Category Archives: Shows

Following discussions between American Quarter Horse Association Director of Competition Scott Neuman, National Reining Horse Association Commissioner Gary Carpenter, and NRHA Show Manager Cheryl Cody, an agreement has been reached regarding event dates. This pact will benefit the Farnam AQHA World Championship Show and the NRHA Futurity, both held at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

The two organizations tackled a problem together and, beginning in 2023, tremendous changes will be made. The World Show will finish up with its reining world championships on Thursday, November 16, and the NRHA Futurity move-in will begin on Friday, November 17.

For NRHA, enhanced growth for the massive futurity show had created scheduling difficulties, and for AQHA, increasing participation in the reining classes was a goal.

“We value our long-time relationship with NRHA, and leasing two days over to them during the Farnam AQHA World Championship Show made sense for both associations and our exhibitors,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “We are proud to support growth in the equine industry and opportunities for American Quarter Horse owners, especially, to exhibit their American Quarter Horses. In turn, we are optimizing our own Farnam World Show schedule and are excited about the improvements we are making to our pinnacle event.”

The alliance creates sponsorship support for the AQHA World Championship Show from NRHA and will enhance the added money in AQHA World Show reining classes. It is hoped that this will begin a growth in participation.

Carpenter lauded AQHA leadership for the decision. “The long line of AQHA/NRHA partnerships began with our founding. This is a continuation of that rich history, which will benefit the members of both organizations,” Carpenter said. “As we both become more creative and flexible, I see a brighter and brighter future of cooperation.”

Horses will move in for the Futurity early Sunday morning, November 19, and NRHA Futurity competition will begin on Tuesday, November 21. The two additional days that will be added to the event will give relief to a schedule that has been bursting at the seams.

“We appreciate AQHA’s willingness to work together on this, and we are very excited to offer NRHA members an improved schedule with extra days of competition,” Cody said.

Further details will be forthcoming, but the new schedule is expected to have a positive impact on both events.

5.26.23: Capello and Shya Shine Non Pro Futurity Champions

5.25.23: Ancillary Action

5.25.23: Cortesi and July Joe Snap Lead the Open Qualifier

5.23.23: Matteo Capello and Shya Shine top the Non Pro Qualifier

5.21.23: 2023 NRHA European Futurity: The highest-paying edition with a record number of entries welcomes the World Youth Reining Cup

More at nrhaeuropeanfuturity.com

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is honored to host the 2023 Para Reining Championships. The event will be held in Norick Arena on the last day of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel on June 25, 2023, just before the Non Pro competition. Classes for this event include Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5.

USA Para Reining, a branch of the United States Equestrian Federation, created the grade level system. This program gives riders with varying physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in reining. World Para Reining celebrated its inaugural year in 2015, and since then, it has worked to incorporate approved Para Reining classes into existing shows and host independent events and classes.

“With the inception of first the rookie class followed by prime time and then the Entry Level Green classes, NRHA has always strived to live up to its ‘A place for all’ motto,” said NRHA Professional, USA Para Reining board member Jennifer Hoyt. “In 2015, NRHA approved the first rules for Para Reining, letting even more reining enthusiasts compete and enjoy the thrill of riding a truly exceptional equine athlete. The inclusion of this Championship in the NRHA illustrates more than ever how the NRHA has a place for everyone.”

NRHA is excited to have an additional Para Reining Championship sponsor, Dechra Veterinary Products, located in Overland Park, Kansas. Dechra will provide added money to all classes and is the U.S. sales and marketing division of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a UK-based company dedicated to the animal healthcare market.

Hart Trailers, NRHA’s Official Trailer and Para Reining Sponsor, will award halters to all championship participants. Additional awards will also be given. The overall Championship will be decided from the high scores of all para exhibitors’ rides regardless of grade.

To gain more insight about para reining, follow USA Reining Para-Reining on Facebook. For more details about the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, visit nrhaderby.com.

