Press Releases

For Immediate Release
April 18, 2006
National Reining Horse Association

The National Reining Horse Association is pleased to announce that Robert Simpson, Guthrie, Oklahoma, has been hired as NRHA’s Director of Events. Robert comes with an enormous amount of experience in the production of some of the best-known events in the world of rodeo. “We are extremely excited at the possibilities that Robert brings to this position. His wealth of experience bodes well for the future of NRHA events, including some very interesting surprises we have planned for the future,” said Dan Wall following the hire.

Born and raised on a 1,000-acre family ranch in Rye, Colorado, Robert competed in Junior, Little Britches, NHSRA and Collegiate Rodeo. He earned a Bachelors Degree from the University of Southern Colorado.

For the past 12 years, Robert served as the Event Coordinator / Production Manager and Sponsorship Manager of the Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, Oklahoma, during which time he was responsible for the production of over 120 events at the Lazy E and in different markets including annual events such as the Wrangler Timed Event Championship, the Dodge Prairie Circuit Finals, the Reba McEntire Pro Celebrity and the LE Barrel Futurity. He also produced 40 Bullnanza events on the PBR-Built Ford Tough Series / Bud Light Cup Series, televised on TNN and OLN and produced six Bullnanza events on the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour on ESPN, including the 2005 Xtreme Bulls National Finals.

Robert also worked for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) for two years in the Properties Department (Sponsorship & Special Events) in addition to serving as the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund Administrator and working on production of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

A father of two daughters, Alex and Sam, Robert enjoys golf and running marathons. He is engaged to Shayla Givens, a Marketing Manager for the Oklahoma Lottery.

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. NRHA receives corporate support from Cinch, Rockies and Cruel Girl; Markel Insurance; Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau; Quarter Horse News; Kiser Arena Specialists; Houston Ranch Embryo Transfer Center; Classic Equine; John Vance Auto Group; LaQuinta Inns & Suites; The Rider’s Edge; Land O’ Lakes / Purina Mills LLC (Official United States Feed Sponsor of the NRHA); Anderson Bean Boot Co.; Elite Trailer Mfg.; Platinum Performance; EQ Solutions; MD Barns; Adequan® (Official Joint Therapy of the NRHA), American Horseman Alliance; CR Morrison Specialties and Pard’s Western Shop. The NRHA continues to educate its members and the public about Reining. For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit www.nrha.com or call 405-946-7400.