ROCKY MOUNTAIN REINS! July/August 2009 Inside this issue: Editor s Note 1 Summer Slide Schedule 2 Mountain Region Clinic 3 Sagebrush Slide and Cowhorse Classic Derby Youth Presidents Letter 5 The Art of Reining Contest 5 Year End Program Changes 6 2009 RMRHA Board President Shane Brown 719-661-9209 Vice President Kelly Rainford 719-510-0359 Secretary Kirsten Zook 303-908-9528 Treasurer Inga Guernsey 303-644-3299 Elected Directors thru 2009 Jared Amen 970-302-5556 Gabe Garrison 303-709-7665 Danie Hewlett 303-648-9713 Patti Lee 303-673-0021 Elected Directors thru 2010 Mark Guynn 970-302-5556 Chad Hartmann 303-456-5358 Steve Schwartzenberger 303-651-1958 Devin Warren 303-688-6762 Appointed Directors Chris Curton 720-308-0306 Jim Gordon 303-670-4161 Linda Hitt 303-646-0462 Kim Nordby 719-460-6541 Immediate Past President Gary Pipkin 303-688-5921 4 Slidin Into Summer Kim Nordby We re already well into the 2009 show season. The Summer Slide is the only show remaining in the NRHA North American Affiliate Championship regional qualifier show schedule. The NRHA website has the official standings for each region, and you can find the unofficial Rocky Mountain affiliate standings on the RMRHA website. RMRHA year end points show has moved from September to August. WSRHA has moved their Western Slope Slide Show to August 26-30 from it's original dates in late September/early October. This five day show includes the Fall Futurity, Derby and a full slate of ancillary classes. With this date change, this show will now be the next-to-last show in our year-end awards show series. Please check the RMRHA website to see the revised year-end shows schedule and to access the updated showbill for the Western Slope Slide. Make sure to mark your calendars and head on up to Rifle for the RMRHA s 6 th year end qualifying show. If you re a youth, pay special attention to the clarification and changes regarding the double slated WSRHA April and August shows. You can read more about it in the newsletter, and you ll find more information on our website, www.rmrha.com. (Continued on page 3) Rookie Day Rocks! RMRHA once again sponsored Rookie Day on May 30, 2009 which benefits the Crisis Fund of the Reining Horse Sports Foundation. Trainers Shane Brown, Kerry Cogburn, Alan Pitts, Liz Rammerstorfer, Connie Stoney and Devin Warren coached 22 participants on reining maneuvers. After the morning coaching session, participants competed in a reining class in the afternoon. Congratulations to the Short Stirrup winner Rylee Justus riding Saint Chic, the Youth winner Lauren Waymire riding Datin With No Dough and the Rookie winner Jennifer Dionisio riding Heat On The Street. Many thanks to the sponsors: Gary & Jean Pipkin, Cover Girls; Sally & Ernie Ress, SR Cowboy Ventures; John Braly, Destron-Fearing; Julie Short; Classic Equine. Also, thanks to Wendy Lind for coordinating the event again this year and to the volunteers: Marge Brubaker (judge), Julie Short, JW Stoney, Cathy Irvin, and Jeff Stoney for taking photos.
