This July, the National Reined Cow Horse Association returns to the AgriCenter Showplace Arena outside of Memphis, Tennessee, for the second Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian, to a 33 percent increase in entries over last year’s event. This is the second premier reined cow horse event the association has produced east of the Mississippi River.
With two sets of horse show classes, a 4- and 5-year-old Open Derby with $50,000 added to the purse and the popular Spectacular three-event classes, the Eastern Derby will run July 10-17. In addition to producing the event, the NRCHA is focusing on the Non Pro Experience at this premier show.
Twice during the show Open NRCHA competitors will answer questions and share their perspective during the Tips From The Top sessions held during the Open Bridle rein work and the Open Derby cow work. This allows Youth and Non Pro competitors to better understand how an Open rider thinks through their pattern in the reining and handles cow work.
“Having an NRCHA premier event in the Eastern U.S., where a higher percentage of our members are non-professionals, gives us the perfect opportunity to cater to this important part of our membership,” said Anna Morrison, NRCHA executive director. “Non Pros come to our events with a different set of expectations and questions than our professionals do, and we’re excited to focus on making this a fun and educational event for them.”
Though the reined cow horse association began in California in 1949, today enthusiastic members compete from coast to coast, making this event successful and close for the growing number of East Coast competitors. Reined cow horse enthusiasts from around the world can follow the event through the daily webcast, as well as find all draws, scores and results at www.nrcha.com/scoring/.
The Dom Conicelli Memorial Eastern Derby, presented by MARS Equestrian™, is in Cordova, Tennessee, and honors Dom Conicelli, a well-known NRCHA member helped found the Atlantic Reined Cow Horse Association. Prior to his death in 2018, Conicelli was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Merit for his longstanding support of the industry.
In 2021, MARS Equestrian lends support as the presenting sponsor of the show. The equestrian arm of Mars, Incorporated links iconic brands, such as Pedigree, Nutro, Greenies and Mars candy, to reined cow horse.
“We could not be more grateful to MARS Equestrian for their partnership and support of NRCHA and the Eastern Derby,” Morrison said. “Partners who share our passion for animals and horse sport make all the difference in being able to offer a high-quality event for our exhibitors.”
Follow the Eastern Derby happenings through our NRCHA Facebook and Instagram, as well as online at www.NRCHA.com. The 2021 NRCHA premier events will wrap with the 2021 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® held in Fort Worth, Texas, in October.
For more information on these events and reined cow horse, visit www.nrcha.com.
Based in Pilot Point, Texas, the National Reined Cow Horse Association was formed in 1949 in California, with the goal of preserving and educating the public about the rich history of this traditional horsemanship. The NRCHA is responsible for promoting the sport and ensuring high standards of competition and continuing to work to keep the Vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry. The NRCHA also supports numerous affiliate clubs across the United States, Europe and abroad. These groups serve as the association’s backbone, holding many NRCHA-sanctioned competitions and events each year.
National Reined Cow Horse Association
Contact: kate@nrcha.com