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NRHA to Unveil New Branding Campaign

During his address at the Annual General Membership meeting held in conjunction with the Leadership Gathering, NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith is set to reveal a sneak preview of the association’s new branding campaign, “This Right Here is Reining.”

Last year, NRHA partnered with the Cornett Agency, an award-winning advertising agency whose portfolio includes clients such as Keeneland, A&W, Lego, and General Electric.

To prepare, the agency did significant research, including interviewing our members, fans, staff, and leadership.

“Their proven track record within the equine industry was a no-brainer, and the insight we gained from their data collection was invaluable. The direct feedback from our members on what tools and resources they desired were directly incorporated into the campaign,” Smith said.

The full campaign, set to be unveiled in March, will feature a complete overhaul of NRHA’s social media, website, and promotional materials, including videos that will appear on television across the United States of America.

“The main goal of this campaign was to capture that segment of the market we were missing- while increasing value for our members and sponsors,” Smith continued. “Expect a modern refresh of our brand while remaining true to our western roots.”

The association’s current Strategic Plan was a driving force behind the campaign, with leadership acknowledging that it was imperative that NRHA create a true marketing strategy to help achieve its objectives.

“A huge thank you to our executive committee, board of directors, and the NRHA Professionals Advisory Committee in their support of this campaign,” Smith added. “The Association has never seen anything like this before. This has been a long time coming, and we look forward to sharing more with the membership soon.”

The Annual General Membership Meeting will be held on February 2 during the Leadership Gathering. Go here to register and learn more.

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Gunners Tinseltown Makes a Million

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announces Gunners Tinseltown as an NRHA Million Dollar Sire. The milestone solidifies the stallion’s impact on the sport as a competitor and sire.

Gunners Tinseltown, a 2009 stallion bred, owned, and nominated by David Silva Sr., boasts an elite pedigree (Gunner x Miss Tinseltown), with both parents being NRHA Hall of Famers. With such lineage, Gunners Tinseltown’s success comes as no surprise.

During his competitive career, Gunners Tinseltown amassed $305,307 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE), showcasing his undeniable talent. Ridden by NRHA Professional Sam Schaffhauser and NRHA Hall of Famer Tim McQuay, his standout performance came at the 2012 NRHA Futurity. With McQuay, the stallion claimed Reserve Champion honors in the Level (L) 4 Open, earning $143,473.

As a sire, Gunners Tinseltown has 99 offspring with NRHA LTE, collectively pushing him into the million-dollar ranks. His top performer, Setting Off To Town, exemplifies his influence. Bred and nominated by NRHA Hall of Famer Rosanne Sternberg and owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC, the gelding boasts an impressive $153,186 in LTE. Setting Off To Town’s accomplishments include a tenth-place finish at the 2020 NRHA L4 Open Futurity with NRHA $5 Million Rider Craig Schmersal, earning $20,657. In 2024 alone, the gelding added nearly $40,000 to his record.

Gunners Tinseltown’s top-earning progeny are:

  • Setting Off To Town (out of Setting Off Smart), bred and nominated by Rosanne Sternberg, owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC, $153,186 NRHA LTE
  • Blueyedgirl (out of Shining Survivor), bred and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, owned by Bruna Bertolani, $108,145 NRHA LTE
  • Guns Required (out of Icing Required), bred by Carluccio Orse, nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch LLC, owned by Tim Roper, $73,840 NRHA LTE
  • CBKtinseltownsparty (out of HR Wright On Cash), bred, nominated and owned by William and Corliss Kellogg, $42,371 NRHA LTE
  • MMB Chic Gun Renda (out of Lil Chic Balou), bred and nominated by Margarita Arietti, owned by Jenna Webb, $41,614 NRHA LTE

For more on Gunners Tinseltown’s journey to becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Sire, read the March issue of NRHA Reiner.

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In Memory of Randy Davis

The Reining Horse Foundation and NRHA mourn the passing of Randy Davis of Harrisburg, Illinois, on December 10, 2024.

