Beginning with its August issue, the National Reining Horse Association’s Reiner magazine will have a new but familiar face at its helm. Kelsey Pecsek Hruska, former editor of Quarter Horse News, will bring her years of experience to the magazine.
“Moving into this new role as editor of the Reiner feels a lot like coming home,” Pecsek Hruska said. “The sport of reining ignited my passion for the Western performance horse world many years ago. I look forward to working closely with the industry’s players and with the NRHA to make the magazine the best it can be.”
There’s no question that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been far-reaching, changing the way business is done. As the NRHA continued to streamline its fiscal and staffing profile, an opportunity presented itself and resulted in a joint venture between the association and its longtime Corporate Partner Quarter Horse News. Morris Equine Group, parent company of Quarter Horse News, Western Horseman, and Barrel Horse News, will take over the production and publishing duties of Reiner magazine, with Pecsek Hruska as editor.
NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter said, “The goal of this transition is for NRHA members to have a magazine that they enjoy, share, and consider a true reflection of NRHA. Since NRHA and Quarter Horse News serve many of the same people, it is a logical fit. The Morris Equine Group staff has a strong familiarity both with reining and with the unique and specific needs of association publications, as they already publish the NCHA’s Cutting Horse Chatter and the NRCHA’s Reined Cow Horse News.”
Pecsek Hruska is looking forward to working with NRHA and creating content that features, entertains, and educates the association’s 15,000 members. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the reining community. Reconnecting with our friends during the NRHA Derby presented by Markel and watching some of the sport’s best horses compete for the biggest purse in Derby history has me and the rest of the staff at Morris Equine Group more enthusiastic than ever,” she said.
Carpenter is confident that Pecsek Hrushka and her group will be carrying on in important legacy, thanks to the dedication and commitment of the previous Reiner team. “I appreciate their hard work, professionalism, and devotion to their craft. A lot of behind-the-scenes hours went into developing this publication and they were always too busy working to take credit,” he said.
Morris Equine Group will also handle Reiner advertising sales, with Karen Barnhart (karen.barnhart@morris.com, 620-951-4026) handling commercial and breeder accounts. Pecsek Hruska can be reached by phone at 817-569-7170 or by e-mail at reiner@nrha.com.