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Many Ways to Win at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

The 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is approaching fast, and there are more ways than ever to enter a class customized to you and your horse’s skill level and goals. 

In 2023, the event broke records with the highest payout in history—$1.57 million. Exhibitors will not want to miss the fun June 11-23 at the OKC Fairgrounds, as this year’s event offers the most added money to Levels (L) 3, 2, and 1 for both the Open and Non Pro compared to all other derbies!

The guaranteed payouts for champions are:

  • L4 Open – $100,000
  • L3 Open – $35,000
  • L2 Open – $20,000
  • L1 Open – $10,000
  • Prime Time Open – $5,000
  • L4 Non Pro – $50,000
  • L3 Non Pro – $20,000
  • L2 Non Pro – $15,000
  • L1 Non Pro – $5,000
  • Prime Time Non Pro – $5,000
  • Youth Non Pro – $2,000
  • Masters Non Pro – $2,000

Enter the Highest Added Money 4-year-old Stakes

NRHA proudly offers the 4-year-old Stakes featuring the highest added money open aged event, not restricted by nomination, stallion etc.

To recognize the popularity of the 4-year-old Stakes division and to support its longevity, the NRHA Board added an additional $100,000 beginning in 2023, bringing the total added money of the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes to $110,000 and $50,000 in the Colston Paving Inc. Non Pro Stakes.

Novice Horse Opportunities

Rick Clark and his brother Brent are the naming sponsors of the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Open and Non Pro Novice Horse divisions, which are open to horses who have won less than $10,000 as of May 1. The Open division boasts $15,000 in added money, while the Non Pro features $10,000.

$15,000-Added Amateur Division

Non Pros eligible for L1 or L2 who have earned less than $100,000 and meet the full criteria are eligible for the $15,000 Elementa Amateur Division. View the Amateur Derby eligibility criteria here.

8 & Up Maturity

There will be an Open 8 & Up Maturity with $10,000 added to the Level 4 and $5,000 added to the Level 2. In the Non Pro, there is $15,000 added split across L1-4.

Rookies Compete for Free

Did you know the Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All is happening at the Derby? NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch is paying all Rookie entry and judges fees! We can’t wait to see you in OKC.

$20,000-added Freestyle Reining presented by Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Have you watched this exciting competition from the stands and wanted to join the fun? Those interested in competing can send inquiries to Cheryl Cody at cheryl@pro-management-inc.com and include a video of any past freestyle performances.

$3,500-Added Para Reining Championship

The Para-Reining Championship, sponsored by Dechra and NRHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailers, will be held on Thursday, June 20, at the Jim Norick Arena after the Invitational Freestyle. The championship will include classes for grades two, three, four, and five. Find more information and the entry form here.

High Point Buckle Awards

High-point titles are among the many honors bestowed at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel in June. The winners are crowned based on points awarded by their placings in two ancillary slates. Those with the highest point total receive a buckle crafted by show sponsor Montana Silversmiths to commemorate their success.

APHA Chrome Cash

Open and Non Pro competitors have an opportunity to enter the American Paint Horse Association’s Chrome Cash with $2,500 added to each division. The entry form can be found here.

6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Entries & Reservations

2024 NRHA Derby entries are due in office by May 15, and Ancillary entries are due in office by June 1. Stall Reservation Forms are due in office by May 16. To submit entries and reservations, visit nrhaderby.com/forms.

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$4 Million Sire: Shiners Voodoo Dr & Jacs Electric Spark

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is thrilled to announce that Shiners Voodoo Dr and Jacs Electric Spark have officially joined the elite ranks of NRHA $4 Million Sires. This prestigious achievement is a testament to their progeny’s outstanding quality and performance in NRHA-sanctioned events worldwide.

Shiners Voodoo Dr, affectionately known as “Voodoo,” has been a standout figure in the reining community, known for his exceptional athletic ability, captivating demeanor, and remarkable intelligence. His offspring have carried on his legacy, showcasing incredible talent and earning top honors at competitions, solidifying Voodoo’s impact on the sport.

