Futurity Impact Group: Driving Growth and Record-Setting Investments in Reining

In 2020, the late National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Hall of Famer Doug Carpenter and NRHA past president Frank Costantini challenged the NRHA Board of Directors committed to elevating the NRHA Futurity by increasing its purse with a vision for sustained growth over five years. Thanks to the determination of a small group of sponsors and leaders, over half a million dollars was raised to support this ambitious goal. Today, that vision has not only been maintained but has also been revitalized, with a dedicated team of supporters continuing to drive its success to include $475,000 investment earmarked for the 2025 Futurity purses.

On the same day the board increased its commitment to the 2025 Futurity purse, The Futurity Impact Group—comprising John and Nancy Tague, Bob Santagata, Rick Clark, Tim Anderson, Leonardo Arcese, and Jennifer Anderson—has already pledged an impressive $100,000 toward the 2025 Futurity. To date, members of the Futurity Impact Group have invested $500k directly into the futurity purse since the program began. This initiative adds another $300,000 over the next three years. The NRHA has added $50,000 annually, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the event’s future.

This combined investment ensures that every Level (L) 4 Open Futurity finalist in 2025 will take home a minimum of $25,000—a testament to the group’s unwavering dedication to supporting reining athletes.

The impact of these efforts is evident. In 2019, the L4 Open Champion purse stood at $142,500. By 2020, the contributions of original Futurity Challenge Donors had propelled it to $250,000. Since 2021, the L4 Open Championship prize has reached a record-breaking $350,000, making it part of the World’s Richest Reining.

NRHA’s overall annual investment in the Futurity has surpassed $800,000 since 2021, elevating the total event purse to over $3 million.

Looking ahead, planned investments of over $475,000 for the 2025 Futurity promise to further solidify its status as a premier event in the equestrian world.

For more details on these historic advancements and their transformative impact on the sport of reining, stay tuned for updates and announcements. Futurity purse here.

NRHA to Invest $475,000 into 2025 Futurity Purse

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) will invest an additional $475,000 in its membership with added purse money into six levels of NRHA competition throughout 2025. Since 2021, NRHA’s total annual investment into the Futurity exceeds $800,000, making the total purse more than $3 million.

This investment is possible because of NRHA’s multi-year strategic initiative to improve effectiveness and efficiency in its operations, attracting new and innovative sponsors and partners.

“Our initiatives over the last few years have allowed us to reward our members at every level,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.

Of the total $475,000 investment earmarked for the Futurity purses, $200,000 is designated to Open Levels [L] 1-3.

“This makes a more compelling value proposition deeper in the Open field,” said NRHA President Mark Blake.

To ensure a minimum of $25,000 for all Level 4 Open Finalists, $150,000 is earmarked specifically for the L4 purse. “Anyone who makes it to the L4 finals has accomplished the very rare and needs to be rewarded for it,” said Smith.

In addition, NRHA is also investing $100,000 in the Non Pro Futurity, which includes the grassroots and majority of NRHA membership. In addition, NRHA’s Prime Time riders, those 50 and older, will earn an additional $20,000. NRHA will be investing $5,000 in added money for the Youth Non Pro as well.

The NRHA Board and Executive Committee are motivated by the consistent growth experienced over the last few years and are dedicated to continuously creating positive momentum and opportunities for the NRHA membership as seen by these initiatives.

2024 NRHA Futurity & NAAC

Nov. 25–Dec. 7 | OKC Fairgrounds

Follow the action at NRHAFuturity.com

December 6, 2024: Tish Fappani and Wish I Was Yours Take Home CINCH NRHA Non Pro Futurity Win

December 6, 2024: Youth Riders Close the 2024 NAAC

December 5, 2024: Youth Riders Take the Reins in the Adequan® Arena

December 4, 2024: Novice Horse Non Pro Competition Heats Up

December 4, 2024: Showdown Rounds Take Center Stage

December 4, 2024: Inaugural Military and NRHA Futurity Slide

December 3, 2024: 2024 NRHA Futurity Continues to Break Records

December 3, 2024: Behind the Slide – Ryan Cowley, Tennessee

December 2, 2024: Behind the Slide – Daniela Ratschew, Austria

December 2, 2024: Floridians Fly to the Top in Adequan® NAAC Novice Horse Classes

