The richest event in the history of reining, and the most exciting and thrilling week in cow horse and cutting, is just a few days away! The 2026 Run For a Million competition returns to the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, NV, August 11–15. With an electric atmosphere unlike any other, The Run For A Million has become one of the premier events in the Western performance horse industry. Whether you’re attending in person or following the action from home, here’s everything you need to know before the competition begins!
August 11–15, 2026
South Point Arena & Equestrian Center
9777 Las Vegas Blvd S,
Las Vegas, NV 89183
A Showcase of Elite Horses and Riders
Making its debut in 2019, The Run For A Million has changed the face of elite Western performance events. Held annually in August at the South Point Hotel & Casino, TRFAM now highlights several disciplines in the Western Performance Horse industry, and culminates with the Million Dollar Reining, where more than $1,000,000 is paid out to 16 of the world’s most talented reining trainers.
The riders competing in the Million Dollar Competition are:
- Jason Vanlandingham, Whitesboro, Texas
- Andrea Fappani, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Kole Price, Pilot Point, Texas
- Casey Deary, Weatherford, Texas
- Cade McCutcheon, Aubrey, Texas
- Gina Schumacher, Gordonville, Texas
- Dany Tremblay, Marietta, Oklahoma
- Gabriel Borges, Ardmore, Oklahoma
- Francesco Martinotti, Whitesboro, Texas
- Ben Beckett, West Mansfield, Ohio
- Trevor Dare, Purcell, Oklahoma
- Alessandro Frassa, Italy
- Arno Honstetter, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Mirko Midili, Norman, Oklahoma
- Martin Muehlstaetter, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Fernando Salgado, Gainesville, Texas
In addition to the Million Dollar Competition, there is the Cow Horse Challenge, Cutting Horse Challenge, Youth Reining Challenge, Youth Working Cow Horse Challenge, Rookie 1 Challenge, Rookie 2 Challenge, Non Pro Challenge, Open Shootout, Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, and The Race To The Slide.
What is Reining?
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch-type horse within the confines of a show arena. In National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Competition, contestants are required to run a pre-selected, approved pattern, included in the NRHA Handbook.
Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, 360-degree spins done in place, and exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.
What is Cutting?
Cutting is a western-style equestrian competition in which a horse and rider work together before a judge or panel of judges to demonstrate the horse’s athleticism and ability to handle cattle. Competition utilizes a 2+1⁄2 minute performance, called a “run.”
Each contestant is assisted by four helpers and is required to make at least two cuts from the herd, one of which must be a cut from deep inside the herd while the other(s) can be peeled from the edges. Once the selected cow has been driven clear of the herd, the contestant commits the horse by dropping the rein hand to feed slack and give the horse its head.
What is Cow Horse?
The cow work is an adrenaline-fueled stage of reined cow horse competition. Fortunes can rise and fall in a split second during this fast-paced event. The key to a good score is maintaining control of the cow at all times.
After horse and rider enter the arena, a single cow is pushed through the gate at the opposite end. The horse must first “box” the cow, or hold it at the end of the arena, maintaining control and staying in proper working position. Next, the rider allows the cow to run down the long side of the arena. The horse and rider must turn the cow at least one time each direction on the fence before taking the cow into the middle of the arena and driving it in a circle each way.
Schedule and Ticket Information
Three nights crown three champions.
Doors open at 4:30 PM. Here is how each marquee night runs:
Thursday, Aug 13 – Cutting Night
- 6:00 PM: $125,000 Added Non Pro Cutting Challenge
- 7:30 PM: $250,000 Cutting Horse Challenge
Friday, Aug 14 – Cow Horse Night
- 6:00 PM: Breakaway Roping Showcase presented by Shorty’s Caboy Hattery
- 6:30 PM: Youth Cow Horse Challenge Cow Work
- 6:45 PM: $30,000 Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge presented by Markel
- 7:00 PM: $250,000 Cow Horse Challenge Cow Work
Saturday, Aug 15 – The Million Dollar Night
- 5:30 PM: $70,000 Added The Race To The Slide presented by ThorSport
- 6:00 PM: Pregame Show and Opening Ceremonies
- 6:15 PM: The Run For A Million Reining: the Million Dollar Competition begins
- 8:30 PM: The Run For A Million Buckle Ceremony presented by Honda
Can’t make the event in person? There’s a livestream!
“I absolutely love watching reining and cutting horses. The sport is huge where I live in Weatherford, TX!”
Traci Greenwald
CLN Sponsorhip and Talent Manager
Sponsor Spotlight
As a proud sponsor of The Run For A Million 2026, American Hat Co. has been a cornerstone of the Western industry for more than a century. Founded in 1915 by master hatmaker Sam Silver in Houston, Texas, the company built its reputation on handcrafted quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the cowboy way of life. In 2003, Keith and Susan Maddox acquired American Hat Company, relocating it to Bowie, Texas. Keith Maddox, a legend in the western industry, brought his passion, work ethic, and commitment to excellence to the brand. Having grown up on a ranch and competed in professional rodeos, Keith knew the value of a well-made cowboy hat.
Keith Maddox redefined American Hat Company as it is today. He lived his life guided by the ➕✖️ “Positive Times” mantra – a philosophy rooted in seeing the good in every person and situation. Originally his cattle brand, the ➕✖️ symbol became a reflection of Keith’s positive spirit and continues to serve as a guiding principle for the business, ensuring that every hat sold represents more than just style; it embodies a way of life. ➕✖️ is both a gift and a lasting legacy of Keith and Susan Maddox; ➕✖️ is a daily choice and reminder to renew yourself to begin again and put positive energy into the world you touch.
Following Keith’s passing in 2019, Susan Maddox has continued to lead the company, preserving its commitment to American craftsmanship, innovation, and the cowboy way of life. Today, the brand is worn by world champions, working ranchers, and rodeo athletes across the country, becoming synonymous with authenticity and performance in and out of the arena.
Stop by and see them at The Run For A Million!
Last Updated on 08/11/2026 by Carly Davidson
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