Category: Foundation

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Tim Katona of Belleville, Michigan, on July 12, 2024.

Tim Katona demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to the sport of reining as a trainer, coach and volunteer with NRHA and the Michigan Reining Horse Association. He was honored with the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

You can read his full obituary here.

The family is requesting that memorial gifts may be made to the Reining Horse Foundation’s NRHyA Scholarship fund.

If mailing a check, put “In Memory of Tim Katona” in the memo section. Donate online via the RHF website. It will notify RHF that your gift is in memory of Tim. Your gift will be acknowledged.

Donate online here.

One individual and three horses will be inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame as the 2024 class is formally announced.

Andrea Fappani, Snow Gun, Wind Her Up Chic, and Wind Her Up Shiner will join reining’s elite as they are recognized with the sport’s most prestigious honor.

Also announced is the 2024 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Recipient, NRHA Corporate Partner, Markel.

“Our 2024 class exemplifies the passion and spirit of the reining industry, and we look forward to formally acknowledging and celebrating their contributions to the sport,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

Each year, the NRHA Hall of Fame Committee carefully selects individuals and horses that meet the criteria for nomination and put forward their official recommendations to the NRHA Board of Directors and past Hall of Fame inductees for a final vote.

“This year we had a great slate of candidates that were nominated, and I want to thank the committee for their hard work,” said NRHA Director-at-Large and Hall of Fame Committee Chair Rick Clark. “Each inductee has demonstrated their lasting impact on reining and is deserving of this prestigious award,” Clark continued.

The NRHA Hall of Fame is an official project of the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), and honorees are recognized each year at Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch. This year’s celebration will be held on Wednesday, December 4.

Read more about the following industry icons in the November and December issues of the Reiner Magazine.

Andrea Fappani

Few names are as synonymous with repeated excellence as Andrea Fappani. For more than 20 years, he has been among NRHA’s top professionals, showcasing his ability to adapt and evolve, along with a fierce dedication known and admired by all who know him.

Fappani has already made an indelible mark in NRHA’s history books with his success in the show pen, not only as NRHA’s all-time leading rider and only $8 Million Dollar Rider but also as a Million Dollar Owner.

For the Italian-born reiner, his impact reaches far beyond the show pen. Fappani is an educator, mentor, and promoter of the sport. With a successful podcast, Along for the Ride, and an in-person symposium, he continues to bring new members from around the globe into the reining community.

Wind Her Up Chic

This summer, Wind Her Up Chic made history by becoming the ninth NRHA Million Dollar Dam. Now, she adds to her legacy with this prestigious honor. Owned by Tim Anderson of NRHA Corporate Partner 21 Ranch, Wind Her Up Chic has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, athleticism, and versatility in her offspring. At 21 years old, she has already produced an NRHA Level 4 Open Derby Champion, a National Reining Breeders Classic Level 4 Open Champion, and an NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Reserve Champion.

The David Nogle-bred mare also boasts an impressive performance record of $102,711 in NRHA LTE, all with NRHA $2 Million Rider Todd Bergen and NRHA $3 Million Rider Jordan Larson at the reins.

“Windy,” by NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Chic Olena and out of Wind Her Up Doc, is a half-sibling to another NRHA Million Dollar Dam and 2024 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee, Wind Her Up Shiner—further showcasing her royal lineage. Wind Her Up Chic is NRHA’s ninth all-time leading dam with $40,874 in average earnings per offspring.

Anderson, president of the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), has also used the success of Windy to leave a larger mark on NRHA. In 2021, Anderson donated a Wind Her Up Chic embryo to the Sliders’ Night Out auction which raised $170,000 for RHF, the nonprofit arm of NRHA.

Wind Her Up Shiner

In a fateful series of events, NRHA Million Dollar Rider José Vazquez purchased Wind Her Up Shiner, a 1998 mare sired by NRHA Hall of Famer Shining Spark and out of Wind Her Up Doc, when she was a 3-year-old.

Wind Her Up Shiner lived in NRHA Professional Ed Fear’s barn, where Vazquez rode as a non pro. Vazquez had an opportunity to purchase the mare as a 2-year-old and declined, but that changed when he had a futurity prospect spot open.

