Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic Entries on the Rise

With just days left until the beginning of the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, set for August 27 - September 1, the event has already seen a dramatic increase in entries from last year.

Show Manager Mike Christian noted, "We're already up 25% from the number of stalls at the same time in 2012." He said that increase went hand-in-hand with a healthy upward trend in entries and larger classes that are now anticipated.

With the show's minimal late entry penalty, a lot of people wait to enter or add entries when they arrive at the show, and that causes the current numbers to grow even more. An added day, expanded Futurity, new Novice Derby and increased prizes and awards has created plenty of excitement as the show celebrates its tenth anniversary.

And the show is not only going to be bigger, it's going to last longer. The Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic has remained true to its tradition of exhibitor-oriented scheduling by beginning a day earlier this year. The additional extra show day, Tuesday, August 27, was added because of the continuing growth.

The Tulsa Ariat Reining Classic will once again host the United States Equestrian Federation National Reining Championships. Along with seeing the best of the older horses compete in that event, the $60,000 added Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity and Turnabout Farm $25,000 added Non Pro Futurity will feature the world's best 3-year-olds. With the addition of the $20,000 added Darling Ranch Developing Horse Futurity, there is literally a place for horses in all stages of training.

An important event for 4-, 5- and 6-year-old reining horses, the Mister Nicadual $33,000 added Open Derby and $23,000 added SmartPak Non Pro Derby will this year welcome the $10,000 added Dun Gotta Gun Novice Open Derby and the $2,000 added Novice Non Pro Derby, for horses that have earned less than $25,000 in NRHA competition as of July 10.

Rounding out the action of the South Central Affiliate Championships, the Youth Evening on Friday, August 30, complete with Leadline Reining and Youth Freestyle reining, is followed by a horsemanship clinic and youth and short stirrup classes on the weekend.

For information on the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, visit www.tulsareining.com or call (870) 219-2993.