Meet your 2008 Regional Delegates
NORTHWEST
 Name: Nichole Hurst Age: 17 City/ State: Granite Bay, CA A bit about myself: I am a senior in high school and when I’m not showing Reining, I also show Reined Cow Horse, play basketball and enjoy painting. |
 Name: Rica MacAlveyAge: 17 City/ State: Galt, CA A bit about myself: I am a member of the West Coast Reining Horse Association and have been showing for five years. In addition to reining, I also enjoy Reining Cow Horse. |
 Name: Stevie LemkeAge: 17 City/ State: Sams Valley, OR A bit about myself: I am a junior at St Mary’s School. I love being with my friends and going to school. My favorite classes are math and chemistry. I like playing volleyball and softball. I am also a youth leader of the Oregon Reining Horse Youth Association. |
 Name: Courtney YoheyAge: 9 City/ State: Salida, CA A bit about myself: I am an honor student and was on the Honor Roll my 1st and 2nd grade year. I have been on the Superintendents List all of 3rd and 4th grade. I play the violin for my school orchestra. I am VERY involved with WCRHYA. I aspire to serve as an officer for NRHyA some day. I want to go to college and ride NCAA for an equestrian team. I also want to grow up and be a Reining Horse Trainer. The two people I look up to the most, are my trainer Sherry Perrine and Reining Trainer Doug Milholland. |
SOUTHWEST
 Name: Olivia HartmanAge: 10 City/ State: Scottsdale, AZ A bit about myself: I’ve been riding reiners for one year. Before that I competed in all around and cow horse. I also enjoy art and playing the violin. |
 Name: Eileen FarryAge: 13 City/ State: Phoenix, AZ A bit about myself: I have been reining for one year and belong to the Southwest Region. I enjoy most sports, especially bull riding and rodeos. I am also involved in the student council. |
 Name: Maggie FarryAge: 13 City/ State: Phoenix, AZ A bit about myself: I am a member of the Southwest Region and am new to reining. In addition to riding, I also participate in student government and football. |
MOUNTAIN
 Name: Christi GordonAge: 14 City/State: Evergreen, CO A bit about myself: Hi, I am Christi Gordon from the mountains of Evergreen, Colorado. I show two paint horses, Nugget and Shasta in youth reining. In addition to reining, I enjoy playing the piano and drawing horses for my business, Custom Horse Portraits, and have been fortunate enough to win both NRHyA and AjPHA national art contests. I also like baseball, creative writing, and geometry. Alongside my younger twin sisters and my nine year old brother, I am homeschooled through Colorado Heritage Educational School System (CHESS) and am currently a sophomore in high school. Furthermore, I have been a AjPHA National Director for the past two years, served on the Executive Committee as the National Zone 3 Representative, and have attended the past two national youth leadership conferences. My family and I attend Good Shepherd Bible Church. |
 Name: JW StoneyAge: 17 City/ State: Springfield, CO A bit about myself: Hi, I'm JW Stoney, a delegate for the Rocky Mountain Reining Horse Youth Association, based in Denver, Colorado. I live with my parents, Jeff and Connie, and my sister, Amy, in Springfield, Colorado. My dad is the District Ranger for the Comanche National Grasslands in Springfield. Our family owns and operates Stoney's Performance Horses and Whoazone.com. We are all involved with the horses on a daily basis, thanks to the fact that Amy and I are home schooled. I have been showing reining horses as a non pro since I was 10. l have been involved in two youth affiliates since that time. As an NRHA youth delegate, I hope to promote the sport of reining to more youth and to help NRHA in any and every way that I am able. See you at the shows! |
NORTH CENTRAL
 Name: Helen L. LauthAge: 17 City/ State: Eyota, MN A bit about myself: I love reining! I've been showing for 6 years, and have been riding horses since I could stand. Some of my favorite things to do are taking my reiner "Boots" out through the woods, fishing, deer and pheasant hunting, acting, and hanging out with my best friends at all the reining shows. I'm a senior this year, and am involved in several activities in school, such as FFA (I'm the chapter President this year, last year I was the Secretary), Teens as Leaders, National Honor Society, Theatre, Varsity Golf, Math League, and I served one year as a Student Council representative. I can't wait for the Futurity, hope to see everyone there! |
Name: Holly Lauth
Age: 14
City/ State: Eyota, MN
A bit about myself:
Hi, my name is Holly and I have been showing reining horses for 5 years. In 2005 I was tenth in the world on my old horse in the youth 13 and under division. This year I am currently in the top 15. I have also reached my 400 youth point this year. Outside of the horses, I play basketball and softball for Dover-Eyota High School. I am also in the school drama club; I have been acting for 2 years. I am active in the Dover-Eyota FFA for the past 3 years and now serve as sentinel. If I am not outside horsing around you'll find me buried in a fantasy book. I enjoy the outdoors especially fishing and family vacations.
