It all came down to the cow work of the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association Coyote Rock Ranch Open Bridle Spectacular. Ten of the nation’s top reined cow horses and trainers converged on the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho – but only one team was crowned Champion.

That honor went to Justin Warneke and Heza Diamond Spark, owned by Michael Garver, who edged out the Reserve Champions Jake Telford and PG Dry Fire. Both entries had a 649.5 composite, but Warneke and Heza Diamond Spark had the higher cow work score – a 220. The win resulted in a $4,200 payday.

“We had a perfect cow for today,” noted Warneke, of Great Falls, Montana. “This was actually our first show ever in the Bridle, and I was a little worried about it. He worked great, and he’s always the strongest in the fence work.”

Warneke has ridden Heza Diamond Spark, by Diamond J Star out of Sheza Shinette, off and on since he was a 2-year-old. During that time the horse was also shown by Sandy Collier and Zane Davis, en route to winning nearly $60,000 in NRCHA earnings alone!

“Michael Garver has been great to me. He’s a very good guy and has been a strong supporter of my program and has really helped me. Having the opportunity to ride has a horse like this has been a great benefit to me,” he said. “I also thank my wife Cristal for putting up with me and letting me go to horse shows. There are so many people to thank – but the best way to say it is ‘If you see a turtle up on the fence post, you know he’s had some help getting there!'”

Jake Telford and PG Dry Fire, owned by Aspen Meadows Ranch, took home the Reserve Championship and a check for $3,500. PG Dry Fire is by Playgun and out of The Dry Look. The talented 13-year-old stallion has lifetime earnings nearing $100,000!

Coyote Rock Ranch has sponsored the Bridle Spectacular at the NRCHA Stakes for four consecutive years. The equine operation at Coyote Rock is currently placing more emphasis on developing broodmares and the breeding portion of the program and temporarily adjusting the training and show schedule.

As part of the Ranch’s expansion, several nice 2- and 3-year-old prospects are currently in training with some top reined cow horse and cutting trainers around the country. Many of these youngsters are, or will soon be available. Coyote Rock Ranch invites everyone to visit the website at www.coyoterockranch.com or on Facebook to find out more about the exciting future at Coyote Rock Ranch.

The Coyote Rock Ranch Bridle Spectaculars are held as part of the NRCHA Stakes. The NRCHA Stakes is one of five NRCHA Premier Events, and annually boasts a payout near the $300,000 mark! Part of the Stake’s success is its tie to the NRCHA Subscribed Stallion program. Owners of NRCHA Subscribed Stallions pay a fee every year, making that stallion’s foals eligible to compete in the NRCHA Stakes. Only foals of enrolled stallions are eligible to compete.

But the Subscribed Stallion program is far-reaching, as offspring of those stallions are giving priority at the prestigious NRCHA Sales at the Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno, Nevada.

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.