Innovation and excitement go hand-in-hand at the National Reining Breeders Classic, and not just in the main event. In 2018, Paramount Network’s hit show, Yellowstone, became the sponsor of the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout, and in the ensuing years, it has become a favorite of the show. The Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout was created to give Rookie competitors the chance to compete in the big arena during prime time at the NRBC. The Yellowstone Paramount Network Yellowstone Rookie Shootout will return to the NRBC, April 18 – 25, in Katy, Texas, this year.

The top five from both slates of Rookie competition advance to the Shootout round on Friday, April 23, just prior to the Open Classic Challenge. There, the winner of the Shootout will be presented with a custom, one-of-a-kind prize. The first year’s prize was a custom mini golf cart, and a custom-designed tack trunk was the major prize for 2019.

Then things got big in 2020, with a life-sized fiberglass horse as the trophy. “We wanted to continue to present a big trophy for a big win, and that’s what we had in 2020. The horse was a huge hit, with many people stopping for a photo opportunity,” NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Cody shared. She added that details about the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout prize for 2021 will be announced soon.

In addition to the main trophy, all Shootout qualifiers receive custom Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout buckles. There is no additional fee for the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout, but exhibitors must be entered in both slates of Rookie classes, as Shootout qualification is based on the composite scores.

Non-Shootout qualifiers who competed in both slates can enter the Yellowstone Paramount Network Rookie Shootout Consolation round on Sunday afternoon, April 25. For more information, visit www.NRBC.com.