Organizers of The Run For a Million (TRFAM) have announced major updates for 2026, including a new streamlined qualifying system and the addition of the Bosque Ranch Shootout as a spring qualifier. Together, these changes expand opportunities for riders across divisions while spotlighting reining’s premier stages.

READ ABOUT THIS YEAR’S RUN FOR A MILLION WINNER

Bosque Ranch Shootout: New Spring Qualifier

In August, just before the 2025 TRFAM reining, event creator Taylor Sheridan revealed details of the Bosque Ranch Shootout, set for March 19–21, 2026, in Weatherford, Texas.

The Shootout will feature a single class: the official 2026 TRFAM Qualifier. Sheridan emphasized that his vision is to deliver a first-class experience:

“The riders, the owners, the sponsors, and the fans are all going to have a great time,” Sheridan said. “We came up with The Run For A Million to highlight the best of the best, and we want to do that at the qualifier, as well.”

As part of the Bosque Ranch Weekend Cutting Events lineup—which already includes the Brazos Bash, a National Cutting Horse Association major and TRFAM Cutting Challenge qualifier—the Shootout will create a destination weekend centered solely on the Million Dollar Competition.

Who’s In: Riders advancing from the Bosque Ranch Shootout will join a stacked field that already includes Andrea Fappani, Kole Price, Casey Deary, Jason Vanlandingham, and Gina Schumacher, who qualified through the $100K Open Shootout at this year’s TRFAM. They’ll also compete alongside the 2025 Equita Lyon Champion from France and Fernando Salgado, who earned a 2025 qualification but was sidelined by injury.

“Normally, we take the top 10 from the spring qualifier, and will in the future,” Sheridan explained. “But this year we’re only taking nine. Fernando earned his spot, and we’re going to make sure he gets the chance to compete. That’s the right way to do it.”

Fans can expect three days of elite reining set against an authentic ranching backdrop, complete with exceptional dining, music, and activities. Entry forms, sponsorship details, and ticket information will be available soon at therunforamillion.com.

New Two-Step Qualifying System

Alongside the Bosque Ranch Shootout, TRFAM is introducing a streamlined, two-step qualifying process beginning in 2026.

Step 1: Qualify for the Semi-Finals

• Divisions: Rookie, Youth, and Non Pro
• Timeline: Qualifying opens in 2025 and closes May 31, 2026, with the 2026 NRHA Derby serving as the Last Chance Qualifier.
• How: The top five riders per slate (plus ties) at TRFAM Semi-Final Qualifying Events will advance. At the Derby, the first slate of Rookie 1, Rookie 2, Youth, and Non Pro classes will serve as the official Last Chance Qualifier.
• Eligibility: Based on NRHA rules; riders must maintain eligibility as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Open Division: The $1 Million Open Semi-Final Qualifier will be held separately at Bosque Ranch.

Step 2: Semi-Finals at the 2026 NRHA Derby

Held concurrently with NRHA Derby ancillary classes, Semi-Final runs will determine who advances to Las Vegas:

• Rookie 1: Top 20 + ties
• Rookie 2: Top 20 + ties
• Non Pro: Top 30 + ties
• Youth: Top 10 + ties

Step 3: The Run For a Million Finals

Finalists will compete in Las Vegas for record payouts, global recognition, and a place in TRFAM history.