Press Releases

For Immediate Release
April 18, 2007
National Reining Horse Association

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.