The first horses have arrived, and the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square is buzzing with activity as preparations are finalized for the 28th annual National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC), one of the highest-paying events approved by the National Reining Horse Association. The event officially kicks off April 15 and runs through April 26.
Since its inception, the NRBC has paid out nearly $29 million to reiners around the globe. That number is set to climb even higher in 2025, with projections placing total lifetime payouts beyond the $31 million mark by the end of this year’s show.
Originally launched at the historic Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, the NRBC soon found a long-term home in Katy, Texas, where it was held for more than two decades. In 2020, amidst pandemic disruptions, the show temporarily relocated to Tulsa. That move became permanent in 2023, when the NRBC officially made its return to the Sooner State.
While the Classic – featuring $1 million in added money – remains the cornerstone of the show, the NRBC also offers two full slates of NRHA-approved classes, a bustling trade show with top-tier vendors, and fun events and parties throughout the week that celebrate the camaraderie of the reining community.
The Million Dollar Show is living up to its name. In 2024, the NRBC paid out a record $1,708,043, continuing a trend of exceptional payouts that began early in the event’s history. The show’s total purse surpassed the million-dollar mark in just its seventh year and hasn’t dropped below that benchmark since.
In a recent announcement, the NRBC Board confirmed that for the second consecutive year, the 2025 show will feature $1 million in added money for the aged event alone.
NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody said, “There’s something special about this event—from the high-caliber competition to the incredible people who come back year after year. The Tulsa facility and staff have been fantastic partners, and we’re thrilled to be back for another unforgettable show.”
NRBC President Tom McCutcheon added, “What has made the NRBC so successful is consistency. People know the money is there, the competition is strong, and the experience is first-class. That trust has built this event into one of the premier shows in the industry.”
As the NRBC gets underway, all signs point to another landmark year in the show’s storied history.
For more information, visit www.NRBC.com.