With the addition of reined work to the planned 2021 The Run For A Million Invitational Fence Work Challenge, the National Reined Cow Horse Association approved sanctioning the special event as a Category 2 event. Now, the 15 invited riders and the horses they choose to compete on at the Las Vegas, Nevada, event held August 16 through 21, 2021, can count money earned toward lifetime NRCHA earnings.
On Thursday, July 29, the NRCHA approved The Run For A Million show management’s request for sanctioning. An NRCHA-approved reining pattern and the crowd-pleasing fence work will both be on display.
“We couldn’t be more excited for reined cow horse to share the spotlight at The Run For A Million,” said Anna Morrison, NRCHA executive director. “The ability to sanction the event and record the earnings makes this even sweeter, and is so meaningful to the riders and owners participating.”
A Category 2 approval indicates an event doesn’t meet Category 1 criteria for reasons such as restricted entry. In this instance, participation is restricted to the 15 riders invited to compete due to their ranking in the top 15 NRCHA Open riders for the last three-year show total earnings.
Whether a typical horse show or a special event, the thrill of exhibiting reined cow horses under the bright lights at The Run For A Million is even bigger with the news of this sanctioning.
“We are excited to be part of The Run For A Million, which started off with such success, and having the opportunity for the money earned here to count toward NRCHA lifetime earnings only increases the value of our great bridle horses and has a positive impact on us as riders,” said Corey Cushing, NRCHA president and Run For A Million Fence Work Challenge competitor. “We’re going to bring big energy and our adrenaline will be running high! I know my fellow riders are looking forward to a great crowd at the South Point and to all our fans cheering us on!”
Though not produced by the NRCHA, the association is excited to support this event as a sanctioning body and sponsor. Horse and rider competition teams are being revealed on the association’s social media weekly. At the event, the NRCHA will host autograph sessions with the top 15 Open riders, where event attendees can get to know reined cow horse’s brightest stars.
For more information on the event, or to find tickets, visit www.TRFAM.com. For information about reined cow horse competition, visit the National Reined Cow Horse Association at 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.
Contact: kate@nrcha.com