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Attend Horse and Farm Insurance Insights: Keeping It Simple with Markel, NRHA Corporate Partner

Markel Info Session at NRHA Leadership Gathering

Join National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Title Corporate Partner Markel at the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering for an interactive Q&A session designed to simplify your horse and farm/ranch insurance needs. This event will take place on Sunday, February 2nd, at 5:15 PM at the Downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel. This event is free to attend and open to all and will include a cash bar and heavy appetizers.

NRHA Hall of Famer Frank Costantini, the Markel Senior Director of Western Disciplines, and Markel Underwriter Melissa Holloway will answer all questions and give valuable insights into equine insurance needs.

Costantini has been a pivotal figure in the horse industry for decades. His journey with horses began in his youth, and his lifetime of horse experience gives him a working knowledge of all breeds and disciplines, but his primary focus has been on the American Quarter Horse and the Western Disciplines. Costantini has served in various leadership roles, including NRHA President and Chair of the FEI Reining Committee. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with his induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame. With over 30 years at Markel, Costantini’s expertise in equine insurance and his deep understanding of the horse world makes him an invaluable resource.

Holloway has been at Markel for seven years. Her passion for horses began early, growing up with a Quarter Horse mare that she fox hunted and competed with in Show Hunters, both over fences and under saddle. Since joining Markel, Holloway has expanded her expertise into Western disciplines. She stays updated on market trends, manages a large book of business, and travels to shows throughout the year. Melissa’s dedication to building strong customer relationships and her passion for expanding her knowledge make her a vital asset to the Markel underwriting team.

“NRHA is eager to host this Q&A with the 2024 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Markel,” says NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “Markel has been a corporate partner of NRHA for over 30 years and has so much valuable information to share with our reining community.”

The NRHA Leadership Gathering will be held February 2-3 at the Downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel. Read more on the event and register to attend here.

About Markel

We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people—and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients—that differentiate us worldwide. For more information, visit markel.com.

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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.