During his career in the show pen, Voodoo amassed nearly $86,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE). His biggest win came during the 2012 NRHA Derby with NRHA $2 Million Rider Todd Bergen at the reins. The duo went home with the Level 4 Open Co-Reserve Championship and more than $38,000.

Bred by Rogers Heaven Sent Ranch and owned by Silver Spurs Equine, Shiners Voodoo Dr has sired champions and reserve champions across multiple NRHA categories, contributing significantly to the reining landscape. His influence extends beyond the arena, with offspring consistently exhibiting excellence and competitive spirit. Voodoo’s legacy is not only marked by his own success but also by the success of his progeny, which speaks volumes about the quality and future of reining.

Shiners Voodoo Dr’s top offspring include:

  • Shiner On My Eye (Flashy Lil Step), bred by Empire Ranch, owned by Bob Santagata, earning $191,249 in NRHA LTE
  • Warlocks Last Step (SDP A Lasting Step), bred by Adh-Mor Ranch, owned by Bosque Ranch Performance Horses LLC, earning $105,279 in NRHA LTE
  • Doctor Voodoo (out of Dunit A Lil Ruf), bred by Ann Salmon Anderman, owned by Mike McFarlin, earning $96,363 in NRHA LTE
  • Xtra New Pal Voodoo (out of Wimpys New Pal), bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, earning $81,894 in NRHA LTE
  • Shiners Voodoo (out of BR China Rose), bred by Patricia Creson, owned by V & V Syndicate, earning $75,354 in NRHA LTE

The late Jacs Electric Spark, sired by NRHA $4 Million Sire and Hall of Famer Shining Spark and out of Miss Hello Hollywood, continues to leave his mark on the reining industry through his exceptional offspring.

Jacs Electric Spark, a 1998 stallion bred by Sally Brown, enjoyed a successful show career himself, earning over $85,900 in NRHA LTE with rider NRHA Professional Troy Heikes, who owned the horse along with Sally Brown. Some of his career highlights include being a 2001 NRHA Futurity Open finalist and an NRHA Derby Open finalist multiple times.

Since his passing, Jacs Electric Spark’s influence has only grown. His offspring have consistently excelled in the reining pen, amassing over $4 million in NRHA LTE. Designed To Spark (out of Taris Designer Genes) is one standout descendant catapulting the sire to this milestone. The 9-year-old gelding, bred by Rancho Oso Rio LLC and owned by Arielle Hacking, has over $70,000 in LTE and was the fourth-place finisher in the 2015 NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity with NRHA Leading Rider Andrea Fappani at the reins.

Jacs Electric Sparks’ top progeny include:

  • Electric Code (Hot Coded Candy), bred by Janice Free, owned by Lorenzo Lotti, earning $204,317 in NRHA LTE
  • Ref Black Mamba (Metermaid To Order), bred by Cinder Lakes Ranch, owned by Saw Ranch LLC, earning $121,754 in NRHA LTE
  • Holier Then Thou (out of Slylena), bred by Cam Essick, owned by Nicole McDevitt, earning $120,966 in NRHA LTE
  • Electric Cha Ching (out of Kipper Lady Nic), bred by Haworth Family Partnership Ltd., owned by Silver Spurs Equine, earning $112,494 in NRHA LTE
  • Mr Electric Spark (out of Sailin Rowdy), bred by Sebastien Poncin, owned by Foothills Farm, earning $102,711 in NRHA LTE

NRHA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the owners, breeders, and trainers connected to Shiners Voodoo Dr and Jacs Electric Spark. This achievement underscores the significance of exceptional breeding and training throughout reining, and the contributions to the sport by each of these elite sires will be celebrated for generations to come. We look forward to witnessing the continued success of their progeny in NRHA competitions around the world.

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Welcome Etalon Genetics, a Sponsor of the NRHA Sire & Dam Program

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce that Etalon Equine Genetics is now a sponsor of NRHA Sire & Dam Program. This dynamic collaboration marks the convergence of two industry titans with a shared mission to reshape equine health, elevate performance standards, and uphold the timeless traditions of western horsemanship through innovation and education.

