TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Linda Lilly and Whiz
Joe Hensley and Casper
judges on how well the rider executed all the maneuvers. The goal is to make it look effortless even though that is far from reality. Founded in 2007, the Four States Reining Horse Association (FSRHA) serves the Ark-La-Tex region. Today, the Texarkana chapter has six active riders: Cindy Simmons, Kahlayah Rehkopf, Linda Lilly, Martha Prieskorn, Jennifer Cassel, and Joe Hensley. Each reiner is quick to introduce their horses as team members as well. The team members of the equine species prefer to go by their barn names, Sophie, Reba, Whiz, Earl, Cici, Jay, Mac, and Casper. The horses are registered Quarter Horses and have impeccable pedigrees. They are magnificent animals with shiny coats, strapping muscle tone, and personalities to match their highly skilled riders. The human team members smile and get a little emotional when they speak about the man responsible for bringing them all together. In 2009, Richard Hampton, known to the Texarkana group as quite the horse whisperer, took over running and organizing shows for FSRHA and always had significant help from his reining friend, Joe Hensley. Hensley, along with Linda Lily, are at the helm of the two sponsored shows the Four States Reining Association sponsors. Most of the riders have been riding horses their entire lives, but some were unaware of the sport of reining until Richard introduced them. Knowing who could ride a horse, who was teachable, and who had a competitive spirit, Richard expertly formed his reining team. “I like to say that Richard trained horses and people,” one rider said with a grin. He trained the horses and the riders in the local reining group, resulting in the group traveling to competitions where they won trophies, plaques, and money. He encouraged
Cindy Simmons and Sophie
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SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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