Page 2 Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association www.rmrha.com Newsletter Staff Editor: Kim Nordby Youth Editor: Ali Gordon APHA Writer: Megan Mulqueen AQHA Writer: Open Printing & Distribution: Patti Lee E-Mail inquiries, comments, and suggestions to rmrha.newsletter@gmail.com Trainers Tip Summer Slide Schedule at a Glance Terry Wegener 303-644-3144 Stops Here is one of the most productive exercises to enhance your stopping ability. Sit on the edge of a chair, and lift your feet ten inches off of the ground, and hold that position for approximately thirty seconds. At the conclusion of thirty seconds, put your feet back on the floor. Rest. Repeat the exercise ten times, and focus on balancing on your seat bones. Your seat bones are the appropriate contact position for the stop. If you will be faithful to practicing it, it will really help your stop. Tuesday : Green Rookie, Rookie Level 1, Rookie Level 2 Prime Time Rookie Wednesday: Novice Horse Open Level 1, Limited Non Pro Thursday: 1 st go of Open and Non Pro Futurity, Youth Event Friday : Limited Open, Rookie Professional, Non Pro, Prime Time Non Pro, Intermediate Live Webcast! Castlewood Video is making this years webcast possible. There are limited advertising slots still available. Contact Sandi at (303) 601-3626 or go to www. thehorseseen.com for more information. Non Pro, Open, Intermediate Open Saturday: Short Stirrup 10 & Under, Youth 13 & Under, Youth 14-18, Rookie Youth, Little Kids Reining, Open and Non Pro Futurity Finals Sunday: Open and Non Pro Derby, Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1
Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association www.rmrha.com Page 3 Page 3 Mountain Region Clinic July 11 & 12 The 2009 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Regional Clinics are coming to the Mountain Region. July 11 th & 12 th NRHA Professional Jared Leclair and trainer Ben Gerst will hold a clinic to benefit reiners of all ages and experience levels at Skyline Ranch in Carbondale. Jared Leclair is coming off an impressive Intermediate Open division championship at the 2008 NRHA Futurity. In 2006, he won the National Reining Breeders Classic Intermediate Open division and in 2008 he won the Intermediate Open at the NRHA Derby. Leclair started his reining career as a youth and has over $364,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings. Ben Gerst is also a Limited Open NRHA Futurity and Derby Champion. Gerst has won over $68,000 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings and will be returning to Skyline Ranch for his second NRHA Regional Clinic. I really enjoy doing these clinics and helping the youth, and I look forward to working with Jared, said Gerst. This is the fourth 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 who is interested in learning more about reining horses, the reining business and the NRHA. The one-on-one training that participants 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 learn by doing and also by watching other reiners during the hands-on sessions. The amount of advice and knowledge that s passed along is phenomenal. I ll learn more here in one afternoon than I would in a week with a book or a video, said Rick Finkler, 2008 NRHyA Regional Clinic participant. Another participant, Ashley Bosack, commented, I love learning new things and having different trainers teach you. It s been really fun. These are two one day clinics that will start at 8:00 a.m. and run till 5:00 p.m. Space is limited so sign up as soon as possible. All the proceeds go to support the NRHyA scholarships, programs and youth activities. The cost per day is $150 for youth riders, $250 for adults and $25 to audit. For more information or to register for a clinic, please contact Manager of Youth & Outreach Programs Brian Bendele at (405) 946-7400 ext. 130 or bbendele@nrha.com If you would like more information about the NRHyA, go to www.nrhya.com or contact Manager of Youth Programs & Outreach Brian Bendele at bbendele@nrha.com (405) 946-7400, ext. 130. Slidin Into Summer (cont.) (Continued from page 1) RMRHA members were sizzling hot at the NRHA Derby. Devin Spencer and Gunnin for Diamonds, Chad Hartmann and Taka Ticket, Josh Hattig and Dudes Whippersnapper competed in the Non Pro finals, with Devin and Chad qualifying for the Limited Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, and Non Pro Level 1 finals as well. Karl (Chip) Roberts and Tivitos Top Starlet made the Intermediate and Limited Non Pro finals. The RMRHA Summer Slide is just around the corner. With over $130,000 estimated payouts in 2009, you ll find a full slate of ancillary classes, Green Rookie class, as well as the Stallion Stakes and Open to the World Futurity and Derby. Other fun activities you ll find at the Summer Slide include Little Kids Reining, Kyle Wood Perpetual Memorial Youth Trophy, coffee and donuts, hospitality nights, and a dunking booth! That s right, the youth are providing a way for you to cool off during the sizzling Summer Slide. Or perhaps you know of others that would benefit from dunking booth. It s time to have some FUN! At the national level, be sure to make your voice heard! The NRHA Bylaw amendment proposals are available for review on the NRHA website. For the first time this year, members are allowed to comment on these changes, with the comments posted on the NRHA website. Voting e-ballots will be distributed to members in July. In order to receive your ballot, you must make sure your e-mail address is current with the NRHA. Respectfully, Kim Nordby RMRHA Newsletter Editor
