Author: nrha

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to welcome Morton Buildings, Inc., to its Corporate Partner family. Morton Buildings will be present at the NRHA 6666 Derby presented by Markel and the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. They will also sponsor the NRHA Top 20 Owners and contribute a prize package for the leading owner of 2024.

Morton Buildings is a nationwide leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction with over 120 years in business. Morton Buildings has grown to over 100 construction centers throughout the United States and provides buildings for a broad range of industries and usages – equestrian stall barns & indoor and covered riding arenas, hay and machinery storage, garages & hobby shops, and commercial buildings such as office warehouses, personal storage units, and more. One thing has been at the core of the business throughout these years – to provide a better-quality, better-looking building.

“I was thrilled to hear of the partnership with Morton,” says NRHA Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris-Stone. “I grew up knowing the Morton name and when my husband and I were looking for someone to build a barn for us a few years ago, they were who we chose. We knew they would stand behind their materials and construction for the long haul. Our barn went up so quickly and smoothly, and their staff were wonderful! I love that NRHA is partnering with them, and I suggest talking with them on your next building project.”

“Our team at Morton Buildings is excited about this partnership,” states Dennis Lee, Equestrian Product Line Manager. “Morton and NRHA both have long and rich histories of serving those in the equine and ranching industries. We are committed to top-quality craftsmanship and providing the best-in-class product for those striving to be top of their class. We look forward to partnering with NRHA as the premier builder of equine structures focused on safety, functionality, and style for the care of their members’ equine companions.”

“Keeping horses safe is a number one priority when constructing a new equestrian barn, riding arena, or run-in shelter,” states Lee. Equine owners also need a functional building that is durable and can withstand the demands of their equine companions.” Morton buildings are custom designed for each customer’s unique needs and are built to keep horses safe, be functional for daily use, and be stylish for the owner’s property.

Morton Buildings is a vertically integrated company – they design, manufacture, deliver, construct, and service the warranty on the building. All the employees are owners of Morton Buildings with the goal of providing their customers with a building that is built stronger, lasts longer, and looks better.

About Morton Buildings, Inc.

Morton Buildings, headquartered in Morton, Illinois, is the industry leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction. At Morton, the difference is in the details. From our cutting-edge innovations and best-in-class warranty to our craftsmen in the field, we are dedicated to surpassing expectations. Our legacy of excellence in construction spans more than a century and has more than a quarter-million satisfied customers. Morton Buildings is 100% employee-owned and proud to be ranked #68 on the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2023 Employee Ownership 100 list, which includes the nation’s largest companies that are at least 50% owned by an employee stock ownership plan. For more information, please visit www.mortonbuildings.com.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce that Etalon Equine Genetics is now a sponsor of NRHA Sire & Dam Program. This dynamic collaboration marks the convergence of two industry titans with a shared mission to reshape equine health, elevate performance standards, and uphold the timeless traditions of western horsemanship through innovation and education.

Etalon Equine Genetics is known for its pioneering efforts in animal genetic research. It has assembled a formidable team of leading scientists, geneticists, biologists, and tech experts from the heart of Silicon Valley and renowned universities worldwide. Their mission is to equalize access to cutting-edge genetic diagnostics, making them user-friendly and affordable for horse enthusiasts at all levels.

“We’re embarking on an exciting journey with the National Reining Horse Association,” says Christa Lafayette, CEO of Etalon Equine Genetics. “By merging our genetic expertise with NRHA’s unwavering commitment to the reining horse, we’re empowering horse owners, trainers, and breeders with invaluable insights to unlock the full potential of equine health and performance.”

Etalon’s newest Performance Package is just one of the services included in this sponsorship that offers NRHA members a leg up in maximizing their horses’ potential in the show pen. This genetic testing package provides applicable knowledge about a horse’s inherent strengths and weaknesses related to speed, gait, and temperament. Armed with this knowledge, reining horse breeders, owners, and riders can tailor their breeding decisions and training programs to capitalize on each horse’s natural talents, resulting in improved performance and competitive success.

Founded in 1966, the NRHA and its world-class Sire & Dam Program have long been an industry pillar of excellence, fostering the reining horse’s prominence in a family-centric atmosphere while upholding the highest standards of western horsemanship. With its 2024 strategic plan focused on education, growth, and innovation, the NRHA is poised to lead the equestrian world into a new era.

The Sire & Dam program has delivered substantial value to its participants while contributing to the support of NRHA. It’s the perfect addition to any breeding program. Mare owners can purchase breedings they may not otherwise have access to, often at reduced rates. Offspring produced from the program have added value even before hitting the ground. Some of those benefits include: no nomination to the NRHA Futurity and Derby required; resulting foals are automatically eligible; reduced entry fees (up to 50%) to the NRHA Futurity and Derby, later entry deadlines for the NRHA Futurity, and Sire & Dam offspring eligibility remains with the horse even if it is sold.

Stallion owners who contribute a breeding to the Sire & Dam auction receive promotion through program advertising and inclusion in the NRHA stallion directory. They also become eligible for NRHA Futurity and Derby sire incentives, including cash awards.

“Etalon has a long history of innovations in the genetics space. We’re happy to have a relationship with a sponsor who appreciates our shared interest in innovation and scientific discovery,” says Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner.

In a move aimed at empowering NRHA members, Etalon Equine Genetics will collaborate closely with the association to provide educational resources on equine genetics offering member discounts for genetic testing packages with white glove service included. This synergy between innovation and tradition aligns seamlessly with the NRHA’s vision of becoming the preeminent leader in equestrian sports.

“We believe in the ‘horse family’ approach for which the NRHA is known and aspire to work with riders of all ages, setting them up for success now and for years to come,” enthused Lafayette. “This is a truly unique combination of tech, science, and horsepower; something our kids will understand and leverage far beyond what we can imagine. Together, we’ll harness the power of genetics to preserve the rich legacy of the reining horse while propelling it into a future defined by welfare, performance, and unparalleled excellence in horsemanship.”

Etalon Equine Genetics’ sponsorship of the National Reining Horse Association’s Sire & Dam program signals a bold leap forward in the quest for equine excellence, uniting innovation, tradition, and passion in pursuit of a shared vision. For more information on Etalon Equine Genetics, visit etalondx.com