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U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. to Assist Members with Opportunities Abroad

U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) is a nonprofit, nationwide trade association that brings together a broad base of U.S. livestock organizations that represent the international marketing interests of breeding industries, including horses. Their members also include the embryo and semen industries, livestock export sector, and State Departments of Agriculture.

USLGE helps match international producers with sources in the United States that offer genetics with superior credentials. USLGE works as a one-stop center to make your genetic selection process easier, more efficient, and more productive.

“In recent years we have seen significant growth and interest in reining in Mexico and in Latin American countries. Our members have a strong desire to purchase more reining horses and grow the sport across all borders,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

Carlos Raul Pena, a USLGE Market Representative, will speak at the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering and discuss ways to help NRHA members conduct business internationally and how to improve their market exposure.

“This session is ideal for anyone who has in interest in breeding reining horses or for our Professional members who are looking for guidance on how to expand their operations,” continued Smith.

The NRHA Leadership Gathering is February 2–3 in Oklahoma City. Registration is open and free for all to attend. 

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Cortesi Climbs to a Million

Manuel Cortesi, a National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Professional from Forlimpopoli, Italy, has officially earned a spot in the prestigious NRHA Million Dollar Rider club. This remarkable milestone underscores his dedication to the sport of reining and his extraordinary success in the arena.

Cortesi’s journey with NRHA began in 2003 when he joined as a Youth member. Two years later, he earned his first NRHA paycheck at the Italian Reining Horse Association Futurity (IRHA) Show, competing in the Limited Non Pro ancillary class aboard The Slide Surprise (ARC Sparkle Surprise x Rulerita Pride). After signing his NRHA Professional card in 2015, Cortesi steadily rose through the ranks, becoming one of reining’s top competitors.

His recent accomplishments include amassing $527,235 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) over the past two years alone, a testament to his talent and consistency in the show pen. He also finished ninth in the 2024 NRHA Top 20 Professionals and qualified to compete in the 2025 American Performance Horseman by finishing sixth in the standings.

A significant portion of Cortesi’s success is attributed to his partnership with July Joe Snap. Bred by Giacomo Ronchi, the horse is sired by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Master Snapper and out of San July Jo Magnetic. Owned by NRHA Hall of Famer Eleuterio Arcese and Impresa Agricola Cuoghi, July Joe Snap, and Cortesi have earned nearly $250,000 together. The pair’s crowning achievement came at the 100X European Classic, where they scored a 231 to win the Level 4 Open Derby Championship.

In poetic fashion, Cortesi crossed the million-dollar threshold with an impressive string of performances at the same show at which he earned his first check nearly 20 years ago—the IRHA Futurity. Riding MC Millenium Falcon, he won the 3-Year-Old Level 4 Open Futurity, adding nearly $70,000 to his earnings. He also claimed the 4-Year-Old Level 4 Open Futurity title aboard Frozen Sven and secured reserve honors on Knockin On Ice, collectively amassing over $18,000 in NRHA LTE.

NRHA is proud to celebrate Cortesi’s achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to the sport. His talent, work ethic, and partnership with exceptional horses like July Joe Snap are a testament to the spirit of reining.

Cortesi’s top-earning finishes include:

  • 2024 100X European Classic Level 4 Open Derby Champion aboard July Joe Snap, earning $75,000
  • 2024 IRHA Level 4 Open 3-Year-Old Futurity Champion aboard MC Millenium Falcon, earning $69,304
  • 2024 NRHA European Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve Champion aboard Frozen Sven, earning $59,061
  • 2022 IRGA Level 4 Open 3-Year-Old Futurity Champion aboard July Joe Snap, earning $44,741
  • 2023 NRHA European Level 4 Open Futurity Champion aboard July Joe Snap, earning $40,604
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Dave Dellin and Stephanie Lynn to Lead Discussion at 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering

Dave Dellin, Chief Executive Officer of the American Paint Horse Association, and Stephanie Lynn, Chief Executive Officer of the National Snaffle Bit Association, will join forces next month at the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering.

The two association leaders will form a panel discussion on “Getting the Most Out of Your Association Membership,” with key insights on fostering mutual respect and collaborative environment between members, staff, and professionals, ensuring the “four legs of the table” are strong.

“Both Dave and Stephanie offer truly unique perspectives that our members can relate to,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “They both worked as successful horse trainers before leading national associations and I think they would be the first to tell you that has greatly benefitted them.”

