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.
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.
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.
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has introduced an exciting new pilot program: the Ranch Reining Class, approved by the NRHA Board of Directors for a pilot phase. This initiative aims to broaden participation in reining events by offering a more accessible, welcoming environment for both newcomers and seasoned competitors.
What is Ranch Reining?
The Ranch Reining pilot class highlights fundamental reining maneuvers through simplified patterns and rules akin to other ranch-style events. Designed for inclusivity, this class fosters a relaxed, approachable format while maintaining the essence of reining competition.
Key Objectives of the Pilot Program
The pilot program is structured to achieve several positive outcomes:
New Opportunities for Members: Current riders and horses gain an additional class to compete in.
Expanding NRHA’s Reach: By incorporating ranch-style reining classes, NRHA can attract riders and horses from a growing sector of equestrian sports.
Encouraging Participation: Show management benefits from increased entries and a welcoming format for new competitors.
Evaluation & Refinement: The pilot allows NRHA to gather feedback and refine rules before formal implementation.
“This class offers a friendly venue to try NRHA, especially for those already competing in ranch-type events,” said Christa Morris-Stone, NRHA Assistant Commissioner. “It’s an easy cross-over class. This format also may appeal to existing or former members who are looking for a new niche at NRHA reinings.”
Key Benefits for Show Management
Attract New Audiences: Tap into the popularity of ranch events to draw riders, horses, and owners unfamiliar with NRHA.
Support Existing Members: Provide a fresh avenue for current competitors and older horses to remain active.
Flexible Event Options: Simplified patterns and reduced time requirements make Ranch Reining an ideal addition for shows with a variety of schedule and arena conditions.
Class Structure and Rules
The Ranch Reining pilot class comes with a set of guidelines to ensure consistency during its testing phase:
Divisions Offered:
Open, Non Pro and Youth Ranch Reining
Prime Time Non Pro (50 and older as of 1/1)
Rookie and Rookie Youth Ranch Reining
Ownership: Non Pro and Youth ownership restrictions apply.
Jackpotting: Classes may be jackpotted, and money can be added without a cap.
Membership Requirements: Memberships and licenses are not required during the pilot phase.
Judging Standards
Adapted Rules: Judging follows NRHA Green Reiner guidelines for riding two-handed and simple lead changes.
Ranch Equipment Standards:
No hoof polish, no hoof black. No braided or banded manes/tails or tail extensions.
Holding the saddle horn with either hand will not be penalized in any Ranch Reining class.
Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Excessive silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.
Patterns: Participants will use approved Ranch Reining patterns from alliance associations:
American Quarter Horse Association: Versatility Ranch Horse Ranch Reining Pattern 3, 4, 6 or 7
American Paint Horse Association Ranch Reining Pattern 1
NRHA Judges: They may judge the class in the pilot phase.
During the pilot phase, NRHA events are not required to apply to NRHA or submit any fees to the Association. Instead, NRHA staff encourages show management teams and exhibitors to share their feedback on the pilot program throughout the year.
Future Implications
This pilot program provides NRHA and show managers with the tools to evaluate interest, refine event rules, and build momentum for Ranch Reining as a permanent addition. By creating an approachable entry point, NRHA hopes to engage a wider audience and sustain growth in reining competitions.
For questions on the pilot, please contact Christa Morris-Stone at cmorris@nrha.com.
Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch was befitting of the international scope and success of the National Reining Horse Association’s marquee event, the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. Promoted as the hottest night on reining’s social calendar, the festive event had a mix of energy, reverence, and vision that has propelled the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) to new heights since the event was established in 2018.
“I have had so many people come up to me and say that was the most moving evening they have been to in such a long time. It really hit their hearts,” said Nancy Tague, secretary/treasurer of the RHF Board of Directors and co-owner of presenting donor Toyon Ranch with her husband, John.
Held December 4 in the historic Centennial Building on the OKC Fairgrounds, Sliders’ Night Out welcomed guests from around the globe. The reception provided time for socializing and perusing live auction donations.
Following a delicious surf-and-turf dinner from Impact Catering, the program was emceed by Brian Lookabill. First up was recognition of former inductees into the NRHA Hall of Fame, with nearly two dozen men and women on hand representing people and horses who have received reining’s highest honor. Members of the NRHA Hall of Fame are VIP guests whose attendance is underwritten by the event’s major donors at the presenting, platinum, gold, silver, and hall of fame levels.
“Sliders’ was a super night for me to see where we’ve come from and where NRHA is today,” said NRHA Hall of Fame member and $1 million rider Jim Morgan, DVM. “I was thrilled to be there with my wife and see the excitement of the people that attended.”
The evening’s first award went to Markel, recipient of the 2024 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award. Remarks were given on behalf of NRHA’s longest-running corporate partner by Frank Costantini, Markel director of western disciplines, who was personally inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2001.
New NRHA Hall of Fame inductees included three mares and the sport’s highest money-earning rider, Andrea Fappani. Accepting on behalf of his mare Snow Gun was Andre De Bellefeuille of Canada. Accepting on behalf of her family’s mare Wind Her Up Shiner was NRHA non pro Mariana Vazquez of Illinois representing Smart Like Juice LLC. The final mare inducted was Wind Her Up Chic, a half-sister of Wind Her Up Shiner. Accepting was owner Tim Anderson, who splits his time between homes in South Dakota and Arizona.
Fappani of Scottsdale, Arizona, was the night’s final inductee. In his remarks, he thanked many who took him under his wing when he moved from Italy to the United States to become a reining trainer. He took the stage to a standing ovation.
In addition to honoring the sport’s legends, Sliders’ Night Out serves as the largest annual fundraiser for the RHF, helping support other core programs such as the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth leadership development, and scholarships. An appeal to donors during the event raised more than $6,000. It was the live auction that soared. The high-selling item was “One Last Slide,” a mixed media work on canvas painted from start to finish during the event by Josey Butler, Streakin’ B Art.
Additional auction items included a John Deere ZTrak Mower donated by Equine Discounts, an ICSI Services Package donated by NRHA Corporate Partner GeneTech, a custom luxe edition mink hat donated by NRHA Corporate Partner Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a Country Cruising 5-night cruise and music festival donated by FDT Cruises, and a NASCAR Truck Racing VIP experience made possible by ThorSport Racing. The auction grossed more than $80,000.
“The messages about RHF and what it does really resonated with guests,” said Tague. “I know we’ve actually had people who have been awarded Crisis Fund grants share how deeply it was felt for them to know there was someone like RHF there to take care of them and to think about them. That’s why we do this. It’s just so inspiring.”
For nearly 25 years, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association. With its mission of caring for and honoring the reining community, the RHF has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund providing financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For more information or to give, visit reiningfoundation.com.
