Although the National Reining Breeders Classic doesn’t officially begin until Tuesday, April 18, the 2006 event is already having an impact at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. More than 300 Classic entries are arriving in Katy for a chance to compete for $240,000 in guaranteed added money and a total payout over a million.

In true NRBC style, decorations are going up, along with sponsor banners, and the show grounds are being embellished with flowers and greenery. Trainers and riders from across the United States and Canada are arriving and as paid warm-ups begin Friday, the 14^th, the arenas will see non-stop action until the show’s first Classic entry walks into the arena on Tuesday, April 18.

The 2006 NRBC will run through April 23 and the show schedule includes the Classic, along with a full slate of National Reining Horse Association-approved ancillary classes with American Quarter Horse Association and American Paint Horse Association classes. The show also includes a $25,000 Open class and an Open and Youth United States Equestrian Federation qualifier.

This event has become famous for providing festivities outside of the arena to compliment its world-class reining. The Reiners Golf Tournament and Texas Hold’em tournament return to this year’s event, and are joined by the new To The Nines competition, which awards trainers and barns for their elaborate stall decorations.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just nine years, the NRBC has grown to include over 275 subscribed stallions and more than 18,000 enrolled foals. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.