RIVERSIDE — For almost two decades, the California Reining Horse Association has been the premier organization promoting reining in the Southern California region. Traditionally, they have closed out one season and ushered in the new one with the annual General Membership meeting and Awards Banquet. This year was no different. The Riverside Rancheros hosted the event Jan. 8 that not only presented the beautiful, coveted year end buckles, but heard plans for an amazing new season filled with dynamic programs and fun-filled events.
Tom Foran, the current president, guided the meeting which had close to 80 members in attendance. The goals he laid out for this year included expanding programs that promote new membership recruitment and reining at the grass roots with events like the March 17 Green As Grass clinic in Temecula at Green Oaks Ranch.
The CRHA’s flagship event, the Challenge Reining Show, was substantially improved this past year, and saw a dramatic rise in attendance due to the efforts of the past board of directors. Doug Porcello, “Dr. Dirt”, volunteered his time and equipment and ensured that everyone had the best ground possible on which to work their horses.
“We are committed to making the Challenge one of reining’s top events in the World,” said Foran. This year also will feature a “Reiner of the Year” program which is a handicapped event allowing Green As Grass riders to compete on equal footing against top Open competitors for the coveted title and trophy saddle. (See related article, Page 46.) More money will be added in the futurities and derbies and the club is looking at reinstating the Stallion Stakes Class in its Futurity.
Following the program, the Open Champion was immediate past CRHA president, Amy Walden, and her steed, Mr. Hollywood Whiz, owned by Kathie Thayer.
One group of classes that always sees the most competitors entered are the Rookie events. The Level One Champion was Cee Nita Hickory, owned and shown by Kathleen Stillman. The Reserve Champion, hailing from Santa Barbara, was Rex Ross riding his steady mount, Go For It Topsail. The Rookie Level Two was dominated by Sammie Jo Wurm, riding her great stallion, Dunit Cocky. On a side note, this nice horse sired one of the top five finishers in the NRHA Open Futurity. Right behind her was the ever competitive team of Denise Dente and her gelding, Crome Wheels. Scherry Richter, who rides down in San Diego, took the Championship in the Prime Time Rookie having shown Smart Buggins. Right behind her was board member Kathie Thayer and the ever talented Mr. Hollywood Whiz.
This past show season also saw some top youth come out and show their talents. The Champion in the Youth 13 and Under was Kristi Wiggins showing Lady Naskiia Whiz. The Champion in the Youth 14 thru 18 was Cassandra Stumbuk, riding Rock Dancer.
In the Green As Grass division, Jennifer Bubalo and Shiney Sugar Cody took home the big championship buckle. Right behind her was Sharon Gray and her mount, Buckaroos Starlight.
Doug Danner and his reiner, Gallo Del Seabreeze, dominated the Non Pro divisions. Together, they walked away with both the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro Championships.
The Novice Horse Non Pro saw Melissa Shanholtz, also driving up from the San Diego area, seize the Championship. Her consistent mount was Double R Cut. The team was guided by the talented eye of trainer Monica Albair.
The first jackpot reining of the year will be held on March 3 in Thousand Oaks at the Rocking K Stables.
More Online: http://www.calreining.com
January 26th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Warren and the staff of horsetrader,
This is great what you are doing for this organization! We so much appreciate your input, and value your opinion as it relates to horse events. Look forward to a great year with the HORSETRADER! Best publication ever!