With the National Reining Horse Association Derby set to begin on Tuesday, May 14, excitement is building in the reining industry.

309 of the top 4- and 5-year-old reining horses in the world will compete for a $132,500 added Derby purse. The action takes place at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Arena, in Oklahoma City.

The 2002 Derby will run through May 19 – two full days longer than in previous years for the event that NRHA Director of Operations and Events Management Chris Potter noted had “simply grown past the boundaries of the old time frame.” With two extra days, it’s no surprise that this year’s event would be bigger and better than ever and the extra time was soon filled with an exciting schedule of activities. Besides a full slate of ancillary classes and the headline 4 and 5-year-old competition, the Derby hosts the United States Equestrian Team Reining Championship Semi Finals. On Saturday, May 18, the Derby Spotlight Sale takes place, as well.

Also, beginning with the 2002 event, the Collegiate Reining National Championships will be held during the NRHA Derby.

A full western trade show is another highlight for Derby attendees, as is the annual NRHA World Championship Awards Banquet, where along with the presentation of the 2001 NRHA World Champions, Miss Cee Blair will be inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame.