WESTERN DAILY
World Para Reining - Next Stop Florida
Monday, February 16, 2015
Posted by World Para Reining
Tampa, Florida – February 15, 2015: The Florida Reining Classic at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida will be the second show to host World Para Reining (WPR) approved classes, on February 21 and 22. To add to the excitement, the WPR will offer $500 in prize money for this event and the champion from each WPR class will receive $250. The competitors will include many accomplished riders, including a Champion Para Dressage rider, and a Champion Para Reining rider.
The WPR is a new organization dedicated to fostering competitive reining events for disabled riders around the world. The scores from each WPR event will go towards end-of year-awards including a championship saddle, a world champion title, and top-10 awards.
The first WPR endorsed classes got off to a great start this year on January 30 and 31 at the AQHA Sun Circuit show in Scottsdale, Arizona. The competition consisted of four riders: Briana Bartlett of Lincoln, Nebraska and her horse Chromed Tejon; Erin Alberta of Seattle, Washington riding Berry Shiney owned by Dusty and Royal Worbets; Catherine Sherwood of Seattle, Washington riding Hollywood Aces owned by Lisa Coulter; and Lara Oles of Heber City, Utah riding Smart N Shiney owned by Regina Kozlik. All four riders have had extensive training in English riding, but became interested in reining in 2013 when Para Reining was demonstrated at the AQHA World Show.
Briana Bartlett and Chromed Tejon came in first both days, clinching the overall Champion title. Erin Alberta and Berry Shiney executed two solid runs winning the overall Reserve Champion prize. Lara Oles and Smart N Shiney combined scores put them in third position. Catherine Sherwood and Hollywood Aces rounded out the competition in fourth place.
All four riders demonstrated their determination to learn the sport of reining, and have come a long way in a short amount time. While none of these women can run on their own due to their various disabilities, reining horses allow them to transcend their physical limitations and run, slide and spin as well as many able bodied riders.
WPR would like to thank all the sponsors for the Sun Circuit Para Classes, especially Stephanie Bjorkman owner of Sami Fine Jewelry from Fountain Hills AZ, who donated the awards – two beautiful custom sterling silver Arizona Four Peaks amethyst pendants designed with Silver Spurs Equine.
About the World Para Reining organization:
WPR provides a format for Para riders to enjoy the sport of reining, and for older successful reining horses to have a valuable second career in the show pen. The WPR is helping to bring the Para community into mainstream reining by coordinating with AQHA, NRHA, and other approved organizations, to give Para riders many showing opportunities worldwide.
Most importantly, the WPR welcomes all levels of disabled riders who want to get started in reining. The WPR will facilitate the spread of para reining by hosting reining clinics, developing a coaching program, coordinating the pairing of riders with suitable reining horses, and connecting riders with people interested in sponsoring the sport. For more information about World Para Reining visit the following links:
www.worldparareining.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Para-Reining/712539218836394
