National High School Rodeo Association adds reined cow horse to its event lineup
Working in partnership with the National Reined Cow Horse Association, the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) approved the addition of reined cow horse as an optional event. Reined cow horse began to phase in at NHSRA-sanctioned events in the fall of 2014, joining the existing lineup of bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, and cutting for boys; and breakaway roping, barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, cutting, team roping, and the queen contest for girls.
Both associations acknowledge that reined cow horse will elevate the riding ability of NHSRA members who choose to learn and take part in the event.
The NHSRA partnership also provides the NRCHA a broad new audience for its sport. Approximately 12,500 students in 43 states, five Canadian provinces, Mexico and Australia hold NHSRA memberships, and the association sanctions more than 1,100 rodeos annually. The NHSRA produces the two elite youth rodeo events in the world – The National Junior High Finals Rodeo (NJHFR) and the National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR). The NHSFR is the “World’s Largest Rodeo,” featuring approximately 1,500 contestants from across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia.