For Immediate Release – June 29, 2018 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – At the 2018 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, reining is not the only competition occurring at the prestigious event. The National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) held the annual CINCH Speaking Contest in addition to the Art & Photo Contest, cultivating and encouraging creativity among reining’s talented youth.
In the CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest participants were divided into two age groups and had the option to speak in three different categories: Delivering A:General, Prepared Public Speaking and Community Service Presentation. In the Delivering A:General, contestants recite A:General from the NRHA Handbook, which is a guide to judging reining horses. Prepared Public Speaking involves contestants delivering a five to eight minute speech on either a leadership or equestrian topic. Lastly, the Community Service Presentation allows participants to create an eight to ten minute presentation that showcases a community service project they have completed.
CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest Winners:
13 & Under A:General
- 1st Place: Abbey Loney
- 2nd Place: Alivia Loney
14-18 A:General
- 1st Place: Reagan Stephens
- 2nd Place: Grace Wilson
- 3rd Place tie: Ashton Knerr & Liz Blaser
13 & Under Prepared Public Speaking
- 1st Place: Abbey Loney
- 2nd Place: Alivia Loney
14-18 Prepared Public Speaking
- 1st Place: Reagan Stephens
- 2nd Place: Stephanie Gripp
13 & Under Community Service
- 1st Place: Bailey Hatfield
14-18 Community Service
- 1st Place: Reagan Stephens
During the Derby, exhibitors had the opportunity vote for their favorite entries in the NRHyA Art & Photo Contest. Votes were also accepted on the NRHyA Facebook page prior to and during the event. Contestants for this competition could enter either a piece of artwork or photograph. Featured artwork showcased different art mediums and were centered around reining, horses or a western theme. The competition offered three categories: Graphic Artwork, Photography and Artwork.
NRHyA Art & Photo Contest Winners:
14-18 Graphic Artwork
- Champion: Cullen Santino Le Roy
- Reserve Champion: Aubrey Reynolds
14-18 Photography
- Champion: Cullen Santino Le Roy
- Reserve Champion: Aubrey Reynolds
14-18 Artwork
- Champion: Toni Lynne Cline
- Reserve Champion: Delaney Michelson