Oklahoma City, OK – February 28, 2008 – In less than one month a popular program to benefit the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) begins across the nation and for the first time in Germany. The very first 2008 RHSF Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine of the year will be held March 29 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine is a one day event that gives rookies a chance to learn from reining horse trainers including many NRHA Professionals. The rookie riders are then given the chance to compete against the other rookies. During Rookie Day, beginning reiners learn the ins and outs of reining in a comfortable, relaxed setting that focuses on having fun. It’s designed for reining at the grassroots level and encourages new members to become more familiar with NRHA competition.
Rookie Day Coordinator Tracy Lynch said she’s amazed at the growing popularity of Rookie Day. “This is the seventh year we’ve held the RHSF Rookie Day. At the first Rookie Day, I had to “sell” the rookies on the idea so they would come and now I have rookie reiners calling me to sign up one year in advance and trainers also call me to find out how they can participate.” Lynch continued, “Last year we raised $25,000 for the RHSF Crisis Fund. This year, our goal is to raise $30,000. It all goes to a great cause.”
Each Rookie Day costs $175 for adults and $100 for youth riders. All proceeds from the RHSF Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine benefit the RHSF Crisis Fund. The Crisis Fund helps any NRHA member who has suffered a tragedy get back on their feet.
There will be lots of prizes awarded featuring custom belt buckles from Gist for the Champion and Reserve Champion and other awards from NRHA Corporate Partner Classic Equine as well as many donated by local businesses. There will also be special drawings throughout the day for all Rookie Day riders and at some locations a special class and awards for youth riders.
On March 29, Rookie Day heads to Scottsdale, AZ. Trainers include Matt Mills, Tracy Brumley, Al Kuenzli, Debbie Cooper, Ben Balow, Abby Cosenza and Dallas Wedel. For more information about the Scottsdale event, contact Tina Kuenzli at 480-678-5533.
Reiners who live in the Pueblo, CO, area are invited to attend Rookie Day on May 31. Trainers for this event include Steve Schwartzenberger, Shane Brown, Doug Hewlett, Danie Hewlett, Mark Guynn, Guy Vernon, Devin Warren, Dwayn Hoelscher and Chuck Nesmith. For more information contact Wendy Lind at 970-471-2789. A Youth class is also scheduled at this Rookie Day location.
On June 21, RHSF Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine will be held at a new location, Gowanda, NY. Trainers who have signed up include Rick Weaver, Bob Christy, Dana Van Alstine, Jerry Coleman, Tommy Milnes, Kelly Hedges, Brian Maxwell and Frank Schlossin. Please contact Frank Schlossin for more information at 716-652-1664.
Ardmore, OK, will be the site of a Rookie Day on July 12. Youth members are encouraged to attend because there will be a special Youth class at this location. Trainers in Ardmore include Clint Haverty, Ann Salmon, Tim Lynch, Kim Ferguson, Andy Johnson, Terri Fox and John Horn. Please contact Tracy Lynch at 580-277-9006 for more details.
Another Rookie Day will be held on July 20, in Woodside, CA. Trainers who have signed up to lend their expertise include Tracy Brumley, Tom Foran, Mike Berg, Kristi Berg and Kim Yancy. For those reiners who live in that vicinity and would like more information, contact Wendy Campbell at 760-933-2206.
For the first time, an RHSF Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine will be held in Frankfurt, Germany. Details on this event are still being worked out at this time.
Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine is a wonderful chance to meet other reiners, their families, NRHA Professionals and affiliates ready to welcome new reiners with open arms. Come experience the giving spirit of the NRHA family.
For more information about the RHSF and Rookie Day presented by Classic Equine, contact Heather Cline, RHSF Coordinator, at rhsf@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400 ext. 137 or you can visit www.reininghorsesportsfoundation.org.
