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Mike Carrier was named the 2020 recipient of the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award. • Photo courtesy of NRHA.

Oklahoma City Official Wins NRHA’s Dale Wilkinson Award

An Oklahoma City business official has been named the 2020 recipient of the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award. The NCHA Foundation announced this year’s recipient was Mike Carrier, the president of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In a statement announcing his selection, the NRHA cited Carrier’s impact on reining, passion for the sport and record for drawing people to the industry. The NRHA’s corporate headquarters is located in Oklahoma City, and both it’s Derby and Futurity shows are held in the city.

Mike Carrier’s Impact on Reining

“Mike is not a reiner, doesn’t own horses, and only recently got a really great hat, but he has been a champion of the association as a whole,” the statement said. “As President of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Mike promoted both NRHA and the reining horse.”

The NRHA said Carrier was always a loyal advocate to the organization, and understood the importance and impact of reining to Oklahoma Citya nd the entire equine community.

“He was instrumental in helping secure the new Coliseum to be built at State Fair Park, and several years ago, recognized NRHA as a “Hometown Hero,” an award proudly displayed in the NRHA Office,” the statement said. “Most recently, Mike was vital in conversations with the city and Mayor David Holt regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and pushing for NRHA to be able to hold the 2020 NRHA Derby. “

Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award

The Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes those who have made a lasting and significant impact on the NRHA or the sport of reining as a whole. Recipients must have demonstrated a lasting significant impact on the sport, irrespective of any personal gain to themselves, and must have shown a passion for the sport.

Recent past winners of the Dale Wilkinson award include horse owner and breeder David Silva, Sr., and singer-songwriter and reining enthusiast Lyle Lovett.