Anyone who's competed at an NRHA event can attest that the show management, judges and stewards take the rules seriously. Though procedures like pre- and post-checks, NRHA officials strive to keep every horse and rider legal and safe while they're competing. These checks at every reining show allow a carded equipment judge to check each … Continue reading Judge’s Chair: Pre- and Post-Checks at the Arena
NRHA Reiner
The Loss of a Mentor: Carol Trimmer
While I was on my way to a Turf Publicists of America meeting in Lexington, Ky., I received word that Carol Trimmer, former editor of the NRHA Reiner magazine, had passed. it was like someone punched me in the stomach out of the blue. In a time when I felt lost after completing my internship … Continue reading The Loss of a Mentor: Carol Trimmer
Andrea Fappani – Getting the Most From Your Horse
(From the January 2017 Reiner Magazine) The surprise wasn't really that Andrea Fappani had won the Lucas Oil NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity, but the surprise was what horse he won it on, and how he did it. Spooky Whiz joined the Fappani training barn at the end of his 2-year-old year after Fappani purchased … Continue reading Andrea Fappani – Getting the Most From Your Horse
The Importance of Balance in Reining Horses
While I lived in Lexington, I had the privilege of getting to work with leaders in the equine health industry in many facets. I've always enjoyed talking with Stuart Muir, resident farrier at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Stuart is a wealth of information when it comes to the horse's hoof, so when he knows … Continue reading The Importance of Balance in Reining Horses
Getting the Most from Your Horse
I just returned from a trip to Oklahoma City for the 2017 NRHA Derby, the aged event that celebrates 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old reining horses. It's always fun to see the horses that competed in the prior year's Futurity, as well as returning Futurity champions all in one building. I'll post some photos from my … Continue reading Getting the Most from Your Horse
America’s Horse: Smokey the Pony
This time last year an equine star was born...and we're not talking about American Pharoah. Â Instead, we're talking about his track pony, Smokey, the buckskin Quarter Horse with a golden, dappled coat and the demeanor that drew crowds to him. I got to know more about "Smokey the Pony" when I wrote a profile piece … Continue reading America’s Horse: Smokey the Pony
Breeding: Reproducing Greatness with a Little Help
Every winter stallions enter breeding sheds across the country with owners’ hopes of producing the next Spooks Gotta Whiz, HF Mobster, or Wimpys Little Step. Eleven months later mare owners wait with baited breath to see what possibly months or years of plan- ning has produced. Four long legs, a fluffy mane and tail, and … Continue reading Breeding: Reproducing Greatness with a Little Help
