From humble beginnings in 1970, with a mere 27 entries, the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity has flourished into one of the most prestigious and exciting events in the Western performance industry. Many cow horse enthusiasts describe their first Snaffle Bit Futurity experience as the reason they became hooked on the spine-tingling sport. Hundreds of horses and thousands of fans from across the U.S., Canada and overseas make the journey to Reno, Nevada, for the Futurity each year.
Thrills, and sometimes spills, abound as 3-year-old horses test their athleticism in a trio of demanding events: herd work, rein work and fence work. The reward for the best performance is the $100,000 first-place Open Championship paycheck, and the total payout for all the divisions at the show is expected to top $1.1 million. Other Futurity activities include the NRCHA Hall of Fame Banquet; the enormous Best of the West trade show; the Snaffle Bit Futurity Horse Sales; and horse show classes for horses age 4 and older.
Limited Age Event Added Money totaling $428,000 includes $328,000 added to the Open and Cinch Intermediate Open. $100,000 is added to the Discount Tire Non Pro Futurity along with $5,000 added to the Amateur and $5,000 added to the Non Pro Limited Futurity.
Horse Show Added Money totals $33,500 and includes a $7,000 Added Open Bridle and Open Hackamore and $3,000 added Non Pro Bridle and Non Pro Hackamore.
Source: NRCHA