Just over a month ago, Glen Reed made a snap decision to enter the 2020 NRHA Non Pro Futurity. It was an easy decision for this veteran reiner who last showed in a reining futurity almost 25 years ago.
“I’ve been showing in the NRHA since 1989,” Reed said. “I like the weekend shows and that’s what I’ve done most of my life.”
Raised by a farmer and cattleman, Reed simply enjoyed riding horses on the farm. He’d regularly swing a leg over and just ride. Reed said. “I just loved to ride, so I’d get on and ride.” It wasn’t until his early 30s that Reed was introduced to the sport of reining.
“Back in the 1970s, I saw a man riding a reining horse,” Reed said. “I thought I might like to do that and that’s how I started.”
Usually riding by himself, Reed solicits help when he has questions or is getting ready for a major event. Most recently, Reed was riding with NRHA Professional Casey Hinton to prepare for his shot at a 2020 non pro title.
It was barely a month ago when Reed purchased Not Dreamin At All, “Cassie.” The sorrel mare was with Hinton at the time of purchase, so Reed just left her there to prepare for the Futurity.
“She was already paid up in the Futurity, so I decided I was going to show her since I haven’t shown in a Futurity for a long time,” Reed said. “I really like the derbies, which is why I bought a 3-year-old. I’m going to continue to ride and show for as long as the Lord will let me.”
At 83 years young, Reed is one of the oldest entries in the Non Pro Finals. He scored a 208.5 in the preliminary rounds to punch his ticket for the Non Pro Prime Time and Level (L)1.
“Reining is a disease and it’s incurable,” Reed said with a wide smile. “I still have the disease and I’m looking forward to showing this little mare this summer. The good Lord’s been good to me.”