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2024 CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest

CINCH and the National Reining Horse Youth Association are proud to again offer the CINCH Speaking Contest at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Not only is CINCH continuing to offer increased scholarship opportunities for youth members, but each participant will also receive products.

“CINCH is proud to once again support the NRHyA Speaking Contest in its initiative to offer opportunities to some outstanding young individuals,” said Cassi Nichols, CINCH Marketing Coordinator. “CINCH appreciates the efforts of NRHA staff to offer industry-driven opportunities and rewards for the next generation.”

This annual event serves as an opportunity for NRHyA members, regardless of age, to increase their skills and earn scholarship dollars. NRHyA is a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. RHF scholarships offered across several NRHyA programs will exceed $70,000 in 2024.

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.

To enter, participants must fill out this form by June 1

Scholarships for the 2024 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

2023 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest Winners:

Age 14-18

Delivering A: General
1st place, Isabelle Hildebrandt: $700
2nd place, Lilian Roush: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place, Lilian Roush: $700
2nd place, Emma Klug: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place, Adrianna Runzo: $700
2nd place, Chloe Hansen: $200

Age 13 & Under

Delivering A: General
1st place, John ‘JG’ Codell: $700
2nd place, Millie Jean Piper: $200

Prepared Public Speaking
1st place, Wade Kiser: $700
2nd place, Presley Timmerman: $200

Community Service Presentation
1st place, Cavannah Hansen: $700

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Elections Nominations Due June 1

Are you interested in:

  • Giving back to the sport of reining
  • Influencing decisions made at the board level
  • Growing your network
  • Building your reputation as a leader

If so, you may wish to consider pursuing a nomination to be added to this year’s ballot or supporting another member to become a candidate.

NOMINATIONS ARE DUE JUNE 1, 2024

(Received in the office by Monday, June 3)

SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

(All are two-year terms starting in 2025)

  • Vice President: Followed by a two-year term as President
  • Director-At-Large on the Executive Committee
  • Director (One seat for each North American region listed below):
  • Mountain (currently Drake Johnson, has reached term limit)
  • Southeast (currently Karen Shedlauskas)
  • Southwest (currently Ginger Schmersal, has reached term limit)
  • Canada (Currently Andre De Bellefeuille)

HOW TO NOMINATE:

  • Affiliates in North American Regions may nominate candidates for the respective open seats.
  • Any eligible member may become a candidate through a write-in process for any open seat.

More information on this process and official elections contacts can be found at nrha.com/elections.

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Morton Buildings, Inc. Joins the National Reining Horse Association Corporate Partner Family

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to welcome Morton Buildings, Inc., to its Corporate Partner family. Morton Buildings will be present at the NRHA 6666 Derby presented by Markel and the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. They will also sponsor the NRHA Top 20 Owners and contribute a prize package for the leading owner of 2024.

Morton Buildings is a nationwide leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction with over 120 years in business. Morton Buildings has grown to over 100 construction centers throughout the United States and provides buildings for a broad range of industries and usages – equestrian stall barns & indoor and covered riding arenas, hay and machinery storage, garages & hobby shops, and commercial buildings such as office warehouses, personal storage units, and more. One thing has been at the core of the business throughout these years – to provide a better-quality, better-looking building.

“I was thrilled to hear of the partnership with Morton,” says NRHA Assistant Commissioner Christa Morris-Stone. “I grew up knowing the Morton name and when my husband and I were looking for someone to build a barn for us a few years ago, they were who we chose. We knew they would stand behind their materials and construction for the long haul. Our barn went up so quickly and smoothly, and their staff were wonderful! I love that NRHA is partnering with them, and I suggest talking with them on your next building project.”

“Our team at Morton Buildings is excited about this partnership,” states Dennis Lee, Equestrian Product Line Manager. “Morton and NRHA both have long and rich histories of serving those in the equine and ranching industries. We are committed to top-quality craftsmanship and providing the best-in-class product for those striving to be top of their class. We look forward to partnering with NRHA as the premier builder of equine structures focused on safety, functionality, and style for the care of their members’ equine companions.”

“Keeping horses safe is a number one priority when constructing a new equestrian barn, riding arena, or run-in shelter,” states Lee. Equine owners also need a functional building that is durable and can withstand the demands of their equine companions.” Morton buildings are custom designed for each customer’s unique needs and are built to keep horses safe, be functional for daily use, and be stylish for the owner’s property.

Morton Buildings is a vertically integrated company – they design, manufacture, deliver, construct, and service the warranty on the building. All the employees are owners of Morton Buildings with the goal of providing their customers with a building that is built stronger, lasts longer, and looks better.

About Morton Buildings, Inc.

Morton Buildings, headquartered in Morton, Illinois, is the industry leader in post-frame manufacturing and construction. At Morton, the difference is in the details. From our cutting-edge innovations and best-in-class warranty to our craftsmen in the field, we are dedicated to surpassing expectations. Our legacy of excellence in construction spans more than a century and has more than a quarter-million satisfied customers. Morton Buildings is 100% employee-owned and proud to be ranked #68 on the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) 2023 Employee Ownership 100 list, which includes the nation’s largest companies that are at least 50% owned by an employee stock ownership plan. For more information, please visit www.mortonbuildings.com.

