The action at the 2010 National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby in Paso Robles, California, began Wednesday, June 16 with the preliminary herd work for the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, and Amateur divisions. There were 26 entries in the Non Pro and 14 in the Intermediate Non Pro, all vying for a spot in the clean-slate finals on Sunday, June 20. Held annually at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California, the NRCHA Premier event regularly pays out close to a half-million dollars over the course of the competition.

Riding AR Splash Of Pep, Jo Anne Carollo of Atascadero, California, topped the preliminary herd work with a 216. Not only did Carollo have the high score – she’s also entered in the Intermediate Non Pro.

And while the preliminary herd work can help the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro riders secure a finals berth – it also puts Tanna Dilday that much closer to a possible Amateur Derby Championship, which is decided in the preliminary competition.

Riding Lil Smarty Pep, whom she owns with her husband Russell, Tanna marked the high score of the Amateur division – a 209.5. Lil Smarty Pep is by Mister Dual Pep out of Smart Lil Sallinic.

The Derby preliminary competition continues Thursday, June 17, with the Rein Work. The finals phase of preliminary competition, the cow work, will be held Friday, June 18.

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.