National Reined Cow Horse Association – Snaffle Bit Futurity

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the reined cow horse.

Formed in 1949, the organization was originally called the California Reined Cow Horse Association. Changes in the way Americans were beginning to view horse-power versus modern machinery threatened the core progression of the great Spanish horseman traditions and the organization was created in an effort to preserve that heritage.

The association has continued to celebrate the early California traditions of highly-trained working cow horses and today, 58 years after its creation, continues to work to keep the Vaquero tradition alive.

At the annual event there are classes at different levels depending on where the horse is in its training – snaffle, hackamore, two-rein and finished bridle horses. You’ll see herd work, cow work, rein work, and steer stopping. And of course the usual non-professional and youth events, horse auctions, vendor sales, parties, private horse trading and tall tales.

And there is a lot of money to be won! There are now 7 members who have won over a million dollars each (two of them are pictured here). Amazing.

You can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.