Event Sponsor Mental Athletics Offers Workshops Tailored to International NRHyA Members

The National Reining Horse Youth Association is proud to offer its final mindset coaching sessions of 2022 to international NRHyA members through a partnership with NRHA Professional Gil Friedman of Mental Athletics. Mental Athletics became an NRHA event sponsor in 2021 to impact the lives of NRHyA members, in and out of the show pen.

Mental Athletics is a mindset coaching program practiced around the globe, and Friedman will be a three-part online workshop. These sessions will be the fourth round provided to NRHyA members free of charge.

“My experience joining the mental athletics workshops has been amazing! I have enjoyed learning something new every year as Gil does a great job catering to all aspects of mindset,” said NRHyA President Haley Turner. “I continue to use strategies and concepts taken from Gil’s sessions in and out of the show pen. I recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to grow your frame and mind!”

After the success of the first sessions, feedback was given regarding the time zones in which they were featured. After taking this into consideration, this final round will be offered to cater to international members. The workshops will be on November 6, 13, and 20 at 12 p.m. IST (UTC +2).

The three-session workshops will provide knowledge, techniques, and training tools for the personal development of every competitive rider leading up to the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships.

The scheduled dates for the Mental Athletics Online Workshop are:

  • Sunday, November 6 at 12 p.m. 
  • Sunday, November 13 at 12 p.m. 
  • Sunday, November 20 at 12 p.m. 

To sign up for the workshop, email youth@nrha.com

For more information about Mental Athletics, visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/mentalathletics.il or the website at Mental-Athletics.com.

Brazil’s Cordeiro Martins Conquers the NRHA/RHF/ANCR World Youth Reining Cup

Avaré, August 27—Brazil is not what you see, it’s what you feel they say. True to the saying, the sound and feel of Brazil made the NRHA/RHF/ANCR World Youth Reining Cup in Avaré, a competition that will remain in the hearts and memories of many. With riders representing 11 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA), all cheered on by the enthused public, the top score was for Gabriel Cordeiro Martins of Brazil riding Evandro de Oliveira’s Doc San Whiz.

With a 212.5 to beat, scored by Italy’s Rebecca Folcia early in the draw and with one horse left to go, Cordeiro Martins was determined to claim the title on home turf. “As everyone else, my horse and I only had a couple of days to get to know each other. Though he’s not a very easy horse, in the short time had together we managed to build trust and confidence in each other,” he said. “In any case I really wanted to win for my country and am super happy.” The young rider, who took $3,000.00 USD for the win, has been showing and training his own reining horses for the past eight years; “All the trainers here in Brazil are always willing to help and give me advice, since I do everything myself. My dream? To one day meet Shawn Flarida and ride with him!”

Rebecca Folcia of Italy made her way to South America with her trainer Angelo Benedusi and both were thrilled with the experience. “Everyone was so kind and always available with both me and my trainer making this an amazing experience,” said Folcia who rode Francisco Moura’s Summertine Tag and took home $2,000.00 USD for Reserve honors. “My horse was really good and performed to the best for us. Being able to share these moments with riders from all over the world is memorable, we all got to know each other and share our passion and how we live it.  I would like to thank everyone that made this happen, in particular Joao Marcos and Chico Moura, and look forward to hopefully repeating this experience again.”

Third place honors, along with a $1,000.00 USD paycheck, were for Switzerland’s Nanina Staub who made her way over with Italian Professional Andrea Costa. “This was a very intense adventure and I got a really cool horse to show,” shared Staub who rode Flashy Rooster owned by Ana Cristina Chiattone Pinfildi. “He was so much fun to ride, even though we had a little bubble in the lead change. I am very thankful to Joao Marcos to have given us this opportunity and I enjoyed every moment here. It’s far away from home, everything is different, but everyone is so kind and helpful. I would repeat all this in a heartbeat!”

All the riders who took part in the inaugural World Cup confirmed the saying; “In Brazil it’s what you feel” and the feeling was fantastic they added.

“There was a lot of work behind this event and I have to thank the super team that put it together,” said NRHA, RHF and ANCR Board member Joao Marcos. “Once again it was wonderful. My goal, since I first came into this world over ten years ago, was to promote the youth worldwide and my motto has always been globalization. We should all carry on in this direction and this first World Cup has been another step forward in that direction. Italy will be host to the 2023 World Youth Reining Cup and we look forward to having close to 20 countries represented. A huge thank you to NRHA, ANCR, the riders, the owners that loaned their horses and to all that made it happen.”

To relive the highlights of the event held during the ANCR Futurity: https://youtu.be/vRgqzazfkko

To watch the runs: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ride2play/id1541311927

For more info: www.ancr.org.br

Photos by International Horse Press

Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

Youth Riders Are Ready for the Inaugural NRHA/RHF/ANCR World Youth Reining Cup in Brazil

Avaré, August 24—The beautiful Parque de Exposições Dr. Fernando Cruz Pimentel horse show facility set in Avaré, Brazil, is host to the ANCR POTRO DO FUTURO DE RÉDEAS 2022 which includes the Futurity, the National Championship Finals, the Copa Internucleos, the Brazilian International Reining Cup, and the inaugural NRHA/RHF/ANCR World Youth Reining Cup.

