On August 31, the NRHA closed voting for NRHA Vice President, NRHA Executive Committee and Bylaw Change Amendments.

Beth Himes of Millersport, Ohio was elected to the Vice President seat. She will begin her term in 2011.

In Executive Committee elections, Rick Clark of Catlettsburg, Ky., Kit Cosper of Wilmington, N.C. and Rick Ramsey of Rush, Ky. were elected to start their terms in 2011.

Seven Bylaw Amendment Proposals were passed with the required number of votes. Proposal 21-01-11 did not receive 66% majority vote and did not pass.

Details on the voting and Bylaw Amendment Proposals can be found at nrha.com in the Member’s Only area.

During the Alltech® FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), many will notice Reining as the only equestrian discipline to feature hand-tooled western saddles, distinctive cowboy hats and gorgeous, long flowing manes and tails of its horses. However, at this installment of the Games, the NRHA will provide a unique experience for spectators and reining fans – NRHA “Ride a Reiner.�

“Ride a Reiner� will give WEG attendees the chance to be selected to ride a reining horse at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25 – October 10. In addition, NRHA will provide opportunities for credentialed WEG media to experience the thrill of riding a reining horse.

RIDE A REINER
In an area just inside the main entrance, NRHA will offer these “test rides� to WEG spectators in the John Deere Reining Arena located next to the Kentucky Experience. For those who have some riding experience, “Ride a Reiner,� will give them the opportunity to enjoy a dizzying spin or even a sliding stop on a well-trained reining horse. NRHA alliance partner and WEG reining breed sponsor, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), will offer breed test rides, as well.

Thanks to NRHA Corporate Partners, MD Barns, Kiser Arena Specialists and John Deere; the rides will be conducted inside an MD Barns open-sided arena. The arena will be constructed on what is now a parking lot at the Kentucky Horse Park. The arena base and special reining surface will be brought in by Kiser Arena Specialists and maintained by John Deere. In addition, the event is supported by Games’ sponsor Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment.

Applications to ride will be accepted in the NRHA/AQHA Booth in the Games Tradeshow. For information on “Ride a Reiner,� e-mail cmorris@nrha.com. More details will be available online at nrha.com just prior to the Games.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Media contacts also will be given the prospect of experiencing the adrenaline rush of Reining. A limited number of spots are available for WEG credentialed media to sit astride a Reining horse and learn more about the sport first-hand. To express interest, e-mail Christa Morris at cmorris@nrha.com or submit this Ride a Reiner Media Application.

MORE INFORMATION ON NRHA’S INVOLVEMENT
BIG REINING PURSES – NRHA is a long-time proponent of the Games and the global expansion of Reining, even prior to Reining’s debut at the 2002 Games. NRHA provided support and input needed to create and enhance the Games’ Reining competition format. Due primarily to NRHA, the newly improved format offers an augmented purse, deeper payouts for team and individuals, as well as increased days of competition.

REINING FREESTYLE – The Reining Freestyle Exhibition will take place on September 30, 2010, after the final round of the Games’ world championship reining competition is complete. With its sponsorship, NRHA makes possible, for the first time in Games history, the addition of an exhibition Reining Freestyle event to the overall event schedule.

TELEVISION COVERAGE – The Reining Horse Sports Foundation is proud to partner with AQHA to enhance television coverage of Reining during the Games. Millions of fans will have the opportunity to watch on NBC Sports as the network provides an unprecedented six and a half hours of coverage over three Sundays. Watch NBC September 26 at 12 p.m. Eastern, October 3 at 1 p.m. Eastern (immediately following live coverage of the Ryder Cup golf tournament) and October 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern.

For more information on NRHA and the sport of Reining, visit nrha.com.
Photo credit: Dawn Baxstrom

From Tami Wagman – You may have seen her on the “Ellen DeGeneres Showâ€� or in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she first wowed the crowd, competing without saddle or bridle on the beautiful black American Quarter Horse “Whizards Baby Dollâ€� – Stacy Westfall went on to win the prestigious competition for equine clinicians called “Road to the Horseâ€� and to compete, teach, and train around the world.