December 2, 2024: Behind the Slide – Dana Clark, Florida

December 1, 2024: McCutcheon Leads the Way to the CINCH Non Pro Finals

December 1, 2024: NRHA Professionals Take Home Adequan® NAAC Titles

December 1, 2024: Saddle Up for Run Guess—NRHA Fans to Test Their Skills and Win Big at the Level 4 Non Pro and Open Finals

December 1, 2024: Futurity Impact Group: Driving Growth and Record-Setting Investments in Reining

November 30, 2024: The NRHA Non Pro Futurity Kicks-Off

November 30, 2024: Rookie Riders Win Big

November 30, 2024: Behind the Slide – Kevin Ball, Colorado

November 30, 2024: Behind the Slide – Zuri Bennett, Michigan

November 29, 2024: Mirko Midili and Mark My Word Lead the Way to the Semi-Finals

November 29, 2024: Behind the Slide – Luis Blanco

November 29, 2024: Behind the Slide – Yali Avraham, Israel

November 28, 2024: Champions Times Three in the Adequan® NAAC

November 28, 2024: Midili Marks Major

November 28, 2024: Behind the Slide – Ty Wilkerson, Texas

November 28, 2024: Behind the Slide – Lena Maas, Germany

November 27, 2024: 2024 NRHA Futurity Continues Toward Finals

November 27, 2024: Behind the Slide – Alberto Alegría, Dominican Republic

November 27, 2024: NRHA to Invest $475,000 into 2025 Futurity Purse

November 27, 2024: Behind the Slide – Anne Grether, The Netherlands

November 26, 2024: 2024 NRHA Open Futurity Begins in the Jim Norick Coliseum

November 26, 2024: Behind the Slide – The Dynamic Armendariz Duo

November 26, 2024: The 20th Anniversary of the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships Continues

November 25, 2024: The Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships Kick Off at the 2024 NRHA Futurity

November 24, 2024: World’s Richest Reining Begins

November 16, 2024: Sliders’ Night Out Presented by Toyon Ranch Set to Dazzle Again

November 11, 2024: NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Offers New Online Bidding, Sale Incentive, and Exclusive Perks for 2024

October 10, 2024: NRHA Launches Inaugural $100,000 Futurity Slide

August 23, 2024: NRHA Futurity Judges Selected

June 20, 2024: NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Announce Exciting New Update: Discounted NRHA Futurity and Derby Entries for Sale Graduates

Sliders’ Night Out Presented by Toyon Ranch Set to Dazzle Again

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma –The hottest night on reining’s social calendar is teed up to welcome guests once again. Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch is scheduled for December 4 in the historic Centennial Building on the OKC Fairgrounds, and the public can secure individual seats or tables with donations to the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF).

The evening kicks off with an energetic reception that allows for socializing and perusing the live auction lots. The 2024 reception will include live painting by artist Josey Butler, Streakin B Art, whose mixed media work will be included in the auction. Five additional lots will comprise the auction offerings that make this an important benefit for RHF. As the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association, NRHA celebrates reining’s history and supports the community through core programs, including the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth leadership programs, and scholarships.

Catering selections for the night include a grilled filet with butter, pecan-crusted salmon, and delicious sides and desserts. While the night will conclude with recognition of new honorees into the NRHA Hall of Fame, the introduction of those inducted in years past is always a sentimental moment. Members of the NRHA Hall of Fame are VIP guests whose attendance is underwritten by the event’s major donors at the presenting, platinum, gold, silver, and hall of fame levels.

The awards portion of the ceremony will honor Markel with the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award and induct NRHA Professional Andrea Fappani and three mares into the NRHA Hall of Fame: Snow Gun, Wind Her Up Shiner, and Wind Her Up Chic.

