$20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining Will Be Held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is excited to host the $20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Sponsored by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, this must-see event will take place on Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m., is free to the public, and is sure to have the whole family on the edge of their seats!

Hava Vital

Often compared to figure skating, the performances also use choreographed music and are paired with astounding costumes, props, or often additional characters! Freestyle reining allows one to creatively use core reining maneuvers (circles, spins, stops, flying lead changes, etc.) and magnify them with music and choreography. The fan-favorite freestyle reining has been an NRHA tradition since 1986, with the first-ever freestyle reining held at the NRHA Derby in St. Paul, MN. Veteran spectators of the event may mention it is always a surprise who may show up to compete.

The 2022 NRHA Invitational Freestyle Reining Champion, Hava Vital, blew away the competition last year with her breathtaking performance to the “Moulin Rouge” hit song “Lady Marmalade.” Coming in two points behind Hava as Reserve Champion, Abby Budd paired a bridleless routine with the song “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” Watch her performance here!

Abby Budd

“As the horse show capital of the world, we are always excited to host reining events here in OKC,” said Zac Craig, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau president. “We look forward to welcoming these participants and showing them all there is to do in the Modern Frontier.”

Confirmed 2023 Freestyle contestants include Karen Knight, Gabe Garrison, Ari Mischo, Brogan Hill, and Caitie Holtzman.

The 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is full of other events throughout the week, including a tradeshow, Non Pro and Open Finals, and more. Visit NRHADerby.com or Facebook for the latest updates.

NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest Celebrates Partnership with Added Scholarship Dollars

To celebrate their 25-year partnership anniversary with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), CINCH is offering increased scholarship opportunities for youth members at the CINCH Speaking Contest.

This annual event serves as an opportunity for National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) members to increase their skills and earn scholarship dollars regardless of their age.

Members compete to improve their skills, but also impressive scholarships. To celebrate CINCH’s milestone, the first-place scholarships have increased from $500 to $700, and a second-place scholarship of $200 has been added.

Participants will be divided into two age groups, 13 & Under and 14-18. The three categories will be Delivering A: General, Prepared Public Speaking, and Community Service Presentation. In the Delivering A: General, contestants recite A: General, a guide to judging reining horses and a hallmark of the NRHA Handbook. 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-10-minute presentation showcasing a completed community service project.

Scholarships for the 2023 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest:

Age 14-18

Delivering A: General
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Age 13 & Under

Delivering A: General
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place: $700
2nd place: $200

2022 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest Winners:

Becca Schaffhauser: 13 & Under Delivering A: General

McKylie Ivie: 13 & Under Prepared Public Speaking

Haley Turner: 14-18 Delivering A: General

Isabelle Hildebrandt: 14-18 Prepared Public Speaking

Faith Horner: 14-18 Community Service

Youth members interested in competing in this year’s CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest can find more information, including the entry form at NRHyA.com. The entry deadline is June 1. Please email entries to youth@nrha.com.

NRHA Celebrates CINCH & Classic Equine Silver Anniversary Partnerships

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is excited to honor two partner milestones of 25 years. CINCH is the official jeans and shirts of NRHA, and Classic Equine is the official equine leg protection of NRHA. Both have promoted NRHA, supported members for many years, and continue to do many great things for the equine industry. 

NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter shares, “Our relationships with Classic Equine and CINCH are remarkable. They are both celebrating a Silver Anniversary with us. Our members, board, and staff are proud to have partners with the staying power of these friends.”

CINCH jeans have stood at the forefront of the western clothing industry since their launch in 1996. As leaders in using innovative techniques to produce premium quality denim and shirts, the CINCH brand grew quickly. Unique prints and patterns found only on CINCH shirts are iconic in the western competitive riding world throughout the equine disciplines. The world champion athletes who ride with “CINCH” on their sleeves and collars stand proudly behind the brand.

“CINCH is proud to be celebrating our 25th year as a sponsor of the National Reining Horse Association,” said CINCH Marketing Coordinator Cassi Nichols. “There’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in the western industry, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with this outstanding organization as they forge the future in the sport of reining.”

Annually at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel, CINCH sponsors the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) Speaking Contest. To honor their 25-year partnership, CINCH will donate $2,500 in scholarship monies for the youth participating in the contest.

“It is incredible to see a sponsor support a program that directly encourages the practice of a life skill that is often very intimidating for youth members,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA Director of Marketing and youth programs manager. “The opportunity of earning scholarship dollars is great encouragement for youth to step out of their comfort zones.”

Classic Equine offers a complete line of products, including pads, leg boots, wraps, blankets, bits, and cinches. Their goal is to support every individual who strives to be the best at what they do. Classic Equine has always worked closely with professional men and women from all disciplines of the western performance-horse industry to test and perfect each product they manufacture. Because the company was founded and developed by professionals, the form and function of each product serves a specific purpose and is now the standard in equipment for top NRHA Champions.

The NRHA Green Reiner Program is sponsored by Classic Equine. This program recognizes achievement levels in a family-oriented, fun, and educational setting where exhibitors can gain more knowledge by being given the opportunity to talk to judges after the classes they compete in.

