For Immediate Release – April 15, 2019 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is delighted to introduce its newest corporate partner: Toyon Ranch. Additionally, Toyon Ranch, presenting donor of the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF’s) Sliders’ Night Out and the NRHA Affiliate Ambassador program, has expanded its support of reining as the new title sponsor of the NRHA Rookie of the Year award.
Toyon Ranch of Pilot Point, Texas, is owned by John and Nancy Tague. The ranch focuses on breeding and bringing to market the highest-quality reining prospects, pairing a diverse and proven band of mares with the world’s leading stallions.
The Tagues will accelerate Toyon Ranch’s dedication to reining, beginning at the grassroots level, as the new title sponsor of the NRHA Rookie of the Year award. The top 10 horse-and-rider combinations, plus ties, from each of the Adequan® North American Affiliate Regional Championships (NAAC) will be eligible to compete in a clean-slate finals class for the Toyon Ranch NRHA Rookie of the Year title, saddle, trophy, buckle, and other awards at the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® NAAC. Refer to the NRHA Adequan® NAAC Conditions for complete details.
“Nancy and I are honored to partner with NRHA to support programs that symbolize the diversity of opportunities to become involved with reining, from those just starting to compete to the volunteers who make reining happen every weekend and even those that have reached a level of accomplishment to be recognized as Hall of Fame Members,” John Tague said. “Most importantly, we remain deeply committed to supporting the Foundation and its mission to provide care and support for the community and honor the sport’s legacy.”
Toyon Ranch partnered with RHF as the presenting donor of Sliders’ Night Out in 2018. Sliders’ Night Out takes place during the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® NAAC and welcomes NRHA members and affiliates of all ages from all over the world. This annual fundraiser supports RHF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit with core programs including the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth scholarship and leadership development, and perpetuation of the NRHA Hall of Fame.
“John and Nancy Tague’s passion for growing and promoting the sport of reining goes above and beyond. We are excited to partner with Toyon Ranch, and we value their support of NRHA!” said Sammi Miller, NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications.
Toyon Ranch has also committed as a sponsor of the Affiliate Ambassador program, which brings together a diverse community of reiners and aims to connect the global reining community on multiple levels. Each year, NRHA reaches out to affiliates around the world to identify individuals making an impact on reining. Affiliate Ambassadors are chosen from each of eight U.S. affiliate regions, plus those in Eastern and Western Canada, South America, Mexico, Europe, and Australia, by a special selection committee. Those chosen are invited to attend, with a guest, Sliders’ Night Out during the world’s premier reining competition: the NRHA Futurity. These special Affiliate Ambassadors are eligible for reimbursement of a portion of their travel costs, receive two complimentary reserved seats for Sliders’ Night Out, have their affiliate recognized in the commemorative program, and receive two complimentary admission badges to the NRHA Futurity.