The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) welcomes Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) competitors with an opportunity to participate in a competition similar to the long-standing NRHA Collegiate Championship. The NRHA Interscholastic Championship brings together the top four riders from the Individual Open Reining at the IEA National Western Championship and the top four riders from the 2010 NRHA Youth 14-18 division in an exciting competition where the youth will show unfamiliar horses donated by generous supporters. The NRHA Interscholastic Championship is scheduled for June 30 during the 2011 NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City.

IEA representatives in the NRHA Interscholastic Championship include Cody McMillion of Hopkins, S.C.; Megan Foley from Powell, Ohio; Ciara Bartholomew of Dublin, Ohio and Jessica Cornwell from Galloway, Ohio.

The youth who will compete on behalf of NRHA include Ashley Auditore from Pepperell, Massachusetts; Kayli Mullins of Weare, N.H.; Layla Choate from Hazel, Ky. and Laura Sumrall of Summit, Miss. These NRHA youth competitors worked diligently for months on end to climb to the top of the point standings for 2010 and qualify for this competition.

“This is a great way to celebrate our newly formed partnership,” said Shianne Megel, RHSF and NRHA Youth Programs Supervisor. “Having youth from both of our great associations riding together under one roof aboard some of our most talented reining horses is very exciting.”

GET INVOLVED

Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of the excitement. The success of this competition depends on horses being donated for the youth riders. Ten horses will be needed, one for each of the eight competitors plus two alternate horses. As a thank you, the owner of each donated horse will receive one free stall at the NRHA Derby.

This event will showcase some of the best youth athletes from two leading equestrian associations. We invite you to join us for a glimpse at Reining’s future talent during the inaugural Interscholastic Reining Championship.

For more information or if you are interested in helping this great cause or know of someone who is, please contact Shianne Megel at (405) 946-7400.

MORE ABOUT IEA AND NRHA

Founded in 2002, The IEA was 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. The IEA (www.rideiea.org) has more than 3,500 riders across North America who compete in Western, Hunt Seat and Saddle Seat shows.

The NRHA was proud to be the title sponsor for the IEA National Western Championship at the IEA National Finals in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. In addition, NRHA Professional Tom Hoyt and NRHA Director Jennifer Hoyt hosted multiple reining demonstrations and “Ask a Trainer” sessions to compliment the reining competition and encourage future involvement.

The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support of the 2011 NRHA Derby Show: AdequanR; Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cimarron Trailers; Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center; Classic Equine; Darling 888 Ranch; Horse&Rider; John Deere; Kiser Arena Specialists; Markel Insurance Company; MD Barns; 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; Rocky Mountain Clothing Co.; Silver Spurs Equine; SmartPak, and Xtra Quarter Horses.