Southeastern Reining Horse Association Main Event to Benefit Reining Horse Foundation

The Southeastern Reining Horse Association’s Main Event, slated for May 27–29 at the Senator Bob Martin Agri Center in Williamston, North Carolina, will be extra special in 2022. That’s because the show has elected to designate four derby classes as Reining Horse Foundation events.

“SERHA has been blessed with many members who have been supported by the Reining Horse Foundation, either by way of the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund or by youth scholarships,” noted Terri Mainey, SERHA Secretary. “In our gratitude for the RHF’s assistance, we hope to bring a light to the RHF’s mission with our members and those in our communities.”

To work toward that goal, SERHA will donate $5 for each individual rider entry in the Open and Non Pro Derbies to the RHF. Classes included are the Reining Horse Foundation Open and Non Pro Derbies in Levels 4 and 2, and the Reining Horse Foundation Open and Non Pro 8 & Up Derbies in Levels 4 and 2. Championship buckles, sponsored by Steven Marbry Performance Horses, will be presented, and the Level 4 Open and Non Pro Champions will win tables designed and made by Phillip and Michelle Waugh.

As a challenge to attract more entries, Terri and her husband, John Mainey, have pledged to match the donation made to the RHF.

“We applaud the Southeastern Reining Horse Association for this fundraising effort,” said Leslie Baker, executive director of the RHF. “Their leadership will help introduce the RHF to a broader audience, and the derbies are sure to be a fun addition to the Main Event show. We cannot overstate our appreciation for everyone involved in creating ways to give back to the reining community.”

There will be several new additions to the 2022 event, including:

  • Six Smokin Bones will be cooking for the Annual SERHA meeting. Six Smokin Bones will also provide dinner following the Derby on Saturday. Paying homage to Mike Hancock’s Carolina Classic tradition, there will be “Breakfast for Supper.”
  • The Youth and Para-reining entries are sponsored, and all youth will receive ribbons and prizes.
  • The Youth will enjoy a free meal on Saturday evening.
  • Langdon Farms will sponsor an ice cream social by Sisters II.
  • Championship buckles, sponsored by George and Carol Bell and the SERHA Board, will be awarded in the Green Reiner 1 and 2.
  • Trophies will be presented in the Rookie 1, 2, and Prime Time.
  • The event includes a raffle, with SERHA Youth in charge of raffle ticket sales.

“The reining community is coming together to make this a tremendous show. There are many exhibitors on the East Coast who are not familiar with the RHF, and we hope that by presenting a quality show with the Reining Horse Foundation as the named benefactor, these exhibitors will learn how our industry works together in helping reiners in need through the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, providing scholarships for continuing education, and perpetuating the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame,” Mainey said.

Mainey added there are several sponsors of the Main Event Reining Horse Foundation Derbies, including Tim Anderson and Kim Niven, Rick Clark and Clark’s Pump N Shop, Mirjam and Andrea Stillo, Mike Hancock and Family, Jillane and Wesley Brown of Browe Construction, Lucinda Human of Star H Equine, George and Carol Bell Performance Horses, Platinum Performance, Matt Murphy and Bar M Performance Horses and Parker Minchin.

For more information about the SERHA Main Event, visit serha.org/may-show

Jamming for the Reining Horse Foundation

Lance and Terri Griffin and Gunny Mathison Team Up for a Cause

Fans of reining and fans of music alike will want to attend a jam session at 902 Bar & Grill in Lake Kiowa, Texas. The night of fun will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.

Headlining the session will be National Reining Horse Association Two Million Dollar Owner Lance Griffin and his wife Terri, along with NRHA Professional Gunny Mathison, who is a new bass player. Although the group doesn’t have a formal name, it is sure to provide entertainment and fun.

Plus, it’s all for a good cause. Donations will be encouraged to benefit the Reining Horse Foundation.

“This will be a fun get-together with friends and will also be Gunny’s debut on the bass guitar,” Lance Griffin noted.