Randy always had a special love for horses, the horse industry, and all the people in it. He spent most of his life deeply involved with teaching; and the showing, breeding, and sale of horses. For the past 25 years, Randy and his wife, Linda, operated Davis Western Tradin’ Company/Davis Boots. They became very successful in the sale of quality western boots. Randy was well known in the vendor areas of NRHA events, including the 6666 NRHA Derby and the NRHA Futurity held annually in Oklahoma City. He loved to meet and visit with customers, share stories of horse-related experiences and make sure all were 100 percent satisfied.

Read his formal obituary here.

A memorial service is being held January 25, 2025. Randy’s family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Reining Horse Foundation, specifically its youth programs.

If mailing a check, put “In Memory of Randy Davis” in the memo section. Donate online via the RHF website.

reiningfoundation.com/randydavis

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Attend Horse and Farm Insurance Insights: Keeping It Simple with Markel, NRHA Corporate Partner

Markel Info Session at NRHA Leadership Gathering

Join National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Title Corporate Partner Markel at the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering for an interactive Q&A session designed to simplify your horse and farm/ranch insurance needs. This event will take place on Sunday, February 2nd, at 5:15 PM at the Downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel. This event is free to attend and open to all and will include a cash bar and heavy appetizers.

NRHA Hall of Famer Frank Costantini, the Markel Senior Director of Western Disciplines, and Markel Underwriter Melissa Holloway will answer all questions and give valuable insights into equine insurance needs.

Costantini has been a pivotal figure in the horse industry for decades. His journey with horses began in his youth, and his lifetime of horse experience gives him a working knowledge of all breeds and disciplines, but his primary focus has been on the American Quarter Horse and the Western Disciplines. Costantini has served in various leadership roles, including NRHA President and Chair of the FEI Reining Committee. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with his induction into the NRHA Hall of Fame. With over 30 years at Markel, Costantini’s expertise in equine insurance and his deep understanding of the horse world makes him an invaluable resource.

Holloway has been at Markel for seven years. Her passion for horses began early, growing up with a Quarter Horse mare that she fox hunted and competed with in Show Hunters, both over fences and under saddle. Since joining Markel, Holloway has expanded her expertise into Western disciplines. She stays updated on market trends, manages a large book of business, and travels to shows throughout the year. Melissa’s dedication to building strong customer relationships and her passion for expanding her knowledge make her a vital asset to the Markel underwriting team.

“NRHA is eager to host this Q&A with the 2024 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Markel,” says NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “Markel has been a corporate partner of NRHA for over 30 years and has so much valuable information to share with our reining community.”

The NRHA Leadership Gathering will be held February 2-3 at the Downtown Oklahoma City Omni Hotel. Read more on the event and register to attend here.

About Markel

We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people—and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients—that differentiate us worldwide. For more information, visit markel.com.

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U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. to Assist Members with Opportunities Abroad

U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) is a nonprofit, nationwide trade association that brings together a broad base of U.S. livestock organizations that represent the international marketing interests of breeding industries, including horses. Their members also include the embryo and semen industries, livestock export sector, and State Departments of Agriculture.

USLGE helps match international producers with sources in the United States that offer genetics with superior credentials. USLGE works as a one-stop center to make your genetic selection process easier, more efficient, and more productive.

“In recent years we have seen significant growth and interest in reining in Mexico and in Latin American countries. Our members have a strong desire to purchase more reining horses and grow the sport across all borders,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

Carlos Raul Pena, a USLGE Market Representative, will speak at the 2025 NRHA Leadership Gathering and discuss ways to help NRHA members conduct business internationally and how to improve their market exposure.

“This session is ideal for anyone who has in interest in breeding reining horses or for our Professional members who are looking for guidance on how to expand their operations,” continued Smith.

The NRHA Leadership Gathering is February 2–3 in Oklahoma City. Registration is open and free for all to attend.