SLIDING IN THE MONEY – ONE MILLION PLUS SINCE
2005
Enthusiasm, Fun and Money Dominate Arabian/ Half-Arabian Scottsdale Reining Futurity Finals by Sue Adams
wonder this show is heralded by reiners nation-wide as one of their favorite competitions of the year. The ARHA was founded in 1998 to promote the natural athletic abilities and versatility of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. Through the efforts of amateur competitor Robb Walther of Sherwood, Oregon, one of the founders of the ARHA, the group became affiliated with the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) in its infancy. The NHRA’s highly acclaimed judging format proved a solid platform for growth.
TR Texas T (Ima Dun Kid x Portena), Leading Overall and Half-Arabian Money Earner with winnings of $49,200.
Spend a little time around the reining arena at any horse show and you observe a different atmosphere from elsewhere on the grounds. Arabian reining has an infectious spirit of enthusiasm and friendly camaraderie. The entire crowd breaks into a roar of approval for an amazing slide. Even more interesting, some of those cheering are probably even in competition against the horse and rider for whom they applaud.
In 2005 three gentlemen, Dick Ames, of Cedar Ridge Arabians, Tom Redmond of Wolf Springs Ranch and Joe Betten, stepped up with seed money to launch the ARHA’s Arabian and Half-Arabian Reining Futurity. Regarded as the “founding fathers” of the Futurity, much of the accelerated success of the ARHA traces to the vision of these men. They believe horse shows should be fun—with some financial incentives added to enhance that fun. They continue to support new and innovative promotional ideas. The idea for the SmartPax Celebrity Slide, on Monday, February 18, 2013, originated with Joe Betten. “Reining people allow other people, and not necessarily people who ride reining horses, but simply people who ride well, to get on our horses and give it a try,” comments Betten. “This fact gives
This is competition that even the completely uneducated spectator can understand and enjoy. Each competitor in a class rides the same pattern, with every horse and rider judged one ride at a time. Perhaps, because of this, competitors have a greater sense of control in their own performances and are better able to appreciate a “good go” from a peer. The slides and spins, although only two elements of the required riding pattern for each competitor, are visual demonstrations of skill and training to which the entire audience instantly connects with verbal enthusiasm. Reining is currently the fastest growing discipline in the Arabian show scene and with good reason. According to the Arabian Reining Horse Association (ARHA) the Scottsdale Arabian and Half-Arabian Reining Futurity Finals total payout between 2005 to 2012 is an impressive $1,081,468.32. Little
4 ScottSdale Reining | ArAbiAn Horse Times
ARHA Arabian and Half-Arabian Reining Futurity Founders, l-r: Tom Redmond, Dick Ames and Joe Betten.