Good news for the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and the sport of Reining. Reining events from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Show in Oklahoma City will be featured during a special program on NBC Television.
The one-hour special for the America’s Horse Championships presented by Ford Trucks will air Sunday, January 7 on NBC Sports Television at 1:30 p.m. Eastern/10:30 a.m. Pacific. The show is based on a portion of the FedEx Open competition at the AQHA World Show and highlights the Reining and Cutting competitions along with other features. A special web chat with NRHA One Million Dollar Rider and AQHA World Champion Reiner Craig Schmersal and AQHA World Champion Cutter Phil Rapp will also be held following the NBC broadcast.
“We were so pleased with the response from viewers and NBC last year,” said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. “The show reached more than five million viewers and we anticipate another great program from this year’s event. We enjoy having the chance to bring The World – including great reining – to viewers across the country.”
Two of the most popular and growing events – reining and cutting – will have a dominant presence in the show. Reining, which has been compared to figure skating because of required maneuvers, will highlight the senior competition for horses aged 6 years and older. Top riders featured include: past AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year and NRHA member Carol Metcalf, NRHA One Million Dollar Rider Craig Schmersal and up and coming trainer Jay McLaughlin.
The program includes veteran sports announcer Tim Ryan and former jockey-turned reporter Donna Brothers along with analyst AQHA Professional Horseman Robbie Boyce of Jacksboro, Texas.
Through an additional feature, viewers will be taken through a scenic trail ride in Virginia where the American Quarter Horse breed originated. Learn why the American Quarter Horse is such an important part of the western lifestyle for millions. Also, NBC will bring viewers an update on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 in Lexington, KY. This special segment is presented by Fort Dodge.
Following the show, viewers have the opportunity to participate in the special web chat with Schmersal and Rapp at 2:30 p.m. Eastern/11:30 a.m. Pacific onNBCSports.com.