“The NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships” are marquee events for our sport, and it is a tremendous time to celebrate reining’s history and gather as community,” said Rick Clark, RHF vice president. “We appreciate Toyon Ranch and every donor who makes this annual celebration possible. I cannot overstate how significant it is on so many fronts, and I’m personally proud to be a part of it.”

Besides the artwork by Streakin B Art, the live auction items include a John Deere ZTrak Mower donated by Equine Discounts, an ICSI Services Package donated by GeneTech, a custom luxe mink edition hat donated by Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, a Country Cruising 5-night cruise and music festival donated by FDT Cruises, and a NASCAR Truck Racing VIP experience brought to you by ThorSport Racing.

Advance reservations are recommended by November 25. Limited seats may be available closer to the event date. Full details are available at reiningfoundation.com/sno. To make a reservation, contact RHF Development Coordinator Claire Pound at cpound@nrha.com or (405) 946-7400, ext. 138.

For nearly 25 years, members of the equine community have been doing good things through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association. With its mission of caring for and honoring the reining community, the RHF has supporters from around the world. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund providing financial relief to reiners enduring major hardships; youth scholarship and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association; and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame. For more information or to give, visit reiningfoundation.com.

NRHA Markel Futurity Sales Offers New Online Bidding, Sale Incentive, and Exclusive Perks for 2024

The 2024 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Markel Futurity Sales has shattered previous records. With 265 horses in the sale, this is the highest number of consignments since 2012. The sale, which used to run for three days until 2020, has seen exponential growth and now offers more than ever to buyers. Horse enthusiasts, trainers, and prospective buyers can experience the best in reining horse prospects as NRHA introduces exciting updates, including online bidding options, an exclusive sale incentive, and amenities to enhance the buying experience.

Exclusive Sale Incentive: 50% Off Entry Fees

Buyers at this year’s NRHA Markel Futurity Sales will enjoy a significant sale incentive: a 50% discount on entry fees for both the NRHA Futurity and 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. This remarkable benefit allows buyers to save and reinvest in their new reining horse prospects.

New for 2024: Online Bidding through CCi.live

Buyers can participate from anywhere in the world with online bidding powered by CCi.live. Register now at cci.live.com to secure your spot for online bidding and never miss out on your favorite horse, even if you can’t make it to the event in person.

Experience Perks Throughout the Day

Join us for complimentary breakfast and lunch—a perfect opportunity to relax and network with other attendees. There will also be a happy hour courtesy of Smith Ranch and Heritage Farms.

Performance Horse Preview in Arena 6

To give potential buyers a first-hand look at the horses in action, the Performance Horse Preview will take place on Wednesday afternoon in Arena 6 following the competition in the Coliseum.

Start Shopping Now: Save Your Favorites Online

The online catalog is live at auctions.nrha.com, with browsing available both on the website and app. You can save your favorite listings and set up automatic notifications for any updates or changes. This interactive feature makes it easier than ever to stay on top of the horses that catch your eye.

NRHyA Stallion Breeding Auction

Join us to kick off the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales with NRHyA’s largest fundraiser, the NRHyA Stallion Breeding Auction. This year’s donated stallions include Colonels Shining Gun, Down Right Amazing, Dun It For Whizkey, Gunner Dun It Again, Inferno Sixty Six, Masked Gun, Patriot, Spooks Gotta Spark, Spooks Gotta Whiz, Spooks Grand Slam, and Varsity Blu.

These breedings feature the same benefits as the Sire & Dam program, which include:

  • Sire & Dam Offspring are automatically eligible to compete in the NRHA Futurity & 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel– No nomination required
  • Sire & Dam Offspring receive reduced entry fees (up to 50% off) for the NRHA Futurity & 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
  • Sire & Dam Offspring receive later entry deadlines to the NRHA Futurity.

All proceeds from the NRHyA Stallion Breeding Auction will benefit NRHyA scholarships and programs through the RHF.

The NRHA Markel Futurity Sales promise to deliver an unmatched selection of quality horses and an experience filled with excitement, connection, and new opportunities. Whether attending in person or bidding online, this year’s sales are set to showcase the elite of the reining horse industry. Don’t miss out!

For more information, visit NRHA.com/sales.