For Immediate Release – June 8, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – In a unanimous decision, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors has suspended the 2020 NRHA World Title race.
Historically, NRHA World Titles, awarded in open, non pro, and youth divisions, are coveted recognition for horses and riders. The international race allows aged reining horses a chance in the spotlight and highlights reiners from around the globe.
However, this year, COVID-19 has led to and will continue to cause the cancellation of many events, both in the U.S. and around the world. The NRHA Board agreed that suspending the NRHA World Title Race was the only fair and equitable thing to do for the entire membership, worldwide.
“The NRHA World Champion titles have played an important part of NRHA,” said NRHA President Mike Hancock. “The titles have been won by exceptional people and horses demonstrating dedication, persistence, and talent. We wanted to be fair and uphold the integrity of the title. The uncertainty that exists today makes this the right thing to do. We look forward to the Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships this year and an exciting race for World Championships in 2021!”
This decision comes just as NRHA is about to kick off the first major event of 2020: the NRHA Derby Presented by Markel, which runs June 13–21 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. NRHA is pleased to announce that reiners are so eager to return to the show pen that this year’s entries are higher than those in 2019. Follow all the action, highlighting the best 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old horses in the industry, at nrhaderby.com and by following NRHA on Facebook.