On Friday, June 18, Jake Telford captured the Open Two Rein Championship at the 2010 National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby, held at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California. He was riding the Shining Spark mare Kiss My Shiny Lips, owned by Holy Cow Performance Horses.

The win netted $1,880, a CR Morrison bronze, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion. “We’ve had a really tough week. We didn’t have a lot of luck in the Derby – we just missed the finals,” Telford explained. “So it’s really nice to finally get something done.”

Telford and Kiss My Shiny Lips had a 144 in the rein work and a 144.5 in the cow work for a 288.5 total, winning the Championship by a half-point. “My horse was good in the rein work. We were just a little behind in our circles and I was just glad to hear my score.” In fact, the Caldwell, Idaho, trainer didn’t think he’d won – he thought he’d been beat by fellow Idaho trainer Dan Roeser. “I really thought Dan beat me. He had a really good run earlier.”

Gracious as always, Telford thanked Holy Cow Performance Horses owner, Nancy Crawford-Hall, who generously sponsored the Holy Cow Performance Horses $50,000 Added Open Bridle Spectacular at the Derby. “I thank Nancy. Without her we wouldn’t have this event – and it’s a great event. She’s an awesome lady to put her time and effort into this show. I’m thankful to have her as a client and friend.”

Dan Roeser and Pecas Jones (Pecas Olena x Dox Gay Bar) tied for the Reserve Championship with Lyn Anderson and Lil Time To Smoke (Senors Lil Brudder x Smoke Time Tuck). Both entries earned a 288 from the judges, and received checks for $1,175.

Horse show action continues Saturday, June 19, with the Holy Cow Performance Horses Open Bridle Spectacular, featuring the CD Survivor Memorial Trophy, being held in the evening. Complete results can be found at 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.