12/08/2024
🔥🖤🔥
🔥 Lionesses of the Reining World: Witnessing History at the NRHA Futurity
As I sat in the stands of the historic Jim Norrick arena, watching the NRHA Futurity finals unfold, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and hope. Beside me was my 9-year-old daughter, her eyes glued to the arena floor, captivated by the performances. She’s reining-obsessed and, like many little girls, dreams of one day stepping into that same ring.
For me, these moments are about more than just the runs or the scores. They’re about the people—the women—who step into these arenas and defy stereotypes every time they saddle up. Women like Kaci O’Rourke are blazing trails in a sport that often demands an impossible balance of strength, skill, and grit.
People like to talk about why women “can’t” make it to the top as professionals in this industry. I disagree. It’s not that we *can’t*. It’s that women were designed by God to play so many roles simultaneously—daughters, sisters, wives, mothers. We love big. We feel deeply. We carry so much. And that strength, that love, comes with sacrifices and challenges, especially when climbing the ranks alongside the boys.
Yes, men may have physical strength on their side, but let’s not forget: lionesses lead the pride for a reason. It takes incredible heart, instincts, and feel to excel in this sport, and women have all of those in spades.
This year, my daughter and I followed Kaci O’Rourke and The Fireman through social media and competitions, and finally got the chance to see them in action over these past two weeks. There’s something indescribable about witnessing the kind of connection they share. It’s magnetic, electric, and rare. When you see it, you know you’re watching something extraordinary.
And on this night, in front of a packed arena, Kaci and The Fireman delivered a performance for the ages. From their breathtaking run-in to their massive stop and lightning back, every move was precise, powerful, and perfectly timed. Their circles were like clockwork, transitioning into small slows with the grace of a figure skater. And those stops—the kind that leave you breathless—had people on their feet cheering before the pattern was even finished.
Kaci made history as the first woman to win the Open L4 NRHA Futurity, and she did it in a way that will leave an indelible mark on this sport. It was fitting that her win came in this iconic arena, just before it’s set to be torn down. A historic performance in a historic place.
As we walked out of the arena that night, I looked at my daughter, her face lit with excitement. For her—and so many little girls watching that night—this moment will be unforgettable. Kaci O’Rourke didn’t just win a title; she showed the next generation of girls what’s possible.
To all the lionesses out there climbing, grinding, and loving this sport with everything they’ve got: keep going. The next generation is watching, and you’re inspiring them every step of the way.
Congratulations Kaci, Jack, and the whole Pond Hill Team as well as owners Morgan Reiners! What a night it was! Well deserved.
Photo credit: Carolyn Simancik Photography