Dechra Veterinary Products:

Dechra’s equine product line includes Osphos^® (clodronate injection), Orthokine^® vet irap 10 and 60, Osteokine^® (PRP), Equidone^® (domperidone) Gel, the Vetivex^® line of parenteral fluids, Phycox^® EQ, and a comprehensive line of topical dermatologic products. The recent additions of ProVet APC™ (Autologous Platelet Concentrate) system, Zimeta^® (dipyrone injection), Rompun^® (xylazine injection), Butorphanol Tartrate Injection, Isoflurane, USP Inhalant Anesthetic, and SucroMate^® Equine (deslorelin acetate) further expand Dechra’s equine offerings.

The Teton Ridge American Performance Horseman gets prepared for the bright lights of Arlington, Texas, at the home of the Texas Rangers MLB team, Globe Life Field. The American Western Weekend will kick off with the Top Five professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Each team will include a reining professional, reined cow horse professional, and cutting professional. This highly anticipated competition will open with cutting, then move into the reining, and close out with the reined cow horse competitors. The performance horse industry will witness history with the first team concept competition battling for $1 Million in prize money.

Each NRHA professional announced their two equine athletes of choice to ride for this inaugural event during The American Performance Horseman Team Selections event held on February 6th. The horsepower will be off the charts, and riders must declare their official decision by March 8th at noon.

First up, NRHA $7 Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida selected Alpha Jac Sparrow, owned by Fritz Leeman. This is a stallion sired by NRHA Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Chexanicki, with lifetime earnings (LTE) of $126,953. He chose Shiner On My Eye as well, with a lifetime earnings of $169,999 and owned by Bob Santagata. The stud is out of Flashy Lil Step and sired by NRHA $3 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr.

Second up, NRHA $3 Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary, with his choice of Down Right Amazing, a stallion owned by DAG Ventures LLC with lifetime earnings of $224,250.

The 2022 Run for a Million Shootout Champion is sired by NRHA $13 Million Sire Gunner and out of Shesouttayourleague. His other pick is lifetime earner of more than $369,059, the 2021 NRHA Futurity Champion Ten Thirty, owned by Rancho El Fortin and sired by Gunnatrashya and out of Dainty Little Step.

Next in line, NRHA Professional Fernando Salgado chose Gunnabeabrightstar, owned by Neiberger Performance Horses, carrying a lifetime earnings of $157,017. This stud is out of the mare Abbie Be Tuff and sired by ARC Gunnabeabigstar. Salgado’s other option is Pale Dun Star, owned by Ian and Kristen Cantacuzene. The stud with $78,208 in NRHA LTE is sired by NRHA $3 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of the mare Get Ya Some Stars.

Next, NRHA $7 Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani plans to pair up with Trash Talkin Spook with $154,770 NRHA LTE owned by Marilyn Overgaard. A stud sired by Gunnatrashya and out of I Spook. Fappani, in addition, chose a stud owned by Teton Ridge, Starjac Vintage, with a lifetime earnings of $172,769. The stud is an NRHA $3 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage and out of Starjac Miss.

Last to draw, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills electing to pilot Guns And Dynamite sired by NRHA $5 Million Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of Chic Olena Starbuck. The stallion chosen is proudly owned by Tim and MaryBeth Ruckman and has an LTE of $250,424. He also elected Stopping In Jersey owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses, lifetime earner of $96,864. The stud is out of Stop Little Sister and sired by Yellow Jersey.

