2007 NRCHA Futurity – NRCHA

Rice Wins 2007 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity.

October 19, 2007 — NRCHA News

The premier event for 3-year-old reined cow horses, the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Snaffle Bit Futurity came to a conclusion October 7 in Reno, Nev., after 15 days of grueling competition.

The top 25 open finalists began competition early in the morning with the herd work. An emotional opening ceremony featured living Hall of Fame members receiving commemorative rings and showcased the newest million dollar riders and sires….

The Reserve Open Championship was won by Lance Johnston and Shes Full Of Diamonds, by Hes A Peptospoonful and out of Shining Rings. The Reserve Championship check for owners Gary and Kay Watt was for $85,000.

Johnston also won 13th place with the Watts’ other horse, Im So Smart, which paid an additional $18,000.

“This was great,” Johnston said during the press conference. “This is a great horse.”

Johnston had captured the Open Hackamore Championship earlier in the week, but then caught a cold before the finals.

“I think the cold might have been a good thing,” he admitted. “I had the lead in the herd work, and instead of being nervous, I had to stay focused so I could get through the rest of the finals. Luckily, adrenaline helps.”

The 35-year-old trainer has had an interest in reined cow horses since he was a child.

“My parents came to the Snaffle Bit Futurity the last year Bobby Ingersoll won it in 1978. They came home and told me about it, and I told them I would win it one day.” He added, “I’m getting there!”