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Entries Strong for First Major Event of the Year

For Immediate Release – May 22, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Following the initial deadline for entries, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby Presented by Markel reports entries are on track for a strong event. The preliminary numbers for 2020 are already at 96% of the 2019 Derby. This count does not include any late entries, which must be received in office by 10:00 am, CDT, on June 3, for the draw to be posted on June 5.

“This enthusiastic response shows the excitement reiners have to return to a major event,” said NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome back our reining family to Oklahoma City.”

Exhibitors, owners, and vendors should expect this year’s event to look and feel different than those in the past due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines and requirements from Oklahoma State Fair Park and the city of Oklahoma City are pending, but exhibitors should expect them to be published next week so all can be prepared to comply.

In light of the situation, the NRHA team plans to provide robust digital coverage before and during the event, including the live stream, which will be available at NRHADerby.com. Look for further details for those who’ll take in all the action from home by following NRHA on Facebook and on NRHA.com. You won’t want to miss a single run from the non pro finals on June 19 or the open finals on June 20, in addition to coverage of the entire NRHA Derby Presented by Markel.

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Reining Horse Foundation Show-entry Campaign Underway for 2020

For Immediate Release – May 22, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – An exhibitor-based fundraising campaign to benefit the Reining Horse Foundation is underway for 2020 after generating $25,000 in support for the nonprofit in 2019. Based upon small donations that add up to make a big difference, the campaign encourages show entrants to make a $10 donation when they enter select shows.

The first 2020 reining offering this convenient donation opportunity is the Arizona Reining Horse Association Mother’s Day Slide, May 24-31, in Scottsdale, Arizona. AzRHA piloted the show-entry campaign in 2017. Tentatively, these additional shows also are expected to participate this year: NRHA Derby, North Carolina Classic, National Reining Breeders Classic, Tulsa Reining Classic, Southwest Futurity, Low Roller Reining Classic, and NRHA Futurity. It’s anticipated additional show managers and NRHA affiliates also may participate.

RHF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves as the charitable arm of NRHA. In addition to the financial support offered through the campaign, it has helped increase awareness.

“There is power in $10, and every donor helps,” said Leslie Baker, RHF Executive Director, “We are so appreciative to have these shows offer this campaign. It provides visibility and funds that are significant in fulfilling our mission of caring for and honoring our reining community.”

Exhibitors will find the option to donate or opt-out on their show-entry form, making it a convenient way to support RHF. The most visible of the nonprofit’s core programs is the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund providing grants to reiners enduring hardships such as medical crises, accidents, and disasters. Other RHF programs include youth scholarships and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association and perpetuation of the NRHA Hall of Fame.

Affiliates and show managers willing to offer the entry-donation campaign are encouraged to notify RHF by contacting Leslie Baker at rhf@nrha.com, (405) 946-7400, ext. 106. Online giving—including monthly donations—also can be made conveniently at reiningfoundation.com/donate.

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Get Ready to Derby!

For Immediate Release – May 15, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Executive Committee and Board are pleased to announce that the 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel looks to be on track to take place in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park June 13–21.

It’s the good news reiners have been looking for after the long hiatus from the show pen.

The green light to proceed follows the announcement on May 14, 2020, of Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt’s proclamation regarding the city’s COVID-19 regulations. With this announcement, the NRHA Derby Presented by Markel entry deadline has been extended to May 20, the same deadline date for the stabling reservations. Ancillary entries are still due on June 1.

“What a great opportunity to get back to what we love,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “The NRHA team has been working hard getting ready for this event. It may be somewhat different with new guidelines and restrictions, but I think all of us are ready to get out and go horse-show. I hope to see many of you there!”

Due to the effects of the pandemic, this year’s NRHA Derby Presented by Markel will have a different look and feel than those in the past. Expect a modified horse show with strict protocols to keep everyone healthy and safe. Those guidelines will incorporate the state and city ordinances, along with the processes put in place by the Oklahoma State Fair and best practices being developed by NRHA, which will be shared prior to the event.

