William Shatner Accepts Lifetime Achievement Award During RHF Sliders’ Night Out
Mike Deer, NRHA President, Gary Carpenter, NRHA Commissioner, and Mark Blake, Reining Horse President, present the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award to actor William Shatner for his work in supporting the equine industry and reining.
NRHA News
The reining community turned out in force on November 28th to support the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) at Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch, owned by John and Nancy Tague of Pilot Point, Texas. Held in Oklahoma City in conjunction with the National Reining Horse Association Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship Show, the event was a benefit for RHF with the theme of celebrating the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame, one of the nonprofit organization’s three core programs. Additionally, RHF manages the Crisis Fund and supports youth scholarships/leadership development.
Sliders’ Night Out was held at the Oklahoma State Fair Park Centennial Building with its enticing mid-century modern architecture. Purple and copper décor provided an appealing setting for the gathering of 330 reiners and supporters from around the world. On hand to receive the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award was actor, philanthropist, and equine industry/reining supporter William Shatner. Other highlights included Hall of Fame inductions for the mare Dun It For Chex and the late Bill Bradley (1951-2018). New medallions were presented to more than two dozen Hall of Fame members who were in attendance.
Special guests included a dozen Affiliate Ambassadors, representing NRHA regions around the globe. These attendees were selected for their volunteer service through a new NRHA program also sponsored by Toyon Ranch.
Joao Marcos of Brazil accepts the NRHA Hall of Fame induction for the mare Dun It For Chex, owned by his Cardinal Hill Training Center.
“Nancy and I are passionate about this sport and the mission of the Reining Horse Foundation,” said John Tague. “The support for Sliders’ Night Out 2018 shows we are not alone. From the Affiliate Ambassadors to the Hall of Fame honored guests, and many patrons, this met our vision to create an event celebrating some of the greatest things about reining. We are especially appreciative of the Gold and Silver Donors and table hosts. Nancy and I look forward to Sliders’ Night Out becoming even bigger in 2019 and invite others to commit their support now.”
Bill Bradley of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, was inducted posthumously into the NRHA Hall of Fame. Accepting the award are his stepdaughter Gabriella “Boo” Kammerer and wife, Gloria Bradley, along with friend and Reining Horse Foundation Board member Rick Clark.
Shatner attended with his wife, Elizabeth, to receive the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award, named for a man considered the “father of reining.” Shatner has attended the NRHA Futurity previously, often for celebrity reining events in support of the RHF. A highlight of his awards presentation was a surprise congratulatory video from friend and fellow actor Henry Winkler.
Dun It For Chex was honored as an outstanding producer. What could have been a stellar show career turned into an even more remarkable broodmare career for the gray mare. By NRHA Hall of Fame inductee Hollywood Dun It and out of Silver N Blue Chex, she sits second on the NRHA leading dams list with a produce record nearing $1 million. Now 22, she is part of the broodmare band for Cardinal Hill Training Center in Aubrey, Texas, owned by Joao Marcos. Her offspring Dun It For Whizkey is a marquee stallion for Cardinal Ranch. Eight different stallions have sired her NRHA offspring, with nearly all 21 performing foals being NRHA money earners. In his acceptance remarks, Marcos expressed gratitude for Dun In For Chex and for the causes of the RHF.
A lifetime NRHA Non Pro member, Bradley earned his first paycheck in 1994. His ride across the reining industry resulted in countless connections. The Mount Sterling, Kentucky cowboy was instrumental in helping develop many of today’s talented trainers. He also knew how to be a leader and dedicated his life to leading in his affiliate and on the NRHA Board of Directors, serving as President in 2005. During his tenure, NRHA saw its expansion accelerate in Europe. He also played a key role in establishing the RHF. He died just weeks before his Hall of Fame induction. His award was accepted by his wife, Gloria, and stepdaughter Gabriella “Boo” Kammerer.
The medallions for Hall of Fame inductees were provided with support from Frank and Susan Costantini, Markel Insurance, and Rick Clark with the goal of establishing a new tradition. Inductees are invited and encouraged to wear the medallions at future Hall of Fame ceremonies. Some of the inductees wore the medallions for their introduction during the CINCH Non Pro Futurity Finals on November 30th.
Gold Donors supporting the event include Tim and Kim Anderson, Booth Ranches LLC, Rick Clark, and Jack and Viola Scott. Silver Donors are Mark and Julie Blake, Double Run Farm, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Santa Hill Ranch, and an anonymous donor.
Hall of Fame inductees were able to attend through the support of Gold and Silver Donors and Hall of Fame Table Hosts. Attending or represented were: Bob Loomis, Bill Horn, Dick Pieper, Tim McQuay, Frank Costantini, Dick and Barb Waltenberry, Clint Haverty, Rocky Dare, Doug Milholland, Jim Morgan, DVM, American Quarter Horse Association, Mandy McCutcheon, Bob Kiser, Shawn Flarida, Carol Trimmer, Colleen McQuay, Don Motsenbocker, Rosanne Sternberg, and Vaughn Zimmerman. Hall of Fame horses represented during the ceremony included: Miss White Trash, Be Aech Enterprise, Hollywood Dun It, Gunner, Miss Okie Too, Topsail Whiz, Taris Little Vintage, Rest Stop, Collena Chic Olena, Smart Spook, Princess In Diamonds, Ebony Shines, and Magnum Chic Dream.
To make a donation to the Reining Horse Foundation and commit support for the next Sliders’ Night Out, visit reiningfoundation.com or call (405) 946-7400.
