The prediction from knowledgeable sources was that reining would be dropped from the FEI (international equestrian federation) ranks when members of the organization met this week at their General Assembly in Moscow.
So much for that…
After more than 20 years of cooperation, which produced some of the most exciting moments in World Equestrian Games’ history, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) announced a new agreement has been reached with the FEI. It was approved today by the General Assembly for the organization’s only western discipline.
“I am so proud of our NRHA Task Force that worked diligently with the officials at FEI to come to a workable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). All of these individuals have focused on our mission to promote the reining horse. Although each organization has different needs, we were able to meet those needs and agree on a path forward,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock.
“This MOU provides more clarity, and the conversations have brought about better understanding. This agreement preserves the progress we have made over the last two decades, provides a means to develop more joint competitions, and protects the heritage of both organizations!”
In an attempt to ensure that reining is moving forward in a sustainable way, key Performance Indicators have been put in place for the next four years aimed at growing participation in the discipline.
Details of the agreement and its potential impact on the NRHA membership will be revealed in the near future as implementation plans are finalized.