With the move to Tulsa from Katy, the NRBC will return to unstructured schooling. After arena conditioning at the end of classes each day, riders may ride until the arena closes for ground prep prior to the next day’s classes.

Please be aware that next-day horses will receive priority and that the Ford Arena will be limited to Ford Arena horses only at all times. A schooling schedule will be posted.

FAQ: Entering Additional Ancillary Classes if Horse is Already Entered in an Ancillary Class
With a lot of people coming to the NRBC for the first time, the NRBC office has been getting multiple questions. One of the most common is about adding additional ancillary classes if a horse is already entered in a class.

For adding additional ancillary classes for a horse that is already entered in at least one ancillary class, there is NO LATE FEE as long as the horse is entered by NOON the day prior to the class.

However, if a horse entered in an ancillary class adds an entry in an NRBC aged event, all normal late fees will apply.

FAQ: Arena Conflicts – What to Do if you Draw up in Two Arenas at the Same Time
In the event of a draw conflict (Rider/Horse or Rider/Trainer) between the arenas, the FORD arena will take precedence and will remain unchanged.

The draw position will be modified at the Super Duty Indoor or Super Duty Covered Arena.

If there is a conflict between the Super Duty Indoor and Super Duty Covered arenas, the Super Duty Indoor will take precedence and will remain unchanged. The Super Duty Covered Arena draw will be modified.

To have a draw position moved, talk with the back gate person at the arena that doesn’t take precedence. Do not go to the horse show office, or to the announcer, or to the bit judge.

The back gate person is the only one who has the authority to modify a draw position.

Draws may be moved earlier in the class and may be moved as early as desired but will always go last in a set.

Draws may also be moved later in the class. However, draws moved later will only be allowed to move a maximum of two sets later than the original draw. Draws moved later will always go last in the set.

Believing strongly in creating a positive future for the reining industry has long been a hallmark of the leadership of the National Reining Breeders Classic. Throughout its 24-year history, the Board and staff have explored new directions, tested innovative new ideas and adjusted their course with a laser focus on improving reining year by year. Many of the fruits of their labors have become accepted as industry standards.
So, it is not surprising that the NRBC leadership team is once again addressing an issue – one that invites strong opinions for and against change. NRBC President Tom McCutcheon explains, “It’s a new stage of history for reining. We are not where we were 20 or even 10 years ago. We feel that it’s time to evolve with the times for the betterment of our industry.”
To that end, the NRBC has announced a new protocol for its 2021 event. “All the arenas will be closed at 7 pm each night and will reopen for riding two hours before time to prep the arena the next morning,” Tom noted, then added, “If classes run past 5 PM in a particular arena, it will be open for two hours following the end of the class.”
The NRBC Board was unanimous in making this change and the decision was based on two important facets of reining. Paramount in the decision was the welfare of the horse, and the board felt that this new direction was essential to the soundness, health and longevity of reining horses.
The second reason for the decision was in consideration of the experience of participating in reining events as trainers, owners and riders. McCutcheon said. “It’s really about taking an opportunity to try to change the culture of our industry – trying to find a balance between the normal 24-hour schedule that can be fatiguing for horses, trainers, assistants, owners and Non Pros. We have to remember that we are competing for the discretionary dollars of today’s horse owners and they have many options both inside and outside the equine industry. It’s really about the NRBC trying to take the opportunity to have an amazing, fun show for exhibitors and owners alike.”
NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay noted, “Schooling at night has always been a part of reining. Reiners have felt since day one that they had to get on the ground. It’s time to change that old mindset to today’s needs.”
The new policy has already sparked plenty of discussion. Some trainers are glad to hear of the change and others are concerned with getting their horses prepared. 
NRHA $6 Million Rider Andrea Fappani said, “I’m excited about limiting riding hours at the NRBC. The Derby-aged horses know their jobs and are for the most part very comfortable in a show arena. Once they test out the ground a few times, they should be good to show. I’m looking forward to being able to have a normal schedule for a change and enjoy spending some quality time with my customers.”
He continued, “Derby horses don’t need to be ridden hard at the shows. If we have prepared them properly at home, getting them comfortable with the ground is the only thing we have left to do once we get to a show. This new format will be fair for all of us and it will prevent a lot of horses from getting overworked and stressed.”
NRHA Professional Kole Price welcomes the chance to try something different. He said, “I’ve been to shows where you don’t get to go out once with your customers. I’m thinking that maybe knowing that the schooling time will be during certain times will also encourage people to watch and enjoy the time to interact with their friends.”He added, “It should allow riders and horses to get a good night’s sleep. So both can perform better.”
NRHA Professional Brian Bell said, “There are enough other arenas to ride in so you can get your horse loped around and relaxed. The horses need to be ready to show and getting to ride in the middle of the night when you get there isn’t going to change them if they are not. With paid warmups and schooling classes and the other opportunities where arenas are open, if that doesn’t get you ready, I don’t know what would. My Non Pros just don’t want to come out and ride at three am. The way NRBC gets over early enough in the day, there are plenty of opportunities to ride. I remember the first couple years we went to South Point; they didn’t let anyone ride at night and I think the horses showed just as good.”
Former NRBC Open Champion Martin Muehlstaetter said that he, too, would welcome a scenario where the showing experience was not as exhausting. He said, “There are shows that, for different reasons, do not have riding at night. I believe that does not change the outcome of the show. When it’s the same for everyone and there are plenty of places during the day to ride, it could be a good thing to try. If we are not able to ride during the day, though, because of rain or bad weather, there would need to be an adjustment.”
That’s exactly what the NRBC’s Board has considered. McQuay added, “We definitely have a Plan B for days when it might rain and, in that case, would adjust the schedule accordingly.”
NRHA Professional Matt Palmer was also interested in the change. He said, “For me, anything we can do to improve our industry and culture is good. It’s sure worth giving it a try, and the NRBC has proven to be a great place over the years to test different ideas.”
Colleen said, “We want to thank our riders and trainers in advance for their support in taking the next step to ensure the health and welfare of our riders and horses to secure the future of our sport.”
The following protocol will be in place for the 2021 NRBC, set for April 18-25 in Katy, Texas. Arenas will be closed two hours after the end of the last event of the day in that arena or at 7 pm, whichever is later. For the ensuing two hours, there will be fencing (stopping) only, and the arena will be worked every 20 minutes. After closing for the night, the arena will reopen two hours before the beginning of ground preparation for that day’s classes.
Non-competition arenas will be closed at 7 pm each day and open at 7 the next morning. Adjustment to the schedule will be made in the case of inclement weather.
For nearly 25 years, the National Reining Breeders Classic program and show have held a singular place in the reining industry. For information on the NRBC, visit the website at www.nrbc.com, email nrbc@nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