 Name: Alie Leonhart Age: 15 City/ State: Hugo, MN A bit about myself: Hi my name is Alie Leonhart and I have been reining for 3 years, and have been riding since before I could walk. I am a sophmore this year at Stillwater Area High School. I am currently taking honors english and in the highest math, which is my favorite subject, that a sophmore can be in. I am currently in a 4-H group and have been for more than 7 years, where I show my pleasure horse. I have been president, vice president, and treasurer of my 4-H group, and have also been vice president in the MPHYA(Minnesota Paint Horse Youth Association) and have participated in the youth organization of the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association. Outside of competing in NRHA, I also compete in breed shows such as AQHA, and APHA shows, which i have been 4th at the APHA World Show in Reining, and have been an AQHA Regional Experience Champion 6 times. Inside of Reining competition i have been NCRHA GAG year end champion, and top 4 in youth 13 & under for the past 2 years, 3rd in the Rookie and this year i was Reserve Champion in the 14-18. Besides showing horses, I participate in my school orchestra where I play the cello. I am running for treasurer and would love to be more involved in the NRHyA and the people involved in the association. I love to meet new people and to help create. I know I would give 110% to this association and would have a smile doing it. My favorite quote is "Everyone smiles in the same language." I will be at the Futurity showing in the Youth 14-18 and the Novice non pro and would love to see and meet everyone there! |
 Name: Ryan Lind Age: 11 City/ State: Rush City, MN A bit about myself: I have been riding reiners for two years and also ride cutting horses. When I’m not riding, I enjoy fishing, hunting, basketball, football and biking. |
SOUTH CENTRAL
 Name: Cash Bridges Age: 16 City/ State: Weatherford, TX A bit about myself: I am a member of the South West Reining horse Assn. and have been ridding and showing reining horses for seven years. I am a sophomore in high school and I plan to go to Texas Tech when I graduate. I am active in NRHyA, AQHA and my local 4-H group. This will be my third year to run for an NRHyA officer position. I have been Treasure for the past two years and am now running for Vice President. I have participated in the past two colt raffling's. I have attended NRHA board meetings and the AQAYA Youth Excellent Seminar. |
Name: Chloe Bridges
Age: 12
City/ State: Weatherford, TX
A bit about myself:
I’m a member of the Southwest Reining Horses Association, and have been showing since I was nine years old. I enjoy riding and showing reining horses more than anything in the world! I'd like to help the youth become more involved in the NRHyA, also take part in fundraisers and other activities.
 Name: Meaghan BurnsAge: 13 City/ State: Cheyenne, OK A bit about myself: I am an 8th grader at Cheyenne Junior High. I participate in Robotics, Choir, and Cheer in school. I’m the president of the Cheyenne Junior High 4-H Club and I’m active in my church youth group. I showed in the NRHA youth classes this past year. I am a member of the Oklahoma Reining Horse Association and West Texas Reining Horse Association. I am the 2007 NRHyA Sentinel. I have learned a lot this past year about serving the NRHyA. It has been a great year with a lot of work and effort placed in NRHyA. I have also participated in the Varsity Reining offered as part of NRHyA. |
 Name: Abigail GrabeinAge: 17 City/ State: Houston, TX A bit about myself: I have been showing reining horses for 6 years, and love every minute of it!! I graduated high school in June 2007 as an early graduate. I am currently taking a year off from school to do nothing but shows, and I am an intern for my trainer, Nathan Piper. I will attend Texas A&M University in the fall of 2008 as a freshman and as a student athlete. I will be on the women's equestrian reining team. |
 Name: Olivia Rogers Age: 16 City/ State: Lone Star, TX A bit about myself: Deep in the piney woods of East Texas, you will find me, Olivia Rogers! I go to Hughes Springs High School in Hughes Springs, TEXAS! I have been riding horses since I was born, and showing reining horses for about five years. In all that showing, I have found time to play varsity tennis, be my junior class vice president, and be a huge high school football fan. I had the opportunity to spend time with the 2007 officer team at the AQHA Youth Excellence Seminar this summer. After learning more about what they do, and seeing how much fun they have while accomplishing so much for the NRHyA, I have decided to run for Secretary this year. Please vote for me as I believe I have what it takes, and want to help better the youth programs for fellow Reiners. |
