Shining Lil Nic is a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and the stallion has won numerous Open reined cow horse accolades – including World and National Championships – with longtime trainer Kevin Stallings at the reins. However, at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Hackamore Classic in Paso Robles, California, it was owner Janiejill Tointon who was in the spotlight.

It was only her fourth time to show “Nic,” but with a composite score of 431.5, Tointon won not only the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular, but also the Intermediate Non Pro Bridle. The two titles garnered earnings of $3,966. “I am so excited – I was bawling coming out of the arena. I’m so grateful to Kevin for making such a wonderful horse for me to ride,” she said following the class.

Tointon hasn’t shown in a long time, as an injury to her pelvis has made riding not only difficult, but also painful. In fact, while preparing to show in the rein and cow work of the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular, Janiejill had to hand the reins over to her husband, Bill. “I got sick before the class because of the pain, so Bill warmed him up for me. I thought ‘I can make it through it,’ so I got on. Nic was awesome. Even though I hurt – he just did it,” she said. “I feel so blessed to have such a great horse.”

Making the win even more special was that Stallings was in the stands watching. “I appreciate Kevin so much. I also thank Doug Williamson, Don Murphy, and Lance Shockley.” She added, “Of course, I also have to thank my husband, Bill, for everything he does and for warming up Nic today.” Tointon and Nic, by Smart Shiner out of Dig A Lil Nic, have already qualified for the NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere, as well as the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show in Amateur Working Cow Horse. “We’re also just a half-point away from qualifying for the AQHA World Show in reining – so we’re going to try to get qualified there, as well,” she said.

Finishing as the Non Pro Bridle Spectacular Reserve Champion was Shannon McCarty and her horse, the Colonels Nuflame. McCarty and The Colonels Nuflame had a 429 composite, good for $2,180.

The Intermediate Non Pro Bridle Reserve title went to Nichole Scott, who piloted Nu Cash Prize to a 283. Scott and owner Mel Smith took home $1,125. Nu Cash Prize is by Smokums Prize out of Playgirl For Cash.

Joie Coxon and Gallo De Diablo Win Hackamore Classic Novice Non Pro Bridle

Joie Coxon and Gallo De Diablo are a great team. For years they collected Youth titles in the Limited and Bridle classes, and now the 18-year-old high school senior and her 12-year-old gelding, by Gallo Del Cielo and out of A Smart Little Girl, are winning in the Non Pro ranks.

Competing in the Novice Non Pro Bridle, Coxon and Gallo De Diablo had a 288.5 total, good for the Championship as well as a check for $1,050.

“He was great today and I was really happy with him. We got a tough cow but he wanted to be good and it was really fun,” Coxon said. “I thank my trainer Mark Luis and his family, as well as my family and everyone else who has supported me.”

Coxon will be attending college at the University of San Diego this fall. “I’m trying to show as much as I can this summer. I don’t know what I’m going to do with my horse – so I’m planning to show all summer long,” she said.

Deborah Wise won the Novice Non Pro Bridle Reserve title with Dusty Smart Oakie, by Dusty Dry Tivio out of Ms Double Oakie. Wise collected $875 for her 282 point total score. Dusty Smart Oakie is owned by Deborah and George Wise.

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.