NVRHA MISSION STATEMENT

The National Versatility Ranch Horse Association is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation, whose mission is to raise awareness of and appreciation for the versatility of the ranch horse and to foster the preservation and enhancement of western culture and heritage.

We also provide a program and place for showcasing the ranch horse and will maintain a strong link among breed associations, the ranching community, the professional horseman and versatility ranch horse riders.

NVRHA VISION

NVRHA's primary mission is to raise awareness of and appreciation for the versatility of the ranch horse and to foster the preservation and enhancement of western culture and heritage by increasing ownership and ridership of the ranch horse through educational programs and engaging the public.  This mission is carried out by a large group of volunteers in several ways. First, NVRHA hosts educational clinics open to the public, both adults and youth, led by professional ranch horse trainers, to teach basic and advanced methods of learning, understanding, and improving the performance and health of the versatile ranch horse.  Classes cover skills that the ranch horse would need in the ordinary course of working on a ranch—information about the horse’s conformation, trail courses and obstacles, cutting and cow herd work, reining patterns demonstrating the horse’s and rider’s skills in various pattern components (circles, sliding stops, spins, lead changes) with controlled speed and relaxed body, and working a cow in a controlled arena setting by turning it on the fence and roping/stopping it. Competitions for participants to showcase the skills learned in clinics and to heighten the awareness of ranch horses in a fun and learning atmosphere are held in conjunction with the educational clinics.

The NVRHA’s mission and program includes a collaboration with large ranches, primarily in the western U.S., as an effort to increase awareness and appreciation of their history, stewardship, and roles in western culture.  It is also the goal of NVRHA to provide educational and participatory programs for youth that will teach them about the values and quality of ranch life, responsibility related to horse and animal care, and provide social and athletic activities that build their confidence, skills, and appreciation for western and ranch culture and heritage.