Reining Canada e-Newsletter Archives 2007

Aug 18, 2007

Information regarding proposed NRHA Bylaw changes

Canadian Reiners;

The National Reining Horse Association "NRHA" has worked very diligently since inception to develop, enhance and promote reining within the United States and Internationally. The growth of reining has been phenomenal over the past 40 years and the NRHA has committed to changing its organizational structure to keep up with the increase of reining enthusiasts. As a result of the commitment to excellence and dedication to the sport, the NRHA created the International Affiliate Program "IAP" in 2006 and Canada along with 12 other countries embraced the program. The IAP is an integral contributor to the continued growth of reining worldwide and is in jeopardy of being destroyed with one of the proposed Bylaw changes.

You will have received an NRHA Ballot in your Reiner or it can be obtained in the members section of the NRHA website. The Ballot gives you, as a Reining Canada member, the right to vote on the upcoming NRHA election and on the NRHA proposed Bylaw changes.

Reining Canada encourages you to voice your opinion on the NRHA proposed Bylaw changes as we feel that there are two points that will directly impact you as a reining member in Canada.

1. Bylaw Change A:, Article V. Directors.

How does this affect you as Canadians? The intent of the bylaw change to an elected Board from the regional affiliates is to allow more regional representation for the American reiners. The proposed change includes more elected members from the United States than the current appointed system. However, it is a misnomer that regional representation is currently lacking on the NRHA Board of Directors. The current NRHA Board of Directors includes over 30 board members from all over the United States as well as International representation. Most importantly for Canadians, the current International Affiliate Program allows for Canada to have three seats on the NRHA board as Canada has over 1000 members. The proposed bylaws will alter the current NRHA Board of Directors and will eliminate one seat on the NRHA Board of Directors for Canada. Reining Canada does NOT support this proposal as we feel that it is important for our Canadian members to have a voice and representation on the NRHA Board of Directors.

2. Proposed Bylaw J. Article VII.

How does this affect you as Canadians? This proposed bylaw will destroy the International Affiliate Program as well as hamper the Breed Associations including the AQHA, APHA and any association other than the NRHA that hosts reining classes. This Bylaw change means that it would be extremely difficult if not impossible for any Association other than an NRHA Affiliate to host a reining class, meaning the AQHA could no longer host concurrent approved NRHA classes. Reining Canada is requesting that the Canadian members once again take a stand and vote no. We know that this is an important concern for our members as the overwhelming vote in 2006 was in favour of Reining Canada embracing the IAP program.

The IAP structure will facilitate growth in Canada and although this is the first year in existence you are already witnessing the benefits of a national organization.

• In 2007 Canadians benefited from more approved reining events in Canada than ever before.
• In 2007 Canadians were privileged to have some of their monies returned to Canada because of the IAP.
• In 2007 Reining Canada offered $500 to Canadian Affiliates as rebate for hosting Judges Seminar and Show Secretary Seminars and Canada is hosting a record number of seminars.
• In 2007 Reining Canada was able to rebate to the Regional Affiliates, $500 for hosting an Affiliate Circuit, $50 for every approved show and $5 for every new member!

Allowing Proposed Bylaw J to pass risks setting the reining industry in Canada back ten years and will allow the NRHA to be governed completely by and for a US-based membership. Reining Canada is asking you to allow it to continue to have a voice in the development of reining worldwide and vote AGAINST Bylaw change J.

In addition to the Bylaw changes the NRHA Ballot allows you to cast your vote on the upcoming elected Directors and Officers of the NRHA. Reining Canada is asking you to support the NRHA supported candidates as each has ample volunteer experience and understands fully the importance of the International members in the governance of the NRHA.

Reining Canada also asks you to provide your input on the many rule changes proposed. Due to many member requests, the NRHA has established a system for providing feedback on the rule changes, you can either provide comments directly on the NRHA website or you can forward them to your regional affiliate or Reining Canada and each will ensure it is received. Please note, there are some important rule changes this year including a Medications Policy and a Membership Fee increase so let your voice be heard. Reining Canada has also voiced its opinion against the membership fee increase in its current proposed structure.

Reining Canada thanks you for continued dedication to the sport and it looks forward to the upcoming year, Reining Canada has many programs in the works in addition to the ones rolled out in 2007.

If you have any questions, please contact Reining Canada at admin@reiningcanada.com or submit your questions on-line at the RC website www.reiningcanada.com.

Terry Griffin, President-Elect of Reining Canada

Aug 3, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

Please note that due to a scheduling conflict, the August issue of Slidin' has been delayed, please expect it in your mailbox closer to the end of the month.

If you have news, classified ads or information for Slidin', please forward it immediately to communications@reiningcanada.com.

Attention Affiliates! Please send in your show reports and update the members on your show schedule.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

FEI Reining Stewards Course in OKC

The NRHA will be holding an FEI Stewards Course during the NRHA Futurity this fall. Deadline for application is October 29th.

For more information on just what a reining steward does, check out the FEI's (Federation Equestre Internationale) guide on the subject.

Reining Stewards are used at the international level only. With more international events taking place around Canada, the need is increasing.

For more information...

Reiners in the news?

Have you seen Canadian reiners in the news? Send the Communication's Committee a note at communications@reiningcanada.com

The NRHA's Reiner News Flash

The NRHA has undertaken a new communications initiative to keep all its members around the world informed of current happenings.

For the week of July 30 the following was posted:

NRHA Board of Director Meeting Change NRHA President Mike Boyle has changed the dates for the August Board of Directors Meeting. The Board of Directors meeting, where the final read-through of proposed rule changes and voting takes place, will take place August 25-26, 2007. The Executive Board will meet August 23-24. If you haven't already done so, don't forget to take an opportunity to re-read the proposed changes and the author's intent. Then you can make your opinion known by making a comment about the proposed rule change(s).

