Category: Events

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.

Have you been a fan of reining and want to give it a spin for yourself? The 2024 Buy-A-Pro Auction is officially underway and offers an entry point into the reining industry for those who have wanted to participate or polish up on existing skills. The auction offers buyers a chance to purchase a two-lesson package with National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Professionals from all over the United States and benefits the National Reining Horse Youth Association (NRHyA). This year, the auction runs through 1 p.m. CST on March 19.

From fans to those with reining experience, everyone can benefit from the elite list of NRHA Professionals, including NRHA Futurity Champions, NRHA Million Dollar Riders, stars from The Last Cowboy, NRHA World Champions, NRHA Horsemen and Women of the Year, expert non pro coaches, and other proven professionals.

A winning bid grants riders an opportunity to travel to their chosen professional’s facility and polish their riding skills and their horse’s training or, in some cases, try reining for the first time on a horse provided by the professional. From beginners to accomplished riders, everyone can benefit from these private training packages.

“Josiane Gauthier was an excellent trainer and instructor. I loved that she wants to give her student a firm foundation and understanding of what we are doing and what we are about to do,” said Angela Johnson-Moore, a previous auction participant. “She provided a fabulous training horse that took excellent care of me! She rode alongside me for instruction. Never did I think I would actually spin and do sliding stops on my first lesson. This was an amazing experience and taught me I can have confidence stepping outside my box with the right trainer.”

Each of the participating NRHA Professionals donates two training sessions per package, and 15% of the proceeds benefit their designated NRHA affiliate. The remaining funds are allotted directly to NRHyA to provide scholarships and other opportunities for young reiners.

Along with making reining accessible, the auction has created life-long bonds, allowed people to purchase their first reining horse, and more.

“For [NRHA Professional] Daniel Schloemer to go so above and beyond is incredible—I am living a dream this week,” said Diane Stuart after participating in lessons purchased in 2023. “Sometimes it’s hard not to forget there are incredible people out there in this world, but the NRHA world reminds me daily.”

Historically, this fundraiser has generated significant funding to support NRHyA. With participating professionals located all over the country, there are options to best suit each buyer’s needs. Before bidding, be sure to check if your selected professional offers the amenities you need, such as lesson horses, stalls, or RV hookups.

To view the NRHA Professionals available and to place your bids today, visit 32auctions.com/2024BuyAPro.

The Reining Horse Foundation is set to once again host Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch, the premier night on the social and charitable calendar of the reining community, on November 29 at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Okla. This evening of celebrating the history and future of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is held during the NRHA Futurity and Adequan^® North American Affiliate Championships.

“This is an annual celebration to come together and honor new and previous inductees into the NRHA Hall of Fame, as well as the recipient of the NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award – the highest honors bestowed by NRHA. The second purpose is to raise funding crucial for the RHF and its core programs,” said Rick Clark, chairperson of the RHF Board of Directors Development Committee and RHF Officer. “This is the fifth year the gala will be in this format. I’m proud to say Toyon Ranch has been the presenting donor all five years; we have great appreciation for the leadership from owners John and Nancy Tague.”

Inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame will be the late “Bob Mac” (Bob McDonnell), Dell Hendricks, and Gunnatrashya. The program is also set to recognize Dave Belson and the duo Jenifer Reynolds and Chris Cook as recipients of NRHA Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Awards.

In 2023, Sliders’ Night Out will include a limited live auction with several offerings made possible by NRHA Corporate Partners. The line-up includes a breeding package featuring GeneTech ICSI Services, an embryo from Dun Dry Whiz, the dam of Mic Dropp, and a breeding to Toyon Ranch featured stallions. The package is made possible by GeneTech, Clark Reining Horses, and Toyon Ranch. Equine Discounts is donating a John Deere Ztrak Zero Turn Mower, Model Z-720E, that will be outstanding around any home or ranch. MS Diamonds TX, a perennial RHF contributor, is offering an 18K white gold pavé ring featuring gemstones.

An exclusive VIP Offering and Premium Seating to The American Performance Horseman is sure to be popular. This coveted package includes limited edition credentials, private dining and cocktail experience, reserved seats for The American Rodeo, and more. Courtesy of the NRHA, this offering will surely be the best seat in the West! Additional auction items may be announced closer to the event.

Since 2018, Sliders’ Night Out has been the single largest annual fundraiser for RHF, which serves as the charitable arm of the NRHA. Through major underwriters and Hall of Fame table hosts, dollars are raised in support of the RHF mission of caring for and honoring the reining community. Core programs include the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, youth scholarships, and leadership development through the National Reining Horse Youth Association, and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame.

Donors of every level are important to the success of this event. They come from individuals, corporations, ranches, training barns, foundations, and groups of reiners joining forces to support the event. Early Platinum Donors are Tim Anderson and Kim Niven, Cardinal Ranch, Rick Clark, 100X Equine, Santa Hill Ranch, 7 Lakes Ranch, Spooks Gotta Spark/Shawn Flarida Reiners, and Jamie Walters/JW Performance Horses Inc. TAM Enterprises Inc. and Diamond 4D Performance Horses LLC are at the Gold Donor level. To date, Silver Donors include Booth Ranches, Debbie and Gary Conway, Mike and Bryan Hancock, Markel/Frank & Susan Costantini, Mike and Beth McFarlin, Elite Estates AZ/Sierra Wright Littrell & Sarah Korpela, and Visit Oklahoma City.

