Ep 23: NARS - The Evolution of Reining Breeding Programs

Aug 25 2023 • 1 hr 4 mins

David McGee and Travis Pufpaff, owners and operators of NARS, may have the keys to making breeding programs sustainable while supporting multiple sectors of the industry.

Breeders programs in the reining industry are growing in number and size. The days of building a great breeding program and selling your foal as a stand-alone, no incentives included, deal are quickly fading into memory. Today, buyers of competition-quality reining horses require them to be enrolled in, or at least eligible for, multiple breeders programs. The number of aged events that won’t let you through the gate without a paid enrollment are growing. And because the purses that result from these programs are skyrocketing, breeders programs continue to thrive. But can it last?

In this episode, the Cowboys talk with the owners and operators of the North American Reining Stakes (NARS). They’ll get honest answers about the sustainability of these programs along with a peek into the future of the NARS breeders program.

The Show Rundown

Breeder Program Evolution
- How NARS evolved from a local breeding program to a nationwide program
Gearing up for the NARS Derby at the 100X Reining in Tulsa, OK, this week
- Inaugural event showcasing the North American Mare Power program
- NARS Futurity will be held November 2-5 in Columbiana, OH
Big Picture Goals for NARS
- Foster mutually beneficial relationships between owners, breeders, and exhibitors
- Serve more exhibitors by offering affordable breeding program with incentives for competition growth
- Keep value to owner high in the Mare Power program
- Increase purses for competition
The Future of Breeders Programs
- How to make it sustainable
- Creating programs that benefit breeders, owners, and exhibitors
- Supporting purses without breaking the bank of breeders