From Ramona Billing - During their first 2012 meeting, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors approved for NRHA Germany to be named an NRHA National Affiliate Association and a member of NRHA’s International Affiliate Program. This is exciting news for reiners in Europe as the following four big shows are scheduled to be NRHA-approved: NRHA Germany Easter Show, NRHA Germany Breeders Derby, Speed N Style and the NRHA Germany Breeders Futurity.

NRHA Germany is dedicated to promoting the sport of Reining not only in Germany, but also in the whole of Europe. They represent 3,000 members in Germany in addition to 10% of their membership who reside in other countries. The association has long organized four big shows each year, including the NRHA Breeders Derby and the renowned NRHA Breeders Futurity. Also, NRHA Germany is dedicated to promoting reining in Europe. The association organized the 2009 FEI European Reining Championships and established CRIs for Junior and Young Riders. Their youth program, as well as the one for regional groups, has been very successful for many years. The Association includes 12 regional groups that organize clinics, promotional events and shows themselves.

Visit NRHA Germany online at www.nrha.de.

2nd Annual Roundup Shindig to Benefit Children’s Hospital Foundation

From the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital Foundation –  Whether you’re a rancher or a city-slicker, you’re invited to indulge your inner cowboy at the 2nd Annual Roundup Shindig to benefit Children’s Hospital Foundation on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre.

“We are excited about the upcoming Roundup Shindig and the opportunity to once again come together to support such a worthy cause,” said Vicki Tebow, Roundup Shindig Event Chair. “We look forward to seeing everyone kicking up their heels in support of the children of Oklahoma!”

Roundup Shindig will begin at 6:30 p.m.  and includes a live and silent auction, dancing, and live music accompanied by a dinner with western flair. Guests can expect the best auction on this side of the Red River with enticing western items such as a James Arness Tribute Revolver, a Quail Hunt donated by Western Wings Hunting, a Remington Park Suite Package, a 2012 embryo transfer donated by Royal Vista Southwest, a custom cowboy hat from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery and a four-night stay in Angel Fire, New Mexico, to name a few.

Guests will also have an opportunity to dance to live music from the Terry Allen Band and country music star Ty England.

The evening is sure to be a boot stompin’ good time with a purpose of supporting pediatric research, education and clinical care for Oklahoma’s children.  Funds raised ensure that children don’t have to leave Oklahoma to receive the best pediatric care.

Roundup Shindig is sponsored by the Children’s Hospital, OU Children’s Physicians, Chesapeake Energy, Countdown Promotions, OQHRA Tough Enough to Wear Pink, Andreini, BancFirst, Blue Dolphin Energy, Eventures, Everett and Jeanetta Dobson, Future Fortunes, Heritage Place, James Ranch LLC,  Jud Little Ranch, Meadows Oil and Gas, Newcastle Gaming Center, Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association, Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, Quik Print, Riverwind Casino, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Silver Wind Stables, Speedhorse, Teners, Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma and WMS & BWB Investments, LLC.

Children’s Hospital Foundation helps to fund pediatric research, education and clinical care, ultimately supporting The Children’s Hospital in serving every county in Oklahoma with more than 134,000 annual patient visits.  All funds raised through Children’s Hospital Foundation stay in Oklahoma so children will have access to exceptional pediatric specialists without having to leave the state.  Despite dedicated and steady progress, there are still obstacles in the quest to combat pediatric illness and disability.

To support the Roundup Shindig and Children’s Hospital Foundation, contact Kati at 405.271.2550  or visit www.okchf.org.

At the most recent NRHA Board of Directors meeting, January 21-22, in Oklahoma City, Okla., the NRHA Hall of Fame Committee recommended a nominee for induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame. That nominee was unanimously approved for induction in 2012 – Wimpys Little Chic owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Arcese Quarter Horses USA, Weatherford, Tex.

Wimpys Little Chic is a 2004 mare by Wimpys Little Step and out of Collena Chic Olena.  Her NRHA Lifetime Earnings total more than $514,000, which makes her the highest money-earning horse in NRHA history. As the 2007 NRHA Futurity Champion, she is the only reining horse to follow up that win with the National Reining Breeders Classic Derby and NRHA Derby Open Championship titles consecutively. Under the tutelage of NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider and Hall of Fame Inductee Shawn Flarida, she continued to increase her bank account in the show pen.  “Lexie,” as she is called, is now retired to the breeding shed.

