The National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) is thrilled to announce the winners of the highly anticipated 2024 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest sponsored by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. This annual competition celebrates the creative talents of our youth members, showcasing their unique perspectives and artistic interpretations of the reining community, their love for equine athletes, and the Western culture.
After careful deliberation, we are excited to recognize the following youth members for their talents. The winning entry in each category is displayed at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum throughout the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. This showcase allows the broader Western community to appreciate and celebrate the artistic achievements of our youth members. We encourage everyone to visit the museum to view these inspiring works.
“The NRHyA Art & Photo Contest is a wonderful opportunity for our youth members to express their creativity and passion for reining,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA youth program manager. “We are continually inspired by the incredible talent and dedication of our young members, and this year’s submissions were truly exceptional. Congratulations to all our winners!”
The NRHyA Art & Photo Contest is a cherished tradition that encourages young artists and photographers to explore their passion for the reining horse sport through visual arts. This year, we received more than 30 impressive submissions, each reflecting the dedication and enthusiasm of our talented youth members.
10 & Under Mixed Media
JP McClure
Harper Ruppel
Ella Justice
10 & Under Photography
JP McClure
Harper Ruppel
Lilah Durbin
13 & Under Photography
Victoria McClure
Rooney Dennis
Brooke Schwebach
13 & Under Mixed Media
Kynley Bell
Deanna Davidson
Millie Jean Piper
14-18 photography
Kayla Gibson
Chloe Hansen
Kayla Gibson
14-18 mixed media
Graci Reeder
Emily Justice
Chloe Hansen
The NRHyA extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, judges, and supporters who made this year’s contest successful. We look forward to continuing this tradition and inspiring future generations of artists within the reining horse community.
About the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA): The NRHyA is dedicated to promoting the sport of reining among youth members and providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and community involvement. The NRHyA aims to inspire and empower young individuals to excel in the reining horse industry through various programs and events.
CINCH and the National Reining Horse Youth Association are proud to again offer the CINCH Speaking Contest at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
Not only is CINCH continuing to offer increased scholarship opportunities for youth members, but each participant will also receive products.
“CINCH is proud to once again support the NRHyA Speaking Contest in its initiative to offer opportunities to some outstanding young individuals,” said Cassi Nichols, CINCH Marketing Coordinator. “CINCH appreciates the efforts of NRHA staff to offer industry-driven opportunities and rewards for the next generation.”
This annual event serves as an opportunity for NRHyA members, regardless of age, to increase their skills and earn scholarship dollars. NRHyA is a program funded through the Reining Horse Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. RHF scholarships offered across several NRHyA programs will exceed $70,000 in 2024.
Participants will be divided into two age groups, 13 & Under and 14-18. The three categories will be Delivering A: General, Prepared Public Speaking, and Community Service Presentation.
In the Delivering A: General, contestants recite A: General, a guide to judging reining horses and a hallmark of the NRHA Handbook. Prepared Public Speaking involves contestants delivering a five-to-eight-minute speech on either a leadership or equestrian topic. Lastly, the Community Service Presentation allows participants to create an eight-to-10-minute presentation showcasing a completed community service project.
To enter, participants must fill out this form by June 1
Scholarships for the 2024 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest:
Age 14-18
Delivering A: General 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Prepared Public Speaking 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Community Service Presentation 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Age 13 & Under
Delivering A: General 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Prepared Public Speaking 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Community Service Presentation 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
One of the many benefits of being a National Reining Horse Youth Association member is the ability to participate in contests outside of the show pen. One of the most unique opportunities is the annual Art & Photo Contest sponsored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Entries for this year’s competition are due May 10.
Not only do the winners of this contest earn a prize, but their artwork will also be displayed at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel from June 11 to 23.
“We’re so proud of our partnership with NRHA, and we’re especially proud to host these NRHyA Art & Photo Contest winners here at the museum,” said Seth Spillman, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “It’s always a pleasure to see the work of this next generation of Western artists here at the museum.”
