The Youth are a vital part of our organization, and we welcome their input and participation in RMRHA shows, clinics and events. One of the ways we support the young reiners in our association is through the RMRHA Youth Scholarship. Please click here to view an application for the scholarship program.

. Youth News .
RMRHA Scholarships: RMRHA is offering two $1,000 scholarships for the 2010-2011 school year. Applications are due June 1, 2010. Please contact Chad Hartmann if you have questions or need guidance on the application process.

Fundraisers: It was decided that four main fundraisers will occur throughout this year.  As the youth fundraisers for 2010, chocolate bars with the RMRHyA logo will be sold, as well as the second annual Youth Silent Auction and the third annual “Art of Reining” youth art contest occurring at the 2010 RMRHA Summer Slide.  The dunking booth is also planned to be held at the RMRHA Summer Slide this year, as the fourth fundraiser.

With regard to the “Art of Reining”, one major change will occur during 2010.  All artwork must be submitted by July 15, 2010.  Please review the information on the Entry Form for complete rules and other important updated information.

NRHyA Regional Clinic: The NRHyA Mountain Regional Clinic is coming to Skyline Ranch in Carbondale, CO July 24-25, 2010. The proceeds from this clinic benefit the NRHyA programs. This year's clinician is Casey Hinton. The clinics are designed to help anyone who is interested in learning more about reining horses, the Reining business and the NRHA. The one-on-one training that participants receive is tailored to each individual’s needs. Every clinic consists of two one-day clinics giving participants the opportunity to attend either or both days as they prefer. Please see the attached press release and flyer for more information. Contact Brian Bendele at NRHA (405-946-7400 ext. 130 or bbendele@nrha.com) to reserve your spot or if you have questions.

Skold Signs with Texas A&M. Texas A&M has recruited Ashley Skold to ride on their National Championship Varsity Equestrian Team. She was one of their top picks for the reining portion of their team. She will be receiving a 5 year scholarship to their school. “I am very excited to be on such a great equestrian team, 7 out of 10 national titles to their credit. Tana Mckay, the head coach, will be great to work with. I worked so long and hard to try and get there, and I made it!” says Ashley.

Amy Stoney, an avid reiner and photographer from McClave, CO, is 13 years old and was recently chosen by the RMRHyA Board to be the first ever "Youth Photographer". Through photographs taken at 2010 RMRHA shows, Amy will visualize the RMRHyA events and fundraisers. Amy's photography webpage, www.amystoney.com, reveals her one of a kind talent in photography.

Spencer Signs with TCU. TCU announced the signing of four new members of the equestrian team with National Letters of Intent. RMRHA member, Devin Spencer of Evergreen, CO is among the early signers. TCU Equestrian Coach Gary Reynolds says “We are fortunate to get such a talented group of athletes during the early signing period.”, also saying “Devin Spencer will be a great addition to our Reining team”. Spencer qualified for the USEF National Youth Reining Championships in 2009 as an individual, and recently received a bronze medal at the 2009 USEF Youth Reining Championships and was a finalist at the 2009 NRHA Derby.

Youth Elections: The RMRHyA conducted their elections via mail. Congratulations to the new 2010 officers: Christi Gordon, President; Marie Carrothers, Vice President; Rylee Justus, Secretary; Ali Gordon, Treasurer.

Colorado State Fair/RMRHA Youth Freestyle Reining: Congratulations to Emily Clark for winning the Youth Freestyle at the Fair. Emily rode Duncans Dun It to the song "Tomorrow" from the play Annie. Emily was dressed as "Annie" and her horse as the dog "Sandy". Emily, who rides with Guy Vernon, has only been riding reining horses since she purchased Duncans Dun It five months ago. Emily does have lots of horse experience, however. She has been riding since she was 4 years old.

There were 10 participants in the Youth Freestyle Reining this year at the Fair. There were some great rides, a wide variety of great music and everyone had lots of fun! Thanks to Lindsay Wadhams, Guynn Training Center, and Guy and Valerie Vernon for their contributions to making this a great event again this year.

The Youth Advisor for 2010 is Chad Hartmann. His contact information is listed below with the RMRHyA Officers.

. Youth Year-End Awards/Scholarship Programs.
The RMRHA Board approved these Year End Awards Program requirements at their October 2008 Board meeting upon the recommendation of the Youth Committee.

