By Christa Morris – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors has hired Jim Harlan, president and CEO of MJM Global Search, Inc., to support efforts in filling the post of NRHA Executive Director. MJM Global’s search will begin immediately with analysis of the position and identification of candidates.

NRHA, based in Oklahoma City, Okla., is the standard-setting body for the sport of Reining with more than 21,000 members worldwide. “It is crucial for NRHA to locate a highly-skilled and respected individual for this position. The Association needs a candidate that understands our global industry, appreciates our sport and possesses the leadership qualities needed to move NRHA forward. I am confident that MJM Global Search will help us find the right fit for NRHA and its members,” said Rick Clark, NRHA Vice President.

Harlan, an avid horseman in his own right, is responsible for the strategic leadership necessary to ensure the achievement of MJM Global Search’s performance goals and preservation of the core values established more than 16 years ago.

MJM Global Search, Inc. is an affiliate of the largest recruiting and placement organization in the world, Management Recruiters International, with more than 1,100 offices worldwide. Their executive search specialists have decades of hands-on experience as senior managers, ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to small fast-growing start-up companies. The firm recently completed placements in the horse industry for the American Paint Horse Association and National Cutting Horse Association.

Persons interested in the position may contact:
  Jim Harlan
MJM Global Search, Inc.
P.O. Box 883
Franktown, CO 80116
(303) 660-0766
jim@mjmglobalsearch.com

From Arenus – Fort Collins, Colo. – Arenus has joined forces with their corporate partner, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) to collect donations for direct assistance to the American Red Cross’s relief efforts from the May 20^th Oklahoma tornadoes. The joint venture is effective as of May 30, 2013 and is open to the general public as well as clients of both Arenus and the NRHA. For those who donate more than $25 to relief efforts, Arenus will be offering a free Arenus hat and mug.

Donations may be made any time through Arenus, via PayPal, on either Arenus’s Facebook page or webpage. Arenus’s webpage is available at www.arenus.com and Arenus’s Facebook page is available at www.facebook.com/arenus. Donations may also be made through PayPal by contacting an Arenus customer service representative at (866) 791-3344, during business hours. Arenus business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM MST (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM PST). When donations are made, a form will be available on PayPal to include a shipping address for those who will receive the free Arenus hat and mug.

Arenus and the NRHA hope that the combined effort will help to reach a greater audience and garner more support for victims. Much of the area affected by the tornadoes is very involved in the equine industry and there were many equine victims, as well as horse owners. Consequently this tragedy has hit close to home for both companies.

About Arenus

Arenus has been a leader in the animal health products industry since 2007. Arenus offers health solutions for companion animals as well as competitive animal athletes. Arenus’s nutraceutical line offers complete digestive solutions to horses as well as total joint health for horses and dogs. Arenus also offers a complete line of herbal health solutions for both companion and competitive animals. For more information on Arenus, visit www.arenus.com.

About the NRHA

The National Reining Horse Association was founded in 1966 and has been a corporate partner with Arenus, since 2008. The NRHA is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere. For more information on the NRHA, visit www.nrha.com.

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.

Media Contact:

Miriam Altman
Marketing Manager
Arenus
500 North Link Lane
Fort Collins, CO 80524

Phone: (970) 283-2152
Fax: (970) 283-2151
Miriam.A@Arenus.com

The National Reining Horse Association has made its home and international headquarters in Oklahoma City since 1998.  We are deeply committed to the local community and proud to consider all reiners honorary Oklahomans.  The connection between NRHA and the Oklahoma community has been made even more evident since the tragic events in our great state during the month of May.

The devastating tornadoes caused loss of life in both our human and equestrian neighbors.  The physical, emotional and property damage will take much time to heal.  The National Reining Horse Association in cooperation with our membership and corporate, alliance and industry partners stand ready to assist in fulfilling the needs of all victims.

We are currently coordinating with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to identify the most immediate needs.  As more details are obtained we will share these and coordinate the efforts to assist with the recovery and reconstruction.  Assistance will be needed for an extended amount of time after the immediate phase of disaster relief has been completed.  NRHA stands ready to help throughout the entire process.

