When Non Pros at the National Reining Breeders Classic find out their draw for the finals, the pomp and pageantry of the Non Pro Draw Party has traditionally made the achievement extra special. Returning as the Non Pro Party sponsor for the 2021 event, set for April 18 – 25 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, is Markel Insurance. It will be the tenth year for Markel Insurance to sponsor the party.
Of course, due to continuing COVID-19 protocols, this year’s Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party, slated for Wednesday, April 21, will once again be virtual.
“While we enjoy having our draw parties in person, we are fortunate to be taking baby steps back to business as usual,” NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody said. “Luckily, our partner for the Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party is Frank Costantini. He’s a veteran of virtual draw parties, having hosted the National Reining Horse Association Derby first-ever virtual draw party last June, shortly after the start of the pandemic. Frank is a staunch supporter of reining and makes the virtual draw party fun and entertaining.”
Costantini, Director of Western Disciplines for Markel Insurance, noted, “I certainly hope the virtual parties are something we can get rid of in the future because they are nowhere near as enjoyable as the ones we are accustomed to. I love for people to be able to participate in the regular parties because it is so much fun to get together and celebrate the major accomplishment of making the finals.”
He then added, “But for now, the virtual draw parties allow everyone to still participate, and are a great compromise for the circumstances we are dealing with for everyone’s health.”
Costantini is more than just an NRBC sponsor. He’s involved in all aspects of the industry including as a competitor and an owner. “For me personally, reining is very near and dear to my heart. I have been involved a number of years and held various positions, including being NRHA President twice. I myself, and Markel as a company, want to share in the growth of all disciplines and associations, and give back to them accordingly,” he said.
Costantini plans to be at NRBC for the full week of competition. “I love the NRBC. It is a show that has always looked outside the box and has increased reining’s exposure to people around the world. It has allowed the stars to shine, while at the same time giving new people the chance to compete at a world-class event. The NRBC Board of Directors and staff have gone out of the way to make it happen,” he shared.
Markel’s commitment to the Non Pro riders of the NRBC expanded several years ago when Costantini and the NRBC presented the first Markel Insurance Non Pro Commitment Award to recognize the non pro riders who go above and beyond to give back to the industry. Past recipients include Rita Reed-Harris, Shawn Stratman, Dave Silva, Ellen Cummins and Loren Booth.
The name of the 2021 recipient will be kept under wraps until the Draw Party, and Costantini explained, “Markel and the NRBC present this award each year to a non pro who, while he or she may not win every event, gives back to the industry in many ways. This year’s recipient is someone who has overcome some personal hardships and is a welcome sight when we see them at the event.”
For more information about Markel Insurance, visit www.HorseInsurance.com