Category: Members

Anderman and Fuchs Elected Incoming Regional Directors

The elections for the 2022-2023 South Central and East Central Regional Directors concluded on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. The votes were counted and the winners named. Ann Salmon Anderman will represent the South Central Region and Margaret Fuchs, the East Central Region.

Margaret Fuchs, from Canfield, Ohio, has had a lifelong passion for reiners having become hooked on the sport while she attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. There, she was taught by NRHA Professional and Judge Larry Kasten who was one of her professors. Her love for the event never waned, and she has enjoyed great success both in and out of the show pen.

She has served on the NRHA Judges Committee and various Affiliate Boards. She is currently an NRHA Professional, an AQHA and NRHA Judge and head of human resources at SCF Bedding, Inc, and the incoming East Central Regional Director. With her new position, she looks forward to implementing programs to encourage greater participation at the affiliate level and trying to improve communications.

“I was really excited to get the call to hear that I had won the position of East Central Regional Director. I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone that took the time to vote for me. I am looking forward to the opportunity of being a part of the Board of Directors of NRHA,” Fuchs said. “[With my position,] I hope to create an informational round robin within our region where owners, trainers, exhibitors, breeders and sponsors can communicate their questions, concerns or suggestions to me so that they can be then relayed effectively to the rest of the board. Ultimately, the growth of our great sport of reining is the goal for all of us, and I’m really glad that I get to be part of it at this level.”

With over 15 years of experience as a horse trainer, Ann Salmon Anderman is heavily involved in serving the reining industry. The Pilot Point, Texas resident is a lifetime NRHA member who currently serves on the NRHA Board of Directors as well as the Judges, Nominating/Governance, and Stewards Committees. Additionally, she has served as a past chair of the NRHA Judges Policy Review Task Force and Judges Work Environment Task Force.

“I have had the honor of serving on the NRHA Board for the past few years, and I look forward to continuing to serve the reining industry,” Anderman commented.

She is also a member of the NRHA Judges Teaching Panel, which includes the preparation and evaluation of judges’ teaching and testing materials. She also served on the Southwest Reining Horse Association

(SWRHA) Board of Directors for over eight years and was the president of the NRHA Affiliate for three years.

With a focus on grass-roots members, Anderman was among the first to advocate for Green and Ride & Slide riders adding year-end buckles to ensure that all levels of competitors have a place to show and be recognized for their accomplishments. She firmly believes that it takes all levels of competitors to create a healthy NRHA environment.

Anderman has traveled around the world as a judge and clinician and has officiated two NRHA European Futurities. As a matter of fact, she was chosen as an NRHA Volunteer of the Year for her dedication and service to NRHA.

The new Regional Directors will serve two-year terms commencing on January 1, 2022. For more information, visit NRHA.com/elections.

The National Reining Horse Association Board of Directors reviewed and unanimously approved two of the proposed rule changes presented by the Non Pro Committee during their August meeting.

The proposals addressed issues related to working student allowances for Youth as well as sponsorship endorsements for Non Pros and Youth Non Pros.

An FAQ has been created to explain some commonly asked questions on NRHA Non Pro Conditions, as well as the changes made for the allowance of sponsorships.

FAQ – NON PRO MEMBERSHIP CONDITIONS – Starting 1/1/2022

For more information, read the previous news story on this topic: Recent NRHA Rule Changes Create Opportunities for Non Pros and Youth

On August 22, 2021, the National Reining Horse Association Board of Directors reviewed and unanimously approved two of the proposed rule changes presented by the Non Pro Committee.

The proposals addressed issues related to working student allowances for Youth as well as sponsorship endorsements for Non Pros. According to Non Pro Committee Chair Ginger Schmersal, the changes, which will go into effect January 1, 2022, were proposed in hopes of not only opening up opportunities for members but also to benefit the industry as a whole. These changes were approved according to the process that allows the board to approve proposals that do not directly impact the rules of competition, such as the rules for judging, equipment, patterns, show rules, etc., on an abbreviated path in comparison to the traditional review process. This rule change process was proposed in 2018 and approved for the 2019 NRHA Handbook.

Schmersal added that the rule changes were proposed after months of deliberation and research. “Our Non Pro Committee is incredible. We had nearly 100 percent participation on every phone call, and each member worked hard to think through any consequences – both positive and negative – of the proposals we made,” she said. “We have a very diverse committee, comprised of people from all different levels of riding and a variety of careers. The insight from this group, and its commitment to getting it right, is something I am very proud of.”

