When Rebekah Irish rides, it's sure to make the whole of the University of Findlay smile.
Rebekah Irish winning NRHA Reining title
A good eye and good seat were among the assets Rebekah Irish called upon to win the reserve NRHA Collegiate Reining title at the NRHA Derby.
© 2013 by Rich Ormanowski
The 2013 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) National Open Reining and 2011 IHSA American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) High Point champion's good eye and good seat were among the assets the 28 year-old former California cutting horse rider called upon to win the reserve NRHA Collegiate Reining title at the NRHA Derby, June 22-26, in Oklahoma City, OK.
The 2013 NRHA Derby Show, NRHA’s premiere event for the world’s best 4-, 5- and 6-year-old reining horses, was the richest ever, paying out approximately $948,000 to owners and nominators of open and non pro finalists.
In front of judges Don Flohr and Joe Hayes, Irish earned scores of 71 and 75 on owner Charley Thiel's Brilliant Guns for an overall (146.0) score just two points behind NRHA Collegiate Reining champions, Mackenzie E. Lantz and Matthew Armenta's Spook Goes Hollywood (148.0).
Ohio State University's 2013 IHSA AQHA High Point Rider, Austin Griffith, on Rowdys Pistol for Clark Reining Horses, LLC, was only two-and-a-half points out of the tricolors, with a solid 143.50 for fifth overall.
IHSA Booth Appearances Announced
In other updates, following its June board meeting, IHSA has announced the following IHSA Education and Information Booth appearances: All American Quarter Horse Congress, Oct. 4-27, Columbus, OH; Equine Affaire, Nov. 7-10, in West Springfield, MA: and 2014 Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Championships (tba).
IHSA promotes competition for riders of all skill levels, who compete individually and as teams at regional and national levels, based on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows regardless of his or her financial status or riding level. Learn more about its scholarships, internships and other membership bonuses