Paint Horses Earn Big Checks at 2014 NRCHA Stakes
Lenas Buddy Nic. Photo courtesy pf NRCHA, provided by PHJ press release.
PHJ press release by: Megan Brincks
Two Paint Horses made the money standings in the finals at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, held April 3–5 in Las Vegas.
Lenas Buddy Nic, a 2009 bay tobiano gelding by Nic It In The Bud (QH) and out of Dual Lena, placed 11th in the Open Finals with rider and trainer Brandon Buttars.
“Nic,” owned by Judy Siebel of Bitterroot Springs Ranch in Stevensville, Montana, earned a composite score of 637.5 for a $3,829 paycheck.
Bred by QT Horses in Bend, Oregon, Nic was started by Todd Bergen of Oregon. He later moved under the guidance of Shane Steffen, who won the 2012 $30,000 Cinch Intermediate Open Futurity with Nic.
“He wasn’t expecting much from Nic. He thought it was kind of a long shot,” Judy explained. “But then he suddenly started coming around, and he did exceedingly well with him.”
Judy bought Nic after seeing him at the 2012 NRCHA Futurity and sent him to trainer Brandon Buttar. After a minor illness put a slow start to their partnership, they are now doing well at NRCHA competitions, most recently at the 2014 NRCHA Celebration of Champions.
“Nic’s just got such a good mind and heart,” Judy said. “He’s a fabulous fence horse, and he’s just all heart. He’s just a good little athlete.”
In the Intermediate Non-Pro Bridle class, Meet Rippen Diamonds placed fourth with owner, breeder and rider Dick Hershman of Wildomar, California. A 2005 sorrel overo stallion by Like A Diamond and out of Cee Bars Rip (QH), Meet Rippen Diamonds earned a composite score of 416.5 for a $480 check.
