A bigger and better NRHA Derby is coming in 2008! The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is revamping its major event for 4, 5, and 6 year old horses held annually at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. Exhibitors and spectators will find new dates, a new focus and a family-friendly event at the 2008 NRHA Derby.

The new format for the NRHA Derby has been in the planning stages for close to a year; first in the Aged Events Committee and then the full Board of Directors. At its recent meeting in late August, the NRHA Board of Directors voted to change the dates of the event. The 2008 NRHA Derby will now be held June 23 – 28. While the Derby will remain at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK, exhibitors will notice several other member-friendly changes now showcasing the Non Pro and Youth members and all sorts of family-fun events will be planned.

Members of the Aged Events Committee have brainstormed for some time now about what could be done to improve the NRHA Derby. NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall said, “The committee wanted to move the dates of the Derby back to the summer when more Non Pro and Youth members could attend. When we moved the Derby from June to May, many of those competitors could not attend because of school obligations. By changing the dates of the Derby, we hope that more families will make Oklahoma City the destination of their summer vacation next year.�

So mark your show calendars now for the 2008 NRHA Derby – June 23 – 28!