There are two categories, Photography and Mixed Media, in the age categories: 14-18, 13 & Under, and 10 & Under based on their age as of January 1.
Last year, nearly 40 entries were made in the contest.
“I love seeing the excitement on our youth members’ faces when they see their art on a wall next to industry professionals,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA Director of Marketing, who oversees the Youth and Affiliate programs. “This is such a special opportunity and I hope everyone will make time to go visit the display at the beautiful museum while they are in OKC in June.”
Entry forms for the 2024 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest can be found here. Entries will be accepted until May 10.
On Friday, June 23, NRHyA Members proved that their skills extend beyond the show pen in the CINCH Youth Speaking Contest, held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
This contest, sponsored by CINCH, allows youth members to compete for scholarship money in one of three categories, in the 13 & Under or 14-18 age divisions. Prior to 2023, a $500 scholarship was awarded to the winner in each category. This year, CINCH increased their contribution to allow for a $700 scholarship to be earned by the winner in each category, as well as a $200 scholarship for second place, for a total of $5,400 being awarded in total. The three categories members may compete in are Delivering A: General, Prepared Public Speaking, and Community Service Presentation.
Delivering A: General is a contest unique to NRHyA, in which the competitor must memorize, and recite, A: General to a panel of judges. John “JG” Codell won the 13 & Under division, a feat that required extensive preparation. “One of our friends helped me,” Codell explained. “We had nightly meetings over Zoom to prepare for the speech.
For the Prepared Public Speaking contest, youth were asked to choose any leadership and equestrian topic, and present a four-eight minute speech, without the assistance of visual aids. The 13 & Under Prepared Public Speaking category winner, Wade Kiser, conquered his nerves to earn his $700 scholarship from CINCH. “I was nervous at first, but the more and more I talked, the more comfortable I got,” Kiser said. “It was a lot of fun; I’d definitely do it again.”
The final contest offered is the Community Service Presentation, in which youth create an eight-10 minute presentation explaining their completed community service project. Current NRHyA President, Adrianna Runzo, took home the win and the $700 scholarship from CINCH. Runzo’s presentation focused on her involvement with the Akron Children’s Hospital’s Reach Out and Read program, where she collected 500 books. “It’s amazing, especially because the speaking contest is bigger than ever,” Runzo stated regarding her win. “I know the first year I competed, there were only three of us youth kids in the same category. Now that number is 20.”
Runzo and the other youth competing in the contest were grateful to CINCH for their support. “It’s amazing to see the added scholarship money,” stated Runzo. “It really elevated the experience as a youth, seeing that we could win such great scholarships from a corporation that already supports us so much throughout all of our youth endeavors.”
The 2023 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest featured more than 30 entries across two categories and three age brackets.
Due to a continued, special partnership with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, everyone can visit the winning art displayed at the museum during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel in Oklahoma City. NRHA encourages all its members to take a trip to the beautiful museum during the Derby to support these young artists. Be sure to tell them you are there supporting NRHyA and congratulate the NRHyA members who participated!
The NRHyA thanks the museum for its contribution, as well as this year’s judges: Emily Rush, Membership & Accounting Customer Service Coordinator; Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
To celebrate their 25-year partnership anniversary with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), CINCH is offering increased scholarship opportunities for youth members at the CINCH Speaking Contest.
This annual event serves as an opportunity for National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) members to increase their skills and earn scholarship dollars regardless of their age.
Members compete to improve their skills, but also impressive scholarships. To celebrate CINCH’s milestone, the first-place scholarships have increased from $500 to $700, and a second-place scholarship of $200 has been added.
Participants will be divided into two age groups, 13 & Under and 14-18. The three categories will be Delivering A: General, Prepared Public Speaking, and Community Service Presentation. In the Delivering A: General, contestants recite A: General, a guide to judging reining horses and a hallmark of the NRHA Handbook. Prepared Public Speaking involves contestants delivering a five-to-eight-minute speech on either a leadership or equestrian topic. Lastly, the Community Service Presentation allows participants to create an eight-to-10-minute presentation showcasing a completed community service project.
