Aaron Ralston and Smart Paul Olena win 2005 USEF Denver Qualifier

At the 2005 National Western Stock Show, the first USEF Open Reining Championship Qualifier was held on January 10. Winning the event was Aaron Ralston, of Carbondale, Colorado riding Smart Paul Olena.

Smart Paul Olena is owned by Meg Griffith-Ralston, and was the 2004 AQHA Reserve World Champion in Sr. Reining with Aaron, and the 2004 AQHA Amateur Reserve World Champion with Meg riding. The roan sorrel stallion is sired by Smart Chic Olena and out of Paula Tari, and was a NRHA Open Futurity Finalist with Doug Milholland.

Earning second at the USEF Qualifier in Denver was Colorado trainer, Shane Kelley. The resident trainer for 6K Ranch in Elbert, Colorado rode Gail Klapper sorrel stallion, RS La Rooso (Gallo Del Cielo x Sola Gun).

In the Youth Reining Championship Qualifier, Lacey Vernon of Colorado rode her mother Valerie's stallion, Endeavor Doc (Hobby Doc x Fox Shady Lady) to the win. Second behind Lacey was Shevin Schwartzenberger riding Lil Ruf Jac (Lil Ruf Peppy x Miss Jac Of Hearts).