The NRHA is sliding into its 50th anniversary year in 2016.The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has more than one thing to celebrate as it enters 2016, its 50th anniversary year. From the first Futurity in 1966 and less than 100 members during the All American Quarter Horse Congress to celebrating the 50th running of the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City in 2015, the NRHA has crunched the numbers and is proud to announce several signs of growth in the sport of reining.
The NRHA ended 2015 with a tremendous growth in membership of 4.6 percent, totaling more than 15,300 members. NRHA records show that the last time membership exceeded this number was seven years ago, in 2008.
In addition to this jump in participation, the NRHA opened its doors to professionals with a fresh approach to their membership, also ending the year strong with more than 1,700 professional members. The NRHA is encouraging reining enthusiasts to visit nrha.com/findapro to make contact with a reining professional and get started in the sport. In addition and included in the total increase, the NRHA experienced a 50 percent increase in associate members, as well as an increase in youth and general members.
“The NRHA is healthy, strong and growing like I never would have imagined,” said NRHA President Rick Clark. “We have made several changes and experienced some growing pains, but the payoff has been tremendous. The 50th running of the Futurity was outstanding, and I see a brighter future for the NRHA as we run full steam ahead to our association’s 50 anniversary.”
The NRHA is heading into its 50th anniversary with the kickoff of a membership Winter Meeting Jan. 20-24 in Oklahoma City. All members are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions about the future of the NRHA. More information is available at nrha1.com/wintermeeting.