NRHA Ballot and Candidate Bios Wednesday, August 1st, the official NRHA Ballot and bios of the candidates running for the office of Vice President or Board of Directors will be posted on the NRHA website. Be sure and vote for or against every Bylaw change, for one Vice Presidential candidate and three Board of Director candidates. For those of you that will not be voting at the General Membership Meeting, Oct. 11, 2007, 10:00 am EST, Transportation Building (Corral), Columbus, OH, your NRHA Absentee Ballot must be received by September 26. Check the NRHA Ballot for further directions.

NRHA Australian Affiliate Championship Gatton, Queensland, Australia, is gearing up for the first NRHA Australian Affiliate Championship set to run August 1-4. In addition, there is a Judges Applicant Seminar slated for August 5-6.

Read the News Flash online...

Did you know?

Where do your membership dollars go?

Some of your membership money goes right back to the Affiliates that host reining shows and circuits in Canada. The NRHA gives $500 to each Affiliate and Reining Canada also gives $500 to the each Affiliate which hosts an Affiliate circuit under the Sport Incentive Program (SPIN) program implemented in 2007.

As well, each approved reining show garners the hosting Affiliate $50 from Reining Canada and your Affiliate also receives $5 back from every new Reining Canada member that signs up through the Affiliate.

For example, Manitoba has six circuit shows and the Central Canada Reining Horse Association gets $500 from Reining Canada for hosting a circuit, $500 from the NRHA, $300 for the show rebate (6x$50) for a total of $1300. Plus the new member rebate, which will vary by year.

Vacation Notice

Please note that from August 4th - 13th, Lois Warnock, our office administrator will be on vacation.

Renee Hunt, who works part-time in the Reining Canada office will be providing vacation coverage during this time.

If you have a pressing concern, you may contact President-Elect Terry Griffin at tgriffin@westfreight.com or (403) 803-0989 or use the feedback form on our web site.

Web Site Maintenance - Request For Proposals

Reining Canada is looking for a web site host and designer to take over the maintenance of the Reining Canada web site.

The requirements include:

• knowledge of HTML
• available for several hours of updates each week on a quick turnaround basis
• heavier workloads during summer and fall

Reining Canada would like to explore the possibility of the service provider being paid a monthly flat fee as well as a partial donation.

It would also be an asset if the service provider were bilingual. The current site needs to be redesigned from Active Server Pages (ASP) to HTML.

The deadline for an expression of interest is August 17th. Please send your proposal directly to the office at admin@reiningcanada.com.

July 9, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

The deadline for the August issue of Slidin' is July 15th. The Communications Committee is looking for your news! We are also looking for articles of interests, show reports and photographs.

As well, this issue we will be accepting classified ads for members at no charge. The Slidin' goes out to almost 1000 reiners across Canada - hit your target market!

Attention Affiliates! Please send in your show reports and update the members on your show schedule.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

FEI Reining Stewards Course

There's an FEI Reining Stewards Course coming up July 13 - 15 in Meaford, ON.

For more information on just what a reining steward does, check out the FEI's (Federation Equestre Internationale) guide on the subject.

Reining Stewards are used at the international level only. With more international events taking place around Canada, the need is increasing.

Reining Canada would like to ensure that the stewards that attend reining events in Canada are reiners or have knowledge of the reining community.

For more information...

Reiners in the news!

The Salmon Arm Observer recently featured the North Okanagan Sun Reiners, a chapter of the Western Canadian Reining Association (WCRA) in their July 4th issue.

Read about the upcoming show, Reinin' in the Sun from Aug. 3 to 5, in Armstrong, BC.

In New Brunswick they held a reining over the Canada Day long weekend.

Read more about the show at the Princess Louise Park Show Centre in Sussex, NB.

Have you seen Canadian reiners in the news? Send the Communication's Committee a note at communications@reiningcanada.com

The NRHA's Reiner News Flash

The NRHA has undertaken a new communications initiative to keep all its members around the world informed of current happenings.

For the week of July 2 the following was posted:

BREAKING NEWS If you've been waiting for NRHA Markel Insurance Sale contracts and video/DVD requirements to become available for the three NRHA Futurity sales, you're in luck; they are posted on the NRHA website now. Remember: the due date for contracts/videos/DVDs is August 15 for the Prospect and Breeders Showcase Select sales. (No video is required for the Marketplace Sale.) For contracts or catalogs contact ddrinko@nrha.com, aweyland@nrha, or call the NRHA office at 405-946-7400.

Reiner News Flash A Big Hit - There's no doubt about it - those who read the inaugural Reiner News Flash heartily approve of the concept and the content.

Member Kit Cosper emailed this, "WOW! This is an excellent summary, I'm not sure that I can adequately convey the "involvement" that having this amount of information on current events provides. Please pass along my sincere thanks to whoever is responsible for developing this new media. It should go a long way towards improving overall communication.

Dee and Jack Hertig sent the following, "The News Flash is a start for better communication of information from NRHA to the general membership and we recommend that the members visit the site weekly and get involved so we all can "ENJOY THE RIDE" in the future years."

NRHA Bylaw And Rule Change Proposals - Proposed rule and bylaw changes were posted to the Members Only section of the NRHA website on Friday, June 29. This is a great chance to express your opinion. There is a place to post and view feedback on each proposed change.

NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award - NRHA is pleased to announce that Sally Brown, Maple Plain, Minnesota, is the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Several friends and NRHA representatives were on hand for the presentation. Sally is very ill with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. If you'd like to leave a message for Sally and Buck go to http://caringbridge.org/visit/sallywbrown. Read about Sally and her impact on the sport of Reining in an upcoming issue of the NRHA Reiner.

Adequan/United States Equestrian Foundation Open Reining National Championship - Gabe Hutchins rode Lee Schild's Juiced Up Doc to win the Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship held the last weekend in June at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The Championship was held in conjunction with the Clayton Woosley Hall of Fame Reining. Shawn Flarida and Tim McQuay tied for reserve. In the USEF Youth Reining National Championship presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, sisters Carly (Sweet Starbuck) and Melanie Galbraith (Smart Snap) won the 13 & under and 14-18 divisions, respectively, while Kate Stewart (Pica Peppy Doc) won the 19-21 division. For more information, contact USEF's Director of Reining Programs Courtney Barnett at (859) 225-6919 or via email at cbarnett@usef.org.

