With high-stakes payouts and fan-favorite events, the Tulsa showcase is redefining the modern reining experience
by Ashley Daily
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), formed in 1966, is dedicated to promoting the sport of reining, a Western discipline in which horse and rider execute precise maneuvers such as spins, changes of direction and the unmistakable sliding stop. Since its founding, the sport has surged in popularity and shows no signs of slowing down. At the center of that growth is Oklahoma, home to NRHA headquarters in Oklahoma City and a hub for premier competitions, including the NRHA Futurity — described as the “Super Bowl of reining” — and the 100X Reining Classic.
Formerly known as the Tulsa Reining Classic before being purchased by 100X Shows in 2023, the 100X Reining Classic brings competitors from across the globe to Tulsa’s Expo Square for nine days of thrilling action. The 2025 100X Reining Classic became a history-making event, drawing 6,095 entries, offering a $3 million payout and welcoming an estimated 8,500 spectators.
“Last year (2025), we were the largest reining show in history to date,” says Sophia Kent of 100X Shows. “We sold out the most amount of stalls, the most amount of entries, and we paid out over $3 million in 2025. So we were super proud of that.”
100X Shows, based in Prosper, Texas, takes pride in “showcasing unparalleled reining events throughout the world” and is credited with raising the bar for other reining competitions.
The 100X Reining Classic features events such as The Invitational, a 3-year-old-only event designed to publicize elite junior stallions and their offspring, and the 100X 4-Year-Old Stakes, designed to support stallion owners and help grow the sport of reining. An exclusive event is the fan-favorite Ranch Fuel Super Slide, a first-of-its-kind, fun-for-the-whole-family event, showcasing the distinctive sliding stop. Making its debut at the 2024 100X Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth, Texas, the Ranch Fuel Super Slide is open to all competitors, with no separation of open and non-pro riders, and offers a $100,000 payout. Horse and rider race down the center of the arena and are scored on the length of their stop. The pair is judged on style, degree of difficulty and willingness.
In addition to the arena action, attendees can enjoy live music and a variety of shopping opportunities.
“At 100X Shows, we strive to honor the tradition and sport of reining while redefining and elevating what a horse show can be,” says Kent, adding that the goal of 100X Shows is not only to showcase top level competition but to also build an environment that feels intentional, high-end and memorable for everyone involved.
“As we move into 2026, we’re continuing to expand that vision and bringing major events back to Tulsa, enhancing signature moments like the 100X Stakes, The Invitational, The North American Reining Stakes Futurity and Derby, as well as the iconic Ranch Fuel Super Slide, while consistently raising expectations for what competitors, owners and attendees should experience at a premier event.”
Competitor and trainer Gabriel Borges wowed the audience at the inaugural 100X Reining Classic in 2023 aboard 007 — aka “Bond” — a 2019 stallion by Gunner Dun It Again and out of Solidly Spirited. The pair scored an incredible 232, taking home $150,000 for their incredible performance in the 100X Level 4 Open Stakes Championship.
In 2025, Borges topped the 4-Year-Old Stakes leaderboard with 2020 AQHA stallion Spooks Gotta Ice, scoring 229.5.
Borges is a regular competitor in Tulsa, and he describes the Built Ford Tough Arena as one of the best in the country. “It’s just an amazing arena,” says Borges. “It’s big; it allows you to push your horse to the next level of its ability. The facility itself is just so good for us to get those horses ready.”
In 2025, Borges earned a spot on NRHA’s Million Dollar Rider list, citing the 100X events for helping him earn the title in a relatively short time and adding that the 100X Reining Classic offers a great opportunity to showcase 3- and 4-year-olds. “It’s very unique. It’s my favorite show to go to,” he says.
Can’t take a trip to the 100X Reining Classic but don’t want to miss the action? Livestreams are available for both the 100X Reining Classic and the Brazos Slide in Waco, Texas. In 2025, the combined livestreams drew 57,000 hours watched and more than 360,000 views, reaching audiences in eight countries.
Whether you watch from the stands or from the couch, the 2026 100X Reining Classic is sure to bring nonstop excitement to Tulsa once again and is scheduled for Aug. 29–Sept. 6. The event is free to attend. For updates and show dates, follow its Facebook page, 100X Shows.
