This Rose Will Shine might be the only two-time Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity and Horse Show Rookie Champion. With William Rhoads at the reins, the 8-year-old gelding won the title in 2007. He returned in 2010 to do the same with William’s wife Wendy, this time capturing both the Rookie Level 1 and Rookie Level 2 titles.

“He had one of the best rides that I’ve ever had on him,” Wendy said after the awards ceremony. “My goal for this show was to come and win this class like my husband did. We actually did it with the exact same score.”

That score of 72.5 not only earned the Championship in both classes, but garnered checks totaling $186. Rhoads also received two Montana Silversmiths buckles and two NRHA plaques. “I hadn’t won a buckle before – and today I won two!” she said excitedly. The small-animal veterinarian from Whitesboro, Texas, noted her appreciation of the people who have helped her, saying, “I thank my trainer Josh Visser, my husband Bill, and God.”

In the Rookie Level 1 class, Helen Bearden and Three Dunits Down, by Reminic N Dunit out of Lil Badgers Farrah, won the Reserve title with a 71.5. Bearden received $67 and saddle pad from Kyle Tack.

Nick Schmersal and Sparking Personality (Jacks Electric Spark x Gyromatic), Cam Bearden and High Roller Rooster (Gallo Del Cielo x Hustlers High Roller), and Kory Rozell and WJ Quixote Badger (Doctor Peppys Potion x Miss Gay Bar Quixote) all tied for Reserve in the Rookie Level 2 with scores of 72. Each received $51 and drew for the prizes which included a saddle pad from Kyle Tack, a Dennards cooler, and a $100 Purina gift certificate.

A mere half-point decided the Championship of the Limited Non Pro, with Stephanie Nelson and Bit Of Magnum claiming top honors with a 74. The win garnered a check for $143, a C.R. Morrison trophy, and a Montana Silversmiths buckle.

“He felt awesome. I’m finally feeling like things are really clicking for us,” she, who rides with trainer Casey Hinton, noted. Nelson purchased “Chico” from Nicole Sinkule.

“I was in the right place at the right time and got a fabulous horse,” Nelson explained. “He’s very honest. If I’m good, he’s good.”

Bit Of Magnum, by Magnum Chic Dream out of Bitsy Bye Remedy, was the 2009 American Quarter Horse Association World Champion in Amateur Reining with Sinkule. Nelson shared that she’d like to earn her own world title with the talented gelding one day. “I’d really like to win at the AQHA World Show. It’s something I’ve dreamed about,” she said.

Nelson said the list of people who have helped her is long – but there are a few at the top of the list. “Thank you to my dad Pat Nelson, my boyfriend Mike Shisler, Trevor Dare, and of course Casey and Kathy Hinton,” she said.

Jaci Marley won the Reserve title on Chexable with a 73.5. Marley and Chexable, by Inwhizable out of Megarita Chex, received $100 and a saddle pad from Kyle Tack.

For more information on the Southwest Reining Horse Association Futurity, or to inquire about the SWRHA, please call 580-759-2572, or visit www.swrha.com.