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Team Blue is awarded The American Performance Horseman championship rings by AQHA CEO Karl Stressman, second from right and APHA Executive Director Billy Smith, far right. The team consists of Sarah Dawson, Fernando Salgado and Adan Banuelos, from left. * Photo courtesy of Teton Ridge

The American Performance Horseman Returns for 2024

As part of a new three year partnership, top-ranked professionals in cutting, reining and reined cow horse will return to Globe Life Field in 2024 to compete at The American Performance Horseman (TAPH) for $1 million.

Following its debut in 2023, The American Performance Horseman will again ride into Arlington, Texas, transforming Globe Life Field on Friday, March 8, 2024.

“As we watched the first edition of TAPH unfold last March, it was clear that our concept of western performance sports was changing right in front of us. Our aspirations would never be the same,” NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter said.

As one of the marque events of The American Western Weekend, which also includes The American Rodeo on March 9, the thrilling display of talent promises to be an unforgettable experience for equine enthusiasts and fans of Western culture alike.

For the first time ever, the top five year-end money earning professionals from the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA), National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA)came together at the 42,000-seat Globe Life Field at the event’s debut in March of 2023.

The competitive exhibition format, created by Teton Ridge, fuses the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present, and future of western performance horse sports. The unprecedented team concept pairs five teams of three athletes, who will ride some of the most well-known and respected quarter horses in the industry.

Each team consists of a reiner, reined cow horse professional and cutting professional in a breathtaking display of talent, precision and horsemanship.

With $1,000,000 in prize money again up for grabs, the competition will be fierce in 2024 as remarkable industry athletes push the boundaries of their disciplines. Event-goers will be captivated as they see the remarkable bond between horse and rider, showcasing the sheer power, agility and finesse that make these equine athletes so awe-inspiring.

Many of the top riders are going to bat at The Run For A Million this week (August 16-19) for purses that are likely to change year end standings.

“Incredible is an understatement when describing the energy and talent showcased at this event. When I won the Futurity, I didn’t know what was next, and Teton Ridge came out with something that created so much energy. I can’t tell you how blessed and lucky we are. This was an arena full of talent,” EquiStat Elite $6 Million Rider Adan Banuelos said.

With support from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), American Paint Horse Association (APHA), NCHA, NRHA and the NRCHA, TheAmerican Performance Horseman is the first event to shine the spotlight on each of these three western performance disciplines in the same night at the same venue.

 “It’s unbelievable to be on a stage like this and have the world see what we do,” Banuelos continued.

Ticketing information for The American Western Weekend 2024, headlining music talent lineup and on-sale dates for March 8-9, 2024will be announced later in 2023. Fans can subscribe toTeton Ridge Plus for alerts, advance ticketing offers and exclusive pre-sales.

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Team Blue celebrated their 2023 win with a bottle of champagne. * Photo Courtesy of Teton Ridge

Teton Ridge is the first omnichannel Western lifestyle and entertainment company that brings the best the American West has to offer, altogether in one place. Teton Ridge brings audiences and businesses together through content, products and experiences originating from the great American West. Teton Ridge operates across several business lines including a 24/7 digital media network with www.tetonridgeplus.com at the company’s core; content production and distribution for scripted and non-scripted programming; print publishing through Cowboys & Indians magazine; fantasy gaming with Professional Fantasy Rodeo; apparel and fashion including Hyer Boots; western sports experiences with featured event The American Rodeo, ownership of the Arizona Ridge Riders Professional Bull Riding team, and Rodeo Vegas, the premier after-party of National Finals Rodeo; an exceptional American Quarter Horse breeding and training program informed by technology-leading equine genetics from Etalon Diagnostics; and a dedicated commitment to youth and indigenous-focused initiatives.