Rule Change 1 – Youth Riders May Work for NRHA Professionals

The Non Pro Committee recommended allowing youth riders to work for professional trainers. The Committee felt relaxing the restriction will serve several purposes of providing a pathway for young riders who are interested in honing their horsemanship skills, working for an NRHA Professional to offset the financial obstacles of showing, or pursuing a career in training, while learning more about the industry and not having to sacrifice their Non Pro status. When the Youth turns 19 years old, they will be able to make the decision to retain their Non Pro status or become an NRHA Professional.

“There are a few problems we wanted to address, and we are excited that this new change will accomplish that,” Schmersal shared. “First, we all know horses and horse shows are expensive right now, and that means that reining might not be an option for many youth. By relaxing the restrictions on our young members, we have the opportunity to welcome even more youth into the industry. Now kids who want to ride or learn to ride can go work for a trainer without having to worry about losing their Non Pro status.”

The lack of experienced assistant trainers and barn help is another aspect the Non Pro Committee hopes to address with this change. “Everyone is looking for help, and there is a shortage of assistant trainers, especially those with show experience. This will create more riders who have the skills necessary to go on to that next level and eventually have careers of their own,” she said. 

Schmersal noted that while this rule is revolutionary to the reining industry, it’s common practice in other disciplines. “Working students are the norm in the English industry. I, and several people I know, would not be where we are today if we had not had the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge as a working student,” she said. “I am excited for these new opportunities for our youth.”

The new rule will read:

• Any youth rider 18 years of age or younger who is a current member of NRHA is eligible to reside and/or work for any NRHA Professional in good standing. Remuneration can include housing and food. Youth riders are allowed to have their personal horse or horses with the trainer, and details of board and training shall be decided between those parties. Youth riders are allowed to ride any horses both at home and at horse shows while working for the trainer. Youth riders are allowed to compete in the youth and non pro based on current NRHA ownership rules. 

It is important to note that the following section regarding Youth riders and horse ownership remains unchanged from previous years. 

• In classes that do not have ownership restrictions (Rookie 1 & 2, Green Reiner 1 & 2, Youth Rookie, Unrestricted Youth, and all open classes, except Rookie Professional), youth riders may compete on any horse regardless of ownership.

Rule Change 2 – NRHA Non Pros can have Sponsorships and Endorsements 

Beginning in 2022, Non Pro members will be able to endorse products and have sponsorships with a very important restriction remaining; they must abide by all other requirements of the Non Pro Conditions restricting the receipt of remuneration for training or showing in any equine discipline or giving instruction on the showing or training of a performance horse. While this issue had been on the shortlist of issues for the Non Pro Committee, the decision of the National Collegiate Athletics Association to allow collegiate athletes to benefit from their names, images, and likenesses spurred the issue forward.

“Without the allowance for advertisements and endorsements, collegiate reining athletes would have to deny endorsements and activities, become an NRHA Professional, or stop showing NRHA,” Schmersal explained. 

Every member of the Non Pro Committee felt receiving free products does not give an exhibitor an advantage in the show pen, nor does it make the person receiving those products a professional or a trainer. “A professional is someone who is paid to train, coach or show,” Schmersal explained. “Receiving free feed or leg boots or supplements won’t make an exhibitor perform better in the show pen. It will, however, help their checkbook, and that is something that can help every Non Pro.” 

Schmersal pointed to the growth of social media and the potential for income it provides users. “Someone may not be a top rider but might be an influencer on social media or have a loyal following. Even if a feed company just gives them a couple bags of feed, it can help,” she explained.

Schmersal added that allowing such a large group of reining enthusiasts to approach and garner new sponsorships will only help the reining industry and open the doors to those who may otherwise not be able to afford to compete in reining, especially youth riders. “This is a great opportunity for brand new sponsors to be introduced to reining. Our Non Pro members might have bosses or family members who want to sponsor them, which benefits not only that member, but also their sponsors and NRHA,” she said. 

The revised rule reads:

• Non Pro may appear in advertisements and/or endorse products or services. Remuneration, direct or indirect, may be received for these activities. However, the Non Pro must abide by all other requirements of the Non Pro Conditions and refrain from engaging in Prohibited Activities.

Non pros must abide by all other requirements of the Non Pro Conditions and refrain from engaging in Prohibited Activity. Another example of this is that Non Pros still must follow the ownership and immediate family rules for Non Pro competition, as well as the rules regarding the sale or transfer of horses to Non Pros. In terms of payment of expenses, the following change was made:

• Entry fees and/or show-related expenses paid by anyone other than the Non Pro, his/her immediate family, or a family-owned business entity as outlined above shall be considered remuneration and could jeopardize Non Pro status.

Schmersal added that she’s seen discussion on rule proposals that didn’t pass, and other misinformation being shared on social media. “Please don’t believe everything you read on social media, and if you have a question about one of the rules, don’t hesitate to contact me or anyone on the Non Pro Committee,” she said.

