Montana Reining Horse Association (MRHA)
Membership
Annual memberships run from January - December
Membership entitles you and listed family members to show in MRHA approved reinings, to compete for year-end awards in MRHA, to receive The Wrangler Newsletter, and to promote the sport of reining in Montana. Download MRHA membership By-laws (pdf).
Annual Dues:
$30 Single
$40 Family
$30 Owner(s) – This category is for horse owners who do not show but want to enter their horses in MRHA classes. There can be multiple members for one fee.
Download Membership Application (doc or pdf)
Make your check or money order payable to MRHA. Send application and dues to:
MRHA, Lori Waters, PO Box 681, Livingston, MT 59047
Email for questions.
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MRHA HUNGRY HORSE SUMMER SLIDE MAY 22 - 25, 2008
by Wendy Deans
The third show of the season offered by the Montana Reining Horse Association, the Hungry Horse Summer Slide and Derby, was held at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell May 22-25. With over $34,000 in added money, this show attracted folks from far and wide. In addition to the Open and Non Pro Derby offered there was a 4 year old Open and Non Pro Maturity. And there was an entire day of “club classes” offered on Thursday to help prepare for the rest of the show which included a full slate of ancillary classes. The judges officiating the show were Marc Wagman, Jordan Larson and Winona Walker.
As is the norm for Memorial Day weekend and certainly the norm for 2008, the weather was “coolish” on Thursday and proceeded to improve through the weekend. The regional riders were unfazed by the temperatures, but one of our southern judges didn’t mind one bit when hand and toe warmers were offered.
Riders all took advantage of the new video review offered by Raindancer Video. The time delayed video display has been a great addition to their services with riders being able to review their run after they exit the show pen. Thanks to Dan and Rainy Browning for offering this new feature.
Phil and Donna Harris of Rivers Edge Performance Horses in Kalispell sponsored a delicious supper on Friday night before and during the Non Pro Derby. Chef Ryan prepared a special marinated tri-tip steak, chicken breasts and all the home made fixins you could ask for. Thanks to Phil and Donna for taking such good care of all of us.
A few special awards were given out during the show. One was the Mike Allison award given to the winner of the Two Handed Rookie class. Sandy Hovey from Canada was the winner of the plaque made by CR Morrison Specialties.
Mike Carlson, our tireless drag master won the Tractor driving award. Mike worked that ground till it was as sweet as could be. Every rider was grateful for his day and night efforts.
The Non Pro Derby and Maturity was held Friday night. George Stone had a beautiful run scoring a 145 on Mr Jacs Enterprise to win the Non Pro Derby. The Limited Non Pro Derby Champion was Royal Worbets from British Columbia riding Nickerific. The Non Pro and Limited Non Pro Maturity were both won by Katheryn Smith riding West Slope Whiz.
Saturday night was the Open Derby and Maturity with Jarvis Anderson winning the Derby on the classy six year old stallion, Bay Shine, owned by Robin and Steve Aaker. With perfect build to gorgeous stops, the pair scored a 146 to win the $9000 added Lawson class. Reserve champion Shawna Sapergia tied herself with a 145 1/2 on Got Bling Bling and It’s Wimpys Turn both owned by Outrider Ranch Ltd of Calgary, Alberta. The Limited Open Derby was won by Magen Shea riding Smart Like Jazz owned by G. Patrick and Theresa Shea.
The Open Maturity was won by Shawna Sapergia riding It’s Wimpys Turn owned by Outrider Ranch Ltd. Meaghan Shea was the Limited Open Maturity champion riding West Slope Whiz owned by John and Vivian Morgan.
The Non Pro and Prime Time Non Pro ancillary class champion was Cheryl Ashe riding Great Turn N Pine. The Intermediate Non Pro champion was Linda Hahn riding Wright On Broadway. The Limited Non Pro resulted in
co-champions Lori Waters on This Whiz It and Linda Hahn on Wright On Broadway. There was a tie in the Novice Horse Non Pro between Lori Waters on This Whiz It and Carol Sue Chudy on Ritzy Red Pine with Lori choosing to not do a run off making Carol Sue Chudy the champion and Lori reserve champion.
The Rookie Professional champion was Valerie Siegel riding Taris Whiz Key for owner Jim Gelhaus of Brackett Creek Quarter Horses. The Novice Horse Open champion was Jay Dee Anderson riding Pleasorima for owner Becky Melzer.
The Open champion was Shawna Sapergia riding Ima Docs High Sign owned by William Cookshaw from Alberta, Canada. Reserve champion was Jarvis Anderson riding Hercs Midnite Roost owned by Jim Gelhaus. Intermediate Open champion was Theresa Manzella owner/rider of Whizdom. Limited Open champion was Dave Leithead riding LC Spinnin Chic.
The NRHA Youth 13 and Under champion was Secora Richardson riding Cutters Smart Chic. The NRHA Youth 14 - 18 champion was Savannah Smith on Forest Cabin Cowboy. The NRHA Rookie champion was Sandra Hovey riding Salanos Chicasan. The NRHA Prime Time Rookie champion was Michael Irvin riding Don’t Badger Jesse.
An extra special thanks to our sponsors who make the show possible. And to our judges, Marc Wagman, Jordan Larson, Winona Walker, our scribes Iola Mason. Nanette Till, Mira Williams and Becky Melzer, our show producers Jim and Sharon Gelhaus, our show manager Wendy Deans, our announcer Julie Lazaro and her assistant Gerty Peterson, show secretary Amanda and Dana Brumley, our drag-master Mike Carlson, our gate helpers Pat Gervais, Billi Heigh, Mary Dunkel, Secora Richardson, Linda Hahn, Katie Gulickson and Chandra Morris, our videographers Dan and Rainy Browning of Raindancer Video and our photographer Caleb Tipton.