The complete 2026 reining event calendar — NRHA Futurity, Derby, Run For A Million, 100X, Cactus Classic, and every major show in the USA.
Reining is a judged western riding competition for horses where the riders guide horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope or gallop — horses must be willful and guided with light rein contact.
The signature maneuver is the sliding stop — a horse running at full speed that plants its hind feet and slides to a controlled halt, hind legs locked beneath it, front legs continuing to walk forward.
The National Reining Horse Association, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, is the international governing body for the sport of reining. In 2026 they celebrate their 60th anniversary alongside the 60th NRHA Futurity.
NRHA sanctions 1,140+ approved shows per year, paying out nearly $24 million in prizes annually across all levels of competition worldwide.
The richest event in reining history, co-owned by Taylor Sheridan (creator of Yellowstone, 1883). Held at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, 16 elite NRHA professionals compete for a $1,000,000 purse.
The event spawned the reality series "The Last Cowboy" and is credited with bringing reining to mainstream audiences across North America.
The fastest-growing event organization in reining. With the 100X Brazos Slide in Waco and the 100X Reining Classic in Tulsa, Executive Director Katie Lytle has built shows that deliver — 1,700 horses competing for $3 million over 9 days.
The Invitational, exclusively for 3-year-olds, pays a $750,000 purse and has become the industry standard-setter for young horse competition.