Equita Lyon to Host Only TRFAM Million Dollar Qualifier Outside U.S.

The Run For A Million (TRFAM), reining’s hottest and richest event, is expanding overseas with the addition of a third qualifier for its Million Dollar Competition.
Traditionally, in order to gain entry to TRFAM’s Million Dollar Competition (MDC), riders had to qualify at one of two events: the Cactus Reining Classic, during which the top 10 riders were invited to the MDC; or TRFAM’s $100,000 Open Shootout, which called back the top six.Now, thanks to an agreement with Equita Lyon, the host of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby, European riders will get a shot at qualifying for the prestigious competition on their home turf. The qualifier, which will be the only one held outside the United States, will take place Nov. 4 during this year’s NRHA European Derby in Lyon, France.

Read MoreEquita Lyon to Host Only TRFAM Million Dollar Qualifier Outside U.S.

2023 Kimes Ranch Jeans Western Derby Largest Western Derby To Date

As we have all made it home from the 2023 Kimes Ranch Jeans Western Derby, we want to thank our competitors, owners, fans, and sponsors for making the largest Western Derby ever a huge success!
Over the course of 11 days, we had over 3,000 total entries across our Derby, Spectaculars, and Horse Show classes and paid over $1.3 million.
We want to thank our friends at Kimes Ranch for stepping up and being the title sponsor for this year's event. Your love for the Cow Horse community is unmatched, and we are proud to have you as a sponsor.
The NRCHA is dedicated to improving the experience for our competitors, spectators, and fans. Whether you were joining us in Scottsdale or watching from home we want to hear your feedback on the show.

Read More2023 Kimes Ranch Jeans Western Derby Largest Western Derby To Date

Records Broken and History Made as Open Classic Preliminaries Conclude

Photos by NRBC Media
Photos by NRBC Media

Those to witness the Open Classic preliminary round at the 2023 NRBC are sure to never forget it. The 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds brought the heat to Tulsa, Oklahoma, these two days. Andrea Fappani and All Bettss Are Off (Gunner x Wimpys Little Chic) owned by Rancho Oso Rio LLC, take the lead in the Level 4 preliminaries marking a whopping 230 and winning $17,306.

Read MoreRecords Broken and History Made as Open Classic Preliminaries Conclude

Dunit A Lil Ruf Joins NRHA Million Dollar Dam Roster

Photo by NRHA Press Release/Waltenberry
Photo by NRHA Press Release/Waltenberry

When standout athlete Patriot, ridden by Nathan Piper, claimed the 2022 The Run For A Million Championship, he became the highest money-earning horse in the history of the National Reining Horse Association.
But that’s not all. His win catapulted both his owners, Shannon and Hershel Reid, and his dam, Dunit A Lil Ruf, past the million-dollar mark.
Dunit A Lil Ruf was bred by Sandi Holt and was sold to NRHA Professional Ann Salmon-Anderman during her two-year-old year. With Anderman at the reins, Dunit A Lil Ruf won more than $32,000, including a Level 2 Open Championship at the 2013 Derby.

Read MoreDunit A Lil Ruf Joins NRHA Million Dollar Dam Roster

National Reined Cow Horse Association Wraps Banner Year with Record-Breaking Snaffle Bit Futurity®

Photo by NRCHA Press Release
Photo by NRCHA Press Release

When the last horse rode out of the historic Will Rogers Coliseum at the 2022 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity®, presented by Metallic Cat, it closed the door on a record-breaking year for NRCHA premier event entries and purses awarded, and did so in style. For the third straight year, the annual futurity saw a rise in entries, and in 2022 more than $1,000,000 was awarded in added money and prizes in Youth, Non Pro and Open classes during the show.
The final of the five annual premier NRCHA events produced by the nationwide organization brought the top 3-year-old horses to Fort Worth, Texas, to compete for the largest cow horse futurity purse to date, with the Open Futurity Champion Tornado Jonez, owned by Brandy Ragland and shown by Lee Deacon, being awarded $200,000, and the Non Pro Champion Debbie Crafton, taking home $40,000.

Read MoreNational Reined Cow Horse Association Wraps Banner Year with Record-Breaking Snaffle Bit Futurity®

NCHA Announces Changes To 2023 Run For A Million Earnings Classification

Photo by NCHA Release
Photo by NCHA Release

FORT WORTH – In response to the feedback from NCHA membership and at the recommendation of event producer Taylor Sheridan, the National Cutting Horse Association announces that earnings from the 2023 Run For A Million cutting competition will no longer count for the Open world standings and will instead count towards horse and rider lifetime earnings.


Read MoreNCHA Announces Changes To 2023 Run For A Million Earnings Classification

Structure For The 2023 Run For A Million Cutting Competition Qualifier

Photo by NCHA Press Release
Photo by NCHA Press Release

The first qualifier for the 2023 Run For A Million cutting competition will be held at the upcoming Brazos Bash.
STRUCTURE FOR THE 2023 RUN FOR A MILLION CUTTING COMPETITION QUALIFIER
FORT WORTH – The first qualifier for the 2023 Run For A Million cutting competition will be held at the upcoming Brazos Bash held at Bosque Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, from October 4 through 17, 2022.
This innovative event will showcase the sport of cutting on a new level while introducing the sport to a fresh audience through the fan base the Run For A Million has developed over the years since its inception with reining horses. The sport of cutting is the pinnacle of Western sports and being showcased on this stage will offer the sport tremendous growth opportunity both in and out of the arena.

Read MoreStructure For The 2023 Run For A Million Cutting Competition Qualifier

Raise A Million Auctions Garner More than $190k for Reining Horse Foundation

Photos by Leslie Baker
Photos by Leslie Baker

When reiners gather, great things happen, and it happened in spades in Vegas.
The 2022 Raise A Million Auctions, held during The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas, Nevada, brought in more than $190,000 through both the live and silent auctions. The proceeds benefit the reining community through the Reining Horse Foundation, the charitable arm of the National Reining Horse Association.

Read MoreRaise A Million Auctions Garner More than $190k for Reining Horse Foundation