A Vintage Smoke blew into the Jim Norick Coliseum during the Level 4 Open Finals of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel. At the reins was his trainer, Jason Vanlandingham. The newly crowned NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider and the flashy black stallion had already made their mark on the reining industry by winning two of the three largest reining events: the 2018 NRHA Futurity and the 2019 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC). The only accolade missing from A Vintage Smoke’s resume? An NRHA Derby presented by Markel Championship.

Indy Roper was all smiles as she exited the Jim Norick Coliseum Arena on Friday evening, June 19, after her first run in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel Non Pro Finals.

She knew her performance on Spooks Show Time was good, and when the score, a 222.5, was announced, the cheers were resounding. However, Roper had drawn number 2 in the Level 4 Non Pro Finals, meaning she had to sweat through 31 additional runs before she was declared the victor.

In a unanimous decision, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors has suspended the 2020 NRHA World Title race.
Historically, NRHA World Titles, awarded in open, non pro, and youth divisions, are coveted recognition for horses and riders. The international race allows aged reining horses a chance in the spotlight and highlights reiners from around the globe.

Following the initial deadline for entries, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby Presented by Markel reports entries are on track for a strong event. The preliminary numbers for 2020 are already at 96% of the 2019 Derby. This count does not include any late entries, which must be received in office by 10:00 am, CDT, on June 3, for the draw to be posted on June 5.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Executive Committee and Board are pleased to announce that the 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel looks to be on track to take place at the Oklahoma City at State Fair Park June 13–21.

 It’s the good news reiners have been looking for after the long hiatus from the show pen. The green light to proceed follows the announcement on May 14, 2020, of Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt’s proclamation regarding the city’s COVID-19 regulations. With this announcement, the NRHA Derby Presented by Markel's entry deadline has been extended to May 20, the same deadline date for the stabling reservations. Ancillary entries are still due on June 1.

Following a board meeting on May 7, the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Board and Management has announced that this year's show will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma August 26 - September 6.

2020 The Run for a Million, along with Paramount Network television series,The Last Cowboy, to take place. “Taylor (Sheridan) and I understand how important it is to get our industry kick started again. Our trainers have lost horses in training, had to lay off help, and are looking at a grim future if we do not get back to showing horses,” stated Amanda Brumley with grave concern. “My heart is breaking for these people who rely on events like this to make a living. The trickle down affect is astronomic, not just for trainers, show staff, vendors, venues, hotels, restaurants. I could go on and on. We absolutely must get back to work.” The event has also added a $100,000 Open Cow Horse Bridle Invitational presented by DT Horses which includes fifteen of the top Open Riders from the National Reined Cow Horse Association. This performance takes place Friday evening, July 31.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Board of Directors supports resuming NRHA-approved events beginning on May 1, 2020, as long as show producers and exhibitors adhere to local and state regulations surrounding COVID-19 and take measures to assure the safety of all involved.

The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) has extended the entry deadline to May 15 for the rapidly approaching 2020 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, giving reiners two additional weeks to make plans to compete. If significant changes to the show date should occur, reiners can rest assured that all entry fees will be refunded.

The National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) board and management team and the Great Southwest Equestrian Center continue planning to hold the NRBC May 24-31 if Texas and Harris County restrictions from the Covid-19 Virus permit. In a meeting held April 16, Amy Uniss-Coleman, General Manager of the GSEC along with Tom McCutcheon, Colleen McQuay, Tim McQuay, Pete Kyle, Dell Hendricks and Cheryl Cody discussed the future of the event.