The total prize money of what was already the richest reining competition in the world among the qualifiers for the prestigious NRHA world titles, has risen by $100,000 dollars. The Open, with $101,000 in prize money, remains the highestpaying competition of its kind anywhere in the world, but there are now big incentives for reining’s base and for its more ‘showy’ competition: the purse for Open Intermediate and Limited classes along with all Non Pro levels has increased – as well as that of the Freestyle, which alone will be worth $50,000.

Elementa never ceases to amaze. Their goals continuously appear very different from those pursued so far in reining events organized worldwide. The latest decision regarding Elementa Master Premiere, to be held at Fieracavalli in Verona next November, highlights the continued efforts of Cecilia Fiorucci’s staff, under the direction of Domenico Lomuto, to introduce a breath of fresh air and a new vision as well as, undoubtedly, to attract new markets.
After their firm stance on the rules for the respect and well-being of competition horses, a primary concern, another two of their previously heralded objectives are now taking shape: the clear desire to pro-actively encourage the discipline’s base, including the Limited Open and Limited Non Pro classes whose prize money would be limited by NRHA rules to $500, and to boost the spectacular elements of the discipline, thus attracting the attention of television media and finally expanding the public’s awareness and appreciation of reining beyond the narrow circle of its current fans. The first, and only, illustrious precedent moving in this direction was the event The Run For A Million, recently held in Las Vegas to provide the grand finale to a trial reality show that brought reining directly into Americans’ homes. Incidentally, Elementa decided to sponsor the event to underline a shared viewpoint. Elementa also chose to send Custom Made Gun, one of the competition’s leading protagonists, “on loan”. Between the reins of his best friend, the rising star of US reining, Cade McCutcheon, the stallion tied for first place in
“the city of lights” with the more experienced duo of Craig Schmersal and No Smoking Required.

A top-class Freestyle
But back to today’s big news. As summer approached, Elementa Master Premiere, with $200,000 in prize money had already grabbed headlines as the richest competition ever among those valid for NRHA world titles. The Open is paying out an extra $1000 compared to the two American Shoot-Outs, both the one held in conjunction with the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma City and that accompanying The Run For A Million in Las Vegas. Today the purse has risen by another $100,000 while maintaining, we should underline, the same entry fee and to the exclusive benefit of the Open Intermediate and Limited classes as well all Non Pro levels and the Freestyle event (as illustrated in the “before and after” table below). In one fell swoop, the Freestyle has reached the heady prize money paid for this competition during The Run For A Million that was won by an
“unusual” Andrea Fappani: $50,000. This means that the big names, trainers we never dreamt of seeing in Freestyle competitions, will also be donning costumes and performing reining to music in Verona: the first amusing rumours are already circulating. A show not to be missed!

Targeting “Limited Riders”
Elementa consulted their lawyers to find out how they could increase the purse of the limited classes without transgressing NRHA regulations: “We are interested in reining’s base, this is where innovation and incentives are required, and where a new market can be created”, explains Domenico Lomuto, Director of Communications for Elementa. “For example, we have decided that the prizes in valuables, offered as prizes by our sponsors and of which the public will soon be notified, will go only to the limited categories and to team competitions. As regards the Open and Non Pro Limited classes, as promised we have also found a way to significantly increase the purse without contravening the provisions of the NRHA Rule Book by introducing vouchers. This new system envisages vouchers with a nominal value that can be converted into cash: $20,000 for the Limited Open and $15,000 for the Limited Non Pro will be divided among the top-ten rankings in the competitions. The value of the vouchers will not count towards NRHA Lifetime Earnings, but will give riders the opportunity to access decent prize money that justifies their outlay. In short, we would like to see many Limited riders participating in Verona; we are also working with one of our partners to dedicate the competition “ring” to them alone, for this very reason. A bit like the Futurity…” The rules on the use of vouchers and all the news regarding the purse will shortly be available on www.elementamasters.com.

Class                                 Previous prize money     Current prize money
Open                                $101,000                       $101,000
Intermediate Open             $30,000                         $40,000
Limited Open                     $500                             $500 + $20,000 in vouchers
Non Pro                            $30,000                         $40,000
Intermediate Non Pro         $15,000                        $20,000
Limited Non Pro                 $500                            $500 + $15,000 in vouchers

By Press Release

Freestyle             $10,000             $50,000