Suzon Schaal and Genuine Brown Gal Win NRCHA Intermediate Non Pro Bridle World Championship

It began as the California Reined Cow Horse Association, but as the thrill of reined cow horse competition spread, the budding organization had to make a change. Years ago, the CRCHA amended its name, becoming the National Reined Cow Horse Association. Since then, cow horse competition has spread across the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America.

On Friday, February 3,  that international flair was evidenced as two Canadians took the top spots in the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle of the NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere. For the third year in a row, Suzon Schaal will return as a World Champion to the Wild Rose Country of Alberta, Canada.

"It feels pretty good. I'm having a hard time believing that it's actually happened," Schaal said of winning her third world title in three years. Schaal was riding Genuine Brown Gal, who she's ridden for every championship. "She's been very good to me."

Schaal and Genuine Brown Gal, by Listo Pollito Lena and out of Genuine Emerald, marked a 217.5 in the rein work and 222 in the cow work. "The rein work felt good, even though our first stop could have been a little better," she said. "The cow work could have been a little tighter and quicker, but it was enough for today and I'm really happy."

On Saturday, Schaal and Genuine Brown Gal will take another stab at a world championship in the Non Pro Bridle. Schaal, an equine veterinarian, said her friends, family, and co-workers were a large part of her success. "I couldn't do it without them. They help me so much," she said. "I also thank my trainer John Swales. I wouldn't be here without him. He's been a huge supporter and keeps me calm."

Schaals took home $3,318, a Bob's Custom Saddle, a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Smart Boons, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, a vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, a CR Morrison trophy and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.

Jackie Miller won the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Reserve World Championship on her horse, Pepinics Fancy, with a 427. Miller, of Okotoks, Alberta, won $2,607. The Reserve Championship garnered a Gist Silversmiths buckle sponsored by Smart Boons, custom spurs from Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, Rios of Mercedes boots from Rios of Mercedes, a tool notebook from Classic Equine, a vest sponsored by Gist Silversmiths, and a CR Morrison commemorative medallion.

Pepinics Fancy is by Pepinics Master and out of Docs Fancy Dudette.

The NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere is held as part of the NRCHA Celebration of Champions, held January 28-February 5 at the First Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas. The Celebration of Champions also features the Circle Y Ranch Derby and the World's Greatest Horseman competition.

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 Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, John Deere, Markel Insurance Company, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, 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.

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