In 2008 the National Reining Horse Association will induct five new members into its NRHA Hall of Fame. There are three horses, an association, and one member. These inductees will join some of the most recognizable names in the sport of Reining. Through their involvement and significant contributions they’ve changed the sport and NRHA. The 2008 inductees are the American Quarter Horse Association, Dr. Jim Morgan, DVM, Mr Gun Smoke, Taris Little Vintage, and Miss Okie Too.

It’s seldom that one equine association is recognized by another. The support that NRHA has received from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is unprecedented. As leaders in the horse world they long ago realized that what was good for the reining horse was good for the American Quarter Horse. As benefactors and partners, they’ve helped advance Reining worldwide, recognizing that the sport’s growth and popularity elevates all western disciplines and breeds. Their support was paramount in gaining acceptance by the USET and FEI, the first western discipline ever to be so honored.

Dr. Jim Morgan, DVM, is one of NRHA’s most well-known, successful and looked up to competitors. He’s served the association on the board of directors and various committees. He’s been an NRHA World Champion, NRHA Derby Non Pro and Futurity champion. His accomplishments in the show arena have most often been aboard horses he’s bred and trained. And, he’s an innovator, having been instrumental in the development of the Prime Time divisions.

Mr Gun Smoke (Rondo Leo x Kansas Cindy) is most closely associated with the Hall of Fame’s first inductee, often referred to as the father-of-modern-day-Reining, Dale Wilkinson. As the only rider to win the NRHA Futurity and NCHA Futurity, it’s not surprising that with Wilkinson this stallion would become a household name through his success in the cutting pen. It’s also not surprising that his partnership with Wilkinson would significantly impact the sport of Reining. Two of his offspring preceded their sire in the Hall of Fame-Hollywood Smoke and Miss White Trash. To put Mr Gun Smoke’s impact into perspective-without Mr Gun Smoke there would be no Trashadeous, no Gunner, and no Wimpys Little Step.

Taris Little Vintage (Peppy San Badger x Taris Vintage) was third in the 1994 NRHA Futurity and earned over $48,000 during her short competitive career. While she may not have made history in the show pen, she was destined to greatness as a producer; the only mare to produce two NRHA Futurity Open champions out of different sires. In 1999, Hollywood Vintage by Hollywood Dun It earned the win for Alan and Kay Needle. Taris Designer Genes, by Mr Boomerjac, was the 2006 Futurity champion for Rancho Oso Rio. Incredibly Taris Little Vintage is only 12-years-old. In NRHA competition, her offspring have earned more than $421,000.

Miss Okie Too (Muskeg x Glendas Miss Okie) is the dam of 13 NRHA money-earners. Her offspring, all sired by Five Million Dollar Sire and Hall of Fame inductee Hollywood Dun It, have averaged $15,000 in earnings with combined earnings of more than $200,000. Add Miss Okie Too’s offsprings’ earnings total tops $3,000,000. They’ve carried youth, rookie, non pro, and open riders to the pay window. Those fortunate to ride one of her “Lucky 13” offspring include names like Tim McQuay, Mandy McCutcheon, Monica Hicks, Bonnie Hippensteel, Doug Carpenter, Terry Thompson, Jose Vazquez, Dario Carmignani, and Steve Archer.

All five will be formally inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame during the NRHA Convention, January 25-February 2, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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