ACHIEVE ALL-STAR AFFILIATE STATUS - National Reined ...
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///////// HOW-TO
ACHIEVE
ALL-STAR
AFFILIATE
STATUS
Like-minded competitors enthusiastic about reined cow horse
can create an approved affiliate that benefits their interest by
following the advice of these successful cow horse groups.
Compiled by Kate Bradley Byars
H
osting a cow horse show can sound so simple, but when it comes
COURTESY OF THE COLORADO REINED COWHORSE ASSOCIATION / MJ ANDERSON
down to the nitty-gritty of planning an event, and then making
it legal with the National Reined Cow Horse Association, it can
become downright daunting. Yet, more affiliates are joining the
NRCHA each year as cow horse competitions spread across the
U.S., Canada and overseas.
What are the benefits of becoming an NRCHA affiliate? Is it worth the
time and effort? Three established NRCHA affiliates—Colorado Reined
Cowhorse Association, New York Reined Cow Horse Association and the
South Texas Reined Cow Horse Association—say yes, and here they list not
only why, but how to go about accrediting your group.
128 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS
At affiliate-level shows, everyone
pitches in for the success of the
group, like the Colorado Reined
Cowhorse Association board members
working the gate at this show.
REINED COW HORSE NEWS | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 129
///////// HOW-TO
“Achieving affiliate status is definitely According to Konkel, the most com- extends through the following:
worth it to our members so that our mon misconception she sees with cow ◆ NRCHA Foundation Youth
shows are sanctioned by NRCHA,” said horse groups that apply for affiliate sta- The NRCHA Foundation awards
Tina McCleary, secretary of the South tus is that they think it will be harder two individuals from each NRCHA
Texas Reined Cow Horse Association, than it is when it is actually quite simple. affiliate with a scholarship—Youth
a group of approximately 320 members “Brand new groups aren’t always 100 Fence recipient receives $500;
that show near Bryan, Texas. “We are percent prepared with the required mem- Youth Limited recipient receives
eligible for the affiliate sponsorship and bers,” Konkel said. “It is important for a $250.
youth sponsorships given by NRCHA by new affiliate to keep in mind that their ◆ NRCHA Affiliate Sponsorship
following the guidelines.” members don’t necessarily have to live in Program
From filling out forms to corralling vol- the state that the affiliate is located in. For To assist affiliates the NRCHA pro-
unteers, achieving affiliate status can take example, a person may join the Michigan vides a $500 NRCHA Sponsorship
time. However, the benefits outweigh affiliate but live in New York.” to each affiliate if they meet the
any headaches early on. To apply to be an NRCHA affiliate, affiliate terms and conditions.
there are four must-haves: ◆ NRCHA Affiliate of the Year
FROM THE NRCHA 1. 20 members with a current NRCHA This award recognizes the affili-
Before a group of cow horse riders can membership ate that increases membership
vie for annual year-end awards through 2. Provide a copy of affiliate constitu- and show entries, is innovative at
the NRCHA by riding in local shows, tion and bylaws shows, and increases payout and
someone has to handle the paperwork. 3. Provide a complete list of members other considerations with a $1,500
While that isn’t usually the most popular by March 15 each year (minimum award. The runner-up receives
job, it is necessary. of 20) $1,000.
Emily Konkel, NRCHA shows manag- 4. Submit $100 annual Affiliate Fee With so much to gain from applying
er, works with members daily to ensure Achieving those four things and send- for affiliate status, members that band
that shows are approved in their affiliate ing in an Affiliate Application Form is together in their local area can reap
groups so that they count toward mem- the first big step. Then, those groups can rewards from filing out the paperwork
ber goals. Affiliate members not only ride take advantage of the support NRCHA and sticking together.
for their local group’s awards, but also:
PRIMO MORALES
◆ Regional Awards presented by the
NRCHA
◆ Qualification points for the NRCHA
Celebration of Champions World
Championship Show
◆ Year-end points for NRCHA
National Champion awards.
In 2019, the New York Reined Cow Horse Association was presented with the NRCHA Affiliate of the Year award.
130 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS
///////// HOW-TO
BAND TOGETHER your treasurer! It isn’t always an over-
KATE BRADLEY BYARS
Like any group activity, it isn’t always night success – it takes a lot of dedicated
simple for everyone to follow through members who are willing to work hard
with an idea. Here, affiliate secretaries both before, during and after shows.”
and members from across the U.S. offer Take into consideration that the first
advice on how to get a group together, show or two may be small and plan a
keep it together, and make a solid invest- facility accordingly.
ment in the local cow horse industry by “As a club, we started out in small
becoming an NRCHA affiliate. facilities where we could afford to take
For McCleary, local support got the ball a hit [if entries lacked],” said NYRCHA
rolling on their events. Show Manager and Vice President Lisa
“Talk to your local horse community Sykes. “We didn’t over-commit ourselves
and see if you have a need or the sup- on awards or money. We gradually built
port for an affiliate in your area,” she our selves up to a larger facility.”