NRHA Corporate Partners Stepping Up to Help

Included in NRHA’s reining family are our NRHA Corporate Partners. Without them, NRHA would not be able to produce the shows that reiners around the world have come to love. After the destructive tornado hit the home state of our international headquarters, Oklahoma, many of these partners have stepped up to help out victims in ways they could.

Anderson Bean Boots and Rios of Mercedes sent approximately 200 pairs of boots to Langston’s in Oklahoma City for distribution through the Salvation Army and other charities for silent auctions and fundraisers for tornado victims. They are also working with OSU, Oklahoma Department of Ag, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, TSCRA, NCHA, NRHA, NRCHA, Texas 4H and several of their music endorsers for fundraising events and information distribution.

Arenus is collecting donations for direct assistance to American Red Cross relief efforts. For those who donate more than $25 to relief efforts, Arenus will be offering a free Arenus hat and mug. Donations may be made any time through Arenus, via PayPal on either Arenus’ Facebook page or www.arenus.com. Read the official news release.

Horse&Rider is working with their friends at Equine Network to get the word out about the various companies, associations and networks helping those needing it in Oklahoma. A simple way to help victims is by simply taking care of your own horse. Many companies are donating a potion of their sales to relief funds. To see a complete list, click here to see how you can help.

Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau is keeping a list of hotel availability for anyone looking or needing a place to stay whether you are tornado victim or a volunteer. You can call them at 405-297-8938 and they will let you know the best options. See what President of the OKC C&VB Mike Carrier had to say regarding this tragedy. The American Red Cross, Feed the Children, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Salvation Army have ways to accept donations online.

Purina Animal Nutrition and its dealers are donating feed to local clinics that are caring for displaced horses and other animals. If you’d like to make a donation that directly impacts horses and owners affected by severe weather you can donate to the AAEP’s Equine Disaster Relief Fund to help equine and veterinary communities impacted by storms and natural disasters. To make a donation, visit the AAEP Foundation website at aaepfoundation.org.

NRHA is proud to call them our partners!

Other Ways to Help

A “Horse Hotline” has been set up to assist the Orr Family Farm and Celestial Acres at (405) 283-2258.  If you would like to offer help or clean-up services, please leave your name and number.  When they have a better assessment of their needs, they will contact you.

Monetary donations may be made by texting REDCROSS to 90999 or STORM to 80888 to make a contribution to the Red Cross or Salvation Army.

AAEP Foundation Aids Horses Affected by Severe Weather

Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma

Following the May 6, 2013 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors meeting it was brought to their attention that the motion which named Beth Himes the interim Executive Director may not have complied with NRHA’s bylaws. Therefore, on May 16, 2013 the NRHA Board of Directors held a conference call to consider the previous motion. After further legal review and discussion the previous motion was rescinded and Resolution #09-13 was approved. In summary, the Resolution allows for the President of the Association to carry out duties and responsibilities until an Executive Director is hired. The Search Committee continues to seek the right person for the NRHA Executive Director position.  Resumes can be sent to the Search Committee Chair, Rick Clark at rick.clark@clarkspns.com.

From Simona Diale – Reggio Emilia, May 14 -  The Euro38,750-added IRHA/NRHA Derby officially opened the Salone Del Cavallo Americano Show in Reggio Emilia, Italy, today.  108 open horse-rider combinations made their way into the pen today vying for a spot in the finals which will be held on Saturday 18.  The Derby is open to 4-5 and 6-year-old horses and is run in a qualifying preliminary round and seeded finals.

Leading the Euro32,000-added Level 4 open go-round with a score of 220.5 was past NRHA Open Derby Champion Kelly Zweifel riding Samurai Snap for owner Impresa Agricola Cuoghi.  Kelly and the 6-year-old gelding by Mr Snapple and out of Tivios Little Dun It (by Hollywood Dun It) won the 2010 IRHA/NRHA Open Level 4 Futurity in 2010.

