Category: Members

During his address at the Annual General Membership meeting held in conjunction with the Leadership Gathering, NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith is set to reveal a sneak preview of the association’s new branding campaign, “This Right Here is Reining.”

Last year, NRHA partnered with the Cornett Agency, an award-winning advertising agency whose portfolio includes clients such as Keeneland, A&W, Lego, and General Electric.

To prepare, the agency did significant research, including interviewing our members, fans, staff, and leadership.

“Their proven track record within the equine industry was a no-brainer, and the insight we gained from their data collection was invaluable. The direct feedback from our members on what tools and resources they desired were directly incorporated into the campaign,” Smith said.

The full campaign, set to be unveiled in March, will feature a complete overhaul of NRHA’s social media, website, and promotional materials, including videos that will appear on television across the United States of America.

“The main goal of this campaign was to capture that segment of the market we were missing- while increasing value for our members and sponsors,” Smith continued. “Expect a modern refresh of our brand while remaining true to our western roots.”

The association’s current Strategic Plan was a driving force behind the campaign, with leadership acknowledging that it was imperative that NRHA create a true marketing strategy to help achieve its objectives.

“A huge thank you to our executive committee, board of directors, and the NRHA Professionals Advisory Committee in their support of this campaign,” Smith added. “The Association has never seen anything like this before. This has been a long time coming, and we look forward to sharing more with the membership soon.”

The Annual General Membership Meeting will be held on February 2 during the Leadership Gathering. Go here to register and learn more.

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. 

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) previously announced a new event, the Leadership Gathering, to be held February 2-3, 2025, at the downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel.

A key focus of the event will be a full day dedicated to industry experts helping our members tackle issues such as financial planning, hiring qualified help, and how to get the most out of your association membership.

“The goal of this event is to provide our members the resources they need to help achieve professional and personal success,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “We are fortunate to have some of the best in the industry agree to speak at this inaugural event, and we hope our members take advantage of this incredible opportunity,” Smith continued.

The event is free and open to the membership to attend.

Luke Milholland, Chief Executive Officer of Vault Wealth Strategies, LCC, and a registered investment advisor, will kick off the guest speaker sessions held February 3. Milholland will provide valuable insight for breeders, trainers, and others seeking to strengthen the financial foundation of their operations.

“Many of our professional groups have made it clear that they need more assistance with the business side of things,” said NRHA Director of Governance & Executive Administration Liz Kelsey. “Having Luke’s financial expertise coupled with his first-hand knowledge of the reining industry will greatly benefit our members and help them improve their financial decision-making.”

The interactive format of the event will allow ample time for member questions and networking. “No matter your involvement with NRHA, every individual will be able to take away something from these sessions,” Smith added.

In addition to the guest speakers, a special cocktail reception will be held that evening to allow members to engage with sponsors, leadership, staff, and other individuals within the industry.

“It is important for our members to make those personal connections,” Kelsey continued.

For more information on the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering, including the full schedule, free registration, and to book your hotel room, click here.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has introduced an exciting new pilot program: the Ranch Reining Class, approved by the NRHA Board of Directors for a pilot phase. This initiative aims to broaden participation in reining events by offering a more accessible, welcoming environment for both newcomers and seasoned competitors.

What is Ranch Reining?

The Ranch Reining pilot class highlights fundamental reining maneuvers through simplified patterns and rules akin to other ranch-style events. Designed for inclusivity, this class fosters a relaxed, approachable format while maintaining the essence of reining competition.

Key Objectives of the Pilot Program

The pilot program is structured to achieve several positive outcomes:

• New Opportunities for Members: Current riders and horses gain an additional class to compete in.
• Expanding NRHA’s Reach: By incorporating ranch-style reining classes, NRHA can attract riders and horses from a growing sector of equestrian sports.
• Encouraging Participation: Show management benefits from increased entries and a welcoming format for new competitors.
• Evaluation & Refinement: The pilot allows NRHA to gather feedback and refine rules before formal implementation.

“This class offers a friendly venue to try NRHA, especially for those already competing in ranch-type events,” said Christa Morris-Stone, NRHA Assistant Commissioner. “It’s an easy cross-over class. This format also may appeal to existing or former members who are looking for a new niche at NRHA reinings.”