With nearly $34,000 NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) with Vazquez at the reins, Wind Her Up Shiner continued to shine as a broodmare. She posthumously became NRHA’s sixth Million Dollar Dam in 2022 and is the only dam to do so with all offspring by the same sire. The mare has only been bred to the late Smart Like Juice, an NRHA Hall of Fame inductee also owned by Vazquez. Together, the two have 25 offspring with earnings in the show pen.

Wind Her Up Shiner is NRHA’s seventh-highest leading dam with average offspring earnings of $43,703.

 Snow Gun

The late Snow Gun, owned by NRHA Board member Andre de Bellefeuille, rounds out the 2024 NRHA Hall of Fame inductees. The mare, by NRHA Hall of Famer Gunner and out of Natrasha, shares a pedigree destined for greatness with her full sibling, NRHA Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya.

Snow Gun is remembered for her extended overo color, incredible feel and intelligence, and for having characteristics reiners still look for today.

With more than $120,000 in NRHA LTE, she went on to have great success in the breeding shed. She is the dam of De Bellefeuille’s stallion Electric Snow (by NRHA $4 Million Sire Jacs Electric Spark), who won more than $110,000 in NRHA competition. She also produced Yankee Gun (LTE $156,967), Its All Gun (LTE $61,289), Gunstep (LTE $58,778), and Wimpys Snow Step (LTE $45,311).

Snow Gun spent her breeding years at the Colorado State University Equine and Reproduction Laboratory. Each year after breeding season, the students would gather outside to say goodbye, often with tears. She had a charisma that impacted all who knew her.

Markel

Markel is synonymous with quality, trust, and innovation. As NRHA celebrates more than 30 years with the long-standing corporate partner, it is a natural honor to crown the association’s official equine insurance partner as the 2024 Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Many NRHA trainers, owners, and breeders trust Markel with their insurance needs for their horses, ranches, and businesses. More than that, Markel is a staple in the reining community. Markel has attended every NRHA Derby and Futurity for the past 30 years, is the presenting sponsor of the 6666 NRHA Derby held annually at the OKC Fairgrounds in June, and is the title sponsor of the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales. At each step of the way, Markel champions the growth of the reining industry.

Markel’s global presence and sponsorship have made an irreplaceable impact on the sport and the equine community.

Frank Costantini, Markel Senior Director of Western Disciplines, was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2001. He has also served as NRHA President twice and RHF President three times.

With over 50 years of knowledge and experience in insuring horses, farms, and horse-related businesses, Markel remains committed to the horse industry. 

For more information on Sliders’ Night Out, presented by Toyon Ranch, and to purchase tickets, visit reiningfoundation.com/sno.

Reining Horse Foundation Scholarships (RHF) have steadily increased and now include 10 awards in varying amounts from $1,500 up to $5,000. These scholarships are part of a larger program that awards over $70,000 annually through the Varsity Reining Club, Affiliate Regional Scholarships, NRHyA’s CINCH Speaking contest, and the new RHF Merit Scholarships.

The 10 RHF Scholarships are structured as three at $5,000, three at $2,500, three at $2,000, and one at $1,500. Selection is based on financial need, academic record, involvement in the school and community, a special essay, and references.

To apply, students must be members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) for at least 24 months and be seniors in high school pursuing an undergraduate degree in a two- or four-year institution, trade, or technical school. A previous recipient of an RHF Scholarship may reapply if she or he meets all other criteria and can earn two total awards.

The RHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the charitable arm of NRHA. It supports NRHyA, including youth leadership development woven throughout youth programming. Donors are invited to support NRHyA in numerous ways, including individual donations, memorials/honorariums, and fundraisers. To learn more, visit reiningfoundation.com.

$5,000 Scholarship Recipients

Szonja Pankotai

Szonja Pankotai of Hungary has been an active member of the NRHyA, significantly contributing to the Hungarian affiliate organization, competing in European Affiliate championships, and representing her country in the 2023 World Youth Reining Cup.

