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Tulsa Reining Classic Enters Second Decade

TRC14logoNew sponsors, new activities and increased opportunities for growth and learning insure that the Tulsa Reining Classic, set for Aug. 26-31, will be another hallmark event. As it begins its second decade, the popular show continues to focus on the horses, the exhibitors and the show experience.

Last year, the $60,000-added Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity and Turnabout Farm $25,000-added Non-Pro Futurity attracted exhibitors from across the country and abroad, filling over 800 stalls. Growing participation in the $20,000-added Darling Ranch Developing Horse Futurity for 3-year-old horse and rider combinations not entered in the Open futurity promises steady increases.

Of course, the Labor Day weekend show is also home to two important events for 4-, 5- and 6-year-old reining horses – the Cardinal Reining Horses $33,000-added Open Derby and $23,000-added SmartPak Non-Pro Derby. Also for that age group are the $10,000-added Dun Gotta Gun Novice Open Derby and the $2,000-added Novice Non-Pro Derby, which is restricted to horses that have earned less than $25,000 in NRHA competition as of July 10.

It looks to be another great year, if early entries are any indication. That’s in spite of the fact that a large group of previous attendees won’t make it to Tulsa in 2014 as they will be in Normandy, France, representing the USA in the World Equestrian Games. Although Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, Andrea Fappani, Jordan Larson, Troy Heikes and Shawn Flarida won’t be in Tulsa to compete this year, they’ll be present in another way.

Thanks to longtime sponsor Jerry Kimmel, the webcast of the WEG international completion will be visible on big-screen tv’s in the sponsor area throughout the show. Kimmel, himself an owner of a World Equestrian Games Medalist, is also presenting the final day webcast in the general exhibitor area on Saturday.

Educational opportunities have been expanded at Tulsa this year. Non-pros can take advantage of free horsemanship coaching from AQHA Professional Horsewoman of the Year Jackie Krshka. Krshka’s winning record as an exhibitor and coach translates to winning tips for exhibitors.Then it will be time for an informative session with celebrated trainer and judge Terry Thompson, who will present “A View from the Judge’s Chair.” Thompson’s insight will help attendees learn exactly how their runs are evaluated and give tips on how to maximize their arena performances.

The younger set is not forgotten, and multiple world champion Katy Krshka returns to Tulsa by popular demand to spearhead the Youth Reining Horsemanship Clinic and Class. There’s also a Youth Evening on Friday, Aug. 29, complete with Leadline Reining and Youth Freestyle. A new Walk/Trot class has been added and Short Stirrup riders, 10 and under, will ride for a circuit champion buckle.

Colleen McQuay, a founding partner of the Global Reining Sport Group, noted, “We want everyone to experience the Tulsa Reining Classic so we have created some special incentives. Each first-time attendee to the Tulsa Reining Classic who brings four horses will get the fifth stall free. And for returning attendees, we’ll give a free stall for every 12 stalls that includes at least one aged event entry.”

For information on the Tulsa Reining Classic, visit www.tulsareining.com or call 580-759-2525.