Past AQHA Executive to Lead NRHA, Gary Carpenter

For Immediate Release – November 18, 2013 – Oklahoma City, Okla. – By Christa Morris – After an extensive search and interview process, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors gave their unanimous stamp of approval to fill its vacant leadership position. Today, the worldwide standard-setting body for the sport welcomes Gary Carpenter as the new NRHA Commissioner. Carpenter plans to attend the upcoming NRHA Futurity and to take on full leadership responsibilities in January 2014.

NRHA President Beth Himes commented on the decision, “Gary has traveled the world working on a variety of equine industry topics and has the expertise to help grow Reining worldwide. I look forward to partnering with him to perpetuate the success we’ve seen in recent years.”

Carpenter brings to the table a vast amount of industry experience and a distinguished resume including international development. He served as the executive director of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) for 10 years and in executive positions with The Jockey Club and American Quarter Horse Association. In 2000, AAEP recognized Carpenter for his leadership and dedication to the equine industry and the association’s membership by naming him as the George Stubbs Award recipient. Carpenter leaves Colorado State University (CSU) where he most recently served as the Industry Outreach and Liaison Director of the Equine Sciences Program.

Looking forward to his new post, Carpenter said, “NRHA and the sport of Reining have a great future ahead of them. I am honored to be involved with NRHA and to work with the Board and the membership to cultivate the sport worldwide.”

Carpenter has enjoyed hands-on involvement with horses since he was a child in Quanah, Texas. He competed on championship horse judging teams at CSU, and later coached there. He and wife Marian, an author, encouraged and supported their four daughters’ involvement in showing horses and participating in 4-H activities.

The executive search services were provided by Jim Harlan of MJM Global Search, Inc., an affiliate of the largest recruiting and placement organization in the world, Management Recruiters International.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard-setting body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with its 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 www.nrha.com.