When she is not riding, Szonja volunteers at the Hungarian Tibetan Mastiff breed rescue club and started a monthly garbage collection campaign. Szonja plays handball as well as volleyball for her school and serves as a class representative and class secretary

Szonja is an enthusiastic member of the reining community and hopes that reining in Hungary will reach the popularity it has in the U.S. She shares her story and how reining has impacted her life on several internet platforms and has even appeared on a radio show to report on her time competing in the World Youth Reining Cup. Her goal is to become a physiotherapist.

Lillian Bains

Lillian Bains, a two-time winner of the RHF Scholarship, currently attends Mississippi Gulf Coast College and is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In high school, Lillian participated in Key Club, Beta Club, Yearbook Club/Staff, and the National Honor Society. Since starting college, Lillian has been involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Reflections Team, and OAK Club and is in the Honors College.

Along with being a member of the NRHA, Lillian states that receiving the RHF Scholarship in 2023 was her greatest academic achievement to date and that it has opened up many doors in her education. Lillian recently submitted a video presentation about the sport of reining. This project helped her win the Southern District Representative position for the Mississippi-Louisiana Region of Phi Theta Kappa.

Adrianna Runzo

Adrianna Runzo is another two-time winner of the RHF Scholarship. Currently attending California State University, Fresno as an equestrian student-athlete, Adrianna is studying chemistry with plans to become a physician’s assistant.

Adrianna has served in many roles with the NRHyA, including regional delegate, NRHyA treasurer, NRHyA vice president, and NRHyA president. She also served as a director with the Northern Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association and was a member of her local 4-H club.

In high school, Adrianna served as captain of the track and ultimate frisbee teams, Ohio Model UN Council President, and Lake High School Model UN Cabinet Member. She was a four-year academic letter winner. In her first year of college, Adrianna volunteered as a Student-Athlete for Fresno State’s National Girls and Women in Sports Day clinic and cleaned up Fresno State’s campus for equestrian civil engagement.

$2,500 Scholarship Recipients

Graci Reeder

Graci Reeder of Mason, Michigan, has been a member of the NRHyA and the Michigan Reining Horse Youth Association (MRHyA) since 2015. She has succeeded in her region by serving as the NRHyA Delegate of the East Central Region. Graci helped found the MRHyA Board through that position, where she served as president. Graci has benefited her region by working as a scribe, working the gate, and fundraising. As a result of her hard work, Graci has been nominated as an NRHyA Liaison in Michigan.

Graci looks forward to studying business at her future university and has already gotten a head start by opening her own small business, Simply Grace. Graci has spent the last four years setting up as a vendor at reining and livestock shows to sell her homemade jewelry.

Cooper Leather

Cooper Leather hails from Wahoo, Nebraska, and is also a recipient of an NRHyA Affiliate Regional Scholarship. Along with being an NRHyA North Central Region Delegate for three years, Cooper served as the Nebraska Quarter Horse Youth Association treasurer, president, and vice president. Cooper served as the president of the Yutan Shamrocks 4-H club, was an active participant in his FFA Chapter, and was a three-year varsity golf letter earner.

Cooper hopes to put his experience in the equine and agriculture fields to good use by pursuing a major in Agribusiness and Animal Science.

Landon Hasenkamp

Landon Hasenkamp from Beemer, Nebraska, looks to use his RHF Scholarship to pursue a career in equine management. Landon has always been successful in the equine and agricultural fields. In his six years as an NRHyA member, Landon has served as the Central Plains Reining Horse Association Affiliate Delegate for two years, where he led youth meetings, organized fundraisers and awards, and hosted breakfasts at shows. Landon has also been active in AQHA, serving as the 2023 Nebraska Quarter Horse Youth Association (NQHyA) treasurer. He served as the West Point FFA Chapter treasurer and local county 4-H officer.

Landon found success in high school as a letterwinner in football and golf, a National Honor Society member, and on the High Distinction Honor Roll for four years.

$2,000 Scholarship Recipients

Gracie Stingle

Gracie Stingle of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, has been active in all aspects of her life, especially equine-related activities. Gracie has over 20 hours of service to her local affiliate, Central Ohio Reining Horse Association, and served as an NRHA Affiliate Delegate, helping to grow the NRHyA program in her area. She also served as the Krazy 4 Clovers 4-H Club secretary and president. Gracie is a two-time winner of the FFA Scholar Award while competing on the FFA Equine Judging Team.

