Jan. 2, 2012 CSRHA Newsletter

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Cowboy States Reining Horse Association sincerely hopes you all enjoyed a safe and wonderful holiday season. 2012 is officially here, so honor those New Year’s resolutions and get on your horses who have been waiting for you!

On a sad note, NRHA and the world of reining lost one of their most beloved legends when Bill Horn succumbed to illness on December 9, 2011 at the age of 73. His friends and fans will remember him as the ultimate reiner. He was a student of Dale Wilkinson, and he learned the trade well. He was a mentor to many, an NRHA President, an NRHA Hall of Fame inductee, NRHA’s first Million Dollar Rider, and multiple NRHA Futurity, Derby, SuperStakes, and World Champion rider. Most of all, he was a friend, known to an entire family of reiners as ‘BH’.

The CSRHA had all officer positions and two board seats up for election this past year. Secretary, Kristy Wheeler, mailed, received, and tallied the ballots. Congratulations to our newly elected personnel: President - Joan Broadbent, Vice President - Keith Thomas, Secretary - Darlene Brunkhardt, Treasurer - Collie Vinger, and new board members Wayne Peterson and Dave Leithead. Thank you to those who ran for nomination and thank you to those who took the time to vote for the officer and board member positions! Your participation and input is very important to your NRHA affiliate.

Kristy also emailed everyone a copy of the NRHA 2012 Affiliate Designation Form. This form is a requirement for NRHA members, especially if you plan on qualifying and completing in the Regional Affiliate Finals. Note that you MAY belong to more than one affiliate, but you must designate which one you are representing. Even though these forms are not due to the NRHA until August 1, 2012, it is a good idea to start your year off fresh having these important documents submitted. 

The National Reining Horse Association hosted their second annual Affiliate Summit Meeting on Thursday, December 1, 2011 during the NRHA Futurity and Adaquan North American Affiliate Championship Show which was held at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. President  Joan Broadbent, Secretary Kristy Wheeler, and Reporter Peggy Peterson attended and represented the CSRHA. This meeting was well attended with members from the Virginia, Southern California, West Coast, Oregon, Missouri, Oklahoma, Central Plains, North Central, Southwest, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Arizona, Florida, Yellowstone, Central New York, and from as far away as the Japan, Swedish, and Australian Reining Horse Associations! The meeting was led by Chairman of the NRHA Affiliate Committee, Marshall Baird. There were also a number of NRHA staff members in attendance including NRHA’s Executive Director, Dan Wall. A variety of Agenda Topics were discussed including:

Affiliate Toolbox: This handy section on the NRHA website includes everything we need to know on how to lead an NRHA affiliate. You can find this toolbox by visiting http://nrha1.com/affiliate. The NRHA is genuinely interested in affiliate development, growing the association at the grass roots level, and helping promote the affiliates.

Regional Affiliate Finals: The NRHA is trying to look at ways to improve representation at these shows. One of the representatives from the West Coast RHA suggested that the affiliates make these shows more personal for the exhibitors. They have offered activities and social events which include everyone, from the open level exhibitors to the family members of the greenest riders. They have asked for contributions from the area trainers to sponsor such things as large buffet breakfasts to social hours in the evenings in which their affiliate merchandise was highlighted. These events bring everyone together and make the show ‘all about the affiliate’. The Florida RHA writes checks at the show, locates a number of sponsorships, and sets the show where camping is a premium. For example, for $500, folks can get a premier camping spot and a banner in the arena.

Affiliate Outreach Model: The need for more effective communication has been recognized, and this concept is designed to bridge the communication gap between the NRHA, the affiliates, and the members. The Affiliate Outreach Team will be formed with representatives who will become more knowledgeable about NRHA programs and will be responsible for distributing that information to their affiliates and its members. There will be 1 person from each region.  That person will be appointed by the NRHA Affiliate Committee; the member will be certified via web-based training; and the member must be able to attend the Regional Affiliate Finals. An Affiliate Liaison will be a representative who will disperse information to the local members. There will be 1 person from each affiliate.  This person will be appointed by the local affiliate board members; and this liaison will be certified via web training.

Incentive Levels: This program revolves around financial support which the NRHA provides to the various affiliates. Rather than meeting the minimum requirements each year, the NRHA is asking the affiliates to strive for various goals throughout the year to attain various levels of support, ranging from the $0-Base Level to the $1500-Gold Level. Each affiliate would have the freedom to tailor the program with what works for their particular area. The NRHA will look into showcasing affiliates that have achieved the various levels on their website and in ‘The Reiner’.

Circuit Application: The Affiliate Circuit Application is a required form which outlines the circuit shows, name of shows, dates, and locations for each affiliate. The 2012 application is due to the NRHA by January 31 each year.

Membership Rosters: These must be forwarded to the NRHA office by the 20^th of each month.

