Press Releases

For Immediate Release
July 18, 2007
National Reining Horse Association

2007 NRHA Australian Affiliate Championship: A History-Making Event

Oklahoma City, OK – July 18, 2007 – It’s another first for the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)! On August 1, the NRHA will reach its latest historical milestone with the first-ever continental championship in Australia.

The top reiners in all of Australia are preparing to compete in the inaugural NRHA Australian Affiliate Championship. The event will be held August 1-4 at the Gatton Indoor Arena in Gatton which is located in Queensland. Before they can compete for a continental championship title, riders must first qualify at their local affiliate reining events. Executive Director Dan Wall said this is an important event in many ways. “This continental championship is an enormous milestone for not only Reining Australia and the NRHA but the sport of Reining worldwide as well. We are very pleased this event came together in such a short amount of time and I am looking forward to witnessing history in the making in Australia.”

Along with exciting reining from the talented riders down under, judges with Reining Australia can now apply to become official NRHA approved judges. US Clinician Dori Schwartzenberger will conduct a Judges School on August 5-6 following the Australian Affiliate Championship.

Reining Australia affiliate show secretaries are also invited to attend a Show Secretary Seminar conducted by NRHA Sr. Director of Affiliate and Alliance Programs Debbie Drinko. Those that complete the Show Secretary Seminar will be NRHA Certified Show Secretaries/Managers. This certification is valid for 5 years. Beginning in 2008 all NRHA shows will be required to use an NRHA certified show secretary or manager. If you’d like more information contact Drinko at ddrinko@nrha.com.

As well as the NRHA Australian Affiliate Championship, Reining Australia is also hosting the Reining Australia Futurity Show. It’s an opportunity for spectators and competitors alike to see the country’s finest young reining horses make their National debut.

Reining Australia is a member of the NRHA International Affiliate Program (IAP). Last year, members of Reining Australia voted to join the IAP in 2007 with an overwhelming “Yes!” Reining Australia members have always been strong supporters of the sport of Reining, clearly evident by their hosting and participation on the Reining Demonstration at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. This Affiliate Championship will further establish them as leaders of the sport worldwide.

The NRHA welcomes Reining Australia with its more than 250 members into its world wide family of reiners.

For more information, contact Kathy Damrill, NRHA Communications Manager, at kdamrill@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400 ext. 129.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. The NRHA continues to educate its members and the public about Reining.