About NRHA
Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the reining horse in a fun-filled, family atmosphere. It serves as the standard setting body for the sport of reining worldwide. Check out our Historic Milestones and most recent statistics overview.
Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins done in place, and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.
The NRHA Judging System is recognized as the leading format for judging an equine event that combines technical and stylistic elements coupled with consideration of "degree of difficulty." Many segments of the equine judging discipline have openly embraced the NRHA Judging System.
There are multiple divisions of competition offered at approved shows to enable competitors at all levels to participate, learn, and improve as they master the intricacies of one of the most exciting equine competition events. NRHA offers several levels of competition for:
In order to ensure integrity of the NRHA programs, participation in NRHA approved shows requires an NRHA Membership for exhibitors and owners, as well as a valid Competition License for horses. Check out Before You Show to see what you need to do to compete in this hot equine sport.
Video: MEDIA SCENE by Maurizio Di Simone
NRHA Mission
To promote the reining horse worldwide and advance the finest traditions of western horsemanship.NRHA Purpose
- To promote and encourage public interest in agriculture and ranching through reining horse shows and programs;
- to develop standards of performance and judging of reining horses;
- to encourage the development and breeding of better reining horses;
- to develop a higher degree of efficiency in the occupation and career of professional reining horse trainers, owners, and breeders;
- and to disseminate information about reining horses.
What Is Reining?
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse within the confines of a show arena. In NRHA Competition, contestants are required to run a pre-selected, approved pattern, included in the NRHA Handbook.Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins done in place, and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.
The NRHA Judging System is recognized as the leading format for judging an equine event that combines technical and stylistic elements coupled with consideration of "degree of difficulty." Many segments of the equine judging discipline have openly embraced the NRHA Judging System.
Competitive Levels For All
There are multiple divisions of competition offered at approved shows to enable competitors at all levels to participate, learn, and improve as they master the intricacies of one of the most exciting equine competition events. NRHA offers several levels of competition for:
- Open riders
- Rookie and entry-level riders
- Non Pro riders
- Youth riders
- Novice horses
- Aged event (futurity, derby, and maturity) horses
- Affiliate (or local level) competitors
In order to ensure integrity of the NRHA programs, participation in NRHA approved shows requires an NRHA Membership for exhibitors and owners, as well as a valid Competition License for horses. Check out Before You Show to see what you need to do to compete in this hot equine sport.
Video: MEDIA SCENE by Maurizio Di Simone
NRHA Hall Of Fame
Over the years, since NRHA's inception, many individuals have contributed to its growth. Some are human and some are equine; all have been exceptional - exceptional in their individual accomplishments and exceptional in their aid to the sport of reining!In recognition of these individuals, NRHA instituted the NRHA Hall of Fame as a continuing acknowledgement of the contributions of these exceptional patrons. The Hall of Fame can be visited in person at NRHA Headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Million Dollar Earners
In 1993, Hollywood Jac 86, a leading NRHA Sire for many years, was the first sire to accumulate over $1,000,000 in NRHA Offspring earnings. In 1995, Bill Horn, one of the sport’s founding members and leading riders, became the first person to win over $1,0000,000 in NRHA competition. These were astounding milestones for the sport of reining and prompted the association to institute a program that will continue to recognize individuals that achieve this level of accomplishment. Since then, a number of others have joined this elite group - the NRHA's Million Dollar Earners.
Reining Horse Foundation
The Reining Horse Foundation is a young, growing nonprofit making strides in fulfillment of its mission: We care for and honor the reining community. With renewed focus on governance, transparency, integrity and service, RHF was rebranded in 2017. Rising awareness and donor support is leading to exciting progress on core programs, especially support of the Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund for reiners enduring hardships. Other core programs include youth scholarships and leadership development through NRHyA and perpetuation of the sport’s history through the NRHA Hall of Fame.
For details, visit reiningfoundation.com
Our Premier Events
The NRHA Futurity - NRHAFuturity.com
The NRHA Futurity is the World's Richest Reining with +3 million in total purse! At this event, 3-year-old horses ride for their chance to win the Level 4 Open paycheck of $350,000! This event also features the Adequan® NRHA North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) and the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales. Approximately 125,000 spectators from more than 20 countries come to Oklahoma City in late fall to be part of the action.
The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel - NRHADerby.com
The World's Hottest Reining is the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel! The event features the highest added-money derby in Levels 1-3 of the Open and the Non Pro. The best 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old horses compete for high stakes derby honors, while a double slate of ancillary competition is run concurrently, and a $20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining presented by OKC CVB, and a Para Reining Championship. The event occurs in early summer at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
Are you ready to get involved? Join NRHA today!
The NRHA Futurity - NRHAFuturity.com
The NRHA Futurity is the World's Richest Reining with +3 million in total purse! At this event, 3-year-old horses ride for their chance to win the Level 4 Open paycheck of $350,000! This event also features the Adequan® NRHA North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) and the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales. Approximately 125,000 spectators from more than 20 countries come to Oklahoma City in late fall to be part of the action.The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel - NRHADerby.com
The World's Hottest Reining is the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel! The event features the highest added-money derby in Levels 1-3 of the Open and the Non Pro. The best 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old horses compete for high stakes derby honors, while a double slate of ancillary competition is run concurrently, and a $20,000 Invitational Freestyle Reining presented by OKC CVB, and a Para Reining Championship. The event occurs in early summer at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.Are you ready to get involved? Join NRHA today!