The 2017 NRBC Classic will take 30 entries to the Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro Finals – creating a total of 30 more finalist spots for the show set for April 16-23.

The always-innovative National Reining Breeders Classic has done it again! Not only will the 20th NRBC cross the $20 Million payout mark, it will break new ground in another area. The 2017 NRBC Classic will take 30 entries to the Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro Finals – creating a total of 30 more finalist spots for the show set for April 16-23.

The change came following an NRBC Board Meeting on July 13 and NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody noted that making the change was a unanimous decision by the NRBC Board of Directors. “The NRBC has long been an event that brought more people to the finals – and paid deeper, both in money and prizes,” she said. “Now, not only will there be 30 Level 4 Non Pro finalists, but there will also be 30 in these other three Non Pro divisions, which previously each took 20 to the finals.”

NRBC President Tom McCutcheon brought the idea to the board. He said, “As competitive as horses and riders are today in the Non Pro divisions we thought it was an appropriate time to expand our finals.” NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay added, “As Tom has pointed out, many industry professionals are aware of the growing numbers of Non Pros and their greater investment in and commitment to the aged events. We on the NRBC board felt that this is one way to respond to them.”

In an industry where becoming an NRBC finalist is such an important credit to a horse’s record and a career laurel for a Non Pro, the NRBC Board feels that this is the right direction for Derby age horses. Of course, besides the achievement, all NRBC finalists receive paychecks and awards. With the changes, some adjustments will be made in the already full schedule, with the finals beginning a little earlier on Friday.  McQuay noted, “We think most people will view that as a small price to pay for the opportunity to qualify for an important final.” For additional information on the National Reining Breeders Classic, visit the website at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

The National Reining Breeders Classic Board of Directors met on December 20 and in an eleventh-hour decision moved to increase the number of Open Finalists beginning with the upcoming NRBC show set for April 16-23.

Not only will the 20th NRBC cross the $20 Million payout mark, with this new decision, every eligibility division from L1 to L4 in both the Open and the Non Pro Classic will have 30 finalists.

NRBC President Tom McCutcheon brought the idea of increasing the number of Open Finalists to the board. He said, “Reining has become much more competitive at all levels. We think that doing this will benefit both owners and trainers. More horses will have a chance to earn important credentials for their records.”

According to NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody, the change came about after the 2017 Premium book was printed and mailed. “So the terms and conditions that are in our 2017 Show Premium Book are outdated. We will update the Terms and Conditions on the website right away.”

Cody added, “In a year where we are celebrating 20 years of the NRBC, it seemed fitting to the entire board to increase opportunities for those who participate. Of course, besides the achievement, all NRBC finalists in all levels receive paychecks and awards. We are all looking forward to another historic show in 2017!”

For additional information on the National Reining Breeders Classic, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.