Ichi Mama came into the finals with the second highest score, a 218.5, one point behind Olenas Pepto in the go-round.

Bred by Alice Walton’s Rocking W Ranch, Ichi Mama is a 7-year-old mare by Cat Ichi out of Stylish Rosie, an NCHA Derby reserve champion that earned over $100,000.

Ichi Mama has earned more than $41,000 prior to the Western Nationals. Last year, she was a $3,000 Novice and $50,000 Amateur finalist at the show.

Two years ago, Sleeman waas the $3,000 Novice champion at the Western Nationals with another Cat Ichi mare, Ho Chi Minnie.

The reserve champion in this year’s $10,000 Novice was Cats Chilly Chilly, a 7-year-old Cats Merada gelding ridden by Kenny Pugh Jr. for Michelle Barnes of Clarkston, Washington.