“Classic Equine and the NRHA have evolved right alongside each other over the last 25 years of our partnership. The NRHA was our first sponsorship in the Performance Industry. We appreciate and thank them for our growth in the industry,” said Billie Bray, Chief Marketing Officer. “Our shared goals in doing what we love while putting the horse’s well-being above all else has helped move the sport forward in a positive direction. We’re proud to be part of NRHA’s legacy, and we look forward to continuing our passion in supporting reining horses and their riders as the sport continues to grow, from the green classes to those competing at the highest levels under the brightest spotlights.”

NRHA is proud to have an immeasurable team of corporate partners that offers great benefits to the Association’s members and supports NRHA events throughout the year. Contact Christy Landwehr, Senior Director of Corporate Relations, to learn more about NRHA Partnership opportunities by email at clandwehr@NRHA.com or by visiting nrha.com/partners.

About CINCH Jeans & Shirts: LEAD, DON’T FOLLOW.

Since 1996, the CINCH Clothing brand has been creating quality jeans and shirts for both in and out of the arena. Some of the best athletes from the rodeo, bull riding, and equine performance circles love CINCH jeans and shirts because of the quality fit and the authentic western look. From collared long sleeve shirts and classic short sleeved button ups to outerwear and fashion-forward western jeans, the CINCH brand puts fit and styling first. Whether fashion basics or premium styles, the designs and reputation of CINCH Jeans make CINCH Clothing the number one choice for those who live and breathe the western way of life. Visit CINCH online at www.CINCHjeans.com.

About Classic Equine: PLAY TO WIN! 

A leader in innovation, Classic Equine continues to be one of the most trusted sources for equine performance products. Combining top of line materials and original designs, Classic Equine provides the equipment riders rely on every day to enhance performance, protect, and support their horses. Manufacturing the finest quality in horse sport products has been the mission of Classic Equine since inception. Classic Equine is located in Granbury, Texas. Visit www.classicequine.com and remember to look for the chess head at your favorite tack dealer, it is the mark of true horsemen.

Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the reining horse in a fun-filled, family atmosphere. NRHA’s mission is to promote the reining horse worldwide while celebrating and advancing the finest traditions of Western horsemanship. To learn more about NRHA, how to join, or to become a fan, visit nrha.com.

Gunnatrashya Reaches $9 Million Dollar Sire Milestone

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) honors a new member of the elite NRHA $9 Million Dollar Sire list, Gunnatrashya. After reaching the $7 Million milestone 14 months ago, this stallion’s offspring continue to propel him to new achievements rapidly, securing his place in history books.

Bred by Katarina Dorminy, Gunnatrashya is by NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee and $13 Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Natrasha. Along with his success in the breeding barn, the stallion started his career with impressive wins, including the 2009 NRHA Open Futurity Championship, 2009 All American Quarter Horse Congress Open Futurity Championship, and 2010 NRHA Open Derby Championship, with NRHA Hall of Famer Shawn Flarida. These wins pushed his NRHA lifetime earnings to over $218,000.

The stallion became an NRHA Million Dollar Sire in 2017, less than three years after his first group of foals set foot in the show pen, and has already produced several NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby Champions. Gunnatrashya stands at NRHA Corporate Partner Oswood Stallion Station in Weatherford, Texas, for owner Arcese Quarter Horses.

Gunnatrashya sired the 2022, 2021, and 2019 NRHA Open Futurity Champions and the reserve champion in 2020. It is no surprise that Gunnatrashya was the recipient of the inaugural Peter Phinny Memorial Leading Futurity Sire Award in 2021 and earned it again in 2022. This pattern continued as he was also the leading sire at the 2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Gunnatrashya continues to pass at least one milestone annually, creating global recognition and continuing to put his stamp on his offspring.

Gunnatrashya’s top performers are:

Gunna Stop (out of Stop Little Sister) $672,762

Andiamoe (out of Wimpys Little Chic) $389,083

Ten Thirty (out of Dainty Little Step) $369,059

Super Marioo (out of HA Chic A Tune) $336,562

ARC Gunnabeabigstar (out of Wimpys Little Chic) $298,999

EHV-1 Update

April 26, 2023 – On Monday and Tuesday of this week, NRHA made contact with events being held through May 8 to ensure they were aware one horse tested positive for EHV-1 at the National Reining Breeders Classic, and the other horses identified to have direct exposure tested negative and were isolated/quarantined.

NRHA strongly encouraged event teams to seek out guidance from their state veterinarians on protocols for the health of the horses attending the event, including the risks, possible paperwork requirements, preparing for quarantine facilities, postponement options, etc. The most cautious, safest recommendation we received is any horses who were at the NRBC should remain isolated and not attend any events until May 8 (3 weeks following exposure). Otherwise, horses who were NOT stabled in the same barn at NRBC could begin a week sooner (May 1) if they have been properly monitored with no temperatures over 101.50 and no symptoms.

NRHA informed events that should they decide to cancel or postpone, we recommend making the decision and informing us as soon as possible to allow exhibitors time to make plans. The NRHA team extended its assistance to be as accommodating as possible in rescheduling or canceling events. The safety of the reining horse is our paramount concern so we are here to help maintain that priority!

Current EHM Incident Guidelines
equinediseasecc.org/Content/ContentDocs/EHM_Guidance_Docume…

More from Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
ag.ok.gov/equine-herpes-myeloencephalopathy-confirmed-in-ho…

Equine Disease Communication Center – More details by clicking on Oklahoma
equinediseasecc.org/alerts

For further questions regarding your horse’s health care, we encourage you to seek the advice of your veterinarian since they can address specific questions knowing those horses who have been in their care.