National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity / Derby Nomination Program made its debut in 2008 to help strengthen the NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby by increasing and deepening the payouts seen at both events. In the inaugural year, 2,842 foals were nominated to the program by the December 31 deadline. However with economic worries looming over the nation, many wondered if the NRHA Nomination Program would experience setbacks in 2009. When the air cleared from the massive influx of phone calls and mail at year-end, the program showed its worth with 2,950 weanling nominations pending – a nearly 4% increase over last year.

“We are ecstatic to see an increase in 2009 weanling nominations. This program is very important to the success of the Reining industry, and we are glad to see continued support from breeders around the world. Those breeders have the foresight to know the kind of opportunities their foals will have in just a few short years. They will be able to run at purse amounts like we’ve never seen before – nearly $2.5 million total at the NRHA Futurity and Derby each year,” commented NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall.

NOMINATE AS A YEARLING

Horsemen receive the greatest benefit by nominating a foal by December 31 of its weanling year for only $300. However, horses can be nominated at anytime with an increased fee. During 2009, breeders took advantage of this opportunity and nominated 33 yearlings by the December 31 deadline. 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. This is a great option for breeders who missed the deadline with their 2009 foals.

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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 http://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. The NRHA strives to educate its members and the public about Reining. For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit http://www.nrha.com or call 405-946-7400.