Horse Illustrated Magazine

The 2008 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby is underway June 23 – 28 in Oklahoma City, and the event has taken on a family-friendly feel. The Derby, which is a major event for 4 to 6-year-old horses, has a new format that has been in the planning stages for more than a year.

The Derby pays out close to a half million dollars in cash and prizes, and is now showcasing Non Pro and Youth NRHA members with all sorts of family-fun events. The Derby also features a full slate of classes, including the prestigious Adequan® USEF National Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach. The event is an important competition for reiners who are looking to compete in the World Championship, Sept. 11-14, in Maneribo, Italy. The U.S. team for this World Championship is being selected during the Adequan/USEF Championship.

Other important Derby classes include the USEF National Youth Reining Championship. Additionally, riders for the North American Young Riders Championships, to be held July 30 – August 3, 2008 in Parker, Colo., are being selected during Derby classes.

For more information, visit www.nrha.com.