NRHA European Affiliate Championship - The EAC is one of the most important competitions for NRHA members in Europe. This prestigious event runs July 6-8 in Wr Neustadt, Austria, and is hosted by reining enthusiasts Helmut and Dennis Schulz. Awards include saddles from Pard's Western Shop, the NRHA's Official and Exclusive Saddle Provider. Special thanks to NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine for the awards they are supplying and to Gist Silversmiths for their trophy buckles. For more information www.nrha.at or Gerda Langer 432-238- 8484.

Brazilian Futurity and National Championship - - The 2007 ANCR Futurity and National Championship Finals were held at Fazenda Barrinha in the city of Espírito Santo do Pinhal, São Paulo Brazil, June 7-10. The Open 2007 ANCR Futurity Champion was João Felipe Lacerda riding Ryon Great Dan. The 2007 National Championship Open went to Gilson Diniz Filho aboard Absolute Melodys VSJ. Watch for results and the story in an upcoming issue of the NRHA Reiner.

Read the News Flash online...

Horse Maintenance Program

Your horse may be eligible for the Equine Canada Horse Maintenance program. Download the FAQs here and here!

If your horse qualifies, you may be reimbursed for show expenses for 2006 and 2007.

June 29, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

Summer is officially here! For some of us in Canada it seems to have taken a while for it to arrive. While some areas have been soggy, other area are parched. Truly Canadian weather!

Reining Canada Board of Directors

REI Reining Stewards Course

There's an FEI Reining Stewards Course coming up July 13 - 15 in Meaford, ON.

For more information on just what a reining steward does, check out the FEI's (Federation Equestre Internationale) guide on the subject.

Reining Stewards are used at the international level only. With more international events taking place around Canada, the need is increasing.

Reining Canada would like to ensure that the stewards that attend reining events in Canada are reiners or have knowledge of the reining community.

For more information...

Slidin' - Coming Soon to a Mailbox Near You

Slidin' - the Official Newsletter of Reining Canada is being mailed out this week and should be hitting your mailboxes next week.

Please note that in future issues, we will be offering classified ads to members at no charge. The deadline for ads for the August issue is July 15th.

Send your ad to communications@reiningcanada.com. The ads will be text only.

The NRHA's Reiner News Flash

The NRHA has undertaken a new communications initiative to keep all its members around the world informed of current happenings.

For the week of June 25th, the following was posted:

First webcast for NRHA Board members - NRHA held its first-ever webcast of a Board of Directors meeting June 23-24. Testing the waters was Board member Dave Young of the Netherlands, who joined the webcast, offered his opinions and even voted on issues. BOD members are encouraged to participate in all upcoming meetings.

2008 NRHA Convention Week - Jan. 28-Feb.2. There will be a weeklong celebration of fun family activities, Executive Board, Board of Directors and committee meetings, an Affiliate Congress, seminars, galas, an RHSF casino night, and possibly a judges' applicant school and show manager and show secretary seminars at the 2008 NRHA Convention. The location will be Oklahoma City at the Renaissance Hotel and Cox Convention Center.

New Award announced: Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Doug Carpenter announced the creation of a new award - The NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award. It will be funded by the RHSF. Fittingly, the first ten recipients will receive a Bryant Pace Sr. likeness of Dale Wilkinson. Watch for the announcement of the first recipient.

2007 NRHA Futurity News - The Reining Horse Sports Foundation will roll out two new activities at the 2007 Futurity. You can have Thanksgiving dinner with your fellow reiners on the show grounds. And affiliates from around the world will be able to showcase their native customs, food, breeders and trainers at the International Hospitality Suites the RHSF has planned. Already showing interest are Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Netherlands and other countries. Proceeds will benefit the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF).

New Trophies - The institution of Open and Non Pro Futurity traveling cups for the champions and Open Futurity rider and owner championship rings was passed.

Million Dollar Owners - A new program for owners will be instituted to compliment Million Dollar Rider and Horse designations.

Eligibility - More on possibly handicapping the Prime Time, restructuring the rookie and novice classes.

High Performance Reining - Committee Chairman Jerry Kimmel is creating task forces to work with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) for the development of USEF High Performance Reining programs. Note: High Performance Reining Programs are not a part of and will not receive funding from the NRHA or the RHSF.

NAA for Germany - Reining Deutschland was approved as the National Association Affiliate (NAA) for Germany and joins the International Affiliate Program.

Read the News Flash online...

NRHA Bylaw and Rule Change Proposals

As Reining Canada members, you have voting and access privileges with the NRHA.

Check out bylaw and rule change proposals in the "Members Only" section of the NRHA website on July 1 - www.nrha.com.

May 28, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

Reining Canada would like to announce the first CRI of 2007 will be held in Prince George, BC on June 23.

A CRI (Concours de Reining Internationale) is an international event. These events are being used to qualify for the FEI World Reining Masters to be held at the 2007 NRHA Futurity.

The two Canadian riders with the highest cumulative points from all the CRIs will qualify for the Masters.

You can find the official invitation and entry from on our web site.

The following CRIs are currently tentative:

• Meaford, Ontario, July 2007
• Winnipeg, Manitoba, September, 2007
• Blainville, Quebec, September, 2007

Reining Canada Board of Directors

May 11, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

Reining Canada had its fifth Board Meeting of 2007 last evening and would like to announce that 4 CRIs tentatively scheduled in Canada for 2007.

• Prince George, British Columbia, June, 2007
• Nedford, Ontario, July 2007
• Winnipeg, Manitoba, September, 2007
• Blainville, Quebec, September, 2007

Reining Canada Board of Directors

Memberships

Reining Canada also would like to announce that its current membership count is on pace with last year at approx 770 including 120 new members. Reining Canada is working diligently to ensure that it can turn around memberships in a timely manner and has implemented the ability to process credit card payments.