In the event of a reduction in entries, the added-money portion of the purse will be adjusted. Depending on entries, the added money in the purse could vary from the projected $225,000 added down to no less than $125,000 added, in the case of a 25% decrease in entries. The nomination funds in the purse remain unchanged. Anyone who’s entered as of May 15 may withdraw based upon the condition change. Currently, it’s expected that entry numbers will support the larger purse as the 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel will be the first major event of 2020 and one of the first opportunities to show.

Follow NRHA on Facebook and visit NRHA.com for up-to-date details.

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Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources

It’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone. Here are some resources that may be helpful to you, colleagues, family, and friends. 


U.S. and Canada

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24/7 hotline
1-888-628-9454 (Spanish)
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)

Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional need across the United States 24/7

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-662-HELP (4357) 24/7 hotline
1-800-487-4889 (TTY)

Provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance abuse disorders

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline
1-800-950-6264

Assist individuals and families who have questions about mental health disorders, treatment, and support services

Canada Suicide Prevention Service (CSPS)
1-833-456-4566 or Text 45645
Available 24/7 in French and English

Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory
1-877-746-1963


Australia

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

lifeline.org.au
beyondblue.org.au
blackdoginstitute.org.au


Brazil

The helpline telephone number here in Brazil is 188. They also have email and a website:

CVV – Centro de Valorização da Vida:
cvv.org.br
Telephone: 188
E-mail: atendimento@cvv.org.br


Italy

Telefono Amico Italia
02 2327 2327 – From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
telefonoamico.it

Provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional need across

Italy – available ONLINE 24/7

Narcotici Anonimi – Italia
na-italia.org
Telephone numbers listed by region on website.

Provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing substance abuse disorders

Progetto Itaca
Numero Verde gratuito: 800-274-274
progettoitaca.org

Provides free and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health

Japan

jssc.ncnp.go.jp/soudan.php


South Africa

GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428 or *120*7867#
Suicide Helpline 0800 567 567

 

The above is a partial listing of mental health resources. NRHA and RHF are not providing medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for medical, mental health and addiction services and seek emergency treatment if needed.

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NRHA Board Supports Approved Events Resuming on May 1

For Immediate Release – April 28, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors supports resuming NRHA-approved events beginning on May 1, 2020, as long as show producers and exhibitors adhere to local and state regulations surrounding COVID-19 and take measures to assure the safety of all involved.

NRHA understands that not all areas of the world have lifted restrictions to allow for approved events to take place. With this in mind, the NRHA Board decided that earnings will not count toward world championship titles until further notice.

“Our members are ready to show and, where possible, we think it’s important to get back to what they love,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “Show management needs to be prepared to address any and all local conditions or requirements, and the exhibitors must be willing to accept those guidelines.”

NRHA continues to monitor changing conditions and recommendations from local, state, and federal entities. Show management must take all necessary precautions to protect their teams, facilities’ personnel, and exhibitors if they do host an NRHA event.

If a state or local government suspends public activities, it is the responsibility of the organizing party to cancel or postpone the NRHA-approved event accordingly. The health and safety of the reining community is the top priority for NRHA.

To assure the safety of those involved in an event, NRHA recommends the following at minimum for show staff and exhibitors:

  • Provide handwashing and sanitation stations in barns and competition areas
  • Allow the use of face masks for all production team members and exhibitors
  • Promote social distancing in all areas surrounding the show
  • If possible, provide stalling separation and sanitize all stalls before and after use
  • Ensure that food service eliminates lines and streamlines service
  • Clean and sanitize all areas frequently
  • Minimize traffic in the show office
  • Minimize hand-to-hand contact (examples include giving out awards, sharing pens in the show office, using radios for the judges, etc.)

It is everyone’s responsibility to take safety precautions for preventing the spread of any disease. NRHA is excited to get back to the show pen but expects all affiliates and show producers to put the health and safety of their teams and the exhibitors at the forefront of every decision.

For more information about coronavirus recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visit cdc.gov/covid19.