2008 Colorado Rookie Day
A day of fun, learning, and competition!

The Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Association is proud to be hosting another NRHA Rookie Day this year on May 31, in Pueblo, Colorado. Last year was a huge success, and over $8,200 was raised for the Crisis Fund of the Reining Horse Sports Foundation.

If you have never been to a Rookie day, this is how it works: trainers donate a days worth of their time to coach rookie riders on the finer points of reining, and then coach them in an actual competition after lunch. Riders are divided up into equal teams of around 10, with 2 trainers to each group.

The morning is spent working on reining maneuvers and show strategy. The Pueblo fairgrounds are a great location for Rookie day, as there four separate arenas. So one group will spend time stopping in the covered arena, while another circles in the large outdoor, and two other groups work on spins in the small arenas.

Around noon, there will be a lunch break so riders can give their horses a rest and grab some lunch under the big trees by the concession stand. During lunch, there will be an informational talk and a chance for riders to ask questions and get to know other reiners that were not in their group.

After lunch, riders will then get to put all the new skills they learned into action during a judged reining competition against their peers. NRHA Judge Dori Schwartzenberger will score riders as they ride through pattern 5, with help from their team trainers to prepare, show, and post-go critique. After the competition, there will be an awards ceremony.

Fun, Camaraderie, and Awards!
Rookie day is an opportunity to learn, compete and have a great time in a casual atmosphere while raising money for a good cause. Because all the riders are rookies, it is the perfect opportunity to ask all the questions you want, and ride with a stellar group of trainers for a low fee! And, thanks to a growing list of sponsors, there will be awards for everyone. The list of sponsors so far includes Classic Equine, Destron-Fearing, Cover Girl Stall Curtains, SR Cowboy Ventures/Ernie and Sally Ress, Performance Horse Magazine, Creative Design Photography, Castle Rock Veterinary, Sorrel Farm Arabians, Vertical Arts Architecture, and E-Reiner.com.

There are two separate divisions to compete in; the Rookie and Youth Rookie, and the winner of each will receive a beautiful gist belt buckle and a Classic Equine award saddle pad. Reserve Champions will take home Classic Equine award pads. Last year’s Rookie Champion was Tim Swain of Colorado riding his horse, Cobras Smokin Oak, and the Youth Rookie Champion was Ashley Skold of Colorado on her gelding, N Vincible Smoke.

There also will be a team competition, a most improved award and best sportsmanship award in the Youth division. Also up for grabs are bell boots, halters, and a truckload of other great products. And, like last year, the rider or trainer donning the best Hawaiian themed ensemble during the morning will take home a new headstall. So do it up! Last year it was a close call, but trainer Connie Stoney rode off with the best dressed award thanks to her coconut bra and grass skirt.

Trainers
We are lucky to have a great roster of trainers in Colorado, and many of them have donated their time again for Rookie Day this year. So far the list of trainers includes Steve Schwartzenberger, Guy Vernon, Terry Wegner, Shane Brown, Chuck Nesmith, Doug and Danie Hewlett, Mark Guynn, Chris Curton, Christian and Liz Rammerstorfer, and Devin Warren

Reserve Your Spot Today!
The response last year was incredible, and riders are already sending in their reservations for this year. Stalls are available at the fairgrounds, and you are welcome to haul in the day before the event and get your horse accustomed to the new surroundings on Friday, May 30. The cost for adult riders is $175, and youth ride for $100. The cost includes both the morning training session and the afternoon competition. There will be a concession stand open during the day, and trailer hook ups are available. If you would like to attend or have any questions at all, please call Wendy Lind at 970-471-2789 or e-mail her at Wendy@AxialArts.com, or Click here for a Registration Form. We would love to have you attend!

Photos by Creative Design Photography