The trend of large events looks like it will continue into 2022, as the staff and show management of the National Reining Breeders Classic ready for what looks to be one of the largest shows in the event’s 25-year history. It returns to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, in early April, with competition beginning Easter Sunday and running through April 24.
The event is highlighted by the Classic, open only to 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old horses by NRBC enrolled stallions. The aged event alone features added money in excess of $775,000 across the Open and Non Pro divisions, with the Level 4 Open Champion guaranteed a check for $75,000!
As the deadline to be in the draw passed on April 6, entry numbers for both the Open and Non Pro Classic surpassed those set from the previous year.According to NRBC Show Secretary Kathy Gould, Open Classic entries currently sit at 219, up from 186 in 2021. The Non Pro divisions also grew, with 212 total entries, up from 191.
“On Wednesday, the final date for late entries to be in the draw, we had more than three dozen entries come in. Our team worked diligently to audit all entries to be ready for the April 7 draw,” Gould shared. “Our final numbers will be even larger, as we typically have several late entries for the Open and Non Pro Classic.”
So will this year’s NRBC take the top spot with the largest entry numbers in history? That honor currently belongs to the 2021 event, when 377 horses passed through the gates of the Coliseum Arena to compete in the aged event. That means this year’s Classic entries will beat the previous record by more than 14 percent!
While the Classic entries are already record-breaking, it’s still to be decided if the event will surpass its previous high total.
Ancillary entries continue to come in; however, many exhibitors elect to enter late while at the event, so preliminary entry numbers are likely to change substantially. “We fully expect to see a significant increase because of the convenience of entering while at the event. Our Show Office staff looks forward to seeing everyone in Katy,” Gould said.
The large influx of entries means that the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, which has been home to the Million Dollar Show since 2000, is bursting at the seams. Despite the addition of nearly 100 more stalls, stabling options are incredibly limited. “This year, we are stretched to the maximum. Unfortunately, that has created inconveniences for many of our sponsors and exhibitors as far as stabling and benefits at the show,” shared NRBC Secretary/Treasurer Cheryl Cody. “We always appreciate their support and right now, we are grateful for how understanding and gracious they have been. They are truly the backbone of this program and of the NRBC.”
To keep up with the NRBC, check out the website at www.NRBC.com. You can also follow the event on Facebook at Facebook.com/NationalReiningBreedersClassic.