Next Board of Directors Meeting: 6:30 p.m. on August 18, 2008—Quality Inn, Rapid City (located at I-90 & Lacrosse Street).

The 8^th Annual SDRCHA Stallion Stakes & NRCHA sanctioned show will be held August 29^th-31^st at the Events Center on the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City, SD.  With a minimum of $20,000 added to the Stallion Stakes, $8,000 added to the Non-Stallion Stakes, and $2,000 added to the ancillary classes, this is an event you don’t want to miss! 

ENTRIES CLOSE AUGUST 8, 2008!!!!  For entry information, contact May K. Glass by calling 701-281-1051 or e-mail goldbuckle100@aol.com. 

The SDRCHA extends a big Thank You to the Rapid City Convention and Business Bureau for placing a full-page ad on page 139 of the July issue of the Quarter Horse News.  (Please note the dates on this advertisement are incorrect).

Driving Directions to Central States Fairgrounds:
LaCrosse Street Entrance. From I-90 East & West:  Take the LaCrosse Street exit (Exit 59).  Turn south.  LaCrosse Street will take you directly to the fairgrounds.  From Highway 79:  As you enter Rapid City, Hwy. 79 becomes Campbell Street.  Continue heading North.  Turn West on Centre Street.  The fairgrounds entrance will be just south of the intersection of Centre & LaCrosse. From Highway 44: Take Hwy. 44 west into Rapid City.  At LaCrosse Street, turn South.  The entrance will be directly ahead.  

San Francisco Street Entrance.  Walk-through traffic only!!!  SDRCHA recommends you follow the directions above for the LaCrosse Street Entrance.

Central States Fairgrounds Map: A map of the Central States Fairgrounds is available online at the following website:  http://www.centralstatesfair.com/guest-info/fairgrounds.php  Click on the “Print Map” section in the lower right corner of the page to print your copy of the Central States Fairgrounds map.  This website also contains information on camping.

Get Your SDRCHA Entry Forms at the SDRCHA Website: The SDRCHA website has entry forms for its Stallion Stakes and NCRHA sanctioned ancillary classes posted on its website.  This will allow our members to download entry forms quickly and conveniently.  ENTRIES CLOSE AUGUST 8^TH!!!!  The SDRCHA website address is http://www.sdrcha.com or http://www.sdrcha.net. Check our website often for SDRCHA Stallion Stakes information, nominated stallion listings, sponsorships, photos, forms, news, and more! 

Don’t forget to register for Celebrity Boxing!  The SDRCHA is adding a new event to its Stallion Stakes & NRCHA sanctioned show—Celebrity Boxing.  This specialty event is open to any sponsor that has not shown down the fence and contributes $1,000 or more to the SDRCHA.  Each contestant will perform a reining pattern then box cow at the end of the arena.  No fence work! 

This event will be held August 29^th-31^st at the Rapid City Events Center.  Entries close August 15^th so contact your director for sponsorship forms ASAP!  Want to compete but don’t have a horse for the event?  Don’t worry—some of our members have agreed to let sponsors use their finished horses!

Upcoming SDRCHA Practices & Clinics:  Deb Black has reserved October 25^th, November 22^nd, and December 20^th at the Hermosa arena for fall SDRCHA practices.  Frank Kenzy will be the clinician for the NRCHA clinic to be held in April 2009 at the Seven Down Arena in Spearfish.

West Fest:  The Today’s Horse West Fest Ranch Horse competition was held on June 29^th at Rapid City.  Judges were Jim Leach & Don Ulmer.  Several SDRCHA members competed and placed very high.  I was hoping to print the unofficial results but was unable to read the fax.  Hopefully, these results can be posted in the next issue of The Wrangler.

We’re proud of our members and want to know how your show season is going!  Please send your show results to Deb Brown at nphorses@sdplains.com.

NRCHA Happenings:
The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition, and educating its members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.  It is important for our membership to be aware of NRCHA programs, rule changes, events, etc.  SDRCHA will provide periodic information; however, our members are encouraged to visit the official NRCHA website at nrcha.com to be appraised of NRCHA activities. 

NRCHA Releases 1^st issue of E-Cow Work.  In response to inquiries from NRCHA members, this e-newsletter supplements the Stock Horse News and NRCHA website.  The e-newsletter brings members updates in a more immediate and timely manner.  If you provided NRCHA with an e-mail address, you have already received your first newsletter.

More NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Awards!  With the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity on the horizon, the NRCHA has announced an exceptional lineup of awards with 100 buckles and 15 saddles!  The Non Pro 5K Limited Champion will receive a Bob’s Custom Saddle and a Gist Silversmith buckle is being awarded in the new provisional Non Pro Limited class.

NRCHA Snaffle Bit Deadlines:  The August 1^st deadline is drawing near for designating slots, naming horse and rider, and adding divisions.  The draw will be held August 11^th.  Slots not named before that date will not be included in the draw.  Call the NCRHA office at 580-759-4949 if you have any questions.

Partial listing of Upcoming NRCHA Sanctioned Events: August 8^th-10^th Magic Valley Horse Show, Derby & Futurity in Rupert, Idaho (Contact Shaney J. Cheney 208-359-5860).  August 9^th-10^th Blue Sky Summer Fun Derby, Futurity & Horse Show in Kiowa, Colorado (Contact Jennifer Unzicker 719-347-2933).  August 29-31 South Dakota Reined Cow Horse Association Futurity, Derby, & SE Cat. 2 (Shows 1 & 2) in Rapid City, South Dakota (Contact Mary K. Glass at 701-281-1051or email at goldbuckle100@aol.com).  For a complete listing of shows, visit the NRCHA website at nrcha.com.

Ready to join in the fun?  Contact Clara Wilson for SDRCHA membership applications by calling 307-663-7655 or e-mailing fcwilson@hughes.net.