NRHA Finds Balance Amid Leadership Change

Apr 5 2023 • 1 hr 28 mins

Reining fans won’t want to miss this episode as we are joined by NRHA President, Mark Blake, and President-Elect, Mike Hancock. We’ll peek behind the gate to see what's happening in the sport of reining today and hear how they are planning for the future.

Cowboy is cool again thanks to the popularity of Yellowstone and innovative producers of The American Performance Horseman and The Run for a Million. Reining is poised to tap into the potential for continued growth and advancement if the leadership can maintain its balance through ever-changing terrain. The Cowboys and NRHA leadership ride through trails including NRHA Futurity & Derby, medications rules, officiating and much more.

The American Performance Horseman

Redefining the horse show event by interspersing reining, cutting, and cow horse with concerts from contemporary singers and bands.
18,000 tickets sold
Exposition vs competition
Producers entered their own horses, does it matter?
How a one horse, one rider event differs from competitions that allow one rider on multiple horses

Medications

How does the NRHA adopt a modified sedative rule for competition?

Takes effect June 1 (Derby will have in effect)
Stiffer penalties for violations
Romifidine - Board reviewing that decision
- Member survey
- Veterinarian input
Balancing rules that allow you to do what is best for horse with performance enhancement that creates an unfair advantage

Association Leadership

NRHA Commissioner, Gary Carpenter, retiring
- The search begins for the next NRHA leader

Economy Concerns
- Will the war in Ukraine impact the future of reining?
- Changing economics in the US
Governance
- Social License to Operate
- Making the most of current excitement in the sport and prepare for potential dips in the future
- Strategic planning meeting this summer