NVRHA INTRODUCES LIMITED AMATEUR DIVISION

Limited Amateur Contestants Will Demonstrate Boxing Skills In Working
Ranch Horse Class

Amateur riders have a new division to showcase their skills at National Versatility Ranch Horse Association (NVRHA) events. The purpose of the new Limited Amateur Division is to provide a place for the continued education and skill development of the Novice rider who has scored out of Novice, to provide a box-only forum for any rider wanting to participate in the NVRHA without jeopardizing standing in another organization that does not allow fence work and to provide a box only division for those riders experiencing life events necessitating changes to their riding activities.

In the boxing maneuver, the rider will call for one cow to be turned out
into the arena. Upon receiving the cow, the horse/rider team will hold or
"box" the cow in the designated end of the arena for sufficient time to
demonstrate the ability of the horse to contain the cow along the wall of
the arena. Scoring is based on the horse maintaining control of the cow at
all times, exhibiting superior cow sense and natural cow working ability.

NVRHA President, Dave Currin, said the new division helps ensure a place
for every skill level of rider. "We are excited about this new Limited
Division because it will give the more advanced amateur rider an
opportunity to experience the thrill of riding in ranch horse versatility
without having to rope or perform fence turns. Having full division status
also allows competing for year end awards and participating in the annual
National Championships."

The Limited Amateur Division will include all elements of the Novice
Division with the addition of a double-boxing procedure during the Working
Ranch Horse class. The contestant will box the cow at the top end of the
arena, proceed to drive the cow to the other end of the arena and
demonstrate boxing again. There will be no fence work or roping. Inclusion
in the Limited Amateur Division is open to any amateur horse/rider team
and a team may stay in the Limited Amateur Division indefinitely.

Educational clinics and schooling competitions at versatility ranch horse
events separate riders into Open, Advanced Amateur, Intermediate Amateur,
Novice Amateur, Limited Amateur and Collegiate divisions. Riders
participate in all five events designed to showcase the skills of the
ranch horse including Working Ranch Horse, Ranch Cutting, Ranch Trail,
Ranch Riding and Ranch Conformation. Any horse of any breed or breeding
may be used. Visit nvrha.org for a schedule of clinics/competitions and
complete description of events.

ABOUT NATIONAL VERSATILITY RANCH HORSE ASSOCIATION

The National Versatility Ranch Horse Association is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
corporation, whose mission is to raise awareness of and appreciation for
the versatility of the ranch horse and to foster the preservation and
enhancement of western culture and heritage.

NVRHA also provides a program and place for showcasing the ranch horse and will maintain a strong link among breed associations, the ranching
community, the professional horseman and versatility ranch horse riders.
Classes cover skills that the ranch horse would need in the ordinary
course of working on a ranch. Educational clinics are paired with
schooling competitions at locations across the United States to showcase
the skills learned in clinics and to heighten the awareness of ranch
horses in a fun and learning atmosphere. To learn more visit nvrha.org or
call (620) 428-5400.