On Saturday, June 19, Claire Edwards earned the Youth Bridle Championship on Shes A Nu Lynx at the 2010 National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby, collecting $880. The pair marked 199 in the rein work, and followed that with a 211 in the cow work.

Edwards said that the 13-year-old mare, by The Nu Colonel and out of Sweet Suzy Lynx, felt “like a rocket” in the rein work, but felt good in the fence work. “I lost both of my stirrups in the cow work so I was just holding on. I’m really happy with how she worked.”

Shes A Nu Lynx has been in Edwards’ family since the mare was four years old, and has been shown by both Claire and her mother. “She’s actually bred right now to Shining Lil Nic, so we’re excited to have that baby coming,” she said.

“I mostly want to thank my trainer Brenda Brown, and also Russell Dilday, who I ride with occasionally,” noted the 18-year-old, who will compete on the Baylor University Equestrian Team when she begins college in the fall. “I also thank my parents and friends who have supported me.”

Kimberly Ferrante topped the 4-entry Youth Limited class and won $306 on Oaks Choice after marking a 213 in the rein work then wowing the judges for a 210 in the cow work. “He was really good through the circles. His first stop was good and he finished up real nicely,” said the 13-year-old. “We had a couple misses in the boxing but made up for it.”

Ferrante has owned Oaks Choice (HB Instant Choice x Peppys Live Oak) about two years. “I’ve had him for a while. A client of my mom’s (Kathy Ferrante) had him and they sold him to us,” she said. “I thank my mom because she’s helped me with my horse and everyone else who’s supported me.”

Kaitlin Beaton rode her horse, Colonels Cash Cow, to the Reserve title and a check for $204. The young competitor and Colonels Cash Cow, by The Nu Colonel out of Peppy Leanna, marked 205 in the reining and 211 in the cow work for a 416 total.

The NRCHA Derby, which began on June 15, is held at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California.

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.