For a youth to be eligible for any Youth Year-End Award given by RMRHA or the RMRHA Youth Scholarships, he/she must meet the following requirements:

1. Attend three youth meetings which will be held throughout the year at the RMRHA qualifying shows as identified in the RMRHA Year-End Awards Program.  Please make sure you sign the attendance sheet which will be circulated at each youth meeting and returned to the Youth Advisor.
2. Participate in one fundraiser and complete the Participation Form which can be downloaded here.
3. Earn one participation credit by volunteering a minimum of two hours at any RMRHA sanctioned event and completing the Participation Form.
4. All requirements will be tracked by the current Youth Advisor

Christi Gordon, President Hi, my name is Christi Gordon and I am 16 years old. I live in the mountains of Evergreen, CO and I am home schooled through Colorado Heritage Educational School System along with my 15 year old twin sisters and 11 year old brother. This year, I am graduating senior in high school and will be attending Colorado Christian University in the Fall. Nugget is my 7 year old palomino paint horse which I show in Youth and Non Pro classes. I train with Warren Performance Horses. We also hope to show at the APHA World Show, NRHA Derby and NRHA Futurity. When I am not reining, I enjoy playing the piano, drawing horses, and especially watching the Rockies - just to name a few. I hope that RMRHyA will have another amazing year and achieve greater things than every imagined. I am honored to serve you as your RMRHyA President.

Marie Carrothers, Vice President Hey guys, I'm your new RMRHyA Vice President. Last year I served as your treasurer, so this year it's a great honor to be your VP. I'm currently a sophomore at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, CO. I am a dedicated honors student and rider as well. I have been reining for about three years now and I absolutely love it! Last year I showed my mare, Denali, but this year I will be showing my little bay gelding Cruiser. I hope to see you all throughout this show season!

Rylee Justus, Secretary Hi! My name is Rylee Justus. I am in the sixth grade. My parents, two younger brothers and I live on a ranch in Larkspur, CO. Riding horses has been my passion since I was 4 years old. I enjoy all types of western riding. Some of my accomplishments include Douglas County Fair High Point Grand Champion and Colorado State Fair High Point Grand Champion. My reining career began a little over a year ago. I love the sport of reining! My favorite thing to do is ride and train with my trainer Devin Warren. Last year was my first show season in the NRHA and I placed second in my affiliate. I am working hard to show two reining horses this year and am looking forward to another fun and successful show season.

Ali Gordon, Treasurer My name is Ali Gordon and I am a 15 year old freshman with C.H.E.S.S. and I am from Evergreen, CO. In 2010 I have the honor to serve as your RMRHyA Treasurer. For the past three years I have been the Youth Editor for the RMRHA Newsletter, as well as having served last year as the RMRHyA Vice President. I have developed a great love for horses, reining and the western lifestyle. This year I look forward to heightened participation within the RMRHyA. My ultimate desire is to see the RMRHyA be the most involved, most organized and most productive youth organization in the NRHA. I have enjoyed my family's three horses at a recreational level for the past seven years. School, writing and playing competitive basketball for the Denver Eagles keep me very busy. Some of my hobbies include scrapbooking and gardening. I passionately love sports, basketball, playing baseball, soccer and touch/flag football with friends. Two of my all-time favorite sports teams are the Colorado Rockies and Tennessee's college basketball team, the Lady Volunteers. During 2010 I encourage each of you to become more involved with the RMRHyA, whether you have been reining for six years or six days. The support and enjoyment derived from participating in the sport of reining through the RMRHyA is incredibly rewarding and well worth your time. This year, I anticipate remarkable growth and improvement in all aspects of the RMRHyA. Will you join me in making this possible?

Chad Hartmann, Youth Director Chad Hartmann has been the Youth Director for the RMRHA for the last three years. He has been on the RMRHA Board of Directors for the past 5 years and has been very instrumental in building the youth program to where it is today - heading up the Youth Scholarship Program, Participation Requirements Program, fundraisers and the Sportsmanship Award Program. Chad thrives on seeing the kids setting goals and working together as a team to achieve those goals. He wants the experience that the kids have with RMRHA to be one that creates a foundation for their life.