The Adequan®/USEF National Open Reining Championship presented by Equine Motorcoach will bring the nation’s finest reiners together to compete for their chance to land a spot on the U.S. Reining Team. The 2008 NRHA Derby hosts this competition on Friday, June 27 at the Oklahoma State Fair grounds in Oklahoma City, Okla.

The United States team will be selected at the USEF National Reining Championship starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night. To compete at the USEF National Reining Championship, riders will need to have at least competed at one of four qualifying shows held across the United States. The top four reiners from the U.S. at the National Reining Championship at the NRHA Derby will go on to compete at the first-ever 2008 FEI World Reining Championships in September in Manerbio, Italy. 

In addition to U.S. competitors, reiners from other countries may compete for the $25,000 in purse money on Friday night. International competitors are eligible for the purse money, but not to be a member of the U.S. team. A preliminary list of entries includes:

Casey Hinton (USA) – Lifetime earner of more than $299,000
Pete Kyle (USA) – Lifetime earner of $281,000
Tim McQuay (USA) – Lifetime earner of $2.3 Million
Vincienzo Santos (USA) – Qualifier for the 2007 Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Youth 14-18
Jordan Larson (USA) – Lifetime earner of nearly $305,000
Craig Schmersal (USA) – Lifetime earner of more than $1.5 Million
Matt Mills (USA) – Lifetime earner of $279,000
Shawna Sapurgia (CAN) – Lifetime earner of $238,000
Ruben Pacheco (MEX) – Lifetime earner of $25,000
Fauntley Garrido (DOM REP) – Up and coming reiner from Dominican Republic

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visit www.NRHA.com.