NRHA Collegiate Catch Ride Competition/High School Competition Big Success at NRHA Derby

NRHA News

June 30, 2016 – Oklahoma City, Okla. – Riders from three different organizations battled head to head in the Jim Norick Arena all in hopes of being crowned the 2016 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Collegiate Catch Ride Champion. Four riders from the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), four riders from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), and four riders from NRHA competed on catch ride horses for bragging rights. Riders drew their horses at random the day prior to the competition.

Chantz Stewart (NCEA/Texas Christian University) was the first competitor to ride . Stewart rode Ten Caret Nic, owned by Shaelyn Vering, to a 200.5, placing her twelfth in the competition. Draw two was Hannah Jechow (NCEA/Texas A&M) on Captain Jessie, owned by Jacob Cliver. This duo scored a 212, setting the new high score for the night. Kelsey Wilson (IHSA/West Texas A&M) drew Que Bueno Nic, owned by Drumclog Ranch; however the pair came up a little shy, earning a 211.

Blair McFarlin (NRHA) rode The Boominator, owned by Roger Anderson, and left it all in the arena. Together they earned a 216.5 that would hold as the high score for the remainder of the competition. Holly Phillips (NRHA) drew Chexy Whiz, owned by Michelle George, and together they earned a 211. Sixth to compete was Dylan Dombrowski (IHSA/Caznovia College) on Nics Rooster, owned by Daniela Bernabeu. Dombrowski and Nic Rooster made their best run but only earned a 212, which would go on to tie him with Hannah Jechow for third place.

Danielle Cohen (NRHA) followed Dombrowski in the competition. Cohen marked a 210 riding Trashes Kohana Cash, owned by Rebecca Bigelow. Taylor Brown was the eighth rider to enter the arena. Taylor rode Southside Spook, owned by Randy Reecer, to a 210, putting her in a two-way tie for seventh. Ninth in the draw was Leah Piper (IHSA/Middle Tennessee State), who piloted Randy Reecer’s horse, HR Dun By Whiz to a 207 putting her in ninth place.

Sara Yu (IHSA/Ohio State University) rode Kristen Jacobson’s Smokin N Boon Light to 202 and eleventh place. Ebba Lange (NCEA/Oklahoma State) piloted SideKick Chic, owned by Keith Dittrich, to a 205.5, putting her in tenth place overall. The last rider to compete was Kyndall Harper (NRHA), who rode Coastal Smoke, owned by Laurie Hauck. Kyndall put together a strong run but was just shy of taking the lead, earning a 214.

Established in 2002, this is the fourteenth year for NRHA to host the Collegiate Catch Ride competition. NRHA would like to thank all of the extremely generous horse owners and donors who allowed these accomplished riders an opportunity to compete.

For more information about the NRHA Derby, including results, the schedule and link to the live feed visit nrhaderby.com.

July 2,2016-Oklahoma City, Okla.- Four riders from 14-18 North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) and four riders from National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Top Ten 14-18 competed in the annual NRHA High School Reining Competition today. These eight distinguished riders from across the country drew for the ‘ultimate catch ride.’

Annabeth Payne was the first rider in the pen, riding Chexy Whiz owned by Michelle George. This pair set the bar high, starting the competition with a score of 213.0. Payne’s score was quickly beat by the following draw, which resulted in her taking the Reserve Championship at the end of day.

Terri June Granger rode the 2016 NRHA Collegiate Catch Ride Champion, The Boominator owned by Jim Hotz, to a 213.5 and won the competition by a hair. Granger, a senior in high school, has verbally committed to Auburn University, coincidentally where the Collegiate Champion Blair McFarlin attends. Her plans for the future include riding on the equestrian team and majoring in physical therapy. Granger explained her catch ride experience, “I was really excited to be here. This was my first year ever coming out to the Derby, and it was definitely a great experience being able to take part in and show at the Derby.”

Following Granger, Emily Morris riding Making Sparks Fly, owned by Mallory Vestal, was third in the competition, scoring a 207.0 and placing fourth.

Kaitlyn Baker drew up forth on Nics Rooster, owned by Daniela Bernabeu. Baker started with a great run but unfortunately ended up with a zero after going off pattern.

Claire Streeter followed Baker atop Gangster Chic, owned by Renee D’Ambrosi, and brought in a third place win with a score of 210.

Emily Sitzman and South Side Spook, owned by Randy Reecer, were number five in the draw and scored 202.0, placing them at fifth.

Mckenzie Duncan, riding HR Dun By Whiz, another horse owned by Reecer, scored a 195.0, putting them in seventh place.

Kenleigh Wells brought up the end of the competition. Wells rode Captain Jesse, owned by Jacob Cliver, and scored a 201, putting her sixth in the catch ride competition.

NRHA would like to thank all of the extremely generous horse owners and donors who allowed these accomplished riders an opportunity to compete.

NRHA Derby Show Supporters:

The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners and event sponsors for their support: Adequan®, Anderson Bean, Rios of Mercedes, Bluebonnet Feeds, Cardinal Reining Horses, Cruel Girl, Classic Equine, Downunder Horsemanship, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Lucas Oil & Protect the Harvest, Markel Insurance, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Santa Hill Ranch, Silver Spurs Equine, Silver Spurs Saddles, SmartPak, Trailguard, Xtra Quarter Horses.

In addition, NRHA thanks NRHA Derby Event Sponsors: Twin Cities South Trailers, Sandbur Productions, Scott Cleaners, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Not Ruf At All, Bob Moore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Elite Stall Mat Rentals, Equine Oasis, Continental Saddlery, Star Spangled Whiz, Story Book Stables and Sundowner Trailers.

Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere. The NRHA would like to continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary with our corporate partners, members and supporters for making this association a true success.