Each of us is drawn to this sport for common reasons – for the love and passion for Reining and the equines that serve as our partners in that pursuit. As we all embark on a new chapter in the history of this great Association, we want to suggest considering a few critical things that are paramount to our future success.

First and foremost, the judging system of this sport remains rock solid. Our sport’s foundation stands strong upon that judging system. It is a system envied by many other equine associations, and it will continue to be envied. The Board of Directors discussed findings from the independent investigation and determined there were no findings of fault on behalf of the 2011 NRHA Futurity judges; therefore the 2011 NRHA Futurity results are final. So let’s repeat - the NRHA judging system remains rock solid.

What we have experienced recently is a small tremor. We will continue to evolve and will grow into a stronger, more global association. Our teaching panel, headed by Ollie Griffith and Judges Committee Chair Dori Schwartzenberger, is highly trained and well equipped to continue a successful program. Can we continue to improve, enhance and raise the bar on the judging program? Absolutely. That’s simply part of our evolution as an association. Again, the foundation of this sport and the NRHA judging system
stands resolute.

Secondly, the decisions of the Board of Directors over the weekend were painful – but the investigations were necessary. Many members are aware of the anonymous complaint regarding the 2011 NRHA Futurity. However, the Board also reviewed a confidential complaint at the January meeting. On December 15, 2011, a workplace-related complaint was submitted due to the actions of certain Executive Committee members. This complaint was not related to the other, but they were both addressed at the same meeting. The Board reviewed the issues that were raised, listened to the findings of the independent investigation and took appropriate action – on both items. As an employer, NRHA is committed to a respectful and safe work environment for its 30+ employees. As an association, NRHA is committed to be responsible, ethical and transparent in all of its dealings.

This brings us to the third point. We want to applaud the Board members who came to the meeting and took that responsibility to a higher level. Some members make a living in this industry, others are tied by the breeding business, and yet others participate because it’s their passion. Whatever their role in the industry, we are extremely proud of them as a Board. We worked through a challenging and uncomfortable weekend.

Also during the meeting, The NRHA Board of Directors voted to fill vacancies on the Executive Committee. Beth Himes was elected to fill the vacancy created in the President’s position. Rick Clark was elected to fill the vacancy in the Vice President’s position. In addition, the Board voted for Mike Deer and Josh Visser to fill the vacancies on the Executive Committee. The Board’s next meeting will be held in Oklahoma City on April 28-29.

In addition, we want to thank everyone who supported the process. Whether you were on one side of the issue or the other, your support and respectful debate makes us a better organization. For those in the middle and those that remained silent, we understand and appreciate that position as well. Lastly and most importantly, we want to challenge everyone to consider a couple final thoughts.

1. We are all human beings. Please stop and consider for a minute how you might feel if you were in the shoes of those involved.

2. Whatever side of the issues you are on at this minute,  please consider a statement that we hope will serve to be the foundation of the future of this industry, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem." From this moment forward – Let the healing and rebuilding begin.

Beth Himes - 2012 NRHA President
Dan  Wall - NRHA Executive Director