Etalon Equine Genetics is known for its pioneering efforts in animal genetic research. It has assembled a formidable team of leading scientists, geneticists, biologists, and tech experts from the heart of Silicon Valley and renowned universities worldwide. Their mission is to equalize access to cutting-edge genetic diagnostics, making them user-friendly and affordable for horse enthusiasts at all levels.

“We’re embarking on an exciting journey with the National Reining Horse Association,” says Christa Lafayette, CEO of Etalon Equine Genetics. “By merging our genetic expertise with NRHA’s unwavering commitment to the reining horse, we’re empowering horse owners, trainers, and breeders with invaluable insights to unlock the full potential of equine health and performance.”

Etalon’s newest Performance Package is just one of the services included in this sponsorship that offers NRHA members a leg up in maximizing their horses’ potential in the show pen. This genetic testing package provides applicable knowledge about a horse’s inherent strengths and weaknesses related to speed, gait, and temperament. Armed with this knowledge, reining horse breeders, owners, and riders can tailor their breeding decisions and training programs to capitalize on each horse’s natural talents, resulting in improved performance and competitive success.

Founded in 1966, the NRHA and its world-class Sire & Dam Program have long been an industry pillar of excellence, fostering the reining horse’s prominence in a family-centric atmosphere while upholding the highest standards of western horsemanship. With its 2024 strategic plan focused on education, growth, and innovation, the NRHA is poised to lead the equestrian world into a new era.

The Sire & Dam program has delivered substantial value to its participants while contributing to the support of NRHA. It’s the perfect addition to any breeding program. Mare owners can purchase breedings they may not otherwise have access to, often at reduced rates. Offspring produced from the program have added value even before hitting the ground. Some of those benefits include: no nomination to the NRHA Futurity and Derby required; resulting foals are automatically eligible; reduced entry fees (up to 50%) to the NRHA Futurity and Derby, later entry deadlines for the NRHA Futurity, and Sire & Dam offspring eligibility remains with the horse even if it is sold.

Stallion owners who contribute a breeding to the Sire & Dam auction receive promotion through program advertising and inclusion in the NRHA stallion directory. They also become eligible for NRHA Futurity and Derby sire incentives, including cash awards.

“Etalon has a long history of innovations in the genetics space. We’re happy to have a relationship with a sponsor who appreciates our shared interest in innovation and scientific discovery,” says Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner.

In a move aimed at empowering NRHA members, Etalon Equine Genetics will collaborate closely with the association to provide educational resources on equine genetics offering member discounts for genetic testing packages with white glove service included. This synergy between innovation and tradition aligns seamlessly with the NRHA’s vision of becoming the preeminent leader in equestrian sports.

“We believe in the ‘horse family’ approach for which the NRHA is known and aspire to work with riders of all ages, setting them up for success now and for years to come,” enthused Lafayette. “This is a truly unique combination of tech, science, and horsepower; something our kids will understand and leverage far beyond what we can imagine. Together, we’ll harness the power of genetics to preserve the rich legacy of the reining horse while propelling it into a future defined by welfare, performance, and unparalleled excellence in horsemanship.”

Etalon Equine Genetics’ sponsorship of the National Reining Horse Association’s Sire & Dam program signals a bold leap forward in the quest for equine excellence, uniting innovation, tradition, and passion in pursuit of a shared vision. For more information on Etalon Equine Genetics, visit etalondx.com

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The 2024 NRHA European Futurity offers the first NRHA Million Dollar Competition in Europe!

History will be made in Cremona, Italy, where the National Reining Horse Association European Futurity will be the first event in Europe to guarantee $1 million in added money. Held during the Salone del Cavallo Americano on May 22–26, the event is supported by NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Eleuterio Arcese in collaboration with the Italian Reining Horse Association, TFY, a select group of supporters, and the NRHA Nomination Program money. This event will be the first of its kind for Europe and create incredible opportunities for riders, breeders, owners, and fans.

