NWSS RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining to Celebrate 25 Years
Denver, Colo. – The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) is excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the fan-favorite RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining in 2020. The main event will be held during the opening weekend of the 114th National Western Stock Show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 12th in the CINCH Arena in the Events Center.
Plans are coming together to celebrate the monumental impact on our industry which include increasing the purse to $25,000, a Draw Party, an autograph party on the dirt, a celebration of champions and more.
Beginning in 1996, this event quickly grew in popularity with both spectators and riders alike. It has become known as the premier freestyle reining event in North America and draws the top horses and riders each year. Reining was developed from the moves a cow horse is asked to perform during regular ranch duties. Competitive patterns include spins, stops, rollbacks, speed variations and directional changes. Unlike standard reining classes with prescribed patterns, freestyle reining allows riders to add costumes, music, props, lighting and special effects to their presentations.
To celebrate this historic occasion, NWSS is collecting video footage, photographs, costumes, programs, stories and other memorabilia from past events. To help make this event unforgettable, please reach out to the NWSS Horse Show Department at horse@nationalwestern.com or 303-299-5525 to share information and historic items. Sign up for our Horse Show Exclusive e-newsletter and follow our Facebook page to receive updates regarding the celebration.
Continuing for the second year, the NWSS Youth Freestyle Reining Showcase will feature the talent of local youth in the equine industry prior to the $25,000 RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining. Interested riders for both events can submit their information and credentials for consideration through our website no later than September 30, 2019.
About the NWSS: Established in 1906, the National Western Stock Show is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides college and graduate level scholarships in agricultural science, business and rural medicine. It is our mission to serve producers and consumers throughout the world by being the premier annual livestock show and center for year-round events. The 16-day show in January also serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, world-class horse shows, family, educational events and Colorado’s largest western trade show. For more information visit www.NationalWestern.com.