From releases and staff reports

RANCHO MURIETA—A memorable 2018 reining season was memorialized Jan. 19 when then West Coast Reining Horse Association held its year-end awards banquet at the Murieta Inn and Spa, the beautiful, new facility owned by Carol Ward, who owns the Murieta Equestrian Center.

David Hanson was master of ceremonies at the event, which included a silent auction that raised $7,500. In addition to awards presentations, the night included prestigious special awards like the Kathryn Cagle “Inspire-Me” Award, the WCRHA “Horseperson of the Year” and WCRHA “Horse of the Year”.

The Kathryn Cagle “Inspire-Me” award, dedicated to the spirit of longtime WCRHA member Kathryn Cage, was awarded to Dr. Robert Trigg McClellan. Dr. Trigg, an orthopedic surgeon at UC an Francisco and an WCRHA member, received an emotional introduction by Becky Hanson, pointing out Dr. Trigg’s selfless contribution to other WCRHA members—including her family. Trigg received a custom buckle and perpetual trophy.

The “Horseperson of the Year” was awarded to WCRHA’s NRHA million-dollar rider, Mike McEntire. McEntire was recognized not only for his generosity in helping other trainers and riders achieve their goals, but also for his achievement in the show pen. In 2018, he won the NRHA Prime Time Open Futurity and L3 Open Futurity, and he tied for fourth in the L4 Open Futurity. McEntire is also chairman of the NRHA judge’s committee and was instrumental in helping to prepare five WCRHA trainers to become judges in 2018. McEntire received a perpetual trophy that was generously donated by Dick Randall of Lost Trail Ranch.

The third special award, “Horse of the Year”, is awarded to those “war horses”, “steady-Eddys” or “packers” who are high-point year-end winners. This 2018 award was presented to Chics Dream, owned by Betty McHugh and ridden by both McHugh and Mike Boyle.

More online: http://bit.ly/902WCRHA