Burnt Orange Team

Cutting: Austin Shepherd, Summerdale, Alabama

Reining: Matt Mills, Weatherford, Texas

Reined Cow Horse: Lee Deacon, Marietta, Oklahoma

Racing Green Team

Cutting: Lindy Thorn, Claremore, Oklahoma

Reining: Casey Deary, Weatherford, Texas

Reined Cow Horse: Chris Dawson, Perrin, Texas

Royal Blue Team

Cutting: Adan Banuelos, Weatherford, Texas

Reining: Fernando Salgado, Gainesville, Texas

Reined Cow Horse: Sarah Dawson, Perrin, Texas

Imperial Purple Team

Cutting: Wesley Galyean, Claremore, Oklahoma

Reining: Andrea Fappani, Scottsdale, Arizona

Reined Cow Horse: Corey Cushing, Weatherford, Texas

Regal Red Team

Cutting: Lloyd Cox, Marietta, Oklahoma

Reining: Shawn Flarida, Springfield, Ohio

Reined Cow Horse: Justin Wright, Santa Maria, California

The American West Weekend is one you won’t want to miss. The American Performance Horseman event will commence at 6:45 p.m. CST on Friday, March 10. The evening will conclude with a concert featuring Darius Rucker and Sheryl Crow, which is included in your admission fee. The American Rodeo will be held at Globe Life Field on Saturday, March 11, with admission to a Cody Johnson concert included. For a 25% discount on your tickets for the weekend, use code NRHA23 at checkout.

Buy your tickets TODAY by visiting americanrodeo.com/tickets, and be sure to download Teton Ridge + to stay in the know regarding all things American West Weekend at tetonridgeplus.com. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Teton Ridge is a multi-platform, wholly American-owned brand and media company devoted to the iconic American western way of life; dedicated to elevating classic Western sports and America’s western culture on the world stage.

In 2021, Teton Ridge acquired The American Rodeo, The Crown Jewel of Rodeo, with the vision to expand the audience and create innovative events like The Western Weekend, which includes The American Performance Horseman. On the eve of The American Rodeo—Friday, March 10—at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, The American Performance Horseman will premiere.

This unprecedented event will showcase western equine sports of cutting, reining, and reined cow horse in a fast-paced, made for television exhibition. This historic event will be the first time the associations NCHA, NRHA, NRCHA, APHA & AQHA have joined together to compete under one roof.

The innovative exhibition format offers all three sports to be showcased to a wider audience and on a new global platform, vying for $1 Million dollars in the prize pool. Not only will competitors contend as individuals but also in a team format. There will be 5 teams consisting of three athletes from each discipline.

Tickets are now available at www.americanrodeo.com

Q: What will be the order of events?

A: The competition order will run as follows:

1. Cutting competition
2. Reining, using an NRHA-approved modified pattern 10
3. The Reined Cow Horse performance will close out the event with “down the fence” runs.
   1. (The Reining portion of the Reined Cow Horse event will be done in the morning to ensure complete scoring. This section will not be televised.)
4. Presentation of awards
5. Entertainment (Yet to be announced – Will be an A-Lister entertainer)

Q: What will the payout be of the $1 Million prize pool?

Individual Prize Money per discipline event:

1. $100,000
2. $75,000
3. $50,000
4. $25,000
5. $25,000

Team Money:

1. $75,000 ($25,000 PER CONTESTANT)
2. $25,000 ($8,333.33 PER CONTESTANT)
3. $25,000($8,333.33 PER CONTESTANT)
4. $25,000($8,333.33 PER CONTESTANT)
5. $25,000($8,333.33 PER CONTESTANT)

Q: What will the earnings count towards?

A: NCHA: TAPH does not count towards: NCHA world standings, horse of the year, or any other championships.

NRHA: Does not count toward Top 10 (Category 1) World Title awards.

NRCHA: Currently, category 2 earnings count toward year-end earnings. TAPH counts only open-aged event money won in the 2022 year, incentive program monies or subclasses do not count.

TAPH will count towards horse and rider’s LTEs.

Q: Can the competitor show any horse?

A: NCHA – Competitors can show any horse of any age. The TAPH is classified as an Open Cutting.

NRHA – Competitors can show any horse of any age. The TAPH is classified as an Open Reining class.

NRCHA – Yes, however, the TAPH is classified as an open bridle class. Per NRCHA Rules: Open to horses of any age, to be ridden in an NRCHA-approved bit, and reins with a romal are required.

Q: When will the athletes need to name their show horse?

A: Competitors can name up to two horses prior to February 7th, 2023.

Final selection of horses will take place one week prior to the competition on March 3rd, 2023.

Q: How did the athletes qualify to compete at The American Performance Horseman?

