The National Versatility Ranch
Horse Association (NVRHA) caps off its inaugural year with
the first-ever NVRHA National Finals competition and celebration
Sept. 26-28, 2008 in Colorado Springs, Colorado at the Norris-Penrose
Event Center (1045 West Rio Grande Street).
All riders who competed in at least one other
NVRHA event in 2008 are eligible to compete in the official
NVRHA Finals September 27 and 28 may win trophy saddles, buckles,
and blankets. The Finals Weekend also includes breed approved
competitions and an open Stakes Competition to identify "The
World’s Greatest Versatility Ranch Horse”. Sunday's classes
are open to any rider on any horse of any breed who would
like to claim "braggin' rights" as "The World's
Greatest Versatility Ranch Horse." A $5,000 purse will
be awarded to the top horses/riders. On Friday, September
26 competition is open to AQHA, APHA, PtHA and ApHC riders.
If you're interested in finding out more about
the versatility competition or you're ready to compete, join
the NVRHA members at the Norris-Penrose Event Center for an
Ice Breaker party. You'll get to know the people of NVRHA
and have fun in a relaxed setting. Then watch or join in the
competition first thing Friday morning when judge John Abrams
critiques riders on mounts from various breeds as they compete
in the five NVRHA events. Competitors begin by showing off
their Ranch Cutting skills then move on to Ranch Working,
Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail and Ranch Conformation event classes.
In the early afternoon, the NVRHA Yearling Futurity class
competitors show off their young prospects. At 6:30 pm, NVRHA
members and competitors head to the Flying W Ranch for dinner
and entertainment ($20 tickets required and available at the
door).
On Saturday, September 27, John Abrams and
Terry Wegener begin the NVRHA Finals by judging members who
have qualified by competing in other NVRHA events held during
the inaugural year. The day starts with Ranch Conformation,
Ranch Riding and Ranch Cutting then Ranch Trail and Working
Ranch Horse after lunch. After the competition day ends (approximately
4:00 pm), the festivities begin with a 5:30 pm Cocktail Party
at the Norris-Penrose Event Center Banquet Room and the NVRHA
Inaugural Banquet, Awards Ceremony and Live Auction at 7 pm.
An original oil painting by Rudl Mergellman and many other
items such as NVRHA Buckles, lesson packages, training DVDs,
dinners and gift baskets will be at auction during the celebration.
On Sunday, the NVRHA Competitions will be
completed concurrently with the Open Competition for the "World's
Greatest Versatility Ranch Horse”. The day will end with an
award ceremony for NVRHA Finals winners and the crowning of
the "World's Greatest Versatility Ranch Horse".
NVRHA President Dave Currin is thrilled with
the association's fast growth during the inaugural year. "We
already have near 200 members-and events scheduled or being
planned in 17 states," he says. "Our first-ever
National Finals will be a world class event built to ensure
the future of the greatest horse on earth-the American ranch
horse, the legend."
Entry fees range from $200 to $300 depending
upon the competition. Friday's dinner at the Flying W Ranch
is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for children ages
6 to 12. Guests may also attend the NVRHA Inaugural Banquet
on Saturday Night. Find out more information by downloading
event fliers at http://nvrha.org
click on the "Regional/National Finals" link.
For more information or photos, please contact
Dave Currin, NVRHA President, at (719) 487-9014 or via email
at nvrha@wholepicture.org.
Please visit www.nvrha.org
for updates and news.
About the NVRHA
NVRHA combines the excitement of five events
in one sport: working ranch horse (combining reining, working
cow horse and roping disciplines), ranch riding, ranch cutting,
ranch trail, and ranch conformation. While seeking excitement
and fun with horses and education and friendliness among horsemen,
the association seeks to promote the all-around, ranch horse.
This is the horse of western legend-the horse that can do
any job and be a trusted partner in the cowboy way of life.
If you're ready to get off the rail and see
what you and your horse can do, check out the NVRHA clinics
near you. Before each NVRHA competition, you'll be guided
through the competition events by qualified clinicians-helping
you understand each of the 5 different sports that make up
NVRHA competitions. Whether you're a new rider and new to
any ranch-horse work or you and your horse have competed in
events such as reining or competitive trail, you'll find challenge
and fun at NVRHA events.
The NVRHA's involvement with ranches and ranch-horse
breeding programs ensures that the sport's focus will stay
true to traditional ranching culture. It's time to ride the
legend. Find the NVRHA event closest to you at http://nvrha.org
If you'd like the NVRHA to expand to your
area or would like information about covering a NVRHA event,
contact nvrha@wholepicture.org
or call 719-487-9014. Press passes to the National Finals
are now available.