Riding Katarzyna Roleska’s Shiney Tinseltown (Smart And Shiney x Dun It In Tinseltown x Hollywood Dun It), Alessandro Frassà posted the second highest score, a 220, in the L 4 open division and went on to lead the Euro13,500-added L 3 division.  With Gennaro Lendi in the saddle, the flashy palomino had claimed the IRHA/NRHA 4-year-old Futurity Level 4 Open Championship last year.

The top score in the Euro4,000-added L 2 Open division, a 216, was posted by Marco Manzi riding Jokin Whiz (Who Whiz It x Jokin Peppy x Hangten Peppy) for owner Nadia Bighicchi-Iadanza.  With a score of 213.5, Andrea Proto and My Bud Is Shinin (Nic It In The Bud x Shining Miss x Shining Spark), owned by Laura Pepe lead the Euro1,500-added L 1division.

The qualifying round of the IRHA/NRHA Non Pro Derby will be held tomorrow.

Follow the action livestream by logging on to www.andreabonaga.it.

Livescore: www.showmanager.eu

For further information visit the Italian Reining Horse Association website: www.itrha.com.

Photo courtesy Andrea Bonaga

Show Media Contact
Simona Diale  – simonadiale@gmail.com

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.

By Christina Brezack – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Professional of the Year Awards recognizes and honors individuals who exemplify excellence in the NRHA community as an NRHA Professional.  These awards are presented in 5 different categories based on their 2012 involvement. This distinction is reserved exclusively for the elite individuals who, in all aspects of their career, consistently excel in perpetuating the growth of the NRHA, both in and out of the show pen, while maintaining the ideals of good horsemanship, sportsmanship and welfare of the reining horse.
 
Award recipients will be recognized at the NRHA Awards Banquet on Thursday, June 27 at 5:45 p.m. They will be awarded custom Montana Silversmiths Spurs.

NRHA Professional Horseman of the Year

Mike McEntire from Selma, N.C. has been an NRHA Professional since 2003. With NRHA Lifetime Earnings of over $950,000, he has placed on the Top 20 Professionals list for several years. McEntire is a perennial finalist in NRHA major events; his accomplishments in the show pen include the 2003 Novice Horse Open World Championship, 2010 NRHA Futurity Open Reserve Championship, and 2011 All American Quarter Horse Congress Championship among many others.

McEntire has coached and mentored many students to their first wins, first titles and multiple year-end championships. He has been called patient, honest and forthcoming.  McEntire’s training philosophy is embodied and guided by his appreciation and consideration for the horse.

Find out more about Mike McEntire at mcentirereining.com.

NRHA Professional Horsewomen of the Year

 
Melanie Wilhelm from Nazareth, Texas has been an NRHA Professional since 2004. Known for her NASCAR Freestyle Reining exhibition at the 2012 4R Performance Horse Hometown Heroes Slide and NRHA Cowtown Classic Invitational Freestyle, Wilhelm is active in her local affiliates and 4-H clubs promoting the sport of Reining and youth programs. She has been the president of the West Texas Reining Horse Association and is currently the treasurer.
 
Wilhelm encourages her non pro and youth clients by setting goals and pushing her students to reach them. She leads by example as she reaches her own open goals, like becoming a 2011 NRHA Derby Open finalist.
 
Find out more about Melanie Wilhelm at wilhelmperformancehorses.com.
 

NRHA Professional Non Pro Coach of the Year

 
Kim Yancey of Ione, Calif. has been an NRHA Professional since 2003. Yancey has been featured on NRHA’s Inside Reining, participates at RHSF Rookie Days presented by Classic Equine and sponsors NRHA shows.  She rode to a 2008 Top Ten finish in the Novice Horse Open. Yancey has guided countless non pros to many NRHA wins over the last 10 years. Most recently, Yancey coached the 2011 Silver Spurs Equine Rookie of the year Champion and Reserve Champion.
 
Yancey takes her time with her clients making sure they understand concepts as they work on their set goals. She has been called the “Mother Teresa of Reining” due to her honest, caring characteristics as well as caring for the horses as her own.
 
Kim Yancey’s contact information can be found at yanceyperformancehorses.com.
 

