Approved Semi-Finals Qualifier Host Events

The Run For A Million

The following events are approved as qualifying events for the 2026 The Run For A Million Semi-Finals.

Ancillary Reining Qualification Process for 2026

Step 1 — Qualify for the TRFAM Semi-Finals
Rookie, Youth, and Non Pro Divisions

When: Qualifying begins in 2025 and closes May 31, 2026, except for the 2026 NRHA Derby Last Chance Qualifier.
Where: TRFAM Semi-Final Qualifying Events nationwide (projected to mirror the 2024–25 calendar). This will include the “Last Chance” Semi-Final Qualifying Events at the 2026 NRHA Derby.
- The first slate of Non Pro, Rookie 1, Rookie 2, and Youth classes at the NRHA Derby will serve as the Last Chance Qualifier for those divisions. All other rules apply.
How: TRFAM Semi-Final Qualifiers will run concurrently with the corresponding ancillary classes, with all exhibitors required to be entered in the corresponding NRHA class. The top five riders from each slate in each division (plus ties) advance to the Semi-Finals at the 2026 NRHA Derby.
Important Considerations: Eligibility for the Semi-Final Qualifying Events is based on NRHA Eligibility at the time of the event. However, eligibility to compete at the 2026 TRFAM Semi-Finals is based on the eligibility of the rider as of January 1, 2026.
- For example, a rider may compete in and qualify for the Rookie 1 Semi-Finals in 2025 but be ineligible for Rookie 1 in 2026 due to earnings. This rider would be ineligible to compete in the Rookie 1 at the 2026 TRFAM Semi-Finals. It is the responsibility of the contestant to monitor earnings.

Step 2 — Semi-Finals at the 2026 NRHA Derby (Oklahoma City)
Semi-Final runs will take place concurrently with the corresponding NRHA Derby ancillary classes, with all exhibitors required to be entered in the matching NRHA class.

Youth Semi-Finals – Runs with Unrestricted Youth [2]
Rookie 1 Semi-Finals – Runs with Rookie Level 1 [2]
Rookie 2 Semi-Finals – Runs with Rookie Level 2 [2]

For Non Pro contestants only: As many Non Pro contestants may choose to compete at the Semi-Finals on their Derby-entered horses, they must designate either the Non Pro preliminary round OR the Non Pro [2] on Sunday, June 21, as their Semi-Finals. The designation must be made before the start of the Non Pro Derby preliminary round. The Top 30 (plus ties) scores for Semi-Final riders across both the Non Pro Derby Preliminary and the Non Pro [2] will advance to the 2026 TRFAM.

Riders advancing to the TRFAM in Las Vegas include:

Rookie 1: Top 20 + ties
Rookie 2: Top 20 + ties
Non Pro: Top 30 + ties
Youth: Top 10 + ties

Step 3 — The Run For A Million (August 2026, Las Vegas)
Finalists will face off in Las Vegas on one of reining’s most prestigious stages, competing for record payouts, career-defining recognition, and a place in TRFAM history.

Events interested in hosting a TRFAM Semi-Finals Qualifier should fill out the Host Event Application Form.