Riding Teninolena Chex, Deah Hessian-Ruple claimed the $5K Non Pro Limited Championship at the 2010 National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby in Paso Robles, California. The win netted a CR Morrison bronze, a CR Morrison commemorative medallion, and a check for $980.

Hessian-Ruple and Teninolena Chex, by Nu Chex To Cash and out of Rondas Tio, marked a 145.5 in the rein work. “My dry work was really spot-on. My horse was real quiet and responsive. This pattern is a little tough because of the large fast to small slow – but once he nailed that I had a huge shot of confidence for the rest of our pattern,” she noted following the awards ceremony.

That great rein work was followed by an equally impressive cow work that the judges awarded a 146. “My horse was very attentive to the cow and stayed with it and stepped up. He was really easy for me to show,” she said of Teninolena Chex.

Hessian-Ruple, a small-animal veterinarian, has owned Teninolena Chex for three years. While riding with her former trainer, Jim Paul Sr., Jimmie Paul found the gelding that was expected to be shown as a reiner. “Jim Paul used him for a turn-back horse for other clients, and he noticed he had an aptitude for it, and told me I needed to ride him on cattle. So Jim Sr. broke him for cow work,” she explained. “Now I’m riding with Jimmie, and he’s really helped both me and my horse a lot.”

The Fountain Hills, Arizona, competitor thanked her husband, Scott Ruple, for being supportive of her showing horses. She also thanked Jim Paul, Sr., for his help early on, and Jimmie Paul for seeing her potential and taking care of her and her horse. “I’m very lucky that I’ve gotten to ride with such great people,” she said.

Teresa Fisher not only won the Non Pro Limited, she also took the Reserve Championship in the $5K Non Pro Limited. Hailing from Arroyo Grande, California, Fisher was riding Nu Cash Cutter, and piloted the talented gelding to a 145 in the rein work and a 146.5 in the boxing for a 291 total. She collected $418 in the Non Pro Limited, and an additional $770 for the Reserve title

“I’m very excited. There was a lot of competition and some really tough horses today,” she noted. “I’m a professional stable girl – I’m always helping my husband – and this is my first year to really be serious about showing.”

Nu Cash Cutter, by Smart Cash Cutter out of Nu Cashlynn Rose, came from Cal Poly, and was trained by Teresa’s husband, Jayson. With Jayson at the reins, Nu Cash Cutter earned a Snaffle Bit Futurity Amateur Reserve title, and has made the progression to being a finished bridle horse. “My husband trained him and put him in the bridle and gave him to me. I thank Jayson for giving me this horse and Roger Bias for helping me with my cow work. He’s been great,” she said.

And while Fisher plans to eventually move out of the Non Pro Limited classes and compete in the Limited Age Events, Nu Cash Cutter won’t be going anywhere. “He’s got a permanent home at our house. He’s a really good horse,” she explained.

Linda Wood, Rolling Hills Estate, California, was the Non Pro Limited Reserve Champion on Smartcashinvestment (Nu Cash x Lil Miss Smarty Chex). The pair earned a 285.5, and collected not only $329 in the Non Pro Limited, but also an additional $420 for a fourth place finish in the $5K Non Pro Limited.

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.