Lindsay Wadhams was able to check an important goal off her list when she won the Novice Non Pro Bridle Championship on Spursuasion (Ray Gay Quixote x Mist N Smoke).
“I wanted to win the Novice so bad. I’ve been second or third all year in the Novice. I just wanted to win it! That was my biggest goal. Mission accomplished, and I had a great ride, and I couldn’t have asked my horse for more,” she said. “It was one of the best runs I’ve ever had on him. I couldn’t ask for a better horse.”
Wadhams piloted Spursuasion to a 146.5 in both the rein work and the cow work. The 293 composite netted not only the coveted Novice Non Pro title, but also the Intermediate Non Pro Championship and Reserve in the Non Pro Bridle. The triple paychecks totaled $6,392. Wadhams also took home a Gist buckle sponsored by Gary Schenck/Associates Property Tax Consultants, Platinum Performance, three monogrammed Cinch jackets from Bob’s Custom Saddles/New West Country Store, and a CR Morrison Trophy from the NRCHA.
When she’s at home in Colorado, she rides with professional trainer Blue Allen, and Wadhams also receives plenty of help from Corey Cushing and Shadd Parkinson when she’s at the major events.
“I have to give so much credit to Corey, Blue Allen and Shadd. They are the ones who help me get to the top,” she said. “I owe a lot to Corey here in Reno. We’ve been getting up at two o’clock in the morning to practice. It was worth it! It paid off.”
The Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Reserve Champion was Deborah Wise, who rode Smartlookinboots (Smart Little Pepinic x Sugar Babe Taffy) to a 289 composite score. She earned $1,380.
In the Novice Non Pro, Debbie Proctor and Hes A Smokin Indian (Hickorys Indian Pep x Baroak Again) took the $1,375 Reserve Championship check when they marked a 287.5.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association, now in its 62nd year, is the governing body of cow horse competition. It is responsible for promoting the sport, ensuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of reined cow horses. With the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bob’s Custom Saddles, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cinch, Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, John Deere, Markel Insurance Company, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, Bloomer Trailers and Schwalbe Trucks presented by Great West Trailers, and Merial products UlcerGard and Equioxx, 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 official NRCHA web site at www.NRCHA.com.