A: The qualification is based on the open rider, not the horse. The qualified riders are the Top 5 athletes with the highest aged event money from the 2022 show season, not including subclasses or incentives. For NRHA, all money earned in Category 1–10 counts toward qualifying.

Q: Is there any entry fee to compete?

A: No

Q: What is the team portion of the competition?

A: Five teams of one cutter, one reiner, and one reined cow horse competitor will compete in a team format and for individual prize money.

The accumulative score of each rider on a team will determine the placings of the team portion of the competition.

i.e. Reining score + Cutting score + Reined Cow Horse score = Team Score

Team Colors: Royal Blue, Regal Red, Imperial Purple, Racing Green, and Burnt Orange

Q: In the event of a tie, will there be a tiebreaker?

A: Individual Competition – In the event of a tie, a work-off will not be held and a tiebreaker will be used to determine the winner.

Tiebreaker one: All five judges’ scores will be added to determine the winner

Tiebreaker two: If still tied, the tiebreaker judge will determine the winner

*Within the reined cow horse competition, the first tiebreaker will be determined by the highest cow work score. If still tied, tiebreakers one and two will be used to break the tie.

B: Team Competition

Tiebreaker One: All five judges’ scores in each of the individual competitions will be added to determine the winning team.

If still tied, the scores from the tiebreaker judges from each of the individual competitions will be added together to determine the champion team.

If still tied, a coin toss will determine the champion team.

Q: Globe Life Field will be transformed into a show arena. How will that work for each discipline?

A: The field will be transformed into a 150 ft x 250 ft arena; after each discipline, the arena will be adjusted accordingly to suit the next discipline.

Q: When will the draw be available?

A: The draw party will be shared live on NRHA social media and will be available on February 10, 2023.

Q: How are the judges chosen?

A: There will be a 5-judge panel from each association for each corresponding discipline. Each association will provide the highest accredited judges from each discipline.

Q: In the event that one of the competitors is unable to compete, what is the protocol?

A: In the event that a competitor chooses to or is not able to compete in the event, it is their responsibility to notify event organizers with little or no delay upon their decision to withdraw.

If a Top 5 American Performance Horseman qualifier withdraws from the competition, event organizers will notify the first alternate on the list of 2022 Top Professionals provided by the event’s respective governing association. If the first alternate declines, the next highest alternate will be notified.

Q: How will the teams be chosen?

A: There will be five teams of three.

Each team will consist of a cutter, reiner, and reined cow horse athlete. Teams will be drawn at random. Draw order will be segregated by discipline and ordered starting with the highest year-end money earner.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce the top five NRHA Professionals who will compete at the unprecedented The American Performance Horseman (TAPH) presented by Teton Ridge.

The top five riders who qualified to represent the reining community are NRHA Seven Million Dollar Rider Shawn Flarida, NRHA Seven Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani, NRHA Three Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary, Fernando Salgado and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Matt Mills. These NRHA Professionals will join the top five riders from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) and National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) to compete for a $1 million payout in a first-of-its-kind competitive exhibition format.

“This event is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our sport along with other exciting western performance events like fans have never seen before,” said Gary Carpenter, NRHA Commissioner. “We have been here all along with great horses and great riders, this puts it in the front shop window for all to see. What it means to these riders, their careers, and all NRHA riders is something that we could have only dreamed of before.”

The American Performance Horseman will make its debut at The American Western Weekend, Friday, March 10th, 2023, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

For more information and to purchase tables or tickets, please visit americanrodeo.com

Notes related to other year-end standings and rankings lists:

• The reiners selected will be the top five NRHA Professionals determined by total 2022 earnings in NRHA Categories 1-10. TAPH will utilize a modified version of an NRHA pattern. Earnings for the event will be recorded in NRHA as Category 11 money.
• TAPH Reining Qualifiers are being published in advance of the 12/31 official year-end as all events that could affect the top five are published
• NRHA Top 20 Professionals, Non Pros and Owners lists for 2022 will be published after the official year-end
• NRHA World Title Top 10 Standings for 2022 will be published after the official year-end
• At present, the ReinerSuite team is testing the 2023 Eligibility Tool so it can be released by the second week of January