The NSBA Riders Cup is just a few weeks away. With an estimated purse of over $75,000 and a wide range of classes, there is sure to be a class for everyone. Held in conjunction with the Arizona Sun Circuit, 2018 marks the fourth annual event for the Riders Cup. Wondering how you can be involved? Take a look at our frequently asked questions and find out how you can earn a piece of the purse.
Frequently Asked Questions About NSBA's Riders Cup
NSBA's fourth annual Riders Cup program will take place March 6 and 7 during the Arizona Sun Circuit AQHA Show in Scottsdale, Arizona. Learn more about this well-paying program through these frequently asked questions.
What is the Riders Cup?
The Riders Cup is a horse show program when NSBA members can earn money in Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Riding, Trail, Showmanship, Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation events. Classes are offered in both Open and Non-Pro (Youth/Amateur) divisions.
How Do You Qualify to Compete?
The Riders Cup operates similarly to the Breeders Championship Futurity - with one twist. All entries are tied to a trainer. Trainers who donate one months' training and are sold through the NSBA Trainer Sale are eligible for participation. Trainers that do not sell one month's training through the Trainer Sale can pay $500 to become eligible to participate. Members can purchase their trainer's services through NSBA's online auction.
All professional riders and each owner pay a nomination fee to the program. Owners must then declare their nomination under the name of a sold trainer. The purse paid to members is created from sold trainings, owner nominations and a portion of the entry fees.
How does the Riders Cup pay?
The 2018 Riders Cup is projected to pay an estimated $50,000 to its participants.
Payouts are substantial. For example, when the Riders Cup was last held as part of the Georiga Classic in Perry, Georgia, in 2016 Lexus Made Lady, owned by Anchored Soul LLC, won a total of $4,174.33 in earnings. Non-Pro exhibitors April Brayton won $4,150.76 and Hayley Freeman won $3,756.53.
One unique aspect of the Riders Cup is that 20 percent of the earnings are awarded to the trainer. At the last Riders Cup, trainer Keith Miller earned the highest paycheck among the trainers with $1,479.25 from client's winnings in Hunter Under Saddle and Hunt Seat Equitation. Following closely behind was Carmen Mayabb, whose clients' winnings in Trail, Western Riding, Horsemanship and Western Pleasure helped her earn $1,361.73. Cody Parrish and Rob Meneely also each earned more than $1,000 through their clients' success.
Are Pattern Classes Included?
Yes! In addition to the traditional Hunter Under Saddle and Western Pleasure events, the Riders Cup also includes Trail, Western Riding, Showmanship, Horsemanship and Hunt Seat Equitation.
Are Limited division classes offered?
Yes! Limited division classes are offered for various classes in both the Open and Non-Pro divisions.
What About Amateur Select and Novice Non-Pro classes?
Amateur Select and Novice Non-Pro classes are also offered as part of the Riders Cup show bill.
How do I enter?
Nominations to the 2018 Riders Cup are due prior to participation. Horse owners must nominate their horse in the name of a trainer that has sold in the NSBA Trainer Sale. There is a $100 nomination fee per horse. To begin your nomination, be sure the trainer you designate has been sold in the NSBA Trainer Sale. The nomination form can be found on the NSBA website under Forms and Documents link in the upper right corner of the page, and choose Riders Cup.
Entries for individual classes for nominated horses can be made with the nomination, or can be made at the show.
How do I get additional information about the 2018 Riders Cup?
To view the show bill for the 2018 Riders Cup, go to the Showing tab on the NSBA website and choose Riders Cup and then Show Bill. To view general information about this year's event, choose Riders Cup and then General Information. Or, call the NSBA office at 847-623-6722,