Congratulations to Arcese Quarter Horses USA, breeder Double Run Farm and rider Shawn Flarida for this phenomenal mare’s accomplishments and welcome to Wimpys Little Chic as she joins those other people and horses who have made a difference to the sport in the NRHA Hall of Fame!

The NRHA Hall of Fame is one of the five core programs under the Reining Horse Sports Foundation. Through your support, RHSF recognizes the icons of our industry each year. To learn how to make a donation, contact Shianne Megel at smegel@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400, extension 122.

Photo by Kathy Swan

Jody Quiram recently sent this update on Dr. Tim Bartlett’s condition.

“This message goes out to all the NRHA/AQHA friends of Dr. Tim Bartlett. As you know Tim suffered a heart attack and stroke after the NRHA Futurity and at home last December. He has progressed to a rehab in Vincennes, Indiana and is going thru intense therapy. Dr. Tim’s income has decreased due to his inability to judge and practice his veterinary work. Although he has health insurance, there are many other expenses that escalate when one’s health or a family member’s health is compromised. We started an account in Vincennes at Old National Bank if you would like to donate money to help Tim and Kim. The Gordyville Breeders Derby and Ohio Valley Reining Horse Association will have a silent auction March 15-18 at Gordyville, Gifford, Illinois, to help with expenses. If anyone would like to donate to the auction please contact me. Ideas might be makers of spurs, bits, trips, stallion services, hotel stays, stall donation or packages at shows. For more information contact Jody Quiram at 217-530-1335.  The account information is: Kim K Bartlett DBA special account, at Old National Bank, 20 N 3rd St, POB 1200, Vincennes, IN 47591. If you would like to wire money email Debbie Vonder.heide@oldnational.com or call 812-895-4200. Thanks so much!”

Nomination Program brings nearly $375,000 more to the Derby!

The NRHA Board of Directors recently discussed major changes to the 2012 NRHA Derby (June 25-30 in Oklahoma City, Okla.). These changes and enhancements for 2012 include massive increases in added money due to the nomination program, an increase in the number of Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro finalists and granting five- and six-year-olds the ability to compete for Nomination Program added money (excluding Nominator Incentives). Find more details on these and other items below.

March 1 Entry Deadline Approaching

The entry deadline for the NRHA Derby is March 1. Conditions and entry forms can be found at nrhaderby.com.

Added Money More than Doubles Thanks to Nomination Program

*Note – All added monies (except Prime Time) are estimated and are subject to change due to the Nomination Program. Nomination Program money allocations were predetermined by the program’s conditions.

Open Derby Total – $435,000 Est. Added (Increase of $280,000)

• Level 4 Open – $215,000 (Increase of $135,000)
• Level 3 Open – $135,000 (Increase of $85,000)
• Level 2 Open – $55,000 (Increase of $40,000)
• Level 1 Open – $25,000 (Increase of $20,000)
• Prime Time Open – $5,000 (No change)

Non Pro Derby Total – $180,000 Est. Added (Increase of $92,500)

• Level 4 Non Pro – $75,000 (Increase of $35,000)
• Level 3 Non Pro – $55,000 (Increase of $32,500)
• Level 2 Non Pro – $30,000 (Increase of $17,500)
• Level 1 Non Pro – $15,000 (Increase of $7,500)
• Prime Time Non Pro – $5,000 (No change)
• Youth Non Pro – Jackpot (No change)

Other Changes and Enhancements

• Increase in the number of finalists in the Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro.
  • Level 4 Non Pro finalists increased from 25 to 30 horses. Level 3 Non Pro finalists increased from 20 to 25 horses.

• Five- and six-year-olds do not need to be nominated to the NRHA Nomination Program – but they will run at all of the added money (excluding Nominator Incentives).
  • Four-year-olds must be nominated to the program to enter.

• 2012 brings the first phase of the NRHA Animal Welfare and Medications rule (see item 20 in the NRHA Derby conditions and page 48 of the NRHA Handbook).
  • The first phase includes an anonymous research project with no penalties imposed.
  • There will be a testing fee of $10 due with the May 1^st payment.
  • All aged event entries (ancillary entries not included) are subject to examination/medications testing for research purposes.

• Increase in Non Pro entry fee from $770 to $900 (this includes all fees except stall fees).
  • This change is due to the increase in added money available in 2012.
  • The 2011 entry fee was only 0.4% of the added money. In 2012, the entry fee is still a small percentage (only 0.5% of the added money).

• Increase in Judges fee by $10 to subsidize the cost of the Show Stewards Program at the event.