Seeking News for Slidin'

The June issue of Slidin' is coming together this week. If you have news to submit to the newsletter, please send it to the communications committee at communications@reiningcanada.com.

2007 Show Management and Show Secretary Seminars

Upcoming show management seminars:

September 22
Kalispell, MT
Contact Alice Morrison at 406-686-4872 for registration

October 13 - 14
Prince George, BC
Contact Pam Morrison at 250-964-2860 or morrisonqh@telus.net for registration.

Oct 27 - 28
Moncton, New Brunswick
Contact Rachel Roy at Roy.Rachel@irvingtissue.ca for more information or registration.

November 11
Guelph, ON
Contact Joanne Milton at 519-855-6865 or info@rusticmeadows.com for registration.

April 25, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

Thank you for taking the time to read the Reining Canada eNewsletter. Our statistics show that we have over 1000 subscribers with more joining each week.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

Show Secretary's Manual

Reining Canada is happy to announce that the Show Secretary's manual is now available to all Canadian show associations hosting a Reining Canada/NRHA event in 2007. This is a draft document that may be changes as needs and clarifications arise.

A second version will be released this summer that incorporates CRI/CRIO information for international level competiton.

Download the manual here...

Reining Canada Web Site

www.ReiningCanada.com will be redesigned this spring. As part of an initiative spearheaded and subsidized by Equine Canada, the site will be redesigned and streamlined to make it easier for the Communications Committee to update the site. Currently we are experiencing delays in updating the current site, but expect that the new site will have easier navigation with more information available.

We look forward to your feedback and hope that you stay tuned for the changes!

Youth News

The Reining Canada Youth Committee is pleased to forward this release to you on behalf of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association. According to Youth Committee Chairperson, Wendy Dyer, "Our Youth are our future and to maintain the level of international excellence achieved by the current Canadian team, we must develop programs and provide experiences and knowledge to prepare them to become Canada's future ambassadors and heroes."

Future youth development programs and initiatives are underway, stay tuned for more information on the Young Rider Medal Program and information on how youth reiners can compete at the 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup Competition to be held in London, Ontario, Canada.

(Carberry, MB - April 18, 2007) --- The Canadian Quarter Horse Association is extremely pleased to announce that the CQHA will host the bi-annual American Quarter Horse Association's Youth World Cup at Western Fair Agriplex in London, Ontario, in 2008. This event, first held in Australia in 1986 as the International Youth Quarter Horse World Cup, has become one of the most prestigious equine competitions recognized world wide.

The CQHA is also pleased to advise that one of its own, Patti Carter, of St. George, Ontario, the AQHA/CQHA director representing the province of Ontario, has been appointed Chair of the 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup, by the AQHA. Carter was chosen by her peers to receive the title of AQHA's Professional Horseman of the Year in 2006. She also served as the Team Canada coach at the AQHA Youth World Cup events in Italy in 2000, and in Amarillo, Texas, in 2002.

The 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup will consist of an eight day event, between July 6th to 13th, 2008, featuring teams of five riders from 17 different countries, including Canada. The event is designed to showcase budding talent in the equestrian world. Competition horses will be supplied by the host country, Canada, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the high caliber of Canadian-bred and Canadian-owned American Quarter Horses on loan for the occasion. The level of difficulty and discipline required to compete at a Youth World Cup event is tremendous. Competitors are not only in foreign settings, they also compete on unfamiliar horses.

The universal love of the Quarter Horse unites competitors and their respective support teams as they rally for success. Competition will be passionate as riders strive for victory in the nine disciplines of Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Showmanship at Halter, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Trail, Western Riding, Reining and Cutting. However, accomplishments will not be measured in medals alone. CQHA hosts, judges, clinicians and handlers will demonstrate and encourage leadership, good sportsmanship, camaraderie and the benefits of teamwork. In addition, teams will participate in skill development clinics and demonstrations provided by some of North America's most accomplished horsemen. A myriad of different cultures and experiences await these young equestrians. May the best horsemen win and all their teammates and fellow competitors be happy for them!

We also invite owners of well-schooled Canadian- bred and/or Canadian-owned American Quarter Horses from all across Canada to provide a pool of at least 90 all-around competition horses which will be required to supply all 17 teams for the 2008 event. Preference will be given to horses with some previous competition experience in any of the disciplines of Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Showmanship at Halter, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Trail, Western Riding, Reining and/or Cutting. Horse transportation will be partially subsidized and competition achievements will be recorded on the horse's AQHA show records. This will be an excellent opportunity to market outstanding horses for sale to owners, trainers, and exhibitors from around the world. For more information, please contact the Chair, Patti Carter at patticarterperformancehorses@hotmail.com.

The Canada-hosted 2008 AQHA Youth World Cup promises to be a world class event and we invite your participation at every level as event sponsors, spectators, competitors, horse suppliers, trade show exhibitors, breeders, and trainers. Everyone is welcome - you won't want to miss it. For more information about the Youth World Cup visit the web site at: www.aqhayouthworldcup.com

Small Reiners Compete in New NRHA Short Stirrup Class

Oklahoma City, OK - April 18, 2007 - The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) congratulates some of its youngest reiners! The new Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class was created to give very young riders a chance to participate in reining. The very-first NRHA-approved Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class was recently held at the Cowboy Capital Classic Show, March 8-10, at the Lone Star Arena in Stephenville, TX.

When the awards were presented, six-year-old Cade McCutcheon, of Aubrey, TX, accepted the championship plaque for the historic class. Cade won with a score of 145 on Dun Being An Okie, a full brother to Faithfully Dun, a gelding his mom, Mandy McCutcheon, rode to an NRHA Superstakes Title. She helped Cade and the other riders prepare for their big event. "It was just about the most fun I've ever had at a horse show. Watching how the kids enjoy it is a big thrill and I think this class will be very popular."

