The National Reining Horse Association and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum have once again partnered to present the 2004 NRHA Vaquero Media Awards at the NRHA Futurity & Championship Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 

 

The Vaquero Media Awards were created to recognize those who have contributed substantially to the reining horse industry through the media. There are four categories:  Media Publication, Editorial, Electronic, and Behind the Scenes. 

 

The Vaquero “Media Publication” Award goes to Italy’s The Reiner and Quarterworld magazine. NRHA has experienced unparalleled growth in Europe.  The Reiner and Quarterworld’s coverage of Reining events is outstanding and has contributed greatly to the broadening appeal of the sport.  The enthusiasm that the publication’s staff has for Reining can be felt throughout the publication, undoubtedly sparking interest in the NRHA and the sport of Reining to their entire readership.  

 

The “Editorial” Award goes to Darrell Dodds, Editor/Associate Publisher of Horse & Rider magazine. Darrell’s communication skills as a photographer and editor are well known throughout the horse world.  His body of work not only educates, entertains, and informs, but also creates substantial interest for both NRHA and the sport of Reining. Horse & Rider magazine is enjoyed by a wide range of equine enthusiasts. For NRHA, this exposure to riders from other disciplines ensures continued growth within our association.  Darrell’s commitment to first-rate articles and photographs is greatly appreciated.

 

In the “Electronic” category, the Vaquero Media Award winner is America’s Horse Weekly - the e-mail newsletter of the AQHA.  Not only does this newsletter take advantage of new technology to connect with its members, but it also spreads the word about the sport of Reining while creating interest in a variety of equine and western lifestyle related subjects.  Editor Becky Newell is responsible for the content and the focus of each newsletter and, along with her staff, deserves the credit for its concept and design.

 

Finally, in the “Behind The Scenes” category, the Vaquero Media award goes to Chris Cook.  Chris is married to, and works closely with, last year’s recipient Jenifer Reynolds. Their Sandbur Video Productions exposes Reining and NRHA to new audiences through their high energy, dynamic promotional materials that celebrate the sport.  Chris has been instrumental behind the scenes in producing numerous NRHA promotional videos and commercials, undoubtedly creating interest for both NRHA and sport of Reining.

 

Vaquero Media Award recipients will receive a National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum commissioned Bristol pewter reproduction of Charles Russell’s “Bronco Twister” during the National Reining Horse Association’s ‘Gathering of Legends’ reception to be held on Friday, December 3rd at noon at the NRHA office in Oklahoma City.  In addition, the FEI World Reining Masters Champions (Open and Restricted) will each receive one of these distinctive pewters on Thursday, December 2^nd.

 

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is dedicated to the preservation of the American West while Reining celebrates the traditional western riding skills of the cowboy and his working horse. The Museum and the NRHA have joined to reward those who, through the use of media, inform, celebrate, and educate about the partnership between horse and rider.

 

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is one of the most unique museums in the world, dedicated to the history and art of the American West. A variety of galleries and exhibits represent an unparalleled range of western art and memorabilia. Special exhibits feature outstanding western individuals from rodeo stars to Hollywood actors. The museum regularly attracts a national audience through events such as the Western Heritage Awards and Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale, as well as special events like the Chuck Wagon Gathering and National Children’s Cowboy Festival.