Gracie attends Madison Plains High School, where she is a member of the varsity soccer team, Key Club, French Club, and the National Honor Society. She will attend the University of South Carolina to compete on their NCEA equestrian team. She plans to study business and pursue a career in finance.

Madison Wigen

Madison Wigen of Joseph, Oregon, has been involved with NRHyA and the many opportunities it offers throughout her life. Starting in 2019 as a Regional Delegate, Madison has served in many roles with the NRHyA officer team, including NRHyA treasurer, secretary, and vice president. She was a member of the FFA and National Honor Society, a Little Buddies program mentor, and played varsity basketball, volleyball, and track and field for three years.

While being a student-athlete in high school, Madison made the Dean’s list and Honor Roll, was awarded the Scholar-Athlete Award three times, and was elected senior class vice president.

This is Madison’s second time receiving an RHF Scholarship. She is a student at Eastern Oregon University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

Emma Schmitt

Eden, New York native Emma Schmitt competes at NRHA reinings and has also worked in the show office, manned the gate, scribed, and helped conduct fundraisers. Emma is the president of her 4-H club, an Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) member, an FFA member, Student Council president, and a member of the National Honor Society.

In her own words, Emma says that reining is more than just a sport; it has given her a sense of belonging. She plans to study animal science and become a veterinarian.

Madison Wieferich

$1,500 John McQuay Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Madison Wieferich of Shepherd, Michigan, has an impressive resume of high school activities. She was a member of the science club, marching band, jazz band, concert band, basketball team, track and field team, National Honor Society, and Student Council. She excelled at many activities, winning Excellence in Algebra and Physical Science and serving as drum major for marching band and section leader in concert band.

Madison has helped with fundraisers for the NRHyA, sold raffle tickets, and volunteered as a gate judge. She has been taking concurrent enrollment college classes at Mid-Michigan Community College and intends to major in interior design.

The Brant/Priest Performance Horses fire has shaken the equine world. And, from the heartbreak there are countless positive messages of inspiration, caring and community. The Reining Horse Foundation is honored to announce a $45,000 gift from the DPL Fund, at the direction of NRHA Non Pro Diana Duffey and her husband, Vince Lahey. The gift is in honor of each special animal lost to the fire.

“We are making this gift in hopes that those beautiful horses’ strong and brave spirits may continue to lift up others in need,” Diana shared. “Thank you for all RHF does in support of NRHA members. We are truly blessed to have a resource like RHF in our sport.”

Diana and Vince have issued an #HONORINGTHE45 CHALLENGE in memory of the 44 horses and 1 dog lost in the fire. They hope to inspire others to give.

You are invited to make a donation to RHF in any amount…whether $4.50, $450 or $4,500. Everything helps!

Visit the RHF table in the Super Barn or go to reiningfoundation.com/donate to participate. Your gifts are appreciated!

The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is reopening the application window for its Merit scholarship program through July 1, 2024. RHF Merit Scholarships are new and designed to reward NRHA members who have not previously won an RHF scholarship. Eligibility is for students already pursuing their post-high school education at an accredited college or trade school program.

Three awards of $1,500 each are available. To see the complete criteria and access the online application, visit the scholarship application at NRHyA.com/scholarships.

The first section of 2024 merit scholarship winners were selected after a spring deadline. RHF congratulates Ryan Jensen of Loveland, Colorado, and Alex Loftin of Chester, Arkansas.

Jensen is a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is pursuing a degree in corporate communications. She plans to work in commercial real estate communications. She has earned the Baylor Academic Distinction Award and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Jensen also competes on the university equestrian team.

Loftin attends the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and is pursuing a degree in ag business and pre-law with a minor in legal studies. His goal is to become an attorney. He rode on his university’s Ranch Horse Team in 2023 and was the collegiate novice ranch horse champion. In addition to participating in collegiate organizations, he serves as a volunteer firefighter.

“Congratulations to these students, who are the first to be awarded the RHF Merit Scholarships,” said Terri Mainey, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee. “The Reining Horse Foundation is proud to have added five new awards for 2024 as part of expanding our total scholarship offerings. We hope more students will take advantage of this opportunity for help achieving their education.”

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.