thought it would be good. It honored the horse, and I took it two turns down the fence.”

The crowd showed its appreciation throughout the run, with the volume of cheers increasing until the very end.

The 10-year-old stallion won his Hackamore World Championship in 2004, and with the exception of last year, has made the finals every year since. By Hollywood Dun It and out of Genuine Redbud, Dun It Big also ended the year as the NRCHA Open Bridle Reserve National Champion.

Dry N Play, ridden by Carol Metcalf, took home the Reserve World Championship honors after earning a 438 (220.5/217.5) and $6,156. Owned by Gina Gray of Copper Canyon, Texas, Dry N Play competed and made the finals in two other events, the Limited Open Bridle with Metcalf, and with Gray in the Non Pro Limited. He placed seventh and eighth, respectively.

Leavin With Me, ridden by David Phillips, Karen Phillips, and Joe Harper, is the 2007 NRCHA Open Bridle National Champion. Owned by Dylan Nicholson, of Campbellsburg, Indiana, Leavin With Me is by Lean With Me and out of Impressive Dunny Dee.

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 Wayne Hodges 4-Star Trailers and Outlaw Conversions, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Peppermill Hotel/Resort, 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 the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.