2016 NRHA Hall of Fame Inductees and Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients Named

Press Release

After careful consideration, the NRHA Hall of Fame Committee presented their recommendations for 2016 NRHA Hall of Fame induction and the Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award recipients to the NRHA Board of Directors.
 
The Board approved the following for the Hall of Fame.
 
In the People category, Don Motsenbocker of the Action Saddle Company was approved for induction.  As NRHA’s first sponsor, Motsenbocker and the Action Company set the stage for the young association to further attract other supporters leading to the stable of NRHA Corporate Partners we enjoy today.  They remained sponsors for twenty years. The face of NRHA was forever changed through their involvement.
 
In the Horse category the NRHA Board approved three horses for induction in 2016. 
 
Ebony Shines, a 1999 palomino Quarter Horse mare by Shining Spark and out of Ebony Whiz, is owned by NRHA Million Dollar Owner Rosanne Sternberg, of Aubrey, Texas and Great Britain.  Bred by Bob Loomis Quarter Horses Inc., Ebony Shines had a productive show career during which she accumulated NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) of $25,399, which included the 2004 NRHA Derby Intermediate Open Reserve Champion and Limited Open Champion titles with Jerry Fowler riding.  In the breeding shed Ebony Spook has been profoundly successful with 10 money earners accounting for $695,794 in offspring earnings.
 
Magnum Chic Dream, a 1996 sorrel Quarter Horse stallion, owned by Viola Scott, Sherman, Texas, was bred by Guy Du Ponchel of France. By Smart Chic Olena and out of Sailin Barbee by Topsail Cody he enjoyed a successful show career earning $44,294 with show highlights including the 1999 NRHA Futurity Limited Open Reserve championship, 2000 NRHA Derby Intermediate Open Co-Reserve championship with Patti Brownshadel and the 2004 AQHA Senior Reining World Champion title with NRHA Professional Casey Hinton at the reins. After retiring to the breeding shed the Three Million Dollar Sire’s offspring have earned over $3,335,780.
 
Princess In Diamonds, owned by Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship fame, is a 1996 buckskin Quarter Horse mare by Shining Spark and out of Eyed Be A Princess. Bred by Gay Lynn Owens, Princess In Diamonds enjoyed a lucrative show career with LTE of $76,976, highlighted by a 2001 NRHA Futurity Open fourth place finish with Todd Crawford in the pilot’s seat.

Retired to the breeding shed, Princess In Diamonds’s offspring have gone on to earn over $702,590 in NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE) to date!
 
Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
 
Sharon Barr is currently the NRHA Reiner’s Advertising Manager.  Sharon has been with the NRHA Reiner since its inception and the Reiner’s first issue in March 1980.  Along with Hall of Fame inductee Pat Feuerstein, she reigned over the magazine’s content and publication for many years.  Through thick and thin, Barr has seen many changes through the years and remains Advertising Manager today.
 
Mehl Lawson, Bonita, California, is a much heralded and exceptionally-gifted artist, Lawson is the creator of one of NRHA’s most highly-prized and sought after trophies.  To NRHA members it is known simply as the Lawson.  Lawson creates western sculpture that reflects his ongoing love of horses and the relationship between horses and their riders. 
 
Each of these award earners have made their mark on the National Reining Horse Association and the sport of Reining.  NRHA is proud to recognize these people and horses who have made significant and unselfish contributions through their good works, dedication, service and example.  Please join us in January to honor them at the Awards’ Banquet. 

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard-setting body for the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.