On Sunday, April 25, Linda Wood captured her first Championship on her veteran cow horse Smartcashinvestment. In fact, Wood, who was competing in Paso Robles, California, at the 2010 National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic in the $5K Non Pro Limited and the Non Pro Limited – won both classes!

“He worked really nicely today. He is just an awesome horse. He’s been doing this a while and has won a lot, but this is the first time I’ve won on him,” Wood noted of the 14-year-old gelding who she’s owned for about five years. The judges awarded a 142 in the rein work and a 147 in the boxing for a 289 total – good for $750 in the $5K Non Pro Limited and an additional $332 in the Non Pro Limited.

Smartcashinvestment was started with NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Ted Robinson, where he earned the moniker “Striker.” Robinson and the Nu Cash gelding, out of Lil Miss Smarty Chex, had a lot of success, before Striker went on to take other riders to the winner’s circle – including a Non Pro Limited World Championship with former owner Frank Lee.

“He’s won over $70,000 in NRCHA competition now,” Wood noted. “I owe thanks to all the trainers who have had him in the past who have made him such a great horse.”

Along with Robinson, those trainers include Jake Gorrell and Mark Luis. Gorrell took the gelding to the NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman finals in 2004, and Luis and Striker made it back in 2007 and 2008. “Mark’s my trainer and he does a great job. I owe everything to Mark – he matched Striker and I together,” Wood said. “I plan to have Striker forever. I’ll just keep showing in the Non Pro Limited. I plan to retire him one of these days – probably when he’s done teaching me.”

With a 287 total, Teresa Fisher and Nu Cash Cutter won the Reserve Championship in both divisions. The Reserve titles netted Fisher $865. Nu Cash Cutter, who’s owned by Teresa and Jayson Fisher, is by Smart Cash Cutter out of Nu Cashlynn Rose. Jayson and Nu Cash Cutter won the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Reserve Championship and fourth in the Non Pro Bridle on Friday.

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 .