Scholarships for the 2023 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest:
Age 14-18
Delivering A: General 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Prepared Public Speaking 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Community Service Presentation 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Age 13 & Under
Delivering A: General 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Prepared Public Speaking 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
Community Service Presentation 1st place: $700 2nd place: $200
2022 NRHyA CINCH Speaking Contest Winners:
Becca Schaffhauser: 13 & Under Delivering A: General
McKylie Ivie: 13 & Under Prepared Public Speaking
Haley Turner: 14-18 Delivering A: General
Isabelle Hildebrandt: 14-18 Prepared Public Speaking
Faith Horner: 14-18 Community Service
Youth members interested in competing in this year’s CINCH NRHyA Speaking Contest can find more information, including the entry form at NRHyA.com. The entry deadline is June 1. Please email entries to youth@nrha.com.
One of the National Reining Horse Youth Association’s most unique opportunities is the annual Art & Photo Contest sponsored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This partnership allows the first-place piece in each category to be displayed at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Insurance.
“It has been incredible to see so many NRHyA members’ work on the walls of the museum alongside professional artists,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA Director of Marketing, who oversees the Youth and Affiliate programs. “This partnership is so special, and we have even had youth sell their artwork because of it being displayed.”
Last year there were nearly 50 entries in the contest.
Already on board as judges for this year’s contest are NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter, Michael R. Grauer, McCasland Chair of Cowboy Culture/Curator of Cowboy Collections and Western Art at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Other judges will be announced.
“Youth members already frequently send in artwork to the Varsity Reining Club, so sending it into the contest should be a no-brainer!” said Honegger. “Talk to your friends and participate together; you never know what opportunity can come from putting yourself out there!”
The categories for the competition will be Photography and Mixed Media in the following age categories: 14-18, 13 & Under, and 10 & Under based on their age as of January 1.
Last year’s winners were:
Photography 14-18: Kalena Reynolds Mixed Medium 14-18: Sofía Carreño Becerra Mixed Medium 13 & Under: Pip Brown Mixed Media 10 & Under: Lynleigh Jo Durbin
Entry forms for the 2023 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest can be found on nrhya.com. Entries will be accepted until May 10.
For information on the NRHyA, visit the website at nrhya.com.
Following the inaugural edition held in Avaré, Brazil, last year, the 2023 World Youth Reining Cup is yet another opportunity created and brought to our reining family by Joao Marcos through his love of the sport and knowledge that the youth are our future. Organized by the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) and supported by IRHA President Eleuterio Arcese and the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF), the event will take place in Cremona, Italy.
The 2023 WYRC event will be held in Cremona, Italy, where the first Global Youth World Cup took place in 2019 and will run during the NRHA European Futurity (May 23-27). To date, the following countries will be represented: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Uruguay, USA. We are expecting worldwide youth to join us in making history once again – join us!
The details:
The selection criteria of the youth representative are up to the affiliates. All youth must be NRHA members and will be issued a FISE (Italian Equestrian Sports Federation) guest license which includes an insurance policy for the riders at no extra cost.
Open to youth age 18 and under (18 years old on January 1, 2023) with the exception of youth who had put their name forth to compete in the 2022 WYRC which did not take place in Cremona, Italy.
The horses will be supplied by local contributors and a random draw will be done for ALL entries to select which participant will be riding which horse.
If you, your trainer, or someone you know has a horse that they would like to submit to be part of this event, please notify Simona Diale at simonadiale@gmail.com or Manuela Maiocchi manumaio28@libero.it
Each affiliate needs to put forward their country’s representative by April 15. Submissions must be sent to youth@nrha.com. Once representative names are received, communication will be sent to them for entry by April 30.
