MEDIA CONTACT: Cheryl Magoteaux
NRHA Media & Public Relations
3000 NW Tenth Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73107
Tel: 405-946-7400, Direct: 580-759-3427 Fax: 580-759-3999
E-Mail:
media@nrha.com Web Site: www.nrha.com
.
For Immediate Release:
NRHA Youth Champion Robert Johnson Named USA Reining Seat
Medal Finals Champion
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - March 4, 2002 - Robert Johnston of
Simi Valley, California, captured the 2001 USA Reining Seat Medal Finals
presented by EMO Agency, Inc., held February 22-23, 2002, in Burbank,
California.
Johnston topped a field of nine competitors to take home the national title
aboard his American Quarter Horse, Paul Ivan Olena. Johnston also earned
the "My Midnight Special" trophy for High Score Pattern Work and the
High Score Equitation trophy, given by Lauren Bailey. This was Johnston's
first year in the finals. He rides with trainer Roberta McCarty, of Wildomar,
California.
Champion awards included the Glenn Gimple Memorial Bronze, the Adrian Van
Sinderen Trophy, a Champion Turf Saddle, custom buckle and numerous other
awards. Sponsors for the Finals included the EMO Agency, Champion Turf
Equipment, Ariat Boots, Leather Therapy, State Line Tack, Breyer Model Horse,
Mike and Renee Baker, Larry and Poncie Gimple and Bil and Mary Kay
Hartman. All finalists also received the prestigious USA Equestrian
silver medal.
A former Pacific Coast and California Reining Horse
Association Champion, Johnston, 17, was the 2001 NRHA Western Affiliate Finals
Youth 14-18 winner. The high school junior also rode his way to the NRHA
Western Affiliate Youth Team Tournament Championship, along with teammates
Dristy Harako, of Yorba Linda, California, and Kayle Bernal of Huntington
Beach, California.
USA Equestrian (formally American Horse Shows Association)
founded the Equitation Medal program in 1937 under the guidance of its fourth
president, Adrian Van Sinderen, to recognize and honor junior riders who
displayed outstanding horsemanship skills and talents in Stock, Hunter and
Saddle Seat Equitation. The Medal classes give riders from across the United
States the opportunity to exhibit a working partnership between themselves and
their horse, build courage, determination and the desire to pursue excellence.
The new USA Reining Seat Medal is the contemporary version of the AHSA Stock Seat
Medal and invites juniors and amateurs to compete to have their name engraved
on the coveted Van Sinderen Trophy and the Glenn Gimple bronze.
The National Reining Horse Association is the worldwide governing body of
reining, responsible for promoting the sport, working to insure the highest
standards of competition and educating members and the public.
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Sportsmanship Award Tyler
Bryson Scottsdale, AZ
Youngest Rider Kayle
Bernal Huntington Beach, CA
High Score Amateur Marilyn
Sheffers Riverside, CA
High Score Junior Exhibitor Robert
Johnston Simi Valley, CA
High Score Equitation Robert
Johnston Simi Valley, CA
High Score Pattern Work Robert
Johnston Simi Valley, CA
RESULTS:
Champion Robert
Johnston Simi Valley, CA Paul Ivan Olena
Reserve Kelsey
Huffman Orange, CA Top Hickory
3rd Tyler Bryson
Scottsdale, AZ Jackies Boomer
4th Marilyn
Sheffers Riverside, CA Bright Chic Olena
5th Debbie
Bartman Alamo, CA Otoe Blazin Cody
6th Kayle
Bernal Huntington Beach, CA JB Badgers Phantom
7th Sara
Barnes Merced, CA Swift Gallin
8th Kathryn
Klesper Rialto, CA Designer Colonel
9th Taylor
Thornton Ottawa, IL Boomen Brett
For complete details of the USA Reining
Seat Medal Finals, visit
http://www.equestrian.org/medal/reiningseat/