Open to 4-year-old horses entered in the NRHA European Nomination Program, the first edition of the NRHA European Futurity was held in Kreuth, Germany, in 2009. At the time, the idea of offering a European Futurity was strongly desired by Arcese. “I always felt that hosting a big Futurity on the Old Continent was imperative. The 16th edition is coming up, and it needs to be special,” says Arcese. “The international reining stage today aspires to hosting big shows with large purses, and we must follow this trend, in particular in Italy, the country that through the years has made European reining grow. At the end of the show season last year, my goal was to put together a pool of sponsors that would allow us to offer $1 million Euro Futurity. They came on board, and now the dream has come true.” Making Arcese even prouder is the fact that the 2024 IRHA/IRHBA Derby and Futurity have increased the added money — the first to $305,000 and the second to $800,000 — bringing the total added money in the three shows to $2,100,000.”

Arcese’s goal was also to bring together European purse supporters willing to sponsor the Euro Futurity over five years with all the money going to the purse. Mission accomplished. The following have undersigned with the 2024 event: NRHA Belgium, Roleski Ranch, NRHA Germany, Sabine Schmid, CS Ranch Management, 7 Heaven Reining Horses, BO Ranch, De Ceuster, AK Quarter Horses, AM Rising Star Ranch, Galaxy Quarter Horses, Midpoint Ranch, Rosanne Sternberg, Adrienne Speidel, Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, Francesca Sternberg, NRHA France, Bouwmeester Reining Horses, NRHA Denmark, NRHA Sweden.

“This is our European Futurity and it is important that everyone invests in our event, no matter in which country the event is held. Hats off, and thank you to all those that joined forces,” he added. “As we look forward to welcoming all the participants to CremonaFiere, I ask that all riders prepare their mounts with extreme care, always respecting the horse and the sport. A big thank you to NRHA for always being by our side and trusting us.”

APHA Chrome Cash brings $5,000 boost to Paint Reiners

Once again, NRHA Alliance Partner American Paint Horse Association Chrome Cash is coming back to the 2024 NRHA European Futurity; the program will feature $3,000 in added money just for Paints! The Chrome Cash incentive program provides exclusive payouts to the highest-placing registered Paints in a specific slate of classes. In Cremona, the following will be offered:

  • Open Level 4 Futurity Division- Category 6 Closed to Paint Horses- $1,250 Added
  • Non Pro Level 4 Futurity Division- Category 6 Closed to Paint Horses- $1,250 Added
  • Open Ancillary- Category 4 Breed Restricted to Paint Horses- $1,250 Added
  • Amateur Ancillary- Category 4 Breed Restricted to Paint Horses- $1,250 Added

In order to participate:

-Horses must be registered with APHA or have registration pending with APHA. Both Regular Registry and Solid Paint Bred (SPB) horses are eligible.

-Owner and exhibitor must be a current APHA member

-Must enter the Chrome Cash class at the event, along with your regular class.

Learn more at apha.com/programs/chromecash

For further information: NRHAEUROPEANFUTURITY.com
For ticketing and entry to fairgrounds: SALONEDELCAVALLO.com

Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
Whatsapp: +39 340 5354629
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.

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2024 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest Deadline Approaching

One of the many benefits of being a National Reining Horse Youth Association member is the ability to participate in contests outside of the show pen. One of the most unique opportunities is the annual Art & Photo Contest sponsored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Entries for this year’s competition are due May 10.

Not only do the winners of this contest earn a prize, but their artwork will also be displayed at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel from June 11 to 23.

“We’re so proud of our partnership with NRHA, and we’re especially proud to host these NRHyA Art & Photo Contest winners here at the museum,” said Seth Spillman, Chief Marketing Officer at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. “It’s always a pleasure to see the work of this next generation of Western artists here at the museum.”

There are two categories, Photography and Mixed Media, in the age categories: 14-18, 13 & Under, and 10 & Under based on their age as of January 1.

Last year, nearly 40 entries were made in the contest.

“I love seeing the excitement on our youth members’ faces when they see their art on a wall next to industry professionals,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA Director of Marketing, who oversees the Youth and Affiliate programs. “This is such a special opportunity and I hope everyone will make time to go visit the display at the beautiful museum while they are in OKC in June.”

Entry forms for the 2024 NRHyA Art & Photo Contest can be found here. Entries will be accepted until May 10.