Reserve honors went to ten-year-old Alexa Beaty. She is the daughter of Tim and Tesh Beaty of Aubrey, TX. Beaty scored a 143 on Reys Smart Plan. Eight-year- old Colleen Bridges, daughter of Jimmy and Jackie Bridges of Weatherford, TX, won third place with a score of 137. Bridges rode Sunnys Skeets owned by Chloe Bridges of Weatherford, TX. Six-year-old Emily Adlof took home fourth place with a score of 122 on Smart Little Peaches owned by Rodney King of Sherman, TX.

According to NRHA Executive Board member Colleen McQuay, the association saw the need for a class for riders who might still be too small to comfortably handle the traditional reining patterns. She noted, "The special Short Stirrup pattern eliminates speed and flying lead changes and keeps the event safer and easier. Not only does that make for an easier pattern for the kids, it also brings more horses to the event because kids can use AQHA, APHA or Arabian Horsemanship horses or even older, semi- retired reiners."

NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall agrees. "The new Short Stirrup class gives those very young riders a new way to begin showing reining horses. The Short Stirrup class uses a pattern that's simple and safe for these young riders."

From a show management standpoint, Lone Star Arena owners, Paul and Marcie Sullivan, knew small kids on reining horses would be a sure crowd- pleaser. The first-ever approved Short Stirrup class was an instant hit when it debuted at the Cowboy Capital Classic show. In a wise move, the Short Stirrup class was held just before the combined USEF CRI and Open Reining, and the substantial crowd was captivated by the event - cheering just as loudly for the kids as they did for the professionals that followed.

The Short Stirrup class uses NRHA Pattern #11, which was especially created for the new class. Youth riders in this new class are not required to own their own horses and it does not count for NRHA Top Ten standings. Small reiners are invited to compete in the new Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup class at the NRHA Derby coming up May 14-19, at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. For more information, contact the NRHA at 405-946-7400.

Mandy McCutcheon Becomes NRHA One Million Dollar Rider

Oklahoma City, OK - April 21, 2007 - It's a night of firsts for Mandy McCutcheon and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)! A big win at the NRBC earned her a distinction no other Non Pro rider in NRHA history has accomplished. McCutcheon, of Tioga, TX, now joins the elite group of reiners who have earned one million dollars in lifetime earnings. As well as being the very FIRST NON PRO to achieve that mark, McCutcheon is also the FIRST WOMAN to reach the One Million Dollar Rider status!

Friday night, McCutcheon won both Champion and Reserve Champion honors in the Non Pro Finals of the National Reining Breeders Classic at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum in Katy, TX. With a score of 225, McCutcheon became the Non Pro Champion on Rawhides Banjo (Dunit Rawhide x Barb A Cita). First place paid $35,417 which was well over the amount she needed to earn the one million dollar rider milestone. McCutcheon scored 221.5 on I Spin For Chics (Tangys Classy Peppy x Chics Koko Angel) to take home Reserve honors as well as $21,558.

Saturday evening, Mandy was honored along with other NRHA Million Dollar Riders during the opening ceremonies at the Open Finals of the NRBC. She now joins her father, Two Million Dollar Rider Tim McQuay and her husband, One Million Dollar Rider Tom McCutcheon in the elite group. Tom McCutcheon achieved his One Million Dollar Rider status just five months ago during the 2006 NRHA Futurity.

Earning her One Million Dollar Rider status will be hard to top on the long list of accomplishments for Mandy. The same horse that took her over the one million dollar mark on Friday night also helped her win top honors at the 2005 NRHA Futurity. McCutcheon and Rawhides Banjo won the 2005 Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity. That same year McCutcheon won the NRHA Non Pro Derby on Smart Great Dude (Smart Starbuck x Miss Great Dude). Those are only two memorable wins among many for Mandy.

The NRHA congratulates its newest One Million Dollar Rider, Mandy McCutcheon! The results from this weekend's NRBC show are not considered official until the scores are recorded at the NRHA office. For more information, contact the NRHA at (405) 946- 7400.

2007 Show Management and Show Secretary Seminars

Upcoming show management seminars:

April 28
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Contact Judy Skwarek at 204-334-4341, jskwarek@mts.net for registration

September 22
Kalispell, MT
Contact Alice Morrison at 406-686-4872 for registration

October 13 - 14
Prince George, BC
Contact Pam Morrison at 250-964-2860 or morrisonqh@telus.net for registration.

Oct 27 - 28
Moncton, New Brunswick
Contact Rachel Roy at Roy.Rachel@irvingtissue.ca for more information or registration.

November 11
Guelph, ON
Contact Joanne Milton at 519-855-6865 or info@rusticmeadows.com for registration.

Mane Event - Equine Education and Trade Fair

For members in the Red Deer, AB region, the Mane Event Equine Educaiton and Trade Fair is taking place this weekend.

Included this weekend is a reining clinic by Gary Putman. Highlights of Gary's career include AQHA World Championships in Heading, Heeling, Working Cow Horse and finalist placings in Reining and Tie Down Roping. He trained and won the coveted SUPER HORSE award while employed at the Pitzer Ranch in Ericson, NE. Gary has also competed successfully in NRCHA and NRHA, winning the Limited Open Derby. Gary has served on the board of directors of the NRBC since its inception. He is an approved judge for NRHA and NRCHA, and has judged the NRHA Derby and the NRCHA Futurity.

Gary's clinic will include:

1. Early Reining Training - Basic fundamental used to start reining horses
2. Futurity Horses - Steps to Prepare the 3 yr. old reining horse. Requirements 3 yr. old or older horses that have established basic training.
3. The Futurity Horse - Showing the 3 yr. old Reiner. Requirements 3 yr. old or older horses that are ready to show.
4. Showing the Older Reiner and Non-Pros. Exercises to keep horses solid and ready to show. Requirement riders and horses that have shown.

Membership

Please note: The Reining Canada office is now able to accept Visa and Mastercard for your membership!

April 6, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

Canadian Reiners;

Show season is almost upon us!

As our horses are shedding out, the snow is (hopefully) melting and you are wistfully dreaming of when you can put the longjohns away for good... great plans are underway with the show committees across Canada.

The show committees are gears that keep reining running in Canada. Their tireless volunteer efforts often mean long hours before, during and after the show.

Thank you, show committees, for your efforts!

Reining Canada is preparing a Show Secretary's manual to be used by secretaries across Canada. The Show/Rules committee is finalizing the document and it should be available during May.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

Reining Canada in 2007

The membership tally as of April 4th was 584 with 30 memberships pending. There was a large influx of memberships at the beginning of the year as the administrative team was hammering out the processes between the office of Reining Canada and the office of the NRHA.

Membership processing is taking two to four weeks. You can expedite this process by faxing your documents to the Reining Canada office.

The Reining Canada office now has the ability to accept Visa or Mastercard. And if you have a show coming up right away, the office can issue you a temporary card until your permanant card is printed.

Members of Reining Canada may be receiving a temporary membership card from the NRHA please note, this card is temporary and you will receive a permanent membership from Reining Canada forthcoming

The Reining Canada Beginner Class

The Board has already has requests for information on the Reining Canada Beginner Class.

1. May be run concurrently with another class for example "Green Reiner" if the concurrent class follows the Beginner Class rules for showing, that is one or two hands and legal bit, etc
2. Regular Reining Canada approved pattern** must be used
3. If run concurrently, must have its own purse, entry fee and payout.
4. Open to all riders with less than $200.00 lifetime earnings in any reining as of January 1st of the current year.
5. Riders must be members of Reining Canada/
6. No Competition License or Non-Pro Declaration will be required.
7. The rider does not have to own the horse.
8. Any legal bit.
9. May use one or both hands however may not change from one to both hands or vise-versa during the execution of the pattern.
10. The Beginner Class Point System will be used to tabulate standings for Year End Awards.
11. Riders may compete in this class until they have accumulated over $200.00 in total reining earnings. An RC Beginner is eligible to maintain his/her Beginner status for the duration of the show year regardless of whether he/she wins over $200 in that show year.
12. Not opened to youth (18 years and under) riders.

NRHA: Youth Reiners Encouraged to Apply for Scholarships

Oklahoma City, OK Ð April 5, 2007 Ð The Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) is honoring leadership and achievement within the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). The RHSF will soon award five academic and need based scholarships to deserving Youth members of the National Reining Horse Association.

The RHSF is dedicated to helping Youth members reach their educational goals. Anne-Marie Burns, Director of the Reining Horse Sports Foundation and Vice-Chair of the NRHA Youth Committee noted, ÒOne of our core programs is to help raise funds for youth programs. The Foundation has been very fortunate to have generous members donate to the RHSF Scholarship Fund affording us the opportunity to provide scholarships to dedicated and deserving young reiners. Our young people are the future of reining. By providing scholarships to them, we are helping them achieve their educational goals and fostering the leadership qualities needed to keep the sport of reining alive for many years to come.Ó

The RHSF is taking applications for the $1000 scholarships from now until June 15, 2007. Applicants must be an NRHA member and also a senior in high school pursing an undergraduate degree in a two or four year institution of higher education, trade or technical school. Previous recipients of the RHSF scholarships are eligible to reapply for scholarships until they are 25 years old.

To be considered for the scholarship awards, applicants are required to submit an essay that meets certain criteria. They are also required to answer questions about financial need. Applicants must also submit a recent grade report along with three letters of reference and a photograph.

For more information, contact Heather Cline, RHSF Coordinator, at rhsf@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400 ext. 137.

2007 NRHA Derby

Oklahoma City, OK Ð April 3, 2007 Ð Non Pro riders at the National Reining Horse AssociationÕs (NRHA) 2007 NRHA Derby will find more added money than ever before in each division!

The NRHA Derby is a high profile event for four, five and six year old horses. The Derby is packed with six days of exciting competition from May 14-19 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK.

In 2006, The NRHA Board of Directors voted to increase the added money in three Non Pro divisions. The Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions doubled increasing to $30,000 added in the Non Pro Derby and $15,000 added in the Intermediate Non Pro division. In addition, the Limited Non Pro division added money increased by 50% to $7,500.

Entry into the Non Pro Derby will now automatically enter exhibitors in all divisions they are eligible for. In prior years, Non Pro exhibitors were required to pay division fees to enter the Intermediate or Limited Non Pro divisions.

For more information, contact Susie Trimmer at strimmer@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400.

For those not attending the Derby, the NRHA is providing FREE live streaming video of the entire show!

NRHA: 2007 NRHA Derby Nomination Late Fees Dropped

Oklahoma City, OK Ð April 3, 2007 Ð A major announcement from the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) involving the 2007 NRHA Derby. The NRHA Board of Directors has decided to eliminate all nomination late fees for the 2007 NRHA Derby. The Board voted to drop these late fees at its meeting on Sunday, April 1 in Oklahoma City.

NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall says, "The Derby is a prestigious event for four, five and six year old horses and the Board did not want any exhibitors to skip the Derby this year because they might face the late fees of $250 or more. We also thought the construction at the State Fair arena was going to be more of a problem than what it really is. Only Barns 1 and 2 are affected, but there is still plenty of room to ride and plenty of stalls. Hopefully with the lack of construction issues and the elimination of nomination late fees, this will encourage more reiners to make their plans to head to Oklahoma City this May."

2007 Show Management Seminars

Upcoming show management seminars:

April 28
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Contact Judy Skwarek at 204-334-4341, jskwarek@mts.net for registration

September 22
Kalispell, MT
Contact Alice Morrison at 406-686-4872 for registration

October 13 - 14
Prince George, BC
Contact Pam Morrison at 250-964-2860 or morrisonqh@telus.net for registration.

November 11
Guelph, ON
Contact Joanne Milton at 519-855-6865 or info@rusticmeadows.com for registration.

February 10, 2007

Information from Reining Canada

To all Canadian Reiners;

Reining Canada would like to announce the following results from the 2006 Annual General Meeting which took place on February 10th, 2007.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

Bylaw Resolution Results

The results of the bylaw resolutions are as follows:

Total votes: 260
Reining Canada proposed bylaws: 186 votes
Member proposed bylaws: 55 votes
Neither: 19 votes

Reining Canada Proposed Bylaws ("A") passed.

