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2026-2027 NRHyA Executive Committee Candidates

Here are your 2026-2027 NRHyA Executive Committee Candidates. Learn more about them and why they are interested in serving NRHyA. NRHyA members are invited to a Meet-the-Candidates Zoom session on Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM Central. Voting will be open from June 7-10. Current NRHyA members will receive an email with the link to vote.

Hi everyone! My name is MK Hardin an I am running to be your NRHyA President. I am 17 years old and I live in Mesa, Colorado on my family's ranch. I am entering my senior year at Plateau Valley High School, where I am involved in FFA, Student Council, and am a member of the National Honor Society. I have been involved in the horse industry since I was a little kid, when I first began showing in short stirrup. The National Reining Horse Association is where I first found my love for leadership, and the place where I have been fortunate to grow up in. I hope to continue to help grow our youth membership and spread knowledge about the horse industry. In the NRHyA, I have held several leadership positions, first beginning at the affiliate level, then working my way up the a national officer position, serving as your Secretary/Treasurer this past year. I have gained both knowledge and skills to better myself as a person and a leader in this great association, and I can't wait to continue my journey. As President, my goal is to create more opportunities at the affiliate level for youth to become involved and knowledgeable about the sport of reining because that is where I believe our future leaders grow. I know that the NRHyA is capable of amazing things and I can't wait for our bright future full of the next generation!

My name is JG Codell, and I am a sophomore from Lexington, Kentucky. I currently show Luvah Boy and have competed at the highest levels of the sport, including winning the Quarter Horse Congress Youth Reining Championship and earning multiple top finishes at major NRHA events. What distinguishes me is not only my success in the show pen, but also my commitment to serving the reining community outside of competition. In 2024, I served as the NRHyA International Liaison, where I built relationships with NRHA youth members around the world and represented NRHyA in Paris at the European Affiliate Championships. I currently serve as Youth Coordinator for the NRBC and as the TNRHA Affiliate Liaison, helping organize youth meetings, activities, and fundraisers at the affiliate level. In addition, I serve as Secretary of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Youth Association. Beyond leadership roles, I have gained valuable behind-the-scenes experience within the industry by working in the show office, ring stewarding, and learning firsthand what it takes to operate a world-class event. These experiences have provided me with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the sport than many competitors my age. I am running for NRHyA office because I believe strongly in this organization and in the future of its youth members. I hope to bring meaningful experience, strong relationships, and a genuine passion for reining to this role while helping make NRHyA an organization that every young member is proud to represent.

Hello everyone! My name is Emily Justice, and I campaigning for the position of Secretary/Treasurer. I have held multiple youth leadership positions within this association and I have learned so much from each of them. The amazing people I have met and the lessons I have learned in youth leadership have been a blessing to me, and I am ready to continue my NRHyA career as your Secretary/Treasurer. But let’s flip the script and talk about you. What are your interests? What do you think NRHyA could work on? What ideas do you have regarding our youth association? Because this year, it’s time to shift the focus back on our youth members. As Secretary/Treasurer, you and other members will be my number one priority. As youth members, we are often told that we are the future of reining. That is absolutely true, but what are we doing today? It’s time to speak up, show up, and unite as one moving forward. If you are ready for that next step, then I would appreciate your vote. Thank you so much!

Hi! My name is Lynleigh Durbin I am 14 years old I live in Angola, Indiana with my parents Josh and Mackenzie Durbin and my sister Lilah. I currently am serving as the East Central Delegate. I really enjoy being the delegate it has really brought me out of my comfort zone. I started in POA’s then in 2020 I started reining. I show in 14-18 with my horse Sparkin Affairs or as I call him Sparky. Outside of reining I love to draw, raise cattle, and workout. I would like to serve as the International Liaison.

Hi my name is Presley Timmerman. I live in Southwest Nebraska. I’m going into my sophomore year of high school. This last year I participated in FFA and golf along with showing in reining. I have been riding horses since I was 4 years old. I started showing competitively 7 years ago and have been showing ever since.

Hi, I’m McKylie Ivie from Arizona, and I recently graduated high school. I’m passionate about reining, storytelling, and connecting with others in the horse industry. Through my media business, I’ve developed skills in photography, videography, and capturing the meaningful moments, which I hope to bring to the NRHyA Historian position. I’d love the opportunity to highlight members, preserve memories, and share the NRHyA experience with others.

Hey y'all! My name is Ireland Lawler from Whitesboro, Texas and I am running for the 2026 NRHyA Historian. I have been involved in Reining since I was 7 years old, and this association has truly helped shape who I am today. Over the years, I have served as a Liaison for the Texas Reining Horse Association and currently serve as the South Central Regional Delegate. These leadership opportunities have allowed me to grow, connect with members across the industry and develop a passion for serving others. I am currently a Senior in high school where I stay heavily involved as a Varsity Cheerleader, Yearbook Editor, FFA Chapter Officer and District Officer, Student Council member and National Honor Society member. Through these activities, I have learned the importance of leadership, communication, organization and being a strong Team player. I have also helped organize and lead affiliate youth meetings over the past several years, which has strengthened my confidence and leadership abilities even more. I love NRHyA and everything it stands for. I want to continue helping our association grow by encouraging younger members, creating connections and being someone others can look up to. I am excited for the opportunity to continue growing as a leader while giving back to the organization that has given so much to me.

I am currently serving as an NRHyA Delegate for the East Central Region and have previously served on the Board of the Michigan Reining Horse Youth Association as Treasurer. During my time on the board, I was very involved in planning, organizing, and executing youth activities and events, which helped strengthen my passion for creating fun, engaging experiences for youth members. Outside of the horse industry, my family operates an internationally recognized film festival, so I have been involved in event planning and organization for most of my life. I have also recently helped develop and organize operations and events for our boutique hotel, restaurant, and event venue. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable skills in leadership, organization, communication, and creating memorable experiences for guests and participants. I also have a true passion for the sport of reining. I currently have three reining horses, two that I actively show and one young horse coming up. I absolutely love showing and always have so much fun competing, learning, and spending time with friends in the industry. The youth events are always such a blast, and I would love the opportunity to help create and organize those experiences for other youth riders. Being part of the energy, excitement, and community that reining brings is something I truly enjoy. I love bringing people together and making events exciting, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone involved. I would be honored and excited to serve as the NRHyA Event Coordinator and help create opportunities and experiences that make youth members feel connected, involved, and excited to participate in our industry.