One advantage that comes with competing at National Reined Cow Horse Association premier events is the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country – and the NRCHA Board of Directors has announced that two of its major premier events will move to new venues in 2012.

The NRCHA Stakes, previously held at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa, Idaho, will move to Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center in Queen Creek, Arizona, while the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, which has been at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California, has a new home in Pueblo, Colorado.

NRCHA President Kathy Gould noted, “Everyone enjoyed showing at the Idaho Horse Park, because it’s a great facility and the staff there is wonderful to work with. However, the show is held early in the year, and the weather has been a problem in the past. We’re excited to move the Stakes to this beautiful new Arizona facility, where they continue to make improvements.” The 2012 NRCHA Stakes will be held March 21-25.

Pueblo, Colorado, will be the new go-to destination for the Hackamore Classic contestants, and the 2012 event will take place May 3-6. “What an opportunity for the NRCHA to continue to grow as a National organization. There are five NRCHA regions within a 15 hour drive to the facility! We expect that many more people from further east will come to compete at this very traditional event,” Gould said.

And while the Hackamore Classic did change locations, Gould noted that she was pleased that the NRCHA Derby will continue to be held in Paso Robles. “Everyone enjoys traveling to wine country for the Derby. The Paso Robles community has been a great home for reined cow horse events, and we’re thrilled that our premier event for 4- and 5-year-old horses will continue to call the Paso Robles Event Center home,” she explained.

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, Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc, parent company of San Juan Ranch, 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.