The NRHA has announced significant updates to the 2025 NRHA Futurity following continued consultation with the State Veterinarians of Oklahoma and Texas. In response to the evolving EHV-1 outbreak, NRHA will delay the start of the Futurity by one week, with move-in now scheduled for Nov. 27.
The decision is grounded in the science surrounding the two- to 10-day incubation period of EHV-1, giving exhibitors, owners, and animal-health officials additional time to monitor for any secondary cases. While current evidence indicates that confirmed EHV-1 cases remain isolated to a non-reining event in Waco, Texas, NRHA is taking a proactive approach to protect horse health and minimize risk.
Futurity to Proceed Without NAAC to Reduce Biosecurity Risk
To lower horse concentration and simplify biosecurity protocols, only Futurity entrants will be permitted on the grounds. The Adequan North American Affiliate Championships (NAAC) will be postponed and rescheduled for a later date.
NRHA recognizes that the scale and open-entry nature of the NAAC presents additional biosecurity challenges that are not present in the Futurity alone. Limiting the event to Futurity horses only significantly reduces traffic, complexity, and overall risk, strengthening the ability to protect the horses competing.
Markel Futurity Sale Moves to an Online Format
After further review, NRHA has also announced that the NRHA Markel Futurity Sale will transition fully online for 2025.
The sale will still occur during Futurity week, and buyers will use the same online platform they already utilize to view consignments. Exact bidding windows and additional details will be released early next week.
Despite the change in format, NRHA emphasized its commitment to keeping the sale strong, transparent, and accessible for consignors and buyers alike.
Updated Futurity Schedule: What Exhibitors Can Expect
With the adjusted start date, NRHA has released a revised schedule for the 2025 Futurity that maintains the structure of the event while streamlining traffic on the grounds. Move-in will now begin Thursday, Nov. 27 at 12:01 a.m., with schooling arenas opening according to the updated warmup schedule. The first weekend will mirror traditional Futurity pacing, with Open Futurity Go-Round 1 kicking off on Saturday, Nov. 29 and continuing through Monday, Dec. 1.
The following week transitions into CINCH Non Pro Futurity Go-Rounds, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 2 and running through Wednesday, Dec. 3. That same Wednesday will also feature the Collegiate & Youth NRHA Judging Contest, offering a full day of activity both in and out of the show pen.
Semi-final action begins on Thursday, Dec. 4, starting with Levels 1–3 of the Open Futurity, followed by the Level 4 Open Semi-Finals on Friday, Dec. 5. Draw parties, receptions, and special events remain on the schedule, giving exhibitors and attendees a chance to connect despite the streamlined event format.
Sunday, Dec. 7 closes out the Futurity with the Open Finals—Levels 3–1 in the morning and the MS Diamonds TX Level 4 Open Finals anchoring the evening.
Saturday, Dec. 6 hosts the CINCH Non Pro Finals, including Levels 3–1, Prime Time, Dr. Jim Morgan Masters, and Youth sections, concluding with the Level 4 Non Pro Finals that evening.