May 2022 – Page 2

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022

Reiners Rope Returns to Benefit the Reining Horse Foundation During the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

Arguably one of the funnest benefit events hosted at a horse show, Reiners Rope is returning to the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. Slated for Wednesday, June 22, Reiners Rope is an action-packed benefit for the Reining Horse Foundation’s Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund. Organized by NRHA Professionals Billy Williams and Patrick Flaherty with help from Marshall Kyle, Robert Barshofsky, Jeremy Olsen, and a host of other volunteers including other NRHA Professionals providing awards, the fundraiser has been popular with the large audience gathered for the Platinum Performance Welcome Party.

What began as an evening of fun for a few reining enthusiasts in 2019, quickly grew to become a favorite fundraiser chock-full of comradery, friendly competition, and lots of laughs. The event is open for all to watch as horseless ropers pit their skills against others in this one-of-a-kind dummy roping, and all to benefit the RHF’s Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund that provides grants to NRHA members enduring major hardships, such as illness, accidents and disasters.

In its inaugural year, announcer Jason Jackson and NRHA Professional Matt Armenta emerged as Reiners Rope champions. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a hiatus for the event in 2020, but the next year, when it raised nearly $2,000 for the RHF, two former strangers came together to win the event: Shane Walters and Jett Miser.

Walters, who owns Diamond Dub Quarter Horses along with his wife, Kalicia, said, “One of the great things about Reiners Rope for us was that we got to meet a lot of people that we didn’t know, so it helped grow our network. It’s a great thing to be able to help others in need.”

Miser said, “It was tons of fun. I would recommend [Reiners Rope] to anyone who can swing a rope.”

The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel will be held in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park June 15 – 26. The best 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old reining horses and riders will be laying it all on the line for a chance at some major prize money.

Formally established as a recognized nonprofit organization in 2001, the Reining Horse Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the National Reining Horse Association. A renewed focus is driving efforts to expand fundraising so that the Foundation can do more to support the reining community. Donations of all sizes are relevant when it comes to helping reiners in need through the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, providing educational scholarships and youth leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association, and perpetuating the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For information visit the website at reiningfoundation.com.

May 9, 2022May 9, 2022

2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel adds to its Lineup of Youth Activities

There is never a dull moment for youth at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. In addition to showing their horses, NRHyA members can look forward to fun times with friends at the CINCH Youth Speaking Contest, the CINCH Youth Gathering, and recently, a Regional Food Bank volunteer opportunity and NRHyA Dance has been added to the lineup.

Any NRHyA or NRHA members are welcome to join the NRHyA Officer team at the Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank on June 21 at 9 a.m. Please send an email to youth@nrha.com by June 14 if interested in assisting with the Food For Kids Backpack Program or assembling boxes full of food for seniors living on fixed incomes.

“The NRHyA Dance was a huge hit at the 2021 Futurity, so having one at the Derby was an easy decision,” Director of Youth Programs Sara Honegger said.

There are tons of fun activities scheduled in the Platinum Zone on Wednesday, June 22 during the Derby. First thing in the morning, it will be the venue for the Youth Speaking Contest, which contestants must enter by June 1. Then, at 5:30 p.m., the Platinum Performance Welcome Party featuring the Non Pro Finals Draw will commence. At its close, Reiners Rope will begin its Reining Horse Foundation benefit dummy roping. After the champions have been crowned, the NRHyA Dance will begin at approximately 8 p.m.

Just like at the Futurity, the dance will again be presented by “DJ Sammy Olds,” also known as NRHA Sr. Director of International Affairs & Development Samantha Oldfield, and attendees can expect to jive to their favorite hits and learn some new jams.

“Our youth officer team and NRHyA delegates have worked hard to come up with new, fun ideas for youth activities for this event, along with keeping their favorites,” Honegger shared, “I encourage parents and youth members to follow NRHyA on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest activities, times, and locations.”

Since 2001, young reiners in the National Reining Horse Youth Association have benefited from their memberships through college scholarships, learning experiences from some of the top Reining trainers, life-long friendships, and a whole lot of fun along the way. NRHyA fosters leadership qualities and provides young members with a roadmap for success to guide them along their future career paths. For information, visit NRHyA.com.

