Much success in the show pen sent Brent Wright over the top in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) lifetime earnings to earn a distinction many reiners only dream about. Wright has become the NRHA’s newest Million Dollar Rider.

Wright’s triumph came at the 2008 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) in Katy, TX. He won the first go-round and tied for ninth in the Open Finals on Miss Rey O Shine, owned by Bahn Quarter Horses, LLC. He won over $43,000 at this year’s NRBC. According to NRHA records Wright’s lifetime earnings totaled just over $973,417 before the NRBC. Pending NRHA confirmation of the NRBC show results, Wright, of Ottawa, KS, becomes the third rider to pass the million dollar mark at the NRBC.

When contacted about his major accomplishment, Wright seemed humble about his feat, “I feel just like I did before. It hasn’t changed my life very much, but I’m happy it happened in such great company.” Wright added, “God’s been good to me and has blessed me in life. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. I thank him for the opportunities that I’ve had.”

Wright grew up showing horses, but took his first reining horse in the pen in 1987. He says he didn’t have a trainer and taught himself the ropes through much trial and error. “I just figured it out. I observed people at horse shows and went to a clinic or two. It’s not the recommended way.” Wright laughed, “It’s not what I would recommend for a young rider today.”

The NRHA has been tracking the self-taught reiner’s winning ways since 1989. Since then, he’s reached many memorable milestones. Some of those major wins include earning the 2002 NRHA Open Futurity Reserve Championship on Custom Mahogany, then owned by Mary Lea Wright. That same year Wright won the NRHA Open Derby Championship on Custom Pistol, owned by Steve Simon.

Wright and Custom Mahogany, now owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, continued their winning streak by earning the NRHA Intermediate Open Derby Championship in 2004 AND 2005. In 2004, Wright and Custom Pistol made a good team and took home the NRHA Intermediate Open Derby Reserve Championship.

In 2006, Wright won the NRHA Derby Prime Time Open Reserve Championship with Self Shine, then owned by Self Shine, LLC and the NRHA Futurity Prime Time Open Reserve Championship riding Shine On Retsina, owned by Clinton Anderson.

Then at the 2007 NRHA Futurity, Wright was the Prime Time Open Reserve Champion on Miss Rey O Shine, owned by Gloria Bahn.

Wright is the eleventh reiner to reach the Million Dollar Rider distinction. Bill Horn (1995); Tim McQuay (1997); Shawn Flarida (2003); Duane Latimer (2003); Todd Bergen (2004); Dell Hendricks (2005); Craig Schmersal (2005); Andrea Fappani (2006); Tom McCutcheon (2006); and Mandy McCutcheon (2007).

The NRHA congratulates Brent Wright on becoming one of the elite riders in the sport of Reining.

The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners for their support: Adequan®; Anderson Bean Boot Company & Rios of Mercedes; Century Investment Group; Cinch, Rockies and Cruel Girl; Classic Equine; CR Morrison Specialties; Kiser Arena Specialists; Land O’ Lakes / Purina Mills LLC.; LaQuinta Inns & Suites; Markel Insurance; MD Barns; Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau; Pard’s Western Shop; Performance Horse; Platinum Performance; and Quarter Horse News..

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of Reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. The NRHA strives to educate its members and the public about Reining.

For more information on the NRHA, or the sport of Reining, please visit www.nrha.com or call (405) 946-7400.