NRHA Professional Youth Coach of the Year

 
Mack Weaver of Morgan, Utah has been an NRHA Professional since 2009. With the most nomination ballets of all the Professional Award nominees, Weaver has made a great impact on the youth where he emphasizes respect, work ethic, volunteerism and above all fun. Weaver demonstrates patience and a unique aptitude to teaching horsemanship skills to the young riders he coaches.  Weaver and his wife, Ashley, are always willing to give up their time to volunteer with the youth in the Intermountain Reining Horse Association by helping raise money even by riding all day dressed as a women – all for love of their youth.
 
With his continual promotion of the sport of Reining, Weaver uses his extra time to put on clinics. He was one of the trainers that help put on the Purina Ride a Reiner at the Professional Bull Riders World Finals last fall.  He also helped coach one of the police officers for the 4R Performance Horses Hometown Heroes Slide in 2012.
 
To find out more about Mack Weaver visit them at weaverreining.com.
 

NRHA Professional Up-And-Coming Trainer of the Year

 
Matthew Hudson from Marieville, Quebec has been an NRHA Professional only since the beginning of 2012.  He finished the year in the Top 20 Professionals earning more than $96,700. In the last two years, Hudson has increased his NRHA Lifetime earnings from $27,000 to more than $190,000.  As a leader in the professional groups in Canada, he is a great advocate and supporter of NRHA and the sport of Reining. He is confident, competitive, hardworking and humble.
 
2012 was a great year for Hudson. He was an NRHA Futurity Open Level 4 and 3 division finalist, All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity Level 3 Open Co-Champion and Level 4 Open finalist, National Reining Breeders Classic Level 3 and 4 division finalist along with being named Trainer of the Year for Quebec.
 
To find out more about Matthew Hudson visit equineplus-excalibur-en.com.
 

 
Interested in becoming an NRHA Professional? Download the 2013 NRHA Professionals Membership Form or visit the website nrha1.com/professionals. A rider’s earnings only begin to count for Top 20 purposes from the date they join the NRHA Professionals.
 
Questions? Please contact Kristen Liesman at 405-946-7400 ext. 113 or kliesman@nrha.com.

###
Photo Credits: NRHA

Provided by NRBC – The National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro preliminaries concluded Tuesday, April 16, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. Coming in as the third-to-last draw, Kelle Smith and Surprizentheprincess took the lead of the round with a 222.5, besting the other 174 entries.

Smith and Surprizentheprincess, a 4-year-old mare by Jerry Lees Surprise out of Princess In Diamonds, earned $7,959 for the Non Pro preliminary win.

Rodion Cantacuzene and Bill Coburn both marked a 219 to tie for the high score of the Non Pro Levels 3 and 2 in the preliminary round. Rodion, who also topped the Non Pro Level 1, was riding MJ Roosters Gun, by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Gallo Del Blanco. Bill piloted Nics Little Bud, by Nic It In The Bud out of Chex Out The Cowgirl, and also had the high score of the Non Pro Prime Time.

The top 30 in the Non Pro Level 4 and the top 20 of the other four Non Pro divisions will compete in the clean-slate finals on Friday, April 19.

It took a 215 to make it back in the Non Pro Level 4 and 214.5 in the Non Pro Level 3. In the Non Pro Level 2, the magic number was a 214, and in the Non Pro Level 1, contestants needed a 210.5 or higher. Non Pro Prime Time competitors with a handicapped score of 214.5 also earned finals berths.

The NRBC continues Wednesday with the first set of Open Classic Preliminaries in the coliseum arena. Please visit www.nrbc.com for a complete schedule of events, as well as up-to-date results from the show.

East Arena Excellence

Limited Non Pro (1)

Champion:

Tammy Scott and Skeets Nifty

Reserve Champion (tie)

Allen Stillwell and Memorable Moments

Wade Smith and AZ Stargazer

Jenanne Overgaard and Outstanding Promise

Intermediate Open (1)

Champion

Starzz In Hollywood and Patti Brownshadel

Reserve Champion

Texas Remedy and Jeff Buckley

Limited Open (1)

Champion (tie)

Sparklin Chic and Giada Camparsi

Hollywood Shootout and Cristiano Coelho

Rookie Professional (1)

Champion

Sparklin Chic and Giada Camparsi

Reserve Champion

Ms Montana Dun It and Nicole Schneider

For complete ancillary results from Tuesday, click here.

