Oklahoma City, OK – November 15, 2014 – The American Quarter Horse (AQHA) World

Two-time U.S. Paralympian (2008 and 2012) and 2010/2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Athlete athlete Rebecca Hart (Unionville, Pa.) with Pete Kyle and his horse Zins Smart Wrangler, donated by Pete and Tamara Kyle and owned by Pat Moore at the 2013 Para-Reining Demonstration. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall

Championship Show November 7-22, will once again feature a para-equestrian reining demonstration today, November 15, 2014. The demonstration will take place in The Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City after the Senior Reining CRI 3*. The 2014 AQHA World Championship Show features english, western, and halter disciplines including the best Reiners in the business. Riders include U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins, Two-time U.S. Paralympian (2008 and 2012) and 2010/2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games athlete Rebecca Hart,
Freddie Win, Holly Jacobson, Eleanor Switzer, and Kate Shoemaker.

This para-reining demonstration will be the third opportunity for spectators, organizers, and current and potential athletes to experience para-reining on an international platform. The 2013 event was the launch pad for the 2014 development year and 2015 and beyond international para-reining competition. Each reiner will perform specific patterns that are part of the newly adapted para-reining rules. Riders will be judged today by FEI 4* Reining jury and given accolades based on their performance. USA Reining and the United States Para-Equestrian Association, in cooperation with the AQHA and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), make this event possible.

The popularity of the first para-reining demonstration began at the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in November. The second installment was during the Kentucky Reining Cup April 26, 2014, held at the Kentucky Horse Park and was titled the Cargill’s Nutrena® brand Para-Reining Event. The April demonstration was a feature during the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Reining Selection Trial and the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Para-Reiners (front row) Two-time U.S. Paralympian (2008 and 2012) and 2010/2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games athlete Rebecca Hart, U.S. Air Force Veteran Derrick Perkins, USPEA President and Paralympian Hope Hand, (back row) Holly Jacobson, Eleanor Switzer, and Kate Shoemaker. at the 2014 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK.. Photo by Larri Jo Starkey

Holly Jacobson, Zins Smart Wrangler donated by Pete and Tamara Kyle and owned by Pat Moore. Photo Courtesy of Tina Wentz. 2014 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK.

Derrick Perkins and World Champion Team Roping Mr. Fritz Wood (2008 out of Mr. Junewood and Fritz Lovelady). 2014 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK.

Freddie Win at the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall

Derrick Perkins and U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef D’ Equipe Kai Handt 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall

Para-Reining riders, owners, horses, sponsors at the 2013 Para-Reining Demonstration during the 2013 AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, OK. Photo by Lindsay Y. McCall

With the proven success of the 2013 and 2014 Para-Reining demonstrations USA Reining is looking forward to continuing to work with the AQHA and NRHA to grow this para-equestrian discipline into an international high performance sport. It has already received numerous praises from international athletes, coaches, and judges, interested in participating in this future high-performance para-equestrian discipline.

During the 2014 competition year, USA Reining is using newly adapted para-reining rules. The new rules are a collaboration of AQHA Equestrians with Disabilities, NRHA and USA Reining. The adapted rules will be continually specialized, revised, and collated with the FEI para-equestrian rules for the 2015 competition year. Members are encouraged to provide feedback for integration of the 2015 rules.

For more information about USA Reining, please visit www.USA-Reining.com.
If you are interested in the para-reining program or would like to provide member feedback please contact Brad Ettleman at Brad@HPowerInc.com.

To view more about the American Quarter Horse (AQHA) World Championship Show November 7-22, 2014, please visit

To view the 2013 Para-Reining Demonstration Press Release and photographs please click here:

The USPEA is a network of riders, judges, national federation members, and equestrian enthusiasts.  The association gives athletes the ability to get involved and expand their knowledge and experience in the Para-Equestrian sport. The USPEA encourages Para-athletes to participate in all disciplines under the Para-Equestrian umbrella.

The USPEA is a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which serves as the National Governing Body for the equestrian sport.  This relationship between the USPEA and USEF is to encourage Para-Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans and enthusiasts to network and get involved with the entire equestrian sport.

Ultimately the goal of the USPEA is to foster growth in the Para-Equestrian discipline.  From growth in the number of participants to growth as a team, and growth in the experience and knowledge of all involved.  From local horse shows to international Paralympic Games, the USPEA provides Para-Equestrians the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.  The USPEA connects with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), USA Reining, and USEF which provide Para-Equestrians the top equestrian resources.

In June 2010, the USPEA earned its 501 (c)(3) status which has encouraged supporters to help supply funding to the Para-Equestrian Team as a recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation(USEF). 

For more information about the USPEA please visit www.USPEA.org or contact USPEA President: Hope Hand by e-mail: hope@uspea.org or by phone: (610)356-6481.