• Starting in 2012, NRHA Sire & Dam entries no longer need to enter each division. They can make one payment and are automatically entered into all eligible divisions.

Upcoming NRHA Derby Deadlines

• March 1 - First payment due (Postmarks are accepted)
• May 1 – Second payment due (Postmarks NOT accepted)
• May 1 – NRHA Sire & Dam payment due (Postmarks NOT accepted)
• June 15 – Rider designations due (Postmarks NOT accepted)

More about the NRHA Derby

With $615,000 in estimated added money, the NRHA Derby runs for one week each summer in Oklahoma City and showcases the world’s best four-, five- and six-year-old reining horses. Thousands of spectators, exhibitors and horses attend the event each year. The Derby is one of two major events presented by NRHA each year in Oklahoma City and includes two full slates of ancillary reining classes in addition to the aged-event action. NRHA will host the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Western National Championships for the first time at this year’s NRHA Derby. For more information on the NRHA Derby, visit nrhaderby.com.

Thanks to NRHA Corporate Partners

The NRHA would like to thank the following Corporate Partners for their support of the NRHA Derby: Adequan, Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center, Classic Equine, Darling 888 Ranch, Horse&Rider, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pard’s Western Shop, Platinum Performance, Purina Mills, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company, Miller International – Cinch / Cruel Girl, Silver Spurs Equine, SmartPak and Twister Trailer. NRHA also appreciates the contributions of Event Sponsors Scott Cleaners and Shorty’s Caboy Hattery.

For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit nrha.com or call (405) 946-7400.

European Restricted Eligibility Update

In 2011, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Affiliate Council recommended eligibility policy changes to the NRHA Board of Directors. The Board approved changes to the policy to go into effect in 2012. This new European Restricted Eligibility pertains to all NRHA-approved European events offering Category 2 and 6 classes.

The policy is available in the Members Only section of nrha.com.

Additionally, the ineligibility lists are posted on the website.

Please note that this is a list of riders who are NOT eligible to compete in the respective classes.

Rider eligibility for the 2012 NRHA European Futurity will be determined using this list.

To NRHA members and reining supporters:

Below you will find a link to download a letter from Beth Himes and Dan Wall concerning the recent NRHA Board of Directors meeting and the action taken there.

Letter to the Membership – 1/23/12

Related communications:

Complaint Update from Board of Directors – 1/21/12

Complaint Update from Board of Directors – 12/29/11

February 1 is the Entry Deadline for All Classes!

From Ramona Billing – The 2012 NRHA European Futurity & NRHA Show is scheduled for March 18-24 at the beautiful facility in Kreuth, Germany. The entry deadline for the European Futurity and ancillary classes is right around the corner on February 1st, 2012. Horses can be entered after February 1st with the applicable late fee. The Futurity is open to four-year-old reining horses and offers four levels both in the Open Futurity and the Roleski Non Pro Futurity. The event will be judged by Alessandro Meconi, Brad Kelsall, Ralf Hesselschwerdt, Mark Turner, Ronnie Wayne and equipment judge Ricky Bordignon.

In addition to the Futurity classes, there once more will be a full slate of NRHA classes offering a variety of opportunities including a EUR 10,000 added NRHA Lawson Trophy Open and a EUR 5,000 added Non Pro class. The ancillary deadline also is February 1st, 2012. The entry form as well as all other details can be found upon the event website -  www.nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com.

The NRHA European Futurity begins on March 18th with the first section of the Open Futurity go-round. The Open go-round, second section and the Non Pro go-round follow on March 19th. The Open and Non Pro Consolation rounds, as well as the NRHA Open class are scheduled for March 21st. The show concludes with two big nights of finals – the Roleski NRHA European Non Pro Futurity finals on Friday, March 23rd and the NRHA European Open Futurity finals on Saturday, March 24th.

Information and Entries:

Cristina Serra,

Phone: +39-0521-819151

Fax: +39- 0521-812423

Email: showoffice@euroreiningleague.com

Address: Via Repubblica 6, Gainago Di Torrile, Parma, 43056 ITA

Vendors and sponsors:

Ute Wilhelm

Phone: +49-176-6320-9678

Email: NrhaEuFuturity@aol.com

The first day of the NRHA Board of Directors January 2012 meeting was held on January 21st in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Board discussed the pending investigation. To see the findings of the investigation, please click on the links below to download the related document.

Allen Mitchels – Amended

Dale Lopp

Dan Wall

Kit Cosper

Rick Ramsey

Click here to read a Letter to the Membership from January 23, 2012.