The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is steeped in vaquero traditions yet moves confidently into the future with the energy of a cow horse going down the fence. There’s a lot to learn from this dynamic association that is leading the way in membership engagement, growth across multiple sectors of competition, and spectator enthusiasm.
What we talk about:
At the Cowboy Office Today:
Paul Bailey
Brian Dygert
Jody Brainard
The NRCHA has proven to be resistant to the inflationary pressures experienced by most of the economy. Shows experienced a 20% growth rate in 2022 and they are expecting moderate growth to continue this year. This exciting multidiscipline event attracts both competitors and spectators, which is a draw for sponsors to help further boost NRCHA’s five premier events. The first premier event of the year is held this month.
Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions
When: February 10-20, 2023
Where: Ft. Worth, TX
Details:
Cutting, reining, and fence work form the trifecta of NRCHA premier events with steer stopping added to the World’s Greatest Horseman competition. This year’s World’s Greatest Horseman competition will be the largest ever with 75 competitors vying for the coveted title. Youth are getting in on the action with the Youth World’s Greatest Horseman competition while non pro and open riders can compete in an array of classes throughout the ten day celebration.
About the Cow Horse:
Training of cow horses follows the vaquero tradition from snaffle to hackamore into the two-rein and finally the bridle. Like many western disciplines, the historical pressure has been put on young horses, but NRCHA sees the value of encouraging longevity and incentivizing progressing training to finish horses in the bridle. They have added purse money to these events for older horses to encourage owners and trainers to keep the future of their horse’s in mind.
Creating Stability:
NRCHA has a vision: To produce the best cow horse events possible. Keeping this simple vision in mind helps them focus on the steps that will help them reach their goal. They have assembled one team that manages all five of their premier events in-house. These five events paid out $5.6 million dollars in 2022. That’s a big challenge for a single team but consistency lends itself to the success of these events and the association overall.
Customer service is a cornerstone for the NRCHA and listening to their stakeholders is key for meeting their customer service goals. When the membership expressed their desire to keep boxing classes through higher levels, the association listed and incorporated boxing into their non pro and youth eligibility levels. The response was an increase in membership and show entries. The membership can also be credited with much of the sponsor interest and have been called “the most loyal supporters” of NRCHA’s sponsors.
Professionals at all levels can enjoy a wider payback schedule that pays deeper into the competition giving owners and trainers a greater chance and earning back at least a portion of their expenses. The Snaffle Bit Futurity purse pays at least $10,000 to 25th place. These deeper payout structures contribute significantly to the number of riders inducted into the million dollar club.
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National Reined Cow Horse Association
Kalpowar Quarter Horses Celebration of Champions: February 10-20
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