Lexington, KY - The top reining horses and riders in the country are set to begin competing in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) 2004/2005 Reining Qualifying Season as they gear up for the 2005 championship season. The first qualifying reining competition will be hosted in Columbus, Ohio, on October 9th, during the All American Quarter Horse Congress. As one of the largest equestrian events in the world, the Congress typically sees more than a half a million people every year.

Three other qualifying classes round out the schedule in 2005-they include the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO on January 10, the Gordyville Breeders' Cup in Gifford, IL, March 17-19 and the National Reining Breeders' Classic in Katy, TX, April 21-24. The location of the Championship Final has not yet been determined, but will be announced by mid October. All three of the 2005 qualifiers will double up as FEI International Reining competitions (CRI's). The riders' earnings from the CRI's will count towards qualification for the 2005 FEI World Reining Masters Finals in Europe, in which the top two riders will qualify to represent the United States.

In order to compete in a USEF Reining Championship Qualifier, a rider must be listed on the 2004/2005 USEF Reining Long List of approximately 400 riders, and follow the qualifying procedures for the 2005 USEF Reining Championship. All riders who have shown in the qualifiers are then eligible to compete in the 2005 USEF Reining Championship. The Don Burt Award will also be featured in 2005, and will be presented to the highest place finisher of the eligible riders in the USEF Reining Championship Final.

For more information about the USEF Open Reining Championship and the qualifying classes, please call Jamie Saults, USEF Director of High Performance Reining at (908) 234-0848, ext. 40, or visit our website at www.USEF.org.