Tag Archives: National Reining Horse Association

IHSA Members to Compete for 2018 NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship at NRHA Derby

Danielle Paulson and Juice owned by Andrew Wolf. Photo by alcookphoto.com.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – June 26, 2018 – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby is an annual one-week event held in Oklahoma City, June 23 – July 1. The competition showcases the world’s best reining horses and riders and attracts thousands of spectators each year. One of the highlights of the Derby is the Collegiate Reining Championship scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, June 29, at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, featuring the top college riders from North America.

This year, four standout Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) riders are slated to compete in the Collegiate Reining Championship. The riders include Morgan Knerr, Danielle Paulson, Kendall Woellmer and Travis Fortune. The draw takes place Thursday at 1 p.m. The warm-up starts Friday at 1 p.m. with the class kicking off at 1:30 p.m.

Morgan Knerr is the IHSA 2018 NRHA Individual Open Reining champion and is a freshman at the University of Findlay studying pharmacy. From Plain City, Ohio, her parents are actively involved in reining and she has grown up in the sport. Before joining the University of Findlay, Knerr rode at Autumn Rose with Ollie and Debbie Griffiths. She has held multiple positions as an NRHyA officer, including president in 2017, vice president in 2016 and secretary in 2015.

“Showing in the Collegiate catch ride is a great opportunity,” Knerr said. “I’m really excited because it will be a completely different experience. I’m really looking forward to it!”

Danielle Paulson is from Rochester, Minnesota and is a junior at the University of Wisconsin River Falls. She qualified for IHSA Nationals for the first time this year and earned the 2018 IHSA Nationals AQHA Team Reining Open Reining championship and was third in 2018 NRHA Individual Open Reining. Paulson has shown American Quarter Horses for 10 years, this is her first year competing in reining. She credits her coach, Janie Huot, for giving her a leg up in the sport.

“I am so excited; it’s such a blessing to compete at this huge event,” Paulson said. “(Competing in) IHSA is the only time I’ve reined in my life. I hope to ride my best on some amazing horses that they’re providing for us.”

Travis Fortune is from Booneville, Indiana and studies at Murray State University. Fortune finished second in the NRHA Open Reining at Western Semi-Finals and fourth the 2018 IHSA Nationals.

“I am really excited about competing at the Derby,” said Fortune. “For me, it’s the fact that I made it there. The first horse show that I reined at was in October for IHSA. To go to Nationals and be fourth and qualify for the Derby for the Collegiate Championship is just really awesome.”

Kendall Woellmer is a sophomore from Sedona, Arizona and attends West Texas A&M University where she is majoring in agriculture communications and minoring in English. The talented rider competes in both Western and hunter seat. Woellmer earned the 2018 IHSA Sportsmanship Award and the 2018 IHSA Versatility Rider Award at the IHSA Nationals. Along with top placings in the hunter seat divisions, Woellmer finished third in the AQHA High Point Western Rider fifth in NRHA Individual Open Reining.

“I am very honored to compete against some of the best collegiate riders in the nation,” Woellmer said.

For more information on this year’s Derby, visit www.nrhaderby.com.

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and NRHA Score a Plus with 2012 Partnership

Fairfield, Connecticut – April 2, 2012 – The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) is proud to announce that the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) embraced its role as official sponsor for the IHSA Western Semi-Finals, leading up to the 2012 IHSA National Championships, May 3-6, at the Hunt Horse Complex of the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh.

“The rapidly expanding support of the Western Semi-Finals by the NRHA has enabled our riders to enjoy a greatly enhanced program,” said IHSA national treasurer, Naomi Blumenthal, who also credited Ohio State University IHSA Western team coach and IHSA Associate National Steward/Director at Large, Ollie Griffith, with negotiating the agreement.  “We hope he knows how grateful everyone is for bringing NRHA into our corporate family.”

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NRHA Derby Added Money More Than Doubles to $615,000

Nomination Program brings nearly $375,000 more to the Derby!

Oklahoma City, Okla. – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors recently discussed major changes to the 2012 NRHA Derby (June 25-30 in Oklahoma City, Okla.). These changes and enhancements for 2012 include massive increases in added money due to the NRHA Nomination Program, an increase in the number of Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro finalists and granting five- and six-year-olds the ability to compete for Nomination Program added money (excluding Nominator Incentives). Find more details on these and other items below.

March 1 Entry Deadline Approaching

The entry deadline for the NRHA Derby is March 1. Conditions and entry forms can be found at nrhaderby.com.

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Gentile Wins NRHA Intercollegiate Reining Championship

Oklahoma City, OK – Twelve college-age riders competed in the 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Collegiate Reining Championship during the recent NRHA Derby Show in Oklahoma City, OK. Jesse Gentile of The Ohio State University won the championship title and NRHA Lawson trophy with a score of 218.

