COWGIRL Empowered: EMILY KONKEL

Growing up, Michigan native Emily Konkel had always dreamt of training horses. As she became more involved in the Western industry, she discovered the vast opportunities outside training. She began producing events in Michigan and eventually moved to Oklahoma to pursue other opportunities.

What started as contract labor at various National Reined Cow Horse Association horse shows has since evolved into her current role as Executive Director, where she oversees all aspects of the NRCHA and is tasked with maintaining day-to-day activities in the business, as well as focus on their future trajectory. 

“Our industry is consistently growing so I am able to be a part of the growth and impact how our industry capitalizes on it. I have been fortunate enough to start at an entry level position with NRCHA and work my way up. I am the youngest female Executive Director in the Western industry. I understand our business from the inside out, as I have been able to work in most positions that NRCHA has to offer.” 

“The cow horse industry has been my favorite to be a part of. The people and horses within the NRCHA are the best, in my opinion, for so many different reasons,” she praises. “I love that we keep true to our roots and always have our history in mind when moving forward. We are fortunate to have so many eyes on us and so much growth in recent years. My goals are to make sure that our growth is steady and thoughtful. I want to make sure we never forget where we came from.”