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.

The top four placing individuals in Open Reining at the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association National Finals represented the IHSA. The riders who qualified to compete were: Rebekah Irish, Black Hawk College; Kaitlin Hoffman, Cazenovia College; Alissa Trucco, Ohio University; and Jason Romney, Utah State University.

NRHA and NRHyA would like to thank the following horse owners who donated their horses for the Collegiate Reining Championships:

Gary Sanders of Steele, Mo. with Out Dun the Son
Kathleen Ray of Aubrey, Tex. with Dunit Pistol Pete
Teresa Wynn of Benton, Ky. with Playgun Chic Olena
Lisa Douglas of Fort Smith, Ark. with CF Merada
High Crest Reiners, Inc of Dayton, Mont. with Mr Awesome Affaire
John Horn of Del Rio, Tex. with Pure Pleasin
Rick Clark of Catlettsburg, Ky. with Smooth Talkin Dan
Lisa Clark Hoffman of Larkspur, Colo. with Nics Gotta Gun
Mindy Truex of Warsaw, Ind. with Streakin Catalyst
Lorrie & Terry Thrasher of Cairo, Mo. with Check This Dun It
Claudivan & BJ Ribeiro of Columbus, Tex., with Luckeelan
Brett D. Walters of Bourbon, Ind., with Enough Irish Whiskey

The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support: Adequan; Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cimarron Trailers; Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center; Classic Equine; Darling 888 Ranch; Horse&Rider; John Deere; Kiser Arena Specialists; Markel Insurance Company; Merial; Montana Silversmiths; Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pard’s Western Shop; Platinum Performance; Purina Mills; Quarter Horse News; Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company; Rocky Mountain Clothing Company – Cinch/Cruel Girl; Silver Spurs Equine; SmartPak and Xtra Quarter Horses, plus Event Sponsors Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Back on Track, Cool-A-Zone, Scott Cleaners and Metro Golf Cars.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard setting body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit www.nrha.com.

© Copyright 2011 United States Equestrian Federation

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