Oklahoma City, OK – October 13, 2008 - The National Reining Horse Association Board of Directors recently approved two recipients for the 2009 NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award.  The formal award presentations will take place at the 2009 NRHA Convention during the annual Awards Banquet scheduled for January 31, 2009, in Oklahoma City.

Don Burt, Portuguese Ben, CA – Don Burt’s enthusiasm and passion for the western disciplines and the sport of Reining in particular is well known in the performance horse community. He’s been vocal in his belief that Reining was the ideal western sport to be on top of the Olympic podium one day.  He’s been hard-working, diligent, and focused on his goal to see reiners competing and medaling in the Olympics. Burt was undeniably instrumental in the acceptance of the sport of Reining by the international horse community – USET, FEI and USEF.

NRHA Hall of Fame member and Executive Board member Frank Costantini recalls, “Don Burt was tireless in his work to promote the sport of Reining.  He was equally at home with trainers or members of the Royal Family.  His goal was to promote a western discipline and Reining was the one he chose.”

Don Hotz – Don Hotz was the Oklahoma State Fair General Manager for many years.  Hotz was also a valuable friend to NRHA and the sport of Reining. He helped negotiate and was instrumental in the NRHA Office moving to Oklahoma City in 1998.  Hotz interceded with the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau on NRHA’s behalf to help procure assistance and financial contributions to help support the NRHA Derby and NRHA Futurity – simply he was a champion of NRHA of moving the Derby, Futurity, and office to OKC.

“When the NRHA Derby needed a new home, I can’t remember what year, we negotiated an agreement over the phone and as always his word was his bond and the Derby moved to Oklahoma City.  His dream was to have an international event in Oklahoma City and we have provided one in the World Reining Masters,” says Costantini.

The 2008 FEI World Reining Masters will be held during the 2008 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship on Thursday evening, December 4, 2008, at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK.  For ticket information go to www.nrha.com or contact the International Headquarters of NRHA at 405-946-7400.

The Reining Horse Sports Foundation provides financial support for the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Awards.

For information on the NRHA, the RHSF, the NRHA Lifetime Achievement Awards, the 2009 FEI World Reining Masters, or the 2009 NRHA Convention go to www.nrha.com or call the NRHA office at 405-946-7400.