Katy, TX - April 11, 2003 - When the National Reining Breeders Classic returns to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center April 16-20, fans will be treated to the expected five days of exciting horse show competition. After all, the National Reining Breeders Classic is the world’s premier show for 4-, 5- and 6-year-old reining horses. With a purse in excess of $800,000 and a first place check of $60,000 to the winner, it is the richest added-money reining in the world.

The show promises something extra in 2003, as it returns to Katy, Texas for the third consecutive year. Featured during the Friday evening performance will be a special new event – a head-to-head match competition between one of the world's top Non Pro riders, Mandy McCutcheon, and top Open rider, Randy Paul.

And there's another twist. Both riders will compete without bridles on their horses! Reining showcases the athletic ability and traditional skills of a ranch type horse. Exhibitors are judged as they complete a prescribed pattern of small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360 degree spins done in place and the exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse. That sounds difficult enough with a bridle, but the Bridle-less competition gives an idea of just how well-trained the modern day reining horses are.

Both riders should be well up to the challenge of the competition. McCutcheon, from Aubrey, Texas, is the leading All Time Non Pro in reining history. Randy Paul, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the leading Open riders, is a former National Reining Horse Association Derby Champion.

The action begins each day at 8 am. Showcase performances begin on Friday, with the finals for the Non Pro exhibitors at 4 pm, and the evening performance beginning at 7:30.

The Friday evening performance also features the $10,000 added Open Reining.

On Saturday, the Open Classic Finals will begin at 7 pm, and the top exhibitors will compete in the clean-slate finals for the top prize of $60,000. Entertaining the crowd will be reining freestyle performances from two world champions - Pete Kyle of Whitesboro, Texas and Terry Thompson of Aubrey, Texas. The intricate routines, choreographed to crowd-pleasing music, are favorites with spectators around the world. Following the finals is the Quarter Horse News Victory Party, upstairs in the coliseum. The public is invited.

Not all the action during NRBC week takes place center-stage in the Great Southwest Coliseum Arena, however. Other classes occur concurrently at the facility's Mansion Arena and a highlight of the week is the Annual Golf Tournament at
the Cinco Ranch Golf Club in Katy, Texas on Monday, April 14. The horse show also boasts a western trade show offering a variety of shopping opportunities with vendors displaying a range of wares from artwork to tack, western clothing to jewelry.

Admission to the show is free each day, except for evening performances, which are just $5.