Jaleene Bruce Wins 2009 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity $5K Non Pro Limited/Amy Bell Wins Non Pro Limited (Provisional)

Jaleene Bruce’s original role for the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity was simply spectator. More specifically, she was planning to be a part of her son’s cheering section as he competed in the Association’s most celebrated Limited Age Event, held at the Reno Livestock Events Center in Reno, Nevada.

But thanks to prodding from close friends and family members, Bruce, of Homedale, Idaho, decided to enter the $5,000 Non Pro Limited on her horse, No Sense Smokin.

That decision proved profitable – to the tune of $1,270. She handily maneuvered her horse through the rein work and the boxing, resulting in a 290 total.

“I’m so excited. This is amazing. I was so nervous before I went in the pen, but once I was there it just all fell together. This horse is amazing – I love him!” Bruce said after the awards ceremony, where she was awarded a CR Morrison trophy, a Bob’s Custom Saddle Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Cow Horse Classic, a Gist Championship buckle sponsored by NMSU Truckin Chex/Kevin and Karen Stallings, a monogrammed down vest sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, Platinum Performance, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. “I had a great coach in my son, Jaton Lord, and also Jake Telford.”

Although she has ridden all of her life, she didn’t begin showing in reined cow horse until this past May. “Anne Reynolds, Jaton’s boss, and her mother, Joyce Pearson, gave me this horse last July. He was a pretty good horse for Anne, but he has a couple soundness issues that need some more attention. I’m very lucky that they thought of me. I am so grateful.”

And while Bruce was excited for her win, she was even prouder of her son, who made the Open finals on Reynold’s horse, Very Smart And Sure. “I am so proud of him! He’s a Intermediate and Limited Open rider, but they forgot to enter him in those divisions, so his only chance to make the finals was in the big Open. He did great, and we’re all excited.”

Taking home the $5,000 Non Pro Limited Reserve honors, and the Non Pro Limited (Provisional) Championship, was Amy Bell of Dennis, Texas. Bell and her horse, No Blu Aqui, had a 284.5 total, and collected over $1,400. She also received a CR Morrison trophy, CR Morrison medallions, two monogrammed down vests from Bob’s Custom Saddles, and Platinum Performance.

“I really want to thank Don and Nelle Murphy, and my parents, Larry and Ellen Bell. They have all been really supportive,” she said.

Bell grew up competing in English disciplines, but began showing cutting horses seven years ago. When her grandmother passed away a couple years ago, it was the catalyst she needed to begin showing cow horses. “My grandmother was the kind of lady who wanted to live life to the fullest.” She added, “I had always said I wasn’t ready to show cow horses, but when she passed away I realized I need to go ahead and do this for her.”

Complete results of the Snaffle Bit Futurity and horse show are posted on the official NRCHA website, 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 Adequan^®, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Quarter Horse News, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and EQUIOXX, Wide World of Horses, Markel 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.