2023 NRCHA Hall of Fame Inductees

The National Reined Cow Horse Association and the NRCHA Foundation will once again honor inductees at the Hall of Fame Banquet. The event will be Saturday, March 25, at the South Point Hotel & Casino during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes. Four honorees will be inducted to the Hall of Fame: Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson, and Randy Paul.

As the current Director of Judges for the NRCHA, Bill Enk of Paso Robles, California has over 50 years of experience judging Western performance disciplines. His dedication and passion for the judging program has undoubtably earned his spot into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. Enk was the key player in developing the cow work judge card into what it is today.

Smart Chic Olena has become a house hold name in the Western performance horse industry. Although his show career was primarily in the cutting and reining disciplines, his legacy as a sire in the reined cow horse has impacted the industry tremendously. In the show pen Smart Chic Olena earned over $167,000 in AQHA, NCHA, and NRHA and is the only horse to ever win an AQHA World Championship title in the Senior Reining and Senior Cutting. Smart Chic Olena is an NRCHA Three Million Dollar Sire and his legacy is proudly preserved by Trevor and Tiffiny Bond.

The three-time NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Non Pro Champion, Kathy Wilson, has had a life-long passion for reined cow horses. With over 45 years of competing in reined cow horse, Wilson amassed more than $323,000 in the show pen. Wilson has earned multiple NRCHA titles and competed at the industry’s notable events including Cow Palace, Salinas and the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity.

From an incredible show career to his artistic talents of bit making, Randy Paul of Sanger, California is an icon in the Western performance industry. Paul began in the cow horse at a young age before going to work for NRCHA Hall of Fame trainer Don Doge and Gary Bellenfant. Throughout his career he has surpassed $500,000 in NRCHA earnings, and earned multiple AQHA World titles, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider and the title of World’s Greatest Horseman in 2010 aboard Smokeelan.

“The growth and success of the NRCHA is largely due to contributions and passion our members have,” Emily Konkel, manager of operations, said. “Each of these inductees have had a significant impact on our association and we are proud to recognize them in this year’s induction class. We look forward to celebrating Bill Enk, Smart Chic Olena, Kathy Wilson and Randy Paul into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. The NRCHA is honored to be a part of their legacy.”

The NRCHA and NRCHA Foundation have partnered with western artist, Shannon Lawlor, to auction off an original painting that was specifically created for the NRCHA. This one-of-a-kind painting, “Jaquima” will be auctioned off live during the banquet in Las Vegas. All proceeds from the auction will benefit youth scholarship and educational opportunities.

The Hall of Fame Banquet will begin at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails followed by the ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is produced by the NRCHA Foundation which supports the reined cow horse community and honors the legacy of the reined cow horse sport through the enactment of charitable and educational programs. Tickets are available for purchase through NRCHA or the South Point Box Office.

Remembering Doc Blodgett

Friends, family, colleagues and equine community members are invited to celebrate the life of Dr. Glenn Paul Blodgett on Friday, April 21, 2023. The Celebration of Life event will take place at 2 p.m. in the Round Up Inn Room at Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibit Hall located in the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Dr. Blodgett passed away on November 20, 2022. The renowned veterinarian, AQHA past president and Four Sixes Ranch horse division manager of 40 years was an industry leader known for his passion for horses and his commitment to animal welfare. He earned the respect and admiration of all those who knew him.

Throughout his life, he made a significant impact on the equine industry, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come. He was a devoted husband, father and friend whose kindness, generosity and sense of humor touched the lives of countless people.

His Celebration of Life will be a special occasion for family, friends and colleagues to gather to pay their respects to Dr. Blodgett and witness his impactful work and relationships. The event will include speeches, music and a special tribute to his life and legacy. Attendees are encouraged to submit photos and memories prior to the event via the website link provided below.

The Round Up Inn Room at the Amon Carter Exhibit Hall was chosen as the location for the event because of its spacious facilities, which can accommodate a large number of guests. Will Rogers Memorial Center is a fitting location since Dr. Blodgett spent many days, over many years, participating in major equine industry events, fostering relationships and seeing his work come to life through the horses he envisioned, bred and developed.

The family of Dr. Blodgett would like to thank everyone for their kind words and condolences during the past four months since his death. They are grateful for the outpouring of support and love they have received and look forward to celebrating his life and legacy with everyone on April 21, 2023.