Horse futurities are special competitions designed for young horses, typically aged 2 to 5, depending on the discipline. These events aim to showcase the potential of young equine athletes in disciplines like racing, reining, cutting, barrel racing, and hunter/jumper events.
How Do Futurities Work?
Nomination & Registration – Owners must nominate and pay entry fees for their horse well in advance, often when the horse is a foal or yearling. Payments may be made in installments over time.
Eligibility – Many futurities have strict eligibility rules, such as requiring the horse to be sired by a specific stallion or registered with a breed association.
Training & Development – Since futurities focus on young horses, competitors invest heavily in training to ensure their horse is prepared for competition.
Competition – Horses compete against others of the same age and experience level in their respective discipline. The event often offers large payouts and prestige for top finishers.
What to Expect When Registering Your Horse
- Fees & Deadlines – Expect to pay a series of nomination fees, often in multiple payments over months or years.
- Eligibility Requirements – Be sure your horse meets breed or sire restrictions.
- Training Commitment – Success in a futurity requires extensive early training and professional preparation.
- Competition Atmosphere – These events attract top trainers and owners, making the competition fierce but rewarding.
- Potential for Earnings – Many futurities offer large purses, but success requires a significant investment in training and preparation.
Why BarrelFuturity.com
Keep track of all of your horses and their enrollments in one place. Get email reminders when payments are due.