Riding her third horse of the day, Karen Stallings, of Tucson, Arizona, competed for the Non Pro Bridle World Championship on NMSU Truckin Chex, known as “Elvis” in the cow horse world. The dynamic pair earned a 429.5 (218.5/217) and pocketed $5,077.

“He’s such a blessing, and he makes me look good,” Stallings said modestly of the Nu Chex To Cash stallion out of NMSU Doc Truckle CJ. “He’s so fun to show, and makes it easy.”

Stallings noted that she was a little nervous because the cattle in the class before had been really tough, but said she had confidence in her horse. “I had this cow, and knew it was going to run,” she explained. “Kevin was coaching me from the side, and told me to take it across the arena. I thought he said to go ahead and take it down the fence, so I did that early. Luckily, Elvis has the legs to do it.”

Elvis already has offspring competing, and Stallings is enjoying them. Earlier, in the Non Pro Hackamore, she showed his oldest baby, Cashin Nu Chex, and finished eighth in the World Standings.

There was a tie for the Reserve Championship between Chase Trahern and Terry Stuart Forst, with a 429.5 score. Trahern rode Miss Spookett, by Spooktacular and out of Calboys Miss Freckle, while Forst rode Seven S Babe, by Seven S Zanaday and out of Seven S Sassy. Both riders marked 215.5 in the rein work and 214 down the fence.

Jennifer Leiker won the Non Pro Bridle National Championship on Callys Classy Tang. Callys Classy Tang is by Tangys Classy Peppy and out of Ms California Dry.

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.