Key Benefits for Show Management

• Attract New Audiences: Tap into the popularity of ranch events to draw riders, horses, and owners unfamiliar with NRHA.
• Support Existing Members: Provide a fresh avenue for current competitors and older horses to remain active.
• Flexible Event Options: Simplified patterns and reduced time requirements make Ranch Reining an ideal addition for shows with a variety of schedule and arena conditions.

Class Structure and Rules

The Ranch Reining pilot class comes with a set of guidelines to ensure consistency during its testing phase:

• Divisions Offered:
  • Open, Non Pro and Youth Ranch Reining
  • Prime Time Non Pro (50 and older as of 1/1)
  • Rookie and Rookie Youth Ranch Reining
• Ownership: Non Pro and Youth ownership restrictions apply.
• Jackpotting: Classes may be jackpotted, and money can be added without a cap.
• Membership Requirements: Memberships and licenses are not required during the pilot phase.

Judging Standards

• Adapted Rules: Judging follows NRHA Green Reiner guidelines for riding two-handed and simple lead changes.
• Ranch Equipment Standards:
  • No hoof polish, no hoof black. No braided or banded manes/tails or tail extensions.
  • Holding the saddle horn with either hand will not be penalized in any Ranch Reining class.
  • Equipment with silver should not count over a good working outfit. Excessive silver on bridles and saddles is discouraged.
• Patterns: Participants will use approved Ranch Reining patterns from alliance associations:
  • American Quarter Horse Association: Versatility Ranch Horse Ranch Reining Pattern 3, 4, 6 or 7
  • American Paint Horse Association Ranch Reining Pattern 1
• NRHA Judges: They may judge the class in the pilot phase.

During the pilot phase, NRHA events are not required to apply to NRHA or submit any fees to the Association. Instead, NRHA staff encourages show management teams and exhibitors to share their feedback on the pilot program throughout the year.

Future Implications

This pilot program provides NRHA and show managers with the tools to evaluate interest, refine event rules, and build momentum for Ranch Reining as a permanent addition. By creating an approachable entry point, NRHA hopes to engage a wider audience and sustain growth in reining competitions.

For questions on the pilot, please contact Christa Morris-Stone at cmorris@nrha.com.

With the popularity of reining growing both domestically and internationally, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors has approved a pilot program to encourage reining events to offer Slide Contests classes in 2025.

The recent resurgence of classes solely featuring the signature sliding stop is a way for NRHA to increase opportunities and participation for horses, riders, and owners, as well as to pursue wider recognition and value of NRHA events.

Recently, NRHA announced an inaugural Futurity and Military Slides to take centerstage at the NRHA Futurity & Adequan^® North American Affiliate Championships. Starting in 2025, NRHA-approved events also may host these pilot classes using the following guidelines:

• Results and earnings will not be recorded during the pilot phase.
  • Any individual or horse may compete without membership or licensing restrictions.
• Can be offered as an Open, Non Pro, or Youth classes as determined by show management.
• Can be jackpotted or have added money. The added money is not capped.
• Entry fees cannot exceed 10% of added money.
• Judge’s fees cannot exceed entry fee.
• Entry fee retainage (0% to 100%) to be decided by show management.
• Payback schedule to be decided by show management (e.g., Sched. A, Sched. B, or custom).
• Standard NRHA rules apply to the class (ex., the number of horses that can be shown by one rider in one class, the number of judges to judge, the 5-judge system to drop the low and high scores, etc.)
• NRHA Judges may judge the class if it is run according to these guidelines.
• NRHA Judges will use the following for Maneuver Evaluation & Scoring:
  • Starting with a score of 70.
  • A -3 to +3 scale for each maneuver score (Approach, Stop, Hesitate).
  • Penalties: No marker penalty. All other penalties apply.

“This is an exciting option for NRHA events to engage members with new opportunities and to gain the interest of fans,” said NRHA Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris-Stone. “We are thrilled to see how it takes flight and look forward to it potentially being an NRHA-approved class.” Events hosting these classes are encouraged to send questions and feedback to cmorris@nrha.com.