The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) goes “Down Under” as Australia commits to join the International Affiliate Program (IAP) in 2007. This important step was completed under the leadership of NRHA Vice President, Dr. Kim Sloan. Sloan attended the NRHA of Australia’s General Membership meeting in July. He was instrumental and part of another NRHA ‘history-in-the-making’ moment when the NRHA of Australia voted to join the NRHA International Affiliate Program (IAP) in 2007.
NRHA of Australia Vice President Samantha Smith issued this statement after the vote, During the 2006 Australian Reining Horse Association Annual General Meeting, the prospect of joining the International Affiliate Program was discussed. The meeting proved to be informative, professional and provided ample time for member participation and question time. Dr Sloan provided members with crucial information on the International direction that is anticipated for Australian Reining.
Members voted in favour of joining the program with an overwhelming yes vote. We hope that the momentum of this International association is continued, and that Australian Reining can quickly take its place along side the rest of the world. The benefits of this affiliation will be felt in all aspects of Reining, from breeding and sales, to stud exposure and hopefully international competition and recognition.
Among NRHA of Australia’s future plans is a 2007 Continental Championship. “A Continental Championship will be an enormous milestone, not only for NRHA of Australia but for NRHA and the sport worldwide. It will help in establishing universality for the sport, one of the FEI Reining Committee’s goals toward Olympic approval for the sport. To promote the development of Reining at the grassroots level, we hope to create more Continental Championships similar to the European and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships. “This is an ambitious goal for 2007 but we believe it is certainly achievable due to the overwhelming determination and support of the NRHA of Australia.,” stated NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall.
NRHA of Australia members have always been strong supporters of the sport of Reining, as evidenced by their hosting and participation in the Reining Demonstration at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. A Continental Championship will further establish them as leaders of the sport worldwide.
NRHA of Australia, among other NRHA Affiliates, realized that the reasons to participate in the IAP are significant. First an Affiliate must have achieved National Association Affiliate (NAA) status and only then may they join the NRHA International Affiliate Program. Each Affiliate will be recognized as the organization to provide governance and leadership for the sport of Reining on a national level within that country, which includes adjudication of all protests and recommendation on all show approvals within their respective country. In return, NRHA provides financial support via a rebate for each member in their country that has an NRHA membership. In addition, 50% of all show fees will be refunded to the National Association Affiliate for every show that is NRHA approved and held either inside the country’s geographic border or run under the auspices of that National Association Affiliate.
More information on the NRHA Affiliate programs can be found at www.nrha.com or through Debbie Drinko, Sr. Director of Affiliates and Alliances, ddrinko@nrha.com.