Her videos went viral on YouTube and have been viewed by millions. But you can see Stacy – and the extraordinary mare she calls “Roxyâ€�- ride in person once again in the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic Slide Zone, Friday September 3^rd at Expo Square.

Spectators will also get the chance to meet the entire USEF Reining Team that will represent America at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky at the end of September. And as always, the first 100 kids through the door will get a free, full-size Breyer model horse!

Another “Slide Zoneâ€� favorite will be back this year – the Charity Slide Off, highlighting the hallmark maneuver of reining, the sliding stop.  Riders will compete to see who can slide the farthest to benefit Tulsa area charities, but this year there is a celebrity twist:  the three riders are all on local or national television: Kristin Dickerson of KTUL’s “Good Day Tulsa,â€� Christi Proctor from the TLC network hit “Trading Spaces,â€� and Jenifer Reynolds host of “NRHA Inside Reiningâ€� on In Country TV and “Discover Oklahoma.â€�

The “Slide Zone� will also continue the tradition of world-class “Freestyle� competition – reining maneuvers done to music and often with horse and rider in costume – and finally first class open competition for professional reiners.

Plus somebody in the audience will go home with a brand new John Deere Gator!

The Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic – now in it’s 7^th year – will once again offer classes in two climate controlled competition arenas, allowing two full slates of classes to run simultaneously with plenty of room for everyone.

Tickets can be purchased at any Drysdales location in Tulsa, by phone at 1-800-444-6481, or on line at www.okrha.com. They are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 12 and under.

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting.  Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions

Two top NRHA Professionals will kick-off the 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Regional Clinic Series in La Mesa, N.M.  The weekend of January 29 and 30 trainers Josh Armstrong and Jordan Larson will hold a clinic to benefit reiners of all ages and experience levels at Armstrong Equine Services.

Larson, an NRHA Top 20 Professional with over $632,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings is a consistent finalist at major NRHA events. He was the 2001 NRHA Limited Open World Champion and Intermediate Open Reserve World Champion, and the Individual Gold Medalist at the 2008 FEI World Reining Masters. At the 2010 National Reining Breeders Classic, he was a co-reserve champion in the Level 4 Open division riding Stop Like A Dream.

Hosting the clinic will be Armstrong, a Top Ten finalist at the NRHA Futurity and the All American Quarter Horse Congress Reining Futurity.  Perhaps best known for his memorable Freestyle performances, Armstrong has over $43,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings.

This will be the sixth year the NRHA has organized the clinics to help raise funds for the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). The clinics are designed to help anyone who is interested in learning more about reining horses, the reining business and the NRHA. The one-on-one training that attendees receive is tailored to each individual’s needs. Every clinic consists of two one-day clinics giving participants the opportunity to attend either or both days as they prefer.

Participants from all disciplines learn by doing and by watching other reiners during the hands-on sessions. “The clinic was phenomenal!� said Deann Soults, a 2010 clinic participant.  “The information was broken down in a very understandable way.�  Another participant, Chase McBurney, commented, “I really liked the format of the clinic.  I enjoyed all the different points that were covered.  We had a lot of one on one time and I was able to ask a lot of questions.  I really liked how my questions were answered and then the maneuver was demonstrated.�

Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible. All the proceeds go to support NRHyA scholarships, programs and youth activities.  The cost is $250 for youth riders participating both days or $150 per day.  Adults are encouraged to participate with an entry of $450 for both days or $250 per day. Auditors are welcome to attend for $25 per day.  For more information or to register for a clinic, please contact NRHA at (405) 946-7400 or email bbendele@nrha.com or smegel@nrha.com.

If you would like more information about the NRHyA, go to nrhya.com or contact Manager of RHSF and NRHA Youth Programs, Brian Bendele at bbendele@nrha.com (405) 946-7400, ext. 130.

 After four years in planning, over two years in construction, and a year in selection trials (for some countries), the 2010 Alltech®  FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) is set to take place September 25- October 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The Reining portion is scheduled for September 25–30.

At this time, 112 riders from 29 countries are expected to compete in Reining with Medals being awarded in both team and individual competition. Not all countries will field full teams of four riders plus an alternate. Several countries will have anywhere from one to three riders representing them in individual competition.

Click here for a breakdown of the various teams and individual riders and horses expected to show up in Kentucky as featured in the September NRHA Reiner magazine.

