Michelle Cowan traveled a long way to get to the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, for the 2010 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes. But so far, the Marietta, Oklahoma, Non Pro has made the most of those long miles, riding her two entries to the top of the leaderboard in the preliminary Herd Work.

On Ruby Red Pepto, by Peptoboonsmal and out of Boomerita, Cowan marked a 216.5. The judges awarded her other entry, ARC Peppy La Please, with a 215. ARC Peppy La Please is by Chic Please and out of Tassas Little Peppy.

Cowan is a former NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion, winning the title in 2007 on Wheres My Shine – a half-sister to Ruby Red Pepto who’s by Shining Spark.

Sarah Sherman and Its Justa Dual, who won the Amateur Championship at the 2009 Snaffle Bit Futurity, currently hold the lead of the Intermediate Non Pro with a 211.5. Its Justa Dual is by Its Just About Me out of Dual Etta.

Although no go-round money is awarded, the preliminary competition determines which entries will advance to the clean-slate finals on Sunday, March 28. However, the Amateur Championship is decided during the preliminary round, and Sophia Buttars currently leads that division with a 205.

Buttars rode FS Smart Boomer Chic, by Smart Chic Olena out of Boomers Lady Kiper. FS Smart Boomer Chic is owned by Sophia and her husband Brandon.

The Non Pro Preliminary competition continues Friday, March 26, with the Rein and Cow Work. For more information on the NRCHA Stakes, or to view the live webcast, visit www.nrcha.com

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, Pfizer Animal Health, 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 .