Thanks to the vision of Cardinal Reining Horses’ Joao Marcos, to the passion of ANCR President Chico Moura, and to the generosity of the owners loaning their horses, riders representing 11 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA) will ride for the title—and write history in the main arena ground—on Friday, August 26, at 2 p.m.

“We are so thrilled that Joao Marcos has created this event for our youth to showcase their talent on a global scale. Not only are these the top youth riders, multiple are involved on NRHyA Youth Councils helping to grow the sport in their regions. It will be an exciting week for our youth making lasting connections worldwide,” said NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter.

Leslie Baker, RHF Executive Director, added: “The Reining Horse Foundation proudly supports youth leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association. The World Youth Reining Cup is a unique event that promotes global connection and awareness for our reining community. We are excited for everyone who is involved.”

Adding to the excitement for the NRHA approved event is the prize money offered:

o 1st Place: $3,000USD

o 2nd Place: $2,000USD

o 3rd Place: $1,000USD

The young riders vying for the podium— Guillermo Gellmini (URY), ALIERA CHERNOFF (CAN), REBECCA FOLCIA (ITA), Guillermo Armendariz Jr. (MEX), Vladimir Cejka (CZE), Giovanna Rocha Pucchi (ARG), Jhi Whatts (AUS), Luna Faverais (CHL), Nanina Staub (SUI), Gabriel Cordeiro Martins (BRA), Anna Harris (USA)—were treated to a great Brazilian Churrasco BBQ generously offered by Jefferson Abbud and family’s Harras Sacramento, the beautiful breeding and training facility located in the rolling hills of Avaré.

For further information regarding the event: www.ancr.org.br

Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

The competition was steep for the 2022 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest

The 2022 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest featured tough competition and a new age bracket, making the judges’ work harder than ever! A continued, special partnership with the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum allows the winning art to be displayed at the museum during the 6666 Ranch NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Thank you to our judges, NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter, Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; and Steve Miller, vice president, event marketing at NRHA Corporate Partner Montana Silversmiths. We encourage all NRHA members to take a trip to the beautiful museum during the Derby

Photography
14–18
Kalena Reynolds
Angelina Widmoser
Brooke Hudson

Mixed Media

14–18
Sofía Carreño Becerra
Graci Reeder
Isabelle Hildebrandt

Mixed Media
13 & Under
Pip Brown
Tanner McInteer
Elizabeth Letherer

Mixed Media
10 & Under
Lynleigh Jo Durbin

We had a total of nearly 50 entries, almost double from 2020. Congratulations to all who entered and we encourage each of you to enter again next year!

Josselyn Mumm
Michelle Fumagalli
Lillian Bains
JP McClure
Julie Warnick
Isabelle Hildebrandt
Ava Bush
Hayden Jones
Hailey Jones
Logan Putvinski
Cambrey Hedges
Dakota Woodring

Olivia Thompson

2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel adds to its Lineup of Youth Activities

There is never a dull moment for youth at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. In addition to showing their horses, NRHyA members can look forward to fun times with friends at the CINCH Youth Speaking Contest, the CINCH Youth Gathering, and recently, a Regional Food Bank volunteer opportunity and NRHyA Dance has been added to the lineup.

Any NRHyA or NRHA members are welcome to join the NRHyA Officer team at the Oklahoma City Regional Food Bank on June 21 at 9 a.m. Please send an email to youth@nrha.com by June 14 if interested in assisting with the Food For Kids Backpack Program or assembling boxes full of food for seniors living on fixed incomes.

“The NRHyA Dance was a huge hit at the 2021 Futurity, so having one at the Derby was an easy decision,” Director of Youth Programs Sara Honegger said.

There are tons of fun activities scheduled in the Platinum Zone on Wednesday, June 22 during the Derby. First thing in the morning, it will be the venue for the Youth Speaking Contest, which contestants must enter by June 1. Then, at 5:30 p.m., the Platinum Performance Welcome Party featuring the Non Pro Finals Draw will commence. At its close, Reiners Rope will begin its Reining Horse Foundation benefit dummy roping. After the champions have been crowned, the NRHyA Dance will begin at approximately 8 p.m.

Just like at the Futurity, the dance will again be presented by “DJ Sammy Olds,” also known as NRHA Sr. Director of International Affairs & Development Samantha Oldfield, and attendees can expect to jive to their favorite hits and learn some new jams.

“Our youth officer team and NRHyA delegates have worked hard to come up with new, fun ideas for youth activities for this event, along with keeping their favorites,” Honegger shared, “I encourage parents and youth members to follow NRHyA on Instagram and Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest activities, times, and locations.”

Since 2001, young reiners in the National Reining Horse Youth Association have benefited from their memberships through college scholarships, learning experiences from some of the top Reining trainers, life-long friendships, and a whole lot of fun along the way. NRHyA fosters leadership qualities and provides young members with a roadmap for success to guide them along their future career paths. For information, visit NRHyA.com.