At the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, it seems that the National Reining Breeders Classic has already been going on for days. The event crew moved in over a week ago and paid warm-ups have been going on in the arena nearly that long, as the facility was being transformed into the fully-decorated formal look that defines the NRBC. Flowers, flags and special displays throughout the facility are part of the unique identity of the NRBC, and displays of the bountiful prizes are another highlight. That face-lift has been going on for a week, but the actual competition begins today, Monday, April 18, at 9 am with the first section of the Non Pro Classic Preliminary round.

The top 30 Non Pro finishers out of the field of 158 will compete in the Non Pro finals, slated for the afternoon of Friday, April 22.

Although the show begins today, the NRBC reiners were competitive yesterday in the Reiners’ Golf Tournament and the Texas Hold’em competition. The Golf Tournament was held at Cinco Ranch Golf Course, just minutes from the Great Southwest Equestrian Center. Seven teams vied for the first place awards in the scramble format event.

Winning the first-place prize for their 9 under par finish was the team of Lance Griffin, Terri Griffin, Neil Broten and Sally Broten. Also finishing as winners were Gunny Mathison, who was closest to the hole, and Jim Morgan, for the longest drive.

Another long-time NRBC tradition, the Texas Hold’em Tournament, was the site of a head-to-head contest between some of the industry’s top reiners. That tournament took place upstairs in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club.

The entire event is webcast, thanks to official videographers Barb and Dick Waltenberry. To view the webcast, visit the NRBC website at www.nrbc.com .

The show continues through Sunday, April 24. Admission is free at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just 14 years, the NRBC has grown to include upwards of 230 subscribed stallions and in 2009, there were more than 2,800 enrolled foals. Annually, the payout at the NRBC exceeds $1.4 million. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939. The 2011 NRBC will be held April 18-24 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.