STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE
There is a definite line between Open and Non Pro riders, and the NRCHA divides the groups based on remuneration.
From the NRCHA
For some, the world is viewed in shades of gray, but to divide Open and Non Pro level riders in the National Reined Cow Horse Association, the rules are black and white. To be paid for a service can mean a member is no longer considered a “non-professional” in the industry.
Barbara Nahlik, membership and affiliate shows manager, and Non Pro Committee Chair Diane Edwards field scenarios from the membership regularly, helping determine what constitutes remuneration for a service.
“I field a lot of phone calls from people new to reined cow horse,” Nahlik said. “There are a number of common misconceptions newbies have as to what constitutes a ‘Non Pro.’ We at the NRCHA are not trying to make it difficult for members to achieve and maintain Non Pro status, but we are trying to ensure all Non Pros are on a level playing field. In fact, the association has one of the most lenient or forgiving policies for members to regain or achieve Non Pro status.”
But the best way to maintain a Non Pro status is to understand the rules from the onset. Edwards said she often refers members with questions to the rulebook to ensure they are reading the official language.
“Many of their questions could be answered if they would crack open that cover,” said Edwards. “Remuneration is defined by the NRCHA Rulebook as ‘to receive pay or financial gain from work completed’ or to be ‘reimburse, compensate, make fair return for an action’ and those compensations refer to our equine-related activities.”
Obtaining a Non Pro member application is simple to do and filling it out, honestly, is easy. The application—located on the NRCHA website—asks applicants to certify they haven’t been paid for services like giving lessons, training a friends’ Mustang for a Mustang event and then showing it at the event, or cleaning your own stalls in return for a lesson. All of these activities are examples of remuneration in some way, shape or form.
Here, these scenarios are laid out to aid members in making the right decisions for their Non Pro status. CONTINUE READING HERE
(as published in the May/June 2020 issue of Reined Cow Horse News)
