Findlay, Ohio – The Run For A Million (TRFAM), an elite reining competition that tests a horse and rider’s precision through spins, sliding stops and rapid changes of direction, is set to make its major television broadcast debut on Saturday night on CBS. This marks a significant moment for the sport that has deep roots and history tied to the University of Findlay’s Equestrian Studies program.
Several former Findlay equestrian students and affiliates have competed and judged at TRFAM and in the reining industry overall. The University’s connection to the discipline runs even deeper, with a legacy dating back to its early development and the influential figure who started the University’s equestrian program.
“UF’s connection to the discipline of reining is strong. The founder of the UF equestrian program, Dale Wilkinson, is also recognized as a founder of modern reining, and the fundamentals of this discipline remain threaded throughout our curriculum,” said Meri Marsh, Ed.D., chair of Equestrian Studies and Equine Management.
She added, “Over the years, we have graduated horsemen and women who have been leaders in the reining industry, including the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)’s most recent million-dollar rider, Brandon Brant.”
TRFAM will air on Saturday, August 22, at 8 p.m. on local CBS stations. The fast-paced competition will feature 16 riders skillfully guiding horses in an attempt to claim reining’s top honor and $1 million prize.
Two of this year’s competitors, Ben Beckett and Trevor Dare, studied within UF’s equestrian program. UF has been well represented at this event in the past as well, with former students Dan Huss, Casey Hinton, and Jared LeClair having all competed at TRFAM. In fact, the horse that won the 2021 TRFAM Championship, Gunna Stop, is owned by the family of UF alumna Ali Gokey ’16. Additionally, graduates Brett Walters and Nick Baar have previously served as judges during this special event.
“TRFAM is one of the most prestigious reining events of the year, offering the highest amount of total prize money for a single class,” Marsh noted.
Findlay’s Western Equestrian Studies will continue to be in the spotlight this fall, and beyond, as the program celebrates its 50th anniversary. As a part of this milestone recognition, Brant ’05 (mentioned above) will return to UF on Sept.11 as a guest speaker for the Fridays at Findlay series. He will present “What Horses Have Taught Me About Life, Business, and People,” where he will touch on his professional career of learning, reining, and training with esteemed horsemen from Ohio to Texas. For more details and to register for this event, please visit www.findlay.edu/FridaysAtFindlay.
To learn more about Findlay’s Equestrian Studies and all that the program offers, please visit: https://www.findlay.edu/academics/sciences/equestrian-studies/.