Page 4 Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association www.rmrha.com 2009 Sagebrush Slide and Cowhorse Classic Derby Rhoda Rein The Colorado Reined Cowhorse Association hosted the Sagebrush Slide and Cowhorse Classic NRHA and NRCHA show June 3-7 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colo. The show paid out $31,442 in the reining events and $65,890 in the cowhorse events. Prizes totaling $19,000 were awarded to the top three placings in all classes. Boyd Rice was the highest money winner in the NRCHA show, earning $9,976 on his derby mounts. Steve Schwartzenberger took home the most money in the NRHA show, earning $6,811 in the derby and NRHA open class. The historic facility endured heavy rain earlier in the week, but recovered beautifully for the show. The CRCA put 25 tons of sand in the cowhorse arena and changed the herd work pen location to provide a better venue for spectators. Tad Knowles created a party atmosphere with his great sound system and extensive music collection. Vendors were busy and pleased with their sales. The Sagebrush Speedway Bicycle Games were held Saturday afternoon. Competition was fierce in all four age divisions and vendors graciously donated prizes. The Pole Bending Challenge was a test of balance and skill. The 400 yard Monte Carlo Cup street race was a show of speed and endurance. COWHORSE CLASSIC Boyd Rice won the 36 entry open derby and $5,901 riding Mr. Playin Stylish for Kit and Charlie Moncrief of Ft. Worth, Texas. The 4-year-old stallion is by Playin Stylish out of Tari Chic Gay. He has presence. He steps out there in every event and commands attention, said Rice. We drew a good fence cow and he stayed against her the whole time. Rice scored 146 points on both his mounts to win the high score money in the herd work division of the open derby. He won the novice horse open derby riding Lenas Alley for Kevin and Sydney Knight of Peoria, Ariz. The 4-year-old gelding is by Smart Little Lena out of Doc Alley, a daughter of Doc Bar. They earned $1,239 for the novice win, $1,059 for the open derby herd work, $295 for the novice derby herd work, and tied for sixth place in the open derby to earn $4,076 in all. It is a bonus to have the novice horse division to show in, said Rice. Lenas Alley got sick and I am just now back to showing him, the novice class gives incentive for everyone to show. Jason Grimshaw was reserve champion in the open derby riding Ima Miss N Texas for owners Debbie and Larry Roberts of Elm Grove, Louisiana. They purchased her dam in foal and raised the 5-year-old palomino mare by Yellow Roan of Texas out of Ima Missin You. She is a really good fence horse and has won $27,000 in the last four shows, said Grimshaw. His dependable mare scored 150 points down the fence to earn $4,297 in all. Andy Adams and Shine Happens scored 152 points to win the open derby fence work. Adams tied himself to win the reined work portion riding Mister Smart Chic and Shine Happens. Adams compiled $5,638 aboard his two mounts. He and Mister Smart Chic were reserve champions in the novice horse derby and placed tenth in the open derby for owners Terry Crofoot of Crofoot Ranches and Tom and Karen Walters of Salt Fork Ranch, Clarendon, Texas. They purchased the 4-year-old brown stallion from breeder Jim Babcock two years ago. He is by Smart Chic Olena out of Lois Montana, by Mister Dual Pep. Zeb Corvin, Canyon, Texas, won the limited open derby and placed third in the novice horse derby divisions riding his 5- year-old stallion, Ima Starlight Kid. He is by Bueno Starlight out of Kids On Stage by Mr. Tori Kid. He marked 146 points in the fence work to earn high score paychecks in the limited and novice horse divisions. He marked 143 points to win the high score reined work in the limited and place third in the novice derby, pocketing $1,714 in all. He and his wife, Melissa, are expecting their first child in September. Kyle Trahern was reserve champion in the limited open division riding his 4-year-old bay gelding, MH Bold Intentions. He is by Bodee Boonsmal out of Freckles Docs Oak. Trahern purchased him from Bubba Nolan, Bridgeport, Texas, who trained him for cutting. I just bought him six weeks ago, so I am happy that he is learning the reining and fence work so quickly, said Trahern of Penrose, Colo. Karen Stallings won the non pro derby and the novice non pro derby divisions riding her 4-year-old Appaloosa gelding, Star Time Truckin. He is by NMSU Trucking Chex out of Timely Elegance. I was really tickled with him all the way. He has a great attitude and is always mentally in the game, said Stallings, who purchased him from breeder Shirley Mason of Tucson, Ariz. She won the herd, reined and fence work in the novice division, and the herd work in the non pro division to earn $1,918 for her efforts. Betty Lou Valdez won the amateur derby and was reserve champion in the non pro derby riding her 5-year-old gelding, Indian Pep Hickory. He is by Hickorys Indian Pep out of Annolena. She scored 147 points to win the fence work in both divisions, earning $1,117 in all. Debbie Frampton was reserve champion in the amateur and novice divisions and placed fourth in the non pro derby division. (Continued on page 7)
Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association www.rmrha.com RMRHyA Youth Presidents Letter Christi Gordon Page 5 Dear Fellow Youth Members, As we approach RMRHA s most important show of the year, Summer Slide, I want to update you on the youth activities that will be taking place there. As our primary fundraiser, we are having the Silent Auction held with the Art of Reining. In the Silent Auction, the youth will be auctioning off donated items, beginning on July 21, and ending on July 26. However, we can t run this alone; we need your help! Please contact the RMRHyA Secretary, Kate Peine, at cowgirlh535@aim.com for more information on the Silent Auction and how you can help out. I encourage all youth to enter the Art of Reining, now an art and photography contest! For any youth who may not enjoy drawing or sculpting, we have provided a photography section for you. Three age groups are represented and the deadline is July 21, or the first day of Summer Slide. To enter, go to the RMRHA website and click on Youth to download your entry form. Make sure you bring your entry form attached to your artwork to Summer Slide. You may As we look ahead to this year s RMRHA Summer Slide, the 2009 RMRHyA officers are excited to announce the second annual The Art of Reining art contest for RMRHyA members. We are currently gathering surprise awards that will go into goodie baskets to be distributed to the contest winners. These awards are going to remain confidential until the contest winners are announced, but the awards could be anything from tack, to Starbucks gift cards, to candy, or to sports gear! The age divisions are ten and under, eleven to thirteen, and fourteen to eighteen. The theme is reining. Contestants must bring their work to the RMRHA Summer Slide where people will vote on the artwork, and a winner will be chosen based on the pieces of artwork with the greatest number of votes. All artwork will be sold in a silent auction as a fundraising enter multiple times, so long as each entry has an attached and filled out entry form to accompany it. Please contact the RMRHyA Vice President, Ali Gordon, at 303-670-4161 or at elizabeth.gordon@wispertel.net if you have any questions. This fall at the International Reining Festival meeting, the RMRHyA will vote on giving out a Sportsmanship Award to the best team-builder! If approved, the youth who is the most enthusiastic, participating, and encouraging to other youth members will receive this award at the year-end Awards Banquet. I have a correction to make from the last Presidential Letter. I wrote that there was no entry fee for the CO State Fair Youth Freestyle. However, the RMRHyA Board changed the entry fee to $40 with money added. The slots are filling quickly, so sign up before July 31! Please contact Jan Guynn at 303-907-7990 or gtcllc@earthlink.net to enter, and send her your music/bios by August 15. RMRHA Youth Corner The Art of Reining Ali Gordon event for the RMRHyA. Any size or medium of artwork is permitted, with the exception of poster board. This year, photography will also be permitted as a medium of art, subject to the same rules as the See you at Summer Slide! Christi Gordon Ali Gordon RMRHA Youth Writer Christi Gordon RMRHyA President Attention Youth Remember that Year End Awards are based upon your show record for the season and your participation in various activities. Make sure you send the completed participation form to Chad upon completing one of these requirements. See the RMRHA youth page on www.rmrha.com for more information. RMRHyA Officers President: Christi Gordon Vice President: Ali Gordon Secretary: Kate Peine Treasurer: Marie Carrothers 2010 Youth Officer Elections Get Involved! Elections for the 2010 Youth Officers will be held during the International Reining Festival show this September. Contact Youth Chair Chad Hartmann to express your interest. artwork. During The Art of Reining photography will be defined and treated as artwork. All contestants must be current RMRHA members to participate. Multiple entries per family are permitted, as long as each contestant fulfills all of the requirements, and multiple entries per person are also permitted, as long as an entry form accompanies each piece of artwork and the contestant abides by all rules stated by the RMRHyA. Go to www.rmrha.com for a membership application, contest entry form, and a complete listing of contest rules.
