Horse lovers and performance horse enthusiasts - take note:  The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) will hold its 39^th annual Futurity & Championship Show November 25 through December 4 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For competitors, the paychecks are substantial.  In 2003, NRHA paid out $1,368,049.09 at this show alone!  For spectators, this show means ten full days of awesome action provided by the world’s finest reining horses ridden by the world’s best riders, as well as activities planned to delight the entire family. 

 

The heart of this event is the NRHA Open Futurity for three-year-old reining horses.  Well over 400 horses will be competing in three Open divisions: the $80,000 added Open, the $25,000 added Intermediate Open and the $5,000 added Limited Open. (Eligibility for these divisions is based on rider’s earnings.) The winner of the Open Division is guaranteed a first prize paycheck worth $175,000!  In addition, there is a $5,000 added Prime Time Division for riders 50 years of age and older and a $20,000 added NRHA Gelding Incentive Award for the highest placing geldings.

 

The $50,000 added Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity guarantees its winner $35,000 and it, too, offers divisions based on rider’s earnings: the $15,000 Intermediate Non Pro and the $5,000 added Limited Non Pro.  There is also a Prime Time Non Pro Division and NRHA Gelding Incentive Award. 

 

Global to Grass Roots

Traditionally, the NRHA Futurity & Championship Show has been an international event, attracting reining enthusiasts from around the world to Oklahoma City each fall. This year, our international reiners will have the opportunity to cheer for their top riders as they compete in the inaugural $100,000 added FEI World Reining Masters Finals Presented by NetJets. Confirmed qualifiers have been held in 15 countries and include Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A.  This class will be a dramatic highlight to an extraordinary ten days of intense competition.

 

There will be a full slate of NRHA classes that, for the first time, will run concurrently with the NRHA North American Affiliate Championships.  Reiners from across the United States and Canada have qualified at their Affiliate Regional Finals in order to compete in their respective classes.  The payoff will be substantial in both money and prizes - and the winners will add the NRHA Affiliate Champion title to their resume.

 

The Horse & Rider Rookie of the Year finals will again take place at this year’s Futurity & Championship Show and will honor NRHA’s “entry level” riders as they compete for this prestigious title.

 

Another “first” is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.  The North American Freestyle Championships will host Freestyle riders in a $7,500 added Open as well as a $2,500 added Non Pro competition.  These riders qualified at their Affiliate Regional Finals - and they will be dynamic, exciting, and fun!

 

Show Highlights

There will be three NRHA Sales held in conjunction with the Futurity & Championship Show, offering buyers the cream of the crop in proven reining horses, broodmares, and solid prospects heading to the NRHA show pen.  The NRHA Futurity Prospect Sale will take place on Saturday, December 4^th preceded by the NRHA Breeders Showcase Select Yearling Sale on December 2^nd and the NRHA Breeders Showcase Elite Broodmare and Show Horse Sale on December 3^rd. 

 

A Clinton Anderson Clinic is slated for Saturday, December 4^th.   This world-renowned trainer, clinician, and host of RFD TV’s “Downunder Horsemanship” will provide insight as well as practical training techniques that will satisfy everyone - from the most experienced professional to the Rookie rider.

 

The annual Gathering of Legends offers the opportunity to rub elbows with NRHA Hall of Fame members.  The Intercollegiate Horse Judging Contest will provide the opportunity for judging teams to earn a major, prestigious win as well as scholarship funds.  The National Reining Horse Youth Association will offer numerous activities geared towards education, scholarship fund raising, and just plain fun.  The newest NRHA Million Dollar Rider, Todd Bergen, and the newest NRHA Million Dollar Sires, Gallo Del Cielo and Reminic, will be recognized and applauded on Friday evening, December 3^rd , and Saturday evening, December 4^th, respectively.  And the extraordinary trade show will knock your socks off!

 

In other words, the NRHA Futurity & Championship Show will have something for anyone and everyone November 25^th - December 4^th at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - ten full days of awesome action and activities provided by the National Reining Horse Association.