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    Author Archives: Haley Carmen

    NRHA Celebrates 60 Years of Excellence in 2026 & NRHA Futurity Marks a 60th Anniversary as NRHA Honors Legacy, Growth, and Future

    In 2026, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) proudly celebrates a major milestone: 60 years of advancing the sport of reining worldwide. Adding to the significance of the year, the prestigious NRHA Futurity, one of the most influential events in the Western performance horse industry, also commemorates its 60th anniversary, a rare dual milestone that […]

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    2026 North America Affiliate Championship Qualifying Conditions Update

    The National Reining Horse Association Board of Directors has approved updates to the qualification process for the 2026 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC). These updates are intended to encourage increased participation at affiliate-level events, provide stronger support for NRHA affiliates, and restore the prestige of the North American Affiliate Championships, following the expanded qualification […]

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    Reining Horse Foundation Mobilizes to Support Reining Community Impacted by Winter Storm

    For Immediate Release – January 29, 2026 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Donations will help provide critical assistance to horse owners facing storm-related hardship. In response to the widespread winter storm Fern that caused significant hardship across several states, the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) is positioned for its Crisis Fund to assist reining community members […]

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    Rick Christen Becomes NRHA’s Newest Million Dollar Owner

    The National Reining Horse Association is proud to announce Rick Christen of Whitehouse, Ohio, as its newest NRHA Million Dollar Owner, marking a significant milestone in a career defined by long-term involvement, competitive success, and thoughtful ownership at the highest levels of the sport. Alongside his wife, Brenda, Christen is co-owner of Story Book Stables, […]

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    Inferno Sixty Six and Colonels Shining Gun Surpass $5 Million in NRHA Progeny Earnings

    Two influential stallions have reached an elite benchmark in the reining industry, as Inferno Sixty Six and Colonels Shining Gun each surpass $5 million in NRHA progeny earnings. Their achievements reflect not only the strength of proven bloodlines, but also the critical role of the NRHA Futurity®, the sport’s most prestigious and lucrative event, in […]

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    Gabriel Borges Becomes NRHA’s Newest Million Dollar Rider

    The National Reining Horse Association is proud to announce that Gabriel Borges has officially surpassed $1 million in NRHA Lifetime Earnings, becoming the association’s newest Million Dollar Rider following his performance at the 2025 NRHA Futurity®. Borges reached the milestone after a strong showing in the Open Finals, where his results pushed his career earnings […]

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    Kaci O’Rourke Becomes NRHA’s Newest Million Dollar Rider

    The National Reining Horse Association is proud to announce that Kaci J. O’Rourke of Cross Roads, Texas, has officially become the association’s newest Million Dollar Rider. O’Rourke reached this career milestone following her performance at the 2025 NRHA Futurity®. O’Rourke rode A Black Tie Affaire (A Vintage Smoke x Shesouttayourleague) owned by 13Moonstruck, and nominated […]

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    Peter DeFreitas Joins NRHA’s Million Dollar Rider Club

    The National Reining Horse Association is thrilled to announce that Peter DeFreitas of Whitesboro, Texas, has officially become the association’s newest Million Dollar Rider. DeFreitas crossed this career milestone following his performance at the 2025 NRHA Futurity®. DeFretias only needed to make one horse back to the level 4 finals to cross this prestigious milestone […]

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    Postponed 2025 NAAC to Be Held During the 2026 6666 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel | June 8–21, 2026

    The National Reining Horse Association announces that the 2025 Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC), postponed due to concerns with the equine herpesvirus (EHV), will be conducted in conjunction with the 2026 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, scheduled for June 8–21, 2026, in Oklahoma City. Following the postponement, NRHA reviewed available rescheduling options with […]

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