The NRHA Derby, known as the industry’s premier event for four-, five-, and six-year-old reining horses, is slated for May 16th - May 21st at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. While the high ticket NRHA Open and Non Pro derbies will undoubtedly be the highlight for many reining enthusiasts, spectators, and contestants alike will enjoy the competition as well as the extra-curricular activities planned by the National Reining Horse Association.
In addition to the Derby, there will be a full slate of NRHA ancillary classes including $4,000 added Open and Non Pro Mehl Lawson Bronze Trophy reinings. Contestants will have the opportunity to add to their 2005 show season earnings in Intermediate and Limited Open classes, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro, and Novice Horse Open and Non Pro classes. And, our young riders will be competing in their Youth 13 & Under and Youth 14-18 divisions.
The Celebration of Champions is slated for Thursday, May 19th and will recognize past NRHA Futurity and Derby Champions. Dinner for reiners and their guests will be provided by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, which hosts the event. NRHA has also scheduled an informal Open Town Talk Forum, the ideal place for reiners to meet and express their opinions and ideas.
Billed as the “ultimate catch ride” class, the Rocky Mountain Clothing Company’s NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship will take place on Friday, May 20th following the Limited Non Pro competition. Collegiate riders qualify for this class and are provided reining horses by generous NRHA members. Although competitors are matched with their mounts only ten minutes prior to show time, the competition is deep and tough. Last year’s winner, Kristin Dickerson from Oklahoma State University, scored a 217.5 on Dun Being An Okie owned by Alma Liles.
NRHA Derby Extras include the NRHyA “Exhibitor Cookout” on Friday, May 20th and the “Taste of Reining” scheduled for Saturday evening. Both activities benefit the Reining Horse Sports Foundation. There will be a large trade show will all of our favorite vendors, meetings, special presentations, and of course, first rate competition at the NRHA Derby. We invite you all to attend. For more information, contact NRHA at 405-946-7400 or log on to the NRHA website at www.nrha.com.
