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NRHA Winter Meeting Recap

For Immediate Release – March 3, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) hosted its annual winter meeting in Denton, Texas, February 5–8, 2020. NRHA committees met to discuss plans for 2020 and beyond for the sport.

“The NRHA Board and the committees continue to produce good results for NRHA,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “Groundbreaking news about the added money for the 2020 NRHA Open and Non Pro Futurities along with the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships was announced by a new task force. In addition, the judges’ ranking system was presented. This is a result of many years of hard work by several people. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together.”

Aged Events

The Aged Events Committee reviewed the 2021 rule change proposals and provided its official feedback for the NRHA Board. The committee discussed the 2019 NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby presented by Markel, including improvements the management team will implement in 2020, which include, but are not limited to, cleaning up traffic in the super barn, managing dogs on the grounds, freestyle performance selection, drags during the go rounds, and the addition of a third steward at each major event. The committee also reviewed the schedules for the 2020 events, allowing the events management team time to work with the Futurity schedule in terms of fluidity. The group covered the Novice Horse Derby conditions and payout structure, recommending the NRHA Board approve the addition of the Novice Horse Open Level (L) 3 and Non Pro L3 to the 2020 NRHA Derby. Also, they’ll allow Prime Time Open to include L4 riders at both the NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby. 

Eligibility

The Eligibility Committee met in conjunction with the Non Pro Committee. They discussed, in detail, amateur conditions and recommended their proposed changes to the Executive Committee. The committee also considered the Run for a Million, recommending the NRHA Board place the event in a category they deem appropriate once they receive the official conditions. Last year, the Run for a Million fell in the newly created Category 13.

Judges 

Discussions in the Judges Committee meeting began with plans to develop educational videos about specific penalties that may occur and how they are assessed. These videos will be on the NRHA website and social media platforms. The group discussed the official monthly schedule of shows from which the Judges Committee would review videos in conjunction with the chair judges for each event. This review system is an educational tool for the live judges to evaluate themselves and their scores against those of the committee. 

Professionals

The Professionals Committee focused much of its discussion on the importance of the 2020 Code of Ethics and how to streamline communication among the committee, NRHA Professionals, and the affiliates. The committee also shared that professionals who are reported to have violated the code of ethics will be brought to the attention of a subcommittee and the NRHA Executive Committee may approve that a violation letter be sent to them. This letter will then become part of their permanent file. The committee also made recommendations for the NRHA Board for which patterns to use at the 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. 

Non Pro

The newly created amateur division and the 2020 Run for a Million were discussed during the Non Pro Committee meeting. The group emphasized ways to bring more people to the sport of reining, including opportunities for youth to compete on horses not owned by themselves or their family as a means to accomplish that goal. Programs like Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, and the National Collegiate Equestrian Association were identified as potential areas for outreach. The committee also reviewed current non pro conditions and if they should be adapted to allow professional English trainers to show in the non pro, and if so, what levels might be appropriate. The committee discussed the NRHA Non Pro Futurity Consolation structure in regard to the needs of the horses and exhibitors competing at the event.

Stewards

The Stewards Committee discussed developing Emergency Preparedness Guidelines to assist NRHA-approved events in avoiding equine disease outbreaks and responding in the event of a natural disaster. The group also discussed increasing information and education provided to NRHA members about the steward’s program, including the scope of the work and ways stewards can assist members. To help stewards expand skills and knowledge, all NRHA stewards will be encouraged to take online courses in emergency procedures, Safe Sport, etc. The group also explored a plan to increase opportunities for international steward certification. 

Youth 

The Youth Committee focused its attention on NRHyA delegates. Primarily, the committee brainstormed ways to enhance the delegate experience and pique interest for more youth to get involved in the program. The committee also discussed ways to entice youth to enter USA Reining and FEI Young Riders classes. The new structure of these classes makes them affordable for show management and participants. The committee also looked into changing the election process for the NRHyA officers.

Wrap-Up  

Along with the committee discussions, several other monumental changes were implemented during the 2020 winter meeting. A task force increased the purse for the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) in the coming years. The group will also work to improve the format of the event itself. Get the details here.

NRHA will now require North American Affiliate Regional Championships (ARCs) to host the 10 & Under Short Stirrup class with awards provided by NRHA. More information on this topic will be available soon.

The NRHA Board moved forward with establishing an Oceana Council for the Oceana Region, which currently consists of Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Japan.

A new rating system for judges will have a trial run in 2020, and in the coming months, a show standards committee will be formed. More details will be available at a later time.

The next Board of Directors meeting will be April 27­–28, 2020, at NRHA headquarters in Oklahoma City.

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CINCH Jeans & Shirts Renews Partnership with NRHA

For Immediate Release – February 28, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – CINCH Jeans & Shirts is returning as a Corporate Partner with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) in 2020. CINCH is a long-time supporter of the NRHA and its members.

An industry leader in work-ready denim, reining enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to find a brand more prevalent than CINCH in the industry. Producing both jeans and shirts for the Western way of life since 1996, CINCH brings high-quality products to the ranch and arena that harbor a strong work ethic.

For the last 23 years, CINCH and NRHA have gone hand in hand. The member-driven association and customer-centered company share common values when it comes to raising the standards on quality and service. The motto “Lead, Don’t Follow®.” speaks to the unique patterns commonly associated with CINCH, but is also synonymous with a fit and feel suitable for every aspect of ranch life.

“We are thrilled to be renewing our long-term partnership with NRHA,” said Jessica Wahlert, marketing manager for Miller International, the parent company of CINCH Jeans & Shirts. “This has become a premier partnership of ours over the years, and we are truly proud to be associated with NRHA. We plan to continue integrating our goals with NRHA’s to grow and support the industry that supports us.”

Not only has CINCH been an avid supporter of the association and various equine professionals, the company has also taken an interest in the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA), regional affiliates, and major reining events.

“NRHA’s continued partnership with Miller International will be celebrating 25 years soon,” said Sammi Miller, NRHA senior director of corporate relations & communications. “The amount of support shown by CINCH over the years for NRHA’s evolving programs only continues to grow. Our renewed partnership is an honor and a proud moment for NRHA.”

Outfitting reiners since 1997, NRHA members and professionals regularly enter the arena wearing products from CINCH and its sister companies—Cruel Girl and Miller Ranch by CINCH. To find your next arena-ready shirt and jeans, visit cinchjeans.com.

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NRHA ReinerSuite™ Revolutionizes Member Experience

For Immediate Release – February 26, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to present ReinerSuite™: advanced, online member services. Developed with The Jockey Club Technology Services, this web-based software is the highly anticipated next step in innovation for the reining horse industry.

ReinerSuite puts members at the reins for accessing information and conducting business. They can access reports, apply for competition licenses, purchase memberships, and print new membership cards. These are just a few of the offerings, and ReinerSuite will continue to expand its capabilities in future phases of development.

“This elevates NRHA’s technology to the forefront of the Western disciplines,” said Mike Hancock, NRHA President. “Our board of directors has been visionary in its support to develop a system that will transform our recordkeeping and member services for years to come.”

ReinerSuite provides quick results coupled with accuracy and efficiency. NRHA members can access their official information from anywhere they have access to the internet: at the barn, in the saddle, on an airplane, and at the show office.

The online platform gives members 24/7 access to their records, allowing the opportunity to conduct many transactions outside traditional business hours.

“ReinerSuite combines about five different programs that we use in the office to conduct member business into a streamlined package that is easier for staff and members to use,” said Gary Carpenter, NRHA Commissioner.

This new program provides convenience, accuracy, and efficiency. To register initially, each member needs a personal email address and their NRHA Member ID and PIN. Once registered, members have immediate access to their NRHA information.

For more information about ReinerSuite and to get registered, visit nrha.com/reinersuite.

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NRHA Welcomes Newest Affiliate: South Africa

For Immediate Release – February 25, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed South Africa as the newest international affiliate this fall. Greg and Lizelle Garland, NRHA members from South Africa, toyed with the idea of starting an affiliate for about three years before diving in headfirst.

Officially recognized in July 2019, the South African affiliate hosted three shows in a span of just two months: the first in August and two more in October.

“Within three months of inception, we’ve had three shows; it’s been amazing,” Greg said. “We’re still small, with a limited number of members, but it’s definitely something that everyone is excited about, and we’re looking forward to growing.”

Historically, to begin the process of starting a new affiliate, 25 NRHA members had to support the undertaking—a daunting task for a country where reining-ready horses are extremely hard to come by.

“When some of the staff from NRHA came to visit us, we found out about a new rule that said we only needed 10 NRHA members to get started since we are a developing country,” Greg said.

That’s all Greg and Lizelle needed to kickstart the process. The Garlands carry the torch for reining in South Africa as they bring in clinicians and horses to generate interest in the sport.

“With the creation of the developing affiliate level, we were able to introduce reining at the grassroots level to countries that may not have been able to jump in with 25 members,” said Samantha Oldfield, director of competition & education and European liaison at NRHA. “This level gives them a chance to introduce the sport to potential members and to grow and build a strong base they can expand upon to their other affiliate levels.”

NRHA currently recognizes more than 90 associations representing 16 different affiliates around the globe. Competing in an affiliate is truly reining at the grassroots level. To find an affiliate in your region and to learn more about the program, visit nrha.com/affiliate.

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Elementa and IRHA Team Up to Host the NRHA European Futurity in November

Cremona, 03.11.2020 — Provided by Simona Diale/IHP — Thanks to the new-born partnership between the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) and Maria Cecilia Fiorucci’s Elementa, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Executive Board voted unanimously to run the NRHA European Futurity concurrently with the IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity & Italian Championship Finals in Cremona on November 20-28.

Due to the spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Northern Italy, particularly in Cremona where the 2020 NRHA European Futurity was to be held, last month the NRHA European Executive Board decided to postpone the show. In an effort to ensure that the event’s rescheduling was handled efficiently, the European Executive Board reviewed potential dates and venues. Roberto Cuoghi, president of the European Council and IRHA, sealed the deal — approved unanimously by the Board — to host the European Futurity in Cremona during the IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity & Elementa Italian Championship finals thanks to Elementa’s generous 200.000euro sponsorship for the Euro Futurity. On top of the NRHA Nomination Program money (200.000euro subject to change in nominations), the total added money rises to 400.000euro. “In this very difficult situation we are all facing, I took it upon myself to personally visit with Cecilia [Fiorucci] focusing on what is best for our NRHA members and our sport,” said NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Cuoghi. “Our passion is what moves us and this is the result of our passion. I would like to thank NRHA and our European Board for their trust and of course Cecilia for investing in our industry and our programs.” Fiorucci’s main goal has always been that of promoting the 4-year-old futurities and this is the perfect transition toward the Elementa Masters Circuit, added Cuoghi. The European Futurity will run concurrently with the IRHA 4-year-old Futurity [details to be determined].

This year Elementa will also be the presenting sponsor of the 150.000euro-added IRHA Italian Championship finals. By hosting the NRHA European Futurity, the 2020 IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity [which includes the 250.000euro-added 3-year-old Futurity] will once again make the headlines by offering a total purse of 800.000euros.