Non Pro Committee members include Jesse Asmussen, Daniel Schloemer, Karen Shedlauskas, Kevin Ball, Morris Kulmer, Kelsey Price, Kelli Brummett, Brooke Wharton, and Shane Brown (Ex Officio).

The NRHA Handbook can be found on the NRHA website at nrha.com/handbook. 

For more information about the proposals made, please click here to review the PowerPoint presentation presented to the Board of Directors by the Non Pro Committee.

The National Reining Horse Association’s phenomenally successful ReinerSuite program has changed the lives of reiners, trees, and landfills worldwide by making it easier to do “paperwork” online. Eighty percent of NRHA members are using ReinerSuite to do things like check eligibility, renew memberships, research records, and access member reports.

Angie Honeywell, NRHA Senior Manager of ReinerSuite and the Futurity Sale, wants to urge more members to take full advantage of the easy-to-use software. “Transferring a horse’s competition license is a top transaction, and it’s the first step to showing your new reining horse. We want more members to know how simple and convenient it is to process a transfer through ReinerSuite,” Honeywell shared.

NRHA member Cappy Dryden is delighted with the ease of use. She said, “ReinerSuite has made transferring horses so easy. I wasn’t sure how to start it, so I went to their Help section, and it walked me right through the easy process. I simply scanned the signed transfer, attached it, and submitted it. Within an hour I had my new papers!”

As Dryden said, the process is pretty self-explanatory. Users simply click on “Horses” on the sideboard on the left side of the screen, then click on the “Finder” tab, and enter any part or all of the horse’s info (depending on how the switch is toggled). When the search results come up at the bottom of the screen, click on either the horse’s name or the “Select” button. After the horse’s information appears, find “Transfer Competition License” on the bottom left of the screen. Specify the new owner(s) by typing in the name(s), then click “Browse” to upload the proof of purchase. All that’s left to do is click submit and pay.

To clarify, Honeywell said, “Ownership can be proven in several different ways: a signed transfer, a bill of sale, a breed association transfer or registration papers with the new owner’s name, a cash receipt, or insurance documentation for the horse that lists the owner. This feature is so easy for our members, that I want to encourage more to give it a try.”

To register for a ReinerSuite account or access the library of how-to videos, visit https://nrha.com/reinersuite. Questions can be submitted via email to memberships@NRHA.com.

The National Reining Horse Association’s Hall of Fame is a collection of exceptional individuals, both human and equine. These industry pillars have contributed to the reining industry through immeasurable avenues. In the NRHA Hall of Fame, their accomplishments and extraordinary contributions of time, expertise, financial support, and commitment live on as their legacies.

The 2021 Hall of Fame inductees will be formally recognized during Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch. This very special event will be held December 1 during the NRHA Futurity and Adequan®­ North American Affiliate Championships.

NRHA Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Mike Hancock takes his position very seriously. “When I look back at all the previous Hall of Fame members, I am proud to say I knew most of them and saw most of the horses show,” he said. “They defined our industry, and it is important to remember them.”

The honor bestowed on these individuals by inclusion in the Hall of Fame is as immense.  Inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame in 2017, Rosanne Sternberg remembers the emotional moment well. She said, “Being recognized by induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame is such a massive and cherished honor for a member. The association has been a wonderful organization to be part of. Meeting, learning from and working with many talented and dedicated people, who are fellow enthusiasts of the sport, give a lifetime of invaluable memories which accepting this honor commemorates.”

The deadline to nominate an individual or horse is June 1. Reining Horse Foundation Executive Director Leslie Baker explains the selection process.  “From the applications, the committee determined the nominees and then the NRHA Board and Hall of Fame members select people and horses worthy of reining’s highest honor. It is then the privilege of the Reining Horse Foundation to celebrate these individuals at our annual gala event. It is a wonderful collaboration.”

The path to nomination is rigorous in order to uphold the integrity of the Hall of Fame and the honor of the title. Hancock commented, “The criteria allow significant people and horses to be recognized for their contributions in and out of the arena. Coaches, breeders, outstanding sires or dams, owners or major influencers in the industry are all considered in the selection process. However, it is important that all are measured by the criteria that was established by the NRHA Board of Directors.”

Individuals are nominated by NRHA members, and the Hall of Fame Committee screens the nominees. Qualifying nominations are then brought before the NRHA Board of Directors and previous Hall of Fame inductees. Their attributes will be weighed against those of other nominees and a two-thirds majority vote must be achieved. The Nomination Criteria and Hall of Fame Nomination Forms can be found at nrha.com/forms.