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Get Ready to Derby!

For Immediate Release – May 15, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Executive Committee and Board are pleased to announce that the 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel looks to be on track to take place in Oklahoma City at State Fair Park June 13–21.

It’s the good news reiners have been looking for after the long hiatus from the show pen.

The green light to proceed follows the announcement on May 14, 2020, of Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt’s proclamation regarding the city’s COVID-19 regulations. With this announcement, the NRHA Derby Presented by Markel entry deadline has been extended to May 20, the same deadline date for the stabling reservations. Ancillary entries are still due on June 1.

“What a great opportunity to get back to what we love,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “The NRHA team has been working hard getting ready for this event. It may be somewhat different with new guidelines and restrictions, but I think all of us are ready to get out and go horse-show. I hope to see many of you there!”

Due to the effects of the pandemic, this year’s NRHA Derby Presented by Markel will have a different look and feel than those in the past. Expect a modified horse show with strict protocols to keep everyone healthy and safe. Those guidelines will incorporate the state and city ordinances, along with the processes put in place by the Oklahoma State Fair and best practices being developed by NRHA, which will be shared prior to the event.

In the event of a reduction in entries, the added-money portion of the purse will be adjusted. Depending on entries, the added money in the purse could vary from the projected $225,000 added down to no less than $125,000 added, in the case of a 25% decrease in entries. The nomination funds in the purse remain unchanged. Anyone who’s entered as of May 15 may withdraw based upon the condition change. Currently, it’s expected that entry numbers will support the larger purse as the 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel will be the first major event of 2020 and one of the first opportunities to show.

Follow NRHA on Facebook and visit NRHA.com for up-to-date details.

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NRHA Board Supports Approved Events Resuming on May 1

For Immediate Release – April 28, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors supports resuming NRHA-approved events beginning on May 1, 2020, as long as show producers and exhibitors adhere to local and state regulations surrounding COVID-19 and take measures to assure the safety of all involved.

NRHA understands that not all areas of the world have lifted restrictions to allow for approved events to take place. With this in mind, the NRHA Board decided that earnings will not count toward world championship titles until further notice.

“Our members are ready to show and, where possible, we think it’s important to get back to what they love,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “Show management needs to be prepared to address any and all local conditions or requirements, and the exhibitors must be willing to accept those guidelines.”

NRHA continues to monitor changing conditions and recommendations from local, state, and federal entities. Show management must take all necessary precautions to protect their teams, facilities’ personnel, and exhibitors if they do host an NRHA event.

If a state or local government suspends public activities, it is the responsibility of the organizing party to cancel or postpone the NRHA-approved event accordingly. The health and safety of the reining community is the top priority for NRHA.

To assure the safety of those involved in an event, NRHA recommends the following at minimum for show staff and exhibitors:

  • Provide handwashing and sanitation stations in barns and competition areas
  • Allow the use of face masks for all production team members and exhibitors
  • Promote social distancing in all areas surrounding the show
  • If possible, provide stalling separation and sanitize all stalls before and after use
  • Ensure that food service eliminates lines and streamlines service
  • Clean and sanitize all areas frequently
  • Minimize traffic in the show office
  • Minimize hand-to-hand contact (examples include giving out awards, sharing pens in the show office, using radios for the judges, etc.)

It is everyone’s responsibility to take safety precautions for preventing the spread of any disease. NRHA is excited to get back to the show pen but expects all affiliates and show producers to put the health and safety of their teams and the exhibitors at the forefront of every decision.

For more information about coronavirus recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visit cdc.gov/covid19.

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Entry Deadline Extended for NRHA Derby Presented by Markel

For Immediate Release – April 24, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has extended the entry deadline to May 15 for the rapidly approaching 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, giving reiners two additional weeks to make plans to compete. If significant changes to the show date should occur, reiners can rest assured that all entry fees will be refunded.

“Given the uncertainty of today’s pandemic, this extension gives people a little extra time to decide if they’ll show in Oklahoma City in June,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “We currently plan to move forward with the event, but we want to give people more time to make the best decisions for their circumstances.”

Set for June 13–21, 2020, the NRHA Derby presented by Markel highlights the most talented 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old reining horses from all over the globe and historically awards more than an estimated $1 million in total purse and prizes.

To stay up-to-date on the latest information about NRHA events and recommendations, visit NRHA.com and follow NRHA on Facebook.

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2020 NRHA European Affiliate Championships Canceled

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Executive Board met to discuss the 2020 NRHA European Affiliate Championships in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to governmental restrictions surrounding the pandemic, the European Affiliate Championships can’t be held in Denmark in July. Considering this fact, the safety of our members, and the unknown conclusion of the pandemic, the 2020 NRHA European Affiliate Championships are canceled.

Thanks to the camaraderie and collaboration of our affiliates and event teams, we’re happy to announce the 2021 European Affiliate Championships will be held in Denmark, hosted by NRHA’s Danish and Norwegian Affiliates. The 2022 and 2023 Championships will be held at CS Ranch in Switzerland. NRHA thanks our hosts for working together to make the best of the situation.

We’re thankful for all NRHA members and affiliates who have pulled together to make these decisions for the best welfare of our members and horses, and we know that we will come back stronger than ever for an exciting event in 2021.

Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com

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2020 NRHA European Derby to Be Held During Equita Lyon 2020, France

For Immediate Release — Oklahoma City, 03.23.20 — The unfolding coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has significantly affected National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) approved and owned shows across the globe. The NRHA European Derby, scheduled to be held during the Western Horse Show in Wels, Austria, on May 21-24, has been postponed due to the cancellation of the Austrian show.

In an effort to best accommodate horses, riders, breeders, and owners, the NRHA European Executive Board reviewed potential dates and venues. After careful consideration, the decision was made to host the Euro Derby on October 28 through November 1 during Equita Lyon 2020, the renowned international equestrian trade fair show — organized by GL events Equestrian Sports — held in Lyon, France.

For updates and further information nrhaeuropeanderby.com

NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
Internationalhorsepress@gmail.com