Category: Shows

Honoring Joe Carter’s Legacy at the NRHA Futurity and Adequan® NAAC

The National Horse Judging Team Coaches’ Association (NHJTCA) and the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) are proud to announce the return of the Collegiate and Youth Reining Judging Contest at the 2025 NRHA Futurity and Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC), taking place December 2–3 in Oklahoma City.

This unique contest challenges collegiate and youth competitors to judge live reining runs, complete a written test, and take a penalty clip test—mirroring the rigorous evaluation process NRHA judges undergo. Participants will compete as youth teams, junior college teams, university teams, or individuals, gaining valuable insight into the skills and standards required of professional reining judges.

New in 2025, champion and reserve champion teams and individuals in all divisions will be awarded trophies or plaques, generously provided in honor of the late Joe Carter.

“Joe Carter was a true advocate for helping people become better judges, and he had a genuine love for kids,” said Patti Carter, NRHA Sr. Director of Education & Officials. “The Carter family could not think of a better way to honor his career and his passion for reining horses and youth than by supporting this incredible contest in his memory. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue his legacy in this way.”

Beyond the competition, the event offers an invaluable opportunity for students to expand their judging skills, build professional connections, and explore potential career paths in the equine industry.

For more information about the 2025 Collegiate and Youth Reining Judging Contest, including full contest details and to submit your entry, visit www.nhjtca.org/calendar or go directly to the contest entry page.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce the addition of an all-new Elements of Reining ProAm competition to the 2025 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, designed to energize fans and elevate the event experience. This inaugural class will pair NRHA Professionals with NRHA Non Pros or Youth riders in a unique team format where each rider completes half of a reining pattern. Their combined score will determine team placings, delivering an exciting new dynamic for spectators and participants alike.

The Elements of Reining ProAm is slated for Thursday evening during the Futurity and will serve as a highlight fan night! The event will also include a Military Appreciation component, where participating veterans will be recognized during their run, and attendees will be encouraged to wear red in honor of the day.

NRHA is pleased to announce Spooks Gotta Whiz as the Platinum Sponsor of the event, contributing $25,000 in support.

“Spooks Gotta Whiz is extremely proud to sponsor exciting and innovative events along with the NRHA that both show off our amazing horses and the sport of Reining,” said Michell Anne Kimball, owner of Spooks Gotta Whiz, the event’s Platinum Sponsor.

Event Details

• Team Format: One NRHA Professional and one NRHA Non Pro or Youth rider per team
• Pattern Structure: Each rider completes half of a standard reining pattern on separate horses
• Scoring: Combined maneuver scores determine overall placings
• Entry Cap: Limited to 20 teams on a first-come, first-served basis
• Payout: $20,000+ in added money with a $250 team entry fee

“This is exactly the kind of innovation the sport needs to continue growing our audience and giving new fans another reason to attend,” says Billy Smith, NRHA Commissioner.

How to Enter
Entries are now open for the 2025 NRHA Futurity ProAm. Teams can download the official ProAm Entry Form here or visit nrhafuturity.com/forms to access all event forms.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is introducing a major earnings opportunity at the 2025 NRHA Futurity with the launch of the NRHA Futurity Challenge Purse. This new optional-entry class adds $172,000 in fresh added money specifically for Levels 1 through 3 riders. With projected payouts nearing $390,000 across the Open and Non Pro divisions, the Challenge aims to put significantly more money on the table for up-and-coming horses, riders, and owners.

Designed to run concurrently with the NRHA Futurity, this class is a targeted incentive to reward emerging competitors. If participation trends hold, the Open Challenge Purse could exceed $260,000, and the Non Pro Challenge Purse could surpass $126,000, dramatically increasing what’s at stake for Levels 1–3.

“The NRHA Futurity Challenge is a strategic investment in the next generation of reining talent,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “It creates a real opportunity for riders and owners in Levels 1 through 3 to walk away with substantially higher earnings.”

Key Details:

• Runs alongside the NRHA Open and Non Pro Futurity; placings based on finals results.
• Open to Levels 1–3, Prime Time Open, Prime Time Non Pro, and Youth Non Pro.
• Horse/rider must be entered in the NRHA Futurity.
• Optional entry fee: $650
• Entry deadline: October 1, 2025, submitted to the NRHA Events Office.
• If more payback spots exist than there are finalists, payouts will extend to non-finalists within the Challenge Purse.
• Projections based on 60% of eligible entries opting into the Challenge.

For complete entry details and conditions, visit the Forms page at nrhafuturity.com or use the direct links below:

• Futurity Challenge Purse Conditions
• Futurity Challenge Purse News

All payout projections are estimates and subject to change based on participation.

7.19.25: Fonck Tops the $10,000-Added NRHA European Affiliate Open Championship

7.18.25: First EAC Champions Crowned at the 2025 NRHA European Affiliate Championships

7.17.25: Ancillary Action Continues at the 2025 NRHA European Affiliate Championships

7.16.25: NRHA Ancillary Classes Open the 2025 NRHA European Affiliate Championships

7.15.25: NRHA European Affiliate Championships Set to Begin With the NRHA Ancillary Classes at Le Pin, France

7.14.25: NRHA European Affiliate Championships Return to Le Pin, France, as Europe’s Finest Reiners to Compete for Continental Glory

Visit NRHAEAC.com for photos, videos, and more!

The National Reining Horse Association, in conjunction with Teton Ridge, has announced a competitor update for The American Performance Horseman, taking place July 19 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

NRHA Million Dollar Rider Fernando Salgado, of Gainesville, Texas, was injured in a riding accident on Tuesday, July 8, during the SERHA Main Event in Williamston, North Carolina. Salgado was transported to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital for evaluation and will be unable to compete in this year’s team competition.

In accordance with event procedures, NRHA $3 Million Rider Brian Bell will step into Salgado’s place on Team Red, joining National Cutting Horse Association rider Tosten Peterson and National Reined Cow Horse Association rider Nick Dowers. Bell, of Pilot Point, Texas, is no stranger to The American Performance Horseman stage, having competed in the inaugural event in 2024.

The American Performance Horseman, now in its third year, showcases the three Western performance horse disciplines—reining, cutting, and reined cow horse—in a team format in one arena, one night. The event brings top athletes from each association together under the lights in a groundbreaking display of horsemanship and athleticism.

“We wish Fernando a full and speedy recovery,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith. “While we will miss seeing him compete in Fort Worth, we know Brian Bell will represent NRHA and Team Red with the highest level of professionalism and talent.”

For more information on The American Performance Horseman and to view the full roster, visit theamericanperformancehorseman.com.