Riata News
Riata Horses Gain $40K in Bonus Opportunities at Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway
Oct 14, 2025
The Riata program is adding even more incentive for its nominated horses this fall, partnering with the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway to offer Riata progeny a shot at bonus money and exclusive qualification spots for the Million Dollar Breakaway Semi-Finals and Finals.
The Million Dollar Breakaway made history in 2024, drawing national television coverage and generating nearly half of all breakaway earnings reported in AQHA's QData system. Building on that momentum, Riata is joining forces with Kimes Ranch to expand opportunities for Riata horses and the riders who compete on them.
This collaboration introduces dedicated Riata bonus money and qualification routes within the Million Dollar Breakaway series, beginning with Oklahoma's Richest in October and continuing through the Kimes Last Chance Qualifier and the Million Dollar Breakaway Finals in Scottsdale, Arizona.
$40K in Bonuses, 2 Qualification Spots
Through this partnership, Riata-nominated horses have three unique earning opportunities totaling $40,000—including two $10,000 Riata Bonuses at major qualifying events and a $20,000 Finals Bonus.
In addition, two Semi-Finals positions in Scottsdale, Arizona, are reserved for the highest-performing Riata horses that have not qualified through other Kimes Ranch pathways.
First Qualification Opportunity: Oklahoma's Richest
October 17–19, 2025
Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, Oklahoma
- $10,000 Riata Bonus: Paid to the top-earning nominated Riata horse(s) competing in the Riata side pot.
- Semi-Finals Spot: Awarded to the highest-placing Riata horse not otherwise qualified for the Million Dollar Breakaway Semi-Finals. The winner will be determined by the fastest cumulative time on qualified runs.
- Payout Details: Bonus payouts are based on participation, with up to five paid positions. To receive prize money, horses must record at least one qualified time—no participation-only awards will be issued.
Second Qualification Opportunity: Kimes Ranch Last Chance Qualifier
November 24–25, 2025
WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona
- $10,000 Riata Bonus: Paid to the top-earning nominated Riata horse(s) entered in the Riata side pot. Earnings from the Buy Back Round will count toward the total.
- Semi-Finals Spot: Goes to the highest placing nominated Riata horse not already qualified, based on fastest cumulative time across qualified runs.
- Payout Details: Participation-based structure identical to Oklahoma's Richest—up to five paid positions, contingent on qualified times.
$20,000 Bonus Opportunity: Million Dollar Breakaway Finals
November 26–29, 2025
WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona
- $20,000 Riata Finals Bonus: Awarded to the highest-earning Riata-nominated horse(s) at the Finals, regardless of qualification path.
- If only one nominated horse qualifies, that horse receives the full $20,000.
- If no Riata-nominated horses earn Finals money, the award defaults to the highest-ranking Riata horse based on aggregate time.
- If no Riata horses qualify for the Finals, the bonus rolls back to the top-earning Riata horse(s) from the Semi-Finals.
- Payout Details: Up to five paid positions, contingent on qualified times.
How to Enter the Riata Side Pot
To participate, owners must nominate their horse before entering the Million Dollar Breakaway qualifiers. Horses must then be declared through the Riata Side Pot entry system at (click here) for each event to be eligible for Riata specific bonus money and qualification opportunities.
With a total of $40,000 in bonus money and two Semi-Finals berths on the line, the Riata partnership with the Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway is giving Riata progeny even more ways to shine on one of the richest stages in breakaway roping.
