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6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel—Daily Updates

6.25.23: Ancillary Champions Crowned on Final Day of 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.25.23: Jennifer Flanagan Wins Dechra Para-Reining Championship at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.24.23: Ancillary Action Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.24.23: Casey Deary & Down Right Amazing Dazzle in Open Finals at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.23.23: Schumacher Pilots CS Sailing Gun to Win Non Pro Championship at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.23.23: Defreitas Wins Novice Horse Open Ancillary Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.22.23: Ancillary Novice Horse Non Pro Titles Awarded at 6666 Derby presented by Markel

6.22.23: Taylor Zimmerman Wins Invitational Freestyle presented by OKCVB

6.21.23: Defreitas, Bell & Gauthier Win Novice Horse Open Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.21.23: Non Pros Are Finals Bound at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.21.23: Vazquez, Morgenstern, Schumacher, and Kapu Win Early Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.20.23: Gina-Maria Schumacher Leads Non Pro Preliminaries at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.20.23:Rapp & Hill Win Novice Horse Non Pro Titles at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.19.23: Ancillary Competition Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.18.23: First High Point Championships Awarded at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.18.23: Flarida, Schmersal, and Salgado End Open Prelims with Championships at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.18.23: Open Finalists Decided for 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.17.23: Best Shine & Jason Vanlandingham Maintain Lead in the Open Preliminaries at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.17.23: Ancillary Action Continues at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.16.23: First Ancillary Winners Crowned at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

6.16.23: Best Shine & Jason Vanlandingham Lead Open Preliminaries at the 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

6.15.23: 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel Begins Tomorrow

6.14.23: 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel Payout Predicted to Surpass $1.5 Million

6.13.23: 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel Already Setting Records As Move-In Starts

Visit nrhaderby.com for more!

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NRHA and AQHA Announce Cooperative Agreement Between Farnam AQHA World Championship Show and NRHA Futurity

Following discussions between American Quarter Horse Association Director of Competition Scott Neuman, National Reining Horse Association Commissioner Gary Carpenter, and NRHA Show Manager Cheryl Cody, an agreement has been reached regarding event dates. This pact will benefit the Farnam AQHA World Championship Show and the NRHA Futurity, both held at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

The two organizations tackled a problem together and, beginning in 2023, tremendous changes will be made. The World Show will finish up with its reining world championships on Thursday, November 16, and the NRHA Futurity move-in will begin on Friday, November 17.

For NRHA, enhanced growth for the massive futurity show had created scheduling difficulties, and for AQHA, increasing participation in the reining classes was a goal.

“We value our long-time relationship with NRHA, and leasing two days over to them during the Farnam AQHA World Championship Show made sense for both associations and our exhibitors,” said Karl Stressman, AQHA chief executive officer. “We are proud to support growth in the equine industry and opportunities for American Quarter Horse owners, especially, to exhibit their American Quarter Horses. In turn, we are optimizing our own Farnam World Show schedule and are excited about the improvements we are making to our pinnacle event.”

The alliance creates sponsorship support for the AQHA World Championship Show from NRHA and will enhance the added money in AQHA World Show reining classes. It is hoped that this will begin a growth in participation.

Carpenter lauded AQHA leadership for the decision. “The long line of AQHA/NRHA partnerships began with our founding. This is a continuation of that rich history, which will benefit the members of both organizations,” Carpenter said. “As we both become more creative and flexible, I see a brighter and brighter future of cooperation.”

Horses will move in for the Futurity early Sunday morning, November 19, and NRHA Futurity competition will begin on Tuesday, November 21. The two additional days that will be added to the event will give relief to a schedule that has been bursting at the seams.

“We appreciate AQHA’s willingness to work together on this, and we are very excited to offer NRHA members an improved schedule with extra days of competition,” Cody said.

Further details will be forthcoming, but the new schedule is expected to have a positive impact on both events.

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$20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining Will Be Held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is excited to host the $20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. Sponsored by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, this must-see event will take place on Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m., is free to the public, and is sure to have the whole family on the edge of their seats!

Hava Vital

Often compared to figure skating, the performances also use choreographed music and are paired with astounding costumes, props, or often additional characters! Freestyle reining allows one to creatively use core reining maneuvers (circles, spins, stops, flying lead changes, etc.) and magnify them with music and choreography. The fan-favorite freestyle reining has been an NRHA tradition since 1986, with the first-ever freestyle reining held at the NRHA Derby in St. Paul, MN. Veteran spectators of the event may mention it is always a surprise who may show up to compete.

The 2022 NRHA Invitational Freestyle Reining Champion, Hava Vital, blew away the competition last year with her breathtaking performance to the “Moulin Rouge” hit song “Lady Marmalade.” Coming in two points behind Hava as Reserve Champion, Abby Budd paired a bridleless routine with the song “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” Watch her performance here!

Abby Budd

“As the horse show capital of the world, we are always excited to host reining events here in OKC,” said Zac Craig, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau president. “We look forward to welcoming these participants and showing them all there is to do in the Modern Frontier.”

Confirmed 2023 Freestyle contestants include Karen Knight, Gabe Garrison, Ari Mischo, Brogan Hill, and Caitie Holtzman.

The 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel is full of other events throughout the week, including a tradeshow, Non Pro and Open Finals, and more. Visit NRHADerby.com or Facebook for the latest updates.

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NRHA Para Reining Championships to be held at the 2023 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is honored to host the 2023 Para Reining Championships. The event will be held in Norick Arena on the last day of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel on June 25, 2023, just before the Non Pro competition. Classes for this event include Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5.

USA Para Reining, a branch of the United States Equestrian Federation, created the grade level system. This program gives riders with varying physical disabilities the opportunity to compete in reining. World Para Reining celebrated its inaugural year in 2015, and since then, it has worked to incorporate approved Para Reining classes into existing shows and host independent events and classes.

“With the inception of first the rookie class followed by prime time and then the Entry Level Green classes, NRHA has always strived to live up to its ‘A place for all’ motto,” said NRHA Professional, USA Para Reining board member Jennifer Hoyt. “In 2015, NRHA approved the first rules for Para Reining, letting even more reining enthusiasts compete and enjoy the thrill of riding a truly exceptional equine athlete. The inclusion of this Championship in the NRHA illustrates more than ever how the NRHA has a place for everyone.”

NRHA is excited to have an additional Para Reining Championship sponsor, Dechra Veterinary Products, located in Overland Park, Kansas. Dechra will provide added money to all classes and is the U.S. sales and marketing division of Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, a UK-based company dedicated to the animal healthcare market.

Hart Trailers, NRHA’s Official Trailer and Para Reining Sponsor, will award halters to all championship participants. Additional awards will also be given. The overall Championship will be decided from the high scores of all para exhibitors’ rides regardless of grade.

To gain more insight about para reining, follow USA Reining Para-Reining on Facebook. For more details about the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, visit nrhaderby.com.

Dechra Veterinary Products:

Dechra’s equine product line includes Osphos® (clodronate injection), Orthokine® vet irap 10 and 60, Osteokine® (PRP), Equidone® (domperidone) Gel, the Vetivex® line of parenteral fluids, Phycox® EQ, and a comprehensive line of topical dermatologic products. The recent additions of ProVet APC™ (Autologous Platelet Concentrate) system, Zimeta® (dipyrone injection), Rompun® (xylazine injection), Butorphanol Tartrate Injection, Isoflurane, USP Inhalant Anesthetic, and SucroMate® Equine (deslorelin acetate) further expand Dechra’s equine offerings.