By Christa Morris – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) is proud to announce that it will once again present one of the most prestigious reining competitions in the world: the 2013 FEI Reining World Cup. The event will be held during the 2013 NRHA Futurity & Adequan®North American Affiliate Championship Show at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
Worldwide Action
The FEI Reining World Cup is a thrilling competition involving the best individual reiners in the world. The World Cup will be open to the best-ranked athletes from each National Federation. Qualified riders will compete for $50,000 in prize money, gold, silver and bronze medals. More details about qualifying and entering will be released as the event nears.
This event is made possible thanks to the support of the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau. NRHA President Beth Himes said, “We are thrilled to host this event and to continue building worldwide interest in Reining. The city of Oklahoma City is such a wonderful venue for reining events and a perfect place to showcase the sport at the world’s largest NRHA event.”
Lively International Competition Returns
In 2009, NRHA last hosted a similar event during its NRHA Futurity Show: the FEI World Reining Masters. The lively competition brought the world’s top 20 riders from 18 nations to compete on 20 world-class reining horses in one night of high caliber competition! Along with the international visitors came plenty of spending power, which meant a significant economic impact to local merchants.
FEI Reining
The FEI is the international body governing equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It is the sole controlling authority for all international events in dressage, jumping, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting, reining and para-equestrian. FEI-approved reining competitions started in 2001, making the sport the only Western discipline approved by the organization. For the first time ever in the history of equestrian sports, the FEI welcomed team and individual reining competition to the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games.
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau (OKC CVB) is the leading civic promoter for all equestrian events held in Oklahoma City, including the NRHA Futurity & North American Affiliate Championship Show in November and the NRHA Derby in June. A branch of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the OKC CVB is dedicated to promoting NRHA and its events through direct monetary sponsorships, media planning and direct contacts with city officials and civic leaders.
If you are visiting for the NRHA Futurity or Derby, visit the OKC CVB website for the in-the-know on where to stay, the best places to eat and the recommended sights and attractions you don’t want to miss while you are in town.
National Reining Horse Association
Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard setting body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit nrha.com.