PASO ROBLES, Calif. — March 22, 2026
The California Reined Cow Horse Association (CRCHA) proudly announces the champions of the 2026 CRCHA Spring Classic Derby, Spectacular, and Horse Show #2, held March 16–22, 2026, at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California. Presented by Borjon Auto Center and supported by Official Ground and Equipment Sponsor JJ Fisher Construction, the 2026 Spring Classic drew competitors, owners, and spectators from across the country for a full week of world-class reined cow horse competition. The event featured $100,000 in added money for the Derby, $16,500 in added money for the Spectacular, and $8,450 in added money for Horse Show #2, making it one of the most prestigious and competitive events on the California reined cow horse calendar.
OPEN DERBY CHAMPIONS
The Open Derby divisions, sponsored by Roo To Do of Red Arrow Ranch, produced outstanding performances across all levels of competition. Jared Jones piloted Miss New Scooty to the top of the Open Derby with a composite score of 657, claiming the Open Derby Championship title and the top prize of $30,000. Jones and Miss New Scooty delivered a commanding performance throughout the week, setting the standard for what reined cow horse competition is all about. The Reserve Open Derby Championship was awarded to Ricky Nicolazzi and HSR Metallic Kit Kat, owned by Red Arrow Ranch, with a composite score of 656.5 and earnings of $17,000 — a performance that underscored just how competitive the top of the Open Derby was this year. Rounding out the top three, Tucker Robinson and Magical Katt, owned by Julie Weinhardt, earned third place with a composite score of 656 and $14,000 in earnings, capping a remarkable week for Robinson across the Open divisions.
In the Intermediate Open Derby, Tucker Robinson and Magical Katt also claimed the division championship with a composite score of 656 and $12,000 in earnings — a score that demonstrated the exceptional depth of talent on display throughout the week. The Limited Open Derby Championship was claimed by Les Oswald aboard HRS John Dutton with a composite score of 643 and earnings of $6,000, while Jake Logan and Smart Little Yvon earned the L1 Open Derby Championship with a score of 637 and $3,000.
NON PRO DERBY CHAMPIONS
The Non Pro Derby divisions, sponsored by Gilson Performance Horses, showcased the remarkable depth of talent within the CRCHA’s Non Pro division. Mason Beal and Rocky Balboon delivered a stellar performance to claim the Non Pro Derby Championship with a composite score of 641 and $7,000 in earnings, earning recognition as one of the premier Non Pro combinations in the state. The Reserve Non Pro Derby Championship was earned by Kathy Wilson and Highbrows Dr Rey with a composite score of 638.5 and total earnings of $7,350 — a well-deserved recognition of an outstanding week of competition.
The Non Pro Boxing Derby, sponsored by Gotta Go Get It, was claimed by Lisa Novatt and Heart Of Glass with a composite score of 639 and earnings of $3,000. The Reserve Non Pro Boxing Derby Championship went to Sherrie Aquino and I Be Jonezin with a score of 637 and total earnings of $2,500. Both combinations turned in polished and competitive performances throughout the week, representing the very best of Non Pro horsemanship.
SPECTACULAR CHAMPIONS
The Spectacular divisions, sponsored by Brother Jackson, offered some of the most compelling competition of the week across Open, Non Pro, and Youth divisions. In the Open Bridle Spectacular, Tracer Gilson and CR Peeks A Little Tuff delivered a masterful performance, earning a score of 654 and total earnings of $7,062 to claim the championship. The Reserve Open Bridle Spectacular honors went to Lilla Bell and Mister Good Tyme with a score of 652.5 and total earnings of $6,119 — a razor-thin margin that spoke to the exceptional level of competition throughout the division.
The Non Pro Bridle Spectacular Championship was claimed by Garrell Reilly and Bet Shesa Playmate with a score of 435.5 and total earnings of $3,588, while McKinley Blake and Metallic Freckle earned the Reserve Non Pro Bridle Spectacular honors with a score of 434.5 and total earnings of $2,310. In the Non Pro Boxing Spectacular, Jayne Vatcher and Royal Stunner took the championship title with a score of 296 and total earnings of $4,332, with Jessica Draper and Shiners Diamond Cat claiming the Reserve Championship with a score of 432.5 and total earnings of $3,598.50.
The Youth divisions were a highlight of the week, showcasing the next generation of reined cow horse talent. Keilani Whitesell and Half Past Boon claimed the Youth Cow Horse Spectacular Championship with a score of 425.5 and earnings of $395, with the Reserve Championship going to Charlie Roden and RTR Judges Kool Cat with a score of 420 and earnings of $165. Emma Brancati and FTR Smart Smoke earned the Youth Boxing Spectacular Championship with a score of 420.5 and total earnings of $500, demonstrating the bright future ahead for the sport.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS & HOSPITALITY
The 2026 CRCHA Spring Classic was more than a competition — it was a celebration of the reined cow horse community. Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed a series of hospitality events that brought competitors, owners, and supporters together. On Monday, March 16, the California Mid-State Fair hosted the Wine Tasting Bar, with Hors d’Oeuvres sponsored by Ken Wold Training Stables. On Thursday, March 19, Triple Crown Feeds sponsored the Open Bridle Bar, with Hors d’Oeuvres generously provided by Karol Pelletier, Real Estate Professional. The Spring Classic Derby Awards Banquet, held Friday, March 20, was sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association, bringing the week’s champions together for an evening of celebration and recognition. Saturday morning opened with a Sunrise Breakfast and Mimosas sponsored by Bonnie Marie’s Catering, providing the perfect fuel for the final days of competition.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
The 2026 CRCHA Spring Classic was made possible through the exceptional generosity of its sponsors and partners. Borjon Auto Center served as the Presenting Sponsor of the event, with JJ Fisher Construction serving as the Official Ground and Equipment Sponsor — ensuring the competition grounds were maintained to the highest standard throughout the week. The Official Livestream, produced by JF Video, was sponsored by KM Performance Horses Stallion Incentive, home of Metallic Slayer and Reyzin Stylish Cash, allowing fans from around the country to tune in and follow every run. The Instant Replay was sponsored by Rocking BS Ranch, owners of Annies Smart Cat and Here Comes The Boon. Primal Cowgirl Collective served as the Official Event Photographer, beautifully capturing every moment of the competition.
Additional division and event sponsors included Santa Lucia Farms as the Horse Show #2 Presenting Sponsor, Brother Jackson as the Spectacular Sponsor, and Les Oswald Performance Horses as the Non Pro Boxing Class Sponsor. Communication Enterprises, Inc. served as the Official Radio Sponsor. The CRCHA extends its deepest gratitude to every sponsor, partner, volunteer, and supporter who contributed to making the 2026 Spring Classic an extraordinary event for the reined cow horse community.
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION
The California Reined Cow Horse Association (CRCHA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport of reined cow horse throughout California and beyond. The CRCHA hosts a full season of competitive events at the Paso Robles Event Center, providing world-class competition for Open and Non Pro competitors across all levels of the sport. For membership information, show schedules, full results, and more, visit californiacowhorse.com.