There will be $100,000 up for grabs as the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) will introduce a new event during the 2024 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships.
The inaugural Futurity and Invitational Military Slides will take centerstage in the Jim Norick Are at the OKC Fairgrounds on December 4 at 2 p.m.. This special event will highlight a section dedicated solely to military veterans.
NRHA is teaming up with Two Ravens Foundation, whose mission is to provide our nation's heroes a transformative experience that fosters personal growth, enables reflection, and empowers our combat veterans and first responders by using coaching, horsemanship and community support while leveraging the power of horses and the western way of life.
“As our owned events continue to grow, we are always looking ahead for new opportunities to engage our members and excite our fans, and this was a no-brainer,” said NRHA Commissioner Billy Smith.
Smith, whose son is a combat war veteran, made it a point to have a special military section for the Slide.
“NRHA and our reining community are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices our veterans have made and we wanted to make sure to recognize and honor them during the Futurity,” Smith continued.
“Thank you to our executive committee, board of directors, staff, and the Two Ravens Foundation for helping make this possible. This is just the first year and I know the event will continue to grow in the future,” Smith added.
To further celebrate this event, December 4 will be Military Appreciation Day. All military personnel and first responders + 1 guest get free admission (by showing valid military ID at the door).
“Being a part of the NRHA Futurity reining competition means more to me than just competing,” said Jess, a member of the Two Ravens Foundation and participant in the Invitational Military Slide. “l've faced intense challenges that have tested me profoundly. Through the Two Ravens Foundation, I’ve found a love for horses that has become an unexpected but incredibly meaningful part of my journey, offering me purpose, and a way to move forward through adversity.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear red to honor our military veterans and celebrate this special day.
“I would like to thank the NRHA for a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Danny, another participant and Two Ravens Foundation member. “Being able to participate in a national level horse show with world class athletes and world class horses is truly an awesome and amazing experience. I would also like to thank Two Ravens Foundation for affording me the opportunity to interface with and train with some absolutely amazing people and be a part of this world class event.”
Don’t miss this powerful fusion of patriotism and reining action. For more information on the event and a full schedule of events during the NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championships, visit nrhafuturity.com.