Duane Latimer, two time NRHA Derby ChampionPast AQHA Junior Reining World Champions, and Remin Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Sure Remedy), 2002 AQHA Junior Reining World Champions, firmly hold held onto first place and secured a spot in the Open Derby fFinals at the conclusion of the Open divisions go round.  Aboard the six- year- old stallion, owned by Lucy H. Van Swearingen of Richmond, TX, Duane slid to a 226.  The 2003 NRBC Open Champions, Dell Hendricks and Reminic N Dunnit (Hollywood Dun It x Reminic Chex Bar), owned by McQuay/Silva, stand in second place after having scored a 224.5.

 

Following the Opening Ceremonies and Freestyle DemonstrationsDemonstration, twenty-five of the industry’s top reining horses will fight for the championship title in the $80,000 added Open Derby and a guaranteed first prize pay check of $50,000..

 

Topping the Intermediate Open Division, with a score of 221, were Jason D. Grimshaw aboard Sparks Well Dun (Shining Spark x Oakwoods Jomar Dunit) owned by Sonja Myrstol of Bozeman, MT, and Jason Vanlandingham riding Gatolotto (Senor Peppy Gato x Lenas Shamrock) owned by Bob T. Earl and Timoomthy Rawlins of Redmond, OR.  The $15,000   Intermediate15,000 added Intermediate Open fFinals will be run concurrently with the Open Derby on Saturday night.

 

Jashon Grimshaw and Sparks Well Dun also took the lead in the Limited Open dDivision.  Second place honors went to Justanother Dun It ridden by Justin W. Mathison and Got The Remedy ridden by Todd Wright - each scored a 218.5.   Justanother Dun It, a four- year- old mare by Hollywood Dun It and out of Justa Spring Freckle, is owned by Service Electronics of Dallas,, TX, and Got The Remedy, a four- year- old stallion by Hickory Chic Olena and out of Sanjo Lady Remedy, is owned by Fred J. Musone of Tiverton, RI.  The fFinals of the $5,000 added Limited Open Derby will be held on Friday at 2 p.m., following the second annual National Collegiate Reining Championship in which twelve,  collegiansriders will compete on horses provided by NRHA members.  Each rider will have fifteen minutes on his or her new mount before walking into the show pen.  The National Collegiate Reining Championship is yet another program that the National Reining Horse Association supports in order toputs forth so as to promote its young riders.

 

NRHA members found time to get together at the General Membership Meeting. and  NRHA President Tom Sumpter welcomed everyone.   and the subjects dDiscussed were the Association’s Ffinancial Sstatus, Rrule cChange Pprocedures and the NRHA’s 2002 accomplishments.  There was an introduction of Officer Candidates and Tom Sumpter encouraged all members to attend the 2004 NRHA Convention, which will be once again held in Las Vegas.

 

Following the General Membership Meeting, the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) hosted a Ccocktail Pparty at the NRHA office.  President Frank Costantini introduced Erica Smiley, the RHSF Coordinator, Lindsay Williams, president of the NRHYA, Anne-Marie Burns, Foundation Treasurer and the Foundation’s Officers.  The purpose of the Cocktail was to honour those who made substantial donations to tThe Reining Horse Sports Foundation,  is a non-profit organization that promotes the history of our sport through the Hall of Fame and works to expand reining internationally.  The Foundation also supports educational, Youth and judging programs, as well as its Crisis Fund, established to assist those in need.  Donors were presented beautiful RHSF buckles, based on their level of donation.

 

The National Reining Horse Association is the worldwide governing body of reining, responsible for promoting the sport, working to insure the highest standards of competition.  With corporate support from Cinch, Saddlesmith, Profile Nutrition, Horse & Rider magazine, Markel Insurance, Pfizer Animal Health, Quarter Horse News, Kiser Arena Specialists, State Line Tack, Houston Embryo Transfer Center, Classic Equine, Bloomer Trailer Mfg., Cowboy Tack and John Vance Auto Group the NRHA continues to educate its members and the public about reining.