The 2011 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Regional Clinic Series is coming to Valley View, Tex. May 28th and 29th. NRHA Professionals Troy Heikes and Justin “Gunny” Mathison will hold a clinic for reiners of all ages and experience levels at Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center. Both NRHA Professionals are multiple finalists at Reining’s major events – the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, National Reining Breeder’s Classic and All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity.

NRHA Professional Troy Heikes has been raising and showing horses for over 25 years. His long time commitment to the equine industry has made him a sought after NRHA Professional with lifetime earnings nearing $330,000. He resides in Scottsdale, Ariz. and was the level 3 open champion at the 2010 Scottsdale Classic Futurity aboard Whole Lota Jac, a gelding by his sire Jacs Electric Spark (co-owned with Buck Hazledine).

Joining Heikes will be Gunny Mathison. He first started competing in NRHA events in 1994 in the 13 & under division. Several years have passed, and now Mathison Reining Horses is based at Cinder Lakes Ranch. Mathison is coming off a successful 2010 NRHA Futurity. He was a finalist in the level 4 open division aboard his stallion Jacs Electric Stop, bringing his lifetime earnings to nearly $400,000.

The clinic host, Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center is a world-renowned facility that is home to some of the industry’s top stallions. Known for producing stellar athletes and proven performers, Cinder Lakes Ranch will provide the perfect setting for this weekend of amazing training. Rick Ford, owner of Cinder Lakes Ranch, has generously donated the use of his beautiful facility for the South Central Regional Clinic.

This is the sixth year the NRHA has organized the clinics to help raise funds for the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). The clinics are designed to help anyone interested in learning more about reining horses, the reining business and the NRHA. The one-on-one training that attendees receive is tailored to each individual’s needs. Every clinic consists of two, one-day clinics giving participants the opportunity to attend either or both days as they prefer.

Participants from all disciplines learn by doing and by watching other reiners during the hands-on sessions. “The clinic was phenomenal!” said Deann Soults, a 2010 clinic participant. “The information was broken down in a very understandable way.” Another participant, Chase McBurney, commented, “I really liked the format of the clinic. I enjoyed all the different points that were covered. We had a lot of one-on-one time and I was able to ask a lot of questions. I really liked how my questions were answered and then the maneuver was demonstrated.”

Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible. All the proceeds go to support NRHyA scholarships, programs and youth activities. The cost is $250 for youth riders participating both days or $150 per day. Adults are encouraged to participate with an entry of $450 for both days or $250 per day. Auditors are welcome to attend for $25 per day. For more information or to register for a clinic, please contact NRHA at (405) 946-7400 or [email protected].

If you would like more information about the NRHyA, go to nrhya.com, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/nrhya or contact NRHA Youth Programs at [email protected] or (405) 946-7400.