National Reining Horse Association Futurity / Derby Nomination Program numbers are easily pushing ahead of 2008 year-to-date comparisons. With the deadline a little more than a week away, nominations are up 11% with 1,095 foals nominated (984 in 2008).

“This is a great indicator for the strength of the Reining industry as we move into a new year. We are very thrilled to see the number of nominations coming into the office. We are pleased knowing that with every nomination we receive, even more money will be added to purses in all divisions of the NRHA Futurity and Derby,” commented NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall.

The deadline to nominate is December 31. Horsemen can get the best deal by nominating weanlings for $300.

The yearling fee is $2,000 and can be made in two payments. $1,000 can be paid by December 31st of the nominee’s yearling year, and the remaining $1,000 can be paid by December 31st of its two-year-old year.

The NRHA Futurity / Derby Nomination Program began with 2008 foals and consists of a $300 one-time weanling nomination fee. This fee makes nominated foals eligible to enter the NRHA Futurity as three-year-olds, NRHA European Futurity as four-year-olds, and the NRHA Derby as four-, five- and six-year-olds. At that time, all other applicable entry and judges fees will apply. Horses may be nominated to the program after their weanling year; however the fees increase substantially for yearlings, two-year-olds, and three- and four-year-olds. Nominations must be postmarked on or before December 31 of the applicable year.

For more detailed information on the NRHA Futurity / Derby Nomination Program, a nomination form and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, go to  www.nrha.com and click on the NRHA Futurity / Derby Nomination Program logo in the sidebar.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. NRHA strives to educate its members and the public about Reining. For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit  www.nrha.com or call 405-946-7400.