February 28, 2003 - The National Reined Cow Horse Association has announced a new membership category for cow horse enthusiasts. New for 2003, the association offers NRCHA Associate Memberships. According to NRCHA President Ted Robinson, this new membership type came about in response to the large number of non-participating supporters and fans that have been attracted to the NRCHA in recent years.

Robinson said, "The popularity of cow horses and the visibility of such events as the World's Greatest Horseman and the Snaffle Bit Futurity has created so many fans and supporters who want to be a part of the NRCHA. This is a membership category that is created in response to their requests."

Associate members are non-voting supporters of NRCHA who receive some membership benefits – decal, pin, rulebook, Stock Horse News subscription, inclusion in special mailings – but do not compete or own horses that are competing. Cost of the associate membership is $35.

So far, the response to the program has been very positive. "People want to be a part of the NRCHA - and they see this as a way to support the industry they love," Robinson said, then added. "One thing we've found is that for most people, the more you become involved, the more you want to do, so Associate Members can upgrade to a full membership, if they want to, for just the difference in the two memberships."

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bayer Corporation, Cinch, Inc., Bailey Hats, Bob's Custom Saddles, Classic Equine, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Purina Mills, Inc., Skyline Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, Western Horseman magazine, Quarter Horse News, the Reno Hilton, horsecentral.com, Rios of Mercedes and the Silver Legacy, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry.

For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.