When asked what advice he would give young reiners, Gentile who rode Out Dun the Son from Gary Sanders of Steele, MO, said, “Have fun, and even though it’s (reining) is a lot of work, it is worth it.” Paige Monfore of Auburn University, who rode Dunit Pistol Pete from Katheen Ray of Aubrey, TX, and Mckenzie Lantz of the University of Georgia who rode Playgun Chic Olena from Teresa Wynn of Benton, KY, tied for reserve with scores of 215.5.

NRHA selected four riders from a pool of collegiate NRHA members to participate in the championship. The individuals who competed on behalf of NRHA are Jenna Blumer, Oklahoma State University; Jesse Gentile, The Ohio State University; McKenzie Lantz, University of Georgia; and Austin Griffith, The Ohio State University.

Four individuals were selected to represent NCAA Varsity Equestrian competitors in the class. The riders selected to compete on behalf of Varsity Equestrian were: Page Monfore, Auburn University; Rachel Houchin, Oklahoma State University; Kristen Hansen, Auburn University; Becca Haaland, University of Georgia.

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Inaugural Interscholastic Reining Championship Secures New Alliance

Layla Choate winning the inaugural NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship aboard Kathleen Ray’s Dunit Pistol Pete (Photo by Waltenberry).

Oklahoma City, OK – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitors to the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby Show on June 30, 2011. Competitors were given an opportunity to participate the first-ever NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship, a competition similar to the long-standing NRHA Collegiate Championship.

The new championship class brought together the top four riders from the Individual Open Reining at the IEA National Western Championship and the top four riders from the 2010 NRHA Youth 14-18 division in an exciting competition where the youth will show unfamiliar horses donated by generous supporters.

Layla Choate of Hazel, Ky. and Dunit Pistol Pete (donated by Kathleen Ray of Aubrey, Tex.), earned the first Interscholastic Championship title with a score of 217.5. Megan Foley of the Autumn Rose Equestrian Team in Powell, Ohio, rode Check This Dun It (donated by Lorrie & Terry Thrasher) and was awarded Reserve Champion with a score of 217.

Choate will be attending the University of South Carolina in the fall where she will be majoring in environmental science. Choate offered advice to young riders by saying, “Work hard every day and ride as many different horses as you can.“ She said that by doing so you will improve yourself as a showman.

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Pope, Cosper and Hartman Claim 2011 USEF National Youth Reining Championship Titles

Oklahoma City, OK – Michael Pope’s 7-year-old horse, Whizota, “tried his heart out” and that determination edged the pair over their competitors into first place. Pope, Elizabeth Cosper and Olivia Hartman were crowned USEF National Youth Reining champions of three separate age groups at Saturday’s 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby.

The Youth qualified for the USEF Championships by earning points in Qualifying Classes throughout the country in 2010-2011.

Pope, a 21-year-old from Theodore, AL, won the 19-21 age division on a score of 141 over Pilot Point, TX-rider Breanne Bertrand, who took the reserve spot on Stoned Chick on 140. Pope also claimed the third-place position, riding Whizn Freckle on a score of 139.5.

“The show is always fun and people were great,” Pope said. “I am very proud of my horse he did great.  It was a long trip to get here but it paid off big. Tim McQuay did a great job training this horse and I really enjoy showing him.”

Pope’s victory is just the latest in a long string of accomplishments that include: showing at all three NRHA Non Pro levels and leading the nation in USEF Youth 19-21 division and Adult Amateur division; 2009 Mississippi Reining Horse Association Year-End Champion Youth 14-18; 2008 Mississippi Reining Horse Association Year-End Reserve Champion Youth 14-18; 2005-2007 Mississippi Reining Horse Association Year-End Champion Youth 14-18; 2009 Year-End Champion Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2; and 2009 Year-End Reserve Champion Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1.

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Finest Copyshot and Kronsteiner Lead NRHA European Futurity Go Round

Rudi Kronsteiner and Finest Copyshot. Photo courtesy NRHA

Kreuth, Germany – The 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity & NRHA Show started in Kreuth, Germany today with the first section of the $187,000 added Open Futurity go round. A total of 81 four-year-old reining horses from all over Europe were shown in Ostbayernhalle to kick off the first day of the weeklong show. Austrian Rudi Kronsteiner, 2010 NRHA European Futurity Level 4 Open Champion, had the best run today riding Finest Copyshot to a score of 222.5. The sorrel American Quarter Horse mare is by I Am Shotgunner out of Its Another Footwork by Footworks Finest. Finest Copyshot, bred and owned by Anja Deutzmann, was very successful last year with Bernard Fonck in the saddle. The Belgian who won the 2009 NRHA European Level 4 Open Futurity, was the Western Event Snaffle Bit Level 4 Open Futurity Champion, Oakland Reining Classic Level 4 Open Futurity Champion and Italian Level 4 Open Futurity finalist with this mare.

Bernard Fonck and Ruf Footwork are second at the moment after scoring a 220. Fonck rode the stallion by Footworks Finest out of Jasmines Ruf Blonde (owner and breeder Dr. Paul Van Hooft) to the Austrian Reining Horse Association Western Star Level 4 Open Futurity Championship (for three-year-olds) last year.

Fonck also managed to tie for Level 4 Open third place today riding Big Sky Whizard (Topsail Whiz x Isle Bea Dun It, owned by Color Invest A & S Deredowscy) with Broadmoor Cassie (Broadmoor x Classy Parette, owned by Impresa Agricola Cuoghi) ridden by Pietro Artinghelli (ITA) – both scoring a 219.5. The mare now leads the Level 3, Level 2 and Level 1 Open Futurity go round with Artinghelli.

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Arenus Sponsored Rider Shawn Flarida Appears on Horses in the Morning Radio Show

Shawn Flarida, NRHA's Four Million Dollar Rider, recently took to the airwaves on the Horse Radio Network’s “Horses in the Morning” radio show. (Photo courtesy of Waltenberry)

St. Louis, MO (February 28, 2011) – Shawn Flarida, an Arenus Ambassador and the first rider in history to become the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) Four Million Dollar Rider, recently took to the airwaves on the Horse Radio Network’s “Horses In The Morning” radio show. Flarida spoke with hosts Glenn the Geek and Jamie Jennings from his farm in Springfield, Ohio.

During the radio show, Glenn the Geek congratulated Flarida on the recent news that Flarida will be inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame. “It’s such an honor,” Flarida said, “My peers are there, as well as my brother, and I have always wanted to be there with them.”

Flarida, who is an ambassador for the sport of reining, has a long list of accomplishments to his name including winning nine All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity Open Championships, five NRHA Futurity Open Championships, multiple NRHA Derby Championships, as well as individual and team gold medals at the World Equestrian Games.

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Arenus Sponsored Rider Shawn Flarida Tops Four Million Dollar Mark

WEG Gold Medalist Shawn Flarida is the first rider in history to become the NHRA’s Four Million Dollar Winner. Flarida is shown riding Wimpy’s Little Chic. (Photo courtesy of Waltenberry)

St. Louis, MO (February 8, 2011) – Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, is pleased to announce that Shawn Flarida, an Arenus Ambassador, is the first rider in history to become the National Reining Horse Association’s (NRHA) Four Million Dollar Rider. The NRHA has reported that Flarida’s earnings are $4,023,885.

“We are so excited for Shawn and couldn’t be prouder,” said Arenus Business Manager Simone Pophal, DVM, Ph.D. “Shawn reached the four million dollar mark during the 2010 NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma.”

Flarida, who was already the NHRA’s first Three Million Dollar Rider, topped four million dollars with rides in the finals on Quistador, owned by Augustine and Gaynia Revenberg, and Shine Chic Shine, owned by Amabile & Strusiner. A tie for third in the $100,000 NRHA World Championship Shootout on Wimpys Little Chic, owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, helped Flarida earn more than $100,000 to become the NRHA’s first Four Million Dollar Rider.

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Arenus and the National Reining Horse Association Congratulate Shawn Flarida on Winning Rider of the Year Title

Arenus is pleased to announce that WEG Gold Medalist Shawn Flarida has won the Rider of the Year title. Sponsored by Arenus, in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association, Flarida won the title aboard RC Fancy Step. (Photo courtesy of Waltenberry.com)

St. Louis, MO (February 2, 2011) – Reining champion Shawn Flarida has added another win to his long and impressive resume, riding away with the 2010 National Reining Horse Rider of the Year title. Sponsored by Arenus, a premier provider of innovative health and nutritional products for pets and horses, in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), Flarida won the Rider of the Year title with RC Fancy Step, owned by the Plummer Family of SDP Buffalo Ranch in Fort Worth, Texas.

“We are really proud of Shawn for winning the title and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer person or to a rider who is more committed to the sport of reining,” said Brady Karren, Arenus Equine Sales Specialist/Nutritionist. “Shawn has been supporting Arenus for a long time and serves as an Arenus Ambassador because he believes in our products. Arenus wants to congratulate all the Rider of the Year winners. Everyone put in a great amount of effort and dedication and Arenus is once again pleased to sponsor the Rider of the Year award.”

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