said. “Build a board full of people who Jacob Partridge, NYRCHA Green Rider
are doers and who have complimentary director said, that with an established
skill sets. Be organized by having all of budget, trying new things or providing
your ducks in a row before you go public, more awards is easier to take on for the
like a website, show dates, an email and affiliate. While the premier events can
social media. provide ideas to affiliates, don’t forget
“Because if people are hungry for cow that it starts with the lower level riders.
horse shows in the area, they will jump “Be easily approachable, warm and
at a chance to show closer to home,” she inviting,” he suggested. “Cow horse can
contiued. “The small things can get over- Amenities like RV hookups and safe stalling allow mem- and is intimidating to many new comers.
bers near and far to attend an affiliate’s event.
looked, like providing show entry forms Achieving affiliate status is important
online and pre-entering. Yet those things to allow local riders an opportunity to
help an affiliate run a show smoothly.” “Keep entry fees to a minimum and get involved at a lower level and grow
Cindy Pfeifer, NYRCHA show secre- payouts low [as] this will draw those into the premier shows/events. It allows
tary, recommends groups start small. interested in trying it without emptying them to get their feet wet without the
Don’t use all the sponsor money for the their wallet,” she said. “Always keep expense of traveling and higher entry
first show’s prizes, she said. your eye on the bottom line—listen to fees.”
KATE BRADLEY BYARS
KATE BRADLEY BYARS
Awards, whether they are a simple ribbon or a piece of tack, help give competitors a positive feeling about the show, which keeps them coming back.
132 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS
///////// HOW-TO
TAKE IT FROM THEM
COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION
An affiliate doesn’t have to have top AFFILIATE QUESTIONS?
trainers in the area competing to have Contact Emily Konkel
success. Having 20 members or more at Emily@nrcha.com.
spread over multiple divisions works just
as well.
It is the experience provided to riders things that make a big impact on mem-
of all levels—including prizes and a posi- bers. Amenities and cattle are the most
tive atmosphere—that keeps entries up. commonly discussed elements of any
“When starting an affiliate it is so horse show!
important to have a group of board mem- “Make sure you have good cattle.
bers that work well together and are ded- Cattle are key to having a good success-
icated to putting in the long hours both Fun events like the Chuck-A-Duck allows all affiliate ful show and getting people to come
at meetings planning the shows and run- members, regardless of age, to participate at the NYRCHA back,” emphasized Partridge.
ning them,” said Joe Decker, NYRCHA shows. An enthusiastic membership commit-
president. “Focus on your entire mem- ted to the local events is key to an affili-
bership from Green Riders to the Non “Despite the pandemic our club grew ate’s success. According to MJ Anderson,
Pro and Open levels. Give everyone a by 25 percent this year,” said Sykes. CRCA executive director, local shows do
place to come show. Give back to your “We continued with [giving members more than only support that area of the
membership. The more successful your a] weekend highpoint, roll of the dice industry.
shows become the more you should give [game], daily draws and high scoring “Having a place to ride, show and be
back in payouts and awards. Having fence and box run [award] for the week- around other enthusiasts is very special,”
affiliate status gives all your members a end.” she said. “Non Pros want their trainers to
place to grow.” From ensuring there is a concession stay in business, and want a place locally
Though two or three or four people stand on site to offering enough time in to ready for the big shows, which is a
may kick start the group that becomes an the arena for warm-ups, it is the little goal to attend. Once the affiliate is estab-
affiliate, they can grow to the size of the lished it is so worth it to call them your
CRCA at 421 members in a short time. cow horse family!
Jim and Jill Cook, members of the CRCA, With a focus on member involvement
recognize the importance of working and opportunities to show, an affiliate
with all members. that sticks to budget while providing
“We think that as an affiliate you must top-notch experiences is sure to thrive in
provide as many opportunities to the the NRCHA.
membership as possible,” the Cooks
ASSOCIATION / MJ ANDERSON
COURTESY OF THE COLORADO REINED COWHORSE
said. “That can include, clinics, shows
and social opportunities, with an empha-
sis of self improvement. The membership
also has to feel like they are a part of the
leadership. The membership has to work
together to create success. An affiliate
must also be willing to change and grow
to fill the needs of the majority of the
membership.”
Sometimes, the needs of the mem-
bership include having more fun. For
the NYRCHA, a daily drawing for door
prizes is one way to keep attendees ener- Whether a professional trainer on standby to assist in the herd work or youth members tasked with delivering shavings,
gized. all affiliate members want to feel they are a big part of the group’s success.
134 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | REINED COW HORSE NEWS
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