Las Vegas, August 18—It’s time to ride at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center where the third edition of The Run For A Million welcomed the first set of competitors vying for first place in the world of reining’s premier event.
Four freestyle bullfighters, one bull each, $50,000 in prize money!
On Saturday, August 20th at South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, four BFO athletes will compete for the largest single go-round purse in freestyle bullfighting history. In partnership with the richest event in the history of Reining, The Run for a Million presented by Teton Ridge, BFO's "Fight for Fifty" will be broadcast LIVE on Cowboy Channel and streamed around the world.
June 26 - Action Wraps Up at 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel
A 12-day stretch of continuous competition at Oklahoma State Fair Park wrapped up on Sunday, June 26. The final day of the 2022 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel showcased Non Pro and Youth ancillary riders, with several Montana Silversmiths high point buckles being presented.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) announced the eight riders invited to The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge from the DT Horses Western Derby qualifier.
The 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel, held June 15-26 in Oklahoma City, will host Non Pro and Rookie qualifying events for one of the most exciting events in reining. The Run For A Million, held at the South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nev., is slated for August 17-20. In addition to the million-dollar competition, there is a $100K Open Shoot Out, a $50K Invitational Freestyle, a $50K Non Pro Championship, as well as a Rookie Championship. The event, created by award-winning screenwriter/producer and NRHA member Taylor Sheridan, debuted in 2019.
The Run For A Million (TRFAM) may be reining’s richest event, but after the success of last year’s $150,000 Cow Horse Challenge, held during TRFAM, it’s clear fans want to see even more of the Western way of life. This year, TRFAM will host the $25,000 Cowboy Invitational, allowing cowboys from some of the country’s most historic ranches to show off their horsemanship skills.
In 2012, the National Reining Horse Association created the Professionals of the Year awards to recognize those members who go above and beyond to advocate for the sport, fellow members, and of course, the horses.
NRHA affiliates may nominate NRHA Professionals for the awards, which include the NRHA Professional Horseman of the Year, the NRHA Non Pro Coach of the Year, the NRHA Youth Coach of the Year, the NRHA Becky Hanson Horsewoman of the Year, and the NRHA Up-and-Coming Trainer of the Year.
Gennaro Lendi recorded his first earnings in the National Reining Horse Association in May 2004, when he won the Non Pro class at the Italian Reining Horse Association Derby on OT Taris High. Less than two decades later, Lendi joined the elite list of riders who have won more than one million dollars in competition.
Recent wins at the 2020 European Futurity, the Austrian Futurity, the German Breeders Futurity, the IRHA Maturity, and ARTA Futurity propelled him past that milestone.
“As I got closer to the million, it became all the more stressful as I wanted to surpass that mark as fast as I could. I put pressure on myself – especially after the pandemic stopped our shows – and it affected my performance in the show pen,” Lendi admitted.
Gunnarickashay and Tishman top the $100,000 Platinum Performance Open Shoot Out
The action heated up on day three of The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge, with talented Open riders, cow horses and generous benefactors all on display. The day kicked off with the $100,000 Platinum Performance Open Shoot Out, which featured some of reining’s best horses. Twenty-one riders marked a 220 or above, but it was Gunnarickashay, piloted by Josh Tishman, who topped them all with a 228.5. Gunnarickashay collected $30,642 for owner Jody Puno, and Tishman qualified to compete in the Million Dollar Competition at the 2022 Run For A Million.
Rubys Radar and Zane Davis Take The Crown
The top 15 riders on the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Open rider eligibility list, based on a three-year average, were invited to compete in the $150,000 Teton Ridge Invitational Fence Work Challenge, consisting of rein and herd work. After an exciting evening, Rubys Radar and Zane Davis were crowned the Champions with their rein work score of 224.5 and fence work score of 229, which made for a total 453.5.
Luca Fappani and Anna Clausen Tie To Win The Run For A Million $50,000-added Non Pro Championship
Day two of The Run For A Million presented by Teton Ridge showcased non pro riders with the $50,000 Added Non Pro Championships. After 67 riders slid, spun and circled their way through the South Point Arena, it was Luca Fappani riding Icecube and Anna Clausen aboard Smart Tinseltown who came out on top with a score of 221.5 tying to share the title and $30,179.
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