World Reining League gets Capitol launch from Governor Mary Fallin


A new professional sports league has been formed in Oklahoma City. Governor Mary Fallin today (Monday, November 21) participated in its official launch during a state Capitol press conference.

Fallin said development of the World Reining League is a perfect fit with Oklahoma’s roots and traditions. She predicted the WRL “will bring national attention, more jobs and tourism dollars to our state.” 

Reining is a “western saddle sport” involving quarter horses and human riders. Organizers of the WRL explained their vision to present reining competitions between teams and individuals at much larger venues than has been the case for past reining competitions. Competitions will be held in combination with country music performances. 

The inaugural WRL show will be held January 19 to 21 at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Two teams will compete, led, respectively, by Shawn Flarida and Craig Schmersal, well-known members of the National Reining Horse Association. Concerts during the first-ever WRL will feature Phil Vassar (Friday night) and Josh Turner (Saturday). 

Michael Miola, CEO of the WRL, said the new league aims to provide “breathtaking, world class reining competition.” Two four-man teams will compete for a purse worth $240,000. 

Charlie Dry of Oklahoma City, president of the new venture, said the Friday night show of the premiere event next year will be dedicated to military, fire fighter and law enforcement officers. Dry is a retired test astronaut and husband of singer Anita Bryant, who will also perform at the WRL’s kickoff events. 

Oklahoma, Kentucky and Texas are leading horse states, and the Sooner State is asserted to be the “Horse Show Capitol of the World.” Information on WRL, America’s new professional sports league, is available at www.WorldReiningLeague.com