At the September 18th NRHA Board of Directors meeting, approval for significant changes to the 2006 Cinch Non Pro Futurity were granted. Always looking for ways to improve NRHA’s premier events, the Board endorsed more added money, a new division, a Consolation class and a Trainer Award. In addition, the structure of the Non Pro Futurity has been revamped – one go round instead of two.
“One of the highlights and most exciting things to happen this year has been the revamping of all Futurity divisions and the addition of new changes in eligibility. We, as an association, believe all of these changes will make our most prestigious events only stronger. Thanks to the Non Pro and Aged Events committees for their foresight and vision in making these changes,” said NRHA President Bill Bradley.
Entrants to the 2006 Cinch Non Pro Futurity will benefit from the addition of $10,000 in the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions, and $5,000 more added to the Limited Non Pro, which brings total added money in the Non Pro to $60,000, the Intermediate Non Pro $25,000 and $10,000 in the Limited Non Pro. But the changes aren’t just about money. A Youth Non Pro Division has been added. The show schedule will include a Consolation class and there’s the new Trainer’s Award to look forward to. The top ten Prime Time Non Pro placers, plus ties, will advance to the Finals, as will the top five finishers, plus ties, in the Consolation class.
Dr. Kim Sloan, NRHA’s Immediate Past President’s stated, “I think that the NRHA Board of Directors and respective committees made significant changes in respect to improving the Open and Non Pro Futurities. The changes to the added money in the Intermediate Open and the Intermediate Non Pro are certainly needed. Changes to the structure of the Non Pro Futurity will significantly help both competitors and our equine partners. The initiation of the Youth Non Pro Division is a fantastic concept.”
“The Aged Event and Non Pro committees have worked for some time on ways to really grow the Non Pro Futurity. I think that the changes for 2006 accomplish everyone’s goals. First, we’re allocating more money per Non Pro Futurity entry into the Limited Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions, which nearly doubles the payout. Second, we’re providing the opportunity for more Non Pro riders to make finals and show under the bright lights in their respective divisions. Third, the change from a two-go to a one-go format will allow for schedule relief and reduce the time that Non Pro riders have to be away from their families and businesses especially over the Thanksgiving Holidays. You asked for change and the Board and committees listened and responded, which will only make our events stronger,” said NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall.
More information is available on the changes to the 2006 Cinch Non Pro Futurity on the NRHA website www.nrha.com. Just opt for the NRHA Hot Topics button.
