| For youth riders who love reining or youngsters who simply want to try the event and for proud parents and grandparents, Tulsa is the place to be in August. Youth Special Events at the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic were debuted last year to encourage youth participation in the sport through a smorgasbord of fun activities and competition.
Event organizer Jeanna Schaffhauser noted, “As a parent, I believe horses teach responsibility, compassion, and determination. I feel very blessed to be able to share this industry with my family. The Youth events at the ATRC are so rewarding to produce. If we succeed at teaching the Youth both inside the Reining industry and in our communities to love horses and enjoy our sport, we can insure reining’s future growth.”‘
Tulsa youth action begins on Friday, August 30, with the ATRC Youth Evening featuring the Lead Line Reining and Youth Freestyle. The Leadline Reining is pure fun for the little ones, and all the entries receive great prizes upon completion of the class. In the Youth Freestyle, a combination of music and creativity translates to entertainment for spectators of all ages.
Saturday, along with competing in the National Reining Horse Youth Association and USA Reining Youth classes, kids can attend the National Reining Horse Youth Association meeting. Hosted by the Oklahoma Youth Reining Horse Association, the meeting will offer attendees the opportunity to hear speeches from their NRHyA regional delegate candidates and to cast their votes. It’s not all business for this gathering, though. Back by popular demand, OKyRHA will offer a scavenger hunt and other fun team-building games.
A highlight on Saturday, the Youth Reining Horsemanship Clinic will be taught by multiple world champion Kathy Krshka. Krshka is an Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team member and four-time All-American Athlete. Free of charge to auditors and of minimal cost to participants, the clinic is a hands-on personalized forum for learning. Following the clinic, participants are encouraged to participate in the Youth Reining Horsemanship class, which is judged on horsemanship skills rather than horse maneuvers, unlike traditional reining classes.
That class is followed by the Short Stirrup class and a circuit championship buckle sponsored by Steve and Rita Harris will be awarded to the high-point winner of the Short Stirrup 11 & Under class for the show.
From the beginning in 2012, Youth Special Events at the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic have aimed for a combination of fun and education. The first-in-the-industry Youth Reining Horsemanship Clinic and Class provided exactly that, while the Youth Freestyle Reining allowed exhibitors and spectators alike to let loose and enjoy the sport and the horses. In the Youth Leadline Reining, the interest of youngsters was sparked and the hearts of observers were won. With improved scheduling planned for 2013, even more Youth are expected to attend and participate in the activities offered.
For information on the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, visit www.tulsareining.com or call (870) 219-2993. |