Lance and Terri have been playing together for more than eight years. The couple recently began riding their horses in Texas and introduced Mathison to the bass guitar.

“Gunny has been enjoying the music and learning how to play,” noted Mathison’s wife, Monica. “Not only will this be an enjoyable evening; it is also a great opportunity to raise funds for an important cause.”

Leslie Baker, executive director of the Reining Horse Foundation, noted, “We love when we learn of outside fundraisers that will benefit the Reining Horse Foundation, and this is no exception. We certainly appreciate the broad support for the RHF. Reiners talk often about this tight-knit community that knows how to show together, have fun together, and help each other.”

There will be guest performers and music will range through a variety of genres. It is a great opportunity to enjoy friends and music while being entertained.

902 Bar & Grill is located on FM 902 across from the Lake Kiowa entrance. For information, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/902grill.

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.

RHF Dale Wilkinson Crisis Fund Assistance Available to NRHA Members Impacted by Recent Disasters


When a member of the National Reining Horse Association experiences catastrophe and demonstrates financial need, the Reining Horse Foundation stands in the gap to assist through its Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund. The nature of a qualifying catastrophe may be medical, accident or illness, or natural disasters such as fires, floods, and tornadoes.

With the recent widespread and devastating tornadoes and fires, there is a possibility that an NRHA member could have been affected. “At this time, we have not gotten word of any members who were impacted, but we want members to know that the Crisis Fund is available,” explained Reining Horse Foundation Executive Director Leslie Baker.

The fund is not intended to totally alleviate a member’s distress, but to provide some relief. This is done in the spirit of reiners helping reiners.

To apply for assistance, the applicant must be a current member in good standing for two consecutive years. Applications are subject to approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and all names are removed from the application and materials prior to submission for confidentiality purposes and to honor the member’s privacy. Grants are awarded to NRHA members from around the globe.

“While we hate that there is always a need for assistance, we are proud that the Reining Horse Foundation has helped to lessen the burden experienced by our members. Since 2002, the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund has awarded more than $250,000 and helped nearly 100 families during their time of need,” Baker shared.

NRHA Professionals have committed to voluntarily supporting the Reining Horse Foundation’s Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund when purchasing or renewing NRHA membership. The Crisis Fund is accessible to any NRHA membership category, yet most often stands in the gap for NRHA Professionals during times of significant need. Many other individuals and businesses also make contributions.

For Crisis Fund guidelines and criteria, click here.

Apply for Crisis Fund assistance here.

More information about the Reining Horse Foundation and its focus on supporting the reining community can be found at ReiningFoundation.com.

Reining Horse Foundation Announces Major Scholarship Expansion

For Immediate Release – January 3, 2022 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The Reining Horse Foundation set a record for fundraising at its major annual gala, Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch on December 1, and announced a significant expansion of its scholarship program benefiting youth reiners

According to Mike Hancock, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee, the RHF Board of Directors recently approved growing the number of RHF Scholarships from eight to 10 and increasing annual funding support for these awards from $13,000 to $28,000 per year for the next three years. In addition, several scholarship amounts are rising, including the three top awards, which will increase from $2,500 to $5,000 each effective this year.

“Our national youth officers, delegates and members get involved with fundraising through programs such as the annual NRHyA Stallion Auction and the Buy-A-Pro Auction, so they learn organizational skills and help keep the youth programs funded,” said Hancock. “These efforts are going well, and the reining community has dramatically increased support of the Reining Horse Foundation in recent years. This enables the RHF to make a greater impact on its core programs. Scholarships are one of the best ways to help support young reiners for bright futures.”

In addition to the RHF Scholarships, the RHF makes possible another $32,000 per year in NRHA affiliate and Varsity Reining Club scholarships. This expansion will make the total commitment $60,000 per year.

The 2022 applications are available now at nrhya.com/scholarships. To be eligible to apply, students must be members of the National Reining Horse Youth Association for at least 24 months prior to applying and be a senior 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 for a second scholarship if she or he meets all other criteria.