A companion is required to travel with each youth participant and it is recommended a coach travels with the. NRHA nor the host of the event is responsible for any participant, coach, or traveling companion. Participants are responsible for their own airfare, hotels, food, entry, and competition fees, and transportation to, during, and from the event.
Airports that you can fly into are Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Milano Bergamo Airport Orio Al Serio, and Verona Valerio Caputo Airport.
A list of hotels may be found here: https://www.visititaly.it/dove-dormire/cremona.aspx
Tentative Schedule & Entry Fees: WYRC participants may arrive at CremonaFiere on Monday, May 22The WYRC Welcome Party and Draw will be held on Tuesday, May 23WYRC Youth may ride their horses starting Wednesday 24 The WYRC competition will be held in the morning Saturday 27Entry fee into the World Youth Reining Cup: $250Stall fee: $50
Coordinating the youth participants during the week will be FISE Lombardia Regional Reining Representative and NRHA Judge Laura Quaglia.
Awards:
1^ Place $3,000 + NRHA Trophy for rider and horse owner + Champion buckle
2^Place $2,000 + Reserve Champion buckle
3^Place $1,000
Prizes and gifts to all participants.
Certain that the event will once again be a huge success, for all other details regarding the event, please contact Simona Diale at simonadiale@gmail.com / Cell. +39 340 5354629.
“There was a lot of work behind these events and I have to thank the super teams that put it together,” said RHF, and ANCR Board member Joao Marcos. “It was wonderful in Brazil and I am certain it will be in Italy. My goal, since I first came into this world over ten years ago, was to promote the youth worldwide and my motto has always been ‘globalization.’ We should all carry on in this direction and the first World Cup in Brazile was another step forward in that direction. Italy hosted the event in 2019 and this year we look forward to having close to 30 countries represented in Cremona. A huge thank you to NRHA, RHF, ANCR, IRHA, the riders, the owners that loaned their horses, and to all those that make it happen.”
“We are so thrilled that Joao Marcos has created these events for our youth to showcase their talent on a global scale,” said NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter expressing his gratitude to Joao Marcos.
Leslie Baker, RHF Executive Director added: “The Reining Horse Foundation proudly supports youth leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). The Youth World Reining Cup is a unique event that promotes global connection and awareness for our reining community. We are excited for everyone who is involved.”
The inaugural 2022 NRHA/RHF/ANCR World Youth Reining Cup was held in the beautiful Parque de Exposições Dr. Fernando Cruz Pimentel horse show facility set in Avaré, Brazil. Winning the Championship was Gabriel Cordeiro Martins riding Evando de Oliveira’s Doc San Whiz.
(Photo – Foto Perigo)
In 2019, an amazing 19 countries were represented in the NRHA/RHF/IRHA Global Youth Reining Cup held in CremonaFiere during the IRHA Derby. Tying for first place was Andreu Nogue Puig of Spain riding A Whiz N Cash and Italy’s Matteo Bonzano riding High Point Reiner. Winning the Invitational Global Cup was USA’s Grace Wilson aboard Jokin Whiz.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.
The Run for a Million (TRFAM) has continued to grow immensely after its inception in 2019, and it will continue that growth by adding a Youth Championship to the event in 2023.
The Youth Championship will function similarly to the Non Pro and Rookie Championships by having a qualifying process. For the Youth Championship, a single qualifier will be held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, with the Top 10, plus ties, to compete at the championship event on August 20, prior to the Million Dollar Competition.
“I really wanted to have some sort of youth program ever since we started this event,” said Amanda Brumley, Event Producer and Vice President of The Run For A Million. “The event is such a huge production, having to cancel in 2020, not totally sure we could have it in 2021, made the decision-making process difficult. Last year we were more prepared in advance, knowing it wouldn’t get canceled so we added so much, and the train is running full steam forward!”