Don’t Miss the Markel Insurance Non Pro Finals Draw Party

Markel Insurance Company is the sponsor of the Non Pro Finals Draw Party tomorrow evening! The Draw Party is open to everyone, and all finalists must attend. The fun begins at 7:30pm upstairs in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club overlooking the arena.

For more information on Markel Insurance, stop by the booth and talk to Frank Constantini or visit www.horseinsurance.com.

Bid High and Often – Silent Auction Benefits Rein In Cancer and America’s Horse Cares

Each year the NRBC Silent Auction has an assortment of fun and exciting items – and bidders feel good about their purchases because 100% of the proceeds benefit Rein In Cancer and America’s Horse Cares.

We’re still accepting donations – so if you have anything to donate, make sure to bring it by!

The Silent Auction will debut Wednesday evening at the Markel Draw Party, and will conclude Friday evening at the conclusion of the Non Pro Finals.

Don’t Forget to Enter the Ancillary Classes!

The deadline for late-entering the Novice Horse Open Level 1 & 2 (1) and the AQHA Junior and Senior Reining in the Tellepsen Arena, as well as the Warm-Up Class (2) and the Limited Open (2) and Rookie Professional (2) in the Wheless Arena is noon Wednesday. The late fee is $25, and you will be included in the draw.

Pard’s Welcome Party

Many thanks to Pard’s Western Shop for sponsoring the Welcome Party, which was hosted by Rita Reed Harris, PA.

For a complete schedule, visit www.nrbc.com, and become a fan of the NRBC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nationalreiningbreedersclassic.

 
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.

NRHA is a proud sponsor of the IEA

From Interscholastic Equestrian Association News Release — More than 350 of the nation’s leading middle school and high school equestrians will converge on The Coliseum at New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, New York Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21 to compete for top honors in Hunt Seat Classes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Finals (IEA).  The student-riders will travel from across the United States to participate in the completion. Dover Saddlery and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) co-sponsor the championship event.

The competitors represent 184 teams from eight zones throughout the United States that competed in numerous shows during the 2012-2013 school year.  The teams and individuals that accumulated the highest number of points within each zone qualified for the IEA National Finals from a total membership of more than 8,000 riders.

Riders will compete in Hunt Seat Equitation classes, over fences and on the flat, throughout the weekend.  The format requires that riders compete in unfamiliar tack on unfamiliar mounts; therefore, they draw their horses the day of competition and enter the arena after a brief, if any, warm-up.

In addition to the IEA competition, informational sessions and demonstrations will be offered throughout the weekend from several IEA sponsors including: AQHyA (American Quarter Horse Youth Association), NRHA (National Reining Horse Association), USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and USPC (United States Pony Club).  Several colleges that specialize in equine studies will be in attendance, as well.

The entire event will be streamed live by EPCO Productions through the IEA website www.rideiea.org or directly through the link: http://www.livesportsvideo.com/golive/goliveevents.asp?q=TheEPCoGroup&name=guestfree.

Founded in 2002, The IEA was organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, and to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition and education on matters related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.

 
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.

The NRHA Board of Directors met on April 8 to discuss the 2013 NRHA Cowtown Classic and recent information brought to their attention regarding changes made to Texas Event Trust Fund policies. In light of these changes, the Board of Directors decided to cancel the 2013 event. Previously, the Board decided against renewing contracts for future Cowtown events. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to NRHA members making plans to attend the 2013 NRHA Cowtown Classic.

NRHA appreciates the support of the City of Fort Worth and the State of Texas. With their help, the event ranked 4th among 2011 and 2012 NRHA Leading Events and paid out nearly $900,000 to NRHA members. In addition, NRHA hosted its first Novice Horse Derby and tested the 4D reining concept in Fort Worth.