The High Roller Reining Classic, Inc., RBB, Inc. and Brumley Management Group are pleased to announce that Silver Spurs Equine owned by Michael and Michelle Miola of Cave Creek, Arizona has been named the Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 High Roller Reining Classic held at the South Point Equestrian Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 12^th-18^th.

“It is not often that individuals step up to the plate with this level of philanthropic support, particularly in these challenging economic times.  Michael and Michelle have an explosive enthusiasm for the sport of Reining and the horses that dazzle us in the show pen. Silver Spurs has purchased industry leading stallions, dropped their fees, and established breeder’s incentives, all with one goal in mind, to become a leading breeder in the Reining industry. 

Michael and Michelle have personally elevated the level of competition by supporting events like the High Roller Reining Classic. I cannot say enough about how extremely valuable the support of people like the Miolas, the Warrens and everyone who contributes on any level is to the success of Reining events. Reining competitions are very costly to produce. It is because of all of our sponsors and loyal exhibitors that these events continue each year,” said Mandi Brumley of the Silver Spurs and High Roller Reining Classic Partnership.

As a Presenting Sponsor, Silver Spurs Equine will headline in Las Vegas in the aged event divisions with the High Roller Reining Classic $60,000 added Spooks Gotta Gun Futurity Shoot Out and the High Roller Reining Classic $55,000 added Conquistador Whiz Derby.  The Silver Spurs Stallions Spooks Gotta Gun, Conquistador Whiz and Finest China Rose will not only participate in the Stallion Service Auction beginning on September 12th, but will also be attending the High Roller Reining Classic.

“I have some big news about Boomernic as well as other announcements that I will be making at the High Roller Reining Classic, and we’re going to have some fun.  I want to create an elite line of Quarter Horses, and if I can give that back to the world, then I’ve accomplished something. We’re seeking perfection in our breeding program, and we want people to be able to have these horses,” says Miola.

Read the rest of this entry »

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Randy Paul announced this week that he will relocate his training operation, Xtreme Performance Horses, to American West Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, effective September 1^st. Randy looks forward to the new opportunity to train at the excellent facilities offered at American West, and he’s just down the road from his former training home at Rancho Oso Rio, owned by Jim and Pat Warren.

“This gives me an opportunity to train more horses for the public, and spend equal time training cow horses and reining horses,� Paul explained.

Paul’s talents have earned him big accolades in both Reining and reined cow horse events. In addition to being an NRHA Million Dollar Rider, Paul is an NRHA Futurity Champion, NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman, and multiple-time AQHA World Champion. The move to American West will give Paul more freedom and room to take in outside horses, and he’s looking forward to the opportunity to expand his clientele.

American West Quarter Horses is one of the premiere western ranches in Scottsdale’s Rio Verde Valley, and currently home to professional trainers Tracer Gilson, Al Kuenzli, Bob, Debbie and Ryan Kail, and Rory Phelan. There are three performance arenas, a 300’ x 150’ roping arena, a 190’ x 100’ cutting pen, and a 300’ x 150’ Reining arena. Additionally, there is a 30-stall main barn and a 250’ x 140’ temperature-controlled covered arena. There are several barns and stall areas available for client boarding and even breeding.

“They have a really fantastic facility at American West, and Andi and I are both excited to be joining the team there,� Paul said. “We’d also like to thank Jim and Pat Warren for a great run at Rancho Oso Rio for the past nine years, and for a long and happy friendship.�

Randy Paul is proudly sponsored by Bob’s Custom Saddles, Rios of Mercedes Boots, Professional’s Choice, Nutrena and Bailey Hats. Contact Randy by visiting his website at www.randypaul.com, or call 480-215-6577. To learn more about American West Quarter Horses, visit www.amwestquarterhorses.com.

 

Provided by PlusOne Productions

Photo by Waltenberry

 

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting.  Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions

From John Deere -  As the “Official Equipment Supplier of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games� to be held September 25-October 10, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky, NRHA Corporate Partner John Deere will be announcing new initiatives including its new equine web page  www.JohnDeere.com/equine.

