NSBA Announces New Cinch First 2 Finish Trail Duel Coming to 2019 NSBA World
By: Brittany Bevis
For most equestrians, competition is a solo sport. True, you compete against many other horse and rider teams in any given discipline; but, for the most part, you’re trying to better your own performance. It’s a different type of competition than say, baseball, basketball, or football, where there is a definite opponent.
However, the National Snaffle Bit Association is turning the concept of traditional equestrian competition on its head with a brand new event that will take place at the 2019 NSBA World Championship Show this fall. NSBA has partnered with CINCH, as the latest Corporate Partner and Official Jean of NSBA, to create the $15,000 Cinch First 2 Finish Trail Duel.
The First 2 Finish Trail Duel is a head-to-head match up against the clock. It’s a timed race over Trail obstacles where the winner will be crowned based on a combination of time and penalties. The event is open to youth, non pro, and open exhibitors that will compete against each other for their share of a $15,000 purse. Additionally, a $1,000 bonus will be paid out to the highest placing non pro exhibitor in the class.
The preliminary round will be held on Tuesday, August 13th in the Pavilion and the finals will take place Wednesday, August 14th at 6:30 pm in the Ford Truck Arena. On both days, Cinch will host a pre-event party for competitors and spectators.
There is no age limit on horses that can compete, and contestants may show multiple horses in the preliminaries. However, in the event that an exhibitor qualifies multiple horses for the finals, an alternate rider must be selected. The top eight times from the preliminaries will advance to a bracketed finals where the winners of each bracket will advance to the next level until only two teams remain.
Any penalties incurred on the course will be converted into time penalties. Knockdowns, stepping out of obstacles confines, and breaking of gait will also be converted into time penalties. However, gait preference within the course will be up to the exhibitor’s discretion, unless it is specifically noted on the pattern.
The payout is as follows:
- First Place – $3,500
- Second Place – $2,500
- Third Place – $1,500
- Fourth Place – $1,200
- Fifth Place – $1,000
- Sixth Place – $750
- Seventh Place – $600
- Eight Place – $500
- Ninth – 15th $350 (based on times from preliminary competition)
- Highest Placing Non Pro Bonus – $1,000
“We’re excited to embark on this long-term partnership with the NSBA. We started as a small company with big dreams and it’s important to us that we help support associations striving for the same successes in their own realms,” said CINCH Marketing Manager, Jessica Wahlert. “This relationship will strengthen our affiliation with the horse show community, and we’re looking forward to supporting the breeders, owners and exhibitors that are part of the NSBA community.”
For more information, visit www.NSBA.com.