May 4, 2022May 9, 2022

Toyon Ranch Rookie Free for All to Debut at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

National Reining Horse Association Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch recently announced plans to expand support of Rookie competitors. At this year’s 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, rookie competitors will have their judges’ and entry fees paid for by Toyon Ranch. That also includes contestants competing in the ancillary Rookie Professional classes!

This new development is a continuation of Toyon Ranch’s patronage of rookie competitors that began in 2019 with the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year, and was increased in 2021 with the Toyon Ranch Rookie Showdown during the NRHA Futurity.

John Tague, who owns Toyon Ranch with his wife, Nancy, explained, “Supporting NRHA classes across the board has been a priority for Nancy and me. This sponsorship is a great way to deepen our commitment to rookie competitors – extending from the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year. By making it easier for people to get involved with reining, we can increase the number of reiners we have in the future.

“Recently, many supporters have made significant efforts to target industry growth and enhance experience. Together these efforts make a difference. We want to continue to create growth from the entry level classes to the top level.”

The deadline for entering the ancillary classes at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is June 1, and entry forms can be found at NRHADerby.com/forms

About Toyon Ranch

Toyon Ranch is located in the heart of horse country in beautiful Pilot Point, Texas. Its focus is on breeding and raising top reining prospects. The ranch is known for an exceptional band of broodmares that has over $4 million in combined earnings and offspring earnings and 30 Big Four champions. The Tagues breed their mares to the industry’s top stallions to create a quality and diverse group of exceptional prospects each year.

In addition to the mare program, Toyon Ranch stands several of the industry’s top stallions: No Smoking Required, Shine Chic Shine, Inferno Sixty Six, Dun It For Whizkey, Gunner Dun It Again, Shine N Spook, Shining In Town, Shiners Voodoo, Gunna Stop and Colonels Smart Spook. For information on Toyon Ranch, visit the website at toyonranchllc.com.

May 4, 2022May 4, 2022

Sponsors Worldwide Support the 2022 NRHA European Futurity as NRHA Corporate Partners Toyon Ranch and MS Diamonds TX Go Global

$344,514-Added AMBPT/BO Ranch NRHA European Futurity Presented by Markel Insurance:

La Chapelle-la-Reine, May 3—Originally scheduled to be held in Austria, BO Ranch’s proposal to host the 2022 edition of the NRHA European Futurity was accepted in February this year. The response from sponsors in support of the event held in France—as well as the work done by the BO Ranch team— has been huge and includes the addition of NRHA Corporate Partners Toyon Ranch and MS Diamonds TX who extended their contribution to NRHA owned events outside North America.

NRHA Corporate Partner Markel, Official Insurance Partner of NRHA, Presenting sponsor of the NRHA European Futurity, Derby, and European Affiliate Championships, has invested in NRHA European owned events since 2009. Cardinal Reining Horses, gold sponsor for European events, decided to ‘go global’ in 2014.

Toyon Ranch, owned by John and Nancy Tague, is one of a few major NRHA North American sponsors who have increased their support to include Europe. “We sell horses all over the world, both through auctions, such as the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales, and privately on the ranch. It feels appropriate to extend our brand and support in a tangible way so that our international customers recognize we’re actively supporting the business, not just at our home, but where they live as well,” John shared about Toyon Ranch’s Platinum Sponsorship of the two major European events.

Oded Fein of MS Diamonds TX, Official Diamond Jeweler of NRHA and sponsor of the NRHA Open Futurity Championship Ring, has extended his sponsorship to the Italian Reining Horse Association Open Futurity and Elementa Masters Championship Rings in the past years. “I felt it was important to be part of the NRHA global sponsors as we believe our Futurity Champions worldwide should be awarded a Championship ring reflecting the NRHA ring and we look forward to presenting the inaugural trophy ring at BO Ranch,” said Fein about MS Diamond TX’s Euro Futurity Level 4 Open Presenting Sponsorship.

A special thank you to all the 2022 AMBPT/BO RANCH NRHA European Futurity Sponsors: You make it happen and we look forward to seeing you all at BO Ranch, May 23-29.

PLEASE NOTE THE EUROPEAN FUTURITY DEADLINE ENTRY DATE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO MAY 9

For further information: nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

NRHA European Futurity Media Contact
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

May 4, 2022May 29, 2022