While the preliminary competition at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, held March 24-28 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, decided which competitors would advance to the clean-slate finals on Sunday, it also determined the Amateur Championship.

In her first time to show FS Smart Boomer Chic (Smart Chic Olena x Boomers Lady Kiper) in a reined cow horse event, Sophia Buttars won that title! “I’m so excited. I’ve always thought about what I would say if I got the chance to do an interview,” the charismatic competitor noted. She won the title with a 609 composite, and took home a check for $1,480. She also received a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by the Drayer Trust, and a CR Morrison trophy.

Buttars, of Snowville, Utah, and FS Smart Boomer Chic took an early lead, marking a 205 in the Herd Work, and followed that with the high score of the Rein Work – a 215! “I felt really good and confident in the herd work. I kind of let the cows get a little long on me, and that cost me a bit,” she explained. “I really went for it in the Rein Work. He’s a monster stopper, and a great lead changer. I wanted to show off what he was good at.”

Going into the fence work, Buttars had an 11-point lead on the Amateur field – but a tricky bovine almost took that advantage away. “I had a dirty cow in the fence work. He faked me out – I boxed him a while and thought he was ok to go – he looked tired. But he had a lot more in him than I thought. I did the best I could do with what I had.”

Even though she says her husband, Brandon Buttars, helps her tremendously, Sophia was quick to add that she has had great help from others, as well. “Thanks to my friend Brady Weaver. He wasn’t able to come to this show, but he’s rode with us and helped us a bunch, too.” She added, “I also want to thank Zane Davis, who’s helped us a lot, and Robbie Boyce and Dan Roeser who were my help in the herd work.”

Sophia’s parents, Tom and Linda Flinders, passed away in a car accident in 2003. “Even though they’re not here, I’d like to thank them, as well,” she said.

Earning the Reserve Championship was Kay Brewer and Skeets Smart Peppy, by Skeets Peppy out of Ms Fancy Lil Nancy. Brewer and the 5-year-old gelding marked scores of 201 in the herd work, and 208 in the rein work, and finished with a 196 in the fence work. Brewer, of Kennewick, Washington, collected $1,110. She also received a beautiful Gist Silversmiths Amateur Reserve Champion buckle sponsored by Ernie Beal.

The NRCHA Stakes is one of five NRCHA Premier Events, and annually boasts a payout near the $300,000 mark! Part of the Stake’s success is its tie to the NRCHA Subscribed Stallion program. Owners of NRCHA Subscribed Stallions pay a fee every year, making that stallion’s foals eligible to compete in the NRCHA Stakes. Only foals of enrolled stallions are eligible to compete.

To show appreciation to the generous stallion owners, the NRCHA presents a monetary award to the nominator of the sire of the Champion of each division of the Stakes. Salt Fork Cattle Company nominated Smart Chic Olena for the program, and will receive a $1,000 cash award.

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.