Page 6 Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association www.rmrha.com Updated! 2009 Show Schedule Mark your Calendars! The 2009 Show Schedule includes shows for everyone. Enjoy the small show atmosphere? We have them. Ready to step up and compete at one of the top NRHA shows in the nation? Got it. Whether you re new to the sport of reining or a seasoned competitor, you ll find the RMRHA shows cater to your needs. Mark your calendars now so you don t miss a thing. Come on out and rein with us - We ve got what you re looking for! April 22-26 May 20-22 June 4-7 June 19-21 July 21-26 Updated! August 26-30 September 5-6 WSRHA Rifle Spring Classic Larimer County Spring Charity Show Sagebrush Slide Eastern Slope Slide RMRHA Summer Slide WSRHA Western Slope Slide Colorado State Fair Rifle, CO Denver, CO Pueblo, CO Castle Rock, CO Denver, CO Rifle, CO Pueblo, CO Changes for Year End Points Schedule Change Due to a conflict with another show in late September, the WSRHA is moving its 5 day Rifle Fall Classic to August 26-30, 2009. The 3-day show currently scheduled for late August will move to Oct. 2-4. Because of this change, the RMRHA Board of Directors voted to approve the change to use the 5 day WSRHA Rifle Fall Classic August show as the RMRHA year-end points show. The 3 day show in October will not count for year-end points. You ll find an updated showbill and more information about this on our website under the qualifying shows section. Youth Classes at Rifle Shows Due to confusion about which slate of youth classes at the Rifle Spring show would count for year-end awards, the RMRHA Board of Directors has voted to average the points for the two youth classes held in April for year-end awards. For affiliate qualifying purposes, the NRHA was previously notified that the first slate of classes would be used, and that cannot be changed after the show is completed. Only the first slate of youth classes will be used for year-end points at the Western Slope Slide futurity/derby show. Rocky Mountain Reins Advertising The Rocky Mountain Reins Newsletter now offers advertising! Take advantage of this affordable opportunity to reach your target horse and reining audience. We offer business card, quarter page, half page, and full page advertising options. The cost to members per issue is $15 for a business card sized ad and $25 for a quarter page sized ad. Discounts available for 6 month and 12 month ads. The ads will be in color for the e-newsletter and black and white in the printed version. Take advantage of this great opportunity to reach more people with your advertising! Contact Kim at kimnordby@yahoo.com or call her at (719)460-6541 for more information. Quarter Page Pricing: $25 Per Issue $70 for 6 Months $135 for 12 Months Business Card Pricing: $15 Per Issue $40 for 6 Months $80 for 12 Months
Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association www.rmrha.com Page 7 2009 Sagebrush Slide and Cowhorse Classic Derby (cont.) Rhoda Rein (Continued from page 4) SAGEBRUSH SLIDE Entries were down slightly from 2008, but prize money was increased in the reining show. These ingredients combined to create some exciting action in the $14,500 added derby held Saturday afternoon. Veteran Steve Schwartzenberger won the 11-entry open and intermediate open derby divisions scoring 150.50 points riding BBR Game Time for Linda Wise of Boulder, Colo. He is by A Chic In Time out of Hustlin Lips. Shane Brown had already shown before me and set the bar at 148.50 points, said Schwartzenberger. The rest of us knew that we had to show hard to win a check. He pointed out that the derby rules allow for a snaffle bit/ hackamore or bridle option. Because of that, the nature of this show is to go fast and show two-handed, said Schwartzenberger, who also placed third riding Kick N Nic for Sally Ress Steve Schwartzenberger and BBR Game Time of Evergreen, Colo. Although there weren t many entries, you still had to use your horse to win. I enjoy that this is a combination cowhorse show. It seems more laid back. I have time to watch some cowhorse and visit with guys at the concession stand