"I'm thrilled to introduce para-reining to the Kentucky Reining Cup," said Brad Ettleman, president of HorsePower, Inc., producer of the Kentucky Reining Cup. "Our competition is part of a pilot program looking to develop reining as a permanent fixture of the para-equestrian movement in 2015. We are eager to help change the face of the equestrian sport."
The United States Para-Equestrian Association, together with USA Reining introduced para-reining into its repertoire in Nov. 2013 at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) world championship show in Oklahoma City. USA Reining hopes to make para-Reining a nationally recognized sport by the beginning of 2015.
The Nutrena® Para-Reining event will be held following the FEI Junior and FEI Young Rider classes on April 26 at 1 p.m. Riders in the class will be coached by riders participating in the Adequan/USEF Open Reining National Championship and World Championship Freestyle Reining. Mounts will be donated by generous owners of Reining horses.
Riders in the Nutrena® Para-Reining event are veterans of Para-Dressage classes, among others. Winners will receive Gist belt buckles donated by Gist Silversmiths. The Nutrena® Para-Reining event is sponsored by Cargill's Nutrena® brand, and sanctioned by USA Reining and USPEA, with additional support from the AQHA and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA).