Deadline for nominees for the NRHA Hall of Fame, which includes human and horse members -- including Shining Spark -- is coming up fast. • Photo by Cappy Jackson

Deadline Approaching for NRHA Hall of Fame, Dale Wilkinson Award

Time is running out to nominate candidates for the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Fame and the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The NRHA Hall of Fame recognizes horses and people who have contributed to the advancement of the association. The Hall of Fame Committee will review applications. Nominations are voted on by the NRHA Board of Directors and previous Hall of Fame inductees.

For humans, voters will consider nominees that have contributed to the founding, growth or betterment of the NRHA. Candidates may also have a history of exemplary service and volunteerism to the NRHA, or a history of financial help, mentorship or leadership within the organization.

Horses will be evaluated on their entire show history and earnings, as well as the amount of enjoyment and excitement they provided to competitors and spectators. Equine candidates must be 15 years old or deceased.

A full listing of criteria is available by clicking here.

The Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes people and horses who have contributed significantly to the sport or the NRHA. Nominees also must have a personal passion for the sport and have impacted reining in a positive way. They do not need to be NRHA members, active or former competitors, owners or breeders.

Click here for a full list of criteria. Nomination forms for the Dale Wilkinson Award are available by clicking here.

The award is named in honor of Dale Wilkinson, a multiple NRHA Futurity champion remembered as the “father of reining.”

He was of the NRHA’s founding members, and an educator, promoter of the sport and mentor to reiners – professional and non-pro – on how competitors should conduct themselves, and train and exhibit a horse.

Last year’s awardee was Country music artist and reining enthusiast Lyle Lovett.

Applications for both the Hall of Fame and Dale Wilkinson Award are due to the NRHA by June 30. Visit the NRHA website or see nomination forms for more details.

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