In 2012, the National Reining Horse Association established the Professionals of the Year award to recognize and honor individuals who demonstrate excellence in the NRHA community. This award recognizes elite individuals who continually demonstrate excellence in all aspects of their careers to further the growth of the NRHA, not only through their success in the show pen, but more importantly by choosing to give back to the association and its members. The 2022 honorees exemplify integrity and honesty within the industry while working to promote and uphold the ideals of the reining horse.
NRHA members may nominate NRHA professionals, and the NRHA Professional Committee may recommend candidates for awards, including NRHA Professional Rider of the Year, NRHA Non-Professional Trainer of the Year, NRHA Youth Trainer of the Year, NRHA Becky Hanson Rider of the Year and NRHA Youth Trainer of the Year. NRHA professionals then vote on the nominees.
“It is an honor to be chosen by your peers for such a prestigious award,” said Patti Carter, NRHA Senior Director of Education & Officials. “The NRHA values the professionals who support the sport of reining and embody the characteristics of these awards.”
The 2022 NRHA Pros of the Year will be honored with custom spurs from Montana Silversmiths and featured in the May issue of NRHA Reiner Magazine.
Rider of the Year: Nathan Piper
Whitesboro, Texas
NRHA LTE: $1,571,992
For Nathan Piper, 2022 was a banner year, becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Rider and Run For A Million Champion – while supporting his local partner and NRHA programs like the Reining Horse Foundation.
Piper was born in Bryan, Texas, where he competed with reining horses as a youth. During his junior year at Texas A&M University, he decided to give up his non-pro status and become an NRHA professional. Nathan graduated from Texas A&M University in 1999 and married his wife, Jean, in 2000.
After college, Nathan moved to Whitesboro, Texas to work as an assistant trainer for two-time NRHA Futurity Champion Todd Sommers. In 2004, Nathan and his wife Jean purchased a training facility in Madisonville, Texas, where they successfully built Nathan Piper Reining Horses.
Piper Reining Horses currently operates his business at Selah Ranch in Pilot Point, Texas. Nathan and Jean have two daughters, Millie and Etta.
Becky Hanson Rider of the Year: Jordan McBurney
Arlington, Washington
NRHA LTE: $375,055
Jordan McBurney began her career in the reining industry after working as a trainer and groom of reining horses. McBurney had a background in barrel racing and first competed with a reiner in 2009. Today, she competes at the highest level and has received many awards.
In addition to placing 8th in the 2022 The Run for a Million competition, she remains humble and rarely seeks the limelight, although she often deserves it. She dedicates her time to amateurs in the industry and has trained many, including Non Pro Futurity Champions.
McBurney and her husband, NRHA professional Sean McBurney, train at Rhodes River Ranch, located in the foothills of the Cascades. This powerful couple breeds award-winning performance horses, such as the offspring of the ranch's leading sire, Whizkey And Diamonds.
Rising Professional of the Year: Jack Daniels
Aubrey, Texas
NRHA LTE: $79,005
Originally from Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, Jack grew up training rope horses and cow horses. After making a name for himself training two-year-olds and competing in Australia, he came to the United States to further his career.
Not only did Daniels have a successful year in the show pen, winning the 2022 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Level 1 Championship and over $74,000, but he is also lively in giving back. He is a member of the Affiliate Committee and enjoys helping with international affairs.
He is proud of his two-year-old program and the solid foundation they receive in his program. The horses he created have been incredibly successful in 2022, winning major events across the country.
Daniels and his wife, Kaci O'Rourke, operate Pond Hill Performance Horses out of Aubrey, Texas.
Non-professional Coach of the Year: Dan Huss
Scottsdale, Arizona
NRHA LTE: $740,761
Having started his professional career in the university field, where he taught at Findlay for nearly 20 years, it's no surprise that training non-professional riders has become a passion for Dan Huss. He specializes in not only preparing his riders and their horses, but also helping them build a team.
Huss implemented the training processes at home just as he had taught them in college and popularized his program among non-professional riders of all levels who want to take the next step in the show pen. In addition to riders, Huss is also known for his training program, which includes the creation of NRHA Hall of Famer Wimpy's Little Step.
Huss's NRHA earnings totaled more than $740,700 and he has notable accolades to his name, including the 2022 AQHA Senior Reining World Championship, the 2021 Prime Time Open Futurity Championship, the All American Quarter Horse Congress Championships, and numerous finalists and other titles at all major events.
In addition to his own successes, Huss' clients are frequently seen in the winner's circle, from grassroots to NRHA Futurity. With his lessons, clinics, support of non-professional riders of all levels, and consistent coaching and training throughout his career, Huss has truly earned this recognition.
Youth Coach of the Year: Shane Kelley
Lampasas, Texas
NRHA LTE: $58,469
Shane Kelley's positive and encouraging nature allows him to have successful juvenile riders in his program and riders who stay in the industry and make a difference.
From the grassroots level within the Texas Reining Horse Association, FFA and 4-H programs to competing at the highest level of NRHA shows, Kelly directly supports and influences all levels of reining down to the youth members.
Kelley's program has produced Division 1 scholarship students three years in a row and they are known for their incredible sportsmanship. His students have also won year-end awards, qualifications for the Run for a Million, and more.
“Shane's insistence on sustainability for horse and rider and his continued compassion for both have produced some of the most passionate kids and happiest horses I have ever encountered,” said the Texas Reining Horse Association. “He doesn't expect his youth to sit back and count on others to solve problems, fix issues in training or even do chores around the barn. Instead, he makes it a point to work with them through trials, whether on the horse or in life, helping them where he can while also making them aware of their own abilities and responsibilities as riders. This builds confidence and results in youth who are not only successful riders, but are willing to put in the hours and work necessary to be successful in life.”