Affiliate Standings: Each affiliate will designate a member to record and track the NRHA points to qualify for the Regional Affiliate Finals based on the same point system used by NRHA.  Each affiliate has to submit a monthly roster to the NRHA during the show season with a list of NRHA members and their points tally from each show to-date showing only those who are NRHA members.

 Designations: The 2012 Affiliate Designation Form is a requirement for NRHA members, especially if you plan on qualifying and completing in the Regional Affiliate Finals. Note that you MAY belong to more than one affiliate, but you must designate which one you are representing. These forms are due to the NRHA office by August 1, 2012.

Open Forum: One of the main concerns that was brought up is how to encourage folks to attend the Regional Affiliate Finals, the NRHA Futurity, and Adaquan North American Affiliate Championship Show. Cost is a big concern for those who qualify to compete in Oklahoma City each year. Fundraising was suggested as a way to support the affiliate’s qualifying members. NRHA is going to look into designing a standard form for sponsorships to support local shows and members who qualify to compete at the bigger shows. Some of the affiliate representatives also asked the NRHA to consider recognizing a volunteer of the year and an affiliate of the year with an NRHA buckle, plaque, or jacket. Fundraising was also a topic of discussion.

Rookie Days is a program designed to give back to the larger sport of reining. These events provide an opportunity for new members to learn the ins and outs of reining in a relaxed environment. The NRHA covers affiliate membership costs for each rider who participates. It helps build affiliates and is the single biggest fundraiser for the Dale Wilkinson Reining Horse Sports Foundation Crisis Fund. Some of the other affiliates have hosted Rookie Days where participants could meet and ride with big-name trainers. Everyone who has attended Rookie Days showed at the affiliate shows and became members of their local affiliate. For more information on Rookie Days, visit http://nrha1.com/rookiedays.

Check out the CSRHA at www.cowboystatesreiners.com.  Our website will give you lots of good information including dates of upcoming events, points-of contact, and information about our NRHA affiliate.  You may also visit us on facebook and become one of our fans by visiting us at http://www.facebook.com and typing in Cowboy States Reining Horse Association in the “search” box at the top of the screen.   Reining events in and around the great state of Wyoming are really starting to take off and flourish!  We’d love to have you join the fun!  If you would like to join and/or get involved with our organization, you can also contact our president, Joan Broadbent at 307/587-9626, our vice-president, Greg Paris, at 307/754-4288, or our secretary, Kristy Wheeler at 307/587-6328. 

If you have any news, upcoming events, photos and/or stories to share about clinics, shows, jackpots, fun-days, or anything associated with reining, feel free contact Peggy Peterson at shieldhquarterhorses@yahoo.com or 307/851-0443.  We’re always delighted to receive information about our members, their accomplishments, or anything we can include in our articles to help everyone keep in touch.  Please remember that our publications do have deadlines, so the sooner she receives your updates, the better the chance of getting them in print! 

Upcoming reining events:

January 27 – February 5, 2012: Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo at the Kjerstad Event Center, Fairgrounds in Rapid City, South Dakota. Visit http://www.centralstatesfair.com/stock-show/ for more information.

January 22, 2012: Paid warm-ups for the reining horses at the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo at the Kjerstad Event Center, Fairgrounds in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Visit www.sdqha.com for more information.

January 23 – 26, 2012: Winter Classic AQHA Show in conjunction with the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo Kjerstad Event Center, Fairgrounds in Rapid City, South Dakota. Both Junior and Senior Reining classes will be offered.  Visit www.sdqha.com for more information.

Happy Holidays!  The Cowboy States Reining Horse Association team has already been working diligently to bring you information on the 2012 Energy City Classic and Derby which will be held from May 31 to June 3, 2012.  This venue will be our 4^th annual show in Gillette, Wyoming and will be in honor of our Armed Forces, showcasing the theme, “Boot Scootin’ Salute to the USA”.  Our Energy City Classic and Derby event has increased not only with competitors, but also with spectator attendance thanks to our many generous sponsors.  In 2011, we hosted horses, owners, and riders from Oregon to Colorado to North Dakota and all points in between!  Our sponsors afford us the ability to present our event champions with many fabulous awards and prize money, making that long haul most enjoyable.  Our trophies include the coveted worldwide renowned NRHA Mel Lawson and C.R. Morrison bronze reining horses along with pewters, plaques, and silver buckles.  Every award won, whether a trophy and/or money, sets the bar up a notch waiting for the next ride by each competitor and their equine partner.

The National Reining Horse Association and their affiliate reining clubs strive to make reining a very family oriented sport.  The CSRHA offers classes for the very young on up.  We have short stirrup classes for the 10-year old and under competitors to the non-pro 60-year old and over senior riders.  We also offer many non-pro and open classes for riders who are not paid to ride to the professional trainers riding for their clients.  This year, we are also offering classes sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association.   These beautiful performance horses are as diverse as their owners and riders, from never having been shown to the most seasoned show horse.  Owners and competitors alike arrive at the Energy City Classic and Derby for a fun-filled weekend of sportsmanship, horsemanship, and friendship.  Everyone takes time to visit the sponsors’ booths, shop at our silent auction tables, enjoy good food, and purchase local products.