These top-level donors, plus many Hall of Fame Table Hosts, make it possible for all NRHA Hall of Fame inductees to attend the event as honored guests. All Hall of Fame members are invited to be a part of the program again this year.

Back for an encore performance is musician and singer Isaac Hoskins, who performed at Sliders’ Night Out 2022. He’ll be joined on fiddle by singer Scarlett Deering.

Reservations are encouraged by November 20 to ensure a chance to attend Sliders’ Night Out and enjoy the chef-prepared dinner and celebration. Individual tickets are also offered based on limited availability.

To make reservations, contact Leslie Baker, RHF, (405) 946-7400, ext. 106 or email rhf@nrha.com.

Members of the equine industry turned out in force for the premier night on the social and charitable calendar of the reining community, the Reining Horse Foundation Sliders’ Night Out presented by Toyon Ranch.

Held Nov. 30 in the historic Centennial Building at State Fair Park during the National Reining Horse Association Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, the event honored Hall of Fame inductees and the annual Dale Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient for 2022. It also offered its annual live auction, the proceeds of which benefit NRHA members in a variety of ways, including the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund, the Hall of Fame, youth scholarships, and more.

The glitz and glamour of the evening were amplified by entertainment from Isaac Hoskins, who was recently seen on the hit television series Yellowstone.

The feedback from the evening was exceptional. “We had several people comment that it was the best Sliders’ Night Out ever,” shared RHF Executive Director Leslie Baker. “There was strong attendance and immense support from donors and RHF Board Members to make this a success.”

The highlight of the evening was the induction of the 2022 Hall of Fame members, which were Dutch Chapman, Jim and Pat Warren, and Spooks Gotta Whiz. Dwight Sanders was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The evening also showcased 14 past Hall of Fame inductees who were in attendance. “Their presence at the event was made possible by the numerous and generous event donors,” Baker explained.

The robust and dynamic live auction was auctioneered by Mike Jennings of Professional Horse Services LLC, who donated his time to the event. An incredible $172,500 was generated with just six lots, plus an additional match of $10,000 from the DPL Fund at the direction of NRHA member Diana Duffey and her husband Vince Lahey. Their gift was made to spur on the bidding for Lot #6, The American Performance Horseman Exclusive VIP Offering & Premium Seating Package, which sold twice for $60,000 each, and was the high-selling item.

According to Baker, additional funding through table underwriting, an appeal during the event, and a second $10,000 match from the DPL Fund, should help the event gross nearly a quarter million dollars for the mission-related causes of the RHF.

NRHA (Past) President and RHF Board Member Rick Clark also made a major announcement, sharing that up to a quarter million dollars in RHF funding will be earmarked for core programs, with future changes to be detailed beginning in 2023.

While Sliders’ Night Out is typically the marquis fundraising event for the Reining Horse Foundation, donations are welcome year-round. To find out more, visit ReiningFoundation.com

Photos by Bar H Photography

As we move into the busiest time of the year and some may look ahead to the NRHA Futurity, Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (ARC), World Titles, Year-end standings and more – there are already events to look forward to in 2023! Read below to learn more about the exciting events coming. 

Buckle ceremony to be held at NRHA Derby 2023

In February 2022, the NRHA Board of Directors made plans to host a ceremony to honor prior year NRHA Top Ten achievers and Top 20 Professionals, Non Pros and Owners during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Nearly 200 NRHA members from around the world attended the event and enjoyed an evening of fun, food and recognition. Following a successful event this year, the NRHA Buckle Ceremony will be back in 2023! It is scheduled again during the NRHA Derby and is the perfect stage to honor those horse and rider combinations for the accomplishments they made in the prior year. The exact date of the event will be posted as the show schedule is finalized.

Total of $160,000 Added to the 2023 4-Year-Old Stakes

Debuting at the 2023 Derby will be the reinvigorated 4-Year-Old Open and Non Pro Stakes with an additional $100,000 added. Last year the Tamarack Ranch Open featured $40,000 added with $20,000 in the Colston Paving Non Pro. With the additional $100,000, those added money totals will grow to $110,000 in the Open and $50,000 in the Non Pro.

It was the consensus of the NRHA Board that this would give 4-year-old horses the opportunity to show one more year for good money while not having to compete against older, more finished horses. As in the past, the division will be run concurrently with the Derby preliminaries, and the placings will be decided in the first round. Entry in the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel will be optional.

Masters class added to Affiliate Regional Championships

After requests from NRHA members and affiliates, starting in 2023 there will be an optional Affiliate Regional Championship Masters Non Pro class! The addition of this class offering is another way that the affiliates can expand participation in their region. This will function like the optional ARC Short Stirrup class where it is not a qualifying class for the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship, but the host will be required to buy and present the special ARC awards for this class.

Additional North American Affiliate Regional Championship Support

Along with opening host bids for multiple regions for the 2023 North American Affiliate Regional Championships, we have exciting news! At the August Board Meeting, the board approved a new budget item – NRHA will provide the trophies for all North American ARC classes! NRHA recognizes the financial commitment affiliates must make to host an ARC, and the Board was thrilled to show their support of the grassroots level by providing this future support. Contact your affiliate to inquire about an ARC in your region.