Long recognized as a leader in the sport of Reining, the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) prepares to celebrate 20 years as an NRHA Affiliate, and continues to maintain a strong commitment to the sport of Reining.

In 2006, the IRHA is adding more money than ever to their already successful NRHA-approved Italian RHA Futurity events. The added money will jump from a total of $187,500 in 2005 to a phenomenal $370,000 in 2006!

The Palasturla, Manerbio – Brescia, Italy, will host the Italian RHA Futurity 2006, the Italian RHA Breeders Futurity 2006, the Italian RHA Breeders Select Futurity and the Italian RHA Futurity Show 2006. The Italian RHA Futurity 2006 features $187,200 in added funds. In the Italian RHA Breeders Futurity 2006, entries will compete for $52,800 in added money and riders in the Italian RHA Breeders Select Futurity will ride for a purse with $129,900 added. The Italian RHA Futurity Show 2006 NRHA Category 1 slate of classes features the coveted Morrison bronze trophy Open and Non Pro classes.

Competitors are ensured a first-rate event given the fact that NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Eleuterio Arcese will serve as the Show Manager and Show Secretary duties will be in the very capable hands of Cristina Serra.

According to NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall, “This is another shining example of the Italian Reining Horse Association’s commitment to the sport of Reining. This year, they were one of the first NRHA Affiliates to become a part of the International Affiliate Program, which is flourishing beyond all expectations. The IRHA has been an NRHA Affiliate since 1987 and remains to this day a true leader in the sport of Reining.�

For more information on the Italian Reining Horse Association visit their website at www.itrha.com.