The new bylaws will be posted as soon as possible on the web site.

Board of Directors Elections

In regards to the members elected to the Board of Directors:

Geri Greenall: 168 votes
Brian Cookshaw: 62 votes
Judy Skwarek: 169 votes
Wendy Williams: 63 votes
Geri Greenall and Judy Skwarek were re-elected to the Reining Canada Board of Directors.

January 25, 2007

Friendly Reminder from Reining Canada

To all Canadian Reiners;

The deadline for voting for the executive board positions and the Reining Canada bylaws is approaching.

Reining Canada urges you to exercise your right to vote do not let 10% of the membership decide for you the future of your sport - the silent majority must speak. Copies of the Resolutions, Nominated Parties and Ballots are available on the Reining Canada website.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

Clarification

To clarify:

Q. Can I send my ballot with someone else to the AGM?
A. No, Ballots will only be accepted at the AGM for those attending. If you are not attending your ballot must reach our Reining Canada office prior to Jan 31, 2007 5:00 pm MST.

Q. If I voted on the first set of Bylaws, do I have to vote again?
A. If you do not wish to change your original vote you do not need to vote again. However, if you want to change your original vote you may submit a new Ballot, the most recent Ballot received by Reining Canada will be counted.

Q. Can Youth Vote?
A. Yes

Membership Processing

Reining Canada has processed all memberships received into our office up to January 15th. Our membership cards are arriving from the printer this week. We will process your card soon. If you are going to a show in the next 30 days, please call our office and a temporary card will be issued.

Contact us

NRHA Rulebooks for 2007

Rulebooks will be distributed upon request. Please note there has been a printing delay from the NRHA with respect to 2007 rulebooks.

You may request a rulebook using the contact form at our web site.

Contact Form

Reining Canada AGM Agenda

Agenda for Reining Canada 2006 Annual General Meeting
February 10, 2007
Ottawa, ON

1. Call to Order
2. Attendance (registered votes)
3. Agenda Approval
4. Approval of February 2006 AGM Minutes
5. Business Arising from Minutes
6. Report from President
7. Report from Treasurer
8. Presentation of Financial Statements
   • 2005 Financial Statements Review
   • 2006 Financial Statements Review
9. Authorization for Financial Statements Review
10. Bylaw Resolutions
11. Elections and Confirmation of Board of Directors
12. Adjournment

There will be an informal Q&A/Discussion Session after the AGM.

January 9, 2007

Reining Canada Position Statement

Last week Reining Canada sent out an important package to all members. This package included ballots and two proposed bylaw changes to be presented to the membership at the coming AGM.

The Reining Canada Board would like you to consider the follwing postion statement on the proposed bylaws.

Reining Canada Board of Directors

Reining Canada Position Statement

You have recently received an Advance Ballot with two Resolutions to amend the Reining Canada Bylaws. The Reining Canada Resolution to amend the Bylaws was received initially by each member in November 2006. Seven members of Reining Canada, from Alberta, proposed an alternate Resolution in December 2006 and here forth Reining Canada would like to reiterates its support for the initial Reining Canada Resolution to amend the bylaws.

REINING CANADA PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO AMMEND BYLAWS:

Reining Canada's purpose for amending the Reining Canada Bylaws is to provide Bylaws that have increased clarity and better equip Reining Canada to serve its membership. There are several benefits to Reining Canada members approving the Reining Canada Resolution to amend the Reining Canada Bylaws.

1. Increased elected representation - Reining Canada has increased its elected positions by adding two elected Directors at Large. Every year one Director at Large will be elected for a two- year term by the membership.
2. Maintaining regional representation -Reining Canada retains the ability to appoint up to five (5) Directors at large to ensure that each region of the nation is represented at the Board level. In addition, the current affiliate committee structure allows representation across the country.
3. Decreased Presidency term - under the existing bylaws the Presidency spans six years, a significant amount of time, the Bylaw Proposal contemplates decreasing the term to three years.
4. Introduction of a Youth Membership - Youth Membership would allow Reining Canada to further outline and develop Youth privileges in the Association.

The Proposed Bylaws presented to you have gone through various iterations during the course of 2006.

• Many hours involving legal counsel, not-for- profit consultant and Reining Canada's Board Members were contributed to the drafting of the Reining Canada Bylaws.
• The Reining Canada Proposed Bylaws have been reviewed by independent third party legal counsel;
• The Reining Canada Proposed Bylaws have been reviewed by Reining Canada Directors and presented to the members for review and approval.

Reining Canada supports and encourages its members to vote to APPROVE the Reining Canada Resolution to amend its Bylaws.

Reining Canada DOES NOT support the 7 Member Resolution to amend the Reining Canada Bylaws for the following reasons:

THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO AMMEND BYLAWS FROM THE 7 REINING CANADA MEMBERS FROM ALBERTA :

Reining Canada believes many of the benefits of the Resolution proposed by the Member Resolution to amend the Bylaws are captured in Reining Canada's Resolution. There are several issues associated with the Alternate Resolution:

• The Proposed Elected Board would comprise of 23 members would be comprised of 13 directors from the provinces and territories. It is Reining Canada's experience that a Board of that size is too cumbersome for effective management. In addition, this places an additional burden on Regional Affiliates to attend likely twice as many meetings per year. Reining Canada believes the volunteers of the Regional Affiliates have enough to do running the Affiliate without taking on the added burden of Reining Canada business.
• The Proposal implies that Reining Canada Members bear all traveling and related expenses of this large board including the expenses of the appointed board members with respect to attendance at six meetings of the NRHA board in the United States. Reining Canada's proposal continues to have these costs paid for completely on a personal volunteer basis. These costs are estimated at over $30,000 and could even be over $50,000. Payment for these expenses would come straight out of membership dollars.
• The Proposal calls for all existing Reining Canada Directors to resign and calls for all existing Reining Canada Programs to be halted. All existing programs and improvements including Agreements that have been painstakingly negotiated with the NRHA and Equine Canada would be suspended. Reining Canada believes a harsh action such as this would be significantly damaging to the Sport of Reining in Canada.
• The Proposal includes an appeal process that includes presentation in front of all members in attendance at the Annual General Meeting. Reining Canada feels this would be an inappropriate forum.

