Para-Reining Returns to the World Show

Para-reining returned November 15 to the 2014 AQHA World Championship Show as a demonstration sport.

Six high-level para-dressage riders changed saddles and took a spin on American Quarter Horses in the Jim Norick Coliseum at Oklahoma State Fair Park.

Along with a standing ovation from the crowd of reining enthusiasts in Oklahoma City, U.S. Air Force veteran Derrick Perkins received the high score of the night, a 74, from international judge Joe Carter.

Perkins was injured in 1988 while on active duty and the crowd was on its feet to honor both his service and his riding.

For the demonstration at the World Show, the para-reiners were matched with top-notch professionals who coached them on their rides and helped mount them on American Quarter Horses donated for the day.

Perkins’ coaches were reining’s double-gold medalist and the National Reining Horse Association’s  only $5 million rider, Shawn Flarida of Springfield, Ohio, and AQHA Professional Horseman J.D. Yates of Pueblo, Colorado, one of the best ropers in the world.

To read the full article on AQHA.com, click here.