The National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) is moving to Oklahoma this year.
Following a board meeting on May 7, the board members and show management announced this year’s show will be held Aug. 26 – Sept. 5 in Tulsa, Oklahoma
In an unparalleled show of generosity, the Global Reining Sport Group, which annually produces the Tulsa Reining Classic, made the decision to offer its dates to the NRBC, according to a statement issued by the NRBC.
“These are extremely difficult times for the reining world and we believe that we had to put the good of the industry ahead of the plans for our show, Anne-Marie Burns, a partner for Global Reining Sport Group, said in the statement. “The NRBC, with its massive payout, is more important at this time.”
According to the statement, the offer to use the Tulsa Reining Classic’s dates was key to being able to hold the NRBC. Originally slated for April 12-19 in Katy, Texas, the NRBC was postponed twice due to measures taken to slow the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19.
“We appreciate this important gesture from [Global Reining Sport Group] and thank them for their willingness to do what is best for the industry,” said NRBC President Tom McCutcheon. “We had been analyzing options since it became apparent that we would not be able to hold the show in Katy this year. Not every facility can host an event this large and frankly, there were not many dates that would work with the fall schedule already in place in our industry. Thanks to the Global Reining Sport Group’s willingness to work together, we can go forward and hold the NRBC.”
NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody said during the next week organizers will revamp the schedule, show terms and deadlines to give options to our exhibitors and owners as far as entries for these new dates.
Organizers also are determining what impact continued coronavirus-related restrictions will have on the rescheduled show.
“This year’s NRBC will have a different look and feel, based on the new health restrictions, and we will be working through those in the coming weeks,” McCutcheon said. “We are confident that our participants will bear with us and continue to support us until we can get back to a more normal show for 2021 in Katy.”
Colleen McQuay, vice President of the NRBC and a partner in Global Reining Sport Group said both groups are tuned in to the fact that this will be futurity time and they want to offer opportunities for futurity horses.
“So, in addition to the NRBC’s normal set of classes, futurities have been added which will take place at the beginning of the show,” McQuay said. “There will be an Emerging Horse Futurity, a Developing Horse Futurity, an Open Futurity and a Non-Pro Futurity. The NRBC will also host the South Central Affiliate Region Championships.”
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