The CSRHA is so very grateful to each and every competitor, owner, and sponsor, for without each of these factors in this equestrian sport, our “Boot Scootin’ Salute to the USA” simply would not take place.  We rely solely on our fund-raising clinics, fun days, silent auctions, and the generous contributions of our sponsors.  Each contribution puts the CSRHA Energy City Classic and Derby event closer to its overall success and goal of higher returns  and future reining horse competitions in the Rock Mountain Region.  Please help us continue to provide a successful and entertaining event.  Sponsorships are available at all levels including customized sponsorships to fit your needs.

The CSRHA sincerely thanks each and every person who donates their time, money, or products to the 2012 Energy City Classic and Derby.  It is with you and your generosity and kindness that we are able to make this event possible.  To review the CSRHA Sponsorship Package, please visit our website at www.cowboystatesreiners.com and click on ‘Shows and Events’.  Scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find the 2012 Gillette Sponsor Packet web.pdf.  From there, just click on ‘Save Event’ which should open this document.  You will find the various 2012 sponsorship opportunities available along with the 2012 Vendor Contract and class schedule.

Do you have ‘stuff’ you’d like to sell?  If you would like to submit an ad to the CSRHA website (classifieds or items for sale), the fees are:

·         FREE to current CSRHA members

·         $10.00 for non-members

The ad will stay on the web page for 1 year unless we are notified to remove it sooner.  To place an ad, please contact Kristy Wheeler at (307) 587-6328 or email her at palolady@tritel.net.

As a reminder, the CSRHA has all officer positions and two board seats up for election this year.  Secretary, Kristy Wheeler, mailed ballots which are due back to her by December 1, so please, take a moment to vote for applicable officer and board member positions!  Your input IS important to your NRHA affiliate, the Cowboy States Reining Horse Association. 

Note that the Idaho Reining Horse Association is tentatively planning their 2012 Teton Slide IV show in Pinedale, Wyoming!  Stay tuned!

Check out the CSRHA at www.cowboystatesreiners.com.  Our website will give you lots of good information including dates of upcoming events, points-of contact, and information about our NRHA affiliate.  You may also visit us on facebook and become one of our fans by visiting us at http://www.facebook.com and typing in Cowboy States Reining Horse Association in the “search” box at the top of the screen.   Reining events in and around the great state of Wyoming are really starting to take off and flourish!  We’d love to have you join the fun!  If you would like to join and/or get involved with our organization, you can also contact our president, Joan Broadbent at 307/587-9626, our vice-president, Greg Paris, at 307/754-4288, or our secretary, Kristy Wheeler at 307/587-6328. 

If you have any news, upcoming events, photos and/or stories to share about clinics, shows, jackpots, fun-days, or anything associated with reining, feel free contact Peggy Peterson at shieldhquarterhorses@yahoo.com or 307/851-0443.  We’re always delighted to receive information about our members, their accomplishments, or anything we can include in our articles to help everyone keep in touch.  Please remember that our publications do have deadlines, so the sooner she receives your updates, the better the chance of getting them in print! 

Upcoming reining events:

January 1-7, 2012: Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association’s Pre-Denver Quarter Horse Circuit at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado.  This is the first show of the 2012 season and a big event for the RMQHA which features wonderful class circuit and high point awards.  Visit www.rmqha.com for more information and the Premium Booklet which lists the entire show schedule.

January 1, 2012: Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association’s Pre-Denver Quarter Horse Circuit at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado featuring the Junior Reining, Amateur Reining, and Senior Reining classes.  Visit www.rmqha.com for more information.

January 3, 2012: Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association’s Pre-Denver Quarter Horse Circuit at the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado featuring the Junior Reining, Amateur Reining, and Senior Reining classes.  Visit www.rmqha.com for more information.

January 5, 2012: The National Western Stock Show’s Quarter Horse Performance Show at the National Western Stock Show Complex Events Center in Denver, Colorado will feature Junior Reining, Amateur Reining, and Senior Reining classes, all sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association.  Visit www.nationalwestern.com for more information.

January 8, 2012: $15,000 NWSS Invitational Freestyle Reining at the National Western Stock Show Complex Events Center in Denver, Colorado.  Unlike most reining classes, which require competitors perform a specified standard pattern, freestyle reining uses costumes, music, themes, props and special effects and lighting to add to their presentation.  The National Western Horse Show invites the nation's top reiners, making this event unique to any horse show in the world!  Visit www.nationalwestern.com for more information.

January 11, 2012: The National Western Stock Show’s Paint Horse Performance Show at the National Western Stock Show Complex Events Center in Denver, Colorado will feature Youth Reining 18 & under, Junior Reining, Amateur Reining, and Senior Reining classes, all sanctioned by the American Paint Horse Association.  Visit www.nationalwestern.com for more information.