NRHA press release by: Marie Klimova –The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby hosted the North America’s top collegiate riders in the NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship. The championship consisted of 12 riders: four from the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), four from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and four selected by NRHA.
One entry rose above the rest of the field to win the championship title: Mckenzie Lantz and Spook Goes Hollywood donated to the competition by Matthew Armenta. They marked a 148 for the win. Lantz will be a senior majoring in sports management at the University of Georgia this coming fall. A native of Fremont, Mich., Lantz represented NCEA in the Championship.
Rebekah Irish (University of Findlay) placed second in the championship scoring 146.0 with Brilliant Guns owned by Charley Thiel.
This year, the riders selected from the pool of collegiate NRHA members were Rebecca Murray (Texas A&M University), Lauren Tieche (University of Georgia), Jenna Blumer (Oklahoma State University), Austin Griffith (The Ohio State University).
The NCEA sent its top four reiners from the 2012-2013 season to the championship: McKenzie Lantz (University of Georgia), Katy Krshka (Oklahoma State University), Indy Roper (Auburn University) and Laura Dunlavy (South Dakota State University).
IHSA was represented by riders who placed in top four places in Open Reining at the IHSA Finals: Rebekah Irish (University of Findlay), Blair Childress (North Carolina State University), Leah DiGioia (State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill) and Caleb Roberts (Ohio University Southern).
NRHA and the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) would like to thank the following horse owners who donated their horses for the NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship:
- Matthew Armenta – Spook Goes Hollywood
- Charley Thiel – Brilliant Guns
- Brett Walters – Crank Up The Band
- Mindy Truex – Streakin Catalyst
- Clark Reining Horses, LLC – Rowdys Pistol
- Traci L McDavitt – Per Capita Chex
- Gina B Cherry – Jessiesstarlights
- Joey B Andrews, Donette Bammann – Smooth Talkin Dan
- Torpey Performance Horses – Wunder Bread
- Lipps Horse Training – “Joe”
- Frank Costantini – Wranglers Derby Dayz
- Bill (William M) Bradley – Squeeze Me Lightly
- Miller Wade Smith – Hickador
NRHA Derby Show Supporters
The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support of the NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show: Adequan, Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Boehringer Ingelheim, Classic Equine, Darling 888 Ranch, Downunder Horsemanship, Horse&Rider, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Miller International – Cinch / Cruel Girl, Montana Silversmiths, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pard’s Western Shop, Platinum Performance, Purina, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company, Silver Spurs Equine, SmartPak, Twister Trailer and World Development Group International.
In addition, NRHA thanks NRHA Derby Event Sponsors: Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Scott Cleaners, KO Trading, Sandbur Productions, LLC., Cool-A-Zone, The New West, Business Link, Fowler Dodge and Santa Hill Ranch.
To relive the highlights of the NRHA Derby Show, check out nrhaderby.com and visit NRHA on Facebook and Twitter. NRHA posted the top three runs of each day from the NRHA Open Derby and NRHA Non Pro Derby go-rounds and finals. Complete results for the NRHA Derby and ancillary classes can also be found at nrhaderby.com.
Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard setting body of 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.
