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CINCH Jeans & Shirts Renews Partnership with NRHA

For Immediate Release – February 28, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – CINCH Jeans & Shirts is returning as a Corporate Partner with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) in 2020. CINCH is a long-time supporter of the NRHA and its members.

An industry leader in work-ready denim, reining enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to find a brand more prevalent than CINCH in the industry. Producing both jeans and shirts for the Western way of life since 1996, CINCH brings high-quality products to the ranch and arena that harbor a strong work ethic.

For the last 23 years, CINCH and NRHA have gone hand in hand. The member-driven association and customer-centered company share common values when it comes to raising the standards on quality and service. The motto “Lead, Don’t Follow®.” speaks to the unique patterns commonly associated with CINCH, but is also synonymous with a fit and feel suitable for every aspect of ranch life.

“We are thrilled to be renewing our long-term partnership with NRHA,” said Jessica Wahlert, marketing manager for Miller International, the parent company of CINCH Jeans & Shirts. “This has become a premier partnership of ours over the years, and we are truly proud to be associated with NRHA. We plan to continue integrating our goals with NRHA’s to grow and support the industry that supports us.”

Not only has CINCH been an avid supporter of the association and various equine professionals, the company has also taken an interest in the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA), regional affiliates, and major reining events.

“NRHA’s continued partnership with Miller International will be celebrating 25 years soon,” said Sammi Miller, NRHA senior director of corporate relations & communications. “The amount of support shown by CINCH over the years for NRHA’s evolving programs only continues to grow. Our renewed partnership is an honor and a proud moment for NRHA.”

Outfitting reiners since 1997, NRHA members and professionals regularly enter the arena wearing products from CINCH and its sister companies—Cruel Girl and Miller Ranch by CINCH. To find your next arena-ready shirt and jeans, visit cinchjeans.com.

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NRHA ReinerSuite™ Revolutionizes Member Experience

For Immediate Release – February 26, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to present ReinerSuite™: advanced, online member services. Developed with The Jockey Club Technology Services, this web-based software is the highly anticipated next step in innovation for the reining horse industry.

ReinerSuite puts members at the reins for accessing information and conducting business. They can access reports, apply for competition licenses, purchase memberships, and print new membership cards. These are just a few of the offerings, and ReinerSuite will continue to expand its capabilities in future phases of development.

“This elevates NRHA’s technology to the forefront of the Western disciplines,” said Mike Hancock, NRHA President. “Our board of directors has been visionary in its support to develop a system that will transform our recordkeeping and member services for years to come.”

ReinerSuite provides quick results coupled with accuracy and efficiency. NRHA members can access their official information from anywhere they have access to the internet: at the barn, in the saddle, on an airplane, and at the show office.

The online platform gives members 24/7 access to their records, allowing the opportunity to conduct many transactions outside traditional business hours.

“ReinerSuite combines about five different programs that we use in the office to conduct member business into a streamlined package that is easier for staff and members to use,” said Gary Carpenter, NRHA Commissioner.

This new program provides convenience, accuracy, and efficiency. To register initially, each member needs a personal email address and their NRHA Member ID and PIN. Once registered, members have immediate access to their NRHA information.

For more information about ReinerSuite and to get registered, visit nrha.com/reinersuite.

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NRHA Welcomes Newest Affiliate: South Africa

For Immediate Release – February 25, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed South Africa as the newest international affiliate this fall. Greg and Lizelle Garland, NRHA members from South Africa, toyed with the idea of starting an affiliate for about three years before diving in headfirst.

Officially recognized in July 2019, the South African affiliate hosted three shows in a span of just two months: the first in August and two more in October.

“Within three months of inception, we’ve had three shows; it’s been amazing,” Greg said. “We’re still small, with a limited number of members, but it’s definitely something that everyone is excited about, and we’re looking forward to growing.”

Historically, to begin the process of starting a new affiliate, 25 NRHA members had to support the undertaking—a daunting task for a country where reining-ready horses are extremely hard to come by.

“When some of the staff from NRHA came to visit us, we found out about a new rule that said we only needed 10 NRHA members to get started since we are a developing country,” Greg said.

That’s all Greg and Lizelle needed to kickstart the process. The Garlands carry the torch for reining in South Africa as they bring in clinicians and horses to generate interest in the sport.

“With the creation of the developing affiliate level, we were able to introduce reining at the grassroots level to countries that may not have been able to jump in with 25 members,” said Samantha Oldfield, director of competition & education and European liaison at NRHA. “This level gives them a chance to introduce the sport to potential members and to grow and build a strong base they can expand upon to their other affiliate levels.”

