Rei[g]ning Women
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110 – March/April, 2025
By Barbara Aitken Jenkins
Three leading ladies at the 2024 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby dominated the arena and came out with accolades to prove it. These women showcased different styles, flair, and skillsets, but all three shared one common thread in their back pockets–their roots run deep in the all-around arena.
Courtney Chown · Green Reiner High Point
Courtney Chown’s name is synonymous with the Western Pleasure world. Since her youth, she has been a top-tier rider of world-class Western Pleasure and all-around horses.
A little over a year ago, Courtney decided to take a leap of faith and saddle up a Reiner. With the help of Courtney’s longtime friend, Kelsey Price, and Kelsey’s husband, NRHA Million Dollar Rider and 2021 Run for the Million Champion, professional trainer Kole Price, Courtney’s journey into the sport of reining was in good hands.
“I was looking for something that was a new challenge and atmosphere,” Courtney shares. “Kelsey and Kole let me ride at their place every day, which allowed me to figure out Reining buttons at my own pace.”
She explains that one of her biggest hurdles transitioning from riding western pleasure horses to Reiners was letting go of controlling every step the horse took, “especially on a rundown!” she adds.
Click here to read the complete article
110 – March/April, 2025
