The National Reined Cow Horse Association is proud to announce that WestWorld of Scottsdale will host the 2021 NRCHA Derby presented by DT Horses LLC, home of NRCHA champion stallions Hickory Holly Time and Nineteen Ten. A multi-year agreement between the world-renowned equestrian facility and NRCHA makes Scottsdale, Arizona, home to the NRCHA Derby, which features 4- and 5-year-old reined cow horses, beginning in June 2021 through 2023.
Longtime supporters of the NRCHA, Dean and Leslie Tuftin’s DT Horses began sponsoring the popular NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman back in 2016. Known for elite performance horses such as their cornerstone sire and 2018 World’s Greatest Horseman champion Hickory Holly Time, the Tuftin family’s long-range vision of building champions in multiple arenas makes DT Horses and NRCHA the perfect fit.
“DT Horses’ support of the NRCHA Derby is an extension of our commitment to the reined cow horse industry as a whole,” said Dean Tuftin, a former National Finals Rodeo qualifier in team roping. “Events like the NRCHA Derby are a testing ground for the elite all-around equine athlete that we strive to breed and train at DT Horses, so we are proud to be aligned with NRCHA to make the Derby a lucrative and enjoyable event here in Scottsdale for owners, trainers and reined cow horse enthusiasts.”
In addition to DT Horses LLC coming on board to present the Derby, additional sponsors have stepped up in support of the event, including Bloomer Trailers, Kevin and Sydney Knight, the Paramount television series “Yellowstone,” and the show’s creator Taylor Sheridan and his Bosque Ranch. In addition to the NRCHA Derby, the schedule in Scottsdale will also feature the CD Survivor Memorial Open Bridle Spectacular and a full slate of popular NRCHA horse show classes.
While the decision to relocate one of NRCHA’s most popular premier events from Paso Robles, California, to Scottsdale, Arizona, was not taken lightly, NRCHA’s Board of Directors determined that the move presents unique opportunities to grow and expand the popularity of the show, reaching new fans while increasing sponsor participation.
“Back in February, the NRCHA put out an official Request For Proposal seeking a community partner for the Derby,” said NRCHA President Corey Cushing. “Making a move like this is never easy, but I think we can all be excited to see the Derby held in a world-class, climate-controlled venue and bring with it an impressive level of added prize money. Not only do the facilities at WestWorld provide the perfect atmosphere for competitors, but the greater Scottsdale area offers many amenities for exhibitors to enjoy after the show.”
Brian Dygert, general manager at WestWorld echoed Cushing’s feeling of enthusiasm, “We at WestWorld and the City of Scottsdale are thrilled to be hosting the NRCHA’s Derby for 2021, 2022 and 2023. We welcome all NRCHA exhibitors, owners and fans to a great destination city and outstanding venue, the 2020 Facility of the year! Together we will continue to grow the lifestyle and thrill of cow horse competition.”
About NRCHA
The National Reined Cow Horse Association was formed in 1949 (as the California Reined Cow Horse Association), with the goal of preserving and educating the public about the rich history of traditional California-style, vaquero horsemanship. The NRCHA works to promote highly-trained working cow horses in part by guaranteeing the highest level of competition at its premier events like the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity®, as well as through its support of numerous affiliate clubs across the United States and abroad. These groups serve as the association’s backbone, holding many NRCHA-sanctioned competitions and events each year that welcome riders of all skill levels.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association is headquartered in Pilot Point, Texas. For information regarding membership resources, event schedules, the NRCHA Hall of Fame and more visit NRCHA.com.