The first three years of Riata breakaway, including the record-setting $250,000 purse in 2024 generated minimal
growth, and more importantly few additional Riata breakaway horses . As a result we are turning a new page as
the Riata Stallion Incentive joins the Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway.
The Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway was the richest breakaway roping in the world in 2024 and a game-changer for
the sport. It generated significant interest and received national television coverage. Notably, nearly half of
all reported breakaway earnings in AQHA's QData system stemmed from this event. This approach should at the very
least bring more awareness of the Riata horses within the sport. This program will offer Riata bonus money, and
at least one additional Riata breakaway roper from the first qualifier—(who does not advance through the standard
Kimes qualification process)—will advance. Riata horses will be identified through the event’s side-pot entry
system.
The first opportunity for Riata horses will take place at Oklahoma's Richest in October. The top-earning
nominated Riata rope horse that does not advance through the standard Kimes qualification process will
receive a $10,000 bonus and advance to the Semi-Finals as a Riata representative. While the event allows
unlimited entries, if no nominated Riata breakaway horses earn money outside of those qualifying under
Kimes rules, the Riata representative will be selected from the side-pot entrants based on points to
receive the $10,000 bonus.
The second opportunity will be at the Kimes Last Chance Qualifier, Scottsdale, AZ, Nov. 26. Riata will award
another $10,000 bonus to the highest-earning nominated Riata horses entered in the Riata side pot at this
event, including earnings from the Buy Back Round. The payout will be based on points and may pay up to five
places.
Riata will award an additional $20,000 bonus to the highest-earning nominated Riata horses at the Kimes Ranch
Million Dollar Breakaway. This applies to all nominated Riata horses competing at the Finals, regardless of how
they qualified, and does not require a side-pot entry; however, ropers must declare their nominated horses
prior to the event at RiataBuckle.com. If no Riata horses earn money at the Finals, the $20,000 bonus will
be awarded to winners from the Semi-Finals.
Rules for the Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway can be found at
MillionDollarBreakaway.com. We will place a side pot link at
riatabuckle.com in September for anyone wishing to participate.
