NRHA Derby returns to OKC, marks first international event in new OG&E Coliseum

This year’s 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel returns to Oklahoma City June 11–22 at the OKC Fairgrounds, marking a new chapter as the first international horse event to be held in the newly constructed OG&E Coliseum.

“Having this beautiful new stage to welcome people from around the world and show them what OKC has to offer makes this a special moment that we all get to celebrate and be part of together,” said Sara Honegger, NRHA director of marketing. “It will continue to open doors for tourism and showcase what our city has to offer.”

The NRHA Derby is one of the top five reining competitions in the world, drawing hundreds of riders and fans from across the globe. The event showcases 4- to 7-year-old horses and offers more than $1 million in added prize money. Last year’s competition paid out $1.67 million, attracted 700 riders, more than 1,000 horses and logged over 4,300 entries.

Reining is a judged equestrian event that highlights a ranch horse’s athleticism and training in a show arena. Riders perform one of 13 designated patterns featuring circles, lead changes, spins, rollbacks and the signature sliding stops. The NRHA Judging System, which emphasizes a blend of technical precision, style and difficulty, has become the standard across many equine disciplines.

The NRHA's international headquarters is located at the OKC Fairgrounds, reinforcing the city’s role as a global hub for the sport. The organization has more than 15,000 members in nearly 40 countries across six continents.

“When we talk about the equestrian industry in Oklahoma or refer to it as the horse show capital of the world, it truly is a national and international affair,” Honegger said.

Hosting the NRHA Derby is just one way the city is embracing that reputation. The derby alone brings nearly $9 million in economic impact to OKC, while the NRHA Futurity—held from Thanksgiving through the first weekend of December—contributes an additional $18.5 million.

While the Derby does not draw quite as many international competitors as the Futurity, it still attracts participants from around the world. For many, it’s more than a competition—it’s a celebration of Western heritage and the bond between horse and rider.

"OKC is not only an incredible city to live in, but it is a hub for the growth of the Western industry—we haven't always told that story to others, and we should be proud to share it," Honegger said.

One of the most anticipated events of the Derby is the Invitational Freestyle Reining presented by Visit OKC, held on June 19. Spectators can expect a vibrant display of style, especially during the Freestyle competition, where riders often don sparkling, detailed Western attire. Unlike traditional runs judged on specific patterns, Freestyle allows riders to choreograph their own routines to music, blending technical skill with creativity. This evening also features the Para Reining Championships sponsored by Hart Trailers and Dechra.

Honegger said reining is like figure skating on dirt. “The goal in reining is to make everything look effortless, with the horse appearing willingly guided. Even if you don’t know what to look for, it’s a beautiful way to honor Western culture and Oklahoma’s history.”

With a growing list of prestigious equestrian events at the fairgrounds, OKC continues to strengthen its status as a premier horse show destination. The debut of the OG&E Coliseum marks a new era, offering world-class facilities that enhance the competitor experience and attract tourism, economic growth and global attention. Below are several horse shows coming to OKC this summer:

• Route 66 Morgan Classic: May 22–24, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Performance Arena, Super Barn and Barn 7. Free admission. Features Morgans, Saddlebreds and Carriage horses.
• OQHA Redbud Spectacular: May 29–June 8 at the Jim Norick Arena, Performance Arena and Super Barn. Free admission. One of the largest AQHA shows, opening the 2025 show season.
• Appaloosa National & Youth World: June 26–July 3 at the Jim Norick Arena, Performance Arena and Barn Row. Free admission. Celebrates Appaloosa versatility and heritage.
• AQHYA Youth World Championship: Aug. 1–10 at the Jim Norick Arena. Free admission. World’s largest youth single-breed championship with global competitors across multiple disciplines.

OKC: The Horse Show Capital of the World

Oklahoma City continues to hold its long-standing title as the Horse Show Capital of the World, hosting more national and world championship horse shows than any other city. With more than a dozen major equine events held annually, the city draws top riders and thousands of spectators from across the globe.

This vibrant equine calendar is an economic engine. In recent years, OKC horse shows have attracted an average of more than 800,000 visitors annually, generating an estimated $175 million in direct spending and contributing millions to local sales tax revenue.

The city's commitment to equine excellence is evident in ongoing investments in premier facilities at State Fair Park. With a solid foundation of barns and conference rooms, along with the addition of the OG&E Coliseum, the state-of-the-art complex has become a destination for equine organizations worldwide.

Thanks to forward-thinking policies, including the voter-approved hotel tax increase in 2004, OKC continues to improve and expand its equine infrastructure. These strategic investments ensure the city remains a global hub for championship horse shows well into the future.