June 23, 2018 – Oklahoma City – Before the beginning of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Western National Finals, hosted during the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby, contestants, families and trainers came to the NRHA office for food, inflatables, roping and more!
To kick off the night, NRHA held a Judging Fundamentals meeting. During the meeting, NRHA Professional, Judge and Youth Committee Chair, Brett Walters, discussed exactly how maneuvers during a reining run would be scored by judges. Walters utilized the new NRHA Maneuver Standards dvd to walk students through a live look from a judge’s chair. During the seminar, he also discussed what judges want to see in order to award points. Additionally, Walters gave the contestants advice on how improve their reining skills and be better horseman.
Immediately following the judging fundamentals meeting, the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) hosted a fiesta themed party to welcome IEA to the 2018 NRHA Derby. There were many activities for the contestants, families and trainers to enjoy – ending in a night full of excitement! NRHyA had a mechanical bull, inflatable obstacle course, water slides, volleyball, sidewalk games, roping, a taco truck and ice cream. The party was well-attended and a great way to kick off the IEA Western National Finals!
During the NRHA Derby, the world’s best 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old reining horses and competitors come to Oklahoma City to compete for an estimated total purse and cash prizes of more than $1 million. For more information on schedules, live video coverage, hotel accommodations, sponsors and more visit nrhaderby.com.
NRHA Press Release
