RENO, Nev.—The tradition of the reined cow horse sport on the West Coast continued with the Second Annual Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity, presented by Lucas Oil and Protect The Harvest, held Sept. 10-16 at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center.

Highlights of the futurity included the crowning of Metallic Flame and Justin Wright as the Open Futurity champions, Got Kisses and Laurie Richards taking home the Non Pro Futurity championship titl, the continued tradition of Reno Snaffle Bit Sales held in conjunction with the futurity, the new addition of the Wild Spayed Filly Futurity competition (which Lance Johnston and Three Fingers Holly dominated), and plenty of shopping with the western vendors located along the concourse.

“Our entries were up from 2017 in the futurity divisions and horse show classes, and we are amazed at the remarkable support we’ve received from the reined cow horse world,” said John Ward of Tulare, and one of the founders of the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity.

“And we’d really like to thank Forrest Lucas and Dave Duquette for their support through Lucas Oil and Protect The Harvest,” Ward added. “Through their support of the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity, Lucas Oil is bringing an awareness to our western way of life. And Protect The Harvest protects all of us by working diligently to protect the agriculture industry that our livelihoods are rooted in.”

With a composite score of 662.5 (220 out of the herd, 217.5 in the rein work, and 225 down the fence), Wright and Metallic Flame were the high score leaders throughout the Open Finals, securing their Open Futurity championship title, a win check for $35,000, a saddle sponsored by DT Horses, and a gold buckle sponsored by Lone Oak Large Animal Veterinary Services, Inc.

“It was a very gratifying feeling to win in the Reno arena, because I’ve blown it in there before,” shared Wright, from Santa Maria, of his 2018 championship win. “I’ve got a lot of memories growing up and showing in Reno, and to win the Open Futurity in that arena was awesome and a lot of fun, and an accomplishment I have strived for.”

Metallic Flame (a.k.a “Tex” around the barn) is owned by Bob Stevenson of Buellton. He is a gelding by Metallic Cat and out of Scooby Dooby Dual.

“We originally didn’t plan to show him in Reno, so it was a last-minute decision to enter him,” Wright explained. “I got him early this year and he was a little bit green, so we had a bit of ground to cover.”

Ken Wold and Jule Of A Time were the Intermediate Open Futurity Champions, with a composite score of 646.5 (214 in the herd, 216.5 in the rein work, and 216 down the fence) and secured the win with their tie-breaking high fence work score. Jule Of A Time is a mare by Hickory Holly Time and out of Soula Jule Forever, and is owned by Daniel Perez of Westley. Wold, from Wilton, and Jule Of A Time won $15,000 for their Intermediate Open championship (plus $11,000 for a fourth-place finish in the Open).

An icon in the reined cow horse world, 96-year-old Johnny Brazil, Jr. was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity’s Hall of Achievement Banquet, held on Thursday, Sept. 13 at the Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino. Reined cow horse trainer, Smoky Pritchett of Red Bluff presented Brazil with a set of custom spurs created by John Mincer Silversmiths.

Brazil was one of the original 27 horsemen and horsewomen who met at the Milias Hotel in Gilroy in 1949 to discuss preserving the old Spanish Vaquero methods of horse training, which led to the formation of the California Reined Cow Horse Association (CRCHA), known today as the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA).

“Without his influence, our reined cow horse sport would not be what it is today,” said Pritchett.

More online: http://bit.ly/810_RENO