Winning first place and a $1500 award from the National Reined Cow Horse Foundation is the Georgia Reined Cow Horse Association, based in Edison, Georgia. This organization, begun in 1999, has enjoyed a 110% growth in membership in the last year. Payout numbers are up for the GRCHA, as well, by 174% over 2003. The innovative board of the association has designed varying levels of sponsorship for the dozen shows it puts on annually.

In addition, a monthly newsletter goes to all members, and a web site offers even more timely news to members.

The Runner-up for 2004 NRCHA Affiliate of the Year was the Woodinville, Washington-based Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association. Like the Georgia group, this affiliate created an excellent presentation that represented their numerous activities and they received a $1000 award for their placing. In the six Northwest shows held each year, show payout is up 130% and membership numbers are up over 50%. An affiliate since 1997, this group also has an informative web site and publishes a yearly newsletter to members.

The Affiliate of the Year contest brought out the best of NRCHA regional competition, according to NRCHA Affiliate Committee Chairman Dan Roeser. “These awards were created to honor affiliates that are doing a great job,” he noted. “The affiliates are the heart of our organization and this is a great way to recognized all their hard work.”

Judging for the awards competition was done by an independent panel. Prize money and plaques will be presented during the NRCHA Year-End Awards Banquet on February 27 in Stephenville, Texas.

Roeser urged more affiliates to enter the competition in the future. “Not only do the winners get recognition; they also get the prize money which can supplement their awards program.”

According to NRCHA Records Coordinator Heather Hayes, the response to the Affiliate of the Year Program was positive. “Plus, it was great for our staff to see all the innovative activities that have been taking place with the affiliates around the country.”

Receiving honorable mention were the Big Sky Reined Cow Horse Association, the Idaho Reined Cow Horse Association, the Gem State Stock Horse Association, the Southwest Reined Cow Horse Association and the European Reined Cow Horse Association.

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, Bailey Hat Company, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, EQ Solutions, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Rios of Mercedes, Great American Insurance Company 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.