NRHA Crowns Interscholastic Reining Champion

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomed Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitors during the NRHA Derby Show in Oklahoma City, Okla. NRHA gave these competitors the opportunity to go head-to-head for bragging rights during the NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship on June 29, 2012.

The championship class brought together the top four riders from the Individual Open Reining at the IEA National Western Championship (held during the Derby) and the top four riders from the 2012 NRHA 14-18 Youth division in an exciting “catch ride” competition where riders show unfamiliar horses graciously donated by supporters.

The competition was very close as a run-off had to take place between Sarah Shaffer of Westenille, Ohio and Austin Jewell of Conyers, Ga. In the end, Shaffer and Jessiesstarlights (owned by Gina Cherry) took home the title with a score of 216 while Jewell and Dunit Soprano Style (owned by Samantha Tippit) took reserve with a score of 215.5.

Shaffer said that she knew the competition would be hard with a lot of good riders, as she competed with both the IEA and the NRHA throughout her years of showing. She also credited her experience with IEA for preparing her for the competition.

Riders included:

* Casey Hicks of Plaistow, N.H.
* Austin Jewell of Conyers, Ga.
* Kacey Bolin of Grave City, Ohio
* Raquel Roberts of Kent Ky.
* Sarah Shaffer of Westenille, Ohio
* Holly Phillips of Fremont, Ohio
* Travis Harvey of West Almond, N.Y.
* Kaci O Rourke of Castleton, Vt.

The NRHA and NRHYA would like to thank the following horse owners who donated their horses for the Interscholastic Reining Championships:

* Lorrie and Terry Thrasher with Barbies Tradition, Golden Bueno Dun It and Steady Rey Dun It
* Pat Ivie with Matts PT Cruiser
* Heidi Eggett with Wimpys Gone N Dun It
* Erica Peterson with Olena Wimpy
* Lindsay Williams with PKM Nutnbuta Houndog
* Gina Cherry with Jessiesstarlights
* Samantha Tippit with Dunnit Soprano Style

IEA was formed, in 2002, and organized to promote and improve the quality of equestrian competition and instruction available to middle and secondary school students. Its purpose is to set minimum standards for competition, provide information concerning the creation and development of school associated equestrian sport programs, and to generally promote the common interests of safe riding instruction and competition, and education on matters related to equestrian competition at the middle and secondary school levels.

Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere.

The NRHA would like to thank the following Corporate Partners for their support of the NRHA Derby: Adequan, Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center, Classic Equine, Darling 888 Ranch, Horse&Rider, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pard’s Western Shop, Platinum Performance, Purina Mills, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company, Miller International – Cinch / Cruel Girl, Silver Spurs Equine, SmartPak, Twister Trailer and World Development Group. NRHA also appreciates the contributions of Event Sponsors KO Trading, Sandbur Productions, Scott Cleaners and Shorty’s Caboy Hattery.