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RHF Extends Merit Scholarship Deadline to July 1

The Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is reopening the application window for its Merit scholarship program through July 1, 2024. RHF Merit Scholarships are new and designed to reward NRHA members who have not previously won an RHF scholarship. Eligibility is for students already pursuing their post-high school education at an accredited college or trade school program.

Three awards of $1,500 each are available. To see the complete criteria and access the online application, visit the scholarship application at NRHyA.com/scholarships.

The first section of 2024 merit scholarship winners were selected after a spring deadline. RHF congratulates Ryan Jensen of Loveland, Colorado, and Alex Loftin of Chester, Arkansas.

Ryan Jensen (L) and Alex Loftin (R)

Jensen is a student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She is pursuing a degree in corporate communications. She plans to work in commercial real estate communications. She has earned the Baylor Academic Distinction Award and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Jensen also competes on the university equestrian team.

Loftin attends the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and is pursuing a degree in ag business and pre-law with a minor in legal studies. His goal is to become an attorney. He rode on his university’s Ranch Horse Team in 2023 and was the collegiate novice ranch horse champion. In addition to participating in collegiate organizations, he serves as a volunteer firefighter.

“Congratulations to these students, who are the first to be awarded the RHF Merit Scholarships,” said Terri Mainey, chair of the RHF Scholarship Committee. “The Reining Horse Foundation is proud to have added five new awards for 2024 as part of expanding our total scholarship offerings. We hope more students will take advantage of this opportunity for help achieving their education.”

For nearly 25 years, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association. With its mission of caring for and honoring the reining community, the RHF has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund providing financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For more information or to give, visit reiningfoundation.com.

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Many Ways to Win at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

The 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is approaching fast, and there are more ways than ever to enter a class customized to you and your horse’s skill level and goals. 

In 2023, the event broke records with the highest payout in history—$1.57 million. Exhibitors will not want to miss the fun June 11-23 at the OKC Fairgrounds, as this year’s event offers the most added money to Levels (L) 3, 2, and 1 for both the Open and Non Pro compared to all other derbies!

The guaranteed payouts for champions are:

  • L4 Open – $100,000
  • L3 Open – $35,000
  • L2 Open – $20,000
  • L1 Open – $10,000
  • Prime Time Open – $5,000
  • L4 Non Pro – $50,000
  • L3 Non Pro – $20,000
  • L2 Non Pro – $15,000
  • L1 Non Pro – $5,000
  • Prime Time Non Pro – $5,000
  • Youth Non Pro – $2,000
  • Masters Non Pro – $2,000

Enter the Highest Added Money 4-year-old Stakes

NRHA proudly offers the 4-year-old Stakes featuring the highest added money open aged event, not restricted by nomination, stallion etc.

To recognize the popularity of the 4-year-old Stakes division and to support its longevity, the NRHA Board added an additional $100,000 beginning in 2023, bringing the total added money of the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes to $110,000 and $50,000 in the Colston Paving Inc. Non Pro Stakes.

Novice Horse Opportunities

Rick Clark and his brother Brent are the naming sponsors of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Open and Non Pro Novice Horse divisions, which are open to horses who have won less than $10,000 as of May 1. The Open division boasts $15,000 in added money, while the Non Pro features $10,000.

$15,000-Added Amateur Division

Non Pros eligible for L1 or L2 who have earned less than $100,000 and meet the full criteria are eligible for the $15,000 Elementa Amateur Division. View the Amateur Derby eligibility criteria here.

8 & Up Maturity

There will be an Open 8 & Up Maturity with $10,000 added to the Level 4 and $5,000 added to the Level 2. In the Non Pro, there is $15,000 added split across L1-4.

Rookies Compete for Free

Did you know the Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All is happening at the Derby? NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch is paying all Rookie entry and judges fees! We can’t wait to see you in OKC.

$20,000-added Freestyle Reining presented by Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Have you watched this exciting competition from the stands and wanted to join the fun? Those interested in competing can send inquiries to Cheryl Cody at cheryl@pro-management-inc.com and include a video of any past freestyle performances.

$3,500-Added Para Reining Championship

The Para-Reining Championship, sponsored by Dechra and NRHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailers, will be held on Thursday, June 20, at the Jim Norick Arena after the Invitational Freestyle. The championship will include classes for grades two, three, four, and five. Find more information and the entry form here.

High Point Buckle Awards

High-point titles are among the many honors bestowed at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel in June. The winners are crowned based on points awarded by their placings in two ancillary slates. Those with the highest point total receive a buckle crafted by show sponsor Montana Silversmiths to commemorate their success.

APHA Chrome Cash

Open and Non Pro competitors have an opportunity to enter the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash with $2,500 added to each division. The entry form can be found here.

6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Entries & Reservations

2024 NRHA Derby entries are due in office by May 15, and Ancillary entries are due in office by June 1. Stall Reservation Forms are due in office by May 16. To submit entries and reservations, visit nrhaderby.com/forms.