Important Information - Please Read

Dear Members

After a very productive Board Meeting recently, I would like to update you on some important information that came out of the meeting.

Please note that the Reining Australia Office will be CLOSED from December 5th - 20th.

Renewals for NRHA membership are now to be applied for direct to NRHA there will be a link on the RA membership page, the RA membership will be available on line as usual.

Don’t forget when applying on line to NRHA you will have to fill out the appropriate paperwork as a Professional or Non pro. Non Pro declarations only apply to new members or those who weren’t current the previous year.

All members will be emailed their RA membership card, we encourage Affiliates to check these with their entries. If you need any assistance with the process don’t hesitate to contact the office

The paperwork for AGM has been sent out and we encourage representation from all Affiliates The Annual General Meeting will be held Saturday 4th February 2017 at the Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre, 33 Ardlie Street, Attwood Victoria. Annual General Meeting will commence 1 pm The Annual Dinner and High Point Awards Trophy presentation will commence 6.30 pm.

Leases became available with NRHA in 2016 all paperwork must be lodged with the NRHA before competing, this process will not be allowed to be done at Shows. Please note that leased horses will not be allowed to compete in Aged classes (Futurities and Derbies) Please Note that Lessees are REQUIRED to be current members of NRHA prior to completing the lease process. Lessor MUST also have current NRHA membership, an Associate membership is acceptable $25 US.

With discussions with Affinity we are looking at a proposal to include members on our Voluntary Workers policy, this will cover members for any accidents while riding on the grounds at all RA shows, clinic and events.

The Reining Australia Board has adopted the policy that “all members whether competing in sanctioned or non-sanctioned must belong to an Affiliate regardless of whether they are going to the Nationals, especially as the Affiliates contribute to the insurance”.

We have had some enquiries from Affiliates with regards to holding Ranch Riding and have contacted Affinity for it to be included in our insurance, this is another opportunity for us to expose potential Reiners to our sport.

Gold Buckle Moving forward the Board has made the decision to implement an entry fee on the Open Level 4 of $440 for all horses, payable at time of entry to the Nationals. This is a positive decision for the future of the Gold Futurity, following on the lines of the NRHA Futurity and as such is a show condition not a change to the program.This entry fee will generate more prize money (minimum of $8,000) and remove the confusion that has existed over the years of the optional payment. Full explanation will be forward to members, please remember that nominations are due 31st December.

Important Rule Change for Non-Pro’s: Commencing 2017 all horses competing in the NON-PRO Futurity must be NOMINATED into the Gold Buckle Program as a precondition of ENTRY. An amnesty period will apply till the 31st December 2016 for all NON-PRO horses to NOMINATE into the Gold Buckle Program for the 2017/2018 Futurity. The NOMINATION cost will remain at $220 regardless of age till the 31st December 2016. The amnesty is a ONE TIME OFFER and will only apply to NON-PRO Futurity horses. Should the horse also compete in the Open Division of the 2017/2018 Futurity an additional $660 NONIMATION fee will apply and 100% of the NOMINATION fee will go to the Open Divisions. Thanks you for your support throughout the year and have a wonderful Christmas Lynda Gray Secretary