NRHA currently recognizes more than 90 associations representing 16 different affiliates around the globe. Competing in an affiliate is truly reining at the grassroots level. To find an affiliate in your region and to learn more about the program, visit nrha.com/affiliate.

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Elementa and IRHA Team Up to Host the NRHA European Futurity in November

Cremona, 03.11.2020 — Provided by Simona Diale/IHP — Thanks to the new-born partnership between the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) and Maria Cecilia Fiorucci’s Elementa, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Executive Board voted unanimously to run the NRHA European Futurity concurrently with the IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity & Italian Championship Finals in Cremona on November 20-28.

Due to the spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Northern Italy, particularly in Cremona where the 2020 NRHA European Futurity was to be held, last month the NRHA European Executive Board decided to postpone the show. In an effort to ensure that the event’s rescheduling was handled efficiently, the European Executive Board reviewed potential dates and venues. Roberto Cuoghi, president of the European Council and IRHA, sealed the deal — approved unanimously by the Board — to host the European Futurity in Cremona during the IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity & Elementa Italian Championship finals thanks to Elementa’s generous 200.000euro sponsorship for the Euro Futurity. On top of the NRHA Nomination Program money (200.000euro subject to change in nominations), the total added money rises to 400.000euro. “In this very difficult situation we are all facing, I took it upon myself to personally visit with Cecilia [Fiorucci] focusing on what is best for our NRHA members and our sport,” said NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Cuoghi. “Our passion is what moves us and this is the result of our passion. I would like to thank NRHA and our European Board for their trust and of course Cecilia for investing in our industry and our programs.” Fiorucci’s main goal has always been that of promoting the 4-year-old futurities and this is the perfect transition toward the Elementa Masters Circuit, added Cuoghi. The European Futurity will run concurrently with the IRHA 4-year-old Futurity [details to be determined].

This year Elementa will also be the presenting sponsor of the 150.000euro-added IRHA Italian Championship finals. By hosting the NRHA European Futurity, the 2020 IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity [which includes the 250.000euro-added 3-year-old Futurity] will once again make the headlines by offering a total purse of 800.000euros.

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Rosanne Sternberg: NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner

For Immediate Release – February 19, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Congratulations to National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame inductee Rosanne Sternberg for becoming the second-ever NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner. After reaching the NRHA Million Dollar Owner milestone in 2010 and being inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2017, she’s remained dedicated to producing quality reining horses while consistently striving for the next level of achievement.

During the 2019 show season, Sternberg’s horses earned more than $77,000 in combined NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE), culminating at the NRHA Futurity. The success of Shines Like Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Shines) at the NRHA Futurity, ridden by NRHA Professional Martin Larcombe, pushed Sternberg past the $2 million mark. Larcombe topped the Prime Time Open Futurity finals, finished third in Level(L) 3 Open, and placed 10th in L4, earning more than $42,600 toward Sternberg’s milestone.

“I knew Rosanne when I lived in Europe and worked with reiners,” Larcombe shared. “I continued that relationship when I came to the U.S., and she’s had horses with me for the past few years. She understands the game because she’s been in it that much. She knows how it can be—the highs and the lows. She’s been a great support, and she trusts me with her horses.”

Sternberg splits her time between Sterling Ranch in Aubrey, Texas, and her home in Great Britain. Her European-based mare—Ebony Spook (Smart Spook x Ebony Whiz)—was the 2014 NRHA Open World Champion under the guidance of NRHA Professional Ann Fonck.

“I am thrilled that after 34 years of owning, riding, breeding, and enjoying reining horses I’ve passed the milestone of becoming the second NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner,” Sternberg said. “I’ve been lucky enough to own many exciting and talented horses and have enjoyed seeing not only family show and enjoy my horses, but also have had the privilege of working with some of the world’s top trainers based in both the U.S. and Europe.”

With over $86,000 in personal NRHA LTE, Sternberg has competed as a non pro rider at the highest levels, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Sternberg anticipates continuing her tradition of excellence of owning, breeding, and showing reining horses as she pursues her next milestone: becoming an NRHA Three Million Dollar Owner.

Standout horses throughout Sternberg’s career include:

  • Nijomi Sonny Reb (Sonny Brownburn x Marina Del Reb): over $63,700 LTE; her mount as part of the British team at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain
  • Smart Spook (Smart Chic Olena x Sugarplum Spook): over $403,100 LTE; NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire; winner of the 2004 NRHA L4 Open Futurity and 2005 NRHA L4 Open Derby championships
  • Tinsel Nic (Bueno Chexinic x Holly Tinseltown): over $165,600 LTE and over $381,000 offspring LTE)
  • Ebony Shines (Shining Spark x Ebony Whiz): NRHA Hall of Fame inductee and first-ever NRHA Million Dollar Dam