The Run For A Million show management recently finalized plans for a 2027 qualifying event for the final position in TRFAM, which will be held in Avare, São Paulo, Brazil, May 24–31, 2027. The qualifier will take place in conjunction with an event hosted at the Alameda Dante Teza venue and will be managed by the Associacao Nacional Do Cavalo De Redeas.
For the past several years, the 16th and final qualifying position in TRFAM has been awarded from the Equita Lyon Western Horse Show in France, which has served as the lone international qualifying event. In fact, 2025 The Run For A Million Champion Arnaud Girinon earned his place in Las Vegas through that qualifier!
Beginning with the 2027 qualifying period, and again in 2029, the final qualifying opportunity will be held in Brazil. TRFAM organizers will alternate the location of the International qualifying event between Brazil and France, maintaining a European presence while providing opportunities in South America.
As part of the host event’s commitment, one million Brazilian Reais will be added to the purse for the Brazilian Qualifier. Based on current exchange rates, this equates to approximately $185,000 to $190,000 USD.
Fabrício Batista, CEO of JBJ Ranch USA and the driving force behind bringing the event to Brazil, highlights the unprecedented achievement. Following the consolidation of the company’s operations in the United States, bringing such a challenging and globally renowned competition to Brazil is a milestone.
“In Brazil, reining has already built an established history through North American Quarter Horse genetics. Having the opportunity to strengthen this partnership with such an iconic brand is incredibly exciting. We have already become a reference in reining, and The Run For A Million Brazil will make a major contribution to riders at every level, from professionals to amateurs. This is the world’s largest reining competition, and it will undoubtedly ignite further growth for the sport in Brazil”.
“This announcement reflects the continued international development of reining at the highest level,” said Cheryl Cody of Pro Management, which manages the event. “Equita Lyon has played an important role in providing a consistent, highly competitive qualifying pathway for international riders, and its contribution to The Run For A Million field has been significant. Alternating the International qualifying opportunity between France and Brazil allows for broad international participation while maintaining the standards expected at this level of competition. The support of JBJ Ranch and the Brazilian reining community is instrumental in making this expansion possible.”
The partnership bringing the TRFAM qualifier to Brazil was facilitated by NRHA Professional Gabriel Diano, who worked with organizers in Brazil and with The Run For A Million to establish the new qualifying opportunity.
“I’ve had the privilege of contributing to bringing The Run For A Million qualifier to Brazil. For me, it’s about giving back to a place and community that helped shape my career. I’ve seen how this event creates a ‘before and after’ everywhere it goes, and I’m simply proud we’ve made it happen. I truly believe it marks an important
step forward for reining in Brazil.”
More information regarding the Braziliian qualifier will be available closer to the event. To keep up with the latest news from The Run For A Million, follow the event on Facebook or visit TheRunForAMillion.com