As previously stated, Reining Canada believes that the benefits proposed in the 7 Member Resolution to amend the Bylaws are captured in the Resolution proposed by Reining Canada. Reining Canada's Resolution to Amend the Bylaws has been developed with the intent to make the Bylaws of Reining Canada better for the all members of Reining Canada rather than a select few.

Reining Canada recognizes the importance of Governance and is commitment to continually working toward improving its Governance and operations. To that end, Reining Canada has formed a permanent Governance Committee. If you are interested in becoming involved please contact the Reining Canada Office.

Thank you in advance for you time and we look forward to seeing you at the Annual General Meeting. If you are unable to attend please fill out your Advance Ballot and mail to Reining Canada. Ballots MUST BE RECEIVED by January 22, 2007.

Sincerely,
Reining Canada Board of Directors

January 2007

Welcome to 2007!

Dear Reiners;

Welcome to the second e-Newsletter from Reining Canada, and the first mailing of 2007. The Reining Canada Board is very excited about the coming show year and the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

If you have feedback regarding this newsletter or any Reining Canada matters, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Reining Canada Communications Committee

Reining Canada Education Program

As the National Body of Reining in Canada, Reining Canada has the mandate to further the development of the sport of reining in Canada. Therefore Reining Canada has developed the 'Reining Canada Education Development Program' to enhance various aspects of education to the members of Reining Canada.

Through the Education Development Program Reining Canada has created the Judges and Show Secretary Incentive Program. Reining Canada recognizes the tremendous amount of work that is required to host the Judges and Show Secretary Seminars and would like to assist the Regional Affiliates by offering a $500.00 rebate towards the hosting of a NRHA judges Seminar and/or NRHA Show Secretary Seminar. The rebate will be awarded to those the first 5 NRHA Judges Seminars and NRHA Show Secretary Seminars scheduled in Canada starting January 2007.

The criteria for Affiliates to apply for the rebate through the Judges and Show Secretary Incentive Program are as follows:

• Regional Affiliate must be current Affiliate and dues must be paid in year rebate is being applied for.
• Regional Affiliate will forward a copy of the NRHA Application for NRHA Judges or Show Secretary Seminar to the Reining Canada office prior to May 31, 2007.
• Regional Affiliate must send in a completed NRHA Judges and Show Secretary Form, which will outline number of attendees, coaches, seminar instructor, etc.
• Regional Affiliate must be current with submission of all show results to NRHA and submission of current membership rooster to Reining Canada.
• All participants must be current members of Reining Canada.

* If Reining Canada receives more than 5 applications for that meet the aforementioned criteria, special consideration will be given to the denied applicants in 2008. Please Note: The Judges and Show Secretary Program is considered an ongoing project, and may change from year to year.

2006 Results and Year End Awards

Preliminary results from 2006 are up on the web site here. Please note that these standings are based on 'money won' by rider and is cumulative. If a rider showed more than one horse, all money earned by the rider is calculated.

For the year end awards, the Affiliate Committee members recommended to Reining Canada that the board recognize top ten placings nationally.

During the Reining Canada Board of Director's meeting on Thursday January 4, 2006, and as a result of discussions with the Affiliate and Show Committees, the following motion was passed regarding the Year End Awards:

• Reining Canada will provide National Top Ten Standings for the following classes a) Open b) Int Open c) Ltd Open d) Non Pro e) Int Non Pro f) Ltd Non Pro g) NH Open h) NHNP i) Youth 13 & Under j) Youth 14-18 k) Rookie l) Rookie Professional m) Reining Canada Beginner Class. Awards will be presented to Champion and Reserve with recognition given to 3rd thru 10th. Awards will be presented to Champion and Reserve with recognition given to 3rd thru 10th.

Reining Canada thanks its members for their ongoing patience during this time while we establish the new processes required for getting the placings to our membership in a timely manner.

Call for Submissions - Attention Affiliates

The next Slidin' deadline is January 15th. Please submit your news to the Reining Canada Communications Committee at communications@reiningcanada.com.

News may include moves, new horses, new babies or anything you feel may be of interest to reiners in Canada.

You may also send letters to the editor by forwarding your comments to communications@reiningcanada.com. We reserve the right to edit for space and clarity.

Reining Canada 2007 Membership

A reminder that all 2007 membership applications MUST be sent to Reining Canada for processing, you will receive a membership card and can request a current 2007 NRHA Handbook from Reining Canada.

Remember to designate your primary Affiliate on your 2007 membership application for Reining Canada in order to participate in the rewarding Affiliate Circuit for a chance to qualify for the North American Championship Finals held in Oklahoma City at the NRHA Futurity & Championship.

Read on...

Accolades

Reining Canada would like to recognize and congratulate the following groups and individuals:

• Lance Griffin and Griffin Quarter Horses for being recognized by the Quarter Horse News' Equistats Lifetime Reining earnings with $893,569 in earnings.
• Jenn Webster and the Western Horse Review (previously the Northern Horse Review) for being awarded AQHA Marketing and Media Awards. Jenn won a second placing in 'Print Media - News Reporting' for her article "Venturing South in 2004". The magazine won first place in the Illustration Category.

Mail-outs and Emailers

Please note that Reining Canada sends out three types of communication to its members: Mail-outs, the Slidin' Newsletter, and e-Newsletters such as this. If you are concerned that you are not receiving official notices from Reining Canada, please contact us . We are sending out the next mail-out, including pertinent information on the upcoming AGM, on January 5, 2007.

Equine Canada Convention

Reining Canada is sponsoring a Wine & Cheese Reception for all Reining Canada members at the Equine Canada Convention after our Annual General Meeting and prior to the Equine Canada Banquet on February 10th, 2007. Please join us with Canada's equestrian community to recognize Team Canada.