The John Deere Equine web page features specific equipment and machinery recommendations, special offers on equipment, and co-branded John Deere and World Equestrian Games merchandise, including clothing and toy tractors. Consumers interested in purchasing tickets to the World Equestrian Games are also able to access tickets through John Deere’s new page.

As a partner for the 2010 World Equestrian Games and long-time supporter of the global equine community, John Deere provides a number of products for both the professional and enthusiast that make work more efficient, and keep the welfare of horses at the forefront.

Since the announcement of its partnership in 2008, John Deere has supported over 40 horse shows leading up to the World Equestrian Games.  These events have taken place in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and throughout Europe and given horse owners a chance to see John Deere equipment and learn more about John Deere’s equine discount program and coupon offers.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI, and are held every four years.  The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.

John Deere (Deere & Company – NYSE: DE) is the world’s leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment.  Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

Last Deadline for Entries: August 22 – Wiener Neustadt/Austria, September 1-4, 2010

From Ramona Billing - Sunday, August 22 is the last chance to enter horses into one 2010’s top reining events – the $100,000 added Austrian Reining Futurity & Derby Show. On September 1-4, Europe’s top reiners will meet at the beautiful and renowned facility of Helmut and Dennis Schulz in Wiener Neustadt (south of Vienna). For four days, fine reining prospects will be shown in Futurity and Derby classes with a purse of $ 25,000 added alone in the Level 4 Open Futurity division and $12,000 in the Level 4 Open Derby division. Of course all shows are NRHA-approved. There is also a full slate NRHA show including a $10,000 NRHA Lawson Bronze Trophy Open and a $5,000 Bronze Trophy Non Pro.

No wonder this mega event attracts the best reiners of Europe. Canadian Cody Sapergia, who trains in Italy now, will bring four horses to this show. Among the entries are many competitors of the 2010 World Equestrian Games like three-time NRHA World Champion Rudi Kronsteiner, two-time Austrian Futurity Champion Markus Morawitz and multiple Bronze Trophy Champion Dennis Schulz who will ride for Austria and the German team members Sylvia Rzepka and Grischa Ludwig. Other competitors are 2009 NRHA European Futurity Open Champion Bernard Fonck (BEL), NRHA Breeders Derby Champion Morey Fisk (CAN), Markus Schöpfer (ITA), Nicola Cordioli (ITA) and NRHA Derby Champion Kelly Zweifel.

For entries, contact:

Gerda Langer  -  ARHA  Team
ARHA – Austrian Reining Horse Association
A – 2392 Sulz im Wienerwald, Raitlstraße 154
phone +43-2238/8484  cell phone +43-664/3005240   Fax +43-2238/8545
office@nrha.at www.nrha.at, www.nrha.at

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

In 2008, NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Topsail Whiz reached the top of the National Reining Horse Association all-time sire list with total offspring earnings of $5,527,700 surpassing Hollywood Dun It’s mark of $5,494,100. The following year, the stallion achieved another NRHA milestone by becoming the first sire in NRHA history to have offspring earnings in excess of $6 million. Today according to current NRHA records, the sire has achieved another first – he is the first NRHA Seven Million Dollar Sire.

Bob Loomis’ Topsail Whiz (Topsail Cody x Jeanie Whiz Bar by Cee Red) is an NRHA Hall of Famer who earned $49,865 in the NRHA show ring. His successes included an All American Quarter Horse Congress Junior Reining Championship, 1991 NRHA Lazy E Classic Open Championship and a third place finish in the 1990 NRHA Open Futurity. Last fall, the reining community mourned the loss of this great stallion.

Topsail Whiz’s offspring have shown their prowess in the reining arena and are comprised of many champions such as: The Great Whiz (2003 NRHA Open Futurity Champion and 2003 Canadian Reining Breeders Classic Champion), Easy Otie Whiz (2006 World Equestrian Games (WEG) Team Gold Medalist), Walla Walla Whiz (2007 NRHA Open Derby Champion), Whizard Jac (1996 NRHA Open Futurity Champion, 1999 first-ever USEF Reining Championship winner), Remin Whiz (2002 American Quarter Horse Association World Champion Junior Reining Horse) and Topgun Whiz (1998 NRHA Futurity Limited Open division champion and 1999 Open Derby Champion).

Photo by: Cheryl Magoteaux