Experience The Run For A Million, the most exciting reining event of the year held at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This premier Western performance horse event draws elite riders, fans, and industry professionals from around the world.
where
Las Vegas, Nevada
what
The Run For A Million
when
August 11–16, 2025
To compete in the main reining and cow horse events, riders had to qualify at previous horse shows, with only 16 spots available for each event.
Photo By Waltenberry
The Facts: The Run For A Million takes place over six action-packed days filled with high-stakes classes, meet-and-greets, and entertainment.
As you roam the tack and apparel vendors set up near the arena in between events, you might recognize some familiar faces on the concourse. Actors from Yellowstone and 1883 are known to make an appearance during the event, along with camera crews that are filming the latest season of The Last Cowboy.
When the main events aren’t happening, there’s still plenty to watch, including the $100,000 Reining Shootout, $30,000 Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, $75,000 Non Pro Championship, and the Rookie Championship. Plus, the riders competing in The Run For A Million, $200,000 Cutting Horse Challenge, and $200,000 Cow Horse Challenge are known to do autograph signings throughout the show, giving you a chance to meet some of the top riders in the world in person.
If this event is on your bucket list, be sure to buy tickets in advance! The main events are known to sell out.
New in 2025: $70,000-Added Sliding Stop Challenge
This year’s Run For A Million introduces an adrenaline-packed twist—the $70,000-Added Sliding Stop Challenge, happening Saturday, Aug. 16. Open to members of NRHA, NRCHA, NCHA, and Heritage Ranches, this limited-entry event puts speed and style to the test.
Horses of all ages and breeds are eligible to compete for a total payout with 100% payback and $10,000 bonuses awarded to both the longest slide and fastest speed, measured by slide mark and radar gun. With a $1,000 entry fee and serious bragging rights on the line, this event celebrates one of reining’s most iconic maneuvers in a high-stakes format.
What to Do, Eat, and See During The Run For a Million in Las Vegas
explore.
When classes aren’t happening in the arena, there’s more to do outside of it. This year there will be concerts taking place after events wrap up for the day including Karley Scott Collins, taking place after the Cutting Horse Challenge, and Ward Davis that takes place after the Cow Horse Challenge at 1. South Point Hotel & Casino.
eat.
If you don’t want to go very far for a good meal, check out 2. Michael’s Gourmet Room located in the South Point Hotel and Casino. Or if you’re wanting to explore more of Vegas, head to the Strip and go to 3. Catch for a visually stunning food destination.
do.
Less than an hour away is 4. Red Rock Canyon. Go for a hike before heading to the horse show or get your horse fix by checking out 5. Cowboy Trail Rides, where you can choose between a few different rides that vary in length and time of day.
Western Action Beyond the Arena
The Run For a Million was originally created as the live competition tied to the reality series The Last Cowboy, designed to introduce mainstream audiences to the high-stakes world of reining. Since its debut in 2019, the event has expanded to feature additional Western performance disciplines, bringing even more action—and new fans—into the fold each year.
CAN’T MAKE IT TO VEGAS? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN LIVESTREAM THE EVENT FROM HOME!
