NRCHA Announces Jay Winborn is New Executive Director

The National Reined Cow Horse Association has announced that Jay Winborn of Dallas, Texas, has been hired as its new Executive Director. According to NRCHA President, Todd Crawford, "We chose Jay for this position from an exceptional group of candidates and we're excited about him coming on board. His background and vision will help the NRCHA grow even bigger and better!"

Winborn most recently directed brand strategy and management for Hatco, the largest manufacturer of headwear in the U.S. (including iconic brands Stetson and Resistol). In his time there, he executed a one-year plan that drove 18% increase in sales and led Hatco to profitability. He implemented social media strategy and engaged consumers with the most successful promotions in Hatco history as well as having responsibility for all sponsorship and endorsement contracts with high profile organizations and professional rodeo cowboys.

Prior to Hatco, Winborn was a region marketing manager for Red Bull energy drink. Responsible for the creation and execution of marketing programs, support and management of the brand's marketing philosophies and integration of marketing into key sales initiatives to build brand awareness, he managed budgets in excess of $6 million with a staff of over 60 employees.

For Winborn, the opportunity to join the NRCHA had immense appeal. He noted, "I pursued the position at the NRCHA because I wanted to be back on the equine side of the industry and feel I bring a great amount of conventional business sense along with a strong equine background and unique marketing and sponsorship philosophy that can benefit the NRCHA."

When asked his initial goals for the cow horse association, he answered, "Enhancing the association's sponsor and member base will be my first priority."

Jay resides in Dallas, Texas with his wife, April, an executive with Michael's Arts & Crafts. Both are avid horsemen and from the mid-eighties to nineties Jay was a professional polo player playing polo around Europe and North and South America. Although new to the western performance industry, he already appreciates the skill of both horses and riders. "My wife and I respect all types of disciplines and feel they are equally rewarding."

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, now in its 62nd year, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, John Deere, Markel Insurance Company, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Santa Cruz Biotechnologies, the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, and Merial products UlcerGard and EQUIOXX, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.