Heather Livingston and her mare, Soula Jule Doll, bested the Non Pro Hackamore competition at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes in Nampa, Idaho, with a 430.5 composite. The win netted a check for $1,250.

“She was good in the rein work and real honest. The only bobble we had was an overspin on our second spin. I don’t know if it was me or her but one of us took an extra step,” joked Livingston of Atascadero, California. “In the cow work our cow challenged us a little bit, but she got up there and did her job. She’s definitely as good of a horse as I ride her to be.”

Livingston is seldom seen at horse shows without her husband, Rory. “He’s the wind beneath my wings and is always there supporting me. Regardless of what happens he always has a smile on his face. This is his trophy – I just got it for him,” she said. She added a thanks to the Idaho Horse Park, the home of the NRCHA Stakes, saying, “I also thank everyone here with the facility. They deserve major kudos because they have made it really nice to be here.”

Livingston and Soula Jule Doll have had a big week, finishing Reserve in the Amateur division of the Stakes competition the day before. “I had a bobble in the herd work – but that bobble was all mine,” she said.

The Reserve title and accompanying check for $750 went to Diane Edwards, who rode her horse Weavers Smokin Boon to a 416.5 total. Weavers Smokin Boon is by Merada Ima Boonsmal out of A Smokin Dual.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, now in its 62nd 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 Adequan, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cinch, Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, John Deere, Markel Insurance Company, Nutrena, Pfizer Animal Health, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Running W Designs, the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, and Merial products UlcerGard and EQUIOXX, 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.