Ep 23: The Evolution of Reining Breeding Programs

Breeders programs in the reining industry are growing in number and size. The days of building a great breeding program and selling your foal as a stand-alone, no incentives included, deal are quickly fading into memory. Today, buyers of competition-quality reining horses require them to be enrolled in, or at least eligible for, multiple breeders programs. The number of aged events that won’t let you through the gate without a paid enrollment are growing. And because the purses that result from these programs are skyrocketing, breeders programs continue to thrive. But can it last?

In this episode, the Cowboys talk with the owners and operators of the North American Reining Stakes (NARS). They’ll get honest answers about the sustainability of these programs along with a peek into the future of the NARS breeders program.

The Show Rundown

Breeder Program Evolution

• How NARS evolved from a local breeding program to a nationwide program

Gearing up for the NARS Derby at the 100X Reining in Tulsa, OK, this week

• Inaugural event showcasing the North American Mare Power program
• NARS Futurity will be held November 2-5 in Columbiana, OH

Big Picture Goals for NARS

• Foster mutually beneficial relationships between owners, breeders, and exhibitors
• Serve more exhibitors by offering affordable breeders program with incentives for competition
• Keep value to owner high in the Mare Power program
• Increase purses for competition

The Future of Breeders Programs

• How to make it sustainable
• Creating programs that benefit breeders, owners, and exhibitors
• Supporting purses without breaking the bank of breeders