The nation’s top triathletes converge in Reno, Nev., each September. This triathlon’s events: herd work, rein work and fence work. No, it’s not your typical triathlon, nor is it your typical horse show: It’s the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity! With a total annual payout in excess of $1 million, the Futurity Open Champion comes home $100,000 richer, and with an indelible place in cow horse history.

Warning – if you attend the Snaffle Bit Futurity once, you’ll be hooked for every year to come. Equally compelling is the action outside the show arena, with the horse sales, Best of the West Trade Show shopping and many social activities with other die-hard cow horse fanatics.