Following extensive discussion with its European Executive Board, the National Reining Horse Association announced plans for the future of the 2020 and 2021 NRHA European Derbies. The eleventh-hour cancelation of the 2020 Derby previously set for October 28–November 1 in Lyon, France had been made in consideration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - The IRHA Board met in conference call yesterday evening Thursday 29 October and, despite the desire to complete the troubled 2020 show season plagued by the Covid-19 Pandemic, after intense days of analysis and discussion on all elements, aspects and numbers inherent to the possibility of keeping the Big Show at the end of November in Cremona, with great regret and displasure, the decision was made to postpone the entire Special Event:  4-year-old NRHA European Futurity, 3-year-old Futurity Irha-Irhba, and the finals of the Italian Championship hoping to be able to reschedule it for the end of February next year.

Indy Roper is still glowing from her big win just months ago in Oklahoma City when she won the National Reining Horse Association Derby Non Pro Level 4 Championship on her horse Spooks Show Time. The pair are on a role, because on Friday afternoon, they added another line to their resume with the NRBC Non Pro Level 4 title.

The 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic, being held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the current year, is off to a great start. The Non Pro preliminary round wrapped up Tuesday evening, and the field for Friday's clean-slate finals is set. The 188 entries were whittled down over two days to the crème de la crème, and in the end, Indy Roper and Spooks Show Time lead the field with an impressive score of 222. In addition to a finals berth, the pair won a go-round check for $7,151.

The first week of the 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic culminated with the SmartPak Non Pro Futurity on Saturday. Longtime NRBC and Tulsa Reining Classic sponsor, SmartPak opted for the sponsorship of the $27,000 added SmartPak Non Pro Futurity in this transition year. It's a perfect fit for SmartPak at a time when the highly popular "Texas Hold-em" night could not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The pinnacle of futurity competition at the National Reining Breeders Classic was held Friday, August 28, with the incredible $61,000 added Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity. The 114-entry futurity featured top riders from all over, and when the last horse had left the arena, there was tie for the win. Abby Lengel and Andrea Fappani had both marked a 224. While they could have elected to run-off for the title, they decided to stay co-champions.
Fappani and Lengel weren't the only co-champions crowned, as Arno Honstetter and Kole Price tied for the Open Level 3 win, and Diego Gaona and Julie Roshelli posted identical scores to top the Open Level 1.

In a year of unprecedented challenges and seemingly endless unknowns, associations have struggled with difficult choices. Key among them has been making decisions that are best for the most members. The National Reining Horse Association, like other equine organizations, has waded through difficult waters, very aware of the reality that what benefits one member can negatively impact another. The recent move of the NRHA Board of Directors to reinstate the NRHA World Championship races and titles for 2020 is a perfect example. In June, the championships were suspended because of how the COVID-19 pandemic had reduced the amount of shows, but feedback from members resulted in reconsideration of the issue.

As reining events around the world start to organize again, the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) is looking forward to the 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity in Cremona, Italy, November 20–28.

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.

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 at the 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's entry deadline has been extended to May 20, the same deadline date for the stabling reservations. Ancillary entries are still due on June 1.