National Championships (RSNC) hosted the 2012 Merial RSNC National Finals in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds July 3-8, 2012 in conjunction with Battle in The Saddle. This outstanding event accommodated 6,056 teams, and had payouts of $298,649 (excluding saddles and other prizes) over 6 fun-filled days.
Battle in the Saddle Contests
The 2012 Merial RSNC finals was an enormous success, broke many records, and the growth in horse sports continues to exceed expectations.
The RSNC finals was an enormous success, broke many records, and the growth in the sport continues to exceed expectations. Last year in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, RSNC had 4,093 teams participated over 6 days. This year RSNC had a 50% increase in Ranch Sorting participation at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
RSNC was very happy to be a part of the Battle in Saddle line- up of events with the likes of barrel racing, cowboy mounted shooting, cutting, ranch pleasure, ranch remuda challenge, roping, versatility ranch horse competition and working cow horse.
Monday started with a line of trailers, all the way back to the main road, ready to check in. People were greeted with maps, coupons, horse fans, buckets full of goodies, help unloading horses, tack, and feed to stalls.
Tuesday, kicked off the event with classes, Wednesday was the longest day with lots of classes and teams and great dance sponsored by SF Quarter Horses.
Thursday was the first of 2 Finals for contestants, it was a great night to see some fantastic sorting. Friday was a continuation of classes and ended with the Producer’s Dinner for producers and contestants and the official unveiling of the Ranch Sorting National Championships Song by Barry Ward. Saturday saw some great sorting.
Sunday was the finale with Cowboy Church by Open Range Ministries, more classes and Finals. States Represented - 30 in all: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Canada.
Prizes Awarded: Buckles, saddles, Justin Boot Certificates, Iconoclast Boots, headstalls, saddle blankets, jackets, ribbons, $2000 cash incentive in the lucky duck and another $1000 Atwood hat incentive plus payouts of $298,649 (excluding saddles and other prizes). Interesting Tidbits:
Over 700 stalls were reserved before contestants arrived on location at OKC fairgrounds, last year there were about 100 teams in the Beg RH HC, this year there were about 420 teams, the #6 HC was the largest class with 778 teams and offered a payout of over $51,000.00, 6,056 teams in attendance from July 3-8, 638 people participated the whole 6 days, and RSNC had payouts of $ $297,093.00 (excluding saddles and other prizes).
| Class | Total Teams | Total Class Payout– Based on 70% Payback |
|---|---|---|
| # 14 Ranch Hand HC | 227 teams | $12,307.00 . |
| # 11 RH HC (4 cap sorter) | 453 teams | $23,895.00 . |
| # 10 Handicap - | 439 teams | $26,802.00. |
| 10 Beg RH HC (1 cap sorter) | 420 teams | $13,360.00. |
| # 11 Rookie HC (2 cap sorter) | 594 teams | $23,538.00 . |
| # 13 Handicap | 277 teams | $17,660.00 . |
| Open Sort - No HC | 71 teams | $4,911.00 . |
| # 6 Handicap w/#4 Inc | 778 teams | $51,655.00 . |
| All Levels HC / AQHA Open | 175 teams | $12,605.00 . |
| Graduated Rookie Sort (3 cap) | 451 teams | $19,458.00 . |
| Masters # 10 Handicap/Aged Inc | 312 teams | $20,554.00 . |
| Youth HC / AQHA Youth | 92 teams | $3,490.00 . |
| # 8 Handicap | 617 teams | $25,113.00 . |
| Graduated Beginner RH HC #11 | 510 teams | $20,887.00 . |
| Bareback Sort (All Levels) | 100 teams | $3,443.00 . |
| Youth Beginner HC/Adult Gate | 184 teams | *$2,977.00 Youth Only . |
| 3 Man Olympic Sort | 89 teams | $3,043.00 . |
| Sadie Hawkins | 204 teams | $9,395.00 . |
Thank you to all who joined us in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds, July 3-July 8, 2012. RSNC appreciates each and every one of you who took part in the 2012 Merial RSNC National Finals to make it a history making event. Make sure to support your local producer’s shows and see you at the 2013 RSNC National Finals!