Media Release - Victorian Reined Cowhorse (VRCHA)

MEDIA RELEASE

The working performance horse, “Let’s Celebrate Them” The Victorian
Reined Cowhorse (VRCHA) was foundered this year 2023 by Carina
Stephens a long time supporter, competitor, breeder and member of
the true working horse breed associations. The “handy horse” the
“adaptable, useful, working breeds”, such as the Australian Stock
Horse, the Quarter Horse, Paint Horse and Appaloosa horses.
Carina told us that she was delighted to see the Australian Reined
Cowhorse (ARCHA) established a few short years ago and the
resurgence of the Working or Reined Cowhorse as a western discipline.
Back in the 1970’s through to the early 1990’s Australia had some of
the best competitive Cowhorses’ in the business and I was delighted
to see the event return to the pen, said Carina.
The event is attracting crossover competitors from our Australian
Campdraft community which is exciting and extending the opportunity
to; learn, grow, compete and network which is outstanding, she stated.
This past weekend the VRCHA which Carina is the Secretary of held a
two day Judges and Competitors Seminar at the Elmore Equestrian
Park in Elmore Victoria. Sandy Collier a USA World Champion in the
event, USA Cowgirl Hall of Fame recipient and National Reined
Cowhorse Association USA (NRCHA) mentor, AAAA Judge and
Instructor ventured across from California to pass on her vast
knowledge and experience with 25 Australian enthusiasts from
Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland who had all gathered at
Elmore to learn. Some aspiring to become Judges and others just
wanting to understand the rule book and judges’ perspective to
enhance their own capability.
Sandy Collier was impressed with the facilities at the Elmore
Equestrian Park and alongside of the Judges Seminar found a few
hours to herself step up on a horse and conduct a few lessons and
mini clinic. For which we are ever thankful, said Carina.
The Victorian Reined Cowhorse Association (VRCHA) committee is
stellar with; President Brook Hazlett, Vice President Aaron Scobie,
Directors: Phil Webb, Glenn Hurst, Andrea Hazlett, Kate Scobie.
Secretary Carina Stephens and Treasurer Tracey Hurst. You can contact
Carina via email carina.stephens@bigpond.com to find out how to join
and what is coming up.
The VRCHA is looking for a premier site to work with to build a premier
venue and Carina says you can contact her any day of the week if you
are able to assist with that.
Well done Victoria!!! Well done Australia. Let’s keep the momentum
rolling and continue to embrace the crossover that binds us – Working
Performance Horses. Useful horses that can work all day everyday on
cattle or sheep and then enter the pen and enjoy the competition and
comradery of events now popping up closer to home.