 Name: Emily WinegarAge: 12 City/ State: Aubrey, Texas A bit about myself: I am living my dream! Always an animal lover, I was thrilled when my parents purchased Green Valley Ranch in Aubrey, Texas four years ago. I jumped into reining with both boots winning many titles and championships under the direction of Terry Erickson. Some of my 2007 accomplishments include the AQYHA World Reserve Champion, PBHA Youth World Champion, NRBC 13 & under Champion, NRHA Derby 13 & under Champion, and the SWRHA Futurity 13 & under Champion. To accommodate my busy schedule, I am home schooled which helps to provide ample time to travel, train and pursue my love of animals. I spend a great deal of time helping in the breeding barn and playing with my Australian Shepherd, Buffy, who accompanies me to all of the horse shows. I am best known for my smile while competing. I absolutely love reining and it shows when I’m in the arena. I also love getting to know wonderful people in the reining industry and hope to make this a lifetime adventure. |
NORTHEAST
 Name: Ian Barnard Age: 18 City/ State: Kendallville, IN A bit about myself: I am an undergraduate studying pre-veterinary medicine at Purdue University. I have been showing Reining horses for seven years now, and this is my last year showing in the youth. I am the current NRHyA Vice President and look forward to another exciting year with NRHyA. |
 Name: Cody GarrisonAge: 16 City/ State: Middletown, OH A bit about myself: Excellence, leadership, and responsibility. These are the words outlining my campaign. Hi, my name is Cody Garrison and I am running for the treasurer position of the NRHyA. I am 16 years old and live in Middletown, Ohio with my parents, Chris and Donna, as well as my two younger brothers Casey and Jake. I have been riding reiners for six years now in which I have taken a Top Ten at Congress in 2006, 2 USEF Top Tens in 2006 and 2007, and many NRHA wins at smaller shows. I am currently a junior at Madison Jr./Sr. High School where I am in the top twenty of my class and am tied for the position of Valedictorian in my class. I feel I would be an excellent choice for Treasurer because I have held many leadership roles in the past to prepare me. I have been on Student Council for 5 years in which I have been Treasurer for 3 years and Vice-President for 2. I am also involved in National Honor Society in which I am the Junior Representative. Finally, I have also been involved in 4-H for 7 years in which I have been President twice, Treasurer three times and Vice President twice. As you can see, I have had many previous and current leadership roles to prepare me for treasurer of the NRHYA. I am ready to step up to the responsibility that it takes to be the treasurer and take on the leadership role. I really want to be involved in the organization, which has given me so much. I feel I could really help out in the organization and help to get more youth involved in the wonderful organization of the NRHyA. Thank you for your time; your vote would be greatly appreciated on Election Day. Remember when you see Excellence, Leadership and Responsibility you can expect Excellence, leadership and responsibility. |
 Name: Austin Griffith Age: 17 City/ State: Columbus, OH A bit about myself: My name is Austin Griffith I am sixteen and a sophomore at Bishop Watterson High School in Columbus, Ohio. I have shown reining horses off and on for seven years. In 2006 I was the Reserve World Champion in the 14-18. Currently, I am leading the 14-18 and the Limited Non Pro titles for 2007. I am excited to be a delegate and serve the NRHA youth. |
 Name: Libby RobinsonAge: 16 City/ State: Columbus, OH A bit about myself: I ride with Ollie Griffith and I have been reining for two years. Outside of NRHA, I participate in IEA which is the Interscholastic Equestrian Association where I do Horsemanship and Reining. I have had experience with leadership before when I served as Vice President on the Autumn Rose High School Equestrian Team in 2006. Outside of reining I enjoy running, singing, school and reading. |
 Name: Cody SwitzerAge: 17 City/ State: Cynthiana, KY A bit about myself: Hi, I am Cody Switzer, a seventeen year old, home schooled, junior. I have been reining for five years including four in the NRHA. I love riding, so any time I get, you can probably find me on one of our many horses. I have been involved in 4-H for ten years, and served as an officer for three terms. During this time, I was treasurer twice. I believe that this experience will make me a good treasurer for the NRHyA. If voted in as an officer, I hope that I will bring the whole organization together and get everyone involved. I believe that the more communication and input between the youth, the better the group will be. I would like to have e-mails that everyone can receive with info about the NRHyA. Please give me the opportunity to serve you as your NRHyA Treasurer for the 2007-08 year. I appreciate every vote! |
