Over the last three years, the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) has developed and fine tuned an online program that rewards youth for their positive actions outside of the show arena. The Varsity Reining Club (VRC) was established to engage youth members and encourage them to become more active at both the local and national levels. This program offers NRHyA members opportunities to contribute to their association in addition to developing valuable life skills preparing them to be successful, contributing members of society.

In 2009, VRC was modified to allow members to earn prizes as they contribute. The new program is similar to a credit card rewards program. The youth answered the challenge by submitting fantastic activities throughout the year. Overall, the program grew 35 percent in new members and handed out terrific awards to youth participants.

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Youth members are awarded points by doing any combination of projects listed at http://www.nrhya.com/ vrc.nrhya.com. Each youth chooses the subject area they are strongest in whether it be arts and crafts, photography or if they are more philanthropic in their efforts by doing volunteer work in their community or helping out at shows. Other subject areas include creative writing, fundraising or leadership activities such as holding or attending NRHyA meetings.

VRC’s most prestigious award is the “Youth of the Year,” where youth are highlighted for earning the most points through their activities. This year 10 youth will be recognized and $3,000 in scholarships will be awarded for their efforts as collective “Youths of the Year.”

In the Varsity level (ages 14-18), the top five individuals will split $1,500 in scholarships. First and second place are shared by NRHA members Alexis Daggett and Jordan Willette, who each earned 2010 points in the program. Alexis submitted over 50 activities, which included photography, community service projects with her school during the holidays and her county fair as well as fund-raising projects benefiting the NRHyA. Jordan submitted over 60 activities, which included community service projects with the St. Vincent De Paul Society as well as helping with her local Arizona Reining Horse Association youth group by holding meetings and fund-raisers.

Third place went to Christi Gordon with 1,437 points. Christi, a past “Youth of the Year” winner in 2008, submitted numerous photos and art work, not to mention several leadership activities with her Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association (RMRHA) youth affiliate. Fourth went to Samantha Belcher with 1,316 points. Samantha is also a member of RMRHA and is very involved in her club as well as other community service projects with her school. Rounding out the Varsity group is Mary Nuernberger with 885 points placing fifth. Mary submitted a number of creative writing assignments as well as helping out at her local zoo and informing others about NRHyA.

In the Junior Varsity level (ages 13 & under), the top five individuals will split $1,500 in scholarships. First place goes to Amy Stoney with 2,198. Amy showcased her talents in photography with numerous equine photos from her family’s ranch, Stoney’s Performance Horses in McClave, Colorado. While Amy also submitted community service activities it was her dedication to photography that was her main focus for 2009.

Second place goes to Reilly Quist with 1,390 points. Reilly’s main focus was giving back to her community whether it was helping tutor fellow youth after school or helping with school events. Third goes to Darby Mailhot with 1,240 points. Darby worked with a variety of activities including community service, photography and arts and crafts. Fourth place was awarded to Saeda Quist with 1,040 points. Like her sister Reilly, Saeda was right by her side helping out at school activities in an effort to make her community a better place. Last, but not least, was Shanae Stratton who earned 970 points in fifth place. Shanae donated much of her time to the Wild West Child Care Facility with community service, but was also active in the arts and crafts, creative writing, and photography.

For more information on the National Reining Horse Youth Association’s Varsity Reining Club, please visit vrc.nrhya.com, or contact Youth and Outreach Program Manager Brian Bendele at 405-946-7400 ext 130 or [email protected].