Thanks to National Reining Horse Association Corporate Partner Tamarack Ranch, 4-year-old reining horses will have the chance at even more money at the 2021 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. That’s because the Oregon-based ranch is the sponsor of the new $40,000-added Open Stakes!

The Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes is open to 4-year-old horses. The Stakes will run concurrently with the NRHA Derby go-rounds, and while cross-entry into the NRHA Derby is allowed, it is not mandatory.

“Suzy Simar and Tamarack Ranch have supported NRHA for several years through corporate partnership and before that, event sponsorship.  This year, 4-year-old horses have the opportunity to compete for big money,” noted Sammi Miller, NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications. “Thank you to Gabe Hutchins of Tamarack Ranch for sponsoring the new division. Tamarack Ranch is forward-thinking and committed to raising the bar at events.  When they saw a need in our industry, they worked to find a solution. As with so many of our corporate partners, that kind of initiative and dedication has helped NRHA thrive over the years.”

Hutchins, head trainer for Tamarack Ranch, shared the thought behind the Stakes. “We just saw a big need for more promotion of our 4-year-olds, especially since the derbies have been changed to include 7-year-olds. That’s a big change in horsepower over that age range,” he shared. “We thought we could give 4-year-old horses the opportunity to show one more year for good money while not having to compete against the older, more finished horses.”

Hutchins and Simar spent time discussing the idea with other owners and trainers before presenting it to NRHA. “We believe in the welfare and longevity of the horse and giving those 4-year-old horses another year to finish and get ready will help them in the long run,” he said.

He added that the feedback from fellow trainers has been overwhelmingly positive. “I have spoken with a few just in the last week who told me they hadn’t planned to bring a 4-year-old to the Derby but would now.” He added, “We are committed to sponsoring the Open Stakes for the next three years, and hope it takes off and is accepted like we feel it will be.”

Tamarack Ranch, located in Joseph, Oregon, focuses on raising, selling, and showing elite reining horses. “We are just now coming into year five, and it takes a while to get into full swing. Now our breeding program is going, and we have quality horses, from yearlings to show horses, to sell and we have a good show string, too,” Hutchins shared. “It feels phenomenal to start seeing horses we have raised go compete and do well.”

For questions or to schedule a visit, please e-mail tamarackranchreiners@gmail.com, or call (260) 249-0158 or (260) 416-1377. Be sure to visit the website at www.tamarackranchreiner.com. 

Exhibitors competing in select divisions at the 2021 National Reining Horse Association Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships can earn the opportunity to perform center stage in the Jim Norick Coliseum. That is because longtime NRHA Corporate Partner Bob’s Custom Saddles has expanded its sponsorship to include a bonus round for three classes.

Those classes – Intermediate Non Pro, Intermediate Open, and Rookie Level 2 – will be held in the Adequan® Arena, with entries competing for 2021 Adequan® NAAC titles. The top 10 for each class (plus ties) will earn a spot in one of the Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdowns.

A staggering $10,000 will be awarded during the Showdowns for each class. That means that, for no additional entry fee, the Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdown Champion will win $5,000, the reserve champion will take home $2,500, third will receive $1,500, and fourth will earn $1,000. Money won in the Showdown will be considered Category 7 affiliate earnings.

“There are so many exciting aspects to this new sponsorship, and we are thrilled for our NAAC competitors to have this opportunity. Someone could win both an NAAC Championship and a Bob’s Custom Saddle Showdown title, but it also gives someone who might not have shown their best in the Adequan® Arena a redemption round,” noted NRHA President, Rick Clark. “We appreciate Chris Weaver of Bob’s Custom Saddles for always stepping up when there is an opportunity to grow our sport and support our riders.”

Chris Weaver, Vice President of Bob’s Custom Saddles, noted, “We are focusing on growth for the reining industry and for ways to attract new people and increase the longevity of the sport. This sponsorship is based on not only expanding the overall Futurity but also strengthening the reining industry.”

The Bob’s Custom Saddles Intermediate Non Pro and Intermediate Open Showdown will be held Friday, Dec. 3, and the Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie 2 Showdown will be held on Saturday, Dec. 4.

The new Showdown format will also apply to the Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year. Rookie Level 1 riders will compete for Toyon Ranch Rookie of the Year honors in the Adequan® Arena, and then the top 10 in that class will also advance to the Toyon Ranch Showdown, which will run concurrently with the Bob’s Custom Saddles Rookie Level 2 Showdown on Saturday, Dec. 4.

“The reining industry as a whole is blessed with many generous sponsors, and Bob’s Custom Saddles and Toyon Ranch are two of the best. Their vision is to grow this sport beginning with specific NAAC division while benefiting the industry as a whole,” noted Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, Sammi Miller.
For more information about the NRHA Futurity, visit NRHAFuturity.com.