As the first of the Tulsa Reining Classic aged events, the excitement will begin when the Darling 888 Ranch Developing Horse Futurity commences on September 2. The show, which takes place at Tulsa’s Expo Center, has a rich tradition of innovative classes and exhibitor-friendly policies and the Darling 888 Ranch Developing Horse Futurity is one of its most popular.The Darling 888 Ranch came on board as naming sponsor of the Developing Horse Futurity in 2012 and has continued as the title sponsor for the popular event for 3-year-old horse and rider combinations not entered in the Hollywoodstinseltown Open Futurity. Since its inception, the Darling 888 Ranch Developing Horse Futurity concept has attracted the attention of riders worldwide who are interested in showing those “not quite ready for prime-time” horses.
Its level playing field protects those horses that will peak later, performance-wise, and is considered an important step toward lengthening the show careers of reining horses. Popular from its inception, the futurity keeps growing yearly and its sponsors are proud to stand behind an event that has such a positive impact on the industry. Rick Darling, owner of Darling 888 Ranch, has often noted his support of young horses and feels that the Developing Horse concept is timely and appropriate.
The 240 acre Darling 888 Ranch is located in Princeton, Kentucky, about ninety minutes from Nashville, Tennessee. Purchased by Rick and Cheri Darling in the fall of 2010, the ranch is a full service reining facility offering training, breeding, sales and equine sports medicine.
