Franz and Its That Time Again Win 2008 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Amateur Championship

The Non Pro preliminary competition at the 2008 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity not only decided who would advance to the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Finals, it also determined the Amateur Champion.

That elite honor went to first time Snaffle Bit Futurity entry Karey Franz.

"I am so excited - I wasn't expecting this," she exclaimed after the cow work. While winning the Amateur title was thrilling, she had even more reason to celebrate. She and her horse, Its That Time Again, had also marked the preliminary cow work high score with a 221 - which included all the Open entries. "I knew our fence work wasn't going to be any problem. She's definitely a great fence horse."

Franz marked a 207 in the herd work, and a 208.5 in the rein work for a 636.5 total, which also earned a Final's berth for both the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions. "I was a little timid and safe in the herd work, and our reining is where we are usually bad - because she's only been reining about four months."

The Steelville, Missouri, native has shown working cow horses in the American Quarter Horse Association for four years, but recently decided she wanted to show a Futurity horse. She got help from Jay McLaughlin, who had shown Its That Time Again's older brother, Uno What Time It Is, who has over $80,000 in earnings.

"I really want to thank Jay for finding her for me and for helping with her training since then. He's great. I also can't forget to thank my parents, Bob and Karen Cottrell, because without them I wouldn't have her." She was quick to add, "And my husband, Jess, is great. He really supports me."

Along with a check for $4,875, Karey received Bob's Custom Saddle sponsored by Larry and Ellen Bell, a Gist Silversmiths Champion Buckle from Fairlea Ranch, an ESP Wool Top Pad from Classic Equine, a Cinch monogrammed vest from Wayne Hodges 4-Star Trailers/Outlaw Conversions, Platinum Performance, and a custom, handmade hat from Shorty's Caboy Hattery.

The Reserve Championship went to Clay Roeser and Dualyawanna, who had a composite score of 629. Dualyawanna is by Mister Dual Pep and out of Ima Reminicette. Roeser, of Lemoore, California, was showing in his first Snaffle Bit Futurity, and also made the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Finals. For the Amateur, he won $3,900, a Gist Silversmiths Reserve Champion Buckle from Arcese Quarter Horses, Legacy Front Splint Boots, a Cinch monogrammed vest from Wayne Hodges 4-Star Trailers/Outlaw Conversions, and Platinum Performance.

John McCarty, of Gaviota, California, and his horse, Mister Diamond Shine, definitely gave everyone a run for their money in the preliminaries. They not only topped the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions with a 639, but also qualified for the Open and Intermediate Open Finals. Mister Diamond Shine is by Mister Dual Pep and out of Shinersdiamondjackie.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, 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, 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.