The last of the 2009 National Reined Cow Horse Association World Championships was decided Saturday afternoon at the First Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas. Twelve World titles were awarded during the NRCHA World Championship Show Presented by John Deere. The World Championship Show is part of the NRCHA Fort Dodge Animal Health Celebration of Champions, which began January 30 and finishes on February 7.

Jay McLaughlin of Gainesville, Texas, won the Open Bridle World Championship on Lil Miss Shiney Chex, owned by Carol Rose. Their scores of 220.5 in the rein work and 225 in the cow work proved impossible to beat, resulting in an $8,428 payday, plus a Bob’s Custom Saddle sponsored by Jackson Land & Cattle Company, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Knight Haulers, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, a commemorative World Finals vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, a CR Morrison trophy and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.

“This mare is really sensitive to noises and crowds, so I stayed out back until it was time to go show. I just trotted in and she went right to work. She was good,” McLaughlin said of the Shining Spark mare, out of Lil Miss Smarty Chex. McLaughlin’s first cow was a little wild, so the judges called for a new one. “I actually liked the first cow I drew, but it didn’t handle. I didn’t think I was going to get another one, but it turned out alright.”

It was a whirlwind show for Team Rose. Earlier in the afternoon, McLaughlin won the Open Hackamore World Championship and earlier in the week took the Circle Y Ranch SRCHA Derby Open Championship on CD Dee Vee Dee. “We’ve had a tremendous week here. I keep thinking our luck will run out – but you make your own luck. When you go to a show you demonstrate what you’ve been doing at home. It definitely paid off. Jay did an outstanding job,” Rose said.

Dave Vietor and Master Visa came close to the World title – but their score of 443 was just shy of the win. Master Visa, by Master Remedy out of Shesa Lota Cash, is owned by Richard Willet. The Reserve Championship came with a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Knight Haulers, custom spurs from Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, and ESP saddle pad from Classic Equine, a commemorative World Finals vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. Willett also took home $6,622.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, now in its 61st year, is 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 Markel Insurance Company, Wide World of Horses, John Deere, AdequanR, 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, Running W Designs, 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.

2010 World Show (San Angelo, TX) – 02/06/2010 Open Bridle Finals COMPOSITE