Oklahoma City, OK – February 8, 2008- In 2007, the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA) initiated a new program to promote leadership and civic responsibility among its youth members. The Varsity Reining Club was established to engage youth members and encourage them to become more active at both the local and national levels. This program offers NRHyA members opportunities to contribute to their association in addition to developing valuable life skills preparing them to be successful, contributing members of society.

Youth members are awarded points, separate from NRHA youth competition points, by doing any combination of projects listed at www.nrhya.com. As members accumulate points they advance through the different levels; as each level is obtained they are rewarded and recognized for their contributions.

The Club’s most prestigious award is the “Youth of the Year,” which is presented to the youth member who obtains the most points throughout the year. This individual receives a $1,000 scholarship, custom belt buckle, jacket and a Varsity Reining Club certificate of achievement.

Christi Gordon, age 14, of Evergreen, Colorado, is the first-ever recipient of this award. The oldest of three, it’s certain that she is setting a good example for her younger siblings as she is an accomplished classical pianist, has her own art business, “Custom Horse Portraits,” and has held many leadership positions. Gordon served three years as a national director for the American Junior Paint Horse Association and now serves as a Regional Delegate for the NRHyA, representing the Mountain Region. She is also accomplished in the show arena having won a silver medal in the APHA World Games in 2006, and was reserve champion year-end over all 13 and under for the Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association.

Gordon was honored for her achievements at the 2008 NRHA Convention and Awards Banquet. Gordon’s commitment to her community, the horse industry and the sport of Reining makes her most deserving of this award.

For more information on the National Reining Horse Youth Association’s Varsity Reining Club, please visit www.nrhya.com, or contact Supervisor of Youth Programs, Mandy Kennedy at mkennedy@nrha.com.