SOUTHEAST
 Name: Aubrey GalbraithAge: 8 yrs old City/State: Rocky Mount, NC A bit about myself: Hi, my name is Aubrey Galbraith. I'm 8 yrs old and I'm in the 3rd grade. I love horses, they're my favorite animal!! My horse's name is Wakopa Rey's King (but we call him Rey-J). I'm so excited to be the South East's delegate this year. I hope to continue to be in the NRHYA like this...it's FUN!!! I ride horses in the SERHA and VRHA (in North Carolina) and I've already won a lot of awards. I was year end Res. Champion in the Rookie Youth, I was High Point Weekend Champion in the Rookie Youth, I rode my mom's horse in the Team Tournament in the South East Affiliate Finals (and we were 7th!!) and I've also won a few classes! I love reining.......especially when I get to run FAST circles. I hope I can make reining in the South as fun for the youth there as it is for me! |
 Name: Melanie GalbraithAge: 16 City/ State: Rocky Mount, NC A bit about myself: Hi, my name is Melanie Galbraith. I’m 16 years old and am a home schooled junior in high school. I live in Rocky Mount, NC and have quite a few horses! I’ve traveled around several countries showing horses in the NRHA. I was the 2004 Youth 13 and Under World Champion, the 2007 Youth 14-18 USEF National Champion, and 2007 Youth 14-18 Congress Res. Champion. I am very active in the NRHyA’s Varsity Program. I’m looking forward to representing the South East as a delegate! |
Name: Asa Peeples
Age: 12
City/ State: Ringgold, GA
 Name: Tori TurbyfillAge: 13 City/ State: Newberry, FL A bit about myself: Tori Turbyfill is a 9th grade student from Gainesville, Florida. She has been riding and showing reining horses since she was 10 years old. In 2006, Tori was named the NRHA World Champion as well as the Reserve World Champion for Youth 13 and Under. Tori is also the 2007 NRHA Reserve World Champion for Youth 13 and Under. “Riding reining horses is my number one passion,” says Tori, “But I also enjoy playing golf, boating, wakeboarding, and riding dirt bikes.” Tori is very enthusiastic at the opportunity to serve as a delegate for NRHA’s Southeastern Affiliates, and hopes to use her experience and leadership skills to bring more youth into the exciting sport of Reining. Tori’s goals for the future include showing in NRHA Derbies, and one day heading back out on the road on a quest for another World Title. Upon graduation from high school, Tori plans to attend college, perhaps on an equestrian scholarship, and hopes to one day become a veterinarian. |
WEST CANADA
 Name: Deanna TarasAge: 15 City: Winnipeg, MB A bit about myself: I have been riding horses for nine years now and I have been reining for four years going on five in 2008. I own a 5 year old gelding out of Ruff Cut Solitaire and a 2 year old stud out of Smart Starbuck. I love playing any kind of sports but my favorite is definitely Reining. I show out of Miracle Ranch and I ride with Kyle Shaw. I plan to serve as a delegate for this year just to get my feet wet, and then run next year for an officer position. |
Name: Allison Love
Age: 15
City/State: Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA (just north of North Dakota)
A bit about myself:
I have a 95% grade average. I play very competitive volleyball for six months of the year. This past September I qualified to represent Canada at the North American Young Rider Championships in Colorado next summer. I've been riding horses since I was 7 years old.
EAST CANADA
 Name: Kelly Truesdell Age: 17 City/State: Brights Grove, Ontario, Canada A bit about myself: I have been reining for five years and showing horses since the age of two. Other disciplines/hobbies - AQHA point earner in Western Horsemanship and Reining. APHA point earner in Hunter Under Saddle, Halter and Western Pleasure NRHA Awards - Youth Incentive Award 2003; 200 and 400 point level Youth 14-18 3rd place; Top Ten World Champion 2005 Awards/accomplishments outside of NRHA - 2008 Canadian Young Rider Team Member to represent Canada in International Reining Competition Multiple Reining Canada, Ontario Reining Horse Association and Ontario Quarter Horse Championships; Top Ten at All American Quarter Horse Congress in Youth Reining 2004 and 2007 Talents/Interests & Extracurricular - Honor Student Activities – St. Clair Secondary School Key Club Interests include reading, music, and spending time with friends |
 Name: Darby Mailhot |