The reining industry’s oldest and most successful stallion incentive program, the National Reining Breeders Classic, has been led since the beginning by the same core group of directors and officers. Over the past 27 years, these far-seeing individuals have brought new and innovative ideas to the reining world – concepts that have gone on to become part of the reining culture, like the Prime Time division and the Short Stirrup class.
Founding Board Members Tom McCutcheon, Tim McQuay, Pete Kyle, and Dell Hendricks, along with the NRBC Officers, have remained focused on creating and growing an event that would pay substantial money to Derby-aged horses – an innovative idea in 1998.
The NRBC led the industry in expanding the age for horses competing in derbies to ultimately include 4,5,6, and 7-year-olds, and was the first aged event to advance and award 30 places per division. The overall direction has been sound, and the NRBC has paid out nearly $28 million in 26 years.
In 2023, when the NRBC moved to the Built Ford Touch Livestock Complex at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the show saw drastic growth, breaking entry records and setting an all time high for the number of stalls at 1,645, a 33% increase over the previous year.
NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody noted, “It was wonderful growth for the show, but some of our days were really long. Our challenge was how to stay ahead of those numbers.”
Long, exhausting days were not true to the long-held NRBC tenant of having a show that gave exhibitors time to prepare and compete on their horses without working round the clock. The landmark 2023 show bore little resemblance to the original event that lasted four days in one arena and offered every entertaining option from a Mariachi band to special receptions, reiners roping, golf, and a slew of fun activities.
Since last summer, the NRBC group has worked to find a solution to usher in a new era in NRBC history. It begins with extended days. The NRBC will take place April 16-27 in 2024 – four days longer than last year’s event. The first week of the show will feature the Non Pro preliminaries and will culminate in the Non Pro Finals on Saturday, April 20.
There is news for the Non Pro Classic for 2024 as there will be a Masters Non Pro division from which the top 10 will advance to the Finals.
After the conclusion of the Non Pro Finals, the stage will be set for the Open prelims and the Open Finals will be held on Saturday, April 27.
One older staple of the show returns in 2024 – the NRBC Town Talk – set for the afternoon of Thursday, April 15. This venue was created years ago to provide owners and exhibitors with the opportunity to give their opinions about the show, any changes, and upcoming new directions.
NRBC President Tom McCutcheon said, “We want to hear that feedback as we go forward. One thing that riders have asked me over the years is for more time between the Open goes and the Finals. We are glad to give them two days for that in this new schedule and I’m excited to hear everyone’s feedback.”
There is more news. The Yellowstone Rookie Shootout returns to the show for the seventh year, Thursday, April 25. Joining the Shootout lineup will be a new Masters Shootout, a Platinum Shootout, and a Green Reiner Shootout. Riders qualify for all the shootouts in ancillary competitions earlier in the week.
Keeping a reining event relevant in today’s ever-changing competition landscape remains job one. NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay noted, “The reining world has a new reality and managing the numbers is a challenge. For us, it’s about going back to the mindset of when we were pioneers and doing what is best for the horses and the industry. We never know if a new formula will work but we can’t be afraid to try new things.”
For information on the NRBC program and show, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.