NRCHA President’s Letter

Corey Cushing, NRCHA president

RAISING THE NEXT RIDERS

Youth activities, for all ages, only benefit our industry.

As we launch into another National Reined Cow Horse Association show year, I can’t help but look back at last year and wonder how we top it. From my viewpoint, we had a great year, and that isn’t only because of success in the show pen. My family enjoyed the NRCHA premier events more than ever!

We’ve always had a strong membership in the National Reined Cow Horse Youth Association, and this year there was a record-high participation in the National High School Rodeo Association cow horse class. But those involved in planning these young youth activities understand this is where our growth comes from. Kids too young to show yet took part in our shows, and that will inevitably cause growth in the Youth division.

Starting with the DT Horses Western Derby in Scottsdale, we really saw more involvement from Elizabeth Ellis and the NRCHA office in making sure our shows were fun for everyone. With help and coordination from Kristen Cushing and Chelsea Edsall, a number of great events brought kids into our reined cow horse family as they made signs to cheer people on, participated in scavenger hunts, took part in treat breaks like at the Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™, and at the Snaffle Bit Futurity®, the youth activities took on a new life, with something new and great every day. Believe me, my kids were thrilled and while it cost me some sleep every night because they had so much to tell me about what they did every day, it was more than worth it to hear about their new friendships in our sport!

The kids are looking forward to coming to the shows, interacting with everyone, including the office staff. They’re comfortable asking questions and seeing smiling faces that want to visit with them, which sets up a great relationship going down the road. They’re building bonds and developing friendships that will last, strengthening the bonds of our reined cow horse family.

Thank you to Elizabeth, Kristen, Chelsea and our generous sponsors and youth parents that supported the NRCHA’s efforts to do more, starting with the leadline class now offered at our premier events. Thank you to DT Horses for conducting a roping school, and SJ Ranch for providing a larger purse to the Youth riders in Scottsdale. The array of activities sponsored by Bet He Sparks’ owners, Kathryn and Layne Phillips, and the Youth Activities Center, sponsored by Terri and Joe Carter, made the Snaffle Bit Futurity more than memorable. All of the help and support created memories that will last for these kids. We can’t tell you, as parents, what that means to us. Just like us in the arena, these kids can’t wait for the next show!

Corey Cushing