Each year the event has added additional pieces to its lineup to encourage involvement from all levels of competition, and now across three disciplines, including reining, cutting, and reined cow horse. This year the $200,000 Cutting Horse Challenge will be the feature performance Thursday evening with the Youth Cutting Championship opening. The $200,000 Cow Horse Fence Challenge set for Friday evening will have their Youth Championship as an opener, and the Youth Reining Championship will compete Saturday morning,” Brumley said.
There will be no prize money for the Youth Championship, but there will be big prizes, big publicity, and events to make the youth feel part of the entire production, according to Brumley.
“We want the youth competitors to feel special before and during the event and have an all-around great experience,” she said. “Saturday, there is no competition scheduled during the day, so it is a great opportunity for the youth reiners to compete. We are planning special youth activities during The Run For A Million, including all the Youth Championship competitors, reining, reined cow horse, and cutting to get together for some fun. We want it to be a goal for them to want to qualify and participate in this event each year. Finally, all the planets and stars aligned for this!”
It is encouraged to plan your trip in advance as tickets and rooms at the host hotel often sell out early. For more information about The Run for a Million, visit trfam.com.
FAQs
Only one Youth Reining Championship qualifier will be held in 2023.
Qualifier runs in conjunction with the NRHA Derby Youth divisions Saturday, June 24, concurrent with the Unrestricted Youth class.
The top ten riders, plus ties, from the NRHA Derby qualifier will advance to the RFAM Youth Championship Saturday, August 20, in Las Vegas.
There is a $250 qualifier fee to enter.
The Unrestricted Youth Class is open to all youth members to enter on any horse, without ownership restrictions, even one not owned by them or their family (similar to the Youth 10 & Under Short Stirrup, Rookie, and Green Reiner classes).
Qualified riders have to agree to participate at TRFAM or management will jump down to the next rider in the results.
Just like TRFAM Non Pro and Rookie, qualified riders are based on the rider, not the horse.
The National Reining Horse Youth Association kicked off one of the year’s biggest fundraisers, the 2023 Buy-A-Pro Auction. This year the auction runs through 12 p.m. CST on January 18 and offers buyers a chance to purchase a two-lesson package with NRHA Professionals from all over the United States.
Whether you are a reining fan or a current participant looking to polish your skills, everyone can benefit from the all-star lineup, including The Run For A Million Champions, NRHA Million Dollar Riders, stars from The Last Cowboy, NRHA World Champions, NRHA Horsemen and Women of the year, expert non pro coaches, and other proven professionals.
A winning bid grants riders an exceptional opportunity to travel to their chosen professional’s facility and polish their riding skills, their horse’s training or, in some cases, try reining for the first time on a horse provided by the professional. Everyone can gain from acquiring one of these private training packages, from beginners to accomplished riders.
“The buy-a-pro auction was tremendously beneficial to us,” said Logan Whitley. “The initial lessons went very well, and we have continued to make trips to the Dearys’ for more! I used my lessons to receive help in training my first futurity horse, and Casey helped guide us to the finals in all four levels at OKC. I know that without his instruction, we would not have made it so far, and my confidence in my training abilities has increased dramatically!”
Each of the participating NRHA Professionals donates two training sessions per package, with 15% of the proceeds benefiting their designated NRHA affiliate. The remainder of the funds is allotted directly to NRHyA to provide scholarships and other opportunities for young reiners.
“Lori Nelson was awesome! She made sure that she figured out where I was at and how I learned,” said Sandy Holden. “She touched on all the aspects of reining. She had me ride two different horses to feel the difference. Her teaching techniques were great. I would definitely go back to her.”
Historically, this fundraiser has generated significant funding to support NRHyA. With participating professionals located all over the country, there are options to best suit the needs of each buyer. Before bidding, be sure to check if your selected Professional offers the amenities you need, such as lesson horses, stalls, or RV hookups.
With the interest generated from The Last Cowboy and The Run for a Million, the members and board of NRHyA hope new reining fans from across the country will take advantage of this unique opportunity to take a reiner for a spin while also benefitting a great cause.
