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.

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.