The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has more than one thing to celebrate as they enter into 2016. First and foremost, this is NRHA’s 50th Anniversary year. From starting with the first Futurity in 1966 with less than 100 members during the All American Quarter Horse Congress, to celebrating the 50th Running of the Futurity in Oklahoma City this past month, NRHA has crunched the numbers and is proud to announce several signs of growth in the sport of reining.
NRHA ended 2015 with a tremendous growth in membership of more than 4.6 percent totaling more than 15,300 members. NRHA records show the last time membership exceeded this number was seven years ago in 2008.
In addition to this jump in participation, NRHA opened their doors to professionals with a fresh approach to their membership, also ending the year very strong with more than 1,700 members! NRHA is encouraging reining enthusiasts to visit nrha.com/findapro to make contact with a reining professional and to get started in the fun sport. In addition (and included in the total increase), NRHA experienced a 50 percent increase in Associate members as well as an increase in Youth and General members.
“NRHA is healthy, strong and growing like I never would have imagined,” said NRHA President, Rick Clark. Clark added, “We have made several changes, and experienced some growing pains, but the payoff has been tremendous. The 50th Running of the Futurity was outstanding, and I see a brighter future for NRHA as we run full steam ahead to our Association’s 50 Anniversary.”
NRHA Winter Meeting
NRHA is heading into their 50th Anniversary with the kickoff of a membership Winter Meeting January 20-24 in Oklahoma City. All members are encouraged to attend, and voice their opinion about the future of NRHA. More information is available at nrha1.com/wintermeeting.
2016 NRHA Futurity Payments
Also, don’t forget to log on to NRHA.com to find all the 2016 NRHA Futurity forms. The first payment deadline is February 1, and now is a great time to get your payments in the mail! For more information about the 2016 NRHA Futurity, members can visit nrhafuturity.com/forms. Members can also contact NRHA’s events department at (405) 946-7400.
Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard-setting body for the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.
