A second show in the inaugural series of World Para Reining (WPR) approved classes has been scheduled for Florida later this month.
The Florida Reining Classic at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, on February 21 and 22, follows the first show in the WPR series, at Scottsdale, Arizona at the end of January.
Overall Champion at the Sun Circuit show in January was Briana Bartlett and her horse Chromed Tejon. Standing with her are her mother, Kathleen Beck Tischler, and WPR President Lisa Coulter.
For the Florida competition, the WPR will offer $500 in prize money 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 four riders at the first show – Briana Bartlett of Lincoln, Nebraska and Chromed Tejon; Erin Alberta of Seattle, Washington riding Berry Shiney ; Catherine Sherwood of Seattle, Washington riding Hollywood Aces; and Lara Oles of Heber City, Utah riding Smart N Shiney – all 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.
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.
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