The National Reining Breeders Classic has been enrolling foals in its program since 1997. The enrollments climbed steadily through 2008 then, like the rest of the equine industry, experienced a large drop in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Since then, the numbers have gradually trended upward.

The enrollments are just being finalized for 2021, and the news is exciting! With 2,633 foals enrolled, 2021 has become the third-highest enrollment year in the history of the NRBC, exceeding 2020’s enrollments by 180 foals, and nearing the high numbers set in 2007 and 2008.

“We are excited to see this recovery and upward trend for our industry,” said NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “All the exposure that reining is getting nationally is reflected in enrollments and the reining horse business in general.”

NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody agreed. “That impulsion has made it more important than ever to have foals in the NRBC. We are so glad that the reining world has recognized the significance of enrollment and how it adds value to foals.”

“With the eligibility for the Classic now including 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old horses, the benefit has been substantially enhanced. Plus, enrolled horses 8-years-old and over are eligible for advancement to the Classic Challenge program, which continues to reward their performance.”

In another aspect of the NRBC program, the large number of new stallions coming into the program, it appears that upward trajectory has extended to stallion enrollments. “Although stallion enrollments are not due until February 1, our best preliminary projections show an increase from previous years,” Cody added. 

The NRBC was created in the fall of 1997, and through the support of the breeder and exhibitors of the reining industry, has grown to become one of the top three reining aged events in the world and the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. Now known as the Million Dollar Show, the NRBC has paid out over $24 Million in the past 24 years.

This year’s NRBC is slated for April 17-24 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas and the Silver Anniversary event marks the 25th year for the NRBC!