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NRCHA 2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED
The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is proud to welcome the inductees for 2024 NRCHA Hall of Fame class R. Mike Miller from Big Piney, Wyoming, Jody Gearhart of Tehachapi, California and the 1978 stallion Mister Tiv who was owned by Larry and Jody Gearhart. Additionally, the NRCHA will recognize Paul and Amy Bailey of Sparta, Tennessee, as Hall of Merit recipients and Gene Armstrong from Paso Robles, California as the 2024 Vaquero Award Recipient.
The NRCHA will recognize the induction class of 2024 at the Hall of Fame Banquet that was held on Friday, April 12, 2024, during the Teton Ridge Stallion Stakes at the South Point Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas.
Miller has been a NRCHA member since the late 1980s and has found himself to the winner’s circle earning more than $623,000. He has been a multiple finalist in both the Open and Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity®, along with making the finals at numerous other premier events, including the 1999 World’s Greatest Horseman Finals.
Gearhart has had a lifelong passion for the reined cow horse industry. For nearly 40 years Jody competed throughout the levels of the NRCHA. She is a three-time Non Pro Snaffle Bit Futurity® Champion; winning it on Peppy Smoke Bar Lady in 1987, then returning the next year to win it on Cash Little Lena in 1988 and in 1994 capturing her third title on Master Rani Chex.
Larry and Jody Gearhart’s Mister Tiv success in the reined cow horse was unmatched during his career in the show pen. The stallion by Johnny Tivio and out of the mare Night Mist by Midnight Third earned back to back titles in the Open Bridle Sweepstakes in 1986 and 1987, a feat that has only been accomplished by four other horses in the history of the event.
Paul and Amy Bailey have been involved in the NRCHA for nearly 30 years. Their love for the industry far extends outside of the show pen. Paul has served on the
many committees in the NRCHA including the Executive Committee and as the VicePresident. Both Paul and Amy have spent many years supporting the reined cow horse through their service, sponsors and passion for the sport.
The NRCHA Hall of Fame recognizes the people who represent the most impactful horsemen and women who have shaped the reined cow horse, along with the horses who have proven their merits over the years, through performance and progeny. The NRCHA Hall of Merit recognizes the people whose contributions outside of the arena have helped to guide and advance the sport of reined cow horse. For more information about the NRCHA Hall of Fame visit nrcha.com.
Each quarter, the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee approves applicants for the AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders program. The following ranches are now approved as AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeders: Diamond Bar Quarter Horses of Parade, South Dakota
