It’s time to make plans to attend the 2010 NRHA Derby Show slated for June 21-26 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. This is NRHA’s premier event for four-, five- and six-year-old reining horses that offers two full slates of NRHA ancillary classes, AQHA and APHA breed classes and tons of exciting activities for the entire family. Numerous changes have been made for the 2010 event to welcome even more exhibitors and families including an increase in added money, a renovated schedule and the addition of ancillary high-point buckles. Look below for more information on these exciting changes. Remember, the first entry deadline for the Open and Non Pro Derby is March 1, 2010 (ancillary classes are post-entry).

Quick Facts on the 2010 NRHA Derby and Show

NRHA Derby Changes

. 40% increase in Non Pro Derby added money for a total of $87,500 added money in the Non Pro Derby and $155,000 added in the Open Derby

. Newly renovated schedule that is more convenient for non pros! The first go for all non pros will be on Wednesday instead of earlier in the week as in the past

. Additional ride time in the Coliseum for all finalists

Ancillary Changes

. Two full slates of ancillary classes with increased added money in the second slate

. New ancillary high-point Montana Silversmiths buckles

. Additional added money in ancillary youth classes

The Complete Experience

. The return of the Cabana with a tropical luau Exhibitor Party, including the annual three-on-three basketball tournament and the famous Egg & Spoon Race presented by NRHyA

. Two draw parties for all Open and Non Pro Derby finalist owners, riders and families

. 2009 NRHA Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Inductions at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

. USEF National Youth Reining Championship and official qualifier for the 2010 FEI North American Junior Young Riders Championships

. Large, up-scale trade show

. Onsite NRHA Member Services at the NRHA Zone – located in the trade show with NRHA Outfitters

. Daily, fun activities for the whole family like the “Where’s Slider” contest, casual receptions, RHSF activities, and much more

. NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship returns to give collegiate riders a chance to prove their skills

Just a few years ago, NRHA moved the Derby to late June so more families with children and non pro competitors could attend. NRHA Executive Director Dan Wall and the Aged Events Committee hoped the change would allow more exhibitors to participate. Wall commented, “By moving the Derby into late June and adding fun parties and events that the whole family can participate in, we hope more people will make Oklahoma City and the NRHA Derby the destination of their family vacation this year. Plus, this year we have a schedule that is more inviting for non pro riders with the first go starting later in the week.”

As well as fantastic reining competition, families can expect to have lots of fun, food and fellowship at the 2010 NRHA Derby, June 21-26 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. For details as they develop, visit http://nrhaderby.com.

The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support: AdequanR; Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cimarron Trailers; Classic Equine; Horse&Rider; John Deere; Kiser Arena Specialists; Markel Insurance Company; MD Barns; Montana Silversmiths; Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pard’s Western Shop; Platinum Performance; Purina Mills; Quarter Horse News; Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company; Rocky Mountain Clothing Company; SmartPak and Wimpys Little Step.

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. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit www.nrha.com.