A highlight for the 2022 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel will be the $20,000 Invitational Freestyle. Sponsored by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, the popular event will take place on Thursday, June 23, at 6 p.m.

Freestyle reining has been popular at the NRHA Futurity in the past but was moved to the Derby in 2022 to give it a more prominent position. Often compared to figure skating routines, Freestyle Reining pairs the athleticism and finesse of reining moves choreographed to music, often with clever costuming and props.
NRHA Professional and Executive Committee member Shane Brown said, “By being held during the Derby, the Freestyle is returning to its roots. The freestyle event was created and began at the NRHA Derby in St. Paul, Minnesota. We are happy to have it as a crowd favorite in Oklahoma City to showcase our sport.”
Brown noted that the invitation-only lineup will feature some of the top freestyle performers from around the country. He said, “It should really be a showcase of entertaining performances.”
Sammi Miller, NRHA Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Communications, agreed that the Freestyle has been a favorite with Oklahoma City audiences. She was quick to thank the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau for its sustained support of the event, which is often a first introduction to reining for local attendees.
She said, “The OKC CVB has been very loyal to the National Reining Horse Association. We are proud that our events have a substantial economic impact and grateful that Oklahoma City continues to invest in the NRHA Futurity and Derby.”

By NRHA Press Release