The 10 RHF Scholarships will be structured as three at $5,000; three at $2,500; three at $1,500 and one at $1,000. Selection is based on financial need, academic record, involvement in the school and community, a special essay, and references. Applications must be postmarked by March 1.

Leslie Baker, executive director of the RHF, said, “Donors are a big part of this announcement. There are those who are specifically interested in the leadership development and scholarships available through the NRHyA, and we appreciate and welcome their support.”

For details on contributing toward youth programs, contact Baker at (405) 946-7400, ext. 106 or email rhf@nrha.com.

Sliders’ Night Out Presented by Toyon Ranch Celebrates 20 Years of the Reining Horse Foundation

For Immediate Release – October 7, 2021 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The Reining Horse Foundation is set to once again host Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch, the premier night on the social and charitable calendar of the reining community, on December 1 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Okla.

“Reiners are ready to gather and celebrate two decades of impact by the Reining Horse Foundation and to honor inductees into the National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame and recipients of the NRHA Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Leslie Baker, executive director of the RHF. “We didn’t hold Sliders’ Night Out in 2020, so it feels like there is extra excitement this year, which is the third in this format.”

“We have so many donors who have stepped up to make Sliders’ Night Out special,” said Rick Clark, chairperson of the RHF Board of Directors Development Committee and also NRHA President. “Toyon Ranch’s John and Nancy Tague are in their third year as presenting donors. We have several first-time Hall of Fame Table Hosts along with dozens of other committed partners who make this a night to remember. The event raises important funding to support the RHF mission, and I personally get excited that each year Sliders’ Night Out keeps reiners celebrating the history of our sport.”

Inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame will be the late Doug Carpenter and Jose Vazquez for the class of 2021 and the late Sally Brown and the late Jerry Kimmel for the class of 2020. The program also is set to recognize Charles Vaughan and Mike Carrier with the 2021 and 2020 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Awards respectively.

In 2021, Sliders’ Night Out will include a limited live auction. Sure to be popular is an embryo from the top-producing mare Wind Her Up Chic (Smart Chic Olena x Wind Her Up Doc), donated by RHF President Tim Anderson & Kim Niven. The 2003 bay mare has LTE of $100,000 and has produced foals earning $622,000. Bidders can also watch for a private reining clinic for up to eight people with NRHA Professional Mirjam Stillo at Rancho Los Vaqueros in Pilot Point, Texas. The day will include lunch and conclude with a reception, including food and beverage. The total package is made possible by Gary and Debbie Conway, Mirjam and Andrea Stillo, and Nancy and John Tague and must be scheduled in 2022. Additional auction items will be announced closer to the event.

Since 2018, Sliders’ Night Out has been the single largest annual fundraiser for RHF, which serves as the charitable arm of the NRHA. Through major underwriters and Hall of Fame table hosts, dollars are raised in support of the RHF mission of caring for and honoring the reining community. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth scholarships and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association, and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame.

Donors of every level are important. They come from individuals, corporations, ranches, training barns, foundations and groups of reiners joining forces to support the event. Early Platinum Donors are Tim & Kim Niven, Ian & Kristen Cantacuzene, Rick Clark, and Jamie Walters. James Turpen is a Gold Donor. To date, Silver Donors include Mark & Julie Blake, Booth Ranches, Mike & Bryan Hancock, Markel/Frank & Susan Costantini., Mike & Beth McFarlin, Rich & Cartmill Insurance, and the Williams Family Fund by Fidelity Charitable. Baker said additional donor commitments are anticipated and welcomed.

These top-level donors plus many Hall of Fame Table Hosts make it possible for all NRHA Hall of Fame inductees to attend the event as honored guests. All Hall of Fame members are invited to be a part of the program again this year.

Advance reservations are encouraged to ensure a chance to be in attendance at Sliders’ Night Out and enjoy the chef-prepared dinner and celebration. The benefit is held in conjunction with the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show. Individual tickets are available.

To make reservations, contact Leslie Baker, RHF, (405) 946-7400, ext. 106 or email rhf@nrha.com.