Through the hard work of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, and the NCAA Varsity equestrian, the 2008 NRHA Derby was host to the Collegiate Reining Championships in Oklahoma City, OK, on June 28 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park.

Taking top honors was Leah Kuehn from Oklahoma State University. She rode Double Run Farm’s Pretty Nifty Dun to an impressive score of 220. Ohio State University’s Keith Ceddia and BR China Rose finished second in the class with a 219. BR China Rose is owned by Patricia Blakeney Creson. In third place was Lyndsey Jordan of Auburn University with a 218.5. She rode Mark Rafacz’s Shootin Taw. University of Findlay’s Ryan Sims scored a 218 aboard Charity Smith’s Our Susie Seeker. Kuehn’s teammate, Rachell Shobe, rode Errol Thomas’ Quixote Joe to fifth place with a score of 216.

The students qualified for the competition through their college and through NRHA accomplishments. The class is unique in the fact the riders rode horses that were unfamiliar to them, and only had a short period of time to ride them before the competition began. They were only given five minutes to warm up the horses prior to competing. The students were judged on their ability to show these reining horses and perform the required maneuvers of the given reining pattern. The riders were given and/or deducted points based on their performance of each maneuver. Those in attendance witnessed the nation’s finest collegiate riders in the “ultimate catch ride" situation.

The horses were supplied by NRHA riders, owners, and trainers who believe in promoting the sport of reining to college-age competitors. Without their support, the contest could not be held and the students would not be given this great learning experience.

With more than one-half million dollars awarded, the NRHA Derby runs for one week each summer in Oklahoma City and showcases the world’s best four-, five- and six-year-old reining horses. A family of corporate partners and derby sponsors make this major international reining event possible.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs, and family of corporate partners, visit www.NRHA.com.