“This will be an excellent chance to ask them questions and get feedback you normally wouldn’t have access to,” Smith continued. “We hope our members leave with a better understanding of NRHA as an association and how they can work with our staff and leadership moving forward.”

The NRHA Leadership Gathering will be held February 2-3 at the Downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel. The event is free to attend and open to all members.

Read more on the event and register to attend here. 

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Keller Climbs to $1 Million in NRHA Rider Earnings

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announces Jessicah Keller of Sumner, Texas, as an NRHA Million Dollar Rider. Keller reached this milestone at the Heart of Dixie Reining Horse Association (HDRHA) Wicked Slide in McDonald, Tennessee.

A dedicated reining competitor, Keller became an NRHA member in 1998 and began her career in Youth competition, excelling in the category until 2003. She transitioned to Non Pro competition and steadily built her success over the years, earning top placements at NRHA Futurities and Derbies. Among her most notable achievements was her victory at the 2008 Bill Horn Shootout/Single Shot Derby, where she claimed the Level (L) 4 Non Pro Championship aboard Helluva Chex, a horse owned by Keller’s family at NRHA Million Dollar Owner Hilldale Farm. Together, the duo added $20,000 to their NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE).

One of her most cherished partnerships was with Snips Shining Gun, a mare also bred and owned by Hilldale Farm. Together, they accumulated more than $92,550 in NRHA LTE. Their standout performances include placing fifth in the L4, third in the L3, and earning Reserve Champion in the L2 at the 2019 NRHA Non Pro Futurity.

Keller’s impressive career continued into 2024, where she amassed over $42,600 in earnings, solidifying her spot in the NRHA history books as a Million Dollar Rider. Her final push to the million came at the HDRHA Wicked Slide I, where she clinched the L1 Novice Horse Non Pro title and Reserve Champion honors in the L2 Novice Horse Open Non Pro aboard Gunna Be Rich. She then finished 17th in the 2024 NRHA CINCH Level 4 Non Pro Futurity Championship on Nu Chex (Nu Chex To Cash x Snips Shining Gun) owned by Hilldale Farm. The pair also finished 10th in the L3.

Keller’s top-earning finishes include:

  • 2008 Bill Horn Shootout/Single Shot L4 Non Pro Derby Champion aboard Helluva Chex earning $20,000
  • 2019 NRHA L4 Non Pro Futurity fifth place aboard Snips Shining Gun earning $15,009
  • 2008 NRHA L4 Non Pro Futurity fifth place aboard Plus One Chex earning $14,130
  • 2008 NRHA L4 Non Pro Derby Reserve Champion aboard Helluva Chex earning $11,361
  • 2019 NRHA L3 Non Pro Futurity third place aboard Snips Shining Gun earning $11,213

Read more about Keller’s journey to the million in the March issue of NRHA Reiner.

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NRHA Announces Guest Speakers for 2025 Leadership Gathering

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) previously announced a new event, the Leadership Gathering, to be held February 2-3, 2025, at the downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel.

A key focus of the event will be a full day dedicated to industry experts helping our members tackle issues such as financial planning, hiring qualified help, and how to get the most out of your association membership.

“The goal of this event is to provide our members the resources they need to help achieve professional and personal success,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “We are fortunate to have some of the best in the industry agree to speak at this inaugural event, and we hope our members take advantage of this incredible opportunity,” Smith continued.

The event is free and open to the membership to attend.

Luke Milholland, Chief Executive Officer of Vault Wealth Strategies, LCC, and a registered investment advisor, will kick off the guest speaker sessions held February 3. Milholland will provide valuable insight for breeders, trainers, and others seeking to strengthen the financial foundation of their operations.

“Many of our professional groups have made it clear that they need more assistance with the business side of things,” said NRHA Director of Governance & Executive Administration Liz Kelsey. “Having Luke’s financial expertise coupled with his first-hand knowledge of the reining industry will greatly benefit our members and help them improve their financial decision-making.”

The interactive format of the event will allow ample time for member questions and networking. “No matter your involvement with NRHA, every individual will be able to take away something from these sessions,” Smith added.

In addition to the guest speakers, a special cocktail reception will be held that evening to allow members to engage with sponsors, leadership, staff, and other individuals within the industry.

“It is important for our members to make those personal connections,” Kelsey continued.

For more information on the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering, including the full schedule, free registration, and to book your hotel room, click here.