that I haven t seen in awhile, said Schwartzenberger. Shane Brown was reserve champion in both open and intermediate open divisions riding Kelly Rainford s 5-year-old stallion, Itsgoodtobeapepto. He is by Peptoboonsmal out of SR Docs Serenade. Guy Vernon scored 147 points to win the 17-entry limited open derby riding Deanna Erpelding s 6-year-old mare, Nu Chex Royalty. She is by Nu Chex To Cash out of Salenas Royalty. I have had tough luck getting her shown well and am happy with her performance here, said Vernon. Gabe Garrison was reserve champion riding Whizzn She Hot for his uncle, James Williams of Colorado Springs, Colo. He purchased the 4-year-old mare two years ago from breeder Colleen Malcolm of Golden. She is by Who Whiz It out of Ms Red Hot Lena. While exhibitors share that competitive drive, they also share a love and appreciation of their horses. They know that it takes the right match for a horse and rider to be successful. Kelle Smith, Marietta, Okla., won the non pro derby and $1,503 riding her 4-year-old mare, Jitterbug Banjo. She is priceless, I have never had a horse with this kind of brain, she never has a bad day, said Smith. This was my first time to show her at a big event and I am excited for her future. She is by Banjo Whiz out of Jitterbug Shuffle, raised by Nedpoint Quarter Horses and trained by Fred Thommason. Quincy Cahill-Allen showed the mare last year and was a finalist at the SWRHA futurity. Quincy and I decided to trade our Banjo Whiz horses at the NRHA futurity, looking for a better fit for each of us, said Smith. Kelle Smith and Jitterbug Banjo Matthew Wilson, Las Animas, Colo., had a productive day in Pueblo. The morning of the derby, he and his family drove to Pueblo and bought a washer and dryer before unloading his mare at the show. Later, he scored 145 points to win the intermediate and limited derby divisions and tied to win the non pro championship, earning $2,900 for the day. I had the flu all week and the day was kind of a blur. That was the best run that I have had on her. I had trouble at the NRBC and am going to the NRHA derby, so I am glad to show here and do well, said Wilson. He purchased his mare at the NRHA futurity sale as a 2-year-old from Rhodes River Ranch. She is by Shine Like Hail out of SR Peppy Bar Linda. Christy Brasier, Montrose, Colo., scored 144.50 points to earn reserve honors in the intermediate non pro derby and place third in the non pro derby and $1,579 riding her 5-year-old dun gelding, KMZ Irish Cowboy. Raised by Spence and Kristen Bell, he is by Paddys Irish Whiskey out of Rawhide Ruby. In 2008, she won the non pro and intermediate divisions at the show. It is definitely a good feeling to come back to a show where you have won, said Brasier, who owns and operates Classic Awards, the official NRHA plaque maker. Shevin Schwartzenberger and Spotophobic were reserve champions in the 28-entry limited non pro derby division. "We raised Spotophobic and our whole family has shown both his parents," said Schwartzenberger. He is sired by their stallion, Kick Dee Bar, and out of Tami Dee.
2009 Membership Application Membership is required to represent RMRHA at the NRHA Affiliate Finals. If you are a member of other NRHA Affiliates and would like to represent RMRHA, you must designate RMRHA as your affiliate with the NRHA. Rider and Owner must be members to be eligible for RMRHA Year End Awards. An Entity is defined as a LLC, Partnership, Corporation, Syndicate, Ranch, or Business. $30 Individual/Entity $10 Youth Name: NRHA Membership # Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: If Youth please specify age: Email: Newsletter Preference (Circle One): E-Mail Print Receive your newsletter via e-mail and help reduce newsletter expenses. May we publish your name, address, phone number, and e-mail in our RMRHA general membership booklet (Circle One)? YES NO Send payment to RMRHA, c/o Inga Guernsey, Treasurer 4541 Penrith Rd. Bennett, Co 80102 ROCKY MOUNTAIN REINS! 3010 Schilling Ave Monument Co 80132 Help Reduce Newsletter Expenses. Sign up to receive your newsletter via email when you renew your membership!